If you saw the Clare Balding show on BT Sport on Friday night, you would've heard Chemmy Alcott rush through the story of her near death experience, then launch into an exuberant description of the single-mindedness that drives her towards her fourth Olympics. She even ending up putting words in Mar... Read more
Beyond flip flops and factor 30, take a look at our top five must-have items for your summer holiday this year. If you only pack one thing in your suitcase this summer, make sure it's one of these. And underwear. Please don't forget your underwear. 1) Fisheye smartphone lens Treat yourself to a ge... Read more
Hitting the beach this summer? Looking for guaranteed crowd-free shores and glistening blue water? Look no further! Here’s our guide to Europe’s award winning and highly acclaimed beaches – all with blue flag status.Rabbit Beach – SicilyVoted best beach in the world in Trip Advisor’s Traveller’s ... Read more
Highlights of Chemmy at the Ski and Snowboard Show at Earl's Court, London, October 30th 2013 https://youtu.be/ZxDGL7G0iBE In Chemmy Alcott’s most important year of her career, her focus on the 2014 Sochi Olympics is like a clamped crocodile’s jaw. Her determination and fight are steely as she face... Read more
Adventure holidays are becoming increasingly popular. Not only are they fun and exciting, but they provide a great chance for family members to bond while giving their comfort zones the old heave-ho. Whether it's a trip centred around kayaking, cycling, river rafting, hiking or trekking, the whole ... Read more
It's only a few months to Sochi and all the Olympians are showing their support for the sports they love. Chemmy's passion is not just for going really fast downhill but for having fun enjoying the opportunities her sport has given her. Last Wednesday we saw her fun side at The Ski and Snowboard Sh... Read more
With the nation gripped by Royal Baby Fever Part 2 here at Columbus Direct, we have decided to look at ten of the weirdest and most useless baby inventions. These a great way to keep your kids entertained while on holiday. Possibly. We make no promises. Baby Mop If you’re anything like us on hol... Read more
The scratching of the dog wakes me up. I move slowly so as not to wake Suz and see the clock says 6:05am. I walk into the lounge, straight to the window and open the blinds in one smooth movement. A bright British day pours in. Looking at the trees I can see they are frantically waving at me. A sho... Read more
When we go away on holiday, most of us just want to be to be covered for a relaxing snorkel or a round of golf on our travel insurance. However, what if you're after a little bit more? We cover 150 sports and activities as standard, so if you're seeking a new challenge, we're the right insurer for ... Read more
The word 'festival' almost invariably brings to mind images of welly-clad punters squelching through the mud 'somewhere, somewhere in a field in Hampshire' (as Pulp so memorably put it). Just thinking that festivals start and end with the likes of Glastonbury is to do the others a disservice. After... Read more