Search Results

Having been home for a couple of weeks, I wanted to summarise this summer's cycle before it becomes a distant memory. It was my longest cycle to date - stats were 1982km with 9.6km of climbing over 21 days. I set off in sun-drenched Nice, got very wet in the middle of France, and the weather eased nicely as I took a long tour around the Netherlands. My route made good use of the EV network in France, Belgium and Netherlands - EV8 Mediterranean Route, the EV17 Rhône Cycle Route, and the EV19 Meuse Cycle Route. This blog post gives a general overview of my adventure, which I've split into three segments, and will plan to dive deeper into each with photos etc in separate blog posts. Segment One: South of France to Lyon My wife and I flew down to Nice, spent a few days exploring, before she flew home with my empty bike box. In Nice there was warm sunlight and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coast as I headed west. The landscape of the EV8 Mediterranean Route changed dramatically as I moved inland on the second day and started into more hilly terrain. . Navigating through this area presented its own set of challenges. Although the scenery was stunning, the signage could be sporadic. I relied heavily on Google Maps and my Garmin device for route planning - even after checking and re-checking I unintentionally varied from my planned route quite a bit - but I'm not religious about following the EV route, or the planned route and don't like the idea of backtracking - always push forward in the general direction of the next stop. My trusty Trek 520 made long stretches comfortable, keeping me well-prepared for the diverse terrains. The trek from Nice to Lyon was a mix of dedicated paths and rural roads, offering authentic glimpses into small village life. I frequently paused to refuel with water, wine, beer and fresh pastries. The epic menu de jour wasn't as prevalent on this cycle as it was during my 2024 cycle up the West coast from Toulouse though there were interesting meals to be had. The EV17 north along the Rhone to Lyon was a nice ride. I like cycling along a river and getting to see the huge inland ships from time to time. Segment Two: Lyon to Liège Leaving Lyon marked a turning point in my journey. The weather turned bad with lots of rain which made everything so much more difficult. As soon as it would dry up, there would be another downpour - my feet stayed consistently wet. Thankfully I was able to completely dry out each night at the stops that I'd pre-booked - mostly in cheap hotels and B&Bs. Throughout this segment, I had less defined cycle paths and more smaller roads to navigate There was very little of interest other than small villages from time to time against a very rural backdrop. The days all felt very similar to each other until cycling up the steep hill into Langres - I felt as though I'd summitted - that the route would change and offer more to the eye. But - boy was I disappointed. Whilst this was the start of the much fabled EV19 Meuse route that would all be down hill to the sea. It turned out that this section of the Meuse route right through Northern France was pretty boring. It did pick up in Belgium where the river narrowed and the cliff sides got higher and as i continued on through to Liège. Segment Three: Liège to the Hook of Holland When I eventually got to Liege, things started to pick up. Whether it was the improvement in the weather, the more welcoming cycling paths - I'm not sure - but as the hills fell away and the broad expanse of the Meuse meandering through the Netherlands took hold - my  mood lightened. I had some epic B&B stays and some great food and a few beers as I took advantage of the easier days on good tarmac with fewer hills. The Netherlands is made for cycling - its such a fine place. Everywhere you can see examples of where the bike is treated as a priority over the car. Meeting fellow cyclists on the road, sharing tales, and swapping tips transformed my solitary endeavour into a shared experience. As I approached the Hook of Holland - you can see the ships over 5 km out, excitement surged within me, I was both happy to finish and sad that I would be finished. . Reflecting on My Journey I said never again - my legs were sore, and spending 3 weeks solitary on the road was just a little too much for me - but I have already started to forget the bad times on the cycle and have started to ponder whether I should give Land's End to John O'Groats a go - maybe supported this time around. This blog post is an introduction to three more blog posts where I will break down each of the segments in a little more detail as I review photos and the tripadvisor updates that I made along the way.

Finding well-priced parking at an Airport is a nightmare. I've used my own experience of searching for suitable parking for my planned trip to Eurovision in Austria in May 2026 to illustrate the tools and techniques that I use to find value parking finding a balance between convenience and affordability. TL:DR; My standard process of booking through HolidayExtras with a code from MoneySavingExpert.com provided the best pricing. Book early Once I've booked the flights it's the next thing I do. I book a rate that can be cancelled and that acts as my banker and will allow for me to shop around as the trip gets closer and cancel my locked in rate if I find something better. That said - the further out you book the cheaper the parking tends to be. My experience There are loads of options - however I have found that HolidayExtras are a pretty good site to begin with. My initial quotes for my 3 night trip from 14/5 @ 09:00 to 17/5 @ 13:00 were; I then found a code on MoneySavingExpert.com , and reran my search; I had already decided as it was getting into summer time by then, and just the two of us were travelling with cabin bags that 'Park and Ride' with a saving of £35 over 'Meet & Greet' would suit us. As it came with free cancellation - I booked it - locking in the price. Checking for Alternative Options Book Direct My booking with HolidayExtras was with PurpleParking, and although HolidayExtras owns PurpleParking, I also did a direct search with PurpleParking. Prices were the same. Credit Card Cashback Whilst I had a cashback offer of 5% on my Halifax Clarity Card - it required a click through - so I assumed this would mean that my MSE code would be dropped. TopCashBack / Quidco Cashback wouldn't work as the code from MSE wouldn't be approved by the Cashback sites - meaning the spend would be ineligible. Other Parking Sites I tried APH - more expensive, same with FHR & Skypark. Heathrow official parking was very expensive. Check your times I reviewed the flight times again. If you can shave off an hour or two, you might save paying for an additional day, and could de-risk by paying the £1.99 for Late Return Cover. It wouldn't work in my case as I was leaving @ 09:00 on my day of departure and returning @ 13:00 on my return, so would be stretching it. At that point I decided to stop looking. I've assumed I got the best offer currently available. A busy parking lot at Heathrow Airport with various vehicles Weighing Convenience Against Cost Selecting the right parking option often requires balancing convenience and cost. While off-site parking is generally more affordable, it requires additional time for shuttle rides, which can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. On the other hand, on-site parking saves time, as you can walk straight to the terminal. This could be crucial if you have a tight flight schedule. Calculating the value of your time helps you decide if the higher cost of on-site parking is worth it. Finding Your Balance In your quest for affordable airport parking, a combination of research and planning is key. By exploring off-site options, leveraging online comparison tools, and hunting for discounts, you can secure well-priced parking that suits your budget. As you weigh your options, remember to consider the balance between convenience and cost. Sometimes paying a bit more for on-site parking can save you time and stress, especially with tight travel schedules.

What we do know - the contest will be hosted in Austria What we don’t know - what city will host and on what date The Eurovision crowd is fast, loyal, and persistent—especially the ones who know the game and play it early. TL;DR Eurovision is expensive in terms of flight and hotel costs if booked last minute, so I’m taking a gamble* to get best pricing on flights and hotels and have placed my chips on the current favourite - Vienna on the 16th May 2026. Wish me luck! *The Gamble works out to only be £35/person to lock in the cheaper prices. Yes, I may be a little bit Eurovision-obsessed. But if you're reading this, you probably understand. Rolling the Dice, Eurovision Style Let me paint the picture: The Eurovision 2026 contest is confirmed to be held in Austria—but as of my booking frenzy, the host city hasn’t been announced yet. Could it be Vienna again? Or maybe Innsbruck at the other end of the country? Your guess is as good as mine. But waiting to find out wasn’t an option. As any seasoned fan knows, once the announcement drops, prices skyrocket, availability vanishes, and your best-laid plans become a logistical nightmare. So I did what any mildly obsessed (and moderately sensible) Eurovision fan might do: I booked everything early. Hotel Hopes and Hospitality Roulette As the 2025 contest results were coming through, and it became obvious that Austria were going to win, I was busy researching both possible host cities, dates and hotels available. By the end of the winning song, I had booked a room for 2 at the Mecure Wien Westbahnhof on the Accor app for 3 nights (Thursday 14th May to Sunday 17th May) for just over €400 Euros, importantly with the option to cancel.  As of July 2025, there is no longer availability at the Mecure, and the prices for hotels that are available are eye watering.  The Flight Gamble Having done a quick search via Google Flights - the direct flights that would suit started @ £220 each with BA, but wouldn’t have the refund flexibility that I would ideally want. I then looked at booking direct with BA using AVIOS points. These worked out @ 14.5k Avios & £35 - the equivalent of £151 each, if you value an Avios point at 0.8p. These flights can be cancelled, and I would receive the AVIOS points back and only lose the £35.  I might get to meet Graham again on the flight back Parking the What-Ifs Living just far enough from the airport to make public transport a pain, I also locked in car parking. It is fairly simple and prices won’t be impacted by Eurovision - but booking early and flexible is always important. I used a discount code (via moneysavingexpert.com ) to reduce the price from £50 to £40, and also bagged another 5% off with credit card cashback.  The Ticket And now, we wait. Ticket sales are still a few nerve-jangling months away, and there’s no guarantee I’ll get one. The moment they go live is a heart-pounding, browser-refreshing frenzy. Will the seating gods smile upon me? Why It's All Worth It People outside the Eurovision bubble might think I’m mad. “You booked what  before even knowing where  it is?” they ask, eyebrows raised. But those of us in the fandom know that half the joy is in the anticipation, the dedication, the buzz. It’s a leap of faith powered by glitter, flags, and decades of music-fueled joy. Whether I’m waving my flag in the arena or belting out the songs from a café in Vienna, I know this trip will be unforgettable. After all, Eurovision isn’t just an event—it’s a journey. And mine has already begun.

Topcashback , is a platform designed to generate significant savings in the form of cashback for your online purchases. If you want to make the most out of your spending, keep reading to explore how Topcashback can change your shopping habits for the better. What is Topcashback? Topcashback is a cashback website partnered with a vast number of retailers to provide consumers with a percentage of their purchase price back as cashback. Launched over a decade ago, it has become one of the largest cashback platforms, collaborating with more than 4,000 merchants globally. Members can earn cashback on a broad array of products and services, from daily groceries to luxury travel bookings . Best of all, joining Topcashback is completely free, making it an easy choice for anyone looking to save money. How Does Topcashback Work? The process of using Topcashback is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to start earning cashback: Sign Up : Creating your account takes just a few minutes. Once you're registered, you can start browsing the available deals. Browse Offers : Explore the extensive list of retailers on the platform. You can easily search for your favorite stores or review categories to find the best offers. Click and Shop : When you find an attractive deal, click on the retailer's link. This tracking link ensures that your purchase will qualify for cashback. Earn Cashback : After making your purchase, Topcashback records the transaction. Once confirmed, your earned cashback will be credited to your account, ready for withdrawal. The Hidden Benefits of Using Topcashback 1. Massive Savings on Everyday Purchases Cashback can be a game-changer for your everyday spending. Imagine getting 2-10% back on groceries and even higher percentages on specialty items. This can add up significantly; for example, if you spend £150 a month on groceries, just a 5% cashback can mean saving £9 back every month! Over the years - I've personally had earnings of over £2,500 via topcashback.co.uk , and more recently over $250 via topcashback.com . 2. Special Promotions and Bonuses Topcashback frequently runs exclusive promotions, featuring boosted cashback rates during special sales events or holidays. For instance, during Black Friday sales, cashback rates can jump by 50% or more. Keeping track of these seasonal promotions can maximize your savings dramatically. 3. User-Friendly Interface The Topcashback website and app are designed to be easy to navigate, even for those less familiar with technology. Its clear structure helps you quickly find cashback offers, making the shopping process seamless. 4. Comprehensive Cashback Tracking Topcashback provides excellent tools to track your earnings. You’ll have a user-friendly dashboard showing your total cashback earned, which helps you stay informed about your savings over time and plan future purchases more effectively. 5. Referral Bonuses Encouraging friends and family to join Topcashback can also boost your earnings. If you chose to sign up please consider using my referral links - UK Site https://www.topcashback.co.uk/ref/cormac2/ US Site https://www.topcashback.com/ref/cormacmccaughey Tips for Maximizing Your Topcashback Experience To get the most out of Topcashback, keep these helpful tips in mind: Always Check Before You Shop : Make it a habit to check and compare cashback between Topcashback and Quidco before finalizing any online order. They tend to have differing offers. US Site : Consider setting up a Topcashback.com (US version). Payment rates can sometimes be higher, or available where they aren't available on Topcashback.co.uk . Getting paid is a little more hassle as you'll need to link a paypal account to get your $ cashback paid, though Paypal will convert seamlessly to £. Combine Offers : If you're lucky enough to have discount codes or other promotions, use them with your cashback offers. But beware some codes will mean that cashback is no longer payable. Nothing's guaranteed : Cashback doesn't always work. Maybe 20% of my cashback click throughs don't result in cashback being paid, and the values are too small to spend significant time chasing. Stay Informed : Keep an eye on emails and notifications from Topcashback. They often share information about new retailers or limited-time promotions that are worth noting. Evaluate Cashback Rates : Different stores offer various cashback percentages. Compare offers to ensure you get the best deal for what you're buying. Unlock Your Savings Why not start today? Sign up for Topcashback and experience all the benefits that await you. Happy shopping!

Quidco Overview Quidco is a cashback website that allows users to earn money back on their online purchases. It partners with a wide range of retailers and service providers to offer cashback deals to its members. How Quidco Works Sign Up: Users create an account on the Quidco website. Browse Offers: Users can browse through various cashback offers from partnered retailers. Make Purchases: Users click on the desired offer and are redirected to the retailer's website to make their purchase. Receive Cashback: After the purchase is confirmed, users earn a percentage of the purchase amount as cashback. Benefits of Using Quidco Earn cashback on everyday purchases. Access to exclusive deals and discounts. User-friendly interface for easy navigation. Wide range of retailers in various categories. Tips for Maximizing Cashback Always check Quidco and Topcashback before making a purchase to ensure you are getting the best cashback deal. Utilize promotional codes and special offers available through Quidco, but be careful - some codes will invalidate the cashback Take advantage of seasonal sales and promotions for increased cashback opportunities. Stack your cashback with cashback offered by debit and credit card providers Encouraging friends and family to join quidco can also boast your earnings. If you chose to sign up please consider using my referral link - https://quidco.com/raf/8720/ Over the years - I've personally had earnings of over £2,500 via Quidco.co.uk . Unlike topcashback and equivalent US site doesn't appear to exist. Conclusion Quidco is a valuable tool for savvy shoppers looking to save money through cashback on their purchases. By following best practices and staying informed about offers, users can maximize their savings effectively. draft

Let me start with a little analogy that might just help explain why I’ve decided to jump into this travel blog thing. A few years ago, I found myself more than ready to retire. The company needed to deliver some changes before I could exit, and my role continued to gradually reduce - similar to kicking your heels whilst waiting for a Park Run  to get under way. When I exited at 55, I was off on my next adventure: retirement. I went off at a bit of a sprint, burning up the pent up energy travelling extensively for 18 months - full throttle, diving into travel at an unsustainable pace. I quickly realised it was an unsustainable pace and recognised the need to transition and focused on what really mattered to me — enjoying the journey. I started paying attention to my breathing, adjusting my pace, and taking in the sights a bit more. That’s where I find myself today: in balance, enjoying travel at a pace that feels right for me, while also managing the rest of life’s commitments. I’ve made room in my day to take on some more interests and try something new. I don’t have a bottomless pit of money to fund my travels, but I’ve always had time. So, I’m used to researching, carefully picking destinations, timing trips just right, and finding deals wherever I can. I’ve learned to stack those deals and make every trip count without breaking the bank. I’ve received a lot of encouragement from family and friends to share the travel hacks and tips I’ve gathered over the years. That’s why I’m starting this blog: to document my journey, share what I’ve learned (the wins and  the mistakes), and hopefully help others find their own travel groove. I’ll share my strategies as part of real life plannin g for my trips over the next 12 months, hoping they can help you plan your own trips—whether that’s your dream vacation or just a weekend getaway. The road to figuring this all out isn’t quick, and I know there’s plenty of learning ahead. But I’m committed to this blog for at least a year to see where it takes me. Who knows? Thanks for joining me on this journey—let’s see where it goes!

https://amzn.to/46JYhb2 After one too many run-ins with the sun (you’d think I’d have learned by now), and with a fair bit of travel on the horizon - I’m planning lots of posts on the planning and results, I decided it was finally time to swap out baseball caps for something a bit more practical. Over the years, I’ve noticed that the gardeners who spend serious time outdoors — all appear to wear the same style of hat: wide-brimmed, floppy, and built for function over fashion. Makes sense to me. A quick Amazon search later, and I landed on a reasonably priced hat, with good reviews and just what I was after: proper coverage, a decent brim, and even SPF protection (which, I’ll admit, I didn’t realise was a thing  for hats, but makes perfect sense). I don’t know how large my head is - but it’s certainly larger than average. I tend to tread carefully with online shopping - as very little fits my noggin, but Amazon’s quick delivery and easy returns made it a low-risk and efficient choice. When it arrived, I was pleasantly surprised — solid construction, folds down nicely for packing, and more importantly, it fits. My wife gave it a nod, and even my daughter admitted it was a practical upgrade. So, meet Ted. Ted the Hat. He’ll be joining me on this year’s travels — beach walks, city exploring, and everything in between. I’ll give him a proper run-in over the next few weeks and come back with a full review. https://amzn.to/46JYhb2