Florida

It’s called the sunshine state for a reason. Whether you release your inner child and take a trip to Disneyland or live the life of a Beach Boy and chill out on the Florida Keys, Florida offers plenty of sun, as well as good exchange rates. For every pound, this accounts to roughly 1.56 dollars, according to XE. It may be tempting to catch some rays on the beach for the entirety of your holiday, but with rates this good, you’d be a fool to miss out on a spot of shopping. Make sure you look into which airline you choose, too. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are the go-to options, with classy customer service and a few perks, such as Virgins very own V lounge to make your pre-flight wait a more important part of your holiday.

Turkey

The home of the Ottoman Empire is one of Britain’s most loved holiday destinations, with over 2.5 million Brit’s jetting off there every year. With some of the worlds best beaches and an abundance of 4 and 5 star hotels and resorts to choose from, you can see why Holidaymakers choose Turkey year in year out. The Blue Lagoon at Oludeniz beach is one of the best beaches in the world, with some of the clearest ocean waters to swim in. Turkey also has a load of vibrant markets where you can snap up some bargains to take home with you. Most holiday companies offer an array of deals and packages, so make sure you have a shop around and get the most for your money. Green Forest Hotel is one of the best hotels in the prime area of Turkey, with a short journey to the towns of Fethiye and Hisaronu.

Greece

With their debt crisis plastered all across the news, Greece may not seem the most ideal destination, but you’re wrong. A holiday to Greece will actually help their economy, and you’ll get a nice, bronze tan, too. With prices significantly cheaper than usual, now is the best time to soak up that lovely Greek sun and take in the wonderful sites of ancient Greece. Stick to Santorini if you’re searching for a sensatori experience, or travel to Kos or Rhodes if you’re looking for an effervescent nightlife. TripAdvisor is brilliant for comparing all different hotels in different countries, and they list the Grace Santorini hotel as one of the best in Greece. Cash machines are a sticky point, however, so make sure you go out there with plenty of cash. Besides, taking money out abroad wont guarantee you the best rates, so shop around and change your money at home.

Bali

One of the more exotic holidaying destinations. With monasteries, beautiful beaches and tourist friendly jungles, you will never run out of things to do on this small, Indonesian Island. However, a special holiday like this also has very special prices. Flights to Bali aren’t as common as flights to Spain, either. Getting there might be pricey, but you might not have to pay through the nose for a hotel. The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa is considerably cheap for Bali’s standards, and is still rated at 4 and a half stars. Although one of the most beautiful and tranquil countries in the world, Bali isn’t ideal for a last minute holiday, so if you have your heart set on coming here, make sure you plan it properly.

Poland

Although not the hottest place to visit at this time, the scenery in Poland, particularly in Krakow, is unrivalled. With picturesque architecture and a rich history, Poland is the perfect location for some sightseeing. Central areas of Poland tend to be dryer, but the southern areas such as Krakow and Rzeszow are a little bit more humid. If you fancy a whistle-stop tour round Europe, make sure Poland is on your list. You can travel through inter-rail, a train service which connects you to some of the most popular destinations in Europe, but also take a look at some flights from other countries and not just the UK. Norwegian Air do great deals on connecting flights across Europe (with free wifi), so it’s best to do your research before you set off. If you are doing a quick tour of Poland then you might not want to be too picky when choosing your hotel, however, if you’re looking for a bit of luxury, then book a room at the Metropolitan Boutique Hotel in Krakow.

Read more:
Top 5 Autumn breaks

Love him or loathe him, it is impossible to escape Justin Bieber. Whether he’s selling out stadiums or appearing in court, the world simply cannot get enough of Bieb’s. Today, however, Justin is in the spotlight for the right reasons. With Belieber’s all over the world waiting on baited breath for the first track of his new album to drop, small businesses can learn a few important lessons in marketing from the controversial pop idol.

Businesses should recognise the importance of having an online presence, and Bieber’s fanbase is frightening. With the second highest amount of twitter followers behind Katy Perry, Justin and his 66 million followers rule the twittersphere. Combine that with another 37 million Instagram followers and you’ve got one of the most famous and iconic celebrities of this era. However, it isn’t the sheer volume of users that is impressive, but it is the interaction that JB has with them. In anticipation of the release of this single, Justin has been replying to tweets on a daily basis, showing how grateful he is for all the support he has received from his loyal fans. Small businesses need to interact with their followers, even if their total of followers isn’t rivalling globally recognised popstars. Consumers crave interaction, and a little recognition from a business will leave any customer with a pleasant taste in their mouth.

Justin has also promoted his new track like no other. With a star-studded list of celebrities backing the release of his new single, the anticipation behind this release is groundbreaking in the world of promotion and marketing. With celebrities such as Kevin Hart, Brooklyn Beckham, Martha Stewart, Alec Baldwin, Michael Bublé and Mark Wahlberg posing for JB’s Instagram, the incredible amount of hype for this new single isn’t surprising. Understandably, it is going to be hard for any small business to get a Hollywood A-lister to promote their company, but that isn’t the lesson here. Justin Bieber highlights the importance of social media, and how it is the perfect platform to propel your business to new heights. Promote new deals, news about your business and plans for the future to fuel public interest and get your business on the map.

‘What do you mean?’ is tipped to be the latest entry in a long line of successful hits and albums for the Canadian singer. With a trophy cabinet which is filled to the brim and a whole host of number one singles and albums, Bieber’s reputation proceeds him. Trust is vital for customers, and the only way to build that is through a solid reputation. Businesses need to make sure their costumer service is fully functioning, and hope that customers will take to their website or twitter and Facebook pages to share their positive experiences with the business. Don’t hide behind criticism, either. It is all too easy to ignore the negative tweets and comments, but businesses should see these posts as an opportunity. Reply to the comments so every other follower can see you’re understanding about their problems and that you’re doing everything to solve the problem.

This is just the beginning for Bieber. The highly anticipated release of his new single is the first track of his new album, meaning the hype will continue to grow and grow. Having released little snippets of the tune on social media, the interest in the song has sky rocketed. This release is going to fuel the hype for the new album, also. You can expect to see album sales soar and for Justin Bieber to become even more notorious in the music industry. This is just an example of why Justin Bieber is the master of creating customer interest. Businesses need to make sure they keep their followers interested with new deals and reward their loyalty.

Following in Bieber’s footsteps is a surefire way for businesses to grow in notoriety. Make sure to engage your fanbase and be generous to your followers, and any business should have their own army of Beliebers in no time.

Read more:
What SME’s can learn from the release of Bieber’s ‘What do you mean?’

Last week, the government unveiled plans to introduce boot camps for young people out of work, to teach them the skills necessary to make them employable.

Under the ‘earn or learn’ programme, the government will set out plans for jobseekers aged between 18 and 21 to be placed on an intensive activity programme within the first three weeks of submitting a claim.

They will get a personal mentor who will help them look for the right jobs, as well as the training to make any able-bodied young person employable.

These proposals have faced a heap of criticism over the past week, with claims that the move is punishing young people instead of supporting them. As someone who is in the age bracket of 18-21 and is working and studying at the same time, I  can say that criticism of these plans is unjust.

Actually, criticism of this move is ridiculous.

If young people are working or in University then they should get all the benefits they are entitled to. However, the government shouldn’t cater for the laziness of younger people.

In the grand scheme of things, a three week course isn’t much. Three weeks is all it takes to learn vocational skills, in order for you to get a job and be able to support yourself. Recently Barnardo’s said young people need to feel supported instead of feeling punished, but if the boot camps don’t exist then benefits will just be supporting laziness and a life on welfare. Surely it is better for young people’s confidence and esteem to feel pushed and believed in rather than to be left alone.

The boot camps are not a form of punishment, it is supporting young people and propelling them into a woking life and not a life of scrounging off the tax-payer. Young people who complain about these boot camps are work-shy and they are making excuses to not work.

There are enough options for young people these days: University, College, apprenticeships, work placements etc. it’s not fair on those who get up and go to work to support the people who just can’t be bothered.

My family are not the smartest bunch. Most of them have bounced from job to job without too many qualifications to brag about. But none of them have ever signed on, or ever had to survive off benefits. They have all got up in the morning and gone to work in order to provide.

I believe that the ‘get up and go’ attitude has eluded a lot of my generation.

I understand many young people are not academic and don’t thrive in a classroom environment. But the boot camps are the perfect answer.

There is a difference between academic and on the job training. Anybody is capable of learning and being successful, as long as they develop the drive and determination to get up in the morning to go and be successful.

Matt Hancock, minister for the Cabinet Office, said: “we need to make sure that a life on benefits is simply not an option,” and that is exactly what the government needs to do.

A lifestyle that is dependant on welfare and benefits isn’t acceptable. Welfare dependancy is a disease that has been passed down from generation to generation, and these boot camps could well be the cure that young people so desperately need.

It is difficult to look forward in time, but my parents and grandparents always say they wish they tried harder in school. Young people may have finished school and chose not to go to sixth form, college or University for whatever reason, but there are still ways to become employable and learn the skills to be able to earn a living.

The boot camps are a way of creating a future for young people, and without them, the future might not look so bright.

Read more:
Benefits are a safety-net, not a way of life

It seems all University’s do these days is cause problems – first the student tuition fees row and the debate to who should and who shouldn’t go to University, but now there are claims that too many people go to Uni. The disappointing fact is that the academic side to University plays second fiddle to the sociopolitical factors. With suggestions that Universities are overcrowded, should more secondary school students choose a path that leads straight to their prospective careers over a path through higher education?

When debating which is best, University or going straight into a career, it is important to hear both sides of the story. Thankfully, I have experienced both. After finishing my first year at University, I was offered a work placement from Business Matters Magazine for a week, and was kept on after the placement to work for them alongside my University studies.

My route to University was the same as the majority of students who end up at University. I woke up to the conformation of my place at the University of Northampton on A-Level results day last year, and started my preparation for my degree. With a reading list and an extensive shopping list for Uni necessities, I was on my way to study Multimedia Journalism.

This way of doing things has become the norm for most secondary school students, as it announced last week that a record number of students were choosing University as their next step.

It is understandable why so many students are choosing University. According to the latest University figures, 89.9 per cent of graduates either go on to employment or further study. So what is it that Universities are doing so well to make students choose Halls and Residence over a 9-5 day job?

The most obvious answer is that Universities pave the way for students to walk into a higher-end job. For jobs offering an annual salary of roughly £50,000+, it is almost certain that you will need to have a degree. If you leave secondary school and try to work your way up to that level, the process can be much harder and take much longer.

University can be seen as the ‘fast-track’ option, to an extent. Universities teach you everything you need to know about a specific topic in 3 or 4 years. If you’re a solicitor or a doctor, you can’t just ‘pick it up as you go along’. That’s why Universities exist. They teach you the theory behind everything, so you can get to where you want to be, quicker.

However, using the analogy of a solicitor or a doctor, even with a degree, when you get your job, you will still have a probationary period. You won’t be handed a scalpel as soon as you take off your mortarboard.

This is where you see the benefits of going straight into your profession of choice.

There are things that you will learn going straight into a career that you want learn at University. Tricks of the trade, if you will. To a certain extent, experience and knowhow is as valuable, if not more valuable, than any degree. You learn how the real world works, and not from sitting behind a desk taking notes.

Although there may be a few more positives to Universities than going straight into a profession, there are also a few downsides to University as well.

Last night, the ITV show ‘Class Swap’ looked at the classroom sizes in schools, and found that the average number of students in a state school was around about 30 students, whereas in private schools, there was an average number of 20 students per class. This raised the question as to whether or not smaller class sizes correlate to better grades. In University, you have lecture halls which fill a couple of hundred of students, limiting one-to-one interaction between lecturer and student. If the same rule for secondary schools applies to Universities, then every student would come out with a third class degree. The point in making is this: University students have to learn independently, and they get out what they put in. Relating this back to the question of whether Universities are better than careers or not, it depends solely on the student. Whether they go to University or straight into their career, if they have the right attitude, the right determination and a good level of commitment then they will succeed. The argument of which is better, a University or an apprenticeship is redundant. Universities do not automatically guarantee a degree or a well-paid job.

It is clear to see that there are countless positives for each path. Universities will teach you everything at a cost, whereas starting your career early will give you invaluable experience in the industry you work in. Having experienced both ends of the sword, I am here to tell you that the answer is neither one nor the other.

I’m a strong believer that University should not be a fail safe option for students trying to stay out of the real world for as long as possible. We will never know the true figure, but I would put a large amount of money on the fact that most University students chose University because they don’t know what they want to do. A lack of clarity shouldn’t be the reason for University. 40 years ago, 5 per cent of teenagers went to University. The figure today is roughly around 40 per cent. So this begs the question: Are students choosing university because they don’t know what else to do? Or do they have a clear idea of where they want to go and who they want to be?

Whatever students choose to do, it should be what they want to do, and not what they think they are expected to do. There is no right or wrong answer to this debate. Whether you choose a graduation gown or a pair of overalls, with the right mindset, there are no restrictions as to who can be successful, and who cannot.

Read more:
“Get a job and don’t go to University! They’re overcrowded”

Thousands of students will have woken up to the news that they have secured a place at a University and will be packing their bags ready to head off next month. Here’s how to prepare for University properly so you can get off to a great start in the first step of your career.

If you’ve got the grades you needed or you’ve gone through clearing and landed a place on the University course of your choice, the first thing you want to do is celebrate. And rightly so, but when the partying stops, then you have to start preparing for your new life at University. It’s not as simple as packing your bags and moving in, unfortunately. Thankfully, we’ve compiled a list which will help you make the transition from secondary education to higher education that little bit easier.

1. Get the important things out of the way 

When moving to University, there are a lot of things you have to check off your list before you can start planning what your room will look like. Firstly, make sure you keep your certificates safe in case your University want a copy of them. Also, you have to ‘pre-enrol’ with some Universities, so make sure you fill out everything your Uni asks of you to make the process of moving to Uni hassle-free.

2. Take a look at your module guide

With some University courses, you have the option of choosing which modules you take for your course. This usually comes in the second or third years of your degree, but taking a look at your module guide will help you get to know your course that little bit better, and will help in your preparation.

3. Reading lists

It may seem like a bit of a buzzkill to be given a reading list when you’re getting excited to head off to University, but that’s the way it is. Reading lists are just guidelines, don’t make the mistake of buying every single book on the list. Students are notorious for living off a budget, so don’t spend a couple of hundred pounds on some books you might not even need. Look at your module guide and buy books which are related to those specific modules, as well as a few general books about your course as a whole. abebooks.com is a lifesaver for students. This site sells secondhand textbooks and also compares prices for you. Steer clear of Amazon as the books can be expensive, and look for the cheapest option.Now you’re a student, you’re going to need to get used to living on a budget.

4. Deals and Offers 

Now you’re a student, you’re entitled to student discounts. Make sure you purchase an NUS card as they will save you a substantial amount of money throughout the year. Most places offer some kind of student discount, but your biggest chance of a discount will be online. Places like ASOS offer a 10 per cent student discount all year round, as well as a number of other deals. Even for outlandish products you can get some good deals. Apples student deal this year will give you a free pair of Dr. Dre headphones when you buy a new laptop, so make sure you have a shop around and you’ll be surprised what bargains you can find.

5. Freshers isn’t just for having fun

It’s always exciting meeting your new flat mates and new course mates for the first time, but the activities during freshers week are just as important. Course introduction sessions are vital, as this is the first time you will meet your lecturers and your course mates. You don’t want to miss all these sessions and start your course not knowing anything about your course or anyone on it.

6. Jobs 

When you’re having the time of your life at University, the last thing you’ll be thinking about is getting a job. Managing your social life, academics and any sport or extra-curricular activities may seem difficult, but a part time job will help you out financially. Jobs at the student union are your best bet, and depending on where you live, there may be a part time opening in the town centre. Your student loan wont last forever, and your parents will only be willing to give you so much for partying, so having a job to fall back on isn’t always a bad idea.

7. Don’t be afraid to ask questions 

Moving to University and away from your parents can be scary, and sometimes overwhelming. Your University isn’t expecting you to know everything, that’s why there are people you can call and people you can speak to at your Uni to make the process of settling in easier. UCAS and Universities have helplines that you can call if you’re unsure about what you need to do, and there will also be a student support centre if you’re having a tough time to begin with, so there’s no need to feel alone.

8. Enjoy it

Don’t let the hassle of moving in and getting sorted ruin your experience. This is a new chapter in your life and you should be able to enjoy it. University is one of the greatest experiences, where you will meet some lifelong friends whilst studying something you’re passionate about. There’s no reason to be stressed or intimidated as long as you’re organised. Start as you mean to go on and University will be the best thing thats ever happened to you.

Read more:
How to prepare for University

Most of us do it subconsciously. Pick up our phones or open up our laptops and sign in to Facebook to see who has liked our profile picture, shared our post or liked our statuses. The use of Facebook has become routine for the 1.44 billion users all over the world.

For so many years, Facebook reigned supreme above all other social media sites. Taking over from the flash-in-the-pan sites such as MySpace and Bebo, the Zuckerberg era came and conquered. But recently, Facebook has had to fight to stay in the spotlight. With social media in a transitional period, Zuckerberg and his team face real competition for the first time.

Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and even Tinder are hot on the tail of Facebook. But no matter what happens in the world of social media, Facebook will always be in the running, and here is why.

Firstly, Facebook has user figures like no other. As previously mentioned, there are over 1.44 billion active Facebook users in the world, and 936 million of those use the site daily. There are about 5 new profiles created every single second, although, recent figures show there are around about 83 million fake profiles, but that is besides the point. One of the reasons Facebook will always be a front runner in the world of social media is that its fanbase is too big to disappear. There are too many users with too many friends for Facebook to fall out of the running and play second fiddle to other social media sites. Yes, Facebook users will be using the other sites as well and they might prefer the other sites, but Facebook has always had an answer to their competition.

The success behind Facebook has had is largely down to the fact that Zuckerberg isn’t stubborn. Their ability to change and adapt to the latest trends is remarkable.

Social media is becoming largely visual based, with Instagram leading the way for photo and video sharing. Twitter recently introduced the ability to upload videos and share Vines, and Facebook always allowed users to upload and share visual content. When Instagram took off, Zuckerberg stepped it up a gear and introduced filters and editing within Facebook to challenge Instagram. With Instagram limiting users to 15 seconds worth of video content, they targeted the demand for short, snappy content. But Facebook still has no limits to the length of their users posts. Twitter still have the 140 character rule, Snapchats only last for 10 seconds, but Facebook have found their niche.

Going back to the video content, many celebrities and YouTube sensations now use Facebook for their vlogs. With no restrictions on the length of videos, users can now tune in to watch their favourite internet stars and their videos. Some even have mini-series which they promote on their timeline.

No matter what social media throws up, Facebook has an answer for it. However, it still keeps the sentimental aspect of their site intact for their most loyal demographic.

The younger generation are influenced so quickly by the latest trends and must-have apps, but Facebook will always have an older generation at the centre of its battle for supremacy. Latest figures show that 63 per cent of 50-64 year olds use Facebook, and 56 per cent of over 65’s use the site. 18-29 year olds are still Facebook’s key demographic with 87 per cent of users having an account, but the over 50’s are the most loyal user base. Older users tend to find sites like Twitter and Instagram confusing, whereas Facebook allows them to simply keep in touch with their family and friends. Facebook’s latest advertisement hammers home the sentimental value of their site, focusing on creating memories with friends.

Even with previous successes to boast about, Facebook is still improving. Impressive updates to the mobile app and the introduction of memories to compete with the new yet popular site of TimeHop, is a message to all 1.4 billion users that Facebook is still improving. Even at the size they are, Facebook is still improving, adding a successful partnership with Instagram and their messenger app becoming as popular as the Facebook app itself.

Users may have complaints with Facebook every now and then, but with its growing demographic and the ability to change to suit modern trends, it looks as if Facebook is here to stay.

Read more:
Why Facebook will always be a social media leader