Perfect pancakes from around the world

Fancy adding a little something extra to your pancakes tonight? We’ve found three pancake recipes from France, Germany and the USA which will ensure your battered treats have a little more bite. Now’s the time to take inspiration from travel and ditch the same old recipe you’ve been using for years - the American pancakes are our favourite, but we recommend having them for dinner alone, as they’re too filling as a dessert! French crepes These are best served with a dash of sugar and a squeeze of lemon, although, if you fancy something a bit more decadent, whipped cream and Nutella should su... Read more

How to give your home a vintage twist

Doing your own decorating is hugely satisfying; but what if you want to give your home a vintage feel? Interior decorating has become much easier in recent years thanks to the advent of Ikea, B&Q, Homebase and shops like Asda and Tesco selling all the paint, furnishings and knick-knacks you'll ... Read more

Sunburned Brits urged to take care during Sun Awareness Week

It's Sun Awareness Week, and a new study of 1,000 British adults has shown that Brits aren't taking sun safety as seriously as they should. A new study conducted by the British Association of Dermatologists has revealed that nearly three out of four Britons suffered sunburn last year, doubling thei... Read more

The stupidest reasons people have ever been thrown off planes

When you hear stories of people ejected from flights, you can't help but think the worst; knives, drunk and disorderly behaviour, swearing, biting. These eight unfortunate people were booted off flights - but did the cabin crew have their priorities straight? You decide. The enthused singer Let's ... Read more

How to live in harmony with difficult people

Even though your home should be your sanctuary from the world, every now and then, you'll find yourself sharing a space with a person (or, heaven forbid, people) who don't make your life easy. This can be massively stressful, but there are ways of making sure that your home remains a safe and comfo... Read more

New warnings issued for motorists hiring cars abroad

If you're going abroad after June 8 and you'd like to hire a car, you may need a special code if you'd like to get behind the wheel. After June 8, the paper part of your licence - the bit that holds endorsements and fines - is being computerised, and in order to show other countries that you've got... Read more

Nepal crisis: How to help family and friends contact the FCO

The recent tragic earthquake in Nepal has impacted many people, including British citizens. If you, family or friends have Columbus Direct travel insurance, our assistance team are on hand to provide support if medical treatment is required. If you are due to travel to Nepal you should keep an eye ... Read more

How to hunt down a bargain bank holiday break

Finding that elusive bank holiday bargain break - it sounds great, doesn't it, but how easy is it to find a bargain in today's world of cut-price breaks and 'once in a lifetime deals'? For so many people, finding that cheap break stops being so cheap as soon as they add up the cost of hotels, food,... Read more