The Best Way To See The UK

 

Originally Posted On: https://over40andamumtoone.com/2019/05/03/the-best-way-to-see-the-uk/

When first thinking about a trip, a lot of people will automatically look to destinations abroad to satisfy their travel bug. Packing suitcases, going to the airport, and jetting off to another country are all part of the holiday experience, and it can be hard to give up on dreams of going somewhere warm and sunny. The countries which make up the UK have plenty to offer tourists as well, though. Exploring an area like this can take decades with the wrong approach, so this post will give giving you the right one, enabling you to see far more of this ancient country.

What You’ll Need

There are thousands of campsites dotted around the UK, with some located very close to areas of natural beauty. During the Spring, Summer, and Autumn months, camping isn’t unpleasant throughout most of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, as long as you plan around the weather. Using a caravan or tent has the benefit of being far cheaper than staying in hotels, while also giving you the flexibility to move around as much as you like. If you’d prefer not to camp, you can still follow the route in this post, using hostels or B&Bs as your accommodation.

For those happy to camp, the first choice you’ll have to make will surround the type of camping you do. Tents are good for anyone who doesn’t mind roughing it, but can be uncomfortable when the weather is bad or if you’re planning to stay for a long time. Caravans are much more like hotels than tents, though they are quite a lot more expensive than their fabric alternatives. You can find loads of caravans for sale in Wales, and this is where this journey will be starting, so it makes sense to look here first.

Of course, simply sorting out a place to sleep each night isn’t the only planning which has to go into a vacation. You’re going to need transport, and most people will choose to drive. If you have a bike and you fancy a challenge, taking a tent along with you can make for a great adventure, though you will have to plan your cycle routes carefully. Along with transport, you will also need to figure out where exactly you’ll be staying. Most campsites are affordable, but you’ll have to find them before you set off, as it can be a challenge to scope something like this out after a long day of travelling.

The route you choose when making your way around the UK can be very flexible. To give you some inspiration, you can find examples of most stunning areas found through the countries which make this union below.

Wales

Wales is well-known for its medieval history, with the small country being littered with castles, monuments, and areas with legends surrounding dragons. Thanks to the national pride observed in the residents of Wales, a lot of the oldest structures have survived remarkably well considering their age, and this makes the whole country an explorer’s paradise. Caernarfon Castle, Harlech Castle, and Cardiff Castle are some of the most popular castles to visit, though it’s worth checking out as many as you can.

The area isn’t just known for castles, though. Along with these ancient buildings, you’ll also find some of the UK’s best beaches in Wales. Pembrokeshire is a great example of this, with gorgeous sandy shores, towering cliffs, and loads of wildlife for you to enjoy. Touring around the coast of Wales doesn’t take too long, and it will bring you right into the next area in this post; South West England.

South West England

The South West is largely rural compared to the rest of the UK, with high concentrations of cosy villages, traditional farms, and ancient culture. Stonehenge is found in this part of England, along with more of the UK’s favourite beaches, making it a great spot for holiday makers. Throughout the camping season, there are loads of festivals in the South West, and they often let you camp. This can give you a great way to do something a little different for your holiday, rather than simply sitting in the sun.

England’s Southern Coastline

England’s Southern coast has long been one of the most important shipping areas for the UK. With cities like Portsmouth being named after this sort of trade, you can easily see how much this industry has shaped the area. If you travel out to see from this city, you can make your way to the Isle of Wight. This island is home to a small population, and is mostly dedicated to those on holiday, making it a great place to take your family camping. As you get towards the South East, you will find Dover, and the white cliffs which have made it famous.

The East Coast

As you head up the East Coast of the UK, you will quickly find yourself in London. Of course, though, a city like this isn’t great for camping, making it well worth avoiding when you set off on a journey like this. Suffolk and Norfolk are both known for their natural beauty, with a range of different National Trust sites dedicated to preserving the area’s history. The Midlands also offer a lot of stunning sights, and can provide you with loads of places to camp along the way, making it easy to enjoy a trip to this region.

The North

The North of England is often seen as a dull place, with a lot of big cities and dreary towns. In reality, though, cities like Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle are rich in medieval history, capturing the imaginations of explorers for generations. Some of the UK’s most treasured areas of natural beauty are also found in the North, with the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District proudly calling it home. Like the rest of the UK, this makes the North great for campers, as long as you don’t go when the weather it cold.

Scotland

Scotland, like much of the UK, is a very old country, with cities and towns which date back thousands of years. Today, many of the biggest cities in Scotland meld the modern with the old, but these areas are so great for camping, though this is where this country really shines. The Scottish Highlands are widely regarded as the UK’s most stunning spot. With the Northern Lights often being visible from this part of the World, along with the mountains, valleys, and forests filling it up, it makes sense that so many people work hard to get to this area.

This country is also home to a wealth of coastal towns. Surfing and fishing play a significant role in the culture found here, and this means that the locals are often eager to help tourists to get involved. Imagine camping on a cliff overlooking the ocean; not many people get to have an experience like that. There are loads of campsites in Scotland, and the internet is the best place to look when you’re trying to find one.

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to start travelling around the UK. Doing this in hotels would be extremely expensive, with stays in places like this being far more pricey than a tent and a campsite. Of course, though, you will have to be prepared to miss your home comforts for a couple of days, as you won’t have access to anything like this where you’re going.

disclosure: this is a collaborative post

Using Business Loans Responsibly In The UK

 

Originally posted on http://manufacturingbusiness.org/using-business-loans-responsibly-in-the-uk

 

Short-term loans are infamous for being traps, but they don’t have to be. If you understand what you are getting into and know how you can benefit from the loan, you will be putting yourself in a much better position to bolster your business and free up cash flow. Short-term business finance is an industry designed to keep you under its boot, but if you repay the loan and interest on time, within one to two years, you will be able to take away something positive from your experience. Use business loans responsibly and you will be able to cover unexpected expenses and expand your business.

Short-Term Business Loans

Short-term loans are typically more flexible and easier to obtain because the complications of conventional loans stripped away, but this makes it motivating for businesses to take out a loan before they know what they are getting themselves into.

These finance options can be used for many different reasons such as purchasing new equipment, purchasing stocks, renovating your office or work space, expanding the business, replenishing inventory, and as a necessary way to increase cash flow. However, there are many types of these loans and each lender has their own policies. It is best to hone in on something specific and find the loan that works best for you.

Types Of Loans

According to the site MoneyPug, which is commonly used to find payday loans, these kinds of short-term business loans can last anywhere from three months to two years, and they will allow you to take out £1,000 and £1 million depending on your business’s financial health, the lender you are borrowing from, and the reason you will be spending it on. Interest typically ranges from five to 10 percent.

Choosing the right loan should depend upon the amount you want to borrow. If you take out less, you will be able to pay it back quicker with less interest. You can always extend if you want to. It is important to always understand where you are with interest rates—what you can afford and when you will be able pay it. The length of the loan also matters, you should be comfortable enough to pay it back on time. There may be application fees and they may affect your credit score.

The most common short loans are term loans, which are a lot like regular personal loans. You will agree with the lender to the terms and pay a fixed rate. You can also get financing for invoices, meaning that the bank or other lender will pay off your invoices, or a percentage of them, for a service fee. Asset financing is to gain funds for materials, equipment, and renovations. You can use them to buy computers, office equipment, machinery, and vehicles. Finally, business lines of credit provide the access to a fixed balance and allows you to pay for unexpected expenses and open up cash flow.

How Can My Business Benefit?

There are a variety of ways you can benefit from short-term loans if you know what you are doing. First, it is great for covering gaps in cash flow. When you need to keep money coming and the business running, it can be tough if revenue stops. These loans help you get cash fast, with many providers offering funds in as little as one day. Short-term loans are designed for emergencies when you need the funds the most. You will be able to cover unexpected expenses. They don’t even require good credit, so if you are in a bind you can still get the funds you need. Minimal paperwork makes the whole process easy.

Small businesses can get loans with short-term options, but it is best to save the option for when you have no other options. When you need funds and there is no other way, do your research and find out how you can get out of the loan benefiting from it. Show due diligence and you will able to avoid the pitfall many fall into when it comes to short-term loans. Be smart and cautious, you can make it work for you.

Taking out a Credit Union Loan in the UK

Originally posted on https://priceofbusiness.com/taking-out-a-credit-union-loan-in-the-uk/

Loans usually come with pretty high interest, but if you are a member of a credit union you can get a much better rate than you would be able to otherwise. This is because credit unions are a co-operative of people who band together to make it easier to take out reasonable loans and receive benefits.

Essentially, members of a credit union pool their money together in order to provide low interest rates. But to become a member of a credit union you have to satisfy their requirements. This could mean living or working in a particular area, working for the same employer or in the same field, and belonging to a church, trade union, or another association.

Every credit union has its own standards and requirements, and the only way to join is to satisfy their requirements. If you do your research, you will be able to find the credit union that is right for you and your financial situation. If a family member is already a part of a credit union, most will allow relatives to join as well. Here is everything you need to know about taking out loans from a credit union.

Finding the Right Credit Union

The right credit union is the one that has the benefits you’re looking for and will let you in as a member. You will be able to narrow down your options first by ruling out the credit unions you cannot join. Then, with those you are eligible for you can determine which union is the best for your situation. There are many places to find a credit union, there are government tools that can assist you in finding the union. Once you have found the right one, you will join the credit union and begin taking advantage of its benefits.

Taking out Loans

According to the experts at the site MoneyPug, which is commonly used to find short term loans, each credit union has their own loan policies, but typically they lend for five years, and up to ten years if the loan is secured with property. Even still, some credit unions lend for longer periods. While credit union loans are typically low interest, no union can charge more than 3 percent a month, or 42.6 percent APR. In Northern Ireland, in fact, no credit union can charge more than one percent per month. It depends on your financial situation and your credit union, but you will likely receive a much better rate than you would from a bank.

Repaying the Loan

If you don’t pay the money back in good time, you will likely be kicked out of the credit union and may even see legal percussions. With great perks come great responsibilities. You won’t be screwing over a bank if you don’t pay the credit union back, you’ll be betraying your fellow members. There are no penalties for paying back loans early, but you will be expected to pay it back on time. Whether you have a five year loan or a 25 year loan, you will need to make payments on time.

Other Benefits

The benefits of credit unions don’t end with loans. Some credit unions even offer life insurance at no additional cost. If something should happen to you while you are in the middle of a loan, no one will have to pick up the tab either. Sometimes they offer discounts to associated businesses. Credit unions offer many advantages, and each one is different. Look into what credit unions offer and you will be excited to join.

Whatever you do for a living and however much money you have, anyone can benefit greatly from becoming a member of a credit union and taking advantage of what they offer. This includes, among other things, low interest rates on loans. But as with all loans, doing your homework is the most essential step to getting a great rate. With credit unions, if you make sure that you are joining the one that will work for you it will lead to countless benefits and advantages they have to offer. Forget banks, come to the other side. You won’t regret taking advantage of financial perks and low interest.