The five-star guide to Phuket

With its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and Thai culture, there’s little wonder why Phuket has long been a favourite for well-heeled travellers. Add an extra touch of luxury to your next trip to the Pearl of the Andaman with our ultimate guide for discerning travellers.

Less than 90 minutes’ flight from Bangkok, Phuket, Thailand’s largest island caters for every luxury traveller, whether you’re seeking beach bliss along the coast, a gourmet odyssey radiating out from the culturally rich capital or jungle adventures in the lush interior. We share where to stay, where to eat and what to do for the ultimate five-star experience of this beloved holiday island. read more

The latest holiday rules explained as tour guide requirement is axed

Holidays to Japan are, little by little, returning to normal. First it was announced that its pre-departure Covid-19 test requirement would be dropped for fully vaccinated travellers and, now, as of 7 September, tourists from the UK can visit without a guide.

The cap on daily arrivals has increased from 20,000 to 50,000 and holidaymakers can see the country on a package tour. read more

The Only India Travel Guide You Need for a Perfect

TripFew nations have figured out how to grasp its charming secret like India. This entrancing place that is known for vivid customs, strict celebrations, rich history and promising future continues to captivate many, yet a couple set out to truly wander inside. In any case, for those that really do take that jump, India consumes long and brilliant memories and hearts. read more

The progestogen-only pill – Your contraception guide

The traditional progestogen-only pill (POP) prevents pregnancy by thickening the mucus in the cervix to stop sperm reaching an egg.

The desogestrel progestogen-only pill can also stop ovulation.

The progestogen-only pill needs to be taken every day to work.

At a glance: facts about the progestogen-only pill

• If taken correctly, it’s more than 99% effective. This means fewer than 1 in 100 who uses the progestogen-only pill as contraception will get pregnant in 1 year.
• With “typical use” of the progestogen-only pill (the way it’s taken by a lot of women in real life), it’s only about 91% effective.
• You take a pill every day, with no break between packs of pills.
• The progestogen-only pill can be used if you cannot use contraception that contains oestrogen.
• You can take the progestogen-only pill if you’re over 35 and you smoke.
• You must take the progestogen-only pill at the same time each day. If you take it more than 3 hours late (traditional progestogen-only pill) – or 12 hours late (desogestrel pill) – it may not be effective.
• If you’re sick (vomit) or have severe diarrhoea, the progestogen-only pill may not work.
• Some medicines may affect the progestogen-only pill’s effectiveness – ask your doctor for details.
• Your periods may stop or become lighter, irregular or more frequent.
• Side effects may include spotty skin and breast tenderness – these should clear up within a few months.
• You’ll need to use condoms as well as the progestogen-only pill to be protected against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

How to take the progestogen-only pill

There are 2 different types of progestogen-only pill: read more

The Pack Hackers’ Guide to Really Useful Technology (Camping Packing List)

Grab your camping gear as autumn approaches, because who wants to go exploring if you don’t have the time? Here is a camping packing list with the actual helpful technology that really saves time (and headaches).

Are you interested in learning about camping? This collection of camping essentials has everything you need to make your first tent stay effortless. read more