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Get ready for the trip of a lifetime

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Countdown to the UK So you’ve made one of the most important decisions of your life – you’re going to leave your home comforts behind and head to foreign lands. Well, the good news is there are thousands of travellers doing the same thing, so get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. To help you on your way, we’ve put together a guide of everything you will need to make your transition as smooth as possible. We’ve also included an essential checklist of what you need to do before you leave your home country – from visas and banks to healthcare and packing. There’s also a helpful must-do list of what you’ll need to achieve once you land in Dear Old Blighty – from finding accommodation and travelling in the capital, to the top attractions and pubs. 2012 is going to be a huge year

for London, so to help make you a part of it, we’ve compiled a guide to the Olympic venues; what’s going on where and what’s open to the public. Turn to P87, which is where our travel section begins. Here, you’ll find guides to the must-visit destinations in the UK, Ireland and Europe, as well as some further afield. There’s also a list of the best world festivals – get these in your diary now, otherwise you’ll miss out on witnessing some of the greatest spectaculars on Earth. Make sure you ‘like’ TNT Magazine on Facebook and follow @tntmagazine on Twitter, to meet like-minded people in the UK before you arrive. And don’t forget to pick up the mag every Monday. We’re here for you every step of the way. Happy travels! Carol Driver Editor TNTMAGAZINE.COM

CONTENTS

Welcome to London P19

TAKING OFF COUNTDOWN TO THE UK

TOUCHING DOWN LIVING IN LONDON

BANKING, TAX AND NI

GETTING AROUND

KEEPING IN TOUCH

HEALTHCARE IN THE UK

THE OLYMPICS

BEING A TOURIST

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORT IN THE UK

60 Olympics P41

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CONTENTS

GETTING WORK GETTING WORK IN LONDON 62 TEMPING IN THE UK

ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE 68 TEACHING

MEDICAL AND HEALTHCARE 72 NANNYING AND CARING

SECRETARIAL AND PA

CATERING & HOSPITALITY

TRAINING & COURSES

Road trips in Europe P87

TRAVEL TRAVELLING IN EUROPE

ROME

BARCELONA

BERLIN

SAILING IN CROATIA

PARIS

100

TRAVELLING IN THE UK

102

EDINBURGH

105

BATH AND STONEHENGE

108

OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE 110 IRELAND

112

WORLD FESTIVALS

116

BIG TRIPS

124 La Tomatina P116 TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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An adventure awaits With everything from visas to where to bank your money to consider, it pays to be prepared WORDS REBECCA KENT

Packing up your life for the bright lights and country plains of the UK and Ireland? If only it was as simple as leaping on a plane and waving

goodbye. You’ll need to be a little more organised for a seamless transition abroad. Here, we give you a headstart. ››

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Research ... and you won’t come unstuck

PASSPORT & VISA GET A PASSPORT If you have a passport already, make sure it will be valid for at least six months after your intended departure date from the UK, otherwise you might get turned away at immigration. APPLY FOR A VISA If you’ve managed to save a small fortune to travel on, congratulations. The rest of you, though, will probably need to find work to fund your new life here. If that’s the case, or if you plan to stay here for more than six months, you will need a visa. Get one at the British High Commission in your home country. Australians and New Zealanders can apply online, but you will still have to visit one of the commission’s biometric enrolment centres. It can take up to two months to process your application, and note that the British High Commission in Australia will only accept applications to within three months of your departure date. Make sure you keep abreast of visa rules as they are everchanging. See ukvisas.gov.uk. For Ireland, see dfa.ie and entemp.ie. There is also info at tntmagazine.com. 8

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YOUTH MOBILITY VISA The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is also known as a Tier 5 visa and allows 18 to 30-year-olds from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan and Monaco to live and work in the UK for up to two years. You need to accrue 50 points under the UK Home Office’s Points Based System to get a Youth Mobility Scheme (Tier 5) visa: • You get 30 points automatically if you come from one of the countries listed above, otherwise you need a certificate of sponsorship from your home country. • You get 10 points if aged between 18 and 30. • You get 10 points for having £1600 in the bank. CONDITIONS OF YMV • You can stay and work in the UK for up to 24 months. • You can not set up a business, play professional sport, or work as a doctor in training in that time. • You have to leave the UK once your visa expires. If you feel your time here hasn’t been long enough, then you can apply for a Tier 1 visa (highly skilled), or Tier 2 visa (work permit). But you’ll have to return home before doing so. ››

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It’s time: bags packed, you’re ready to go

TIER 1 VISA Restrictions were put on this route in April 2011, making it only available to Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), Tier 1 (Investor), plus those with ‘exceptional talent’ (ie sports stars and scientists). Only 1000 of these visas are available. TIER 2 VISA The Tier 2 (General) Visa is for workers with a job offer who are coming to the UK to fill a skills gap in a

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graduate level position. It is also granted to employees of global companies who are being transferred to the UK. Applicants must be sponsored by a UK employer that has been registered with the UK Border Agency (UKBA). The employer must also issue you with a Certificate of Sponsorship to wave at the authorities should they question your stay here. You need to score 70 points to get your paws on this visa – 50 are awarded for ‘attributes’, which is what you need to get sponsored, such as a £150,000 or more salary. You get 10 points for English language skills, and 10 mandatory points for having at least £800 in your bank account. What you need to consider • Sponsoring employers need a licence from the UKBA. • All jobs not on the shortage occupation list must be advertised so UK and EU workers have an opportunity to apply first. • The job must be of a degree level or above. • Visa officials have beefed up scrutiny on all sponsorship applications to ensure that both the worker and the job are legitimate. • If your position is on a list of shortage occupations published by the Migration Advisory Committee, you will automatically score 50 points and your employer

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Live and work in Ireland

Legwork: form filling is such a joy will not need to carry out the resident labour market test. TIER 4 STUDENT VISA The Tier 4 (General) visa is for students who want to undertake their post-16 education in the UK. Students must be sponsored by their university or college. You must accrue 40 points – 30 for a confirmation letter from an approved education provider, and 10 points for having money in your bank account. This visa grants the student the right to enter the UK to complete a course at an approved institution, and to remain in the UK for the duration of the course and graduation. The student can also work part-time during term-time and full-time during vacations.

Anyone with this visa can switch to a Tier 1 visa and a Tier 2 visa from within the UK. ANCESTRY VISA If you have British-born grandparents and you hail from a Commonwealth country, you are entitled to an Ancestry Visa. This route allows you live and work in the UK without restrictions, as long as you can prove you intend to work. You must be aged 17 or over to apply for the visa, and, if your grandparent was born in Ireland, they will have had to be born before March 31, 1922. After five years in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave To Remain and then later UK Citizenship. Or you can just renew your Ancestry Visa.

We don’t blame you if you’d like to experience the legendary craic of the Emerald Isle yourself. The Republic of Ireland has a similar working holiday system to the UK – although for just 12 months and with a few extra restrictions. Aussies, Kiwis, plus those from Argentina, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan and the Republic of Korea, aged 18 to 30, are eligible for the Republic of Ireland’s Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) programme. However, the conditions are that participants can only work for three months with any one employer, you need to have enough dosh in your bank account to support yourself for the initial part of your stay, and once you’ve been granted the visa, you must land in Ireland within 12 months. If you are not eligible for a WHA, such as South African citizens, you’ll need an Irish work permit. See foreignaffairs.gov.ie. PARTNERSHIP VISA If you are married to a British citizen or have a long-term partner with a British passport or right of abode, you may be eligible for a UK visa. Your partner must have “settled status”, which discounts those on Tier 1 (highly skilled) and Tier 2 (work permit) visas. The procedure for gaining your visa will vary on whether, and for how long, you have been married or have held a civil partnership. ❚ TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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Don’t look back: you’ll have a blast

Countdown begins You’re going to have at least two years of fun and adventure in the UK, but, before you go there’s work to get out the way. Let’s get down to the nitty gritty Once you’ve got your visa sorted, it’s time to start making the practical arrangements for a life abroad. You’re bound to get quite anxious about it, but get this phase of your travels knocked into shape, and not only will your arrival in the UK be smooth, you can start having fun much sooner.

TWO MONTHS TO GO FIND SOMEWHERE TO STAY If you’re the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type, by all means hop off the plane in London and call into a hostel, or on an old mate’s doorstep and see how you fare. But it’s probably sensible to plan further in 12

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advance. Book your flights, then find somewhere to rest your head, at least for your first week in the UK as hostels tend to get booked up well in advance, especially during summer. If you’re not averse to ‘dossing’, that is bunking down in a mate’s place temporarily, get in quick. You don’t want to turn up and find the newly arrived pal of your friend’s housemate has snagged the couch. CHECK YOUR WORK STATUS The majority of new arrivals in the UK won’t need to jump through any more hoops to be able to get a job. However, workers in a select few industries (medical professionals, for example) will have to register with

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regulatory bodies in the UK. Start looking into this now and make applications before you arrive, as registration in some areas can take up to four months to process. Turn to our careers section on P62 for essential advice.

contact your tax office and let them know your plans. You might need to file an early tax return if you’re leaving midway through a financial year. As mundane as it can be to arrange your financial affairs, it needs to be done – so get it sorted, don’t be lazy about it! Your precise tax status will depend on various criteria – how long you intend to be away from home; whether you’ll be setting up a permanent residence elsewhere; whether you’ll be earning any income at home while you’re abroad; and whether you’ll maintain a home of some description in your home country (the Australian Taxation Office ›› calls this the “domicile test”).

WHAT ABOUT SCOTLAND? Hannah Membrey, 22, from Bunbury, Western Australia, has lived in Edinburgh since 2009. Best part: Not many people can boast having a castle at the end of their street! Favourite experience: Paricipating in traditional Scottish dances called ceilidhs; if you don’t walk away with an arm covered in bruises, you haven’t had a good night. Advice? Wrap up warm! It gets cold and very windy in Scotland, even in summer.

SET UP A BANK ACCOUNT It’s possible to open an account once you’re in the UK, but it can be a long and tedious process, requiring documentation that’s not always easy to source. For this reason, it’s also worth looking into this from home before you arrive. There’s more information on this on P28 and see tntmagazine.com. TIDY YOUR TAX Before leaving the country,

Ouch!: there’s no need for a jab spree

YOUR STORIES SHAUN QUINCEY CAREER Sports sponsorship AGE 27 LIVES Clapham Common FROM Auckland, New Zealand Hardest part of moving to the UK? It’s expensive, and absorbing the costs using your NZ dollars can be painful. Also, moving about London takes time. Not having the freedom to jump in the car and drive anywhere took some getting used to. Greatest misconception? I had no idea how amazing some of the landscape in the UK was. Highlights for me have been Mount Snowdon, Wales and the south coast of England. Adivce for newcomers? Make sure you give it a good try. The UK is a challenge at first, but you’ll quickly learn it’s a fantastic place.

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Australians should see ato.gov.au for information; New Zealanders should visit ird.govt.nz; and South Africans sars.gov.za.

TAKINGOFF TNT’S MOVING ABROAD CHECKLIST Refer to this as a handy guide once you’ve made the decision

SIX WEEKS TO GO GET VACCINATED Although you don’t need to go on a jab spree before travelling to the UK, there’s no harm in keeping your hepatitis A and B, tetanus and polio immunisations up-to-date. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation recommends travellers should be covered for diphtheria, measles, mumps and rubella. In a crowded city such as London, the flu tends to spread pretty quickly, too, so it might also be worth looking into a jab for this. If you have plans to travel on to exotic climes at a later date, you’ll be able to get the relevant injections in the UK. However, if you’re heading to the UK via other countries, you’ll need to get jabbed at home. Allow six weeks as you’ll need to do a course of shots in some instances.

ONE MONTH TO GO SOURCE MEDICAL RECORDS Pack copies of any medical records or important prescription details when you travel, especially if you have an ongoing condition.

CHECK YOU ........................................... Have a valid passport APPLY FOR ............................................. A visa BOOK YOUR ........................................... Flight TWO MONTHS TO GO FIND SOMEWHERE .............................. To stay CHECK YOUR ......................................... Work status SET UP ................................................... A UK bank account TIDY UP ................................................. Your tax affairs SIX WEEKS TO GO................................ Get vaccinated ONE MONTH TO GO SOURCE YOUR ....................................... Medical records PUT TOGETHER ................................... A CV and references APPOINT ............................................... A power of attorney MAKE .................................................... A will TWO WEEKS TO GO ARRANGE YOUR .................................. Travel insurance START TYING........................................ Up loose ends RETAIN YOUR ....................................... Right to vote ONE WEEK TO GO CLEAR UP .............................................. Your stuff REDIRECT YOUR ................................... Mail THREE DAYS TO GO ............................. Start packing! ONE DAY TO GO ................................... Say your goodbyes

WRITE A CV Make sure you list your up-to-date career experience. And bring two glowing references with you from previous employers. It also doesn’t hurt if one of them is a character reference as well. These will help when looking for somewhere to live, opening a bank account, and of course, applying for a job. POWER OF ATTORNEY Before leaving home, appoint someone who is authorised to act ››

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TAKINGOFF YOUR STORIES ELIZABETH LATHAM CAREER Business development administration in a law firm AGE 23 LIVES Putney, London FROM Perth, Australia What made you come to the UK? I was bored at home and wanted to live overseas and travel. The UK was a good option as it’s easy to get a visa and Europe is on your doorstep. What was the hardest thing about the move? Finding a sharehouse was soul destroying. It’s really competitive, the market moves quickly and the good places are pricey. After too many wasted weekends trekking across London to look at rooms, I found a great house through a friend.

on your behalf, should something happen that disables you from doing so. The legal term for this is “power of attorney”. This person can be anyone who you trust to act in your best interests. It’s usually quite an easy process, but it varies from country to country. MAKE A WILL OK, a bit on the morbid side, but be realistic, you’re going out into the big, wide world and the dangers to your wellbeing will multiply. Do-it-yourself kits are available in Australia and New Zealand, and are suitable for most people without a large or complicated amount of possessions. These kits lead you through the process smoothly and should help you save on those expensive legal fees. However, if you’re unsure, contact a lawyer – the cost might not be so bad.

What’s your favourite thing about living in the UK? I love feeling like a tourist. There is so much to see and do in London, you could never be bored. I also love the parks in autumn and the food markets (Whitecross Street, Broadway and Borough are top of my list). What was your greatest misconception about London? That London is a huge city and you are anonymous. Actually I am constantly meeting people with mutual friends and I do bump into people I know on the street – it truly is a small world.

The sky’s the limit: a new life awaits

What have you been pleasantly surprised by? I found it easy to get a job, which took a lot of pressure off after I returned from my travels completely skint. What advice would you give someone arriving here in 2012? Travel before you settle down. A lot of people do this and you end up having a network of friends in London who you meet travelling Europe. It’s really hard to save while in London, so do this before or after your trip. And the Heathrow Injection does exist! Get involved in some kind of group sport so you stay motivated over winter.

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[Caption] Money honey: earn some pounds

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TWO WEEKS TO GO GET TRAVEL INSURANCE Don’t put this off – get it sorted before you leave home. That way, anything you lose from the moment you board the plane can potentially be replaced. Shop around for a comprehensive policy that covers everything from wallet theft to travel cancellations. There are many comparison websites that can help you find a competitive price. Once you start work in the UK or Ireland, you’ll be covered by their public healthcare system. However, you’ll still need health cover if you plan to travel from there. TIE UP LOOSE ENDS It could be an expensive journey if you’re still paying bills and account charges after you’ve left. Cancel the electricity, gas and phone, stop any club or gym

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memberships, take back your library books and DVD rentals, decide who will look after the cat and the dog ... generally, take care of all the loose ends in your life. RETAIN VOTING RIGHTS Australian citizens who have been abroad for less than three years are eligible to vote at the Australian High Commission in London, or by post. Although there won’t be another federal election until 2013. See aec.gov. au. It’s a similar story for Kiwis, who are eligible to vote in any general election so long as they are enrolled and have been in the country during the past three years. See elections.org. South Africans can also vote abroad. However, they will need to present their ID book when they get to the polling station. See atelections.org.za.

ONE WEEK TO GO SORT OUT YOUR STUFF This is about the time to decide what you’re going to take with you and what you’re going to leave behind. Hoarders, or owners of chunky belongings may need to book a storage unit, or find friends with space to spare. Remember, you can’t take it with you, so ask yourself if you’re going to need it, or if you could leave it at home. If the answer is the former, this is a great time to get rid of stuff. REDIRCT MAIL If there will be someone living or visiting your home while you’re gone, ask them to check your mail. It could be a missed bill, which means you’ll be in trouble. Australia Post and New Zealand Post can redirect your mail, but you’ll need to pay them and give

at least three days’ notice. See auspost.com.au and nzpost.co.nz.

THREE DAYS TO GO START PACKING Travel as light as possible, bearing in mind the weather on the other side; you’ll need a warm coat for winter. Check your luggage allowance with your airline before making tracks to the airport. Forgotten something? Don’t fret too much. You are more than likely going to be able to replace it in the UK. Just don’t forget your passport!

ONE DAY TO GO SAY YOUR GOODBYES! Hopefully your friends and family have given you a pretty decent send-off. So get ready to touch down in the UK, and for a new adventurous chapter in your life. Good luck! ❚

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TOUCHINGDOWN

Home sweet home Looking to rent in London? From how to find a place and what the best areas are, to houseshares, one-bed flats, tenant rights and dealing with your landlord – we’ve got it all covered WORDS CLARE VOOGHT Welcome to the UK, fresh off the plane with just a couple of suitcases. Now it’s time to start looking for a place. With a little bit of searching, you’ll find what you’re looking for among central London’s many close-built flats,

or a little further out in a bigger house with a bit more space. Don’t panic when you’re looking. It can be a bit scary, thanks to the highly competitive nature of the housing market – good places can go within ››

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TOUCHINGDOWN hours – but someone’s got to get them. With a bit of searching, you’ll find a new home away from home soon enough. Hostel it For most travellers arriving in London for the first time, a hostel will be the first port of call while they search for somewhere to live permanently. It’s a great way to meet likeminded people (who may end up being your roommates) and also gives you a bit more time to get acquainted with the city. London has seven YHA (yha. org.uk) hostels across London – two in the West End, and others in King’s Cross, Holland Park, Earl’s Court, the City and Canada Water. Another popular one with travellers is The Generator Hostel in King’s Cross. It’ll cost around £15 per night for a shared dorm, but you can pay a little bit extra for a room with fewer people. Always make sure you ask for weekly rates if you’re staying for more than a couple of nights.

with a small kitchen-bedroomliving room in one and a shared bathroom. These start from around £85 per week in London. If you can’t face sharing a bathroom with strangers, opt for a slightly pricier (at least £100 per week) studio apartment, which will have a bathroom tacked on. TNT Magazine and tntmagazine.com/accommodation are among the best places to look for somewhere to live. Also check out our handy online neighbourhood guides for ideas on where to settle. House or flat share Houseshares are a great way of keeping costs down when you’re renting a place, and they’re a fun place to embark on your new life in a new city. You’ll find loads around London on websites like gumtree.com or spareroom.co.uk,

and TNT’s website is also a great place to start. Speed Flatmating is also a good way to meet new, like-minded people to move in with. With the same ethos as speed dating, events are organised by spareroom.co.uk. If you’ve met some people travelling or you’ve arrived with mates from home and want to get a place together, hit up estate agents and rental websites like primelocation.com and rightmove. co.uk to find a flat or house. Due to high demand, rents have gone up a lot in the last year in London so expect to pay from £100 per week for a double room. Roomshare But if you’re game for socks on the door handle and squabbles over space for a while, get a roomshare to save on dosh. You can get these for about £50 a week, though it ››

Dossing Another good place to start when you arrive in a new country is where you know people, and chances are you know at least a couple of mates in London whose sofa you can crash on for a few days while you find a place. But remember to clean up after yourself and contribute £5-£10 a week towards bills. Home time When you’ve got your head around the city layout and you’re ready to regain your privacy after dossing down in a hostel for a couple of weeks, make the leap and find your own pad. If you’re up for living on your own, a good, cheap option is a bedsit – a self-contained room 20

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Sharing a room with four other people was pretty cosy at times

TOUCHINGDOWN might not be wise if you’re looking for a long-term option. Bills Sometimes rent includes bills such as water and council tax or you could be lucky enough to score rent that includes electricity and gas too. It’s best to find out when you’re looking as bills take a big chunk of your monthly budget. Expect to pay about £60 for gas, electricity, internet and council tax. Council tax varies depending on which borough and property you live in and could cost anything from £17-£100 a month. The cheapest boroughs are Wandsworth, Westminster, Newham, City of London and Southwark, which all charge an average of under £1,000 per year. Bills are when houseshares come in especially handy, as splitting them takes a lot of the strain off. Where to live When they move to London, antipodeans and South Africans usually settle in west London (in places such as Hammersmith, Fulham, Acton, Shepherd’s Bush), south London (Southfields, Clapham, Putney, Earlsfield) and north-west (Kilburn, Willesden, Dollis Hill and West Hampstead). But they’re also bridging the gap and moving further to the north and east, with more and more people heading to bohemian Camden and Angel or trendy east end spots like Shoreditch, Bethnal Green and Hackney. Aussie, Kiwi and SA hotspots SHEPHERD’S BUSH Aussies and Kiwis are drawn to the affectionately nicknamed She Bu for the sharehouses and Walkabout bar. The main drag, Uxbridge Road, is full of houses and the huge Westfield London Shopping Centre is right round the corner. It’s also well connected to 22

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central London. RENT: One-bedroom flat from about £250 per week; double room in a houseshare from £130 per week. TRANSPORT ZONE: 2 WEST KENSINGTON Along with Earls Court, this is the original antipodean heartland. Prices have risen in the last few years, but you’ll still find a flat (usually in a nice converted Victorian terraced house) that won’t be too expensive. You’ll have to travel a bit for some nightlife, but it is one of the safest areas in London. RENT: One-bedroom flat from around £200 per week; double room in a houseshare from £150. TRANSPORT ZONE: 2 ACTON Head this way for large houseshares and the popular Aussie bar, The Redback Tavern. Terraced houses are common around the high street and in south Acton you’ll find plenty of cheaper apartments. RENT: One-bedroom flat from around £200 per week; double room in a houseshare from £95. TRANSPORT ZONE: 2 FULHAM Pricey but nice – it’s got lots of cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants and a real village atmosphere. There are a variety of housing options from flats above shops along Fulham Palace Road, Dawes Road and Fulham Road, to twostorey terraced houses in the roads off those. RENT: One-bedroom flat from around £240 per week; double room in a houseshare from £160. TRANSPORT ZONE: 2 KILBURN Popular with working travellers, Kilburn has great transport links

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LEARN THE LINGO Brush up on your UK slang before you arrive ANTIPODEAN An Australian or Kiwi; originating from the Antipodes, or the other side of the globe. SAFFA A South African person, just with fewer syllables. HIGH STREET OR ROAD A suburb’s main street where you’ll typically find a supermarket or convenience store, clothing chains, a post office, and an off-licence selling booze. COMMON A large park. London has a lot, some with running tracks, bandstands and lidos. Pale throngs pack in on sunny days. LIDO A public swimming pool. Y’ALRIGHT/ALRIGHT? An informal British greeting and not necessarily a question. Reply with the same. SNAKEBITE A pint of lager and cider in equal parts with a splash of blackcurrant cordial. Tipple of choice for Antipodeans and Saffas in London looking to get drunk fast. LASHED Drunk. CASHPOINT Otherwise known as an ATM or “hole in the wall”.

Getting lashed on Snakebite

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Find yourself with an expat group or carve your own niche somewhere else – it’s your choice and some vibrant, multicultural restaurants and cafes. Head to the north end for drinking holes and the south part for shops. RENT: One-bedroom flat from around £200 per week; double room in a houseshare from £130. TRANSPORT ZONE: 2 WILLSESDEN GREEN & DOLLIS HILL Plenty of antipodeans and Saffas live in sharehouses, roomshares and flats in Willesden Green (or Willy G, to residents). Places range from scuzzy party houses to refurbished properties for professionals. RENT: One-bedroom flat from around £200 per week; double room in a houseshare from £110. TRANSPORT ZONE: 3 CLAPHAM Full of Aussies and Kiwis, Clapham

has a huge common, a long high street and Britain’s busiest railway – it’s safe to say it’s a pretty big area. Thanks to this, it’s got a lot to offer in terms of shops and bars. RENT: One-bedroom flat from around £160 per week; double room in a houseshare from £105. TRANSPORT ZONE: 2 SOUTHFIELDS This clean and safe patch of south-west London is a favourite with South Africans. With decent transport links – as well as the Tube, it’s got bus routes to Clapham Junction, Putney Bridge, Tooting Broadway and Richmond – it’s also close to tennis mecca Wimbledon. You’ll find plenty of spacious sharehouses and flats. RENT: One-bedroom flat from around £210 per week; double room in a houseshare from £105. ›› TRANSPORT ZONE: 3

RENTAL DEPOSITS A deposit is usually between one and two months’ rent, but there’s no set rule. By law, your landlord must then pay your deposit into a government plan known as the Deposit Protection Scheme, which regulates claims to withhold some or all of it. Landlords must give details of the DPS within 14 days of receiving the deposit. If you and your landlord disagree on a sum when it comes to returning the deposit, contact Shelter or the Citizens Advice Bureau for information. Deposits should also be returned within 10 days of the end of your tenancy. The landlord can take money from the deposit if the property or contents are damaged, or if rent hasn’t been paid. VISIT DEPOSITPROTECTION.COM

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Home sweet home

WEST HAMPSTEAD It’s pretty posh, with plenty of professionals living in its apartment complexes and flats in converted houses, but it’s a bit more down to earth than neighbouring Hampstead. And it’s also got a fairly big Aussie and Kiwi contingent living there. It’s a safe area and there’s a Tube, Thameslink and Silverlink Metro line. You’ll also find the O2 shopping centre, with lots of shops and restaurants. RENT: One-bedroom flat from around £210 per week; double room in a houseshare from £150. TRANSPORT ZONE: 2 EALING Another west London spot for antipodeans, with a few nice parks hosting plenty ofAussie and Kiwi sports events in the summer. There are also plenty of shops, pubs and 24

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restaurants to visit on evenings and weekends, alongside the Victorian townhouses turned into flats that are available for rent. RENT: One-bedroom flat from around £130 per week; double room in a houseshare from £100. TRANSPORT ZONE: 3 Other recommended spots SHOREDITCH Now London’s arty hub, hipsters and creative types flock to Shoreditch. It’s full of bars, clubs, galleries and places to eat and it’s a great place to be on weekends. It’s also pretty handy if you find yourself working in the City. Transport links are great, with several Tube stops and lots of bus lines going into central London. RENT: One-bedroom flat from around £230 per week; double room in a houseshare from £140. TRANSPORT ZONE: 1-2

BETHNAL GREEN A little bit further out, but still part of London’s ultra-hip East End, Bethnal Green is close to the chilled-out Victoria Park and has a host of cheap top-notch Bangladeshi eateries to enjoy. Flats in big blocks are what you’re most likely to find here, but the area is still nice and leafy to make up for it. RENT: One-bedroom flat from around £180 per week; double room in a houseshare from £130. TRANSPORT ZONE: 2 Cheap areas CAMBERWELL South London’s artiest stop, with plenty of rooms in converted Edwardian and Victorian buildings. It’s got a young, creative vibe and independent pubs. Hang out at the South London Gallery for international art.

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RENT: One-bedroom flat from around £120 per week; double room in a houseshare from £110. TRANSPORT ZONE: 2 ELEPHANT & CASTLE A residential spot that’s dirt cheap for zone one and compared to its surrounding areas. You’re a 15-minute walk from attractions including the Imperial War Museum and The Old Vic Theatre, and within easy commuting distance from the City and central London. RENT: One-bedroom flat from around £195 per week; double room in a houseshare from £115. TRANSPORT ZONE: 1 WALTHAMSTOW Right at the top end of the Victoria line, it’s a residential area that has a good town-centre feel that makes you feel like you’ve escaped the city. It’s also got Europe’s longest outdoor street market and everything you need so you don’t have to venture into town on weekends if you don’t want to. RENT: One-bedroom flat from around £100 per week; double room in a houseshare from £75. TRANSPORT ZONE: 3 EARLSFIELD An often forgotten south-west London suburb, near Tooting, Battersea, Balham and Clapham, filled with boutiques and independent restaurants. The many Victorian terraced houses make good quality rental properties. RENT: One-bedroom flat from around £215 per week; double room in a houseshare from £80. TRANSPORT ZONE: 3 NEW CROSS A super-cheap, skuzzy but arty south-east London area where Britpop legends Blur formed. Your money will go further in the arty ››

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TOUCHINGDOWN bars and you’ll satisfy cravings for jerk chicken as there are plenty of tasty Caribbean eateries to choose from. RENT: One-bedroom flat from around £170 per week; double room in a houseshare from £110. TRANSPORT ZONE: 2 POPLAR Close to east London’s bars and markets without the hefty price tag. And you’re out of the city, in its quiet residential surroundings near the Thames. It’s also the place to go for a good, traditional London pie. RENT: One-bedroom flat from around £200 per week; double room in a houseshare from £100. TRANSPORT ZONE: 2

Signing the lease Leases usually run for six or 12 months and landlords will ask for proof of employment and references from your bank or previous landlord. Always read the fine print when you sign your contract and make a copy of it in case you need to refer to it later. Make sure you sign an inventory, which lists the house’s contents and any damaged areas and may be useful if anything is deducted from your deposit. Tenant rights Tenants have the right for their accommodation to be kept in a reasonable state of repair, and there are certain things a landlord is responsible for. These include

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basins, sinks, baths and toilets, water and gas pipes, electrical wiring, fixed and water heaters, the structure and exterior or the premises, such as walls, floors and window frames, as well as drains, gutters and external pipes, major structural repairs and common parts of the building like stairwells, lifts and gardens. If an appliance the landlord has supplied – such as a washing machine or cooker – breaks, it’s the landlord’s responsibility to fix it. That’s unless its failure was due to a tenant’s negligence. If you need any advice on how to deal with any disagreements between you and your landlord, get in touch with Shelter housing charity (shelter.org.uk) for information. SAFETY Gas or electrical items your landlord has provided, including boilers, must be checked yearly. Ask your landlord for a copy of the Gas Safety record to check it’s all up to date. The landlord must also pay for any work to be carried out to make sure it’s safe. Fire resistant furniture has to be provided in furnished properties too. WEAR AND TEAR Tenants aren’t responsible for this. According to the Citizens Advice Bureau, if wear and tear on a property is so bad it could cause injury, like if springs stick out from a sofa or there’s a hole in the floor, the landlord must sort it out. ENTRY Tenants are entitled to 24 hours’ notice if the landlord is coming to the property for inspection.

Houseshares are a fun way to spend your time in London 26

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EVICTION What should you do if your landlord tries to evict you before the tenancy agreement is up? If it comes to this, and in most cases it

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If your oven breaks, it’s your landlord’s responsibility

won’t, then the landlord needs to have a court order. You have the right to stay in your home until the agreement ends unless there are valid reasons for eviction, which stand up in court, like unpaid rent or damage to the property. Landlord rights Just as tenants have their rights, it’s best to keep in mind that landlords also have rights – it’s a two-way thing. RENT ENTITLEMENT It may sound obvious, but landlords reserve the right to receive rent for their property. You could get charged rent up to the end of the notice period or tenancy agreement if you leave the property without proper notice. Landlords can take their tenants to court if they fail to pay rent to get them evicted, so not

Cleaning rota: ending and causing arguments nationwide

paying rent to bargain with your landlord may not be a smart move. TREATMENT OF PROPERTY Tenants are obliged to take care of the property by doing small jobs such as unblocking drains and cleaning windows. These are usually mentioned in the tenancy agreement. If they make any damage to furniture or fittings, the landlord should be told so they can agree on a repair or replacement. The tenant’s deposit may be used to cover costs for damages, or in serious cases, the landlord may go to court to get them evicted. RIGHT OF ENTRY Landlords are permitted “reasonable access” to the property for repairs and in an emergency they can enter immediately. With 24 hours’

notice, they are permitted to visit the property for inspection and other non urgent tasks or repairs. This should be outlined in your contract. INSURANCE A landlord is responsible for the building insurance, but they aren’t responsible for tenants’ contents. Anyone renting a property in London should arrange their own insurance cover for their possessions. Confused.com is a good site to start comparing prices for cover on your contents. BUSINESS Tenants aren’t legally allowed to use rented accommodation for business purposes. If a tenant does so, landlords have the right to evict, so talk to your landlord first if you’re thinking of doing something like this. ❚ TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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Less tax, more beer: the hard work will be worth it

Stash your cash You’ve places to go and people to meet, so maximise your time here by making sure your hard-earned goes far. Here’s what you need to know about banking Finding the right bank to use while your travelling and working in the UK should be your top priority after arriving, otherwise all your other admin will be difficult to set up. You can count on us for advice.

OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT FIND A LOCAL BRANCH Banks can cautious about allowing foreigners to open bank accounts because of the risk of money laundering. So, while you might be offered an account, it will come without the bells and whistles, such as an overdraft allowance or credit card. The best bet then for Australians and New Zealanders then is to open a bank account with HSBC (hsbc.co.uk) or ANZ (anz.com) before leaving home as 28

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both have branches in the UK. Otherwise, UK banks will normally ask for ID, proof of your current address, statements from your bank at home and money to activate the account. Not all banks have an exhaustive list of demands though, so it’s worth asking around. Travelex (travelex.co.uk) is a foreign currency business that can help you open a UK account with HSBC. Apply for Travelex Australia or Travelex New Zealand and then head to the Regent Street branch of HSBC in London to collect your card and pin number. USE AN AGENT There is plenty of help at hand if you’d just like someone to take care of business. Try 1st Contact (1stcontact.com) and South African company Overseas

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CHECK IT OUT

Surprise: you might eventually get something back from the tax man

TAX-FREE SAVINGS An Individual Savings Account (known as an ISA) is a special kind of UK account allowing you to earn interest, but pay no tax. Each UK resident over the age

Visitors Club (ovc.co.za), which can help you get the show on the road for a fee. They already have established ties with several major banks and can cut through all that annoying paperwork. DO IT YOURSELF If you don’t have a penny to spare, sort your financial matters independently. Just bear in mind it’ll take some legwork. Help yourself out by gathering as much documentation as possible, including proof of ID (passport, driving licence, birth certificate) and proof of your UK address (utility bill or a lease with your name on it). Also consider bringing a letter from your bank at home as a record of your credit history, and a letter from your agency or employer in the UK.

CREDIT CARD & OVERDRAFT Obtaining a credit card when you first arrive in the UK will be difficult, so you’re best to bring one from home. Securing an overdraft will be simpler, but interest rates are high, so if you’re prone to a blow-out, you could find yourself quickly in debt – not least because banks charge penalty rates for exceeding your overdraft limit.

TAXES & FEES The less tax you have to pay, the better, right? It’ll take some research to work out how, but worth it in the long run. TYPES OF TAX The most common taxation status for Aussies, Kiwis and South Africans working in the UK is PAYE

of 16 is allowed to invest a total of £10,680 in the ISA scheme. Of this amount, it’s possible to put £5,340 into what’s called a cash ISA and then the remainder into stocks and shares. Shop around if you want to open an ISA as the interest rates vary widely.

or Pay As You Earn, where tax is deducted by your employer prior to you receiving your pay. PAYE tax is made up of income tax and National Insurance. When you leave a job, you will be issued a P45, and you’ll get a P60 at the end of the tax year showing your earnings. Put these documents in a safe place as you’ll need to show them if you wish to claim a tax refund. Travellers wishing to maximise their after-tax earnings, especially ›› TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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TOUCHINGDOWN contractors, should opt to set up a limited company (see P65). COUNCIL TAX This is a pesky tax levied by local authorities to pay for services such as waste collection, libraries, leisure facilities, recycling, police, fire brigade and other community services. The rate is based on the value of the property you’re living in and can range from an average (based on ‘band D’) of £13 per month in Wandsworth to £34.36 in Richmond-Upon-Thames, a month. You will need to register to pay the tax once you’ve settled into a flat or house; there is only one bill per household. TV LICENSING FEE The authorities come down heavily on those who avoid paying for a TV licence. It’s the price you

pay for the luxury of not having your favourite BBC programmes interrupted by advertisements. The annual cost is £145.50 for five channels; purchase it online at tvlicensing.co.uk. If the ‘Beeb’ isn’t doing it for you, you can purchase cable from Virgin Media, Sky, BT and other providers (but you’ll still need to buy a licence). They usually have deals for new customers – compare online at cable.co.uk. NATIONAL INSURANCE Everyone who is employed or selfemployed and aged over 16 pays national insurance, as long as your earnings are more than a certain level. The insurance covers state pensions, social security and health services. It is a good idea to get an NI number as soon as you arrive as ›› most employers will require it

COST OF CITY LIFE The value of the pound has depreciated over the past couple of years, so you’ll find the cost of eating and having a good time in London won’t break the bank as much as it used to. Check out the approximate prices below: Food A week’s groceries: £40-£50 Pub lunch: £5-£12 Restaurant meal: £20+ McDonald’s meal: £4-£5 Alcohol Wine from the supermarket: £5 A six-pack of lager from an off-licence: £5-£6 A pint at the pub: £3.20 Entertainment Gig tickets: £15-£50 Movie tickets: £5-£15 Museums and art galleries: mostly free Travel Single bus journey: £2.20 or £1.30 on Oyster Zone 1-2 day Travelcard (peak): £8 Zone 1-2 Travelcard weekly: £27.60 Zone 1-3 Travelcard weekly: £32.20

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Pesky paperwork: don’t let it get the better of you

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Bank on it: do some research on your banking options before you can start work. It also makes it easier to access hospital services should you need them. NI numbers are issued through the Department for Work and Pensions (dwp.gov.uk). APPLY FOR AN NI NUMBER Once you arrive in the UK, aim to make an appointment as soon as possible to obtain a NI number. Call 0845 600 0643 from 8am6pm, Monday-Friday, to arrange a visit at your nearest JobCentre. Take your passport, a letter confirming you are employed or registered with a recruitment agency, and two or three other forms of ID. Once you’ve been successfully interviewed, expect to receive your NI number in the post within eight weeks. Alternatively, if you’ve already started working, your employer may be able to apply for you.

CLAIM BACK NI PAYMENTS It’s recommended once you have an NI number, you look into contracting out of the state pension in order to receive a rebate when you return home. NI contributions are allocated to the State Second Pension, which is a government-administered fund that foots the bill when you retire. If you contract out of this scheme before the end of the tax year, you can direct your funds to your own personal pension fund, which will be set up as part of the NI rebate process. PENSIONS With all the NI contributions you’ve made, you may as well try to get something back. You can transfer your payments into a pension fund of your choice back in your home country. Your employer in the UK may also offer

a suitable pension scheme, so it is worth making some inquiries. See pensionsadvisoryservice. org.uk for more pension advice. ❚

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Navigating London’s bus system can seem scary, but you’ll get used to it in no time

From A to B London’s transport network may be complilcated, but it’ll take you where you need to be. Get your map out, it’s time to find your feet WORDS CLARE VOOGHT Finding your feet

you’re travelling through. Zone 1 covers central London It may seem daunting at first, but you’ll soon get and zones 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 continue in rings going away to grips with London’s network of buses and trains from the centre. – and you’ll be complaining about it like every other Make sure you get yourself an Oyster card as soon Londoner in no time. as you arrive – it’s much cheaper than buying tickets as you go. The electronic smart-card can be topped up and The Tube’s your best bet when you first arrive, as it’s the quickest and easiest way to get around the used on the Underground, Overground, bus network city. North London is best served by the Underground, and Thames river boats. You can buy one at Tube but you can get around the parts of the south the stations, convenience stores or online at tfl.gov.uk. tube doesn’t cover pretty easily too on buses and rail You need to pay a £5 deposit when you first get services. We’ve outlined the basics, but it’s also worth your Oyster, but this is refundable when it is returned. checking out Transport For London’s website tfl.gov.uk Then add some cash to get started, which will be for maps, ticket prices and a handy journey planner. deducted every time you swipe it for a journey. Top up via Tube station ticket booths, self-service Tickets and zones machines, or online. Or you can set your Oyster to London’s transport services are divided into six zones, be topped up automatically from your bank account whenever it falls below a certain balance. and the price of your ticket depends which zones 34

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Zone 1 journeys on the Tube cost £2 with an Oyster but it costs a hefty £4.30 per journey when you pay with cash on the day. And to take the bus, it’s £1.35 a pop with your Oyster, but £2.30 in cash. If you take several journeys in one day on your Oyster, your spending will be capped at the cost of a day Travelcard, so you’ll never be paying more than you would if you’d bought a normal ticket. Travelcards, or season tickets, are also a good, cheap way to travel, especially if you’re commuting, as they allow you unlimited Tube, bus and train travel in designated zones. For zones 1-2, a day Travelcard is £8.40 to travel anytime and £7 off peak. Or it’s £29.20 for a week, £112.20 a month and £1,168 a year. See tfl.gov.uk/oyster for more information. The Tube With 11 lines, plus DLR and Overground lines, 260 stations and has 402km of track, the Tube is a vast system. The oldest subway in the world, London’s Metropolitan line was the first to be built in 1863. So now it isn’t in fantastic nick (there’s no air conditioning), but it works alright and it’s how most Londoners get to work. Affectionately called “the Tube” (or “the fucking bastard Tube” when it’s down), it runs from around 5.30am until just after midnight. It gets pretty crowded at peak times, so if you can avoid it then, do.

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TOUCHINGDOWN Get around your new city

Because the Olympics are coming up this summer, engineering works causing lines to shut are common, especially during the weekend. The Underground is set to be crammed when the games arrive in London, so take alternative transport, walk or cycle from July 27 to August 12 if you can. Always check the TfL website ahead of time to find out line closures.

London Line, connecting New Cross, Crystal Palace and West Croydon with Dalston Junction and then onto Highbury and Islington. For up-to-date information on London’s rail services, see the TfL website or nationalrail.co.uk. Taxis and minicabs

London cabbies are some of the best in the world – they know the streets of the city the backs of DID YOU KNOW? like Travel by bus their hands. Yellow A Tube train travels on lights mean black The London average 76,800 miles, or cabs are available bus system is a 123,600 kilometres, a year. for hire, so flag labyrinth, which those ones down. still baffles locals at You’ll pay a lot for cabs in London, times, but it’s worth mastering. As but they are handy at the end of buses are cheaper, opting to travel a night out. by double decker instead of the Minicabs are usually a bit Tube is a good way to save your cheaper than taxis, and firms are cash. It also covers the areas of all over the city, but they can’t be London not covered by the Tube, and there are plenty of night buses flagged, so call ahead. It’s good to ask for the price of your trip first, running when the Underground is because they don’t all have fare shut. Maps and travel information metres. are available via TfL. Never risk using an unlicensed Rail services minicab, no matter how badly you want to get home, because they’re Some parts of London are better notoriously dangerous. reached by rail, like Hackney, To get numbers of reputable Battersea, Peckham, Denmark taxi firms near you, text “CAB” Hill and a host of other spots. The to 60835. newest addition is the handy East TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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Don’t lose contact with people at home who matter the most

Stay in touch Now you’re living miles away, your family might appreciate a phonecall now and then. Here’s how to get the best deals on communicating WORDS CLARE VOOGHT Shopping around is the golden rule when it comes to looking for a phone or internet contract to help you communicate with people at home. There are so many deals out there, so don’t commit until you’re 100 per cent happy. Landlines Antipodeans are lucky to find providers that offer free calls to landlines back in Australia and New Zealand, such as SkyTalk with its Unlimited package and BT’s International Freedom bolt-on, both £5 a month. Don’t take up a contract unless you get a deal like this, which you can usually get when you sign up to a monthly contract with a provider for around £8-£15. Unfortunately, we haven’t heard of a South 36

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African equivalent deal, but calls to SA landlines can be made from 2p a minute depending on your provider. If you’re not worried about calling home, there are lots of phone packages that offer deals on inclusive calls. But check for connection charges before you sign up, as any monthly savings can be cancelled out by up-front fees. Mobile phones You’ll need one of these as soon as you get off the plane. Either get your phone from home unlocked here and use a British SIM card once you’ve set up a contract or on pay as you go. Or if you want to get a new one, the prices of smartphones (iPhone, Blackberry or Android) have gone down a lot recently. Most providers offer a

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subsidised handset if you sign up to a contract – you can get a smartphone for as little as £10 a month, usually on an 18or 24-month contract. These have the added perks of a camera, music and internet with them, and they’ve also got GPS so you can find your way when you’re lost in London. If you use your phone a lot, it might be cheaper to get a contract, but if you don’t use it much then pay as you go may be the best option for you. When picking a service provider, the best advice is to do as much research as you can over whether you want to get a contract or go pre-paid. If you’re prepared to hunt and haggle, there are some great deals out there. Also bear in mind that some phone shop staff might be paid commission for selling certain brands or models. Phone cards You can get these handy gems from newsagents and websites. They’ll give you generously discounted calls to foreign countries – some let you call Australia for just 1.5p per minute. Use them on any phone, but watch for additional charges if using a mobile. Also be careful to look for extra costs if you use the cards at particular times of day. Aside from that, they’re usually as good a saving as they seem.

WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU? PAY AS YOU GO PROS: You won’t have to pay a monthly fee and won’t be on a contract. Phone credit is easy to buy and can also be hooked up to your bankcard. CONS: Calls and texts usually cost more and you have to pay the full price for a smartphone on PAYG deals. IDEAL FOR: Anyone who mostly texts or plans to use the phone just for social calls in the evenings and at weekends.

PAY MONTHLY PROS: You get a lot more for your money and you never run out of credit. Providers often offer cheaper international calls and you don’t usually have to fork out a lot initially to get a smartphone. CONS: Fees are monthly and you’ll be locked into a contract for 12-24

sure you find out about connection fees, modem and router costs before signing up to make sure you’re paying the least possible overall. Like with phones, there are some brilliant deals to be found. Some come with a landline and Sky or Cable TV – which might be

Contracts are often cheaper months. If you lose the phone and don’t have insurance you won’t get the money back. IDEAL FOR: Anyone who uses their phone a lot, especially for work as you’ll need the bills to claim expenses.

handy now winter’s approaching. Virgin and Sky do competitive bundle packages like these, which are well worth checking out. Or if you’d rather your home was an internet free zone, there are plenty of internet cafes to be used on every high street. Usage costs from around 50p an hour.

Internet Always shop around before you commit to a contract with an internet provider too. An important thing to look for if you’re renting in a shared house is unlimited usage – it’s worth paying that little bit extra for it to avoid getting slapped with a massive bill if too many downloads are made by multiple users. Always check the fine print. Also, always make

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Don’t call 999! It’s just man flu

Avoid sick notes Life in London comes at a frantic pace, so do all you can to stop getting ill. However, if you are feeling worse for wear, here’s our guide on what to do WORDS CLARE VOOGHT

THE hectic lifestyle and non-stop partying you’re likely to get into when you arrive in London means it pays to make the effort and stay healthy. There’s something going on 24/7 so you’ll want to keep up. If you do get sick, here’s where to go and what to do to get you back in the game as quickly as possible. Emergency numbers Make sure you know what number to call in an emergency – in Britain, it’s 999. Most hospitals in the UK have 24-hour accident and emergency (A&E) departments, where you can get treated without an appointment. You’ll have to wait though. Doctor Doctor Get to a doctor as soon as you can, because 38

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you’ll need to be registered before you can get an appointment. To find a surgery in your area, contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647, or visit nhsdirect.nhs.uk. Make an appointment with one that’s got space for new patients. If you’re caught short and need a doctor quickly, you can also visit a walk-in centre without an appointment. You’ll have to wait but don’t need to be registered. They can be found across London. Search on nhs.uk for walk-in centre locations. Prescriptions If your doctor prescribes you some meds, they cost a standard rate of £7.40 per script. And if you know you’re going to be on regular medication, it’s worth getting yourself a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC), which caps how much you’re spending. A PPC

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for three months costs £29.10 and for 12 months it’s £104. Sexual health If you get a prescription from your doctor for contraception, it’s entirely free. As is the morningafter pill if you get it prescribed or visit A&E or a sexual health centre. Or you can buy it over the counter from pharmacies from about £25. Women over 25 who are sexually active are recommended to have a smear test every three years, which is also free. These are usually carried out by a nurse. If you want a sexual health test, visit a sexual health clinic – find your nearest one at nhs.uk. The perfect smile So now you know how to deal with anything that’s up with your body, make sure you’ve got your teeth covered. Some dentists are registered with the National Health Service, but these aren’t free; you’ll still need to pay a fraction of your treatment costs.

BE NICE Good manners help you get the best health service. At the doctor’s surgery, remember you’re not the only sick person there. It can take a while to see a GP, but it’s not the receptionist’s fault, so don’t take it out on them. A polite manner and friendly smile might get you seen by the duty doctor if you’re feeling really ill.

Waiting lists are notoriously long, but you can find NHS dentists in your area by calling NHS Direct or visiting their website. If waiting lists are long, there are plenty of private dentists around, but they can be pricey. If you’re brave, you can get yourself an appointment at a dental school for free. The students are supervised by qualified dentists and this is available nationwide, offered by hospitals such as Guy’s in Southwark, London. Hospital treatment The UK’s network of hospitals is extensive, and free treatment on

the NHS is available to anyone living in the country – so being injured shouldn’t ruin you. This extends to all treatment you receive, from X-rays and tests to surgery. You also won’t be surprised with an ambulance bill if you have to call one out in an emergency – they’re also free on the NHS. Private healthcare Some employers offer their staff private health and dental care as a perk. Otherwise, they may give you access to subsidised health benefits, which can take the form of a private health policy. Alternatively, you can buy regular medical insurance through a variety of providers that’ll cover you for quick private treatment at varying degrees of cover. Your employer may also subsidise a health cash plan, or you can join one independently for medical, dental and optical care. These let you reclaim part of the costs of treatment.

An ambulance; left NHS treatment is free to those living in the UK

[Caption] TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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TOUCHINGDOWN LONDON OLYMPICS

The world watches During the Olympics, London will become the centre of the universe for about six weeks. Make sure you’re in town as it promises to be one hell of a party WORDS KELSEY CLARK

The Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games will take place on July 27 2012, and will mark the beginning of the XXX Olympiad. It will also mark the beginning of crowded streets, stuffy Tube rides and over-priced souvenirs of the rather strange Olympic mascots Wenlock and Mandeville (above). Expect the Queen to be greeted at the entrance of the Olympic Stadium by President of the International Olympic Committee and the Chair of the Organising Committee – hopefully they don’t forget to bow! Here’s our complete list of London 2012 Olympic venues hosting the Games next year:

Paralympic swimming, modern pentathlon. ABOUT: This new, permanent structure features a wave-like roof longer than Heathrow Terminal 5. It has a bridge over the top where two thirds of the spectators are expected to clamber into the Olympic Park. Just make sure you don’t take a topple – your dive will look childish in comparison to the athletes. WHEN: Diving, Jul 29-Aug 11; swimming, Jul 28Aug 4; synchronised swimming, Aug 5-10; modern pentathlon, Aug 11-12; Paralympic swimming, Aug 30-Sep 8.

Aquatics Centre

WHERE: Olympic Park, Stratford, east London. WHAT: Basketball, wheelchair basketball and rugby, handball.

WHERE: Olympic Park, Stratford, east London. WHAT: Diving, swimming, synchronised swimming,

Basketball Arena

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BMX bandits will race at Stratford WHERE: This arena is one of the largest temporary Olympic venues ever built. Workers will need to transform it quickly, removing basketball equipment and installing handball goals to accommodate the variety of events during the Games. WHEN: Basketball, Jul 28-Aug 12; wheelchair basketball, Aug 30Sep 8; wheelchair rugby, Sep 5-9; handball, Jul 28-Aug 12. BMX Track WHERE: Olympic Park, Stratford, east London. WHAT: BMX cycling. ABOUT: This new 400m track will be reconfigured after the Games for community use as a part of the new VeloPark. WHEN: Aug 8-10. Brands Hatch WHERE: Kent. WHAT: Paralympic road cycling. ABOUT: Brands Hatch is an internationally renowned motor racing circuit that has hosted the British Grand Prix with great success for two decades. WHEN: Sep 5-8. 42

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City of Coventry Stadium WHERE: Coventry, Midlands. WHAT: Football. ABOUT: Usually home to the Coventry City football club, the stadium will be a London 2012 Live Site venue, with a large screen installed at the city centre screening live events. WHEN: Jul 25-Aug 11. Earls Court WHERE: Earls Court, west London. WHAT: Volleyball. ABOUT: An existing exhibition centre first opened in 1937. WHEN: Jul 28-Aug 12. Eton Dorney WHERE: London. WHAT: Rowing, paralympic rowing, canoe sprint. ABOUT: Dorney Lake features a 2,200m, eight-lane rowing course built to international standards. This will be the first year the canoe sprint event is featured in the Olympic Games. WHEN: Rowing, Jul 28-Aug 4; Paralympic rowing, canoe sprint, Aug 6-11; Paralympic rowing, Aug 31-Sep 2.

LONDON LIVE SITES If you’ve missed the boat to score tickets to any of the events, watching the Games at one the capital’s special Oympic zones is the next-best thing. HYDE PARK Chill out on the grass and watch the action of six screens, including a 144m2 whopper. VICTORIA PARK It’s right near the Olympic Stadium, so go on the observation wheel for a great view. TRAFALGAR SQUARE Try different sports at the open-air headquarters for the Paralympics. londonlive.uk.com

Eton Manor WHERE: Olympic Park, Stratford, east London. WHAT: Wheelchair tennis. ABOUT: A new sporting facility now stands on the site of the old Eton Manor Sports Club, unused since 2001. The versatile venue will have temporary training pools during the Olympics, and will host wheelchair tennis during the Paralympic Games. Wheelchair

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No pulling punches at the ExCel Centre tennis has the same rules as ablebodied tennis, with the exception that the wheelchair tennis player is allowed two bounces of the ball. WHEN: Sep 1-8.

Aug 30-Sep 1; Paralympic powerlifting, Aug 30-Sep 5; sitting volleyball, Aug 30-Sep 8; wheelchair fencing, Sep 4-8.

ExCel

WHERE: South-east London. WHAT: Equestrian events – jumping, dressage and eventing, paralympic equestrian, modern pentathalon. ABOUT: Greenwich Park is London’s oldest Royal Park and a World Heritage site, dating back to 1433. More than 200 athletes will compete for six gold medals in the equestrian sports, the only Olympic sport in which men and women compete against each other on equal terms. WHEN: Jumping, Aug 4-8; dressage, Aug 2-9; eventing, Jul 28-31; Aug 11-12, modern pentathlon, Paralympic equestrian, Aug 30-Sep 4.

WHERE: East London. WHAT: Boxing, fencing, judo, table tennis, taekwondo, weightlifting, wrestling, boccia, paralymic table tennis, paralympic judo, paralympic powerlifting, sitting volleyball, wheelchair fencing. ABOUT: One of Europe’s largest exhibition spaces down by London’s famous docks. WHEN: Jul 28-Aug 12; fencing, Jul 28-Aug 5; judo, Jul 28-Aug 3; table tennis, Jul 28-Aug 8; taekwondo, August 8-11; weightlifting, Jul 28Aug 7; wrestling, Aug 5-12; boccia, Sep 2-8; Paralympic table tennis, Aug 30-Sep 8; Paralympic judo,

Greenwich Park

Hadleigh Farm WHERE: Essex. WHAT: Mountain biking. ABOUT: The farm is owned by the Salvation Army and contains hilly open grass land with spectator viewing areas. A temporary course has been constructed against the backdrop of Hadleigh Castle. WHEN: Aug 11-12. Hampden Park WHERE: Near Glasgow, Scotland WHAT: Football. ABOUT: Men’s and women’s competitions will take place here. WHEN: Jul 25-Aug 11. Hampton Court Palace WHERE: Richmond, London. WHAT: Road cycling time trial. ABOUT: A stunning royal palace, once home to King Henry VIII. These are free events. ›› WHEN: Jul 28-Aug 1. TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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LONDON OLYMPICS Handball Arena WHERE: Olympic Park, Stratford, east London. WHAT: Handball, goalball, modern pentathlon. ABOUT: The modern pentathlon – quite a quirky event – consists of fencing, swimming, riding and combined run-shoot event. WHEN: Handball, Jul 28-Aug 12; goalball, Aug 30-Sep 7; modern pentathlon, Aug 11-12. Hockey Centre WHERE: Olympic Park, London. WHAT: Hockey, paralympic five-aside-football, paralympic seven-aside football. ABOUT: This temporary structure will be relocated after the Games to the north of the park as a part of the Eton Manor sports facilities. WHEN: Hockey, Jul 29-Aug 11; Paralympic five-a-side, Aug 31-Sep 8; Paralympic seven-a-side, Sep1-9. Horse Guards Parade

The Lee Valley course will host canoe events

WHERE: At the heart of Whitehall, close to Downing Street and Buckingham Palace WHAT: Beach volleyball. ABOUT: The parade ground dates from 1745 and hosts a ceremony on the Queen’s official birthday each year. Sand will be brought in to create a temporary beach. WHEN: Jul 28-Aug 9.

north of the Olympic Park. WHAT: Canoe slalom. ABOUT: A new course with two canoe slaloms was constructed for the Games. A 10,000m² lake is also being constructed, complete with pumps to create white water and obstacles in the course. WHEN: Jul 29-Aug 2.

major sporting events such as the London Marathon, the smaller Olympic and Paralympic marathons seem small potatoes with just 80 athletes in each race. WHEN: Athletics, Aug 3-12; road cycling, Jul 28-Aug 1; Paralympic athletics, Aug 31-Sep 9.

Hyde Park

Lord’s Cricket Ground

WHERE: London’s West End What: Triathlon, marathon swimming. ABOUT: Open to the public since 1637, the park is expected to be home to music, theatre, film and cultural events in the summer. A temporary grandstand and course will be constructed for the Games. WHEN: Triathlon Aug 4-7; marathon swimming, Aug 10.

WHERE: Near Regent’s Park in north-west London. WHAT: Archery. ABOUT: Normally home to the Middlesex County Cricket Club. WHEN: Jul 27-Aug 3.

WHERE: Cardiff, Wales. WHAT: Football. ABOUT: The stadium has already played host to many top sporting events including a Rugby World Cup final. WHEN: Jul 25-Aug 11.

The Mall

North Greenwich Arena

WHERE: From Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square, London. WHAT: Athletics (marathon and race walk), Paralympic athletics (marathon) and road cycling. ABOUT: Usually the backdrop to

WHERE: Across the Thames from the Olympic Park. WHAT: Artistic gymnastics, trampoline, basketball, wheelchair basketball. ABOUT: Originally built for the

Lee Valley White Water Centre WHERE: Hertfordshire, 30 km 44

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Millennium Stadium

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TOUCHINGDOWN LONDON OLYMPICS

The Olympic Stadium will be the focal point of the Games

millennium celebrations, the arena athletics as well as the opening has been transformed into a sports and closing ceremonies. and entertainment arena. ABOUT: The new permanent WHEN: Artistic gymnastics, structure is its own modern-day Jul 28-Aug 7; trampoline, Aug fortress, surrounded on three 3-4; basketball, Jul 28-Aug sides by water. Fans and spectators 12; wheelchair will enter the basketball, Aug 30stadium via five To keep up-to-date with the Sep 8. bridges. Some Olympics, check in at these 80,000 people useful websites: Old Trafford can fit into the The official site of the stadium. After WHERE: Near Olympics: olympic.org the Games, it Manchester, northThe latest on the London Games: london2012.com will continue to west England. Coverage from the BBC: hold sporting WHAT: Football bbc.co.uk/2012 and cultural – two events. An exhaustive Olympics community ABOUT: Home to forum: events. Manchester United the2012londonolympics.com WHEN: Football Club, the Athletics, Aug venue was expanded 3-12; Paralympic athletics Aug to 76,000 making it the second31-Sep 9. largest football ground in the UK. WHEN: Jul 25-Aug 11. Olympic Village Olympic Stadium WHERE: Olympic Park, Stratford. WHERE: Olympic Park, Stratford. WHAT: The stadium will host 208 events, athletics and paralympic

WHAT: Home for athletes and officials during the Games. ABOUT: The village will comprise

residential apartments for some 17,000 athletes and officials. After the Olympics, the village will provide essential new housing for east London with 2,800 homes. The Royal Artillery Barracks WHERE: South-east London. WHAT: Shooting, paralympic shooting, paralympic archery. ABOUT: The venue is part of the port of Woolwich, with a military history beginning with the barracks’ construction in 1776. WHEN: Shooting, Jul 28-Aug 6; paralympic shooting, Aug 30Sep 6; paralympic archery, Aug 30-Sep 5. St James’ Park WHERE: Newcaste-upon-Tyne, north-east England. WHAT: Football. ABOUT: Newcastle United have given up their stadium for the quarter-finals of the men’s and women’s competitions. WHEN: Jul 25-Aug 11. ›› TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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LONDON OLYMPICS

The water polo will be out at Stratford Velodrome

Wembley Arena

Weymouth and Portland

WHERE: Olympic Park, Stratford. WHAT: Track cycling, paralympic track cycling. ABOUT: The Velodrome is the most sustainable venue in the Olympic Park in design and construction. There’s no air-con inside, as a 100 per cent natural ventilation system was installed. With room for 6,000 spectators. WHEN: Track cycling, Aug 2-7; Paralympic track cycling, Aug 30-Sep 2.

WHERE: North-west London WHAT: Badminton, rhythmic gymnastics. ABOUT: About 6,000 spectators are expected to enjoy the thrilling, nail-biting, action-packed events of badminton and rhythmic gymnastics. Ribbon twirling has never been so intense. WHEN: Badminton, Jul 28-Aug 5; rhythmic gymnastics, Aug 9-12.

WHERE: Dorset. WHAT: Sailing, paralympic sailing. ABOUT: The harbour was the first 2012 Games venue to be finished. Despite the early completion date, there will be no seating for spectators – standing or sitting on the ground will be the only option for sailing enthusiast crowds. WHEN: Sailing, Jul 29-Aug 11; Paralympic sailing, Sep 1-6.

Wembley Stadium

Wimbledon

WHERE: North-west London. WHAT: Football. ABOUT: Each seat in the new stadium has a guaranteed unrestricted view of the pitch. Wembley is the biggest of the six Olympic stadiums, and will host the gold medal events in men’s and women’s football. WHEN: Jul 25-Aug 11.

WHERE: South-west London. WHAT: Tennis. ABOUT: Wimbledon has been home to the world-famous self-named tennis tournament since 1877. It is the only major grass-court tennis venue in the world and will once again host the world’s biggest names. WHEN: Jul 28-Aug 5. ❚

Water Polo Arena WHERE: Olympic Park, alongside the Aquatics Centre, Stratford. WHAT: Water polo. ABOUT: The arena contains a warm-up pool as well as the competition pool and will be deconstructed after the games. WHEN: Jul 29-Aug 12. 46

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TOUCHINGDOWN LONDON OLYMPICS

The after party Not only is London the sporting destination for 2012, but there is some top entertainment planned as well. Here’s our guide to the cream of the crop

MUSIC Damon Albarn, Leona Lewis (below) and Rufus Wainwright will be among the acts taking centrestage in the evenings, hoping to produce a different kind of gold-medal performance. Albarn, the former Blur front-man and the brains behind Gorillaz, will be presenting his opera, Dr Dee (doctorjohndee.tumblr. com), which tells the story of Queen Elizabeth I’s most brilliant adviser, at the London Coliseum.

if London becomes too much. Closer to home, check out West End Live (westendlive.co.uk) in Trafalgar Square on the weekend of June 23-24 for highlights from London’s best musicals.

ART

OUTDOORS

London’s galleries will be going all-out – there will be a major Damien Hirst (above) exhibition at the Tate Modern (tate.org.uk/modern), as well as a new show from Tracey Emin in her home town of Margate. At the same time, Yoko Ono will be the subject of a major exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery (serpentinegallery.org) in the middle of Hyde Park.

There will be crazy carnivals and outdoor events all over the UK, so if you fancy getting out of London during the Games, there’s plenty on offer. You could, for example, make the trip up to Stonehenge (see P109), to coincide with the Salisbury Arts Festival (salisburyfestival.co.uk). It’s an incredible atmosphere and the sight of the standing stones, lit only by firelight (right) is truly memorable.

THEATRE If the rhythmic gymnastics aren’t enough to sate your appetite for culture, you can always take in a performance at the World Shakespeare Festival (worldshakespearefestival.org.uk), which has attracted productions from all over the world, including China, Iraq and Brazil, and runs until September. It could be a good excuse for a road-trip

London 2012 Festival, the culmination of the capital’s Cultural Olympiad, will bring thousands of events and attractions, ensuring there’s plenty for you to do if you feel you’ve overdone the sport. It runs from June 21 to Sep 9 – ticket prices vary and are sold individually according to the events. See festival.london2012.com for full programme

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Capitalising on the capital: make sure you see all the top attractions

Being a tourist Once you’ve landed, don’t waste any time getting out and seeing what this wondrously vibrant, diverse, history-drenched city has to offer WORDS ALASDAIR MORTON London Eye

The Thames

Unveiled in 2000 as part of London’s millennium celebrations, The London Eye stands on the banks of the Thames by the historic Waterloo Station. The largest ‘ferris wheel’ in Europe, it offers panoramic views over this global city that are, quite simply, breathtaking. Wrapped up in a capsule that offers a 360-degree vantage point, you can truly appreciate this iconic city’s breadth, scale and beauty. To the south is the soon-to-be finished The Shard, northwards the extension of the city past The Mall, St Paul’s and beyond, and just over the river there’s the Houses of Parliament. Each ‘flight’ takes 45 minutes, book for dusk and watch as the city lights up before your very eyes. londoneye.com

The Thames is the birthplace of London. Jump on a boat tour and take in the scenery and a host of history-drenched landmarks from a vantage point of leisure, from the city centre out to Richmond in the leafy ‘burbs. Or opt for the Thames cycle path instead from Putney to Henry VIII’s stomping ground of Hampton Court – not only does it offer some of London’s finest walking and cycling trails, but there’s plenty of pubs too to stop at to quench your thirst. tfl.gov.uk and walklondon.org.uk West End Show With unrivalled breadth and depth on offer, the West End is the one true rival to Broadway. Whether it be a musical or a comedy, a traditional classic or a ›› TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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contemporary upstart, there is no end to your choice. With Chinatown on hand to offer an equally diverse platter of delights for a pre-show dine, and the trendy hipster bars of nearby Soho providing the perfect watering hole for post-show discussions, the West End is a must-visit London locale. Book discounted tix at tntmagazine.eolts.co.uk South Bank Doused in London’s artistic and creative juices, the South Bank pulls together shopping, eating and cultural activities into a popular venue of some repute. Visit Shakespeare’s Globe, take a tour underground in the Old Vic Tunnels beneath Waterloo station, take to the water with the London Duck Tours on an aquatic-vehicle used in the D-Day landings, indulge your artistic side at the Tate Modern or just soak up all the art, film and music that the Southbank Centre – the largest single-run arts centre in the world – has to offer. southbankcentre.co.uk

The London Eye: a absolute must see Sunday Lunch

British food is something of a laughing stock in global culinary circles – it comes as little surprise that the Poms’ takeaway of choice British Museum is an Indian. But the traditional Sunday roast is the one time they Sheathed in a neck-straining glass knocked it out of the park. Chicken, canopy, the British Museum is beef or lamb, it widely regarded as matters not one of the world’s HONOURABLE MENTIONS The House of Commons makes when its served finest museums of for a fascinating delve into up with roast human history and British traditions, the public potatoes, a culture. Comprised gallery an eye-opening garden of veg of a single visitexperience. Harvey Nichols and waistlinedefying eight and Regent Street’s Liberty bothering million works from take shopping experiences to Yorkshire around the world, the next level. Hampstead is the hang out of London’s rich puddings and many of these are and famous, and the soon-togravy. from other be completed cable car over Accompanied by countries, which has the Thames is a smash tourist the odd bevvie led to continued success in waiting. to wash it down controversy with – and banish the several demanding after-effects still lingering from the the return of their national night before – this is one British artefacts. Controversy be damned tradition that is worth its weight in though – this is one epic haul. salt. Not to be missed. britishmuseum.org 50

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Brick Lane An iconic London district, so much so, it even spawned a movie set in the midst of its culturally-diverse surrounds, Brick Lane is a must for curry fans with its Bangladeshi history making for a diverse experience for the tastebuds. Trendy Shoreditch types have added to the area’s gentrification, with all manner of vintage shops and boundless exhibition spaces, and the Sunday Up Market housed within the Old Truman Brewery specialises in vintage clothes, jewellery and art. The vibrant character and energy is infectious. London Sporting Venues London houses a smorgasbord of world class and iconic sports grounds. Arsenal’s 60,000 capacity home at the Emirates dominates north London with the recently developed Wembley out west, home to international fixtures (and the odd superstar concert too).

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Take a stadium tour of Chelsea’s west London Stamford Bridge residence in the plush surrounds of Fulham and visit England’s Twickenham home to see the turf on which the boys ‘underperform’ on a regular basis. Lord’s holds fort as one of the country’s most prestigious cricketing venues and the postal code of SW17 is synonymous with Wimbledon, the birthplace of lawn tennis and one of four annual grand slam competitions. They’re still searching for their first Brit champ since 1936. sport4allseasons.com Big Ben Arguably the most famous landmark in the whole city, Big Ben stands proud at the north end of the Palace of Westminster - Ben being the name given to the bell inside the tower that chimes every hour. Famous from any film with a scene set in London, take a walk around the tower’s environs and take in the history. bigben.parliament.co.uk Madame Tussauds A tourist attraction that is as cheesy as it is essential, Tussauds has waxworks of folk from pop, fashion, sports and, of course, the royal family. So pop by and check out the likenesses of Prince Charles,

Lady Gaga, David Beckham, Wolverine (aka Hugh Jackman), Rihanna and Sachin Tendulkar. madametussauds.com/london London Zoo The world’s oldest scientific zoo - it opened its doors for the first time in 1828 - London Zoo houses a cornucopia of animals and reptiles, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Regent’s Park. There’s London’s only living rainforest, ‘Penguin Beach’, a reptile house, and Asian big cats. There’s a walkthrough monkey enclosure too allowing a little face-to-face time where - with no barrier between man and simian - if you’re not careful some cheeky critter might make off with your sunnies. zsl.org Thames Boat Cruise One of the best ways to take in the sights is a guided tour, of which there are many to choose, so take to the water for a Thames-based view of the city, plus you also get a taste of the famously-dry British sense of humour too from your stiff-upper-lipped (maybe) tour guide. Giving those feet a rest, you’ll pick up a wealth of historical facts and anecdotes about the city’s early days, its grisly beginnings and its development through the ages. A stop off at the Tower of London is a must too for Beafeater-spotting and details of that grisly history to boot. tfl.gov.uk London Parks

Iconic London: Big Ben

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It’s not all concrete and grey in London, the city has an impressive array of parks and green spaces to kick back in with a beer and catch some rays – when the sun does decide to shine. Hyde Park, at one end of Oxford Street, boasts a yearround roster of star-studded events too, including the Olympics closing ceremony concert. It also offers

CAMDEN TOWN WHY GO THERE? Camden Town is London’s hub of counter-culture cool with clubs, pubs, shopping and more spilling across its lock and surrounds. Out-there styles and attitude run the streets. WHERE TO GO? Camden’s various markets are a frenetic but unmissable shopping experience. For drinks the World’s End provides a snapshot of Camden characters and club Koko is a must-stop for instant indie-cool credibility. Camden High Street, NW1 camdenlock.net Camden

boating on its famous Serpentine lake, which is home to the Solar Shuttle, a sun-only-powered vessel that glides across the water. Battersea Park on the south of the river offers boating and walks past its eye-catching Pagoda and Regent’s Park serves up greenspace escape in the north. Clapham Common is the home of numerous summertime concerts and events, with nearby Richmond Park ›› TNTMAGAZINE.COM

TOUCHINGDOWN famed for its cycling routes and viewing platform. royalparks.org.uk Covent Garden Covent Garden is a wonderful example of where tradition meets commerce. Steeped in history and olde English pubs, it’s a fine place to catch a pint and lap up a rare moment of bustling city atmosphere. Buskers and street performers galore line the streets risking life and limb through all manner of performances for your attention and money. It’s also a shopping dream, with a dazzling array of boutiques and designer label stores to sate even the most fashion-hungry diva out there. coventgardenlondonuk.com Markets London has a diverse selection of markets – one for all occasions and needs. Spitalfields, replete with a luxurious glass canopy, houses stalls catering for fashion, interiors,

jewellery and art, and you can relax with a glass of wine in Old Spitalfields Market’s Victorian setting and browse the designer couture and antiques. Borough is London’s most renowned food market, with delights from all over the world, and Brixton, in south London, even boasts its own food market, with recipe suggestions and a cornucopia of street food. boroughmarket.org.uk spitalfields.co.uk/markets Portobello Road Strecthing from Queens Park in the north to Notting Hill in the south, Portobello Road is one of London’s most de rigeur shopping destinations. Its famed Saturday market is a lesson in organised chaos as antiques, vintage clothing and assorted odds and ends make a play for your purse. With street food from around the world to keep you hunting, Portobello has a rugged charm to keep it grounded. portobellomarket.org

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The London Bridge Experience Teasing that it is the ‘scariest day out’ the London Bridge Experience takes you through a potted history of the city’s grotty and ghastly past, including the Great Fire of London, as well as a tour through the tombs that lie underneath the world famous bridge landmark. thelondonbridgeexperience.com. London Aquarium With more than 500 species on show and some two million litres of water, the SeaLife centre on London’s South Bank is a dazzling demonstration of what lies beneath. With 14 themed zones including 14 sharks from 12 different species, it’s not just fish and plantlife from the British Isles and surrounds on show but from all over the world’s oceans. visitsealife.com/London Picadilly Circus An iconic setting seen in a thousand movies, Piccadilly Circus will disappoint those looking for some big top-themed entertainment, but them alone. With its glaring, futuristic wall of neon signs for TDK, Sanyo and Fosters, to the statue of Eros in its centre, a popular meeting place for those in town, it’s a London locale you can’t afford to miss. Take in the sights and watch in wonder as life, in all its guises, races past before your very eyes. Trafalgar Square

Leicester Square in the West End 52

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Trafalgar Square was built in honour of the British victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in the Napoleonic Wars. Nelson’s Column, constructed in 1843, keeps solemn watch over the city with four lions on plinths keeping guard at the base. Famous for its pigeons – which once numbered 35,000 – the square is now free of its feathery population since bird seed was banned in the early Noughties.

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No visit would be complete without a trip to Buckingham Palace Tate Modern

Monet, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol are The most visited displayed here. modern art QUIRKY LONDON London has a host of weird The Tate Modern’s gallery in the and wonderful charms. turbine hall, which world, that’s SPEAKER’S CORNER in Hyde previously housed what Tate Park is an outlet for opinion the electricity Modern is. But and debate – an opportunity generators of the it wasn’t always that is much needed in these power station, that way. A brave politically-inclined times. is a behemoth decision to turn AFTERNOON TEA at The Ritz takes a very proper English to behold. With the previously tradition and gives it a expansion work disused Bankside luxurious spin, and FISH AND developing Power station in CHIPS at Harrods is a must for several unused to an art gallery those wanting to sample sections, including is one that Britain’s other culinary export. underground oil was met with tanks, slated for suspicion and completion by the 2012 Games, pessimism on its announcement, this British success story is set to but it’s a move that has paid off continue and no trip to the city in spades. Housing modern and would be complete without a visit. contemporary art from 1900 onwards, artists such as Claude tate.org.uk/modern

Guided Tours Jump on a open-topped bus – weather-permitting – for a spin around the capital’s streets to take in the sights and sounds and get your bearings. For the more energetic, there are oodles of themed-walking tours to take in, including a Jack The Ripper tour along the east London streets which this vicious serial killer stalked in the 1800s. East End & Shoreditch Gentrification is leading the charge in this up-and-coming area of London. A hipster scene predominates, taking in art, music and fashion. Stop in at any one of the area’s trendy bars or ultra-cool nightspots to soak up the vibes. ❚ TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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Making a scene The birthplace of punk, the world’s finest comedians, West End shows that tour the globe: London has it nailed when it comes to entertainment London has a reputation as a bustling city of power, passion and prestige, and accordingly there is no shortage of options for your entertainment needs. Whether it be live music, clubbing, theatre, comedy, or eating out with a good bottle of red, there’s a venue, night, and occasion for all. When you’ve got your bearings, it’s time to pick up a copy of TNT to find out what’s going on. In the meantime, here’s our guide to the biggest, best and most essential things to see, do and be a part of. Main stage London’s live music scene is the talk of the town – and beyond. With a host of venues catering for the small intimate gigs as well as the ground54

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shaking arena epics, there’s accommodation for even the planet’s biggest stars. The newly refurbished Wembley Stadium is the natural stop for the world’s biggest acts, with Muse, Metallica and Foo Fighters having unleashed their live shows here in recent years. The nearby Wembley Arena is host to popular telly shows such as the perennial X Factor, in addition to comedians and bands – Flight of the Conchords performed a sell-out show here not two years ago. The O2 (theo2.co.uk) Arena, formerly ‘the Dome’ has, in the space of five years, quickly cemented itself as one of the world’s most popular venues in the country. An ‘intimate large venue’ if you will, it hosts a

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variety of shows, comedians and gigs ranging from TV show Strictly Come Dancing’s live tour and stand-up comedian Lee Evans to rock legends Led Zeppelin. Intimate setting

TOUCHINGDOWN Australia, New Zealand and South Africa tour their shows over here. Remember to check the pages of TNT for listings. There’s nothing like supporting homegrown talent overseas, and a special, one-off thrill can be found seeing bands from home abroad.

As well as catering for the big guns, there are all manner of smaller scale venues across the city. Buying tickets Most bands’ official websites have The famous 100 Club (the100club. links to booking, or reminders co.uk) in Oxford Street is a small when tickets go on sale. Sites such venue that has seen the likes of as Ticketweb or SeeTickets offer the Sex Pistols and, more recently, weekly newsletter letting you Oasis, and was supported by none know who’s playing when and other than Paul McCartney when where so you don‘t miss out. threatened with closure. King’s If you’ve missed the initial sale Cross’ The Scala (scala-london. then there are a number of sites co.uk) is an intimate venue par where you can buy or sell tickets excellence, getting you up close for gigs and shows too, such as and personal with the performers, seatwave.com and viagogo.com. and north London’s Highbury The price might be steep, but Garage (venues.mean fiddler. sometimes there’s no price on com/the-garage) is a regular stop seeing your favourite band. for indie and rock’s finest. Brixton Academy Clubbing (o2academybrixton.co.uk) is world famous; the former theatre and Electro, techno, house, trance, cinema having been the setting R&B, garage – whatever you’re for live albums by the likes of after, there’s sounds to suit with Motorhead and Franz Ferdinand, clubs ready to challenge even the and a regular stop for alternative most energetic of clubbers. bands, pop acts as well as Ministry of Sound in comedians. Southwark, south London The rejuvenated Roundhouse (ministryofsound.com), is one in Camden (roundhouse.org.uk) is of the clubbing scene’s mainstay an arts and music venue steeped in attractions. With five rooms, history, so too the Hammersmith four bars, four dancefloors, and Apollo (venues. four DJ booths, FESTIVAL SEASON meanfiddler. there is plenty to The UK’s music scene comes com/apollo/home) keep you going to alive in the summer. Reading which is a fave for the small hours. (readingfestival.com) stars the top-selling artists Fabric in biggest names in rock, and and comedians alike Farringdon Download the heaviest names and is host for the (fabriclondon. in metal (dowloadfestival. co.uk). Bruce Springsteen comedy show Live com) is a top ten headlines the Isle of Wight At The Apollo. regular in ‘Best event (isleofwight festival. Club in the World’ com), with Latitude Familiar sounds polls in the (latitudefstival.co.uk) bringing press, and For those missing a touch of class to the often it lives up to the sounds of mud-covered festival-going its billing. It home, don’t worry experience, and T In The Park (tinthepark.com)taking things has three rooms as plenty of bands north of the border. including and comedians from

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BFI IMAX WHAT IS IT? The biggest cinema screen in Britain – 20 metres high and 26 metres wide – and the best place for the ultimate moviewatching experience. WHY GO THERE? The IMAX format produces a larger, more detailed image that’s the perfect home for 3D movies. It is how blockbuster cinema was meant to be seen, just ask James Cameron. BFI IMAX

1 Charlie Chaplin Walk,

South Bank, Waterloo, SE1 8XR Waterloo

bfi.org.uk

a ‘bodysonic’ dancefloor’ which pulses bass through your feet. Electric Brixton, formerly The Fridge, is a new, young upstart on the club scene and well worth checking out. In the summer, EGG near King’s Cross (egglondon.net)and Dex Club in Brixton (dexclub.co.uk) both boast balcony terraces so you can check out the tunes in glorious sunshine. TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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Simply get yourself down to Gigalum Bar by Clapham South tube station before 9pm Fridays Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be given your free ticket at 11:30pm at Gigalum where discounted taxis will waiting to pick you up, or the tube ride is only 20 minutes door-to-door. Tickets valid until 12:30am at Ministry Of Sound.

WHY NOT BOOK A TABLE OR AN AREA AT GIGALUM AND SAMPLE THE DELICIOUS MENU? www.gigalum.com - Tel: 020 8772 0303

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Clockwise: The Proms; Rihanna at V Festival; crowd at Glastonbury

Classical, opera & dance

BBC Proms

All tastes are catered for in London, so if you fancy taking it down a notch for some classical accompaniment or perhaps an outing for the opera, look no further. Wigmore Hall, in Marylebone (wigmore-hall.org.uk), is one of the world’s top chamber music halls, and boasts a fine restaurant to boot. The Barbican Centre (barbican. org.uk), opened in 1982, has a deceptive appearance. From the outside it’s a concrete beast, but the architecture disguises the polypurpose arts complex which hosts exhibitions, theatre, dance and performance. The Royal Opera House (roh. org.uk) is one the world’s foremost venues for watching the fat lady sing, and encourages those seeking their debut opera experience.

This eight-week classical music festival is world famous. Founded more than a hundred years ago, it consists of some 70 concerts held in the Royal Albert Hall, as well as a series of chamber concerts at Cadogan Hall and Proms In The Park events to coincide with the final night. The Last Night Of The Proms is a sight to behold. Decked out with Union Jacks as far as the eye can see, it takes British national pride to its zenith, with Land Of Hope And Glory and Rule Britannia! mainstays of the event. Comedy If there’s one thing the Brits have, it’s a sense of humour – come on, they’ve needed it – which is played out through the city’s wealth of comedy venues. Boasting living-

room-known names, up-andcoming talent and fresh faces, there are laughs for all, and for all tastes. Jongleurs (jongleurs.com) is a nation-wide branch of comedy stores, which sells comedy as a packaged night out, including food and post-laughs music. The Comedy Store (thecomedy store.co.uk) is a long-serving club that has been instrumental in the growth of alternative comedy, shepherding many young talents to success. Fat Tuesday at the Compass (fattuesdaycomedy.co.uk) is a smaller affair, but the laughs just as big; Live at the Chapel (liveatthechapel.co.uk) scores points for its foul-mouthed behaviour in a church, an unlikely setting for an evening of comedy that includes a tea-serving ›› TNTMAGAZINE.COM

TOUCHINGDOWN kiosk (very British) and live to open at the end of the year. music too; and the Soho Theatre Then there are the more high(sohotheatre.com) is famed for brow options with any number its intimate of new plays and presentation of performances THE INSIDER’S TIPS established acts. opening on a You can score free tickets to There are a weekly basis. comedy gigs and more by signing up to a free ticketing wealth of free It has also sites for the recording of TV comedy nights become somewhat and radio shows. Check the too – the Selkirk fashionable for big schedules and apply in time, in Tooting name actors and usually online, and you could (theselkirk. actresses – from the be in the audience for a live co.uk) and the UK and the States recording. With many Comedy Cafe – to take a spell comedians fronting their own shows (Russell Howard), and (comedycafe. treading the boards loads of panel and music co.uk) – where in the limelight, shows, a night of randomness you might just recent guests awaits – you might get your catch the stars of to the London face on TV, too. tomorrow. stage including See tvrecordings.com David Schwimmer, Theatre Christian Slater and Ethan Hawke. London’s West End has it all. There The theatre experience is are the mainstream musicals such not complete without dinner as the long-running We Will Rock beforehand, an interval bevvie You, Billy Elliot and Chicago, and and then perhaps a follow up Green Day’s American Idiot is set

Buy a bargain theatre ticket in the West End 58

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afterwards, you know, to discuss the show you’ve just seen. A handy place to check what’s rocking the West End can be found at theatreland.co.uk Non-commercial theatre For those seeking an injection of the artistic, they need look no further than London’s many non-commercial theatres which, frequently though government funding, offer a diverse range of productions and performances where the emphasis is less on the populist. The Globe Theatre in Bankside (shakespears-globe.org), the National Theatre on the South Bank (nationaltheatre.co.uk) as well as the Old Vic in Southwark (oldvictheatre.com) are some of the venues worth checking out. Cinema For those more interested in the silver screen, London has a plenty of cinemas. Leicester Square is the place to go for the multiplexes (odeon. co.uk; myvue.com) showing the latest big releases. The Picturehouse chain (picturehouses.co.uk), which has prized establishments in Clapham and Brixton, skews more towards independent releases, often throwing in film quizzes and themed seasons, with Curzon (curzoncinemas.com) geared towards arthouse and Euro fare. The Prince Charles in Leicester Square is a film fan’s fave with its line up of retro and contemporary cinema cool. The BFI Southbank (bfi.org. uk) houses three screens that show a selection of mainstream, independent and prestige films, while often delving in to the archives. It is also home to the BFI London Film Festival (bfi.org.uk/lff) which runs in the autumn. ❚

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Arsenal: catch a match for some entertaining footwork

A sporting capital London is well-serviced for sport all year round, so make sure you get your fill while here. It’s best to plan ahead, though, as tickets sell out quickly WORDS TOM STURROCK

Whatever game you’re into, you’ll find it in London, but throughout the year, there are a handful of main events which attract the spotlight. Flick to the back pages, choose a team or player to support and make sure you’re in the stands when the action starts.

FOOTBALL Given the saturation coverage, there’s no point trying to avoid football, so embrace the national obsession. Head to Wembley to watch England – be warned, though, the swing from unrealistic optimism to wristslashing pessimism may cause whiplash. Failing that, adopt one of London’s five Premier League teams. ARSENAL The Gunners pride themselves on playing snazzy, 60

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entertaining football, but their fans have been frustrated by their long-running trophy drought. Back in the early years of this century, Arsenal were one of the powerhouses, but it’s been slim pickings of late. They’re based at Emirates Stadium. Tickets are hard to come by. Call 0844 277 3625 or see arsenal.com. CHELSEA Roman Abramovich runs the club like he’s playing Fantasy Football Manager, splashing the cash on whichever players he fancies, and chopping and changing coaches on a whim. Chelsea have had a fair bit of success since Abramovich showed up in 2003, but many find his plutocratic approach unpalatable. Call 0870 300 2322 for tickets or check out chelseafc.co.uk.

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saunter down FULHAM THE BOAT RACE after work and An underdog Oxford and Cambridge catch a few hours side that is a universities go head-to-head of tennis before it natural favourite on the Thames in an annual gets dark. with antipodeans boat race that has been going due to the since 1829. It all happens on Saturday, April 7, the ATP WORLD inclusive nature competition kicking off at 2pm. TOUR FINALS of the club, ticket Even if you don’t really care The end-of-year availability and about who wins – it’s one tournament pits their location in bunch of toffs against another the best eight an Aussie and Kiwi – it’s a great day on the banks players on the heartland. Their of the river, with much carousing men’s tour against home ground to be done. Hurrah. Check in with TNT Magazine near the each other. is the charming time for the best spots. Held at the O2 Craven Cottage, SEE THEBOATRACE.ORG in Greenwich meaning the fans in November, are known as the it’s a far cry from the sedate Cottagers. Unfortunate. Call 0870 atmosphere of Wimbledon but 442 1234 or see fulhamfc.com. gives Londoners a second bite of the cherry to see some tennis TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR without waiting two weeks for the For years, Spurs were derided for pointy end of a tournament. See their flakiness, but they’ve turned barclaysatpworldtourfinals.com. it around under Harry Redknapp and they’re now in the mix for a top-four spot. Their fans still have RUGBY a bit of a complex though, insisting END OF YEAR TOURS they deserve more respect than The Springboks, All Blacks and they’re afforded. Call 0844 499 5000 or see tottenhamhotspur.com. Wallabies generally tour the northern hemisphere every November, but if you can’t get to QUEEN’S PARK RANGERS Of the London clubs in the Premier Twickenham for the internationals, there are other ways to get your League, QPR are the newest rugby fix. addition, returning after winning the title in the second tier. They’re LONDON SEVENS based in Shepherd’s Bush, west The London leg of the IRB Sevens London, making their matches World Series is played over a with Fulham and Chelsea local weekend in May at Twickenham. derbies, in which passions can run high. Call 08444 777 007 or see Fancy dress is encouraged, so put on your thinking cap and get qpr.co.uk. colourful. There was a time when sevens was a bit of a lark, but TENNIS with it now an Olympic sport and players increasingly graduating WIMBLEDON The tournament at the All England to the 15-a-side sides, it’s a great chance to see attacking rugby and club begins on June 25 and runs some of the stars of the future. for two weeks. If you can’t get Check rfu.com. tickets to centre court, it’s still worth cruising around the grounds AVIVA PREMIERSHIP and lying on the grass sipping The Premiership season runs Pimm’s. You can queue overnight from September to May, and or show up early. Alternatively,

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LORD’S Attending a Test match at Lord’s is one of the most pleasurable experiences any sports fan can have in London. The high-point of the English cricketing summer will be the series against South Africa, with the third and final Test to be played at Lord’s from mid-August. Australia will also play a ODI there on June 29 and another at The Oval on July 1, while the West Indies will be the curtain-raiser to it all, playing a Test at Lord’s in May. St John’s Wood Rd, NW8 8QN lords.org St John’s Wood

the European competition, the Heineken Cup, is played concurrently. London is home to four sides, London Wasps, London Irish, Harlequins and Saracens. Wasps have traditionally been the strongest, winning the Premiership four times since 2002. That’s changed in recent times, with Saracens the reigning champions and Quins beginning the current season strongly. See premiershiprugby.com. TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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Bright lights: London presents plenty of opportunity

Enter the market You’re in the UK to have fun and travel, so you’ll need to find a way to fund your overseas adventure. Find a job and everything else will fall into place So you’ve landed in the UK. You didn’t think you’d be putting your feet up just yet, did you? Now you are here there is travel, entertainment and the odd boozy night out to pay for. You’ve got to get yourself a job. We tell you how.

and Australians can work in Britain for two years on the Youth Mobility Visa. You’ll also find a selection of short-term contract and temporary work opportunities, if you know where to look, which is where TNT comes in.

The job market

Recruitment agencies

The difficult state of the UK and European economy is well documented, however, that doesn’t mean there are no jobs – there are always skills shortages to plug. Armed with a well-composed CV and loads of enthusiasm, you should be able to find work before long. Helpfully, antipodeans and South Africans are looked on favourably by employers who appreciate their can-do attitude and work ethic. New Zealanders

Many new arrivals head straight to recruitment agencies to help them find work. Whether you join them will depend on a few things, such as: how much flexibility you’d like (do you want a permanent job or short-term contract?); how much confidence you have in your ability to find work; and what you’d like to do while you’re here. Some industries rely on agency recruitment more than others. Finding work through an agency is effectively

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HOW TO WRITE A CV THAT STANDS OUT • Keep it brief: Don’t bore the reader with details of your

needlepoint prizes or ukulele talent. • Keep it neat: Don’t bother with a fancy layout; it should be easy for agencies and employers to find what they need. • Back it up: Always include two references. • Keep it clear: When listing your qualifications, include the UK and/or Irish equivalent if applicable. • Ensure dates link up: If you were out of work or travelling, include it. • Boast about it: Under your most significant jobs, write in detail about your achievements.

a three-stage process: • You contact an agency and arrange to submit your CV. • The agency calls you in for an interview, and may also test you on your skills. • The agency matches you to a job that suits your skills and experience. The key is to be persistent. While many recruitment agencies are efficient, others you are unlikely to hear from again after your interview. Don’t take it personally, and bear in mind in the current market, agencies are being flooded with candidates. It’s worth signing up to several companies to boost your chances, and don’t be afraid to phone them regularly if they’ve not found you anything. A little reminder often goes a long way.

Times and the Irish Independent. Of course, don’t forget to check TNT Magazine each Monday for jobs or see tntjobs.co.uk.

may even get a heads-up about an upcoming position. Social media is a powerful tool. Follow your favourite organisations on Twitter and Network NUMBER CRUNCHING Facebook, and Basic tax rate: 20 per cent on also connect Never underannual earnings above the PAYE with people estimate the tax threshold and up to £35,000 on LinkedIn. power of word Higher tax rate: 40 per cent on Don’t feel of mouth. Talk annual earnings from £35,001 awkward about to as many people to £150,000 getting in as possible. Additional tax rate: 50 per cent touch with old Even when on annual earnings above £150,000 connections, you you’re down National minimum wage: £6.08 never know when the pub, drop for 20 and above they might come into conversation National Insurance: 12 per cent in handy. that you’re of your weekly wage if between The axiom looking for work. £139 and £817; two per cent on it’s not what you Other Southern a weekly wage if more than £817 know, but who you Hemisphere know, rings loud. arrivals are usually Some firms offer incentives to their only too happy to share their employees if they refer new staff, ›› experiences and advice, and you

Going it alone However, you don’t have to rely on agencies to find a job. Those of specialist professions should check publications of the member organisations; we’ve mentioned a few of them in the relevant careers sections in this guide. Also, many national and local papers also carry job adverts. Among them are the Guardian, The Times and The Independent; in London, the Standard; in Scotland, the Daily Record and The Scotsman; and in Ireland, the Irish

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so there could be something in it for both of you. Consider joining associations or networking groups as these can give you useful contacts as well as a bit of inside information on available jobs. If you’ve got your heart set on a particular firm, you can always offer to do work experience, or work shadow someone for a few weeks and use the opportunity to shine. Tax structures

company and limited company. The IR35 is a piece of tax legislation, which helps distinguish between people disguised as self-employed (to avoid paying tax) and those who are employed. But before you make your decision, make sure you take into account the following criteria: • Flexibility of your payment options. • Earning level. • Average hours/days of work. • The type of work and manner in which you work. • How much responsibility you want to undertake. • Your financial astuteness. Ask for work advice over beers So which of these structure will work for you in London?

Tax! We hear you groan, but don’t worry. It is a necessary evil. Once you’ve snatched a job, you’ll want to maximise your earnings and reduce your tax bills. If you end up with contract work, like many antipodeans and South Africans do, it’s even easier with the help of tax efficient structures. “The best start for any individual would be to find a solution to maximise their money, by making the right financial decisions, based on their unique situations,” John Dunn, tax and shipping manager at 1st Contact, says. There are two major tax structures: umbrella

TOP TIP

Starting up: your local job centre will advertise vacancies 64

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Umbrella company If you don’t want to get muddled up with paperwork, an umbrella company is the best structure. Dunn says: “An umbrella company acts as an employer for UK-based contractors/temporary workers. It represents a hassle-free way to maximise your earnings as a contractor, and is used as an alternative to a limited company.” As an employee,

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Talking tax: seek help if it’s all a bit confusing

you will only have to report your hours and work expenses each week. Easy! Positives • Low involvement. • Fees are taken per invoice and there are no set-up or closure fees. • Beneficial for individuals earning less than £20 per hour. • Responsible for all backoffice administration, such as invoicing and payroll, so agencies/ contractors can earn higher premium or “company” rates. Negatives • The tax benefits are not as good as those for a limited company. • Reduced control – as an employee, you have little flexibility and cannot custom-fit your solution. Limited company The limited company is suited to

self-employed contractors who are ready to take on a bit more administration work. “A limited company is a clever way of starting up as a contractor or new business with minimal risk, affording you the advantages of ownership along with certain tax benefits,” Dunn says. Positives • Lower tax – profits for small companies are taxed at a flat rate of 21 per cent (compared to the top rate of 50 per cent for employees). • You pay yourself from a business bank account in a mix of dividends, salary and expenses, according to your personal requirements. An accountant can advise what is best. • Ideal for those who wish to maximise their tax efficiency and are earning more than £20 per hour or £40,000 per year.

• Dividends do not attract National Insurance and you only pay personal tax on any dividends drawn over and above the upper tax threshold. • You can register for VAT/FRV. • Pensions are tax deductible. Negatives • There is medium to high involvement as you are a director of your own company. The onus is on you to adhere to all company rules, and there is therefore a high degree of responsibility. • The fees involved include occasional set-up fees, accounting fees and Companies House (the UK government register of companies; see companieshouse. gov.uk) fees • You will need to be familiar with the IR35 legislation and be compliant. See 1stcontact.com ❚ TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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Show off your talents and your role could end up being offered a full-time position

Temporary options There’s something enticing about keeping your options open, and temping lets you do just that. Find out all about non-permanent work in the UK WORDS CLARE VOOGHT

If keeping yourself free to hop to the next opportunity, or country, appeals to you, then temping is a good way to make sure you’re not tied down. And, despite the recession, the market for temporary work is still healthy. With dark times and lay-offs, companies have realised they need to hire people to fill in the gaps. And as long as staff have holiday rights, go on maternity leave and take time off sick or companies get more work than their staff can cope with, temps will be a valuable resource. Temporary staff can help companies survive tough times as they save on overheads and costs of full-time staff. They also help if staff don’t have certain expertise to finish a project. But as well as keeping you free, temping can also be a way into 66

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a more permanent role – many companies like to assess potential candidates for jobs before they hire them full time, and hiring temps can be a good way for them to do this. Temporary work can last for any length of time – from a day to a month or even longer. Hours can be part- or full-time. The advantages of temping Rather than jumping on a staff job that might not be right for you, temping lets you try out a host of different roles to see what they’re really like when you’re in them. And if you make yourself indispensable within a company you like, it’s a great way to get your foot in the door. You’ll also be keeping up skills you have, while getting the opportunity to learn more as

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you work at different places with different people. Usually wages are paid at an hourly rate and on a weekly basis, so you don’t have to wait a whole month to get paid. Where are the jobs? Many sectors need temporary workers, but the biggest demand remains in accountancy, education and healthcare. And there are lots of agencies covering these areas. Reed’s Tempzone (reed. co.uk/tempzone) has thousands of temporary positions in cities throughout the UK. What’s the pay like? It vastly depends on what skills you have and what type of job you’re doing. Hourly rates range from minimum wage (£6.08 per hour for workers aged 21 or over) to around £25 an hour for skilled workers in fields such as accountancy or engineering. Will I have to forfeit my perks? You don’t have to just suck it up when you’re not well or forfeit pay while you’re on holiday. Temps are still entitled to annual leave, which is based on the hours worked, and there are conditional entitlements to sick pay

– make sure you ask your agency about this. Paying your dues You still can’t escape tax as a part-time or casual temporary worker – everyone has to pay income tax and National Insurance contributions on anything earned above £7,475 a year. This applies to those who are employed or self-employed. But tax paid up to that allowance can be claimed back at the end of the tax year if money has been deducted. If you’re employed on a casual, temporary or part-time basis, by law your employer must: • Deduct tax and National Insurance contributions from your wages • Give you payslips • Give you a P45 form when you leave • Give you a P60 tax summary at the end of each tax year if you still work for the employer If you’re working two part-time jobs, you’ll be given a different tax code, which takes this into account. You’ll still get the same tax allowance as everyone else, which will come from your main job. Your other job or jobs will be taxed at a basic or higher rate, depending on your total income.

TOP TIPS

FOR SUCCESS You still need to impress in the temping world, so stay on top of the game to get ahead.

• Be punctual. If you are held

up or unable to get to work, contact your recruitment adviser as soon as possible so they can alert the client or arrange any necessary cover.

• Be respectful of company

dress codes. It’s safest to wear smart business attire unless you are otherwise advised.

• Give your recruiter your

direct line so that they can stay in touch during your assignment.

• Arrange any personal

appointments or interviews outside the company’s working hours.

• Switch off your mobile

when on assignments.

• Client telephones,

internet, email, faxes and photocopying facilities are generally not for your own personal use.

• If you need to work overtime or through the lunch period, clear it with your employer.

• Be aware of an employer’s

Get ahead as a temp

health and safety policy, and at the end of an assignment leave handover notes and return your security pass.

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City life: join the hoards of commuters working in the finance sector

Finance matters The City is the hub of the financial sector in the UK – here, you’ll find wheelers, dealers and money-spinners of every kind. Here’s how to get noticed London is a financial haven – despite the UK’s uncertain economy. While the UK banking sector still rests on shaky ground, there will always be a demand for fresh talent. Positions for part- and newly qualified accountants, Certified Public Accountant and temp roles are available. Increasing market Good candidates with niche experience are getting multiple offers, according to Tom Kennedy, director of Interim and Contract Recruitment at London’s Cameron Kennedy financial recruitment. “The prospects are good for candidates who have something to offer, for example qualified accountants with extensive IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) experience, or investment banking product knowledge. Risk specialists should find opportunities relatively easy to come by as well,” Kennedy says. Though the market has been turbulent, the outlook is still positive. “The lay-offs have been well 68

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publicised, but the general perception at the moment is that though many are staying put people will listen to good opportunities; there is significant movement in certain sectors, such as Insurance,” he adds. Indeed, the good opportunities do come around, and this in turn is creating more confidence in recruiting and job hunting, with increased hiring across all sectors, from banks to commerce. Who is hiring? If you’re talented and have experience, take a leap and apply to work big, private firms. “The public sector is not really hiring, but the financial services business sector, and a lot of the larger accounting and firms, are quite to keen to bring on as much talent as they can,” Kennedy says. “Our clients continue to rely on flexible staffing, that is temps and contractors. Relevant experience and proven ability should guarantee consistent employment.” Banks and commercial markets

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often hire temps, but timing is important. They will recruit as the financial year comes to a close near March and April. Tax accountants can find temporary work in the run-up to the deadline for personal tax returns in January. Getting a job So the time may be right, but how do you make sure you stand out from the crowd. The key is having a good CV. “Agencies receive hundreds of CVs daily through job boards, many of which may not be relevant, so make it clear what your key skills are,” Kenney says. It’s also crucial to include key words in your online CV, such as IT systems, product specialisms or regulatory/risk skills, as agencies regularly do database searches. Also have all your references to

hand. Additionally, it’s imperative to highlight your qualifications, especially any with the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants or Associated Charter of Certified Accountants, or overseas equivalent. Don’t sell your experience short. Highlight it in roles such as project accountant, payroll supervisor or internal auditor. Expected pay rates Junior level, part-qualified accountants can expect £30,000 a year or £120 a day contract work; newly qualified accountants can earn £45,000 a year or £250 day; higher-end accountants make £350 a day; payroll assistants earn £23,000 a year or £18p/h; payroll supervisors make £27,000 a year. See cameronkennedy.com

TOP TIPS • Make sure you add context

to your CV. Highlight the primary clients that you have been working with – the size and type of the businesses and, if they are well known, include the name.

• Highlight any practical work. • Stay flexible in terms of

salary and position. Don’t accept something you don’t want but keep an open mind.

• Tap into your network, you might be surprised at the results.

• Before you even leave

home, send over CVs and let possible employers know when you will be here and what you’re looking for.

There is a high demand for newly qualified and experienced accountants in Scotland’s capital city. Quality opportunities exist in temporary, contract and permanent markets. They include challenging roles within international organisations and high-profile positions in medium and smaller, expanding companies. Roles are broad-ranging and include financial and management reporting, financial and business analysts, decision support, business partners and risk professionals. If you are a qualified finance professional and interested in discussing a move to Edinburgh please contact us. For those new to the area we will endeavour to assist you with any relocation queries.

T: +44(0)131 225 8030 - E: tnt@wilkinsonandassociates.co.uk - W: www.wilkinsonandassociates.co.uk 46 Melville Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7HF, UK

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Kick-start your UK Teaching Career – Join GSL Education! GSL Education is a Quality Mark Teaching Agency with numerous Primary and Secondary Client Schools in London. We offer daily, long-term and permanent contracts to Local and Overseas Qualified Primary and Secondary Teachers at high rates of pay. With years of experience placing candidates and strong links with schools, we are ready to find work matching your needs. If you are seeking teaching work – contact us! Email your CV to: claire@gsleducation.com or contact us on: +44 (0)207 739 2211. London’s multicultural schools welcome foreign teachers

We look forward to hearing from you!

Teach it well London always has jobs for teachers up for grabs, whether you’re after a full-time position or something a little more temporary WORDS CLARE VOOGHT Teaching is a great way to make a living (providing you like kids) as it has so many benefits. Doing the job in London lets you try a different education system and you get to experience other schools and learning environments. And no teacher has ever complained about the holidays!

As it’s so multicultural and densely populated in London, and because there are so many different kinds of schools, it shouldn’t be too difficult for people moving from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to find work if they’ve got the right qualifications and fit the role.

The market

Qualifications

Teaching has definitely been hit by the recession, and schools have been tightening their budgets. They are making sure they get value for money when they’re hiring, so the recruitment process is tough. But Richard Knell, manager at Hays Education recruiters, says despite that: “Teachers from overseas still remain an attractive option for schools when they are recruiting, providing they can be flexible and adapt to the UK curriculum.”

You’ll be eligible to teach in the UK as long as you have a recognised teaching qualification from home. Overseas Trained Teachers (OTTs) need to register with a central governing body, which is called the General Teaching Council (GTC). The GTC costs £36.50 to join, but all you need to do is fill in a form when you register with an agency. As an OTT, you’re allowed to teach in the UK for a maximum of four years before you’ll need to have

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obtained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). If you have no relevant qualifications, schools do employ cover supervisors to watch over a class when teachers are away. It’s a good way to get a taster of the teaching business.

Supply or long-term

Short-term positions, like sickness or maternity cover, are the easiest to get right now. But these can lead to full-time permanent roles. It comes down to personal choice. If you’d like the chance to take short trips and don’t want to What employers are looking for be tied down, supply teaching is probably for you. In the current climate, they’re But if you’d rather work fulllooking for people who can cope time and earn quickly to fund under pressure and still raise trips during the holidays, take a standards of teaching. permanent role. Things have been toughening SALARY In central London you Finding work up for anyone can be earning from £27,000 and There are plenty trying to get in the rest of England and Wales of specialist jobs in teaching salaries begin at around £21,500. recruitment because schools Supply teacher rates vary but they firm, like Teach are looking for can earn around £100-£125 a day. Anywhere teachers who are TRAINING You’ll need (teachanywhere. value for money a qualification that’s recognised com), which as well as “best in the UK, like a Batchelors or specialise in fit”, says Rob Masters in Education. worldwide teacher Harvey, director of LOCATION Across London and recruitment. recruitment firm the rest of the UK. Jobs are Engage Education. PACKAGE Tons more holiday advertised on sites To stand out, than anyone else. Roll on lie-ins. like goteach.co.uk employers want and eteach.com. to know you’ve got a good work Events like Engage Education’s ethic, patience, flexibility as well iday (iday.co.uk) where people on as strong behaviour management the company’s books looking for skills, good knowledge of the UK jobs can turn up and meet heads curriculum and the ability to build who are hiring. Plus travel costs, relationships fast and the knack to including airfares, are paid for. inspire and engage young people.

Teaching in London can be rewarding

TIPS FOR

SUCCESS Richard Knell, manager at recruiter Hays Education, gives his tips on getting ahead in teaching in the UK.

• Don’t join too many

agencies when you arrive. Being clear about where you want to be long-term, and investing time to build a relationship with your recruiter will really help. • Ensure your CV is up to date with previous teaching experience and be sure it shows how the experience you have overseas corresponds to the UK. • Move over with a full written reference from a previous employer or teaching placement. • Make sure you do some research before joining agencies and establish the location of the schools each agency works with (you don’t want to be travelling hours each way to schools in the middle of nowhere). • It’s essential to do some research on the UK curriculum and have some lesson plans prepared before working as a supply teacher. • Don’t let a bad day get you down – the schools in London vary so much that you are bound to have some, but stay positive. • Make every effort to go out of your way to impress your employers when working in schools as they like continuity and will ask for you back in person if you get off on the right foot. • Try to network with as many fellow overseas teachers as possible – there is a large community who all spend a lot of time together. This is a great way overcome the differences of teaching in the UK quickly. See hays.co.uk/education

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Doctor, doctor Working in the medical profession is a commendable duty. Here’s how to land a job Scrubs? Check. Stethoscope? Check. Pesky paperwork? Check. Health workers can look forward to a fulfilling career in the UK. You’ve just got to go through all the formalities first. The market The demand for health workers in the UK is constant. There is a need for skilled and qualified workers, ranging from GPs and nurses to allied health professionals, including radiologists, dermatologists, opthalmologists, and everything in between. And the good news is antipodeans and Saffas are favoured. Warren Roach, a recruitment consultant at Merco Medical Recruitment in London, says: “British employers love the work ethic and professionalism of people from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, it’s just unfortunate changes to the Tier 2 Visa means fewer are able to come over – unless their specialty comes under the skills shortage list. “However, if you are already here on a working holiday visa, and don’t want to go home when it runs out, your chances of sponsorship are high, and UK experience is highly favoured across the world, especially in emerging countries.” While here, you could also train in a new specialty, such as neonatal intensive care, or paediatric care, which will make you more employable.

English test. It can take between one to six months before you start practicing as a fully registered nurse or doctor if you don’t have all the required papers, so it’s wise to start the process before you’ve left home. “Most of the process can be done online, but the GMC does sometimes request doctors make an appointment with the,” Roach says.

Credentials, registration, documentation

How to find a job

You must be registered in your country of origin as well as in the UK before you can start work. Bring with you original documentation that proves who you are and your qualifications. This includes degree papers, such as your academic transcript, proof of specialised training, registration certificate, birth and marriage certificates, criminal reference check, your passport, employment history and references. Nurses can then apply with the Nursing and Midwifery Council online (nmc-uk.org) and doctors at the General Medical Council (gmc-uk.org). Even if it is your first language, you will also need to do an

Survive the paperwork stage and you’re ready to go on the hunt. The best way to find work is to register with an agency. You’ll find plenty of listings in the private and public sector, plus support, as you plod through your job search. If you want to work for the NHS, see their website, nhsjobs.com. As well as gaining valuable experience in a major world city, the incentives are financial. A locum doctor can earn around £80 an hour and a nurse with around two years’ experience, upwards of £15. They are some healthy figures – which might mean you’re able to save as you work. See merco.co.uk

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Put the UK to good health

Nurses and Carers

Urgently Required! Salary in excess of ÂŁ1000* per week Strand Nurses Bureau are currently recruiting Registered Nurses and highly skilled Healthcare Assistants, experienced in the management of complex care packages, to meet the increasing needs of our UK based clients. With positions available in care homes, discerning private clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; own homes and hospital settings (including NHS and prestigious private hospitals), we offer flexible hours and excellent rates of pay. We are particularly keen to hear from postgraduate ITU trained Nurses, A&E Nurses and Paediatric Nurses/Carers. Strand Nurses Bureau has a valued reputation for delivering a premier service by employing only the highest quality of nursing and care staff. If you believe you have the required clinical and social skills to become part of our outgoing team please contact us today.

T: +44 (0)800 032 33 55 W: www.strandnursesbureau.com E: strand@advantagehealthcare.com Please quote reference: StrandTNT1 *Salary dependent on position.

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The positions you can opt to work in are: • Residential care worker – offers support to people in their homes on a longer-term basis. • Personal assistant – working in someone’s home on a one-to-one basis. • Community work – caring for people in a specific community and building personal relationships with families, youths or adults. • Home care worker – giving daily practical support to people in their homes, like cooking meals or cleaning. There are also several different fields in each of these categories, including: • People with disabilities • People who use mental health services • The elderly • Children

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WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED? have a criminal records check. For No care experience is needed any time spent in the UK, a CRB to become a carer, says (Criminal Records Bureau) check Melanie Geldard, recruitment is what you need. You’ll also need communications to be cleared manager from from your home CARING Helping Hands care country. See service. “But it does SALARY Live in carers can earn homeoffice.gov. take a certain type uk/agencies-publicaround £400-£500 per week and of person to make bodies/crb for carers in the community can get a great carer. more information. up to £9.10 per hour. “Being Criminal record TRAINING No prior training compassionate, checks will take needed – it’s provided by care caring and patient time so get this companies when you start. are three important LOCATION Anywhere. done early. personality traits. HOURS Shifts can be at any time Together with UP YOUR of day or night, and live-in carers empathy, integrity CHANCES provide round-the-clock care at and resilience. If finding work times. They have to be is tricky at first, PACKAGE Live-in carers have diligent, adaptable volunteer in the their accommodation and often and reliable with social care field food provided. a positive outlook if you can. This and proactive can help you attitude. Being chatty helps and get experience and you never being a good listener is a necessity.” know, it might lead to a job. Care companies such as Active Look on the Community Service Assistance (activeassistance. Volunteers job board (csv.org. com) and Origin Care (origincare. uk/volunteering) or search through com), which both offer support the national database of volunteer to people with spinal injuries, opportunities in the UK for more give carers all the (do-it.org.uk). necessary training NANNYING Nannying from scratch. As opportunities do others such as SALARY Nannies can earn Helping Hands YOUR OPTIONS £250-£350 a week if they live in (hhjobs.co.uk), To avoid the or £400 if they live out, depending which specialises hassle of finding on experience. Live in care for elderly a decent family to out nannies get an hourly rate. people. work for, it’s best TRAINING A qualification in Live-in care to sign up with childcare, education or nannying companies such a nanny agency. would help but isn’t necessary. as Helping Hands They can LOCATION Anywhere. (hhjobs.co.uk) negotiate on HOURS Full-time, live-in nannies and Christies Care pay, holiday and often work around 10 hours a day. (christiescare.com) hours for you, says PACKAGE Live-in nannies have provide training on Laura Becker from their accommodation and food areas like nutrition, The Baby Works provided. medication and nanny agency disability awareness so carers are (thebabyworks online.co.uk), so it’s fully equipped for their first day on well worth joining one. the new job. The main types of nannying job are: Carers working with children • Live-in nannying or vulnerable adults will need to • Live-out nannying

Caring: it’s a rewarding job • After school nannies • Holiday nannies – these look after the children when they are on school holidays. • Ad hoc nannies – they look after children as and when they are needed, like when parents are on a business trip. They can be called out at the last minute. • Proxy parenting – a nanny takes 24-hour responsibility for a child while their parents aren’t around. WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED? You don’t need formal training to be a nanny but people with a diploma in childcare, a nannying certificate, degree in education or experience working with children are favoured. As with caring, police checks are needed, along with good references. You might also need a clean driving licence and a first aid certificate is desirabe too. Nannies working in Ireland will need Garda clearance. UP YOUR CHANCES The best time to look for work is in the summer, because the kids are out of school, or after Christmas as people wait until then to quit or change jobs. TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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Smile: a professional and cheery character is highly desirable

A personal touch Here, we give you the lowdown about working in office administration If you think working in an admin job would be dull, think again. The possibilities of freedom, flexibility and variety are as expansive as the options for positions. Office support roles allow you to explore a whole variety of sectors. What’s available? The good news for job-seekers is the demand for office workers barely ceases. Rebecca Siciliano, who heads the temporary division at Tiger Recruitment in London, says: “We most regularly receive requests for receptionists, team administrators, personal assistants and general office administration staff.” Property, asset management and finance team secretaries are also in demand. The field can be competitive, but as long as your computer skills are 78

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in tip-top shape, a job can be straightforward to find. “Proven experience in secretarial roles including PA and reception positions is essential, as is having core skills such as a good typing speed, a solid grasp of MS Office packages and the ability to pick up new systems quickly, flexibility and confidence,” she says. Finally, this is an industry where appearance is important, so don respectable, corporate wear. Skills needed London is brimming with jet-setting bosses, which means travel coordination and diary management are two sought-after skills in applicants. In addition, audio transcription skills are still in demand. Companies will also expect you to be able to type a minimum of 45-plus words per minute. If your

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WHAT YOU CAN EARN • Executive assistant Annually: £35k-£45k Temping per hour: £16-£18 • Office manager Annually: £30k-£45k Temping per hour: £15-£18 • Personal assistant Annually: £30k-£40k Temping per hour: £15-£17 • Senior administrator Annually: £23k-£28k Temping per hour: £14-£16 • Trading floor secretary Annually: £35k-£45k Temping per hour: £15-£19 • Bilingual secretary Annually: £32k-£40k Temping per hour: £15-£17 • Project coordinator Annually: £28k-£35k Temping per hour: £15-£19

On the ball: organisation is a must skills aren’t up to scratch, take an online course to improve speed and proficiency in programs such as Excel or PowerPoint. How to find work Signing up with a recruitment agency is probably your best bet. But the field is competitive, so you should also be proactive and make TEMPORARY VS PERMANENT Temping: Admin work is often temporary, so a great option for keen travellers who fancy making jaunts in between jobs – and avoiding hiked-up weekend airfares. Recruiter Rebecca Siciliano adds: “It can be a good way to find out about different types of businesses and industries, and exposure to an area that you hadn’t previously considered.”

sure you take time to search for jobs on your own. Use online resources as well. Websites such as LinkedIn and even Twitter post jobs that you might not find otherwise. If you pick up temporary work, maximise the opportunity for networking. You’re in a great position to make contacts. See tiger-recruitment. co.uk; secretariesplus.co.uk, rosshumandirections.com

• Junior secretary Annually: £24k-£28k Temping per hour: £12-£14 • Junior administrator Annually: £20k-£25k Temping per hour: £10-£12 • Data entry operator Annually: £18k-£23k Temping per hour: £10-£12 • Receptionist Annually: £20k-£26k Temping per hour: £10-£12 SOURCE: Robert Walters

Network: admin is a great way to make contacts

Going permanent: Becoming a part of the office furniture as a permanent is great for stability and to ensure there’s a steady stream of income. Temporary roles can, and quite often do lead to permanent placements. TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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Smile and serve: waiting is a tasty job

Dishing up the goods You want to come to London to explore and meet people, right? Working in hospitality is not only flexible, but is one of the most social jobs you’ll find There are many Australians, Kiwis and South Africans who work in bars, pubs and restaurants, if not just short-term for a bit of extra income, then for the whole duration of their stay. Not only does the hospitality industry suit travellers seeking casual work, it also attracts hard workers who enjoy being around enthusiastic people. Finding a job This industry is something of an anomaly because, unlike most jobs, you’re unlikely to find the majority of vacancies online (see tntjobs.co.uk). However, there’s no substitute for walking into a bar or eatery, 80

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introducing yourself and asking if they have any work. That’s what Vana Unn, from Sydney, did. “I live down the road from a bar so had often walked past it and thought it looked pretty cool,” says the 23-year-old, who works at The Living Room in central London. “One day, I had been for a haircut and colour, so I was feeling really confident. I decided to just walk in there and ask for a job. I had an interview straight away and got the position.” When job-hunting, also try cold-calling catering firms, especially ahead of big events, such as the summer race season, and expect to find plenty of short-term jobs in the run-up to Christmas. ››

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Tony - digipixwork@mac.com 82

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The work Listen to the chatter in bars and restaurants around the UK; the southern Hemisphere accent really cuts through, such is the number of them working in the industry. Waiting and other front-ofhouse positions are usually widely available, and there are also plenty of jobs to land in the kitchen – many a chef has made their mark here. But the bonus for waiters is supplementing wages with tips. This is an industry where turnover is high, so don’t give up if you don’t get a job straight away. It’s a numbers game, so you’ll land something in no time. The pay

Pulling beers: You’ll get to meet the locals

Along with retail, the hospitality industry is one of the lowest paying. The minimum wage is personal licence, known officially £4.98 for 18-21-year-olds and £6.08 as a National Certificate for for those aged 21 and over. Personal Licence Holders or That might seem a bit tight, (NCPLH) Level 2. This involves but you’ll find the tips more than partaking in a licensing law course make up for it – this alone is an and sitting an exam. You can find incentive to not only be good at various organisations online that your job, but to be offer the course extra friendly to (see dcms.gov.uk CODE OF PRACTICE customers. for more details). The British Hospitality Association Also check Equally, has published a voluntary code whether the job anyone wanting of practice on service charges, has any perks. to work in a in an effort to make things more Many hospitality kitchen must clear for both customers and jobs, mostly outside have basic food employees. The guide urges of London, include and hygiene and restaurants, including those inside accommodation health and safety hotels, to disclose to customers and food. It’ll save qualifications exactly how they manage their you a packet. under their belt. discretionary service charges Further up the If you’re waiting and non-cash tips. ladder, assistant tables, you managers can don’t need any command a salary between qualifications, but experience is £17,000 to £22,000 a year; and helpful. In fact, some employers managers can earn from £20,000 prefer this. to £35,000 a year, depending on Training courses the company and position. A recruitment and training Qualifications company such as Kubaba (kubaba. Firstly, if you want a management co.uk) can provide training role, or to be responsible for courses for anyone who want to selling alcohol, you’ll need a gain extra qualifications. Kubaba

rerepresentative Emine San says antipodeans and South Africans have the added advantage of being fluent in English – important for front-of-house positions. “Coming from a native English speaking country will gain extra points for job applicants,” she says. Convinced? Bar worker Unn, who came from an office environment in Australia, has found it “refreshing not to be stuck behind a desk five days a week”. She adds: “The social aspect is definitely the best part of working in this industry. I’m making new friends and getting to know the locals. Plus, getting hit on at least once a night isn’t bad!” ❚

Bonus: the tips can be good TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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Taking a course is a great way to up your employability

Learning curve Up your chances of getting a job by taking a course. Here’s our round up of what to study in London and where WORDS CLARE VOOGHT Studying can be a great thing to do when you first move to a new country – you’ll be making new friends on your course and you’ll also be learning new skills to increase your embloyability. But what’s available in the capitial? There are plenty of full-time courses you can totally immerse yourself in or you could pick a parttime course to fit around your job. For full-time courses apply in plenty of advance – most university-level ones will have application deadlines months before the course start date. Short-term courses can be picked up depending on availability at shorter notice.

start of your name at King’s College. The prestigious university’s med school is one of the country’s biggest and oldest. London Metropolitan University (londonmet.ac.uk) has launched a new medical degree. City University (city.ac.uk) offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in nursing, radiography, biomedical engineering and medical ultrasound. If you’re more of a gym bunny than a lifesaver, on the health and fitness side of things you can take full-time and distance learning courses at Discovery UK (discovery.uk.com). They specialise in personal training and nutrition.

Medical & Health

Numbers and figures

If you fancy yourself in a white coat, apply to do a degree in medicine and come out with Doctor at the

Demand is high for qualified accountants right now, so it’s a savvy decision for number crunchers to do an

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accountancy course. London College of Accountancy (londoncollege.org) offers degree level and professional courses in accountancy and finance, as does the London School of Accountancy and Management (londonsam.org.uk). Language If you fancy picking up some new lingo skills to impress with on your travels, then Language Courses UK (languagecoursesuk.co.uk) offer part-time foreign language classes in 20 different locations across London. They offer a host of courses, from Italian to Farsi with French, Thai, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Italian, Swedish, Arabic, Turkish and Japanese in between. If you see your language learning becoming a little bit more serious, universities to look at in London for full-time courses are

SOAS for Oriental languages or UCL for European languages. Or take a TEFL course, which will allow you take your English teaching skills anywhere in the world – that should help you fund a few more trips. TNT offers twoday TEFL courses from around £150. Visit tntmagazine.com for more information on TEFL, plus foreign language courses. Sciences For science degrees, Imperial College in Knightsbridge (imperial. ac.uk) offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in natural sciences plus engineering, aeronautics, bioengineering, chemical engineering and chemical technology. The Open University (open. ac.uk) offers scientific degrees on a distance-learning basis (alongside a host of other subjects). It also allows students to study in 40 countries, so you can get a head start before you make the move. The arts Goldsmiths (gold.ac.uk) and Camberwell College of the Arts are probably the artiest universities you’ll find in London, so head to either of those for courses in art, design and music. IT & computing

Hit the books and learn a new skill

Having the right computer skills for a job is essential, so if yours are rusty, this is a highly valuable area to brush up on. IT and computing courses range from simple Microsoft Office training to fullon programming or web design. There are lots out there, so you will definitely find something to suit your needs. Kensington College (kensingtoncollege.co.uk)offers a range of computing courses or you can get courses to work through from home from Learn Direct (learndirect.co.uk).

UK STUDENT

VISA RULES • People in the UK on student

visas are only allowed to work 20 hours a week during term time. But to get a visa, students • must be able to meet the fees of the course, plus their accommodation and living costs without working. • Rules on going home after your studies have tightened, so make sure you make it clear you’re planning on returning when applying. • You must have been accepted onto a course in the UK before applying for a student visa. If you haven’t, you can apply for entry as a prospective student. • You must apply for a student visa from your home country, or you can apply from the UK to switch visa categories.

London Metropolitan University also has several undergraduate and postgraduate computing courses, plus more practical courses like business computing. Practical courses Fancy something a bit more handson? London has lots of practical courses to offer too, from plumbing to beauty. OLCI offer courses in plumbing, gas and electrics from their central London training centre – and there’s always a demand for that type of work. Plus they also teach courses on renewable energy, bricklaying and plastering, which are all transferrable skills you can use in other countries. The London School of Beauty & Make Up (lond-est.com) offers parttime and evening make-up artistry and beauty courses, so you can fit classes around your job. TNTMAGAZINE.COM

Scanbalt offer fun and inexpensive tours for adventurous travellers who want to experience unique

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culture and stunning nature in Scandinavia and the Baltics including Lapland in winter.

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Road trip: grab a group of friends and head off

Exploring Europe The continent is calling. Here we give you the lowdown on the best ways to get across the Channel to do some European exploring London is so close to mainland Europe that you’d be a fool not to check out the continent while you’re here. Cheap flights to most cities are on offer every week, and you can scoop up some great accommodation deals at the same time. The sights, smells, sounds and tastes of so many different cultures are ready and waiting for you to explore. Here’s how to discover them. On the road There’s nothing more adventurous than a good oldfashioned road trip. One option is joining the annual van tour, which isn’t an organised tour but basically a bunch of vans full of party-loving young people (many of them antipodeans) following the same route around Europe and meeting up along the way. Because most people on van tours are up for

having a good time, major summer festivals around Europe are the main stops. It all unofficially kicks off at the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, in July, and ends at Munich’s Oktoberfest in September. However, if you want to see Europe at a more leisurely pace, buy a van, grab a handful of likeminded mates, and follow your own route. You’ll find plenty of second-hand camper vans for sale in London, and once you have your own homeaway-from-home, you can pack up and hit the road whenever you like. The best time to buy a vehicle is at the end of the previous van tour season in October – many vehicles will already be decked out with beds, camping gear, a stove and cooking utensils. Expect to pay about £2000 for a roadworthy ›› TNTMAGAZINE.COM

TRAVEL set of wheels, more if you’re buying from a used car dealer – though the plus side is that your van will come with a warranty. Remember the costs of running a vehicle mount up long after the initial outlay. As well as forking out for road tax, you’ll also need an annual MOT (roadworthy) certificate for any vehicle more than three years old. Think about the equipment you’re going to need: spare tyre, jack, basic tools, a stove, bedding ... again, being prepared before you leave is easier than hunting down essentials on the road. Renting a vehicle can be more cost effective, especially if you can split the fee with some mates. As for a licence, you can legally drive in Europe using your home licence for one year, after which you must give it up and apply for a UK version. You don’t need to take another test, but you will need to pay a fee. See dvla.gov.uk Cheap flights Hundreds of bargain flights to cities all over Europe take off daily from London’s five major airports. The main budget carriers are easyJet and Ryanair, but your best bet is to Google ‘cheap flights’ and go from there. Often you can get hotel and car hire discounts thrown in as part of the deal. Remember to read the small print. Often the prices of cheap flights are boosted by checked bags, insurance and priority charges, which you can choose not to pay for. Keep in mind the timing of your trip when booking your flights. Air ticket prices vary depending on the season, date and time of day. Usually flights are more expensive during school holidays, festival times and ski season, when the airlines are busy. Tickets can also be pricier for weekend travel when working people get some time

Eurostar at St Pancras

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Head off on a van tour

out to go away. It pays to be flexible with the timing of your flights. The ideal days for flying from London are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. InteRail passes With an InterRail pass you have the option of exploring 30 countries by rail with the classic Global Pass starting from £169. The pass is valid for Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK. The InterRail One Country Pass is your best choice if you only want to visit one European country by train. This starts at £34. InterRail also entitles you to cheaper ferry fares, such as from Italy to Greece. See interrailnet.com Eurostar With core train services from London to Brussels, Disneyland Paris, Paris, Lille and Avignon, Eurostar can connect you to more than 100 places in Europe. If you’re into skiing or boarding, hop on the Eurostar ski train at London’s St Pancras International, and be whisked off direct to the winter resorts of Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne or Bourg-St-Maurice. You can travel on the Eurostar ski train either during the day or night – daytime offers stunning views from your seat, while if you take the overnight train you’ll arrive bright and early at your destination, with more time on the slopes. See eurostar.com ❚

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At Topdeck, we’re passionate about providing the best experience in Europe. We believe in trips not tours, giving you enough free time and space to enjoy Europe the way you want to. All of Topdeck’s passengers are aged between 18 and 39 so you get to share all of your amazing experiences with a bunch of like-minded people.

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EUROPEAN FESTIVALS No one does European festivals quite like Topdeck. We have nearly 40 years’ experience of sending travellers to the most exciting events in Europe. Whether it’s running with the bulls in Pamplona, experiencing Spain’s amazing ﬁre festival of Las Fallas, downing a few steins at Oktoberfest, celebrating St Patrick’s Day in Dublin or getting covered in tomatoes at La Tomatina in Spain, Topdeck can take you there!

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The Trevi fountain: where you might fall for a local

Roman Holiday Buckle up – the Italian capital lives life in the fast lane. We whizz around world-class ancient sights before making the hardest decision: pizza or pasta?

It’s clear why Rome wasn’t built in a day – there’s just too much damn stuff crammed in. As if wandering the world’s greatest open-air museum wasn’t enough, dodging zippy Vespas, taking on stomachstretching piles of pasta, and flirting with stylish espresso-sluggers will leave you breathless. Headline attraction The world-renowned Colosseum is the Italian capital’s most iconic landmark. The amphitheatre was completed in 80AD and seated about 50,000 spectators, who came to see the blood and gore flow in gladiatorial contests. Missing this would be like skipping out on the Eiffel Tower. 92

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Best of the rest Other iconic Roman sites include the Pantheon, an ancient temple built to honour the gods of Rome in AD126; the baroque Trevi Fountain (toss in two

ITALY

ROME

GETTING THERE The main airport is Leonardo da Vinci. Jump on the Leonardo Express for €14 (about £12) to the city centre. Note that Ciampino airport is used by some budget carriers.

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Colosseum

[Caption] Gelato

The Vatican Museum

coins and legend has it you’ll fall in love with an Italian); and the Spanish Steps, the widest and longest staircase in Europe with a knee-knackering 138 steps.

– at the Roman Forum, the heart of Ancient Rome. Don’t miss the stone where Julius Caesar was laid after his fatal stab to the back.

Dare to be square

In the green

No other Italian city does public squares, known as piazzas, like Rome. Don’t miss the incredible Piazza Navona. It’s home to the masterpiece Fountain of the Four Rivers, featuring an Egyptian obelisk and renderings of river gods.

Spend some time, or a whole day, in Rome’s green lung, the Villa Borghese, one of the most elegant gardens in all of Europe. It’s the perfect place for a picnic on a lazy summer day, and it’s also home to a couple of excellent museums, including the Galleria Borghese, a collection of sculptures and mosaics from the 15th to 18th centuries.

Foodie finds

Pizza in Rome is delightfully thin and crunchy; try the Rome by Vespa potato and rosemary pizza, a Roman specialty. Grab a slice from Forno di Campo de’ Fiori (Campo de’ Fiori See the city like a local and hire a scooter from Bici 22). Pasta fans should also take note that Thursday in & Baci (bicibaci.com). Parking for scooters is free, the Eternal City is gnocchi day. Make so you can whizz past crowds of sure you wash it all down with frascati, WHEN TO GO: Rome is a tourists to reach the city’s sights the Roman white wine. year-round destination, but July quicker, and leave your wheels and August can be unpleasantly outside at no extra cost. Gelato time hot and sticky. Out of town CURRENCY: £1 = €1.16 Romans also love their gelato: Italian You’ll need a full day to explore ACCOMMODATION: Dorm ice-cream with – hurrah! – a lower Vatican City, from the mighty beds from about £11; private fat content. Get your fill at La St Peter’s Basilica and Square to rooms from about £17. Fonte della Salute in the Trastevere GETTING AROUND: Buses, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. neighbourhood (Via Cardinal Get there early as the crowds will trams, the metro and trains use Marmaggi); or Gellateria della Palma be sizeable, and ladies: cover your the same tickets. These must be (Via della Maddalena, around the shoulders, otherwise you’ll be turned bought at nearby shops before corner from the Pantheon). away. Take a peek up at the Pope’s boarding and then validated. Only Ruin it bedroom window from the main use official yellow or white taxis. piazza, or attend his weekly blessing SEE: rome.info Travel back in time and take in the ceremony on a Wednesday. ruins – some built as far back as 7BC TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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Party city: laze on the beaches then explore the city centre

Big time Barcelona Barcelona is a party-loving city and festivals take place all year round. But make sure you save some energy for a cava tour and a trip up Montserrat Barcelona is a seriously hip city where you’ll find art, music and film events going on all the time. Festivities peak with the Festes de la Mercè in September, when the streets are filled with giant puppets, and Sonar, a mind-bending weekend of electro music. Between partying, you can wonder at Barcelona’s bizarre Gaudi architecture.

the city filled with giant papier-mâché puppets and fire-breathing dragons and devils. Barcelonans are friendly, so expect to feel part of the buzz. Beauty or the beast? Antoni Gaudí’s is possibly the craziest architecture you’ll see. From the mermaid’s palace of Casa Batlló

Festival city People flock from all over the world to join the partyloving residents of Barcelona in their busy annual calendar of festivals. On Jan 6, the city explodes with fireworks for Dia de Reyes; Carnival kicks off on Feb 16, celebrated with enthusiasm by the city’s gay community; indie-fest Primavera begins on May 30; on June 14, 80,000 people descend for Sonar festival carnage; then, on Sep 22, Festes de la Mercè sees 94

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Barcelona MADRID

SPAIN

GETTING THERE British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Iberia and Monarch fly direct to Barcelona from £40 return. When you arrive at El Prat, take the Aerobus into town (€5.30 £4.50) single) or the RENFE train (€3.15 £2.70) that links with the metro. Girona Airport, 100km away, is used by some budget airlines

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to the magic of Parc Güell, it’s an essential part of the Barcelona experience. The unfinished Sagrada Familia is both beautiful and hideous with its molten waxlike figures and spires. Don’t miss La Pedrera, a Gaudi apartment block with a roof terrace.

WHEN TO GO: There are things happening all year round, but the weather is particularly pleasant in spring and autumn. CURRENCY: Euro. 1 GBP = 1.16 EUR. ACCOMMODATION: Dorm beds from €15 (£13). Private hotel rooms from €24 (£20). SEE: barcelonaturisme.com.

Tapas time Wander along the famous La Rambla boulevard, choc full of markets, cafes, stalls and colourful characters. It’s touristy but, nonetheless, something story-worthy is bound to happen as the famous street attracts a weird and wonderful selection of humanity.

You’ll see plenty of Gaudi architecture

Tapas time Eating small plates of Spanish delicacies is part of Spanish culture, and there are loads of tapas bars in Barcelona, particularly in the Barri Gòtic area just off La Rambla. Try calamares a la Romana (deep-fried calamari), patatas bravas (fried potatoes), chipirones (baby squid) and albóndigas (meatballs). Wash it all down with a glass of Sangria – Spain’s traditional fruity wine punch. Music to your ears Catch some live music at Razzmatazz, Apolo, Sidecar or Bikini. For something classical, try the Gran Teatre del Liceu. If you’re not brave enough to take flamenco lessons then at least check out the traditional dance as a spectator. There are numerous Flamenco bars in Barcelona. El Tablao de Carmen is popular but you won’t be the only tourist. Park life Hungover? Have a walk in the beautiful Teatre Grec gardens around the impressive Fundació Joan Miró museum, then go inside to goggle at a huge collection of paintings and sculptures by the Spanish surrealist and other artists. If you’re feeling more hearty, climb Montjuïic, just outside the town, for amazing views of the sea. Shopathon For interesting one-offs, head to the Barri Gòtic where young designers have their boutiques, and you might find a treasure. El Raval is also good for independent shops. If you’re after Zara or Mango

High life: Montjuic mountain discounts, however, then get yourself to Plaça Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia or Diagonal. The cava trail If you feel as though you’ve ticked off the sights of Barcelona, take a trip to nearby Montserrat, the monastery-peaked mountain that towers over Catalonia. The region is famous for its wine and champagne and there are a number of tours you can book from the city, thus avoiding having to drive or stay sober. Take part in a tasting session at the Freixenet or Codorniu winery and get happy. ❚ TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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Squats-turned-artist enclaves/ underground clubs/ cafes are all the rage

Big in Berlin The German capital has reinvented itself as a buzzing hipster haven. Find out where to see and be seen with our guide to the best in cutting-edge cool A recent explosion in edgy fashion, art, design and music has cemented Berlin as the European capital of cultural cool. Nowadays, hipsters from far and wide descend on the Deutsch city to compare haircuts over a coffee and indulge in electro-fuelled hedonism. But there’s more to Berlin than donning a vintage blazer and a pair of skinnies and striking a pose. In the 21 years since the wall came down, Berlin has been re-energised to the extent that it is now one of the most sought-after city breaks in Europe. Here, we’ll tell you why. Headline attraction While Berlin has moved on, the city’s Cold War history is too important to ignore. There are some remnants of the wall around town. The East Side Gallery 96

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(eastsidegallery.com) is a stretch which has been transformed by street artists. Checkpoint Charlie, once a gateway between East and West, is now home to a fascinating museum (mauermuseum.de) documenting the attempts of East Berliners to escape to the West. To appreciate the full horror of the Soviet-occupied

BERLIN

GERMANY

GETTING THERE Berlin’s main international airport is Tegel, but most low-cost airlines fly into Schönefeld.

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The Communist TV Tower

Long night of museums The best time to get your culture vulture on is the annual Long Night of Museums, this year taking place on January 28. More than 100 museums and institutions in the city open their doors from 6pm until 2am, adding an edge to your culturally curious wanderings, and including concerts, readings, theatrics and parties (berlin.de). Snap happy Get clicking at the Reichstag (bundestag.de), home to the German Parliament with its stunning modern glass cupola, or dome. The equally photogenic Brandenburg Gate is within walking distance. Dare to be square

German Democratic Republic’s repressive Ministry for State Security (the Stasi), check out the Stasi Museum (stasimuseum.de), or visit the Stasi Prison (en.stiftung-hsh.de). Best of the rest Try the Museum of Contemporary Art in the former Hamburger Bahnhof (hamburgerbahnhof.de). For an overview of Jewish life in Germany check out the Juedisches Museum (jmberlin.de), and visit the moving Holocaust Memorial. For something a bit different, take a tour in a Trabant – the famously unreliable East German car that has won an ironic place in people’s hearts; a symbol for the failure of communist East Germany (trabi-safari.de). Alternative Berlin Make sure you don’t miss the free Alternative Berlin tour. Your guide will take you to artist squats, multicultural neighbourhoods, and cultural landmarks such as the Eastside gallery. The tour departs daily from Alexanderplatz TV tower (alternativeberlin.com).

Two vast squares, Alexanderplatz and Potsdamer Platz, provide a good way of getting your bearings. The former was the centre of the East German sector and is home to the TV Tower built to WHEN TO GO: Any time, but celebrate the glories be warned that it’s very cold from of communism. November to February. Potsdamer Platz CURRENCY: £1 = €1.16 is now the modern ACCOMMODATION: For centre of Berlin. quirky-cool, try Ostel: The GDR Design Hostel (ostel.eu); dorm Foodie finds beds from around £13pn. If you’re German food is good after a party hostel, A&O Berlin winter-warming fare am Zoo (aohostels.com) should do – pork knuckle with the trick; dorm beds from £10pn. potato dumplings and GETTING AROUND: With sauerkraut has to be a choice of S-bahn (train), U-Bahn sampled, and is best (underground), trams and buses, paired with a local you won’t need to walk far. brew. Also try Berlin’s SEE: berlin.de famous currywurst, a plump sausage served with curry. All porked out? The city’s multiculturalism ensures you’ll also be able to eat your fill of Turkish, Vietnamese and Lebanese dishes. On the town

Berlin: capital of cool

Those with a boho bent should head to the funky clubs of the former East Berlin suburb of Friedrichshain. Closely associated with the squat scene of 1989-90, its former squats now offer up everything from cool cafes and cheap bars to trendy book clubs and underground parties. See stressfaktor.squat.net. The Turkish suburb of Kreuzberg is also home to some edgy nightlife. Like your scene a bit racier? Often touted as the world’s best club, Berghain is a fetishtechno club set in a former power plant behind the Berlin Ostbahnhof railway station (berghain.de). ❚ TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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Living the dream: life’s beautiful in Croatia

Coast with the most Sail away around the beautiful islands of Croatia. Stunning scenery, limitless fun and a group of up-for-it travellers – where could be better? Croatia is renowned for having some of the most beautiful, untouched coastline in Europe. Form a group with your friends (or meet new ones aboard) and relax as you meander the gorgeous waters of this striking country. Prepare to find secluded bays, tiny islands and coves hidden in the sparkling blue of the Adriatic. A sailing adventure in Croatia is the perfect opportunity to sample the individual culture of each island and its people. During the day, you’ll stop off at bays for a swim, while in the evening, you’ll visit historic ports to dine on fresh seafood. Make sure you visit these islands: Markarska Tucked under the huge peaks of the Biokovo 98

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mountain range, Makarska has one of the most attractive coastlines on the Dalmatian coast. Mt Jure is the highest seaside peak on the Mediterranean. Stroll along the quaint ancient streets, explore historical churches and other exquisite architectural and cultural sights. BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA CROATIA Split

Dubrovnik

GETTING THERE You can fly from London to Split (with easyJet from £32.99 one way) or Dubrovnik (with BA from £125 one way). Once there, an organised tour is easiest, see tntmagazine.com

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Picture-prefect: Dubrovnik Dubrovnik This is one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia – its old town could have been lifted straight out of a medieval storybook. A leisurely walk around Dubrovnik’s famous walls offers amazing views from all angles: from the vistas over the red-bricked roofs and church spires to the panorama of the shimmering Adriatic and the mountains above the town. Hvar Hvar encapsulates all that’s great about the Mediterranean: pretty marble and lush vineyards, palm trees lining the shore and the fortress overlooking it all. The view from Hvar Town, the harbour and the Pakleni Islands is sublime, particularly at sunset – and, if you came to party, you won’t leave disappointed. Korcula There’s no public transport on this beautiful island, but its quaint old town, boasting superb Renaissance and Gothic buildings, is small enough to stroll around. The pick of the attractions is Bar Massimo, which has al fresco seating atop an old tower. It’s accessible by a steep ladder, and the cocktails (40 kuna/ £5) are hauled

Unwind in Korcula and (above) Hvar WHEN TO GO: The sailing season is from April to September. Public transport, including ferries, is good, so it’s feasible to see the coast and islands independently although an organised tour will eliminate all the hassle for you. CURRENCY: Croatian Kuna. 1 GBP = 8.7 kuna ACCOMMODATION: A hotel double in Dubrovnik starts at 100HRK (£11) but you’ll want to see the country via sailing boat. SEE: croatia.hr

Dive in to Croatia

up from the bar below on a pulley system. Get there before sunset to get a seat and soak up the milliondollar view. Split It’s easy to get lost in Split, such is its tangled web of streets, but it’s also a place where relaxation comes easily. Head along the refurbished harbourside promenade and take your pick of cafes to sit and watch the world go by. If you’d prefer a coffee or beer among locals rather than tourists, head to Teak Café in the north-east corner of the palace. Or for serious boozing and partying, there are numerous heaving bars in the south-east corner. Mljet Explore the natural salt lakes in the national park and unwind with the sun and sea on this peaceful island, of which some 72 per cent is forest. You can visit the little isle of St Mary, in the middle of the large lake. It has an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey and church dating from the 12th century. Alternatively, hire a small boat, kayak, bicycle, scooter or cabriolet to explore the park independently. ❚ TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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Be a tourist: make sure you visit the Eiffel Tower

Parisian getaway The City of Love: stylish and cultured but also snobby, the French capital has a reputation that can’t be ignored. But Paris is more than its stereotypes Of course you’ll want to see the tourist attractions while visiting this stunning city, but make sure you venture off the beaten track as Paris has more to offer than its arrogant residents and high-street style. There’s a buzzy music and arts scene, eclectic nightlife and offbeat shopping to be had.

place on Earth. At night, 20,000 lightbulbs illuminate the tower for five minutes every hour creating a magical spectacle even the love-cynic can enjoy. The queues to buy tickets and climb to the top are long, but you can book ahead at tour-eiffel.fr.

Be a tourist Don your most comfy walking shoes and hang your camera around your neck – you’re going sight-seeing, Paris style. First, head to the Eiffel Tower. The view from the top is breathtaking – on a clear day you can see for 40 miles. They don’t call this the city of romance for nothing – you’re more likely to see a man go down on a bended knee to pop the question here than any other 100 TNTMAGAZINE.COM

PARIS

FRANCE

GETTING THERE The major airports are Roissy-Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Eurostar (eurostar.com) trains from St Pancras take just over two hours to Gare du Nord.

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[Caption]

Notre Dame Cathedral Hit the road

Scoff French pastries Snap happy

Take a stroll along the beautiful river Seine. Every At the end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de summer, “beaches” – with sand, Triomphe is the world’s most famous parasols, games and cafes – are set up roundabout. Built as a monument to WHEN TO GO: Paris is great on stretches of the Seine. Between fallen soldiers of the Napoleonic Wars, to visit at any time of year. February and November, cruise along it’s another icon of Paris. Sacré-Coeur CURRENCY: Euro. the Seine on a hop-on, hop-off boat. Basilica, at the summit of Montmarte 1 GBP = 1.17 EUR Get your camera ready for shots along Hill, 130m high, is the highest point in ACCOMMODATION: Dorm the way of the Eiffel Tower, Musée Paris, so prepare for stunning views. rooms from €16 (£14). Private d’Orsay and Notre Dame cathedral. rooms from €23 (£20). Gay Paree! Also worth a stroll is the once GETTING AROUND: bohemian, now posh Latin Quarter As the centre of the Belle Epoque, and ParisVisite tickets can be used on – home to the Sorbonne university home to the Moulin Rouge, Paris does the Metro and bus networks, the and streets of chic boutiques. partying with a twist. Head to the upcity’s trams, and SNCF trains. and-coming Bastille area for an array VISAS: South Africans need Day at the museums of edgy bars, clubs, live music venues a Schengen visa. Australians and and cafes galore. For an authentic The Louvre is the most visited art New Zealanders don’t need a visa. night out, venture to the Oberkampf museum in the world – it’s also one of SEE: parisinfo.com district, which is popular with the the biggest, with some 35,000 objects trendy Parisian crowd, for its selection from prehistory to the 19th century. of sleazy cafes as well as its lively bars. ❚ There’ll be a crowd around the Mona Lisa, so have a quick look, then get lost in the original courtyards of this 12th century, former palace. Fans of Dan Brown’s Most-visited museum: Musée du Louvre Da Vinci Code can buy an audio guide explaining the links between the book and the museum, which opened in 1793. For another culture fix, head to the Musée d’Orsay. It is best known for its vast collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces by renowned painters including Monet and Van Gogh. Spend, spend, spend To part with your hard-earned cash quickly, the Champs-Élysées is lined with designer retailers, such as Louis Vuitton, where you often have to queue just to get in. However, for more realistic prices, head to Le Marais, the historical centre of Paris’s Jewish and gay communities, where you’ll find vintage bargains. And the Saint-Ouen flea market is great for one-off finds. TNTMAGAZINE.COM 101

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London: Coming & going Your guide to getting to and from London’s major airports for your travels London has five major airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City. During your time in the UK capital you’ll use at least one of these. Each has its own set of pros and cons. Heathrow One of the world’s busiest and most sophisticated airports, handling more international passengers than any other. It’s located 32km west of central London and has excellent transport links. Each of the five terminals has competitive currency exchange facilities, information counters, accommodation desks and left luggage facilities. Heathrow by Tube The Piccadilly line connects Heathrow to central London and the rest of the Tube. Journey time to 102 TNTMAGAZINE.COM

Piccadilly Circus is about 50 minutes. A single ticket into central London (Zone 1) costs £5. If you’re going to be using London’s public transport system, it’s worth buying an Oyster card. Heathrow by Coach National Express runs frequent coach services between Heathrow’s central bus station and Victoria Coach Station. The journey takes between 40 minutes and one hour 30 minutes, depending on the route. Standard tickets cost £5 single or £9 return. Heathrow by Bus Between midnight and 5.30am, the N9 night bus runs about every 30 minutes to central London and terminates at Trafalgar Square. Journey time is approximately 65 minutes. Standard bus fares apply (£1.30 Oyster/£2.20 cash).

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Heathrow Airport by Taxi A metered trip in a black cab to/ from central London will cost between £50 and £80. Luton Luton Airport (LTN) is one of the UK’s fastest growing airports. Many of the scheduled flights are provided by low-cost airlines. Luton Airport is 51km north-west of London. Luton Airport by Train A regular shuttle bus links the airport to Luton Airport Parkway train station in about eight minutes. From there, First Capital Connect operates regular rail services to central London stations. Trains run all day and night, and the journey time is approximately 50 minutes. A standard single ticket costs £12.50. Luton Airport by Coach EasyBus offers a low-cost express bus service between central London and Luton Airport. EasyBus coaches run 24 hours a day between the airport and Central London. A standard one-way ticket starts at £2 when you buy online. Luton by Taxi A metered trip to/ from central London will cost about £80.

London City London City Airport is situated approximately 9.5km east of Central London, and around 4.8km from Canary Wharf. London City by Rail You can catch the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to London City Airport. Services run every seven to ten minutes. Fares on the DLR are the same as those on the Tube. London City by Coach Local bus routes serving the airport are the 473 (Stratford, Silvertown, North Woolwich, and Prince Regent Station) and the 474 (Canning Town, North Woolwich and East Beckton via Silvertown). Standard bus fares apply (£1.30 Oyster/ £2.20 cash). London City Airport by Tube Take the Jubilee Line to Canning Town or Canary Warf, or take the Central Line to Bank, and change to the DLR. By Taxi A metered trip to/ from central London will cost about £20. Gatwick

The second largest airport in the UK after Heathrow, Gatwick is located 45km south of London. Gatwick by Rail Stansted is Britain’s third busiest airport and home to many of the UK’s low-cost airlines, serving mostly The Gatwick Express is the fastest way into Central Mediterranean and European destinations. It’s located London. Standard fares are £17.90 single and £30.80 64km to the north-east of London in Essex. return. Journey time is 30 minutes and is non-stop Stansted by Rail to London Victoria station. First Capital Connect trains to London Bridge, Blackfriars and King’s Cross stations Stansted Express is the quickest way into Central leave every 30 minutes. The standard adult single fare London. Standard fares are £20 single and £27.30 is £9.40. return. Journey time is around 45 minutes, and Southern Railway services operate every 15 minutes the trains stop at Tottenham Hale station before during the day between Gatwick and London Bridge. terminating at Liverpool Street station. The journey time is bout 52 minutes. A standard Stansted by Coach single ticket will cost you £7.90. EasyBus operates between central London and Gatwick by Coach Stansted Airport. Services run every 20 minutes at peak time, and every 30 minutes off-peak. Fares National Express runs services between start from £2 one-way. National Gatwick and Victoria Coach Station. Express operates a 24-hour service Coaches run hourly and journey to Victoria Coach Station. The time varies. Standard fares WEBSITES journey time is one hour and 40 are £7.50 single or £14 return. minutes. Standard tickets cost EasyBus runs services every easybus.co.uk £10 single and £17 return. 20 minutes between 6am nationalexpress.com Stansted by Taxi and 11pm. Fares start at tfl.gov.uk heathrowairport.com £2 one-way. Black cabs only operate gatwickairport.com Gatwick Airport by Taxi in London, so not from london-luton.co.uk Stansted, but official A metered trip in a black cab londoncityairport.com Checker Cars are available to/ from central London will cost stanstedairport.com at metered cost. about £70. Stansted

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Majestic: Edinburgh Castle

Regal Edinburgh Perfect for a quick getaway, the Scottish capital is full of majestic architecture, unforgettable festivals, friendly people and authentic grub Sophisticated culture, stunning surroundings and down-to-earth locals make Edinburgh one of the jewels in the UK’s crown. Whether you plan your trip around Hogmanay, the Fringe Festival or exploring the city, it’s bound to be memorable. Festival frolics Edinburgh becomes a hive of cultural activity in August when the city plays host to the Edinburgh International Festival (eif.co.uk) and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (edfringe.com), the biggest arts festival in the world. More than 400,000 revellers are expected to flock to the city for three fun-filled weeks of comedy, music, drama and dance. Also visit Edinburgh at New Year’s Eve for the Hogmanay street party (see P121).

Historical seats Perched at the top of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city from every angle. It’s a great place to learn about Scotland’s history and take in views of the Scottish capital. It’s also worth heading up to Arthur’s Seat, in Holyrood Park, which ››

SCOTLAND

EDINBURGH

GETTING THERE Fly to Edinburgh in 40 mins and then catch the Airlink 100, which departs every 10 minutes, into the city centre. Virgin’s train service from London takes about five hours and drops you in the city centre.

ENGLAND

TNTMAGAZINE.COM 105

TRAVEL provides a stunning bird’s eye view of Edinburgh’s gothic architecture. Spooks galore The dead have haunted Edinburgh’s cobbled streets and buildings since medieval times and what better way to get spooked than to go on a ghost walk. Visit the vaults beneath the South Bridge and discover the story behind the city’s body snatchers. Heaps of haggis

WHEN TO GO: Edinburgh International Festival runs from August 13-September 5, while the Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes place from August 4-31. GETTING AROUND: It is easy to explore Edinburgh on foot, but there is a fairly extensive bus service if you want to go further than the city centre. ACCOMMODATION: Dorm beds start from £9 and private rooms from £18. SEE: edinburgh.org

Nip into a cosy pub on the Royal Mile or IN Grassmarket and sit down to a steaming plate of Scotland’s most famous dish, haggis (sheep’s intestine combined with onion, oatmeal, spices and salt). While it sounds horrible, it tastes incredible when served with “neeps and tatties” – turnips and potatoes. Whisky sans mixer As a nation of whisky drinkers, Scotland’s national

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drop is always at hand. But be warned, the locals wouldn’t dream of contaminating their aged whisky with any perceived impurities such as a mixer. The Scots love a drink so there are plenty of pubs from which to choose in Edinburgh. One of the best is The Last Drop where, legend has it, convicted criminals were taken for their final meal and a glass of whisky before being walked across the road to be hanged in the market square. The pub retains an old charm that makes it a wonderful place to spend a few hours. ❚

BEST OF THE REST EDINBURGH BEST FOR ... CLUB Wee Red Bar Top tip: Check out ‘The Egg’ on Saturdays, a weekly alternative bunch-up of classic punk, garage, soul and indie music — past and present — to delight the student crowd. Situated on the grounds of the Edinburgh College of Art, this institue of a night club doesn’t lack any character. Price: Entry prices range. See: weeredbar.co.uk

Join the crowds at the Fringe

BEST FOR ... HIDDEN HAUNTED HISTORY The Real Mary King’s Close Top tip: Discover the underground streets and spaces below Old Town through a guided tour complete with a costumed character guide to tell of all the blood and ghosts. For three quid extra you can get the “Gold Ticket” for an extended tour above ground. In December, experience the special Christmas “Daft Days” tours. Price: £12 See: realmarykingsclose.com 106 TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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Feel the vibes: Solstice at Stonehenge

Bath & Stonehenge A stone’s throw from London, Bath is home to the country’s only hot spring, while mysterious Stonehenge was built by the aliens (maybe)

BATH Only 90 minutes by train from London, you’ll discover a city bursting with history and buzzing with modern-day life. Visit the Roman baths and soak away your troubles in the rooftop spa before hitting the town for more liquid refreshment. BATH: OLD AND NEW Heading west on the route of the former Great Western Railway, Bath is a beacon of tourism longevity. Railways made mass tourism possible in the late 1800s, but city has been welcoming spa-goers for two millennia. It was more than 2000 years ago that the Romans soaked their tired limbs in Britain’s only hot spring. Today you can visit the museum or splash 108 TNTMAGAZINE.COM

around in similar style at the Thermae Bath Spa. At the museum, marvel at the magnificent, steamfilled bathing complex and temple built by the Romans. Known then as Aquae Sulis (Waters of Sulis), this former Celtic shrine became a place for legionnaires to recuperate when they weren’t GETTING THERE BATH: Trains take 90 minutess from London. (firstgreatwestern.co.uk)

UNITED KINGDOM

Bath

LONDON

Stonehenge

STONEHENGE: There are regular trains to Salisbury from Waterloo, and buses from Victoria. Hire a car from Salisbury. (avis.co.uk)

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The Royal Crescent, Bath

Pool with a view: Bath’s Therma Spa an early Neolithic monument complex. A recent study by archaeologists from the universities of Birmingham and Vienna suggests that a series of pits, in line with the rising and setting sun, point to the significance of the area as a place of HEALING WATERS BATH sun worship for prehistoric people. Historical appetite sated, book a WHEN TO GO: Any time. session at the rooftop Thermae Bath ACCOMMODATION: A GRAVEYARD Spa. The latest incarnation of Britain’s Hostel dorm rooms are from Stonehenge acts as giant tombstones only natural thermal spa opened in £10. The Queensberry Hotel to the dead, possibly a ruling dynasty, 2006, but floating in the steamy (thequeensberry.co.uk) has argues Mike Parker Pearson from hot spring-fed pool overlooking the doubles from £125. Sheffield University. He came to this city, it’s easy to imagine those who SEE: visitbath.co.uk conclusion after conducting tests on came before. human remains taken from the site STONEHENGE in the 1950s. Archeologists Geoff WHEN NIGHT FALLS WHEN TO GO: Any time but Wainwright and Timothy Darvill Bath is a student city and therefore, wrap up in winter. disagree. They say it was a place as well as several theatres and a good ACCOMMODATION: here where the sick sought cures from selection of restaurants, it’s chocka are plenty of reasonably priced the stones, believed to have healing with pubs and bars. For live music, B&Bs in nearby Salisbury. powers. This, they argue, is why hit The Porter (theporter.co.uk) or SEE: english-heritage.org.uk nearby graves are filled with bodies Komedia, which also puts on club of the sick and deformed. Another theory suggests nights (komedia.co.uk/bath). Stonehenge was built as a temple to the sun and the changing seasons, with its stones aligned to mark STONEHENGE midsummer and midwinter. Whether you view Salisbury Plains’ awe-inspiring SUMMER SOLSTICE standing stones as a historic monument or as Every year, modern-day Pagans, hippes and partysomething more spiritual, Stonehenge is one of lovers gather at the stones to celebrate the longest Britain’s most interesting sites. Its origins remain day of the year. This year, it will fall on Thursday, a mystery, but there are no shortage of theories. 21 June with the sun rising at 5.14am. Head here to watch this to the sound of bongos – it will be SUN WORSHIP a moving experience. ❚ Before Stonehenge was built, the area was the site of fighting Britons. They kept the original name of the settlement, but worshipped their own goddess Minerva here.

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Great university: but Oxford has much more to offer

Great minds Many of the world’s most famous achievers have studied in Oxford or Cambridge – but there’s more to these historic towns than academia Oxford and Cambridge, homes to England’s oldest, most prestigious universities, are only few hours’ drive from London. As such, they’re perfect for a daytrip and both are packed with history, dramatic architecture and some decent pubs.

cathedral; the dining hall, which featured in the Harry Potter movies; and an art gallery full of works by the old masters. You’ll also discover where the inspiration for Alice In Wonderland came from; its author Lewis Carroll, wrote the much-loved children’s book while he was a maths professor here.

OXFORD It might be famous for its pursuit of academic excellence but also take a look at Oxford’s outstanding architecture, world-class museums, chic bars, trendy restaurants and elegant shops.

UNITED KINGDOM Cambridge Oxford

CHRIST CHURCH COLLEGE Pay a visit to the biggest college at Oxford University, Christ Church. Feast your eyes on the 12th-century 110 TNTMAGAZINE.COM

LONDON

GETTING THERE Catch a train to Cambridge from Liverpool Street or King’s Cross, which takes 60-90 minutes (from £20). For Oxford, National Express (nationalexpress. com) runs a coach from Victoria station (from £12). The journey is nearly two hours

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EXPLORE THE CITY The best way to get about in Oxford is to take a stroll through the small city. Begin on Broad Street and absorb the impressive architecture of the Sheldonian Theatre, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and erected in 1664-8; and the Clarendon Building, with its Greek-like columns and towering roof statues. From here, head to the Covered Market, where you can shop or relax with a coffee. FOODIE FINDS For a superior curry, try award-winning Aziz in Cowley Road. Branca in Walton Street is a good Italian bar and restaurant serving stone-baked pizzas. If you want to splash out, Le Manoir is a two Michelin-star restaurant owned by Raymond Blanc in Church Road. There’s no shortage of boozers in which to sup a decent pint of ale. A literary pub both CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien used to frequent, the Eagle & Child in St Giles is a great place to start. The Turf Tavern has had a slew of famous visitors in its day including Elizabeth Taylor, Stephen Hawking, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair and Alicia Silverstone.

Good vibes: Oxford

CAMBRIDGE Cambridge has much in common with rival Oxford, most notably a town centre filled with elegant colleges, busy students and a surfeit of cafés and bars. However, it is considered the prettier of the two cities. Historic pubs reverberate with the mix of intellectual banter and alcohol-fuelled merrymaking that has become tradition over hundreds of years. HEADLINE ATTRACTION Take a punt in Cambridge The university consists of several colleges, many housed in beautiful old buildings centred around neat paddle-boarding (fenpaddle.co.uk). In winter take lawns known as quads. The most famous is King’s a brisk walk along the Cam before College, with its gothic masterpiece heading back over one of the many King’s College Chapel. Head there at pretty bridges. 5.30pm Monday-Saturday (Sunday WHEN TO GO: Summer’s times vary) to hear the famous choir obviously ideal but it’s nice FOODIE FINDS belting out some top notes. to nestle down in an old pub, You’ll find an array of cuisines on drinking in front of a roaring offer. However, if you’re just after TAKE A PUNT fire in winter. a snack, join the queues of students Head to the banks of the River CURRENCY: GBP at bakery Fitzbillies – they’re lining up Cam, an area known as the Backs. ACCOMMODATION: Dorm In summer, you’ll be able to watch beds from £13.95 at the YHA (yha. for a reason. Cambridge has its fair share of trendy bars, but it’s the oldthe river teaming with punts – get org.uk). Doubles from £20. man pubs that will win you over. Try involved by hiring a vessel from SEE: visiteastofengland.com; the Pickerel Inn or The Eagle, which Scudamore’s Boatyard (scudamores. visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com has graffiti by World War II pilots. com). Or try a spot of stand-up TNTMAGAZINE.COM 111

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Dublin: get amongst the energy

The luck of the Irish Despite its turbulent past, Ireland doesn’t lack charm. Here’s our guide to enjoying the craic and making the most of this beautiful country The Emerald Isle boasts a wealth of history – tales of rebellion and oppression, ancient ruins, mystical legends, religious wars and a beautiful landscape – but it’s the spirit of the country what makes it so loved the world over. The people are super-friendly and they love to have a good time. Remember those fun Irish folk you met on your travels? Prepare yourself for an entire country of them. And the best thing is: they’ll welcome you with open arms.

famous export, Guinness. Learn how to pull a perfect pint of the renowned black stuff at the Guinness Storehouse. It can be thirsty work, so knock back a couple at the dazzling 360C bar, which offers striking city views. Those in the mood for culture and history should Giant’s Causeway BELFAST

NORTHERN IRELAND

Dublin, a cosmopolitan energy An explosion in multi-culturalism due to Ireland’s (now finished) economic boom in the Noughties has resulted in a throng of immigrants and tourists, creating a cosmopolitan vibe. It’s an extremely social city and the best place in the world to sup most 112 TNTMAGAZINE.COM

Galway

DUBLIN Kilkenny

Cork

IRELAND

GETTING THERE Fly London to Dublin with Ryanair from £16.99; fly London to Belfast from £20.99 with Air Lingus

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visit the free National Museum of Ireland. It charts the interesting past of this great country. And its biggest drawcard is a couple of 2000-year-old bog people, preserved until they were finally found in 2003. Historians believe the bodies were sacrificed to fertility gods to guarantee a good harvest – let’s hope it was plentiful. There’s also a chance to view Viking relics and Egyptian artefacts and peek into Ireland’s natural history. For a taste of the country’s gruesome history, visit the eerie Kilmainham Gaol – the setting for the ruthless execution of 14 nationalists involved in the 1916 Easter Rising. Socialist leader James Connolly, who was so badly wounded from fighting that he only had days to live, was strapped to a chair to be executed by firing squad. You can see where it all went down on visits to the prison chapel and execution yards. For a more pleasant experience, hit the boutiques of Grafton Street for an afternoon of shopping. Here you’ll find fashionable frocks and edgy accessories. Deck yourself out on a wide variety of retro clothes and funky jewellery at Cow’s Lane Market, in Temple Bar. Stay in the area after the sun sets; Temple Bar is loaded with great after-dark haunts. You’ll find a genuine Irish experience at boozers such as Hogans in George Street and Whelans, in Wexford Street, famed for its live music and late bar. Stop for a cheeky pint and a nightly dose of live traditional music at Dublin’s oldest boozer, the Brazen Head, founded in 1198.

It’s not labelled the Emerald Isles for nothing

in Galway. Students make up a quarter of the city’s population, so there’s a buzz wherever you go. The streets of this bohemian city are lively, with street Energetic Cork serves up edgy art galleries, sizzling performers and musicians. It’s also one fo the few clubs and packed boozers. It was voted the 2005 places in Ireland where you’ll hear the Irish language European Capital of Culture, and the legacy of that being spoken on the streets. lives on in new buildings, restaurants, bars and arts Galway’s packed with energetic pubs and the centres springing up all over town. A visit wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local brews – Murphy’s place gets even wilder than usual at the end of July for the annual race week, one of the highlights of the and Beamish. A must-see attraction is Cork City Gaol, summer. If you want a break from the action-packed which was used from 1823 and 1923, and is a vivid cobbled streets, walk over salmon-filled River Corrib, reminder of Ireland’s troubled past. The hellish living and along the lengthy promenade, which leads to the conditions are realistically recreated by true-to-life seaside suburb of Salthil. Here you’ll models of depressed prisoners and find Galway Bay, where the region’s stern guards. Despite this, times were WHEN TO GO: Anytime, but famous oysters originate. so bad during the potato famine summer will mean there’s more of 1846-49 that starving people people out and about. Kilkenny, good times guaranteed committed crimes so they could be CURRENCY: Euro: sent to jail, where they’d get food and 1GBP=1.16 EUR Kilkenny is known as the festival shelter. Also take the time to explore capital of Ireland, so you’re ACCOMMODATION: the city’s majestic opera house. guaranteed to have a good time Hostel dorm beds from €12 a here. There’s a thriving music and arts night, private rooms from €20. Galway, bohemia reigns supreme scene in this town, so a visit during SEE: discoverireland.com; the Kilkenny Arts Festival in August is discovernorthernisland.com The spirit and youthfulness of the definitely worthwhile, but book west coast of Ireland is exemplified ›› Cork, culture with an edge

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Get a taste of the black stuff

Unwind in Galway accommodation well in advance. It also hosts the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival in June and the Celtic Festival in October. There’s more than 60 bars in the town so the only problem about a night out will be deciding where to go. Also check out Kilkenny’s famous castle, which sits majestically on a sweep in the River Nore.

NORTHERN IRELAND Belfast Northern Ireland’s capital, once a city under serious threat of bombs and bloodshed, is now one of the

Magic: Kilkenny UK’s hottest weekend break destinations. With an enticing nightlife and edgy charm, many of the legacies of Belfast’s turbulent history have become star attractions for tourists who are visiting in their droves. Belfast may no longer a troubled hotspot, but its past won’t be soon forgotten. You can learn all about The Troubles on a black-taxi tour of West Belfast’s political murals (below left) painted on the terraced houses of the Catholic Falls area and Protestant Shankill district, and the Peace Line that divides them. You can choose to be guided by either Protestant or Catholic drivers, depending on which you lean to religiously or politically. Belfast Titanic, 100 years of infamy 2012 is the 100th anniversary of the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic, the infamous ‘unsinkable’ ocean liner that was built by Belfast’s Harland and Wolff shipyards. Although the ship sank when it hit an iceberg, at the time, Belfast had built the world’s most advanced piece of technology and the city still takes pride in the piece of engineering genius. Titanic Belfast, opening in April, will be a ‘mustsee’ visit in any tour of Belfast and Northern Ireland.

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Housed in a purpose-built building beside the historic site of the ship’s construction, the exhibition covers nine galleries and tells the story of the Titanic through a state-of-the-art experience. Though new developments, such as Belfast Titanic, might now dominate the Belfast skyline, make time to visit the lavish 19th-century City Hall, and Belfast Castle with its stunning gardens. For cutting-edge art and culture, make sure spend some time on the generated waterfront. Party city, and a rise in cafe culture Belfast’s reputation as a party city has much to do with the stretch known as the Golden Mile, a kilometre of pubs and restaurants including lively boozer/ club Lavery’s and student favourite Eglantine. If you prefer cosmopolitans to Guinness, head to trendy bar Irene & Nans. Café culture has really taken off in Belfast, with plenty of options on Botanic Avenue for a cup of coffee or a delicious snack. Chain cafe Clements makes an excellent cappuccino and for good and affordable local food try Mourne Seafood Bar in Bank Street or The Barking Dog bistro in Malone Road.

Hot destination: Belfast The Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder The Giant’s Causeway is one of the UK’s greatest natural wonders. Scientists say that the honeycomblike formation of six-sided basalt columns were formed by eruptions more than six million years ago. The Causeway should be included in any visit to Northern Ireland. Those with a head for heights can cross the nearby Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. ❚

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Festival fever Whether it’s taking part in the world’s biggest tomato fight, drinking beer with six million people or running alongside bulls, there’s an event for it In many cases, these now world-renowned festivals started off as small village traditions. However, the locals couldn’t keep them secret for long, as the colourful and sometimes dangerous events caught the eye of intrepid travellers, who regaled their tales to other backpackers. People now gather en masse for these huge celebrations. Here are our 10 faves.

UP HELLY AA, Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland WHEN January 31 WHAT This is the largest fire festival in Europe. More than 1000 costumed revellers (known as the Jari Squad) march holding burning torches to pay homage to the Shetland’s Viking heritage. The ceremony ends as the hundreds of flaming torches are thrown into a long-ship. Then the celebration really kicks off, with music and entertainment ‘til the early hours. The following day is a public holiday, to allow for recovery – so expect a party to remember.

Up Helly Aa: best for fire lovers GETTING THERE Fly to Shetland from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Orkney. There are also ferries operating. ACCOMMODATION Dorm beds start from £10, private rooms from £17. Book accommodation early. VISA No visas required if you have one for the UK. SEE uphellyaa.org

RIO CARNIVAL, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil WHEN February 17-21 WHAT While some cities like to boast they host the world’s best festival, there’s no doubt that Rio’s Carnival is the biggest, sexiest, most colourful and most famous. It’s a hedonistic festival, which dates back to the Ancient Greeks celebrating Dionysus, the god of wine. And no one does hedonism better than the Brazilians. For five days Rio is a riot of festivities, culminating in a parade where dancers and drummers strut their stuff to see which samba school will be crowned champion. Don’t miss it. GETTING THERE Most London airports fly to Rio. ››

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[Caption] Weird puppets: Las Fallas

ACCOMMODATION Dorm beds start from £12 – however, during carnival time, this obviously rises. VISA No visas required for stays less than 90 days for South Africans and New Zealanders. Australians will need a visa in advance of travel. SEE rio-carnival.net

Day Of The Dead: Mexico RUNNING OF THE BULLS, Pamplona, Spain WHEN July 6-14, with the bull run taking place at 8am every day. Six bulls are brought back to be killed by a matador in the arena at 6.30pm. WHAT This has become a cult event, although the

LAS FALLAS, Valencia, Spain WHEN March 17-20 WHAT A spectacular celebration of fire and pyrotechnics to mark the arrival of spring. Giant puppets (fallas), some lifelike, some grotesque, are built and displayed in every neighbourhood in Valencia. The papier-mache puppets are first placed around the city and then, on the final night, burned in a pagan-feeling ceremony accompanied by fireworks. Nights are debauched as the city heats up and three million flame-loving revellers take to the streets. During the day, parades, live music, paella contests and beauty pageants keep the party alive. GETTING THERE Most budget airlines fly to Valencia. You can also get there by rail and coach from Madrid, Barcelona and other Spanish cities. HOW MUCH Four-day tours start from about £160. ACCOMMODATION Dorm beds start from £10, private rooms from £17. Book accommodation early. VISAS New Zealanders and Australians don’t need visas. South Africans need a Schengen visa. SEE turisvalencia.es 118 TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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younger generations are increasingly boycotting it on ethical grounds. Its excitement can’t be denied and if you go, you should take part. However, if you chicken out, there are plenty of great (safe) vantage points. Lots of drinking is involved; expect to stay up all night and get slaughtered. In solidarity with the bulls. GETTING THERE Fly to Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao or Biarritz and then catch a train or bus to Pamplona. Or fly direct to Pamplona from Madrid or Barcelona. HOW MUCH Tours start at £200. Book in advance. ACCOMMODATION Rooms in Pamplona get booked early, but there are campsites outside town. You can also base yourself in Bilbao, San Sebastián or Zarautz. VISAS Aussies and Kiwis don’t need a visa. Saffas need a Schengen visa. SEE sanfermin.com

Tomato soup: La Tomatina LA TOMATINA, Buñol, Spain WHEN Last Wednesday in August WHAT Always dreamed of throwing more than your weight in tomatoes while stumbling around in a gloopy soup, covered from head to toe in squelchy liquid? Then this is for you. The streets of this usually

sleepy town turn to puree as 50,000 people do battle with lorry-loads of ripe tomatoes in an orgy of silliness. Expect to be hosed down afterwards and don’t wear anything you love. Girls should don sports bras to avoid the inevitable. GETTING THERE The closest airport is Valencia. Many people also choose to base themselves in Valencia as accommodation in Buñol is limited. HOW MUCH Three-day organised tours from £189. ACCOMMODATION In Valencia, dorm beds start from £13, and private rooms from £17. Book early to avoid disappointment. VISAS Australians and New Zealanders do not need a visa, but South Africans will need a Schengen visa. SEE turisvalencia.es

DAY OF THE DEAD, Oaxaca, Mexico WHEN November 1-2 WHAT It’s name probably gives it away, but this is a celebration of friends and relatives who have died. It’s been running for thousands of years, before it evolved into the colourful celebration it is today. With its costumes, scary facepaint, candy skulls as well as papier-mache skeletons, this is death at its most fun. Mexico’s exuberant event involves parades, rituals to welcome back deceased relatives, and a mariachi-accompanied visit to the cemetery, via the funfair. It’s how they would like to be remembered. Honest. ›› TNTMAGAZINE.COM 119

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Clockwise: Oktoberfest in Munich; Burning Man; Hogmanay in Scotland

GETTING THERE Fly to Las Vegas or San Francisco, then rent a car or camper van and drive. HOW MUCH Mexico tours start around £595. ACCOMMODATION Dorms can cost as little as £3 per night in Oaxaca, and £4 for a basic hotel room. VISAS A tourist card is issued on arrival. Kiwis get 180 days and Aussies and South Africans up to 90. SEE visitmexico.com

BURNING MAN, Black Rock Desert, Nevada, US WHEN Aug 27-Sept 3 WHAT Tens of thousands of people gather in the scorching Nevada desert for this event to celebrate art, community and self-expression. It’s a parallel universe of surreal works – many of which you can ride/ sail across the pristine sands – fabulous costumes, nakedness and themed camps. On the final night, a giant “man” is set alight. Everything from the event is then packed away, leaving no trace of its existence. GETTING THERE Fly to Las Vegas or San Francisco, then rent a car or camper van and drive. ›› HOW MUCH Tickets are upwards of £155. 120 TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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ACCOMMODATION You’ll be camping in the desert, but book a hotel to retreat to after the festival. Trust us, you’ll need it! VISAS Aussies and Kiwis don’t need a visa for stays of less than 90 days. South Africans require a visa. SEE burningman.com

ANZAC DAY ANZAC COVE ON TURKEY’S GALLIPOLI PENINSULA

OKTOBERFEST, Munich, Germany WHEN Late September to early October WHAT More then six million boozers hit Munich to consume unimaginable litres of the stuff at Germany’s most famous festival. Ever-popular buxom Bavarian wenches will keep your steins replenished. As a bonus, according to TNT insiders, the beer’s so pure you never get a hangover! There are currently 14 large beer tents and 20 smaller ones. Make sure you plan carefully – you’ll be too smashed to wander around to all of them. GETTING THERE Budget airlines fly direct to Munich. Otherwise, book a package tour from the UK, which is usually by coach. You can also catch a train from other German cities. HOW MUCH Tour packages start from £120. ACCOMMODATION Dorm beds in hostels start at £22. Hotel rooms are from £52 for a double. Hotels and hostels book out in a flash for Oktoberfest – some up to a year in advance. VISAS Aussies and Kiwis don’t need a visa. South Africans need a Schengen visa. SEE oktoberfest.de

HOGMANAY, Edinburgh, Scotland WHEN New Year’s Eve WHAT Why spend just one evening celebrating the birth of a new year, when you can spend three? This is one of the most iconic NYE celebrations in the world – renowned for its non-stop knees-up. This year, dance the nights away to a mix of Primal Scream, Mark Ronson and Friendly Fires, as well as the Bombay Bicycle Club and The Vaccines. More than 250,000 people head to the city centre, with loads of entertainment on offer. Events begin with a flaming torch parade and fireworks mark the New Year. GETTING THERE You can fly from London on jump on a train or coach – but book in advance. HOW MUCH Three-day tours start from £199. ACCOMMODATION Dorm beds from £9 and private rooms from £18. VISA No visas required if you have one for the UK. SEE edinburghshogmanay.org ❚

WHEN April 25 WHAT Head to Gallipoli this Anzac day to pay your personal tribute to the troops from Australia and New Zealand who fought so bravely in World War I. More than 10,000 people make the pilgrimage every year. Explore the war memorials and trenches during an emotionally charged day which begins with a dawn service. It’s also a perfect chance to explore Turkey. GETTING THERE Fly into Istanbul. Gallipoli is 350km from there. To access the peninsula for Anzac Day you have to join an official tour. HOW MUCH Tour packages start from £120. ACCOMMODATION Sleeping outside is the only option at Anzac Cove. In Istanbul, dorms start at 20-40 lira (£7-£14). A basic hotel room is 60-80 lira (£20-£27). VISAS Australians must buy a tourist visa upon entering Turkey (roughly £10). New Zealanders don’t need a visa if their stay is three months or less. ACCOMMODATION Sleeping outside is the only option at Anzac Cove. In Istanbul, dorms start at 20 lira (£7). A basic hotel room is 60 lira (£21). SEE anzacsite.gov.au

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Must see: the Sphinx and Pyramids in Egypt

Best in the world The UK is close to some of the most amazing countries in the world. Here’s a checklist of the ones you need to see while here, or on your way home If you’re based in the UK for at least the next two years, make the most of it. One of the attractions of the country is the fact there are tonnes of destinations just a short flight away. Here’s our guide to the must-visit destinations – with a few essential long-haul hotspots thrown in for good measure.

EGYPT WHY Witness the birth of a new democratic country. 2011 saw the Egyptian revolution and president Hosni Mubarak resigning, ending his 30-year reign. Although there was still unrest at the end of last year, the UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office had placed no restrictions on travel – but check at the time of your trip. 124 TNTMAGAZINE.COM

HIGHLIGHTS Don’t let last year’s Arab Spring put you off – Egypt is a stunning destination that deserves to be seen. The capital, Cairo, is located on the Nile river. It’s hectic and busy, yet beautiful. Visit the Egyptian Museum which is filled with more than 120,000 intriguing ancient artifacts, including King Tut’s Golden Mask. Luxor, gateway to the Valley of the Kings, is a mass of bustling metropolitan madness. Visit the touristy dive spot of Sharm el-Sheikh; or spend days lazing by the Red Sea in laid-back Dahab. GIZA Nothing can prepare you for the exhilaration of standing beneath The Pyramids and the Sphinx. They are among the greatest archaeological sites you will ever encounter.

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Go diving in the Red Sea

Cape Town’s Table Mountain THE NILE The ultimate in lazy travel; spend a day floating along the longest river in the world on a traditional felucca. You’ll soon forget any problems. MT SINAI It will take you about three hours to reach the 2285m peak where it’s believed God himself spoke to Moses and passed down the Ten Commandments. THE RED SEA A waterbaby’s haven, the turquoise waters off the eastern coast of the Sinai Peninsula make for some of the best diving on the planet. Plunge into a world of colourful reefs and rich marine life and explore caves and wrecks, both long forgotten and rediscovered.

Stunning: Vic Falls HOW MUCH A tour will set you back about £150 excluding flights. It can be advisable to book a tour guide so you can take advantage of the safety and knowledge that provides. Food and drink prices are fairly cheap: you can feed yourself for about £5 a day. VISA Aussies and Kiwis can buy a visa upon arrival (about £10), but it’s less hassle to get one before you go. South Africans need to apply for a visa in advance.

AFRICA

THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS Witness the final resting place of more than 60 of Egypt’s most highly regarded ancient leaders, including Tutankhamen and Queen Hatshepsut.

WHY It can be an adventurer’s playground; a beachgoer’s paradise; an explorer’s unchartered territory. There are deserts, rainforests, savannah, mountains, lowlands, stunning beaches and tropical islands – not to mention some of the most amazing animals you’ll ever come close to. Go on safari at a national park to witness the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino).

WHEN TO GO Peak season is November until May. At other times, it’s cheaper, but also much hotter. GETTING THERE Egypt is a five-hour flight from the UK with flights leaving from all London airports.

HIGHLIGHTS Visit Johannesburg, Cape Town, the Kruger National Park, Table Mountain and Victoria Falls while in South Africa. Go on a wildlife adventure in Kenya; trek volcanoes, climb Mt Kilimanjaro, and watch TNTMAGAZINE.COM 125

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[Caption] Challenge: climb Mt Kilimanjaro the annual migration in the Serengeti; or trek in search of mountain gorillas in Uganda. WHEN TO GO April and June to see the wildlife migration in Tanzania and Kenya. GETTING THERE To witness different parts of Africa, book an overland trip. If you want to go it alone, start in Tanzania by flying into Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and making your way to Arusha, where you’ll find loads of safari operators. HOW MUCH Tours start at about £250 excluding flights. VISAS Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans need a visa for Tanzania. All foreigners travelling to the country also need to show proof of a yellow fever inoculation.

SKIING/ SNOWBOARDING

(bulgariaski.com) has pistes of varying length and difficulty. You can even try your hand at cross-country skiing on a track set 2km away from the resort. Borovets also boasts a thriving clubbing scene. Ski passes start at £84 for three days. BEST FOR ... BUDGET INDERMEDIATE Bansko (bulgariaski.com) benefits from a long season (roughly December to May) and plenty of good powder. Together with 64km of pistes to explore, this cute medieval town has many cultural monuments and historic sites, while slightly further afield is the Pirin National Park – a Unesco World Heritage site home to epic limestone mountainscapes, glacial lakes, waterfalls and caves. There’s also a wealth of cheap accommodation options at Bansko and a decent clubbing scene. Set aside £125 for a six-day ski pass. WHEN TO GO Most European seasons start in

WHY Why not! It’s heaps of fun, and nothing beats heading up the mountains, breathing in fresh alpine air and carving your way back down. And Europe has something for beginners and pros alike. WHERE There are slopes in Andorra, Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, as well as in many places outside the Eurozone. Flights leave regularly from London. However, look into hopping on to a train as you won’t get charged for baggage. Bus journeys can be long, but they’re usually cheap. BEST FOR ... BUDGET BEGINNERS Eastern Europe is great for snow bunnies on a budget. Borovets 126 TNTMAGAZINE.COM

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November and run until April, or in some cases, May. Check the snow forecast for your destination before you book – and avoid school holidays at all costs. HOW MUCH For cheaper rates, look outside the Eurozone. There’s Bansko in Bulgaria, Slovenia’s main resorts Kranjska Gora and Bovec, the High and Low Tatras mountains of Slovakia and Romania’s Poiana Brasov. Don’t expect them to rival the big hitters of the Alps, but the areas are being invested in all the time. A list of companies specialising in ski tours, with varying prices, dates and locations, can be found at tntmagazine.com/travel. VISAS Aussies and Kiwis don’t need visas for most EU countries. South Africans will most likely need a Schengen visa. Check before you leave.

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Snowboarding: get a slice of the action

TRANS-SIBERIAN WHY The Trans-Siberian railway has come to mean much more than the train journey across Russia it originally described. As well as the route between Moscow and Vladivostok, it’s now a catch-all for any train journey in this area – in fact, most travellers doing the ‘Trans-Sib’ will usually be heading from Beijing to Mongolia, then through Siberia to Moscow (or vice versa) – officially, the Trans-Mongolian. This epic rail journey has also come to symbolise the ultimate in do-before-you-die travel. It’s an adventure crossing time zones and cultures, continents and countries. WHEN TO GO May until September because of the warm weather, but they’re also the busiest times. Avoid July and August as it’s too hot. Travel in March to experience the tail end of a Siberian winter. Avoid the first snow in October and the spring thaw in April. GETTING THERE Take an overnight train from St Petersburg to Moscow, where the journey departs. HOW MUCH Packages start from about £800. VISAS All visitors need a visa for Russia and China, and most nationalities need one for Mongolia too. Leave at least six weeks to sort your visas out. Ask your tour company if they can help with visa arrangements.

UNITED STATES WHY The United States is enormous, so don’t even think about attempting to cover it in one trip. It’s a land where everything is on a bigger scale – from the superior lakes and the grand canyons to the skyscrapers and heart-attack-inducing breakfasts. Check out our favourite roadtrips: EASTERN PROMISE With super-cheap flights from London to New York City, the Big Apple is the obvious

Trans-Sib: more than just a train ride place to start an East Coast tour. Explore Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. Complete your East Coast tour in Florida, making stops in the stylish beach city of Miami, and in Orlando, home to Walt Disney World Resort and SeaWorld, as well as gorgeous beaches. WILD WEST From wild landscapes to hip cities, the US’s west coast is an adventurer’s dream. Celeb-spot in star-studded LA, ogle ancient rocks in the Grand Canyon and soak up desert hues in Death Valley. Finish up in Las Vegas, a neon wonderland in the sand that is the ultimate playground for grown-ups. THE DEEP SOUTH Laid-back New Orleans has a vibrant French Quarter which comes alive at night with competing melodies emanating from jazz clubs. If New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, then Memphis is the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll. It’s a 10-hour train ride from New Orleans but it’s worth it. Expect Elvis mania – and don’t miss the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum which covers the development of soul into rock ’n’ roll. WHEN TO GO Summer – which begins on Memorial Day (last Mon in May) and ends on Labor Day (first ›› TNTMAGAZINE.COM 127

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Check out the top sights

Hail a yellow cab in NYC Mon in Sep) – is peak. Autumn (fall) is spectacular, and Christmas time in New York is a festive overload. GETTING THERE All major London airports have flights to the US. Major international airports include JFK and Newark (New York), LAX (Los Angeles), SFO (San Francisco) and Hartsfield International (Atlanta). HOW MUCH Simple four-day tours of the US start from £189. VISAS Aussies and Kiwis don’t need visas for stays of less than 90 days, but must obtain travel authorisation prior to departing for the US. This may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), an internet application. South Africans will need to make an appointment at their nearest US embassy or consulate to obtain a visa.

SOUTH AMERICA WHY If you’re after a no-holds-barred unforgettable adventure, this is the right place. South America is all epic landscapes and throbbing party towns, the perfect destination for intrepid travellers who like to have fun. HIGHLIGHTS: SALVADOR, BRAZIL Salvador is the ultimate party city, with its streets throbbing 24-7 128 TNTMAGAZINE.COM

Mix with movie stars to African drum beats, and its central squares full of displays of capoeira, performed by buff men doing handstands and flips. The historic centre, Pelourinho, is abuzz with bars and clubs pumping out samba. INCA TRAIL, PERU The four-day hike to the dramatic city of Machu Picchu is a tick-box activity for most backpackers exploring Peru. Unfortunately, it can be hard to get on the Inca Trail as the government only issues 200 permits worldwide a day. Book in advance. BOLIVIAN SALT FLATS Salar de Uyuni are the largest salt flats in the world: a 12,000sqkm carpet of blindingly white salt that stretches as far as the eye can see. Look out for turquoise lagoons full of flamingos, active geysers, striking rock formations and steamy hot springs where you can bathe. Keep your eyes peeled for llamas with ribbons in their ears, and ostriches. ANGEL FALLS, VENEZUELA Arrange a tour from the steaming-hot Venezuelan city of Ciudad Bolivar, dotted with pretty colonial buildings. Gloriously remote, Canaima National Park, where the highest waterfall in the world is situated, is only reachable by small plane from Ciudad Bolivar across dense jungle. ››

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Adventure: Machu Picchu

Party in Colombia

AMAZON RAINFOREST Tours to the Amazon can be arranged from Brazil, Peru or Bolivia and all are likely to include caiman spotting and piranha fishing. You’re likely to sleep in hammocks and swim in the Amazon every day during a rainforest adventure. BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA Tango displays can be seen all over the city, particularly in the clubs of hip artists’ district San Telmo. Once you’ve watched the experts at it, take a lesson in one of the city’s many schools to try out your moves in the clubs. DEATH ROAD, BOLIVIA A bike ride along Bolivia’s infamous Death Road is a rite of passage for any traveller worth their mettle. Outside Bolivia’s capital La Paz, the bumpy and narrow track is on a very steep incline and has earned its dangerous reputation thanks to suffering the most casualties every year compared to any other road. Ride with caution. WHEN TO GO Climate conditions differ from country to country. Best check tntmagazine.com/travel for more details. Avoid the rainy season if possible. GETTING THERE Only go it alone if you’re a seasoned traveller with a good command of Spanish. Otherwise there are a variety of tour groups. HOW MUCH Tours start from about £345. The earlier you book your flights, the cheaper they will be. VISAS Some countries require a visa, others just a passport and return ticket. Check with each country. 130 TNTMAGAZINE.COM

Go trekking in Peru

CANADA WHY As you would expect from the second largest country in the world, Canada has something to offer every type of traveller. If you’re a city-lover, check out the bright lights of Toronto, French-speaking Montréal and eclectic Vancouver. Or you can get closer to nature in the Rocky Mountains, then explore the country’s pristine wilderness or ride the rodeo. WHEN TO GO Any time of year is good. To enjoy the outdoors, visit in summer. In most areas, March to May and September to October bring fewer tourists and often surprisingly pleasant weather. And autumn finds forests cloaked in a spectacular mantle of colour. GETTING THERE Air Canada is the best bet for travelling to Canada from London. Which hub you choose will depend on your final destination – Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton are the gateways to the Rockies, while the cities of the eastern provinces have their own airports. HOW MUCH Tours of Canada start at about £900. VISAS No visas required for stays up to 180 days for Kiwis and Aussies. South Africans need a visa. ❚

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