Seizing the day

On our recent travels to Ho Chi Minh City my partner and I decided to get a tattoos. Getting inked (credit: Flikr ) Why we decided to get them We both had tattoos done this year at  Family Business  in London by  Jonathan Mckenzie  who is a very precise and fine detailed artist – it was actually my first ever tattoo. I didn't really think tattoos would be addictive, but here I am, getting my second one in the space of 4 months – in Vietnam! We were a bit dubious about getting tattoos in a different country, as you have to think: Is it hygienic? Safe? Will I regret it? It's really important to do your research on a tattooist and know what the standards are in the country you're getting it in. Obviously, if you're going for a bamboo tattoo in Thailand then there's a risk, but most tattooist now play by the hygiene rules – but check before you book. You should read reviews, look on social media and TripAdvisor, or better still talk to someone who got a tat...

Finding a veggie place to eat in Hanoi can be rather daunting - but lucky for you, we found some! All of these places you'll find in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, where you'll find all the trendy restaurants, bars, cool coffee spots and historical buildings. 1) Noodle and Roll Where it is: 39C Ly Quoc Su, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi Good for: veggie alternatives to Vietnamese classic dishes at street market prices Price range : 35,000 to 70,000 dong We went here 5 times in a week - says it all really! Veggie bun cha Price: 45,000 dong This dish is usually made with meat, such as grilled pork, but this one comes with spring rolls as an alternative. You get rice noodles with fresh herbs such as mint and coriander together with 10 or so crunchy spring rolls that are filled with vermicelli noodles, a mixture of vegetables and spices. This is all served with a classic bun cha dressing. I'd recommend putting a douse of soya sauce on your noodles to give the...