Thousands of Brits head off on trips around Europe every year – and longer term travelling is the dream for many. Whether you’re taking a gap year before university or have decided to jet off for a few months to explore it can be an exciting, and stressful, event to organise. And, some of Europe's most beautiful countries are those in the Nordic region like Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. Known for their stunning fjords, fascinating history, mountains and vibrant cities the Nordic countries are growing in popularity as a travel destination. But, anyone who’s ever been to Oslo, Helsinki, Copenhagen or Stockholm knows that stays can be costly. Luckily, one hotel group that focuses on the area – Nordic Choice – has come up with a unique offer for those wanting to tour around the region. Nordic Choice is now offering the “Unlimited Nights” summer pass for 2022. The deal includes “as many stays as you like this summer” for two people in a shared double with breakfast … [Read more...] about Nordic Choice deal lets you stay in Norway, Sweden, Finland and more from £21.80pppn
Travel guide to the tatras
Beaming Queen’s surprise opening of Elizabeth Line so last minute TFL replaced plaque
The Queen's visit to see the opening of the new Elizabeth tube line earlier today (Tuesday, May 17) was such a surprise that the official unveiling plaque was changed around an hour before the event. News of Her Majesty's appearance broke around 30 minutes before the event officially took place. The new Transport for London line was due to be opened by her son, the Earl of Wessex Prince Edward. Royal expert Richard Palmer tweeted: “There was a major clue an hour and a quarter before Edward was due to arrive when Transport for London removed the plaque saying he had opened it and replaced it with one eight inches lower bearing the Queen’s name. “She looks great.” And a Buckingham Palace spokesman said shortly before the event took place: “In a happy development, Her Majesty The Queen is attending today's event to mark the completion of the Elizabeth line. “Her Majesty was aware of the engagement and the organisers were informed of the possibility she may attend.” The … [Read more...] about Beaming Queen’s surprise opening of Elizabeth Line so last minute TFL replaced plaque
HMRC has changed working from home tax relief rules – are you still eligible?
HGV driver tells Nick Ferrari about failed HMRC system Get pensions news and advice plus latest money alerts for FREE now SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info The working from home tax relief was introduced to help Britons cover the business expenses they wouldn’t usually have had during the pandemic. However, the new tax year has ushered in new rules, meaning that some people will no longer be eligible for the relief. Related articles Mum-of-two on Universal Credit ‘can’t live’ as bills soar Pensioner 'flabbergasted' after £20,000 removed from her pension pot Over the last two years, if someone worked from home for at least one day of the tax year they could claim some of their tax back for the … [Read more...] about HMRC has changed working from home tax relief rules – are you still eligible?
Inheritance tax: How Britons could pass on £1million completely tax-free
Inheritance tax explained by Interactive Investor expert Get pensions news and advice plus latest money alerts for FREE now SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Inheritance tax (IHT) has a range of allowances and thresholds, meant to ensure that Britons with small inheritances aren’t paying staggering tax bills. However, utilising this to the full extent could see some people passing on up to £1million entirely tax-free, if they know how to do it. Related articles Mum-of-two on Universal Credit ‘can’t live’ as bills soar Pensioner 'flabbergasted' after £20,000 removed from her pension pot The biggest tax-free tool for IHT is the threshold or nil rate band, which is currently £325,000 and … [Read more...] about Inheritance tax: How Britons could pass on £1million completely tax-free
Covid: Infections lowest this year and EU countries relax mask rules
Published 10 hours ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Related Topics Coronavirus pandemic Five news stories to bring you up to date on the coronavirus pandemic this Tuesday morning. 1. Infection levels at lowest this year Covid-19 infections in the UK are at the lowest levels seen so far this year , the latest weekly Office for National Statistics figures suggest. Estimated infections have returned to levels last seen before the first Omicron variant became widespread. The number of hospital patients with coronavirus is the lowest since the end of December 2021. 2. Mask rule partially eased for EU air travel The EU's easing of coronavirus rules on flights came into effect on Monday, meaning face masks are no longer required when flying to many destinations , including France and Belgium. However, passengers will still be required to wear face coverings … [Read more...] about Covid: Infections lowest this year and EU countries relax mask rules
Covid: Exam invigilator shortages and million cases feared in N Korea
Published 1 day ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Related Topics Coronavirus pandemic Here are five things to bring you up to date about the coronavirus pandemic this Monday morning. 1. Parents and teachers to invigilate exams As more students sit in-person A-levels and GCSEs for the first time since exams were cancelled due to the pandemic, there are concerns about a shortage of invigilators. Fewer invigilators are returning to oversee exams due to Covid fears and because they have other jobs. So school staff are being diverted and some parents are being asked to help, according to the Association of School and College Leaders. Here's more on the story. 2. Million Covid cases feared in North Korea A wave of Covid is sweeping North Korea. More than a million people have been stuck by a "fever", according to state media, and some 50 people have died - … [Read more...] about Covid: Exam invigilator shortages and million cases feared in N Korea
California gym owner backtracks on plan to defy coronavirus lockdown by reopening, blames “unconstitutional harassment”
A gym owner in California who planned to reopen his businesses after being forced to close amid the coronavirus outbreak has reversed his decision after officials said his members face arrests and fines. Sean Covell, who owns three Fitness System franchises across the Sacramento area, announced to his members in a letter that he will be defying the state's "stay at home order" and reopening his doors again to the public on Friday, believing the restrictions are violating his constitutional rights. The gyms were closed as part of California Gov. Gavin Newsom e's order enacted on March 19 to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. "The last few months have undoubtedly been some of the hardest in our lifetimes," the letter reads. "We have essentially been under house arrest, individuals and businesses have seen the trampling of their constitutional rights, people have been terrorized by the news, and politicians have been dispensing misleading information, half-truths and headlines … [Read more...] about California gym owner backtracks on plan to defy coronavirus lockdown by reopening, blames “unconstitutional harassment”
Sex Pistols biopic receives major criticism from former bandmate
May 17, 2022 - 12:59 BST The new Sex Pistols biopic, Pistol, has received major criticism from former bandmate John Lydon. See what he said here… Sex Pistols star John Lydon has criticised the upcoming biopic, Pistol , claiming that the X-rated scenes included in the series are "upsetting". MORE: 5 incredible new shows you won't want to miss in May The new drama is based on a memoir by the rock band's former guitarist Steve Jones and follows the early days of the rock band in West London while detailing Steve's battle with sex addiction. Loading the player... WATCH: Another highly anticipated Disney + series is Obi-Wan Kenobi John, who previously threatened to sue the show's producers, told The Mirror : "It's upsetting as a lot of it has sexual connotations which are dubious at best. They have gone for the wrong end of things just to be sensational. "I think there is much more quality to the Pistols … [Read more...] about Sex Pistols biopic receives major criticism from former bandmate
EU warns UK not to change N Ireland trade deal
Published 10 hours ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing The EU has warned that it will deploy a whole battery of measures if the UK makes its own changes to a trade accord for Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Protocol was agreed between the EU and UK in 2019 as part of the UK's deal to exit the EU. The UK government now wants changes, to ease trade with Northern Ireland, where the deal has caused a political row. The EU Commission says it opposes "unilateral actions contradicting an international agreement". Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic warned that if the UK government went ahead with a law changing the protocol, "the EU will need to respond with all measures at its disposal". "Our overarching objective is to find joint solutions within the framework of the Protocol," he stressed. There is speculation the dispute could lead to a damaging EU-UK … [Read more...] about EU warns UK not to change N Ireland trade deal