British embassies were asked if they could silence a cockerel and order an unfit husband to shape up, among other “bizarre” requests for help in the last 12 months, the Foreign Office said Thursday.

A man asked consular staff in Rome to translate a phrase for a tattoo he wanted, while another man asked the Stockholm embassy if they could check out the credentials of a woman he met online.

Diplomats in several countries were also asked where the best place to watch football was, while they were also pestered for London 2012 Olympics tickets and contact details for Beatles legend Paul McCartney’s wife Nancy Shevell.

Beijing consular staff were asked to help a woman who had bought a pair of football boots that were “Made in China” but were poor quality.

One woman asked the Tel Aviv embassy to order her husband to get fit and eat healthily so they could have children.

A man who required hospital treatment in Cambodia when a monkey dislodged a stone that hit him demanded help getting compensation and wanted assurance that it would not happen again.

One man asked the Montreal consulate for information to settle a bet on the colour of the British passport.

Consular staff in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur were asked if they could help pay to send a couple’s children to an international school.

In February 2011, the Foreign Office established a contact centre in Malaga on the southern Spanish coast to help cope with the volume of non-consular enquiries received by British missions in southern Europe.

Some 39 percent of the 131,211 calls it has received since then have been “lifestyle enquiries”.

“Some of the enquiries we received from British nationals last year were bizarre to say the least,” said the centre’s head, Steve Jones.

“One customer contacted us to ask if we could provide the name of the watch that the Royal Navy sailors wore between the years 1942-1955.”

Consular affairs minister Mark Simmonds said: “Foreign Office staff help many thousands of British nationals facing serious difficulties around the world every year.

“It is important that people understand what we can and cannot do to support them when they are abroad.

“We are not in a position to help people make travel arrangements or social plans, but we do help those who face real problems.”

Famous the world over for housing masses of foreign journalists during the US-led invasion of Iraq, the Palestine Hotel has since undergone a makeover and looks brand new. Now all it needs is customers.

From employees cleaning dust off the faux marble to guards waiting to guide visitors through a metal detector, the 18-storey property’s two-year facelift has it talking a big game since it reopened last year.

“We are a five-star establishment,” hotel manager Fadhel Salman Hassan proudly declares. “We have 405 rooms, three bars.”

As a sign of the majority government-owned hotel’s clout in a city with frequent power outages, he adds, “by order of the minister of electricity, the power never cuts.”

On the ground floor, Dhafer Thair Nuri and his fiancee Saja Ali Hashim are welcomed into a massive reception hall, where they are going to hold a big event for friends and relatives.

“The managers saw that we are a young couple looking to start our lives,” Saja explains. “They gave us a good price.”

Hassan, the hotel manager, enthuses, “This is not a hotel — it is a tourist complex.”

Once filled to the brim with foreign journalists, the Palestine’s rates now start at $200 a night, and visitors can also enjoy cocktails at the panoramic 18th floor bar, where most drinks cost $15 or more.

But despite its best efforts, the hotel is still struggling to attract customers, with just a 35 percent occupancy rate, according to Hassan.

As a result, employees wait idle in hallways and lobbies, testimony to Baghdad’s struggle in attracting a business clientele, to say nothing of deep-pocketed tourists.

“Iraq is safe,” Hassan insists. “You can walk down the street safely.”

Violence has indeed fallen from its peaks in 2006 and 2007, when Iraq was embroiled in a brutal sectarian war, but hundreds of Iraqis are still killed every month in attacks, many of them in Baghdad.

The Palestine was built in 1982, in the early years of Saddam Hussein’s rule, and was managed by the Le Meridien group. The chain pulled out, however, after crushing sanctions were imposed on Iraq following Saddam’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait.

But the hotel rose to international prominence a decade ago, during the invasion of Iraq.

“This was where foreign journalists stayed,” says Patrick Forestier, a reporter for French weekly Paris Match who stayed in the hotel throughout March and April 2003, as foreign troops were taking control of the country.

“I saw the first American tanks on the streets of Baghdad” on April 8 2003, he recalls. In front of the Palestine, “people were applauding, but they were amazed.”

“They could not imagine that the Americans were so close to Baghdad.”

The following day, Forestier was again at the forefront of international attention, as a group of Iraqis, aided by American forces, famously pulled down a statue of Saddam on Firdos Square, directly outside the Palestine.

But along with being a viewpoint for journalists to watch the invasion progress, the Palestine also suffered its own wounds from the violence.

On April 8, 2003, a shell fired by an American tank crashed into the hotel.

“I felt everything shaking, and I lost consciousness,” says Faleh Kheiber, who was a Reuters photographer at the time, and was on a balcony on the 15th floor of the hotel when the shell hit. Kheiber was left badly wounded.

“The last thing I remember is being blinded, but I managed to take some photos before falling down.”

Two of his colleagues — Spanish cameraman Jose Couso and his Reuters colleague Taras Protsyuk, from Ukraine — were killed.

Their deaths sparked a major controversy: US forces insisted they thought they were being threatened by Iraqi snipers in the Palestine, but journalists have roundly said they saw no shots coming from the hotel.

The Palestine has been targeted since, as well.

In October 2005, the Palestine and the adjacent Ishtar Sheraton were hit by a massive blast that killed 17 people, and in January 2010, a series of coordinated bombings at hotels, among them the Palestine, left 36 dead.

Beside the seaside

For generations, people have flocked to Britain’s many seaside resorts which are located around this historic country. Found in Hampshire is Portsmouth, a popular destination since the Victorian era that is home to holiday hotspots, such as in Southsea. There are many apartments in Southsea which have amenities sure to please any visitor. Although half-board and full-board accommodation is available, kitchens are often provided in Southsea apartments as well. As Southsea is only a stone’s throw away from the beach, hardly any time will be spent on getting to the sea and swimming for as long as possible.

Spending time alongside Mother Nature

In the United Kingdom are many forests and National Parks, such as the New Forest. Found in this picturesque area are multiple villages, which lead a rustic way of life. Holiday apartments which are situated on working family farms can be chosen, as can apartments that are based in the heart of the New Forest. As these apartments have no neighbouring buildings, complete silence and relaxation can be enjoyed. Apartments which are situated in the New Forest normally come with kitchens but if they are not, the people or companies who own these apartments typically provide meals.
With much to recommend renting a holiday apartment in the United Kingdom, there are many places and options to consider. It doesn’t matter where accommodation is because a memorable time will be had.

IMG: Dagmar Richardt – Fotolia

The popularity of couch surfing in the UK has exploded in recent years, the attraction of this phenomenon lies in its ability to build expansive cross cultural networks and unforgettable friendships, whilst respecting the bank balance. The on line social network Couch Surfing is based in San Francisco, the team originally set up the site whilst travelling Thailand. Today the company has more than four million profiles worldwide and has become more of an ideology then a business. Whether deciding to host or surf the possibilities are endless.

Why Host?

The hosting experience of couch surfing is an unforgettable experience. Opening up your home has never been safer with trusted websites designed to help you view and communicate with your prospective guest. Flat sharing with a willing host who dedicates their time to provide an authentic, comfortable and penny saving experience is becoming an ever more attractive choice to travellers who want to experience a taste of the UK for a fraction of the price. The 2012 Olympics have encouraged a greater interest in UK hosting, with those willing to share the Olympic experience with avid sports fans.

Why Surf?

The concept of flat sharing with a near stranger is a daunting prospect to most, nevertheless couch surfing should not be written off as a folly of the young. On line websites offer the opportunity to match your interests, dislikes and favourite activities. Whether you would prefer boating in the Suffolk broads, a cycle ride through Sherwood Forest or simply meandering through the hustle and bustle of Camden town; the UK is your oyster with couch surfing. Flat sharing through couch surfing also gives you the opportunity to venture into the less visited corners of the UK. The insight a local can provide is invaluable, and a perfect opportunity to broaden your scope of what the UK has on offer outside of the bright lights of London.

Whether you decide to host, surf or both this phenomena is on the rise in the UK. UK couch surfing and flat sharing signposts the future for affordable expeditions with a twist in times of austerity.

Picture: drubig-photo.com

The current recession might be causing people to cut down on their exotic holidays abroad, but there are still plenty of things to do for a fun weekend getaway in the UK that does not break the bank. If you are adventurous and enjoy being out in the countryside or if you prefer to spend a weekend admiring the UK’s cities, there are fun and cheap options available for British weekend trips.

Getaways in England and Scotland

A weekend in the stunning surroundings of the Lake District is a perfect way to enjoy a nice weekend in England. There are many campsites across the National Park to act as your base for the weekend. From these you are able to hike, mountain bike, sail, and canoe; all these can be done on a budget! If, however, you are not particularly adventurous, you could have a cultural weekend in the vibrant city of Glasgow, Scotland. Glasgow has a famously exciting music and art scene and as one of the largest cities in the UK it has plenty of attractions, from the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum to the Gallery of Modern Art which are amongst some of the free attractions. If you stay overnight in a youth hostel, this weekend getaway will be an exciting yet cheap one!

Weekends in Wales and Northern Ireland

If you want a cheap getaway in Wales, try heading to the Gower Peninsula in the South of Wales, where you can enjoy a cheap weekend camping in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK. The glorious sandy beaches paired with the cliff top walks make for a peaceful weekend which can be done cheaply. Try visiting the bustling Mumbles village to enjoy afternoon teas and a range of shops. Northern Ireland’s Fermanagh Lakelands has a mixture of historical monuments such as the Enniskillen Castle and stunning wildlife conservation areas, which can all be enjoyed as part of a cheap weekend getaway.

Wherever you plan on going in the UK, there are plenty of cheap yet exciting weekend getaways just waiting to be experienced!

Picture: Tom Davison – Fotolia

The long-awaited trip is drawing near and you have packed your bags and prepared your itinerary. But have you checked up on the hotel you will be staying in? Hotels are expensive and you wouldn’t want to pay through your nose for something you did not want in the first place so it is important that one must check for certain things before booking a hotel room.

Hotel Policies

Some hotels require you to book (and pay) for a minimum of 2-3 days. Unless you know what the hotel is like, this is not a good idea as you may not like the hotel and decide to move after the first day. One must also be aware of the hotel’s cancellation policy. Guests are often asked to make advance payments for a hotel room, and you need to know if this will be refunded in case you cancel. While some hotels allow you to cancel even as late as 12 hours prior to check-in time, others will refuse a refund unless cancelled at least 72 hours beforehand. Instead of advance payments, many hotels ask for permission to keep a copy of your credit card as a guarantee against cancellation. This is fine for a renowned hotel, but for small establishments, it is not too safe as errant employees may misuse your card.

The Important Little Details

Before reserving a room, ask if the hotel caters to specific dietary preferences that you might have. For example, many hotels do not serve halal meat, and realising this after you reach can be a big hassle. A lot of hotels offer a free breakfast with room bookings, but one must be well-informed about exactly what this offer does and does not include in order to avoid an unnecessary expenditure because of a misunderstanding. If you have physical restrictions and need wheelchair access, ramps and elevators, do not just assume the hotel will have provisions. Such crucial details are best ascertained before making reservations. It is also a good idea to inquire if there are any big events like weddings or receptions scheduled at the hotel during your stay, as service can be slow because of these events. These little things, if confirmed before booking a hotel room, will make your trip smooth and enjoyable.

Picture: Peter Jobst

When moving into student accommodation, there’s a tendency for it to feel somewhat clinical and impersonal, but there are several easy and inexpensive ways to make it feel a little more comfortable and homely. Whether you’re in a shared house, a halls of residence, or even a bedsit; there’s no need to feel that your house isn’t a home. There are many ways that you can decorate your student accommodation to make them personal to you, as well as simply to brighten up what can be very neutral surroundings.

Decorate Your Walls

The easiest way to personalise a room is to decorate the walls. Many universities will have a poster sale at the start of term, selling discounted wall hangings, posters and prints, so it’s well worth investigating if your university has such a scheme. It’s possible to buy photo frames incredibly cheaply, and it’s not difficult to get high-quality photos printed, so covering your walls with images of family and friends is another way to make your room your own. Why not dispense with the frames altogether and make a photo collage on your wall? Those feeling creative could even pick up canvasses and paints relatively inexpensively and cover their walls in artwork of their own creation. The possibilities are endless.

Accessories and Furniture

It’s a difficult challenge to maintain a balance between making a room feel like home and filling it with excess clutter. A good way to liven up a neutral-coloured room is to make all your accessories, for example beside lamps, lightshades, waste paper bins all one bright colour. This is a way to add a splash of colour without resorting to painting or clutter. Considering that a student room is both a sleeping and working space, it is worth thinking about ways to make your workspace as relaxing as possible with pictures and ornaments. It is also worth investing in a few bean bags if you plan to socialise regularly in your student accommodation, as they are inexpensive and easy to store when not needed.

Picture: flashpics – Fotolia

Just because you don’t have a lot of money, it doesn’t mean that you can’t change the interior look of your living space. Whether it is just one room or a whole house, you just need to approach the problem with the right frame of mind.

Keep it simple

Too often, people are put off redesigning their rooms because they look at glossy magazines and showrooms and think they’re beyond them. However, just because you can’t afford the grand makeover, with all its whistles and bells, don’t be put off. All you have to do is think more modestly. Everybody needs some inspiration when it comes to interior design, so look in those places where you are more likely to find something to suit your budget, such as friends’ homes and local gardens (for colours and textures). Take your time and browse through DIY, kitchen, bathroom and furniture stores. Talk to friends and people who work in shops that sell fabrics, paint, wallpaper etc. and ask what they think – people always love to give their opinion! Why not plan to redecorate when it’s sale season? A great many bargains can be picked up in all sectors from furnishing and fitments through to lighting and floor coverings. You’ll be surprised, but if you don’t look, you won’t see.

Work with what you’ve got

You can’t afford to buy expensive new things? No problem. Be creative, adapt and adopt. Everything you currently have has the potential to be changed. The problem is that you’re so used to looking at things, you can’t see it. The keys to change are paint, wallpaper and fabric. although a few new plants, strategically placed, can alter the feel of a room. Furniture can be renovated through revarnishing or staining a different colour. That tired, old kitchen table can become quite the centre piece, especially when the walls have been repainted and the floor tiles repointed. But you can start even simpler than that. For example, in the bedroom, try repositioning the bed to change the focus, and then move all the other furniture accordingly.

A tight budget is not a restriction when it comes to interior design. Think of it as an opportunity to get creative. The only real limitation is your imagination.

Picture: D.aniel – Fotolia