January is an ideal month for stargazing, particularly on a crisp, clear night. Throughout the month, anyone, not just, stargazers,  can observe prominent winter constellations such as Orion, Taurus, and Gemini, alongside some of the brightest stars in the night sky. In fact in and around 25 January we have a “planet parade” where we have 5 planets aligning and will be visible to the naked eye. So keep an eye out for Venus, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and if we’re super lucky Mercury.

That said, stargazing in January can come with its challenges. Unpredictable weather and cold temperatures can make venturing out more demanding. However, with the right preparation, it’s a great time to gaze at the cosmos.

As part of their latest campaign exploring the UK’s top stargazing spots, the experts at Select Van Leasing have compiled practical tips to help you make the most of this stellar season:

1. Avoid light-polluted areas

“To get the best view of a starry sky this month, steer clear of towns or city centres and head to a location free from light pollution. Rural areas or dark sky parks are ideal as they offer clear and unobstructed views of the night sky.

“Our stargazing report revealed that Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) is the best place to stargaze in the UK, followed by Cairngorms National Park, and Northumberland National Park. If you are in or around these areas, you should have a pretty good chance of witnessing the meteor shower.”

2. Plan your route in advance

“If you’re heading to a remote or rural area, it’s important to plan your route in advance, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Check for any road closures or weather-related disruptions, especially if snow or ice is expected, to ensure a smooth and safe journey.

“Additionally, remote areas often have limited signal, so it’s a good idea to inform friends or family of your route. Plan ahead to ensure they know when to check in with you during or after the event.”

3. Check the weather forecast

“It may seem obvious, but clear skies are crucial for stargazing. Be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out, as cloud cover can block your view of the meteors. Ideally, aim for a time with minimal cloud cover and little to no moonlight, as the brightness of the moon can wash out the light of the stars.”

4. Check your vehicle’s winter readiness

“Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is ready for winter conditions by checking that your tyres are in good condition, and make sure your windscreen wipers, de-icer, and headlights are working properly.

5. Arrive early

“It can take up to 20 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to low-light conditions, so make sure you arrive in good time to give your eyes a chance to adapt to the darkness.”

6. Wear warm layers

“January is typically one of the coldest months of the year, so it’s essential to wear plenty of warm layers. Consider preparing hot drinks to take along with you as an extra way to stay warm.”

7. Stock your vehicle with winter supplies

“As with any nighttime winter road trip, make sure to keep an emergency kit in your car, including extra blankets and warm clothing, a torch, bottled water, snacks, and phone charging equipment.  

8. Take something to sit on

“If you’re planning to stay for a while, bring blankets, cushions, and camp chairs to sit on while stargazing. This will help avoid straining your neck while looking up at the sky and allow you to comfortably gaze upwards for long periods without discomfort.”

9. Use a star map or stargazing apps

“To make the most of the experience, use a star map or stargazing app to help you identify constellations and other celestial objects near the Quadrantid meteor shower. These tools also make it easier to locate the best areas of the sky for observing meteors. Some recommended apps include: Star Walk, SkySafari 7 Pro, Sky Tonight, and Heavens-Above Pro.”

10. Use car parking areas to stargaze

“Many people may not realise that a lot of car parks in rural areas are actually recommended stargazing locations, thanks to their minimal light pollution and spacious, open settings. This makes them ideal for those driving to a designated spot, as you won’t have to venture far from your vehicle to enjoy a perfect view of the sky.”

Sandbanks invites you to brave the cold in style and comfort.  Sandbanks is the British fashion brand founded by Wayne Collins, Sam Harman and former professional footballer, Jamie Redknapp in 2019. Renowned for its expertise in crafting luxury outerwear, Sandbanks has quickly established itself, offering premium and sustainable clothing designed to endure the elements with style and sophistication.

The brand has quickly made a name for itself by using high-quality fabric and components that reflect both luxury and environmental responsibility, appealing to discerning customers seeking elegance and comfort in their outerwear. From puffer jackets to versatile apparel, Sandbanks’ collections speak to those who value both functionality and refined fashion.

The premium outerwear and cosy essentials are designed for adventurers who refuse to compromise on quality, warmth, or sustainability. Each piece is crafted using cutting-edge materials like recycled fabrics and ethically sourced insulation. From their wind-resistant puffer jackets to versatile knitwear, Sandbanks has your winter wardrobe covered.

Since its inception, Sandbanks has quickly earned a reputation for expertly crafted outerwear, merging luxury with sustainability.

The brand’s puffer jackets offer the ideal balance of functionality, elegance, and high-performance design. Sandbanks’ commitment to using only the finest materials ensures that each jacket delivers exceptional warmth, durability, and comfort.

Equally renowned for its luxurious, sustainable knitwear that effortlessly blends style and comfort. Each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using only the finest materials to ensure warmth, softness, and durability. From cashmere and wool sweaters to puffer jackets, Sandbanks offers designs that provide ultimate comfort while maintaining a sophisticated look.

Did you know that 38% of under-35s in the UK and 1 in 3 in the Republic of Ireland are considering emigrating in the next five years? The biggest motivations behind these moves are a better quality of life and a lower cost of living.

So where can Brits earn the most while enjoying relatively low expenses? To find out, Instant Officeshave analysed the average salary for the top 10 most in-demand jobs vs the cost of living across different cities. 

According to the British Expat Report for 2024: 

• 532,000 Brits emigrated last year 
• 38% of 25 to 34-year-olds want to leave the UK in the next five years 
• 11% of 25 to 34-year-olds are considering moving right now 
• 36% of 18 to 24-year-olds are also considering making the move, with 10% wanting to leave right now 

The top reasons motivating Brits to move away are: 

• Wanting a better quality of life (45%) 
• The cost of living crisis (39%) 
• The weather (37%) 

Looking at the top 10 cities by economic power and the 10 most in-demand jobs by search volume, the US cities of Dallas and Seattle lead the way in terms of cost of living vs earnings. Chemical engineers in Tokyo take home the most cash, with the gap between their total cost of living and their salary being just 5%. 

In contrast, London makes the most appearances on the “worst cities” list, with the highest total cost of living vs the lowest salaries for most of the top professions.

So, what can expats expect when relocating to one of these top-paying cities?  Both Dallas and Seattle have a high quality of life index, a moderate safety index and a very high climate index. Both cities also rank well in terms of healthcare and purchasingpower. However, Seattle has a high traffic commute time index and Dallas has a moderate pollution index.

According to Expat Insider 2024, the USA is ranked 22ndin the Working Abroad Index and has some great careerprospects. 67% of respondents say that the local business culture supports flexibility, and 65% say they are happy in their job. However, expats rank the USA 46th out of 53 countries when it comes to quality of life, citing expensive healthcare and safety concerns. Most expats also agree that it can be difficult to settle in and find friends in a US city. 

While taking home a substantial paycheck is a great benefit, it’s important to do your research before moving to one of these top-paying cities, so you can decide whether a higher salary will be worth the lack of other factors. 

Images by

Mitchell Ng Liang an

Darwin Boaventura

Shraga Kopstein

Ishan @seefromthesky

JIMMY CHOO MAN EXTREME, is the latest iteration on its original men’s fragrance with the introduction of Jimmy Choo Man. Jimmy Choo Man, originally, launched in 2014, an aromatic and woody pillar of the fragrance offering.  The signature scent has evolved to encompass flankers including Jimmy Choo Man Intense and Jimmy Choo Man Aqua.

Jimmy Choo Man Extreme is a potent fragrance signifying adventure. Jimmy Choo Man Extreme is a bold, energetic and thrilling fougère.

It is for men with a hunger for new experiences and the thrill of the great outdoors. It is fiery at its core, with the intense piquancy of red thyme and black pepper making up its top notes, which are bolstered by a heart that

combines an aromatic accord of fresh and crisp geranium fused with clary sage.

The dry down, or the scent that will linger longest, is made up of vibrant amber woods, tonka beans and punchy vetiver, resulting in a subtly alluring masculinity that lasts.

“To create this fragrance, I thought about the different shades of red and how to represent them olfactively . One ingredient came to me immediately, red thyme oil and its burning freshness, which brings an incredible intensity to the trail.” – Anne Flipo, Master perfumer, Jimmy Choo.

Off Season, is a luxury fashion brand connected at the intersections of football, sports and fashion. Off Season will introduce its premiere collection of unisex puffer jackets inspired by a selection of iconic NFL teams.

Off Season has been granted the official use of NFL players’ names and numbers through a license with the NFL Players Association and will develop product highlighting numerous NFL stars. The debut collection will represent five NFL teams—the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills—offering puffer vests, puffer jackets and long coats that highlight players from each team

“Off Season was born out of my passion for high design and the desire to elevate NFL fan apparel into something truly unique,” says Kristin Juszczyk (image above), co-founder of Off Season. “For years, I’ve been reimagining what team pride can look like, but seeing the incredible response from other players’ wives, celebrity fans and everyday supporters showed me this could be something bigger.”

As a self-taught designer who captured national attention with her bold gameday looks, Juszczyk initially outfitted herself and others for the San Francisco 49ers and her husband, Kyle Juszczyk’s games. With Off Season, Kristin brings creativity and craftsmanship to the forefront. Her designs, worn by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Gwen Stefani and Simone Biles, blend high-fashion aesthetics with team-centric details.

Paired with British businesswoman, serial entrepreneur and philanthropist Emma Grede, Off Season is poised to fill a gap in the market, combining premium materials, unisex sizing and elevated designs that resonate with fans.