Here’s also some information to help you plan if you are considering visiting the Games as a spectator, including visa information.

Jobs and contracts

There will be a variety of jobs available in the run-up to the games – a great opportunity to be a part of this exciting event.

Organisers are currently scouting for talented individuals to work across a variety of different job roles, including project leaders, cultural curators, media specialists, security managers, sports specialists and much more. Visit www.glasgow2014.com/jobs for an updated list of vacancies.

Business owners are also invited to complete a company profile on the Glasgow Business Portal, to be considered for various contracts and opportunities – including construction projects, commodities and specialist services. Visit www.glasgowbusinessportal.co.uk for more information.

General information

• The 20^th edition of the Commonwealth Games will take place from 23 July to 3 August 2014.
• This year, the Games are hosted by Glasgow, Scotland. It will be the 3^rd time Scotland hosts the games; the previous two occasions were in 1970 and 1986, when the games were hosted in Edinburgh.
• Australia has hosted the Commonwealth Games more times than any other host country – 2018 will mark the 5^th time.
• Around 6 500 athletes from 71 nations will be competing in 17 sports over 11 days.
• Australia has won the most-ever Commonwealth Games medals, including 803 gold.

Sports

The competition schedule includes 17 sports taking place over 11 days.

• Aquatics
• Athletics
• Badminton
• Boxing
• Cycling
• Gymnastics
• Hockey
• Judo
• Lawn Bowls
• Netball
• Rugby Sevens
• Shooting
• Squash
• Table Tennis
• Triathlon
• Weightlifting
• Wrestling

Tickets

Like all previous Commonwealth Games, a fair and simple application process will ensure that everyone has an equal chance of getting tickets for the sports they wish to see. Tickets start at just £15, with most tickets being charged at £25 or less. Under-16s and over-60s enjoy half price tickets, and ticket prices include public transport in the local area on the day of the event.

Tickets go on sale on the 19th of August, with only four weeks to apply online or by post. The application period closes on 16 September, after which time you will find out which of your ticket applications were successful. Tickets to the very popular events will be allocated via a simple draw.

Visas

Applications are now open for individuals needing a Commonwealth Games visitor’s visa. The visa will be valid until 3 September 2014, and will allow multiple entries to the UK and a maximum stay of 6 months for a single visit. Either apply online or complete a paper application VAF1C, stating that you are applying for a ‘Commonwealth Games visit visa’.

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Make sure you book your trip by 30 June to take advantage of these offers. They’ll give an extra 5% off to all 1st Contact customers.

Terms and conditions do apply. To find out more, visit traveltalktours.com/deals.

Travel Talk's June 2013 special offers

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Anderson Tours have been providing excellent value for money tours for the past 25 years. Day trip destinations include popular UK hot spots such as Stonehenge and Bath, Oxford, Stratford and Cambridge.

Anderson Tours also offer short breaks away to European cities including Paris, Amsterdam, Edinburgh and many more. Give yourself a break and see more of the UK and European sights on an all-inclusive, organised, hassle free trip with Anderson Tours.

For 1st Contact clients, your codes have been set up and are now active; Sab5 for a £5 discount off day trips and please enter Sab10 for a £10 discount .

To find out more, you can visit their website: http://www.andersontravel.co.uk/

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This unique activity is not only exhilarating and challenging; it also offers spectacular photo opportunities and 360 degree views of London.

The “Up the O2” initiative was launched in June last year, in celebration of the iconic entertainment venue’s 5th year of operation.

What’s it all about?

The experience takes around an hour and a half and starts with a safety briefing and signing of an indemnity form. Thereafter climbers are given safety gear, including a “climb suit”, climbing boots (unless the safety team are happy with the shoes you have on) and a safety harness. The climb suit has pockets for your phone and wallet, but no cameras are allowed.

The climb is pretty steep and the walkway can be slippery if wet, so it’s important that you understand all the safety instructions and keep at least one hand on the central handrail at all times.

Once at the top, there is an opportunity to take photos (only with a phone) and enjoy the fantastic vistas over London.

Once you have come back down to earth, there are restaurants and pubs, should you feel the need to celebrate your climb!

Who can do it?

Anyone over 10 years of age, who is medically fit and at least 1.2 meters tall may attempt the climb. Children must be accompanied by an adult and should be comfortable with heights!

What does it cost?

Off-peak – 10 am – 4.30, Monday to Friday: £25

Peak – 5 pm Monday to Friday, Saturday and Sunday all day: £30

There is a discount available for O2 mobile phone customers. You will need to download a free app called Priority Moments and then book with a 15% discount.

How do I book?

Booking is recommended, especially for the peak times, although one can buy tickets on the day.

Full details are available on the official website: www.theo2.co.uk/upattheo2.

If you’ve done the climb, please share your thoughts and experience in the comments section.

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Is summer too far away for your liking? Speed things up a bit! Join Topdeck this May for a Croatia Sailing trip, starting from the bargain price of just £329 (less than £42 per day).

Each trip sails aboard a traditional Croatian cruising vessel and explores the country’s gorgeous coastline, stopping at stunning islands off the coast including Hvar, Mljet and Korcula.

You’ll also visit historic Dubrovnik, which has been described as “paradise on earth”. Wander the cobbled streets and walk around the imposing city walls, then be sure to have a drink at one of the famous cliff bars!

So what’s included? Well, you’ll enjoy twin share cabin accommodation aboard the boat, all of your breakfast and lunches, the services of a local Croatian crew, plus a Topdeck Representative to ensure you get the most from your trip.

So don’t wait for summer – spend your May days soaking up some sun, swimming in the warm blue Adriatic and admiring stunning views… then by night, perhaps enjoy a party or two! Join Topdeck in Croatia this May and let the good times roll!

Visit http://www.topdeck.travel/croatia-sailing to find out more…

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“We know the benefits of green spaces only too well. We just seem to be losing the energy to get to them.”

According to the Global Green Space Report 2013 conducted by the Husqvarna Group, where spending time in nature is concerned, what we do and what we want to do are very different.

The 2013 report interviewed 4 500 people from 9 countries: Sweden, China, Russia, the United States, Germany, Canada, Australia, Poland and France.

Almost everyone interviewed stated that they want to spend more time in green spaces, and that they believe they need and deserve it – yet most also admitted that they are spending far less time in nature than they were 5 years ago.

Landscape designer top career choice

According to the Report, we have a very clear idea of what nature can do for us. We understand that it can benefit us in terms of our health, our stress levels, lifestyles and general wellbeing. In fact, when asked what they would do if they could start their careers all over, respondents were given choices between careers that included a chef, lawyer, accountant, journalist, teacher, pilot, engineer and landscape designer. Landscape designer was the No.1 career chosen by 21%, followed by medical doctor at 17%.

Here are a few more interesting stats:

• 77% of people interviewed said that they would like their children to spend more time in parks.

• 74% said that they would like their children to spend more time in their own garden.

• When asked what they believe contributes most to their happiness, 84% said ‘Family’, followed by 61% who said ‘Nature’, while only 30% believed it to be ‘Money’.

• 89% of people interviewed believe that access to green spaces is a human right.

• 82% of the respondents felt that spending time in green spaces relieves stress and anxiety.

• 72% of people said that getting some fresh air would boost their work performance, while only 23% felt that coffee would help more.

And yet, we are all spending far less time in nature than we ever have.

This gap can largely be attributed to severe urbanisation, but also because of the pressures and time constraints placed on us by demanding jobs and fast-paced lifestyles.

The No.1 reason given for not spending more time in nature was ‘too much work’. Yet, when asked how time away from work is spent, the results were pretty unanimous – we sit on our couches and stare at screens.

• In Sweden, 90% of people aged 12 – 44 use the internet every day.

• Americans over the age of 2 spend an average of 34 hours a week watching television.

• People in the largest cities in China spend 70% of their leisure time on the internet.

What about you?

How will you spend your free time this summer? Are you going to drag yourself home and stare at your TV or computer screen for hours on end every day, or are you going to get out there, breathe in some fresh air and enjoy the sunshine and green spaces available to you?

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Simply deposit £60 on any Travel Talk tour until the 31st May to Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Russia or Jordan and score yourself an absolutely FREE 8 day Premium Morocco tour worth up to £699! We’ll even let you choose your FREE Morocco tour from any of our departure dates until the 14th Dec 2014. Plus this offer covers the tour cost as well as the local payment!

Already ticked Morocco off your to do list? Then save up to 35% on tours this month (+ an additional 5% for all 1st Contact customers).

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Queen Ann founded Ascot Races in 1711 and members of the Royal family still lead the procession from Windsor Castle to Ascot each day.

Finale Day at Ascot is becoming more and more popular every year – enjoy the famous glamorous Race day without taking time off work!

Are you looking for a great excuse to hit the shops for a new outfit? Then look no further – Finale Day has all the pageantry of Ladies Day just on the Saturday, so no days of work and a whole day to recover on Sunday…

Valencia in late August is a great experience, white sandy beaches, amazing food, beautiful architecture, and off course that little festival called La Tomatina. Let us take the hassle out of your trip….

Don’t forget to use your exclusive 1st Contact Code FCC0513 for your 10% discount or email us at info@firstfestivaltravel.com

To find out more, you can visit: www.firstfestivaltravel.com

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So what better plan can there be, but to escape the cold with Topdeck while waiting for the UK to warm up.

Save up to £281 on Europe trips. It’s 19 degrees in Barcelona today and 17 degrees in Mykonos, so what are you waiting for? Claim your summer!

To find out more, you can visit  www.topdeck.travel/deals.

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Showcasing the very best in American indie movies, the event takes place from the 25th to the 28th of April at the O2 Arena.

Attended by Sundance Founder Robert Redford, the Festival will screen a total of 27 films; 18 feature-length and 9 shorts. There will also be loads of live music, headlined by Peaches, as well as other worthwhile events.

This year sees another feature from writer/director Jeff Nichols whose Take Shelter won a Grand Prix in 2011. His latest offering Mud, was in official competition in 2012 and stars Matthew McConaughey as a fugitive who befriends two teenage boys who help him evade bounty hunters and reunite with his true love.

Another film which received fantastic reviews at the Sundance Festival is A.C.O.D, a charming and funny take on the joys and frustrations of modern family life, starring Adam Scott and with a fantastic supporting cast including Jane Lynch, Jessica Alba, Catherine O’ Hara and the hilarious Amy Poehler.

Other films to look out for are Running from Crazy, The Look of Love, Blackfish, Blood Brother, God Loves Uganda and The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete.

Tickets, information and package options are all available at http://www.sundance-london.com.

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