December 2022 is expected to be the busiest travel season since 2019 and cold weather can often affect travel plans, especially if one is driving. While winter storms are starting to hit all over the United States, now is the time to get vehicles ready for the winter including ensuring car batteries are in top condition.

"We may think about checking the car's oil, brakes, washer fluid and heater, but the humble car battery is often overlooked in our winter preparations," said Bobbie DuMelle, Executive Vice President of CTEK North America. "But a few simple checks and a regular maintenance regime is all that's needed to give you peace of mind that your battery is fit and ready to keep you safely out on the road this season."

Vehicle charging specialists CTEK says an inactive car battery will lose 0.1V of energy every month and, if your parked car is also running an alarm system, onboard computer, remote locking etc., the continual drain on the battery will be much more than that. Taking a lot of short journeys, particularly in urban areas, also drains the battery, as it takes 150-350A of battery power just to start the car, and on short trips the alternator won't have the time or capability to replace this charge. This is especially true if your car has a 'stop/start' function. In fact, if you've noticed your 'stop/start' hasn't been kicking in lately, this may be because your battery isn't sufficiently charged, as your car will gradually turn off 'non-essential' functions to focus the remaining battery charge on keeping the engine turning.

But there's no need to worry about being left out in the cold this winter, just follow CTEK's expert tips and you'll be all set for carefree driving, wherever you want to go.

Be ready. Don't leave it too late. Get your car battery into shape before the temperatures start to drop, as it's much harder to start your car in colder temperatures. It can take as much as 2.5 times more power to start a cold engine, so while you're thinking about getting those winter coats out of the closet, check your car battery too and give it some pre-winter TLC. That way, there'll be no surprises when you take to the road. Drivers also need to be aware that cold weather conditions can have an adverse effect on car batteries. A battery can lose as much as 35% in performance when temperatures hit freezing, and up to 50% if temperatures sink below that. Drivers should look out for any signs of change – like the way the car starts, or the operation of the electrical system in general – as these can be indications of a weak battery.

Be charged. There is a very fine line between a fully charged battery and a dead one, and even a small drop in charge can compromise battery health. A car battery is fully charged at 12.72V. Below 12.4V, sulphate crystals can build up, degrading the battery and reducing battery capacity. And below 10.4V, the battery may not even start the car at all. Not only that, driving around in your car will only ever charge your battery to 80% capacity so, to top it up to 100%, you'll always need a battery charger. A smart battery charger like the CTEK MXS 5.0 offers a unique approach to battery care. It is a fully automatic charger and maintainer with a built-in automatic temperature sensor that can help to extend battery life and protect against a dead battery. The MXS 5.0 also has a special reconditioning function that restores deeply discharged batteries, unique maintenance charging, and the charging of demanding AGM RV batteries.

Be winter smart. Charging your car battery at least once a month prolongs its life by up to three times, so buying a reliable battery charger, and getting yourself into a regular battery maintenance routine, makes perfect sense, year-round. Regular charging is even more important in the winter though, as things like heated screens and seats, headlights, and an increase in short journeys put additional strain on your battery. And, as battery failure can damage or compromise a vehicle's electronics, a charger is most certainly a worthwhile investment. Investing in a charger like the MXS 5.0, with built-in functionality for both maintenance and troubleshooting, is the smart choice for drivers. The MXS 5.0 is the fastest, most effective, and versatile consumer charger CTEK has ever made. The MXS 5.0 does the thinking for you, using adaptive charging to measure your battery's health then delivering the right level of power to get it working at optimum capacity, with a built-in temperature sensor that automatically adjusts the output voltage for cold conditions. With the MXS 5.0's patented technology, you can even recondition your battery to restore battery health. "Winter driving can be fun, and it can be beautiful," said DuMelle. "And if you take that little bit of time to get yourself and your battery well prepared in advance, then you're all set to make the most of it."

For added peace of mind while you're out on the road, CTEK offers a portable battery charger, the CS FREE, that you can take with you on your journey. Charge it up, store it in your glove box and, wherever your travels take you, you never need to worry about being stranded with a flat battery again. The CS FREE uses revolutionary 'adaptive boost technology' to gently and safely give a flat battery enough charge to get you going in around 15 minutes. This is completely safe for the vehicle's electronics, unlike most boosters or jump starters that deliver a sharp burst of power to effectively shock the battery into life. The CS FREE even has USB-A and USB-C ports to charge your mobile phone, PC, tablet and other devices.

Established in Dalarna, Sweden, CTEK is the leading global brand in battery charging solutions, most specifically vehicle charging. CTEK offers products ranging from 12V and 24V battery chargers to charging solutions for electrical vehicles. CTEK's E-mobility solutions range from individual EV chargers to larger corporate and commercial installations with multiple charging stations that require load balancing and integrate seamlessly with monitoring and payment equipment. CTEK's products are sold via a carefully selected network of global distributors and retailers: as original equipment; supplied to more than 50 of the world's leading vehicle manufacturers; and through charge point operators, property owners and other organizations/individuals providing EV charging infrastructure. CTEK takes pride in its unique culture based on a passion for innovation and a deep commitment to supporting the transition to a greener mobility, by adhering to industry leading ESG standards.

DiningCity cordially invites Hong Kong's food lovers to CHILL EATS, part of Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2022 and supported by Hong Kong Tourism Board. From 1 November to 30 November 2022, the programme offers the diners a memorable journey within four pillars that trace the trends of the city's dining scene, offering over 200 restaurants with selected menus up to 30% off.

Through four distinct pillars, CHILL EATS aims to showcase Hong Kong's dining trends in 2022.

New in the City

Food lovers in Hong Kong are always seeking new experiences – it's why gourmet food abounds and famous chefs flock to start up business here. Unique new restaurants continue to open up in the city despite the impact of the pandemic. Mr. Kent Wong, founder of Taste Gourmet Group, explains "Hong Kong has gone through dark days in recent years and everyone has a need for optimism. For the hospitality industry, hit hard by closures and health regulations, hope for what comes next is what is sustaining the sector."

"New in the City" engaged the restaurants newly opened in 2021 and 2022 to bring new dining experience to the diners.

Taste Gourmet Group has come together to create concepts and brands that honour the desire to live in the moment and the understanding that all things, good and bad, pass with time. Their recent brands, Que and San-Kinn mirror this concept. "I firmly trust that our food & beverage sector will flourish again in no time given the diversity, vibrancy and multi-cultural society in Hong Kong," said Mr. Wong.

In the Open Air

After spending hours cooped up indoors, many diners are looking for a breath of fresh air and a laid-back atmosphere. "In the Open Air" highlights spaces and offers the pleasure of the outdoors such as Pirata Group's venues.

"More than just the basics of good food, good service and good value for money, we've seen guests gravitate toward restaurants that convey a sense of wellbeing," said James Gannaban, Director of Marketing & Communications at Pirata Group. "Of the 14 restaurants we opened in the last two years, the most popular are the ones with access to open spaces – be it pizza and Aperol spritz on a sidewalk, to freshly baked pastries at the seaside, to a full-on classical Italian garden surrounded by lemon trees. It's all about simple, accessible pleasures that provide a quick escape and a hit of holiday vibes."

Feast Your Eyes

Apart from delicious food, "Feast Your Eyes" features show-stopping presentation and restaurant design that catches diners' eyes.

"Dining out is not just about food and service. Guests nowadays have a lot of knowledge and high expectations. We need to keep the bar high in order to stay on top of our game," said Alex Bellafronte, Operations Director, Asia of Aqua Restaurant Group. "Dining is an immersive experience, where all views, design, atmosphere, lighting and music play an incredibly important role to elevate our guest's journey."

Taste Travel

"Taste Travel" takes diners around the world and through culinary foodways. It's a showcase of the diverse range of cuisines in Asia's culinary capital, encompassing the popular Italian, French, Japanese and Cantonese cuisines alongside less mentioned ones such as Peruvian, Scandinavian or Argentinian fares.

Andrew Yang, Rosewood Hong Kong's Director of Food and Beverage, agreed industry players must go the extra mile in formulating unique restaurant concepts from regional cuisines. "The hospitality industry has changed over the years, it's not just about delivering great service anymore," said Yang, "At Rosewood Hong Kong we think outside the box to create unique concepts so that each outlet is differentiated from the competition, and we work closely with different brands and beverage partners to present one-of-a-kind experiences our guests can only find here."

CHILL EATS Citywide Dining Programme. Diners can book more than 200 participating restaurants and enjoy menu discounts up to 30% off. Menus are divided into four price categories:

DiningCity, an online bilingual guide and instant reservation service for premium restaurants, launched its Asian edition first in Singapore as early as 2007 and initiated official websites for Hong Kong and Mainland China in 2008 and 2009 respectively. DiningCity offers restaurant listings, introductions, reviews, pictures and the ability to make instant reservations for its users. Its platform and app also offer instant discounts off the food bill through its Off-peak feature and rewards loyal users with welcome drinks and window seat priority. DiningCity lists over 55,000 well-selected member restaurants with more than 1000 instantly bookable member restaurants in Greater China, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Multicultural London is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, and each of its 32 boroughs are marked by their own distinctive style and culture. Exploring the city can be lifelong endeavour, with acres of green parks, astounding historic and contemporary landmarks and an array of free museums. The food scene here is equally renowned, with offerings from low key street food and supper clubs to Michelin starred restaurants. Don’t forget to visit one of its many historic markets - selling everything from flowers, food and books - and spend the afternoon in one of its cosy pubs. Overall, London is a timeless city that will leave a lasting impression.

Eat & Drink

London’s food scene reflects its history and vibrant mix of cultures with fine dining and more casual establishments in abundance. For a chic Middle Eastern cafe with its own best-selling cookbook, visit Honey & Co in picturesque Fitzrovia, where you can enjoy their fresh shakshuka (an egg dish) with a selection of breads, jams and pickles for breakfast. For traditional British dining with a “nose to tail” approach, make a reservation at St. John in historic Clerkenwell, and feast on dishes like braised hare, savoy and bacon. Afterwards, visit legendary Dukes bar, Ian Fleming’s old haunt, and try their Martinis - frequently lauded as the best in the world - shaken, not stirred.

Sleep

With a huge range of hotels from five-star opulence to quaint townhouses and hip East London design hotels, you’re spoilt for choice. The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell is one of London’s best kept secrets - set over adjoining Georgian era houses in the east, looking over a pretty square, the hotel is independently owned and this is felt in the spirit of the place, which combines luxury with eccentricity. Rooms are filled with antiques, with four poster beds, union jack flags and illustrated elephants creating a cosy feel. If you’re after classic chic, try the Chiltern Firehouse instead. This hotel is a favourite with London’s celebrities, located in the elegant Marylebone neighbourhood and with a renowned adjoining restaurant.

Explore

One of London’s most atmospheric attractions is Sir John Soane’s museum, located on Lincoln’s Inn Fields. The museum preserves the home of the neoclassical architect John Soane, and has been kept as it was at the time of his death 180 years ago, giving you a unique insight into 19th century London. See his collections of antiquities, sculpture and paintings. On a sunny day, stroll around Hyde Park - a listed space that’s the largest Royal Park in central London. St Paul’s Cathedral is a legendary part of London’s skyline, and dates back to the 17th century from a design created by Sir Christopher Wren. It’s recommended to wander up the staircase curled around the vast dome to the Whispering Gallery, where you can experience the unique acoustics. For art-lovers, the Tate Modern is located in an iconic former power station on South Bank, and houses a fantastic collection of international modern art.

Shop

You’ll be spoilt for choice when choosing souvenirs to take home with you. Some of London’s most unique shopping experiences to try are Daunt Books, a beautiful Edwardian bookshop in Marylebone with long oak galleries, and Columbia Road Flower Market, held every Sunday on a hip east London street, which is filled with flowers and foliage. For antiques, vintage fashion and bric-a-brac visit Portobello Market in Notting Hill, an area made famous by the 90s film starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, where you can also find instagram-ready streets of pastel townhouses. If it’s gifts for foodies back home you’re after, go to Borough Market, located next to London Bridge and open Monday to Saturday. It’s a renowned farmer’s market which hosts the best of British fish and seafood, cheeses, meat, bread and fruit and vegetables.

The complete luxury travel guide to Prague

Bohemian Prague is one of the most picturesque destinations in Eastern Europe. The capital of the Czech Republic is filled with stone bridges, gothic spires and cobbled streets, and is home to a hard-working collective of writers and artists. Explore this historic city - from its ancient castles to relics of its more recent Communist rule - and get swept up in its romantic atmosphere, from the pretty streets to the artistic mindset of its residents and the cosy pubs they frequent.

Eat & drink

Prague has its fair share of luxurious restaurants and fine dining. Book a table at the Aquarius restaurant at the Alchymist (a high end hotel) for Italian food in a fairytale setting. Liv Tyler and Charlotte Gainsbourg are fans, and after you’ve tried their Porcini risotto with forest mushrooms, you’ll be back for more. For traditional Czech food, visit U Maliru 1543, a restaurant that’s astoundingly been in operation since the date in its name, and has counted Rudolf II - a Holy Roman Emperor - among previous clients. Try the grilled fallow deer with rowan berry, mushrooms and chestnuts, and finish off with curd dumplings stuffed with plum and rum sauce. For drinks, visit U Zlateho Tygra, a charming pub with literary connections, and is still host to poets and playwrights.

Sleep

Many of Prague’s accommodation offerings make use of the history here. Stay at Augustine, a five-star hotel located next to Prague Castle and named after the 13th century Augustine monastery it is still connected to. Its historic setting is complimented by contemporary facilities and design, and you can tour the working monastery and its beautiful gardens. The hotel also has an onsite brewery, St. Thomas, and you can sample their products at the hotel restaurant, which were first brewed by the resident monks in 1352. For another historic offering on a smaller scale, book into U Tri Pstrosu, located in a restored 16th century house. The rooms at this boutique hotel have retained their wooden ceilings, are filled with antique furniture and have views over romantic Charles Bridge.

Explore

Many prolific writers, artists and musicians called Prague home, and you can visit the places they created their legendary works. Visit Kafka’s birthplace, a museum located in his family home with artifacts from his life in Prague and the inspirations behind his renowned novels and short stories. Prague Castle, a UNESCO monument, is an awe inspiring composition of different palaces and ecclesiastical buildings, including the Royal Palace with its spectacular vaulted ceiling and polished wooden floors, and St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest temple in Prague. The Astronomical Clock is a medieval world wonder located in the picturesque Old Town Square. Every hour, a beautiful mechanical performance occurs when the clock chimes - this has continued for over 600 years.

Shop

Prague is a fantastic place to hunt for antiques, vintage clothing and all kinds of second hand memorabilia. You’ll find lots of small shops in the maze-like cobbled streets of the Old Town, as well as in the neighbouring areas of Nové Mesto and Malá Strana. For books in particular, visit Antikvariát Mustek, a treasure trove of maps, antique books and vintage magazines. The main market street in Prague is Havelska, which sells fruit and vegetables in the morning, but unveils a selection of crafts and keepsakes in the afternoon. If you’re after fashion created by local designers, visit the Blackout boutique, a showcase of young Czech designers work. Couture focused pieces can be found at Tatiana Kováríková, a boutique lined with rows of painstakingly crafted evening wear.