Tag: conditions

Tis the Season to Travel: Tips for a Smooth & Relaxed Christmas Holiday

Excited for the busy festive season? Many of us are, even when it feels like last Christmas wasn’t that long ago. As it is one of the busiest times of year for shopping and visiting family, it means many people are planning on venturing out across the country. According to the latest consumer survey data from Fáilte Ireland, 20% of Irish residents intend on taking a short break in Ireland in the next 3 months, with 26% planning on going abroad. If you are planning on taking a holiday at this time of year, you’ll want to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.

Whilst the season brings plenty of joy, the combination of busy airports, unpredictable weather and last-minute plans can make travel feel more stressful than it needs to be. However, with a little preparation and a focus on comfort, you can set yourself up for a much smoother experience that allows you to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Whether you’re heading overseas or travelling within Ireland, here’s some helpful tips to help you along the way.

Planning Ahead for Peak Season Travel

Travelling at Christmas is exciting, but it can get hectic quickly, especially if everything is left to the last minute. Use this simple checklist to stay organised and avoid last-minute stress.

  •   Book early where possible

It goes without saying that booking early will give you the best chance of getting the train or flight times you need, and the ideal accommodation before it books up. You’ll also hopefully find better prices for these by doing so.

  • Compare travel times and routes

Booking early also means you can compare different days and times you can travel. If you can, consider midweek options rather than weekends, as this will help avoid the crowds whilst giving you potentially cheaper tickets. Seek out early morning flight and train times as these tend to be less popular.

  • Review luggage rules before packing

It can be very easy to pack over your baggage limits, so it’s much better to check what your allowances are before travel (you don’t want to be reshuffling your suitcase at the check-in desk!) Also, check all restrictions, especially if you are planning to take gifts with you. Restrictions on liquids and prohibited items still apply to your presents.

  • Consider priority services

One way to help avoid queuing for too long is to consider priority boarding or fast track security where available, and if within your budget. This will help you avoid tedious queuing, especially with children.

  • Avoid wrapping gifts before travelling

A good tip when taking gifts with you is to avoid wrapping them. As per Ryanair’s advice, wrapped gifts may be opened, searched and screened by security, meaning your beautiful wrapping will be all to waste. If you can use gift bags instead or wait until you’ve arrived, this will be the better option.

  • Give yourself time on travel day

No one likes a last-minute rush, so if you can set off early on the day you plan to travel, it’s best to do so. Take advantage of early check-in options at your accommodation so that you can leave with plenty of time and not have to dash. If flying, this will help you have plenty of time to get through security checks and use the departure lounge facilities and shops.

Packing for Comfort and Convenience

Taking a smart approach to packing will go some way to help avoid taking too much with you and ensure all the essentials are covered. Packing isn’t the most fun aspect of going away, but planning will make this job much simpler, especially if you’ve got children’s suitcases to consider too. It will also ensure you have room for any gifts you bring back with you.

  • Having lightweight layers will help you stay comfortable on the journey when moving between cold weather, a warm car, air-conditioned airport terminals and any change in temperature at your destination. It also takes up less space in your luggage, so go for layers that you can combine and take comfortable footwear, a warm jumper and a compact raincoat just in case.
  • Keeping things organised saves time and stress. If you haven’t already, invest in packing cubes or zip bags as these will help separate clothing, toiletries and electronics so you can find items quickly. If you are bringing gifts, avoid anything too bulky and pack these in your hand luggage where possible.
  •  A small kit of travel essentials can make a big difference too. Keep any medication, chargers and important items in your hand luggage so you have them if plans change.

With a bit of planning, you can travel lighter, stay comfortable and enjoy the journey from the start.

Managing Travel Timings and Transport

Travel during the Christmas season often requires more time and patience. It can be extremely busy on the roads, so plan your onward journey so that you can deal with any unexpected travel delays. If you’re heading to Dublin, Cork or Shannon airports, longer queues and slower security checks are highly likely, especially at peak times, so plan to arrive early for a more relaxed start to your holiday.

If you are flying, it’s a good idea to pre-book your airport parking as this will help you save money compared to paying on the day you travel, and ensure you get a closer spot. If using public transport, check timetables as they may change over the holidays, with reduced services likely on Christmas Eve, St. Stephen’s Day and New Year’s Day.

For those travelling by car, planning fuel stops, charging points for electric vehicles, and rest breaks can help make long journeys safer and more comfortable, especially if you are travelling with children or older family members. The more space you build into your journey, the easier it is to stay calm and enjoy the festive experience. Check the gov.ie Be Winter Ready advice pages for road travel safety tips before you set off.

Staying Calm on the Journey

Travel at the best of times can be difficult, especially when dealing with busy roads and airports, and inevitable long queues. Having a calm mindset can make the experience much more enjoyable, even when delays or minor frustrations happen.

Simple things like taking breaks, eating regularly and staying hydrated all help maintain energy levels and prevent stress from building up during the journey. If you are travelling with children, planning small activities can make a big difference. Keep them from boredom with books, colouring sheets, snacks or simple travel games. Above all, be flexible and take your time. That way, you and your family will arrive feeling happy and ready to enjoy your break.

Staying Prepared and Protected on Winter Trips

As the weather in Ireland and across Europe at this time of year can cause sudden delays and changes to your travel plans at very short notice, it’s fair to say Christmas travel comes with its fair share of unpredictability. That’s why building a bit of flexibility into your plans can make a world of difference when things do not go as expected. Simple habits like checking weather forecasts, signing up for delay alerts and giving yourself extra time for travel can help you stay ahead of potential problems without feeling rushed.

Unexpected changes to your plans can have more serious consequences if you live with a medical condition. Winter travel can be tiring, and colder weather or long journeys may make certain health needs more difficult to manage. If you are heading abroad this Winter, having the right support in place is important.

Medical care overseas can be expensive, and accessing it without the correct documents can be stressful. Specific policies that offer travel insurance for medical conditions from providers like Staysure can help you feel much more confident that emergencies, flare-ups or even lost baggage and medication will not turn your festive break into a financial worry.

Disruptions are often unavoidable at this time of year, but being prepared both practically and financially can make them easier to endure. Declaring any pre-existing conditions, reading policy wording carefully and packing essentials with organisation in mind will all contribute to a smoother experience. That way, you can enjoy your Christmas holiday knowing you are ready for whatever winter travel brings.

Ending the Trip on a Positive Note

Returning home after festive travel can feel both comforting and a little overwhelming, especially if you have spent time away from your usual routine. If you can, give yourself a gentle transition back into everyday life by having a day or so before returning to work and other responsibilities. It will make the post-holiday period feel less rushed.

Hopefully, your Christmas travel plans are a positive experience overall, and that you have plenty of new memories to look back on. Returning to work or school is always easier when you carry positive memories with you, so here’s to starting the new year more relaxed and refreshed than before the break.

Avoid being stranded in your car this winter

With batteries being the number one reason for breakdown recovery call outs, followed by tyres, a leading automotive supplier is advising drivers how they can solve these issues themselves and avoid a breakdown.

As the colder weather sets in and motorists face darker mornings, icy conditions and the Christmas getaway automotive supplier, Ring Automotive, is urging drivers to invest in tools that will help prevent them from having to call a recovery service.

Data analysed from some of the biggest names in the breakdown recovery industry, including the RAC, AA, Green Flag and Admiral, show that batteries are unanimously the number one reason for breakdown callouts* with the second most common reason being issues with tyres.

In winter, batteries are even more vulnerable, as cold temperatures reduce their performance and cars are often left standing for longer in freezing conditions. A flat battery usually just needs a jump start, so the best thing for a driver to keep in their vehicle is a portable jump starter. This means no need to rely on another vehicle and the driver can rescue themselves in a matter of minutes.

ULTRABOOST 1500 (RJS030) is Ring Automotive’s most advanced jump starter and is capable of jump starting vehicles with up to 6L petrol and 3L diesel engines, which means it’s suitable for most 12V cars, vans, SUVs and LCVs. Included in the jump starter is the ULTRABOOST button, which when pressed delivers enough power to start completely flat batteries.

Another common reason for calling a breakdown service is for a flat or severely underinflated tyre. In autumn and winter the roads become more treacherous with the rain, ice and possible snow, meaning it is more important than ever to optimise grip on the road. While there are many who still go to a fuel forecourt to top up the air in their tyres, savvy drivers are now keeping a tyre inflator in their cars to avoid these problems.

The ULTRAINFLATE 30 is designed for speed and ease of use. It is capable of inflating a tyre from flat in just two minutes**. It has a longer wind up cable at 3.5m and a 70cm long hose with a large brass connector for a secure fit. It has auto stop technology, as well as a large digital display screen.

Marketing Director for Ring, Henry Bisson, said: “We have seen many reasons for people calling a recovery company, but for something like a flat battery or tyre, drivers can solve these issues themselves. We’ve created products that are easy to use and can be used multiple times, so even in a stressful situation, drivers can get back on the road in a timely manner. We encourage everyone to keep a jump starter and tyre inflator in their boot, they’re compact enough that they won’t take up much room and can get you back on the road much quicker than waiting potentially hours for a recovery service.”

WOLFANG Car Front & Rear 4K Dual DashCam Review

The WOLFANG Dash Cam Car Front & Rear 4K Dual Dash Cam is an affordable dash cam keeping you and you car protected whats more is this covers both front and rear which in my view is a must have for every vehicle owner no matter what type of vehicle is.

The Dash Cam also comes with a cool app that is easy to use which you will see in the full video review down below and see samples of the Dash Cam in action both day and night and front and rear cameras which is clear and the audio also excellent.

It takes a few minutes to install since you have a rear cam but once installed you just leave it there and let it do its job, there is on screen quick actions too such as Wi-Fi which you will need to connect to the app via your phone, you can also take images and videos on the fly and the same via the app.

The UI on the app is user friendly and the same on the WOLFANG dash cam itself and will take around 5 minutes to go through all the settings and set to your requirements.

There is a built on mic and speaker and GPS which shows a map of where incidents take place which is excellent and not often offered at this price point which is a win for me and anyone that picks one up. You can simply download the files from the gallery and even share once on your smartphone.

You can select different viewing options on the home screen which dual records no matter how you set it so you can have either just the front cam in action or both and in full or split screen which is quite handy I have mine set to both and the bigger picture being the front cam but as mentioned can be reversed.

Overall this delivers crystal clean images and video and even in poor lighting conditions delivers what it says is does meaning you have yourself covered if you get into an accident or someone tried to break into your car and is worth the money not many offer a complete package like this one does and worth the investment.

The Lucky Cam App – see more in the video review

 

Features

  • Dual car recorder 4K Ultra HD – The WOLFANG WD01 4K car recorder front and rear can simultaneously record videos in 4K front and 1080P resolution at the back and clearly capture number plates and traffic signs. The 170° wide-angle on-board camera captures all pedestrians and vehicles around the car and provides sufficient evidence of any collision.
  • 3-inch touch screen 4K driving recorder – This car camera has a responsive 3-inch touch screen with clear symbols, making each operation easier and more responsive than with buttons, e.g. B. Navigate through menus and settings, play videos and turn Wi-Fi/Audio on/off. The user-friendly interface is suitable for beginners.
  • Car camera with clearer night vision – Equipped with an advanced Sony STARVIS sensor and TRUE WDR, this dash cam has improved light sensitivity for videos and photos with medium brightness in low light environments. The combination of a large aperture of F1.8 also ensures excellent night shooting effects.
  • Driving recorder with GPS – The built-in GPS module on the power cord records your driving distance, driving speed and other information that is important evidence in the event of an accident. GPS player supports Windows and Mac systems, please contact us to get a current specific GPS player.)

📱 Built-in WiFi Car Dash Cam – Easily connect with LuckyCam app on your iOS or Android smartphone. You can control live preview, playback and camera settings, download recorded videos directly to your smartphone and easily share or share them on social media with friends and family.

  • Ideal for car dash cam: G-sensor, loop recording, parking mode, support for TF cards up to 256GB (not included; if you need a 32G TF card, please contact us), built-in microphone and speaker. This powerful front and rear camera WOLFANG WD01 is ideal for your first dash cam.
  • If you have any questions, please contact us via our online customer service or by official email: support.vc@wolfang.co. We will solve the problem as soon as possible to your satisfaction.

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See how online creativity is connecting young people with lifelong health conditions and disability across Ireland

An upcoming nationwide art exhibition series will highlight the benefits being brought to the wellbeing, confidence and social connectivity of young people across Ireland living with lifelong physical health conditions by Helium Arts’ Distance Creates online art programme.

Helium Arts is a national charity supporting children in Ireland with lifelong physical health conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions, spina bifida, juvenile arthritis and rare conditions, among others. The charity runs a range of art programmes dedicated to improving the wellbeing of these children and young people.

Helium Arts has announced that its Creativity Unlimited art showcase will open on 16th October in Limerick City Gallery of Art, where a flagship exhibition will run until 25th October. A family day will be taking place on Saturday, 19th October, with special events and activities. Follow-on exhibitions will be taking place in several Connected Hubs’ locations across the country, including in Cork, Galway and Dublin during November. All of the exhibitions and associated events will be open to the public free of charge.

Creativity Unlimited will display creative works by young people aged between six and 16 from across Ireland who have been participating in Helium Arts’ Distance Creates online programme. The theme ‘About Me’ celebrates the creative stories of the online participants presented through zines exploring identity, and the children and young people’s journey through the online programme.

Distance Creates is the online component of Helium Arts’ wider creative health programme, which also delivers in-person, artist-led, medically supported creative workshops in hospital paediatric outpatient clinics and community settings in locations in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, the Mid West, Galway and the West.

In 2023, 114 children and young people from across 22 counties in Ireland living with lifelong physical health conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus and cystic fibrosis participated in Distance Creates online.

Feedback conducted by Helium Arts through surveys and consultations with the young people, parents and programme coordinators involved in the online programme showed how the process of being creative was a joyful and calming experience, that it promoted confidence and a sense of self, and fostered new friendships and connections between participants, who can often feel socially isolated.*

Announcing Creativity Unlimited, CEO of Helium Arts, Helene Hugel, said: “Our online programme has allowed us to widen our reach and bring the benefits of art and creativity to more children and young people living with the effects of illness or disability every day. Distance Creates facilitates them to take part from anywhere in Ireland, whether that is in the comfort of their own home, during a stay in hospital, or within a community context. I’m very grateful to Limerick City Gallery of Art and the Connected Hubs network for providing space for the exhibition series as a way of recognising the talent and accomplishment of our young artists in the heart of their own communities, while connecting with a new, wider circle of social support online.”

Welcoming being a venue partner for Creativity Unlimited, Connected Hubs’ National Hubs Network programme manager, Stephen Carolan, said: “Connected Hubs is delighted to support Helium Arts’ innovative online programme, which empowers children and young people across Ireland to engage in creative activities, no matter their health condition or location. This complements our innovative Art in the Hubs partnership with the Contemporary Irish Arts Society to place pieces of art in hubs all over Ireland.”

How Distance Creates works

The Distance Creates programme offers a blend of online and offline creative activities. Upon signing up, children and young people receive an ‘art box’ in the post, curated by Helium Arts, containing all the necessary art materials. Participants then receive creative activities, demonstrations, and tips from a professional artist via email, allowing them to complete projects and get creative at their own pace. Additionally, there are opportunities to connect with others through Zoom sessions and ‘post pal’, where you are connected with another participant around the country to exchange artwork by post.

Distance Creates is open to young people aged between six and 16, and like all Helium Arts programmes, it’s free of charge.

What participants have to say

Jason Harper, age 15, from Kilkenny, lives with the genetic condition 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Jason is a participant of Helium Arts’ Distance Creates online programme for ages 13-16 and will have his work featured in Creativity Unlimited.

Commenting on the experience and benefits for him of the online programme, Jason said: “The tutors were really friendly and welcoming. The art pack they sent had lots of supplies. I enjoyed the watercolour painting and rice maps. The techniques I learned at the camp are currently helping me with my Junior Cert art project as I am using the same techniques for my project. I look forward to learning more.”

David Savage from Mullingar is dad to Aisling, age eight. Aisling lives with epilepsy and is a participant of the Distance Creates online programme for ages six to eight. Aisling will also have her work featured in the showcase.

Commenting on the experience and benefits for Aisling of the online programme, David said: “Aisling’s favourite thing about the online workshops is being able to see other people’s work. She loves to see the different ways other people have done the project, and she also loves seeing their names and ages. She knows they all have conditions too. This makes her feel less alone. Aisling also adored the post pal and stayed in touch with her pal, a girl the same age as her living in Roscommon. They wrote letters to each other and shared art by post which was great fun and so lovely to see.”

For more information about Helium Arts, including about its Distance Creates online programme and the Creativity Unlimited art showcase, visit www.helium.ie.

Helium Arts’ national Creative Health Programme is supported by Rethink Ireland, Community Foundation Ireland, the Arts Council and the Lakeside Fund. The Programme is also funded by the Communities Integration Fund. Helium Arts’ national Online Creative Health Programme is funded thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous trust as well as a grant from the ESB Energy for Generations Fund.

Help Your Employees Work Better By Improving These Office Conditions

Are you looking for ways to increase the productivity of your team without having to invest in new technology or tools? You may be able to make a big difference simply by improving the office conditions. In this article, we will explore how making small changes to the office environment can help your employees work better and more efficiently. Read on to find out more!

How Office Conditions Can Affect Productivity

Working in a cluttered, cramped, or otherwise uncomfortable office can make it difficult to stay focused and productive. If your employees are struggling to get work done, it may be time to take a look at your office conditions and see if there are any improvements that can be made.

-Is the space well-lit? Glare from windows or overhead lights can cause eye strain and headaches, making it hard to focus on work. 

-Is the temperature comfortable? Too hot or too cold can make it difficult to concentrate. 

-Is the furniture comfortable and ergonomic? If employees are constantly shifting in their seats or hunched over their desks, they will likely have a harder time staying focused on their work. 

-Is there enough space for everyone to move around comfortably? If people are constantly bumping into each other or tripping over things, it will create a stressful environment that makes it hard to focus.

Technology in the Workplace

Technology has drastically changed the workplace over the last few decades. Computers, the internet, and email have made it possible for employees to be more productive than ever before. Moreover, integrating functional office equipment can significantly enhance the workplace environment. Essential tools like high-quality computers and printers make a significant difference. For instance, opting for a multifunction printer for small businesses, which consolidates printing, scanning, and copying, helps minimize clutter and streamline operations. Strategically placing this versatile device in an easily accessible location not only boosts efficiency but also serves as a gathering point for informal employee interactions during print tasks. 

However, technology can also be a major source of stress in the workplace. If not used properly, it can lead to distractions and interfere with productivity. Various desktop management services can help employers manage and monitor employee computer usage, allowing for greater control over how employees use technology in the workplace. Additionally, employers can provide employees with training on proper computer use, as well as policies that outline the acceptable use of technology. 

Physical Environment Considerations

 

  1. Lighting – Make sure the lighting in your office is adequate and not too harsh. Employees need to be able to see what they’re doing, but too much light can be jarring and make it difficult to concentrate.

 

  1. Temperature – The temperature in your office should be comfortable for everyone. If it’s too hot or too cold, employees will likely be distracted and less productive.

 

  1. Noise level – Minimize noise as much as possible so that employees can focus on their work. This may mean investing in sound-proofing materials or keeping common areas such as kitchens and break rooms quiet during business hours.

Social Environment Considerations

When it comes to improving office conditions to help employees work better, there are a few key social environment considerations to keep in mind. First, take a look at the overall layout of your office space and identify any areas where employees tend to congregate.This could be near the office coffee machine or water cooler, in the break room, or even just in common areas where people can easily strike up a conversation. See if there are any ways to encourage more positive interactions in these areas by adding comfortable seating, encouraging employees to take breaks together, or providing engaging games or activities.

 

Improving office conditions can help employees work better and be more productive. By creating a comfortable workplace environment, providing proper equipment, encouraging collaboration and communication between teams, and offering flexible working arrangements, employers can create an atmosphere that is conducive to productivity. With careful consideration of these factors, employers can ensure their employees are able to do their best work while improving job satisfaction overall.