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Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
Why can't Brits resist behaving badly with meltdowns on holiday?
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video We'll say it before you do: Not all Brits. Of course, not every British person will be leaping off balconies into Spanish swimming pools, and then into A&E. Many of us are boring enough to be content with a book on a sunlounger, a sandcastle, and a (singular) Aperol Spritz in a quaint little cafe. But there's a reason we immediately got the blame for a viral video of holidaymakers bashing each other with pool chairs, even if the hotel hasn't commented on what happened yet. So why it is that 'Brits abroad' has become such a well-known phenomenon? Zoe Adjey, a senior lecturer in hospitality and tourism at the University of East London, told Metro that the main culprit is, surprise surprise… alcohol. Most people don't start singing loudly, taking their clothes off, brawling or 'balconing' while sober – but it's not simply a case of more free time to drink on holiday. When we're on holiday, alcohol is often much cheaper, especially in Spain and Greece, because there's less tax on it, Zoe said. 'So getting drunk is an awful lot cheaper, and then you have all inclusive holidays, and packages into bars. You can buy a tag for €20 and get three drinks, which we don't have in this country because we're now heavily legislated – we can barely do a two-for-one deal on an alcoholic beverage in the bar these days.' Have you ever lived up to the sterotype? Resorts such as Torremolinos, Magaluf, and Mykonos are popular party destinations, but the Brit Abroad can be found anywhere there's a stag or hen do outside our borders. They can even be seen on the aeroplane before arriving, such as when a British man tried to storm the cockpit on an EasyJet flight to Greece after drinking a bottle of Scotch, or when passengers cheered as a drunken woman was escorted off a flight to Egypt by police. The 'airport pint' is seen as a holiday milestone, even if it's at 6am. Once we arrive, celebrations often continue with the same spirit… though some might switch to vodka. In many areas, there is a culture of encouraging people to drink a lot from bar owners and holiday reps, because it is seen as a sign they are enjoying themselves, Zoe said. In the UK, a drunk person is likely to be told to leave due to restrictions on serving them, but the same may not apply overseas, meaning people continue spending their money on shots and lager until they're ready to become a national stereotype. The consequences of boozy behaviour can be much worse than an altercation by the pool or a lost wallet. 'At weekends in high season, emergency departments can resemble a war zone sometimes,' Zoe said. 'A lot of people having to be rehydrated, vomiting, and with broken bones. Everybody thinks they can climb a bollard or a wall.' She said the extra demand on health services from tourists with heatstroke, alcohol poisoning, or bruises from falling though railings is so severe that some strips where bars and restaurants are clustered have paramedic stations set up in the street. Meanwhile, some health impacts are less immediately obvious, such as coming home with a sexually transmitted infection, or even an unplanned pregnancy. Being abroad doesn't mean you won't get arrested, either. Last year, British tourists on a stag do in Majorca were told to pay £850 if they wanted their passports back after a brawl at a beach club which went viral. The consequences can even be tragic, and there are sadly too many headlines of people dying after falling from balconies, or drowning in the sea. Georgina Sturmer, a BACP-regulated women's counsellor, told Metro there are psychological reasons we may be more eager to let loose away from home. 'Our working lives are so busy and stressful, and they've also become very unbounded,' she said. 'That idea of being able to come home from work and escape just doesn't exist anymore.' We are also constrained in terms of behaviour at work, such as not being able to wear swim shorts or a bikini all day, and generally trying to be professional. Being in a foreign country, with no early alarm warning you off cocktails at 2am, can mean the brakes are off – especially if on holiday with friends, meaning family responsibilities have been left at home as well. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'I often talk and write about online disinhibition, which is when we do things and say things online that we wouldn't in real life,' Georgina said. 'There's also something we refer to as situational disinhibition, which is when we are in a different place.' When we leave situations where we feel we 'need to keep it together,' there's sense that we can finally 'let loose', which may not always be pretty. Georgina warned the sense of freedom we feel on holiday can be an illusion, however. 'Gone are the days of 'what happens on holiday, stays on holiday': We might feel we can do whatever we want, but the reality is that everything can be captured, recorded and shared, and that presents a risk.' Ultimately, your post-holiday hangover could not just be about drinking too much, but 'having to cope with the recorded consequences of what we've been up to.' You might even end up in this newspaper. The stereotype of pissed Brits on their hol might soon die out though, according to Georgina, becoming associated more with raucous pensioners than the 18 to 30 crowd. 'Groups of younger people are prioritising wellness, and so I wonder as that generation gets older if that picture will change, when people are going on holiday and they're prioritising things like sleep and exercise and fresh air and cultural experiences.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'Sunbed wars' is one of the most notorious motives for anger on holiday, even with no alcohol involved. It might sound silly to be so territorial over a lounger, but Georgina can understand why the issue gets people's backs up. 'Claiming your sunbed is like a symbol of your real estate on holiday, isn't it? It's almost like it has that power to make or break each of your precious holiday days,' she said. 'It becomes this symbol of satisfaction – like, 'my day is going to be good, because I've managed to get the fabulous sunbed by the pool'. 'So if if that hasn't worked out for me and I've got up at 5am and they're already taken, then that might have an impact on my mood for the day.' In short, yes, but in places like Spain and Greece where locals live with sunnier weather year round, there's not as much call to cram it all into one week of madness. Germans have historically been most victimised by the sunbed stereotype, and tourism expert Zoe also pointed out that Brits are far from the only nationality to behave badly after boozing overseas. 'I was in Thailand recently and there were Australian students doing similar things. If you go to Florida during Spring Break in in February, it is full of American college students doing the same thing. So it's not just us.' And we also can't entirely blame the drinking culture abroad. If you've ever been on an all-inclusive holiday, you'll know the cocktails are often pretty weak, the beer only comes in half pints, or may even seem suspiciously watered down. Amid widespread protests about overtourism (mainly focused on the loss of housing and resources for locals rather than the tourists themselves), many regions have taken steps to try and reduce the impact of bad behaviour. In Spain, various crackdowns have been introduced, including in Playa de Palma, S'Arenal and Magaluf (all in Mallorca), and the West End of San Antonio, Ibiza. Guests here now have a six-drink limit, with three drinks at lunch, and a further three at dinner, in regions badly affected by disruptive guests. On Magaluf's infamous strip, pub crawls have also been banned. In Gran Canaria, beachgoers could be fined up to £2,500 for a variety of misdemeanours ranging from collecting shells to putting up an umbrella for shade or having public sex (they did not specify whch would result in the biggest fine). And in Malaga, signs have been put up saying 'Dress completely' as part of the city council's campaign to encourage Brits to keep their tops on in public. More Trending Still, whatever rules are put in place, we're always going to be tempted to overindulge on our hard-earned holiday. As Zoe points out: 'You're not wearing the same clothes you would normally wear. You've got less responsibilities… You're staying in a hotel, with somebody coming in and washing your bathroom every day and making your bed. 'Everything's a lot more relaxed, and that, plus meeting new people and wanting to impress your friends, does lead to quite bad behavior.' She said her best way around this was to ask her students which dodgy areas they were booking flights to – and then avoid them. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: A gunman massacred tourists on a beach. Ten years later, people are coming back MORE: Glass roof collapses onto passengers at Majorca's Palma airport MORE: Severe delays on London Underground District and Central lines due to 'faulty train'
India Today
4 days ago
- Science
- India Today
India gets first school made of sugarcane waste bricks in Noida
Ever heard of a school being made up of waste from sugarcane? No, it is real and happened in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. A new school building made entirely from Sugarcrete -- a construction block made from sugarcane waste -- has opened in Noida, which became a turning point in low-carbon architecture in project is a collaboration between the University of East London (UEL), Indian manufacturer Chemical Systems Technologies (CST), and Panchsheel Balak Inter College (PBIC), where the structure now stands at the top in sugarcane production globally, which means it is now possible to use alternatives to soil-made bricks in construction. This can help achieve sustainability goals and also prevent soil ALTERNATIVE TO BRICK?Sugarcrete was developed in 2023 by UEL researchers Alan Chandler and Armor Gutierrez Rivas. Made from bagasse -- the dry pulp left over after extracting juice from sugarcane -- and mixed with mineral binders, it offers a carbon footprint six times lower than traditional fired is the first time Sugarcrete has been used to construct a full-scale classroom, and the team behind it believes it will not be the classroom, standing on a concrete base, has walls made of interlocking Sugarcrete blocks, which are held together with lime mortar. (Image: University of East London) advertisementIts roof, supported by a steel frame, includes a clerestory window that allows natural light to enter and provides ventilation. The design also includes a veranda to shield students during the monsoon."More than just a material, Sugarcrete is a system for inclusive, low-carbon development," said Rivas, who leads the team. "This school is a real-world test, proving how design can serve both the environment and the community." he further EXPANDS SUGARCANE RESEARCH WITH NEW PROJECTS ACROSS INDIAThe school in Noida is not the end of the road. The same team is now building another Sugarcrete-based facility in Hisar, Haryana, in collaboration with the education NGO Paryatan centre will cater to 150 vulnerable children, focusing on learning and students and staff also held workshops in Hisar with local polytechnic students and researchers, exploring how India's native fibres and natural dyes could be used to regulate indoor a visit to CCS Haryana Agricultural University, UEL signed an MoU to conduct joint research into agro-waste also touched on shared training and future curriculum MoU was also signed between CST founder Sunil Shingal and UEL to expand the use of Sugarcrete across joint study group was also formed with Delhi Technological University to monitor the classroom's performance.'This is not just a building; it's a step toward a new way of thinking,' said Alan Chandler. 'It shows that communities, institutions, and industries can come together to build differently -- and better.'With momentum building, Sugarcrete may soon become a common sight across India's towns and villages.- Ends
Metro
15-06-2025
- Metro
Anti-tourism protesters have an important message — and it's not for tourists
Protesters in holiday hotspots across southern Europe have swarmed the streets to condemn overtourism in an unprecedented show of unity. Thousands attended marches in the Spanish cities of Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, while events also took place in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, as well as Venice and Genoa, in northwest Italy. The Southern Europe Against Touristification coalition, comprised of activists from across the continent, wants to highlight the impact of mass tourism and how it is driving residents from their hometowns. But demonstrators and tourism experts agree that holidaymakers aren't the problem. The real enemy, they say, are the people profiting from it. As one organiser in the Basque city of San Sebastián says, 'people who go on vacation to one place or another are not our enemies…our enemies are those who speculate on housing, who exploit workers and those who are profiting handsomely from the touristification of our cities.' Protesters in dozens of locations have echoed this message. And Zoe Adjey, senior lecturer at the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of East London, tells Metro that a coordinated response has been a long time coming. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. 'This is very unusual, the tourism and hospitality industry is not the most unified. But it's good, because as they are saying, the protests have never been about tourists,' she says. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'They're about businesses, and what they are doing with the money they get from tourists. Where is that profit going? It's clearly not going back into the local areas.' As policy analysts have long argued, Zoe says Europe's growing tourism problem is a housing and affordability crisis framed through a false lens. 'We've now got a situation where workers can't afford to live within any sort of rational distance to their job,' she says. 'The person behind the bar needs somewhere to live – if short-term rentals are everywhere, pricing people out, well then there's not going to be a bar. It's a vicious circle.' Zoe, who is from Portrush in Antrim, Northern Ireland, says she knows of people who will travel almost two hours for casual bar shifts when the town hosts the 2025 Open next month. 'They're going to be spending what they earn to get there and back. Something has got to change,' she says. Asked what can be done to fix the problem, Zoe says governments need to get serious about high-quality subsidised housing. 'You need to be able to offer staff somewhere to live, and somewhere that's decent,' she says. 'I'd like to see a policy in every bar and cafe that involves employing people who live within a five-mile radius. But if you tried to do that right now, you'd find hardly anyone living there. 'Ultimately, it needs to be about employing local, not just buying local.' Graffiti saying 'tourists go home' has become an increasingly common sight across the Mediterranean. Tensions around tourism exploded last summer, when tens of thousands took to the streets of Spanish hotspots and 'occupied' beaches on the popular holiday island of Mallorca. International travel spending in Europe is expected to rise by 11% to £617 billion this year, with Spain and France among the countries set to receive record numbers of tourists. Barcelona, which depends on tourism for 15% of its GDP, announced last year it would shut all short-term lets by 2028. Jaime Rodriguez de Santiago, head of vacation rental platform Airbnb for Iberia, said earlier this week that restrictions scapegoated short-lets, which he said can help redistribute visitor flows to less crowded parts of a city. Earlier today, tourist protesters surrounded the Generator Hotel in Barcelona and targeted holidaymakers with water pistols. More Trending Locals in the Catalan capital also used flares after congregating with placards claiming tourism was pricing them out of housing and robbing them of their futures. Staff at the hotel were forced to intervene and were seen shouting at the protesters to move away. Elsewhere in Barcelona, police stepped in to stop protesters reaching the city's famous Sagrada Familia and avoid clashes between demonstrators and tourists visiting the Gaudi masterpiece. Shouts of 'tourists go home' and 'one more tourist, one less local' could be heard as activists marched through the streets. MORE: All 9 countries on the UK Foreign Office 'no go' travel list MORE: I walked Spain's lesser-known camino — it surprised me in the best way MORE: Man arrested after Scottish gangsters shot dead in Spanish bar
India.com
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet star kid who once borrowed clothes from designers, has represented India globally,
Meet actress, who once once worked as a waitress, borrowed clothes from designers, gave many superhits, is now..., name is..., net worth is Rs.. They say star kids have it easy, but the truth behind their journeys often holds surprising twists. One such story is of Bollywood's fashion-forward actress Sonam Kapoor. Known for her fearless fashion choices and red carpet appearances, few know that the actress, now a style icon, once borrowed clothes to pursue her love for fashion. From walking in her father Anil Kapoor's footsteps to carving a distinct identity, Sonam's path has been anything but ordinary. Sonam started her acting career in 2007 with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Saawariya, opposite Ranbir Kapoor. Though the film flopped at the box office, she didn't give up. Over the years, she featured in critically acclaimed films like Raanjhanaa, Neerja, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Sanju, and Pad Man. Despite appearing in fewer commercial hits, her performance was often appreciated. According to media reports, her net worth is estimated to be around ₹115 crore today. A significant part of this comes from brand endorsements, not films alone. But more than her acting, Sonam has consistently been in the spotlight for her fashion sense. She once revealed that to keep up with her passion for fashion, she even borrowed clothes from top designers. Contrary to assumptions, it wasn't due to financial limitations. Instead, she believed not everything needs to be purchased. Borrowing was a practical choice—and an international trend—not very common in India at the time. Sonam started borrowing clothes at just 20, driven purely by her love for fashion. She didn't want to buy everything; she only wanted to wear what she liked and from designers she admired personally. It was a bold move in an era when repeating or borrowing outfits was frowned upon. But Sonam owned it and continued to express her style unapologetically. Before her debut as an actor, Sonam was working as a waitress in a Chinese restaurant while studying at United World College of South East Asia in Singapore. She later pursued her Bachelor's from the University of East London. She also takes immense pride in representing Indian culture globally. Be it the red carpet, museums, or any international stage, she ensures India's essence reflects in her fashion. 'It makes me proud to represent India in front of the world,' she once said, adding how even South Asians abroad appreciated her cultural representation. Today, Sonam Kapoor is not just an actress but a global ambassador of Indian fashion, who once dared to borrow clothes just to stay true to her passion. Currently, Sonan Kapoor is away from the spotlight and has been embracing her motherhood, occasional film work, and appearances at the global stage. Her current net worth is approximately. Rs. 115 crores.
Metro
31-05-2025
- Business
- Metro
Make money from your living room with these 7 investing tips for novices
Money is a major part of human life. We literally need it to survive, from paying bills to buying food, not to mention simple pleasures like holidays. Yet basic financial understanding is something a lot of people struggle with. A 2024 study by Freetrade, which quizzed 2,000 people, found 81% weren't confident in their financial literacy and 91% lacked confidence specifically around investing. Meanwhile the gender investment gap is growing, particually among Gen Z and millennials. The latest data suggests 41% of men aged 18-34 invest, compared to just 20% of women. Investing can increase individual net worth – it gives your money the chance to grow, and if done successfully, can generate passive income. Ladies, we're missing out on money! So, Metro spoke to Nisha Prakash, lecturer in Financial Management at the University of East London, to get some beginner insight. Specifically, simple hacks you need to master before taking the leap. First things first, Prakash says that before you start investing, you need to have a general idea of why you're doing it with clear financial goals. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video This could include buying an asset, for example a house or car, paying for wedding expenses, funding children's education, or, if you're thinking more long-term, retiring. 'This will set the timeline and target, which could help you choose the financial instruments based on the required risk-return,' explains Prakash. Investing – in it's most basic form – means buying something in the hope it will increase in value. So once you know what you're aiming for, you can start looking at options such as ISAs, or stocks and shares, with more clarity. On that note, don't dive headfirst into something you know little about, nor can afford. Prakash asks: 'How much volatility can you handle?' Meaning, can you afford to put all your eggs in one basket? Or, are you better off playing the long game? Aka, taking baby steps with your cash to lower the risk. Prakash notes that many don't realise that investing is a spectrum, and there a various ways you can grow your money. It's not just like what you see in the movies: men in suits shouting and screaming at stock market monitors. If you want it to be, investing can be stress-free. The expert says: 'There are many online questionnaires available to measure risk tolerance. Just because stocks give you a high return, it might not be ideal for everyone.' For some of us, Prakash states that fixed-rate ISAs work the best. These are low-risk savings accounts where you agree to lock your money away for a certain period. In exchange, you're guaranteed a tax-free interest rate. There are different lengths of fixed rates, typically ranging from one to five years. However, they often come with a clause: you cannot withdraw money or close the account during the fixed rate period without a penalty. But, because you're agreeing to leave your money for a set amount of time, you're usually rewarded with a higher interest rate. If you know you'll need to dip in and out of your savings pot during the fixed time, you're better off looking into an easy access ISA. Fixed-rate ISAs are commonly suited to people who have lump sums they want to invest and know they won't need to access them, which leads us to our next point. In contrast, what's important with these kinds of accounts, is that you can access them as soon as you need the money, explains Metro's Andy Webb. Here are four top-paying accounts that anyone can open. Bank: Cahoot Account Rate: Sunny Day Saver Rate: 5.00% AER variable for 1 year on balances up to £3,000 Account Rate: Sunny Day Saver Bank: Charter Savings Bank Account Rate: Easy Access Rate: 4.46% with unlimited penalty-free withdrawals with a minimum deposit of £1 Account Rate: Easy Access Bank: Skipton Building Society Account Rate: Quadruple Access Cash ISA Saver Rate: 4.00% tax-free/AER variable Account Rate: Quadruple Access Cash ISA Saver Bank: Yorkshire Building SocietyAccount Rate: Easy Access Saver Issue 3 Rate: 4.10% and allows unlimited penalty-free withdrawals This is so important, Prakash emphasises. While some experts say you need at least three months' worth of living expenses, Prakash says it's better to be on the safe side and go for six months. An emergency liquid fund is simple, she says. It protects you from having to sell assets if unexpected expenses arise. Or, if you lose your job or income. Ultimately, having a financial buffer takes the pressure off, as it means you don't have to dip into your savings you've worked so hard to invest. Prakash says it's vital people learn about the basics of investing. This includes financial instruments, risk vs. return, diversification, interest rates, and insurance, to name a few. The expert explains: 'Complicated products don't necessarily translate to better returns in the long term. The trick is to understand the business well before investing.' As Warren Buffett popularly said, 'Never invest in a business you cannot understand.' There are so many resources online to give you a better insight into investing. Platforms like Money Saving Expert have various beginner's guides, from educating on stocks and shares, pensions and investing, and investment funds. 'Having a budget and tracking your cash flow allows you to understand how much you can realistically invest each month,' says Prakash. While Prakash says there are apps that can help track budget and expenses, the 50/30/20 rule is also a great tried-and-tested method. This hack can help build your emergency fund, too. Essentially, the rule involves dividing your spending into three categories: needs, wants and savings. Then, with each paycheck, allocate 50% to needs, 30% for wants and 20% for savings or debt repayments. Knowing this exact amount each month allows you to invest that 20% without fear of not being able to afford it. Needs – 50% of total salary Needs include essential living costs such as rent or mortgage payments, bills, food and transport to and from work or the school run. Wants are non-essential costs, such as shopping, eating out, gym memberships, subscriptions, trips away and nights out. The final 20% of your savings should then go towards paying off debt beyond minimum payments or putting money into a savings account, investment, or pension fund. Source: HSBC Prakash recommends checking your credit report to 'understand the factors impacting your credit score,' if there are any. Should you have any errors on your report, for example, it shows an already closed loan, get it corrected. More Trending There are plenty of easy ways to check your credit report online. Experian allows you to check as many times as you want for free, without it affecting your score. Not only does this give you peace of mind, in terms of knowing whether or not lenders may reject you, but as you improve your score, you'll have access to better deals, including getting credit at lower rates. There's no shame in needing a bit of hand-holding at the start, says Prakash. If you'd rather have a little guidance before investing and making financial decisions in general, consulting a certified financial planner might be the way forward. 'They'll help you build a personalised plan' in terms of investing, and be able to explain any queries or worries you may have. View More » MORE: I'm a 40-year-old divorcee — this is exactly what I spend in a month MORE: Phone thieves stole £10,000 from my savings but the bank says it's my fault MORE: The £1 pension trick that could save you losing thousands
