And the living is easy

Technology is supposed to improve our lives, but often it comes to dominate our existence or bamboozles us. We’ve never met anyone who has a clue about what all the screens and buttons on their in-car entertainment unit actually do and we question whether there’s really a need for a subscriptionbased app for everything from shaving to breathing. Anyway, here’s our pick of the latest tech that will actually make your day more enjoyable…

If you’d rather spend your time on something other than chores, consider a robot vacuum cleaner. It’ll scoot around hoovering up dust and debris on its own schedule, saving you the cope with pet hair, and at just 2.8 inches high, can glide into hard to reach areas under cabinets and couches. You can control it via app, remote control or using voice commands via a smart speaker. It has a 120 minute run-time between charges and automatically adjusts to different flooring types. Job done!

STOOV’S BIG HUG XL is a heated chair cover that can also be used as a throw. Perfect for knocking up some spreadsheets in your home office chair, bingeing on Netflix or a cosy gaming experience. They also do some rechargeable huggable heated cushions that work wonders for soothing muscle pains after an overenthusiastic exercise session. The range can be ordered from uk.stoov.com

Thai design specialist Gadhouse has just launched its MILES STYLISH WIRELESS SPEAKERS, meaning you don’t need to faff about with cables and cable ties to get great sound and a retro-stylish look. It’s an East meets West aesthetic combining 70s and 80s European style with Japanese minimalism and the latest audio technology. The also do a cool RETRO TURNTABLE with 3.5mm in and out jacks, pitch control, dust cover and belt-drive turntable mechanism. At under £120, it’d be a stylish way to get back into vinyl. See the range at gadhouse.com

CHAR-BROIL’S ELECTRIC SMART-E BBQ will make you King of the Barbecue. The TRU-Infrared technology creates an even heat, with no flare ups and far juicier results. As its electric, there’s no need to fire it up two hours before your guests arrive and no danger you’ll run out of gas. It takes just 15 minutes to reach 2600C and you can choose the cooking temperature – anywhere from 90-3700C digitally. There’s even a brilliant Auto Clean function which removes the hassle of cleaning and an Auto-Shut Off to power down automatically when the cleaning’s done. RRP £799.99 from garden centres or via char-broil.co.uk where you’ll find stockists and lots of recipes.

Tarragona

Tarragona is a Spanish port city that’s around a twenty minute transfer from Reus airport, just along the coast from Barcelona. Direct flights are under three hours. It’s great for couples or a getaway with friends. You get beaches, warm weather, a medieval city to get lost in, some impressive Roman ruins and a vibrant late night food culture with excellent seafood.

The central food market is fascinating, though there may be restrictions about what you can bring home. History buffs will love the Roman Amphitheatre and aqueduct, though kids may be more enthusiastic with the nearby theme parks. PortAventura includes a newly opened water park and six themed worlds to explore, while Aquapolis includes a dolphin show. If you’d prefer something more off-beat, Sirenas Mediterranean Academy is the place to go if you want to spend an hour or two learning how to be a mermaid or a triton.

Exeter

Exeter’s a great choice for a UK city break, being far enough away to feel different, but small enough that you can easily cover the highlights in a couple of days. There’s 2000 years of history to explore, from the cathedral precincts to the underground tunnels. The university makes it a fairly cosmopolitan city, with lots of vintage and specialist shops.

Head out to Topsham, which feels a bit like Boden-on-Sea with its cute lifestyle and delis lining the way to the marina, lido and antiques centre.

Further afield, Devon has lots to offer from Boscombe Beach, Babbacombe Model Village, to Kent’s Cavern and a donkey sanctuary. You can even visit Buckfast Abbey where the monks produce a tonic wine beloved of thirsty Glaswegians.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is perfect for art lovers. Every second building seems to be a museum or gallery, so there’s a lot to explore. Once you’ve had your fill of Van Gogh and Rembrandt, try The Wondr Experience, Micropia, BodyWorlds or Youseum.

If it’s serenity you’re seeking, take a wander along the canalsides, take in the aroma of the flower market, head for the woods at Amsterdam Bos, visit the butterfly house at the botanic gardens or take a hike through the city’s Vondelpark. Alternatively, pack a picnic and take the No. 2 tram out to Molen Van Sloten, a picturesque village with a working windmill.

Amsterdam boasts restaurants offering every imaginable international delicacy, which may be just as well since traditional Dutch dishes tend towards fatty meat and vegetable stews that have been boiled into mush. They’re good at chips, though.

When it comes to bargain shopping and souvenirs, try the Albert Cuypt Street Market or the monthly flea market at IJ-Hallen. Henri Willig Cheesemakers on Reguliersbreestraat specialise in organic cheeses from their own farms, which are always worth taking home.

The 9 Streets area offers an eclectic mix of design-led shops and Old Zuid is home to luxury boutiques. You’ll find Dior, Prada and Chanel at P.C. Hooftstraat. Of course, if you’re feeling rather flush, there’s always the diamond district!