Industry experts have compared 5,000 travel insurance premiums across five popular tourist destinations close to near geopolitical hotspots, revealing which countries have seen the biggest price increases over the past year.

Holidaymakers travelling to Bulgaria are also seeing a sharp rise, with prices up 19%, possibly down to its proximity to Ukraine. Meanwhile, premiums for Cyprus have increased by 6%, Egypt by 4% and Poland by 8%.

How was the data compiled? Insurers regularly reassess risk when global tensions rise, particularly in destinations close to areas where travel complications might become more likely. Destinations situated close to areas experiencing heightened tensions – such as Iran and Ukraine – could see premiums shift as insurers reassess the likelihood of travel disruption, delays or emergency evacuation should issues escalate.

“Travel insurance prices change constantly as insurers respond to global events, the number of claims made and healthcare costs,” explains Helen. “Even if a destination remains popular despite its proximity to ongoing conflict, premiums can rise when the wider region becomes more uncertain. Travellers and holidaymakers shouldn’t assume last year’s prices will still apply and make sure they’re comparing policies carefully, rather than opting for the cheapest option, as cover can vary significantly. It’s also sensible to arrange insurance as soon as a trip is booked, check government travel advice before departure, and ensure any medical conditions are fully declared.”

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Apps – how did we live without them? From banking to food shopping, social media and more; it’s safe to say most of us can’t live without them. Here are the new kids on the block when it comes to what you well may wish to download.

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What are the new kids on the block when it comes to your potential hair and beauty needs? These could be just what you’re looking for.

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Den and tent building

Children are naturally inclined to be active, so try to tempt them away from the screen with some challenging building projects. Test your coordination skills by gathering sticks and branches, and work together to build a stable and waterproof den. If you’re not going on a summer holiday, then set up a tent and camp in your back garden over the long weekend. With many people opting out of foreign travel due to the current climate, you can enjoy listening to the owls hooting, spot foxes and badgers, as well as gaze at the stars from the comfort of your back garden.

Wash the car

A great way to make the most of the sunshine (again, we hope!) is to have a sponge fight and wash the car at the same time. For a bit of excitement add water bombs and water pistols. You’ll be getting a job done as well as having fun with the kids and burning calories. When you all work your arms for the wash and polish, do squats to clean the bottom of the car and stretch to wash the roof.

Playing games

Playing games such as volleyball (you could use a balloon), ping pong, hopscotch and tag will get you off your seat, but if you try and add challenges to the mix, this makes things more fun. Try to learn a new skill or improve existing ones like skipping, roller skating, juggling, skateboarding, hula hooping or ball skills. How about target practice using a ball or nerf gun? Or to give your body a good stretch, play twister. You can make your own game by marking circles on the ground using coloured chalk.

Dancing

Why not have a disco?  It’s not important if you can tap, Zumba, salsa, ballroom or belly dance. You don’t need to be a good dancer. The only thing that matters is that you’re moving. Start with a five-minute dance session then gradually increase it by five minutes every few days. You could even play musical statues. Just 20 minutes of dancing will raise the heart rate and give your family a good cardio workout.  It’s also a fantastic stress buster.

Walking

A walk in the park is a great way of spending quality time together and getting active. To avoid getting bored, stop and safely climb trees or swing on a branch. Try and vary your route to ensure that you have a mix of up and downhill walks.  Always keep a bottle of water handy and try to breathe deeply to use the full capacity of your lungs. If you’re interested in an imaginative way to explore towns, cities and villages in the UK, then try a Treasure Trails self-guided themed tour which has walking routes that start from a two-hour trail, although you can do it at your own pace.

Life-skills

Summer can feel like an extra long length of unstructured time. Use the last couple of weeks to teach your children some useful life skills from cooking to gardening. Housework isn’t the most enjoyable of activities, but it needs to get done and is much more manageable if you do it as a family and to some music. Finally having a clear out will not only leave you with more room in the house but will also feel therapeutic.

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It’s time to come over all Great British Bake Off and get those timers at the ready. On your marks, get set, bake!

James Martin Bakers Collection 12 Cup Cupcake/Muffin Tin, £19

Who doesn’t love a bit of James Martin (ahem)? Keep him in your very own kitchen (again, ahem) with these dishwasher safe, and oven safe to 240°C, 12 cup tins. With high grade steel with rigid rolled edges to ensure strength, durability and safety, all surfaces are also non-stick for optimal baking results.

Vintage Kelloggs Pop Art Frosties Double Oven Gloves, £24

Besides the fact ‘They’re Gr-r-reat!’ (if you know you know) these oven gloves will keep you protected when handling hot pots and pans. As well as a handy hanging loop, they’re machine washable at 30°C, and are made with premium quality 100% cotton and an insulated polyester filling.

Cath Kidston Blue London Town Apron, £25

Baking can be a messy business, so protect your clothes with a stylish pinny from this renowned British brand. Featuring a contrasting pocket print and coloured straps, it’s easy to adjust for a comfortable fit. Made from 100% cotton, one size fits all and it’s machine washable, too.

Mary Berry At Home Cake Lifter, £15.25

You’ve made an impressive cake – but how do you get it from the plate to your cake stand? Use this lifter from the Mary Berry At Home collection! It makes moving cakes from one place to another easier than ever, due to it being made from stainless steel, so is strong enough to support large weights.

Bundt The Ultimate Cook Book, £24.95

Want to step outside your comfort zone when baking? Consider this book, packed with 120 recipes covering everything from cakes and breads to buns, desserts and more. Perfect for the avid baker, amateur or professional, it’s been created by Melanie Johnson, a food writer and columnist at Country Life magazine – so it’s fair to say she knows her stuff.

Electrolux 6.5L Stand Mixer, £229.99

This mixer’s 1600W motor offers high performance power for heavy doughs and mixes, and its 6.5L bowl’s ideal for batch baking. There’s a whisk, dough hook and beater attachments and eight speed controls. The there’s its planetary mixing, which ensures the attachment rotates on its axis while moving around the bowl, reaching every edge for even results.

Russell Hobbs Express Air Fry Mini Oven, £99.99

Thought an air fryer was just about rustling up healthier chips? Wrong. Of course, this allows you to enjoy fast and even cooking with no need for excess oil, but it’s also got a choice of five functions including bake and keep warm. You can even pop the removeable accessories in the dishwasher or skin when you’re done!

Electrolux 26L Air Fryer Microwave, £249.99

And what about a microwave: thought it was just for reheating leftovers? Think again. As well as being an air fryer this also has 10 automatic programmes – including bake, no less – and intuitive dial control. Its 26L capacity gives you the space to cook properly, and its 900W microwave output ensures consistent, even heating. And, when cooking is complete, the Keep Warm maintains food at 65°C until everyone’s ready to sit down.

3Doodler Chef 3D Pen Set, £89.99

Kids age 14+ (and you) will love this – 3D printing pen technology to craft intricate designs using sweets! Simply load the pen with its included gluten-free and vegan candy capsules, then start drawing detailed decorations at the touch of a button. With quick heating technology, temperature and speed controls for precision, and two cartridges for reloading, it’s the ultimate tool for culinary creativity.

Lakeland Bread Maker, £129.99

Make your own bread by simply placing your ingredients in this maker and let it work its magic. There’s 15 pre-installed settings for everything from French loaves, gluten-free and wholemeal, to desserts, doughs, jams and cakes. And a delayed start function and even a memory function, so if you lose power, the bread maker picks up from where it left off as soon as the power’s back.

HORL®3 Cruise Knife Sharpener, £99

Using a blunt knife after baking can leave you with torn food rather than clean slices – a waste after you’ve spent all that time in the kitchen. That’s where this knife sharpener steps in. With a 20° grinding angle for stable sharpness, as well as 15° for delicate sharpness, it makes sharpening easier than ever and is ideal for beginners. It’s also minimalist and stylish in design, plus is made of ocean-bound recycled plastic.

Salter British Bakes Digital Kitchen Scale, £19.99

With a high 10kg capacity, 1g accuracy, and add and weigh tare function, this scale’s perfect for measuring dry and liquid ingredients without the need for multiple bowls. Thanks to the washable, waterproof design, you can embrace the fun of messy cooking without the hassle of time-consuming cleaning. All that and pink? Sounds good to us!

OXOGood Grips Angled Measuring Jug, 1L, Clear/Multi, £16

Say goodbye to stooping to check your liquid measurements! This measuring jug makes everything easier, thanks to the innovative design that allows you to read the measurement by simply looking down at the jug. That’s right: it eliminates the need to fill, check and adjust.

Viners Assure 4 Piece Knife Set, £17

You can’t bake your favourite treats without a good knife – and these are just the ticket. The sleek blades feature squared tips, offering a safer alternative to traditional knives. The soft touch handles provide a comfortable and secure grip for greater control, while each blade is made from rust-resistant stainless steel, tempered for long-lasting sharpness.

Kilner Sourdough Starter Set, £20.50

Not made your own sourdough yet? Now’s the time to start. This handy kit contains all the components needed to make a successful sourdough starter, which can then be used to transform into a whole host of goodies, from loaves and pancakes, to pizza, naan bread, and more.

Mason Cash Cane Mixing Bowl, £30

Made from earthenware, this mixing bowl is light enough to hold in one arm while mixing, but sturdy enough when using on the counter top, making it ideal for home or professional bakers. What’s more, the distinct patterned exterior and rim is designed to help bakers grip and tip the bowl, while the wide shallow shape allows for kneading within.

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With children it can be a challenge to notice they are in distress. Younger children may not have a broad range of emotional vocabulary to explain what’s happening, and older ones may not want to talk to you as a parent. Normal teen behaviour can also mask symptoms of problems. Withdrawal from family life and staying in their room, or being sullen or angry, can be signs of teen rebellion – or signs of illness. Younger kids often present distress as regressions to earlier forms of behaviour such as being clingy or wanting to suck their thumbs again, but there are core indicators for all of us to look out for in assessing if there is a problem. But first be sure to ask yourself three questions:

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We’re increasingly putting WiFi above everyday essentials. That’s right – we said basic essentials. Ready to be shocked?

For a start, more than a third of us would rather go without hot water for a week than lose internet access, with 34% saying they’d sacrifice their fridge! What’s more, 47% would go without their cooking appliances. And, even in the depths of winter, 32% would choose to be without heating before going offline.

The study of 2,000 UK adults highlights how the internet has moved beyond entertainment, to become one of the most relied-upon household services in the UK. Even traditional TV ranks below internet access. Over half of Brits (54%) say they would rather lose terrestrial TV for a week than the internet.

“This isn’t just about streaming and scrolling,” says Zen Internet’s Stephen Warburton. “The internet now underpins how we work, access money, manage our homes and stay connected to the people who matter. When people say they’d rather lose heating or hot water than go offline, it shows just how critical reliable connectivity has become. When something becomes this embedded in daily life, reliability stops being a luxury and becomes an expectation.”

Does age matter?

In a word, yes. Almost half (45%) of 18 to 24-year-olds say they would struggle to go without internet access beyond 12 hours, while only 12% think they could cope for a full week. What’s more, almost two in five Gen Z (that’s those born between 1997-2012), and Millennials (born between 1981-1996) say they would rather lose their heating in colder months for a week. That’s compared to just 24% of Baby Boomers – those born between 1946 to 1964. Similarly, 42% of Millennials say they would rather lose hot water for a week, compared to 30% of Baby Boomers.

Does stress matter?

In another word, yes. Losing internet access is now considered more stressful than sitting in traffic. Around 46% of Brits ranking 24 hours offline above being stuck in a jam (38%). Thirty-five per cent say losing access to online banking is worse. Forty-four per cent believe forgetting your phone is more stressful than losing credit cards and cash. And not having access to WhatsApp or text messages is considered more stressful than having no access to emails.

We just hope you’re reading this and aren’t sitting in a cold bath with no fridge to keep your food fresh…

The post Here’s what us Brits would give up over Wi-Fi appeared first on Checklists.

New research shows that the world is finding it harder and harder to fall asleep, with searches at its highest ever. With an 809% increase in worldwide searches for ‘how to fall asleep’ – that’s an average of 135,000 searches a month – now’s the time to think about how you can quickly drift off into a peaceful slumber. Working with Comfybedss, Sleep Doctor, Dr Deborah Lee, has the following advice.

Breathe only through one nostril

“If you lie on your side and breathe only through your left nostril, it may help you drift off a little bit faster. By covering your right nostril with your finger, this could help lower your blood pressure. This then calms your body ready for bedtime. It should start making you feel a bit dozier.”

Tell yourself to stay awake

“This is reverse psychology at its finest. By telling yourself to sleep constantly, it’ll drive stress and anger around the fact that you’re not falling asleep. However, by doing the complete opposite, and telling yourself to stay awake, it’ll help you drift off a bit quicker. Just keep repeating the phrase in your head ‘do not fall asleep’. Eventually, your eye muscles will tire out, and you’ll be asleep before you know it!”

Tense your toes

“Another weird one, but something I’ve recommended to clients, is tensing their toes for 10 seconds. Tense, and then relax your toes for another 10 seconds. Keep doing this until you start to feel tired. This will help you draw tension away from the rest of the body.”

The 4-7-8 breathing method

“Put your teeth to the roof of your mouth and exhale out of your mouth. You might find a weird noise comes out, but it’s part of the process. Once you’ve done this, close your mouth and inhale through your nose for four seconds. Then, hold your breath for seven seconds. Once you’ve gotten the four and seven out of the way, we’re onto eight. Exhale through your mouth for eight seconds and keep repeating this until you’re fast asleep.”

Take yourself through your day

“Take yourself through the day, but not just in any order – in reverse! Keep it detailed, reminding yourself what you had for breakfast, lunch and dinner, what you did at work, and what music you listened to on your commute. Start from what you watched on TV before bed, and go back through the day, taking yourself right back to when you first woke up. This will keep your mind occupied, not letting you think of something that might be the reason that you’re keeping up.”

And off to the land of Nod you go…

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With longer days, warmer evenings, and holidays in full swing, summer is one of the most enjoyable times of year. But it’s also a period when home security risks increase, as empty properties and more outdoor activity can attract opportunistic criminals. Recent figures highlight the scale of the issue. There were around 180,000+ residential burglaries across England and Wales alone last year. That works out at roughly one every three minutes.  Seasonal trends remain consistent, too. July and August continue to see a spike in break-ins, often linked to homes left unattended during holidays. So what can you do to stay protected without overcomplicating things? Sara Best, Toucan Smart Home’s Sales and Marketing Director, shares her expert advice.

Make your home look occupied

A home that appears empty is far more likely to be targeted. “Simple habits can go a long way. Use timers on lights, leave a radio playing, or ask a neighbour to move bins or collect post.” Smart plugs and lighting systems are a low-effort way to automate this, creating the impression that someone is home even when you’re away.

Don’t overlook the basics

A large proportion of burglaries still involve unlocked entry points, so get in the habit of running through a checklist before heading out. Lock all doors and windows (including upstairs), secure garden gates and side access, and remove keys from visible areas. “Burglars try the easiest option first – a locked door can be enough to make them move on.” Upgrading to anti-snap locks and reinforcing potential entry points with video doorbells and cameras also provide an extra layer of protection.

Build a stronger neighbourhood network

Summer is the perfect time to strengthen local connections, which can play a big role in home security. “Communities that look out for each other tend to be much safer. Whether it’s joining a Neighbourhood Watch group, creating a WhatsApp chat, or simply exchanging numbers, having extra eyes on your street can make a real difference.” Even small actions, such as taking in parcels, or keeping an eye on unusual activity, can help prevent issues before they escalate.

Don’t be a social over-sharer

It’s tempting to post holiday snaps in real time, but doing so can unintentionally signal that your home is empty. Instead share photos after you return, avoid posting travel dates publicly, and check privacy settings on your accounts. “Social media can be an unexpected risk factor. A little caution really does go a long way.”

Secure your outdoor spaces

Gardens, sheds and garages are often overlooked, but can provide easy access to tools and even your home itself. Make sure to lock away bikes, tools and ladders, secure sheds with strong locks, and keep fences and gates in good condition. “Items left outside can sometimes be used to gain entry, so it’s all about reducing opportunities for thieves wherever possible.”

Final thoughts

Protecting your home doesn’t have to be complicated. By combining simple habits with smart technology – especially tools that don’t lock you into ongoing fees – you can significantly reduce your risk. The goal is to make your home a harder target while giving yourself complete peace of mind. With the right setup, you can leave your home knowing everything is under control.

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