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Warranties are an important insurance policy for any driver! In fact, insurance is an important part of modern-day life as accidents, crime and other mishaps can happen; these in turn can become a huge financial burden on people, hence insurance is so important because it can provide important protection in case anything were to happen.

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For vehicles, an extended warranty will cover the cost of labour and parts of any mechanical or electrical issue, which can occur at any time during the vehicle’s lifetime. Though the majority of people may not think about warranties as soon as they purchase a new vehicle, it is important that as a consumer to consider value in them. When commenting on car warranty, experts often say “the devil really is in the detail”, not all warranties are created equal, which is why it is always best to speak to a specialist and always read the small print. Often, you will be able to choose how long the warranty lasts which will also impact the price.

So, here are some things to take into consideration:

Comprehensive Cover

Even though the technology in today’s cars surpass those built before, these advancements are often more complex and result in a higher risk for breakdowns. This means vehicle repair costs will potentially be higher and it is in the driver’s best interests to ensure they’re protected. Hence it is important to carefully read through what is covered by your warranty, including things such as “consequential damage”. 

Car Value

Another benefit that many customers don’t consider – the policy becomes more valuable as the vehicle ages. A car that was under warranty or had an extended warranty is more likely to be well maintained and in good working order. Therefore, it is considered more trustworthy and of more value to the owner and will command a higher trade-in value at the dealership whenever the car owner may decide to sell the vehicle.

More importantly, this provides peace of mind so that people can go about leading their daily life with confidence.

Thanks to a better health care and brand-new technologies, today’s generations are likely to live significantly longer than their parents and grandparents. However, certain challenges are likely to rise from that peak in life expectancy, such as meeting the needs of the elderly through adult care homes for example. Therefore, care homes are in high demand and it becomes an incredible business for entrepreneurs, but there are also options for those who want to stay at home like those provided by Abafields Home Care.

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Market study

If you want to open any kind of business and especially a care home like , the first step is to do a market study. This will allow you to validate that there are opportunities and needs in the market. Research is the first thing to do, get a close look at the city or town where you wish to implement your business and have a look through the ages of the elderly population but also their needs, questions and worries. Some of the needs of the elderly may include financial, medical and emotional support. Make sure to secure a location for your house that is quiet and easy to access for ambulances. It may take a lot a money at first to buy all of the equipment and a house capable of housing at least 20 inhabitants but it will all be worth it in the long run. 

Material

To set up a care home, you’ll definitely need some organisation and a ton of material and human needs, this project will require a big financial investment. Firstly, you’ll need to make sure:

• The building is accessible to wheelchairs and ambulances at the entrance but also on the inside with ramps, stair lift, handrails, etc;
• Equip your care home with care home vehicles, these cars are carefully designed to provide comfortable care home transport solutions which address the needs of both disabled and able-bodied users, you can find a wide range of vehicles from specialised companies such as Allied Fleet;
• Provide good quality food to your residents (local, seasonal vegetables for example). As we know, food can heal and can lift spirits;
• Purchase art supplies, board games and more to entertain people, especially if they don’t receive a lot of visitors; 
• Get well trained staff. You’ll need staff to cover all positions (reception, catering, maintenance and upkeep, marketing, etc.) but also qualified medical staff.

Opening a care home can be extremely challenging at first and if you’re in it just for the money, you won’t get far. Compassion and care to enhance the quality of life of the elderly as well as your staff should be your drive and purpose. 

The global climate crisis has been a public issue for some time, but its continued impacts on biomes and international communities have rendered it an all-the-more pressing concern in recent years. There are numerous major contributors to greenhouse emissions, from construction and building to agriculture and manufacture – but much of the weight is also borne by travel and transport.

In the UK, the push against fossil fuels has been growing in profile. Private and public transport alike are considerable contributors to emissions, with the government taking measures to mitigate the impact of personal vehicles on national carbon emissions. But much scrutiny is also placed on the aviation industry, which is responsible for 2.5% of global emissions and the largest carbon footprint per passenger. 

Change is necessary to ensure that aviation businesses can continue to thrive in a new, sustainable world. But what changes are being made to introduce sustainability to the aviation industry?

Aviation and Environmental Impacts

First, it is important to understand the extent to which aviation impacts the environment. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has identified three key environmental impacts influenced by the aviation industry: climate change; noise; and air quality.

Climate change is the leading issue when it comes to aviation and pollution, and the driving force behind prospective changes to aviation and operation. As illustrated above, aviation globally is responsible for a significant volume of carbon emissions annually, thanks to the high fuel cost of a flight.

Noise is a by-product of aviation and something that has impacted local communities for decades. Councils and aviation authorities alike have been in conversation with residents beneath flight paths over noise concerns. Air quality is also something that has impacted communities local to airports and flight paths, as fumes and fuel by-products threaten personal health and the equilibrium of local ecosystems.

Addressing the Issue

Addressing the impacts of the aviation industry is not a simple task. Many pressure groups and sustainability charities call for reductions in reliance on air travel and private transport – something which can have disastrous consequences for jobs and commerce. Instead, the issue is something that must be addressed directly – through litigation and independent industry problem-solving.

Private jet provider Vista Global is leading the charge on this front with its transparent and equitable approach to mitigating its own impact on the global climate. A recent press release by the private aviation service examined and addressed some of the routes forward for the industry. Such actions include maximising fleet optimization, subsequentially reducing fuel consumption by 8% whilst also including the wholesale adoption of emissions audits and investment in carbon neutrality. 

Creating a Carbon-Neutral Industry

Vista Global’s recommendations are wide-ranging, from upheavals to reporting on emissions to the adoption of new fuels entirely. While sustainable air fuel is some way from mainstream availability, collective investment can ensure its continued research and development – while existing emissions can be offset through investment in carbon capture technology.

Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam, is a fascinating city to explore. It’s a place where you can experience authentic Vietnamese culture, home to ancient imperial citadels, stunning temples, and vibrant local markets. 

Here are the top things to do in Hanoi.

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Explore the Lakes

 

Hanoi’s unique topography, which lies by the Red River Delta, has given rise to numerous beautiful lakes, offering a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Of these lakes, Hoan Kiem Lake is the most popular. It’s the central feature of Hanoi and a popular tourist destination in Vietnam. In the middle of the lake lies the Ngoc Son Temple, also called the Temple of the Jade Mountain.

Hoan Kiem Lake comes alive around sunrise and sunset when tourists and locals relax by the lakeside while enjoying the views. You will also find joggers and some elderly practising tai chi.

Eat Amazing Street Food

 

Hanoi is the best place to visit if you want to spend your days indulging in delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Here, you’ll find bustling streets lined with street food stalls selling every possible Vietnamese food you can think of – from flavourful pho to delectable spring rolls. In fact, it’s impossible to walk a street in Hanoi without smelling the rich aroma of Vietnamese dishes from street food stalls.

The best way to cap off your meal is with a glass of egg coffee, a typical Hanoian drink traditionally prepared with Robusta coffee, egg yolks, and condensed milk.

Walk Around the Old Quarter

 

There are several ways to travel Vietnam with luxury, but seeing the Old Quarter is one of the most popular. It’s a bustling area with narrow streets lined with colonial-style buildings, shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Old Quarter is an ideal place to explore if you want to experience the local Hanoian life. Just be very careful when walking around since the narrow streets are often full of tourist crowds, with packs of scooters zooming around.

See the Temples

 

Hanoi is home to numerous fascinating temples that are worth exploring. Most of them are still in use, and you’ll find many locals visiting and praying in them. Visiting these temples offers a unique insight into the local Vietnamese life. 

The One Pillar Pagoda is one of those temples you should not miss. It’s shaped in a lotus flower, built by ruler Ly Thai Tong to celebrate the long-awaited birth of a son. The Temple of Literature is also worth a visit. It was built in 1070 for the city’s education and academics, and you’ll find it printed in the 100,000 bill of Vietnamese dong.

Visit the National Museum of Vietnamese History

 

Hanoi has many fascinating museums, but one museum you should not miss is the Museum of Vietnamese History in the French Quarter area of the city. It’s in a former school building built during the French Colonial time, with an architectural design inspired by a French villa. The museum has more than 200,000 historical pieces detailing Vietnamese history that date back to ancient times.

Portugal’s second largest city has recently become a popular destination with those looking for a place where they can relax, slow down and enjoy everything this European country has to offer.

We have talked about Porto before in our City Guides and we’re writing about it again because it’s still one of our favourite destinations, where you can experience Portuguese culture and traditions at their best, without the tourists and the busy streets of Lisbon.

This time we’re proposing a road trip. Even though it is a compact city that can be discovered on foot, there are certain areas that are worth visiting but are far away from the centre. With the available car rental options in Porto it is really easy to fully discover the city and its surroundings in just a couple of days, and a road trip would be awesome with an RV!

Ribeira District: the heart of the city

The best way to start exploring the city is in the Ribeira district, the busiest part of the city where tourists and locals walk by the River Douro, get lost around its cobblestone streets, enjoy the typical Port wine at one of the many cellars and experience magnificent views of the sunsets from the Dom Luís I bridge.

This is also a good area to buy some local souvenirs and find some great stores selling Portuguese fashion, ceramics and other objects. We recommend ignoring the typical tourist shops and visiting the ateliers and stores of the craftsmen working in the district.

Shopping and drinking in Cedofeita

A little bit further north you will find the Cedofeita neighbourhood – our favourite in the city. Because of the cheap parking prices and large number of parking spaces, driving around Porto is much easier compared to other European cities.

Take your rental car and head north. This is the area where local creatives and students hang out and where you will find some of the best bars and shops in the city. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Café Candelabro, a bar and second-hand book store serving great cocktails and other drinks. If you’re looking for local designers and brands with a focus on sustainability, Coração Alecrim is your place. This concept store stocks a great selection of womenswear, accessories and homewares that we’re sure you’ll want to take back home with you after your trip.

Culture in Boavista

We’re now saying goodbye to the city centre and heading to Boavista, a district located in the north west. The most popular landmark here is Casa da Música, an impressive concert hall built in the early 2000s as part of Porto European Capital of Culture in 2001 and designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhas.

Even though this modern concrete building has its critics, it has become an essential part of the neighbourhood and the architectural landscape that surrounds it. The concert hall houses two auditoriums, a café, a restaurant and other spaces that can be visited every day on organised tours focusing on the architecture of the building, its functionality and its artistic programme.

Pink art deco at Serralves

We’re heading west to Serralves, a cultural institution that has recently become one of the most instagrammable locations in the city. Comprising a contemporary art museum, an extensive park and a beautiful art deco villa, visiting this cultural complex is a great plan to relax and discover other side of Porto.

On a sunny day, the magnificent gardens – designed by iconic French landscape architect Jacques Gréber – are a popular destination with locals who want to explore the different trees and flowers, walk around the fountains and lakes or simply lie on the grass while they read a book.

The museum opened in 1999 and is currently the most visited contemporary art museum in Portugal, housing more than 4300 works, part of which are showcased in the permanent collection along with other works by Portuguese and international artists belonging to the temporary exhibitions.

Beach time in Matosinhos

We’re finishing our road trip around Porto with some well-deserved relaxing time by the sea. Matosinhos, in the west area of the city, is an up-and-coming neighbourhood which is now attracting many young people due to the lower flat renting prices and the opportunity to live in a district where creative opportunities are booming.

Explore some of the cool stores, bars and other businesses in the area and don’t forget to take your towel and swimwear to swim in the sea or dive into the Piscina das Marès, a salt water swimming pool wonderfully integrated in its surroundings and designed by Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza in the 1960s.

 

We want to hear your thoughts about road tripping in Porto. Do you have any other recommendations? What are your favourite places to visit outside of the city? Share them with us in the comments section below.