24/7 Travel Insurance Blog

While Amsterdam is considered to be a relatively small city, there are certainly a host of attractions to choose from as well as those catering for the stag weekends! In this blog we will look at a selection of some of the best places to visit in Amsterdam to wet your appetite if you are going anytime soon.

A bit of history

Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands and is located in the province of North Holland in the west of the country. The city comprises the northern part of the Randstad, the 6th largest metropolitan area in Europe with a population of around 6.7 million. Its name is derived from Amstel dam, indicative of the city's origin - a dam in the river Amstel where the Dam Square is today. Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age and during this time the city was the leading centre for both finance and diamonds.

Amsterdam is said to be the 5th busiest tourist destination in Europe with over 4.2 million international visitors each year. Certain years have a theme in Amsterdam to bring in extra tourists; for example ‘2006’ was designated "Rembrandt 400" to celebrate the 400th birthday of Rembrandt Van Rijn.

For more information you can visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam

The Van Gogh Museum

Without a doubt, the Van Gough Museum is a place definitely worth visiting and houses the world's largest collection of works by Van Gogh. The collection includes paintings and drawings as well as letters spanning his impressionist years in Paris to his last years in St. Remy. Works by some of Van Gogh's contemporaries and friends such as Gauguin and Toulouse-Lautrec are also displayed. The museum regularly has exhibitions highlighting art toward the end of the 19th century. You can find more information by visiting this website: http://www3.vangoghmuseum.nl/vgm/index.jsp.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

This is a very popular tourist attraction with over 3 million passengers a year taking the cruise. There are a variety of options on offer such as sunset and night cruises, and there are also music, theatre, drinking and romance cruises available! Whether you are in an open top canal boat or a self pedalled canal bike, this is the best way to see a range of some of the best sights on offer. These include 17th century mansions and fantastic architecture ranging from medieval to modern. Visit http://www.amsterdam.info/tours/canalcruise/ to find out more.

Anne Frank House

Make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to see where Anne Frank produced her world renowned diary. It is the house where Anne Frank and her family went into hiding on July 6, 1942 during the German occupation and where they lived in isolation for more than two years. All the furniture was removed when the occupants were detained in 1944, but films and other media, including the diary of Anne, give you a fascinating insight into what life was like. The museum also displays information about the 100,000 Dutch Jews who died during the Holocaust. Click Here to find out more.

The Heineken Experience

A visit to this historic brewery is a must for any beer lover. The tour takes you on a walk through a re-created street from the late nineteenth century (when the brewery was a small, family-owned business) to a visit to the old brewhouse which dates back to 1913.There are also rooms with a variety of multi-media entertainment and video monitors describing the brewing process. You will visit rooms that once served as aging cellars and a visit to the Brewhouse Bar and the See You Again Bar will give you the opportunity to taste the real thing! Visit www.heinekenexperience.com to get your taste buds going!

Cycling

Getting around by bike in Amsterdam is the main form of transport and is a very good way of seeing all the wonderful sights of the city at your own pace. It gives you an opportunity to experience the city from a different point of view and to soak up the lively atmosphere along the way. For more information visit: http://www.canal.nl/en/index.php.

Don’t forget your holiday insurance!

After reading this blog and you like the sound of going to Amsterdam, make sure you take out travel insurance as soon as you have booked your trip. Buying direct from the travel insurance provider is certainly cheaper than from your travel agent, so check out 24/7 Travel Insurance http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/ . If you are travelling as a couple, 24/7 travel insurance offers cover for 3 days from just £8.77* - great value for peace of mind whilst travelling around this beautiful city.

* Premium £8.77 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on 2 adults aged under 55 taking out a “Standard” Single Trip policy for 3 days in Europe, excluding personal possessions cover and travelling within 14 days of purchase. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (November 2008) and are subject to change.

Labels: Amsterdam

If you are thinking of doing something a little different for your next holiday, why not try a cycling holiday. They can be fun, relatively cheap; don’t harm the environment and, best of all, you can do things at your own pace. In this blog we will look at what you can do to get the most of your trip as well as a selection of some of the best cycling holidays in the world.

Choose the right equipment and footwear

Wearing the correct clothing for your cycling holiday is vital, so make sure you pack a good pair of cycling shorts or trousers, cycling gloves, cycling jerseys, cycling shoes and a cycling jacket. It is also important to have some layered clothes especially if you are cycling high up in the hills where it can be very cold. To find the deals on cycling clothing it is worth surfing the internet where you will come across sites such as http://www.bottombracket.co.uk/cycle-clothing.html and http://www.cyclesportsuk.co.uk/index.php?cPath=48 .
Don’t forget your cycling sunglasses which have some advantages over standard sunglasses in that they have wrap round lenses to keep flies and any debris out of your eyes, and most have shatterproof lenses for safety. Sun cream is also essential especially when the weather is hot and humid and it’s the middle of the day.

Drink plenty of water

To prevent yourself getting dehydrated, make sure that you take a water bottle with you – just like the professionals do! Drinking water regularly whilst cycling will enable you to cycle for longer without feeling fatigued, allowing you can see more of the country you are visiting.

What is your level of fitness?

You should check that your fitness levels are capable of handling the trip so you can go at the pace you are most comfortable with. One thing you don’t want to find is that you either can’t keep up with the group or alternatively you are held back by the group who aren’t as capable as yourself. As well as this you have to decide whether you want a linear route, by going point to point, or a circular one, where by you can return to your ‘home’ each day. It is also important to check the cycling trip’s ability level rating so you know exactly what to expect before you set off!

Salzkammergut cycle path, Austria

It has been said that the Salzkammergut is Austria’s own answer to the Lake District, so bearing in mind this comparison it does sound a very tempting place to visit. The location is very picturesque with it being in the foothills of the Alps with spectacular mountains and lakes to distract you while you are cycling! The great thing about this holiday is you can select which trail you want depending on what level you are at. For more information visit
Salzkammergut Cycle Path website for more details.

Southern Jewel Cycle Adventure, New Zealand

When you hear the word “jewel” mentioned, you know that it’s going to be something special, so this adventure in New Zealand really is one that is worth investigating. The tour starts and finishes in Christchurch and you have the option of either a 40 mile or a 60 mile ride. Along the way the views are certainly a sight to behold with snow capped mountains as well as historic goldmining towns to view along the way. To find out more visit http://gorptravel.away.com/xnet/one-product.tcl?product_id=114293.


Cycling in Cumbria

There are certainly some fantastic locations in the UK for cycling and there is no doubt that you won’t do better than going to Cumbria where there really is everything you could wish for and more! If road cycling is what you are looking for, then the Lake District National Park and the rolling hills of the Eden Valley are experiences you won’t forget in a hurry. Alternatively, you can try mountain biking and the Lake District was voted best UK destination in the ‘What Mountain Bike’ magazine in 2006. If you are looking for a cycling holiday for all the family, one of the options is traffic free rides. To find out more on this superb cycling destination visit Cycling Cumbria at http://www.cyclingcumbria.co.uk/default.aspx.


Jotunheimen National Park, Norway - a classic road cycling holiday

Jotunheimen is the highest mountain area in Scandinavia, which makes for an awesome cycling vacation as you venture through Norway’s eye catching National Parks as well viewing the fjord scenery on offer. As well as these benefits, if you want to experience the cleanest of fresh air there is no better place to breath it in! If you are looking for inspiration then click here.

New Forest, Hampshire

With 100 miles of traffic free tracks as well as ponies to spot, it makes this cycling experience a very popular one. If you are looking to go for a gentle family cycling break this is a great destination that caters for everyone’s needs. There are some very pleasant places to stay such as Careys Manor Hotel (http://www.careysmanor.com/), and for assistance in hiring bikes visit http://www.newforestcyclehire.co.uk/. So don’t let the opportunity pass you by as it’s worth taking on all that the New Forest has to offer!


Remember your Travel Insurance!

Whilst on your cycling break, you want to relax and unwind. So put your mind at ease by taking out travel insurance – just in case! You can purchase great value travel insurance direct at 24/7 travel insurance by visiting their website at: http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/. For a week’s family cycling holiday in Europe, it will cost you only £14.00* - a small price to pay so you can enjoy your cycling all the more!


*Premium £14.00 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on a family comprising of 2 adults aged under 55 and 2 children under 18 taking out a “Standard” family single-trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 7 days in Europe excluding personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (November 2008) and are subject to change.

Labels: cycling-holidays

For all you adrenaline junkies out there, the ‘rush’ of a bungee jump is a very satisfying experience and one that always creates a great sense of achievement and excitement. In this blog we look at some safety advice when bungee jumping as well as a selection of the most spectacular bungee jumps in the world.

Look after your own safety

Safety should be at the top of your priority list if you are planning to take part in the extreme sport of bungee jumping. After all it is not every day that you jump off of an object 100 feet or more in the air attached only by a large rubber cord!

Individuals planning to bungee jump should be fit and healthy. A physical evaluation is critical to ensure that you are the right height and weight within the target range, and accurate measurements are recommended for proper fitting of equipment, including weight-bearing cords and body harnesses. You should also have a normal heart rate and blood pressure for taking on the jump. If you are in the hands of recognised and professional staff, this should mean that you are provided with the right equipment and dress to carry out the activity.

The most common accidents occur when the individual becomes entangled with the cord. Also, the miscalculation of the elasticity of the bungee cord may allow the impact of the head with the ground to occur which can be fatal.

One last thing that is important is to check the weather as respected companies should always call off bungee jumping if conditions aren’t right. For more information visit: http://www.safesport.co.uk/BungeeJumpingSafety.html.

“Goldeneye” Bungee Jump, Ticino, Switzerland

Have you always wondered what it would be like to take on the famous bungee jump that was played out in the first scene of the James Bond movie “Goldeneye”? If so you can take a dive off the wall of the Verzasca dam in the Vezasca valley and pretend to be a 007 agent! The dam measures 220 metres high and takes around 7.5 seconds to fall, allowing you some time to admire the beautiful Swiss scenery - that’s if you can manage to keep your eyes open! The Ticino valley in Switzerland offers a varied landscape, with the Alps on one side, a lake on the other, and an emerald green river at the bottom, making your bungee a truly memorable experience. If you have the courage to take on this bungee jump, it will certainly be a great story to tell all your friends and family. You can find out more information at: http://www.ticino.ch/15/common_details.jsp?id=77102.

Victoria Falls Bridge, Zimbabwe

If you love waterfalls and have thought about combining this with the adrenaline rush of a bungee jump, then how about a 111 metre plummet towards the Zambezi River? The Victoria Falls bridge lies in ‘no mans land’ between the Zambian and Zimbabwean border posts with the spectacular Victoria Falls in the background, which makes the jump a memorable experience. As well as this there is the opportunity to have photos and a video taken of your jump to round off the whole experience. Click here to find out more.

Great Canadian Bungee

A few years ago there was a campaign that was run in Canada, termed ‘Keep Exploring’ so how about exploring the highest bungee jump in the country. The Great Canadian Bungee is a fascinating place to go as you will find that you literally jump of a cliff edge. You will be jumping in an amphitheatre of solid limestone and be surrounded by a 160 foot deep aqua blue spring fed lagoon which is larger than three football fields. So if you have the nerve to attempt this bungee jump and want to know more visit: http://www.bungee.ca/.

Bloukrans River Bridge, South Africa

The Bloukrans River Bridge is the world’s highest commercially operated bungee jump according to the Guinness Book of World Records. You will find that it has the highest single span arch bridge in the world and it is situated along the famous Garden Route about 40km east of Plettenberg Bay in South Africa. The jump itself is 216 metres above the Bloukrans River, and you can be safe in the knowledge that pendulum bungy technology is in place to make it the ultimate bungee experience! For more information click here.

The Nevis Arc, Queenstown, New Zealand

If you are thinking of going to New Zealand, then why not try a very recent bungee jumping adrenaline innovation called “The Nevis Arc” – it is certainly worth checking out! The great thing about this experience is the fact that you can choose the height you bungee from and the all important fear level you are prepared to go for! Find out more by visiting: http://www.bungy.co.nz/index.php/pi_pageid/159

Take out the all important Travel Insurance!

Especially when doing bungee jumping you need to make sure you are covered and you will be pleased to know that it is an activity automatically covered by 247 Travel Insurance. Cover for a 14 day trip to Switzerland costs only £8.76* - a small price to pay to have peace of mind before your jump! For more details visit http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/

*Premium £8.76 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a “Standard” single trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 14 days in Europe excluding personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (November 2008) and are subject to change.

Labels: bungee-jumping

If you have never been on a safari before and are thinking now is the time to go on one, make sure you don’t let the opportunity pass you by as it really is an unforgettable experience. In this blog we will look at some important things to remember to help make your safari a memorable experience, as well as a selection of some of the best safaris in the world to choose from.

Prepare yourself before you go

There are certain essentials that you should take on your trip including the basics such as a safari hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and mosquito repellent and, to make the most of your time, a good pair of binoculars, a torch, and a digital camera for all those important photos! In terms of medical advice you should get in contact with your GP for any injections required, and get up to date advice on inoculation requirements.

What should you expect?

Whilst it is quite possible that you are so entranced and captivated by the adventure that you think there can’t be any negative aspects of taking in a safari on your holiday. However, a safari can be difficult due to the heat, insects, delayed flights and unreliable vehicles. Another issue is that the quality of your safari experience can depend quite a lot on the tour operator you are using. The best tour operators should provide a safari vehicle of the highest quality and provide respected and recommended guides to allow you to see all the animals you wish to see. So it is important to talk to a couple of tour operators and travel agents to get a good understanding of what each provides so you can make the right choice when taking on your adventure.

Masai Mara National Reserve

When going on holiday in Kenya, the Masai Mara National Reserve is a major attraction and certainly one of the main reasons tourists go there. You will find the Reserve in southwest Kenya on the border of Tanzania and it is located in the Rift Valley with the Serengeti Plains running along its southern end. There are a variety of things that you can do such as Game Drives where the safari package will include several daily drives or alternatively Walking Safaris where a Maasai guide will take you round.

Bwindi National Park

If you want to go on a Gorilla Safari then look no further than the Bwindi National Park in Uganda where Gorilla Tracking is very popular. It is based in south west Uganda on the border of the western Rift valley. There are 4 different groups to choose from which include: The Mubare Group, Habinyanja Group, Rushegura Group and the Nkuring Group. One thing is for sure is you should be prepared for a physical workout as Gorilla Tracking can require a vigorous effort to get through a whole day! If you would like to know more visit http://www.safari-uganda.com/uganda/bwindi.php and http://www.gorillatrackinguganda.com/

NB. Before travelling to Uganda check the FCO website at http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/sub-saharan-africa/uganda

Khao Sok National Park in Thailand

Visiting the Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani province you will find some spectacular views as it is covered by the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world with huge limestone mountains as well as deep valleys making it a fantastic place to visit. There are a couple of tours that you can choose from; whether it be a 1 day, 2 day or 3 day adventure where you are taken right into the heart of the national park with the option of either elephant trekking, canoeing and jungle trekking. This website provides additional information and might be helpful when choosing your safari: http://realtravel.com/khao_sok_national_park-thailand-reviews-hotels-d753144.html

Ranthambore and Corbett National Park India

Have you ever thought of a Tiger Safari? Visiting the Ranthambore and Corbett National Park you will come across one of the finest tiger reserves in the country. With its ‘friendly’ tigers it is amongst one of the most filmed wildlife reserves in the world. It is situated in Eastern Rajasthan where the Vindhyan plateau and Aravali Hill ranges meet and is 130 km to the southeast of Jaipur. To find out more visit http://www.wildlifeindiatravel.com/indian-national-parks/ranthambore-national-park.html and http://www.dharssi.org.uk/travel/india/ranthambore.html.

Don’t forget your travel insurance!

Just in case you have an accident or fall ill on your travels, don’t forget to take out travel insurance before you leave home. Please ensure you check the policy wording to make sure you have cover for going on a safari. 24/7 travel insurance offers great value cover and automatically covers you for taking in a safari provided it is organised in the UK prior to departure. For example, a 14 day trip to African costs only £16.64* - a small price to pay for peace of mind whilst on a safari! http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/

*Premium £16.64 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 14 days in Africa excluding personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (October 2008) and are subject to change.

Labels: Safari

Considering the global financial crisis that has dominated the headlines of late, a lot of people will be looking for ways to cut costs in any way they can. If one of your passions involves skiing and you are having second thoughts about taking a ski holiday due to the cost, this blog is written for you. It offers some useful tips and advice on how you can make cost savings...and even possibly still have some money spare to enjoy your après ski!

Get the timing right

There is no doubt that there are certain times of the year that you want to avoid when it comes to paying high prices for your skiing holiday. These include: February half term, Easter, Christmas and New Year. It is best to target early December and January after New Year for the best deals. Also because Easter is late next year you may also find some good deals in March.
Another good tip is to book your holiday early. When you are booking flight tickets separately, low budget airlines like Easyjet and Ryanair offer the best prices the earlier you book. The alternative is to book at the last minute and websites such as www.lastminute.com provides some fantastic discounts and savings. To find out more go to http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2008/sep/28/top100skibreaks.skiing3

Airport parking is another big cost but if you pre-book your parking you can save up to 50%. Three websites worth visiting for low cost airport parking are: www.holidayextras.co.uk/airport-parking and http://www.travelsupermarket.com/c/guides/airport/parking-and-hotels/ and http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-airport-parking

Where to go

The more famous the resort, the more it normally costs. To save money you have two options: go for a lesser known and less expensive destination or find cheaper accommodation in your first-choice resort.

Get the best exchange rate

The rate of exchange can make a big difference to the cost of your ski holiday. To get the best rate do your research before you go. Websites such as http://www.xe.com/ and www.moneysavingexpert.com are certainly worth visiting. Tip: When changing money abroad check out the commission rates on currency exchange and credit cards.

Accommodation

There are some good ways of cutting costs in terms of where you are staying.

• Book self-catering accommodation particularly if you are in a large group as the larger the chalet/apartment the cheaper the “per bed” cost.
  
• Cut out the luxuries - if you are going to be hitting the slopes on a regular basis there really is no need to have extras like room service and a swimming pool. You can also save money by staying in three star hotels and B&B’s which still provide a friendly atmosphere when you come back after a hard day on the piste!
  
• Big resorts can work out cheaper than smaller ones as they have a greater variety of hotels, such as one- and two-star hotels and a greater choice of good-value restaurants.
  
  For further advice click here

Clothing and equipment

For first time skiers buying ski clothing and equipment can be a big expense in the overall cost of a ski holiday. You can save money by not buying at the resort but searching out for good deals in the UK before you go. Shops such as TK Maxx (www.tkmaxx.com) are worth checking out as they are one of the biggest suppliers of ski clothing in Britain. Ebay (www.ebay.co.uk) is another good source of both new and second-hand ski clothing and equipment. Tip: If you are new to skiing don’t splash out on expensive ski wear you may never use again. You can hire ski clothing and equipment from Edge2Edge (www.edge2edge.co.uk).

Beware of airline baggage charges

While you may want to take all your ski equipment on holiday to save on ski hire costs, please be aware that by going by plane, some airlines charge for ski carriage. For example, currently Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) charges £50 and Easyjet (www.easyjet.com) charge £33. However, some airlines such as Swiss, BA and Snowjet currently don't charge to carry your ski gear. Bear this in mind when comparing flight prices.

Getting to your resort

Self drive is a popular option especially for families. One main benefit is that you can take as much baggage as your vehicle will allow space for. With an average journey time of 10-12 hours to the Alps it can be a cheaper option for families than flying. For a family self catering ski holiday, you can save money by purchasing food at supermarkets away from your resort. Other advantages include being able to drive through some fantastic mountain roads with some great scenery. For more information click here.

The larger the group the better!

If you manage to get enough of your friends to come, then there is a chance you can get your own holiday for free! There are some really good deals on offer such as with Neilson you can get 25% off bookings for groups of seven or more and, as well as this, you can get free lift passes. Also Inghams has a free place in eight at all chalets and selected hotels. So try and persuade as many friends as possible to come along – not only will you have more fun in a crowd, you will be saving money as well!

Eating out

Eating in restaurants on the mountains can be very expensive. Some hotels offer packed lunches which will not only save you money compared to mountain prices but will also save you time from queuing! If you are not on half board, make lunch your main meal and eat in the resort. There are usually lunch–time specials which work out cheaper than eating on the mountain or having dinner in the evening. Drinks too in a resort are expensive, so make the most of happy hour or après-ski specials.

Don’t forget travel insurance with winter sports cover!

You want to relax when on the piste so you can enjoy your ski holiday all the more. To put your mind at ease, make sure you take out travel insurance including winter sports cover just in case you have an accident and need medical treatment. www.247travelinsurance.co.uk offers winter sports cover for 1 week in Europe for just £15.54*.

Happy skiing!

*Premium £15.54 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on 1 adult aged under 55 taking out a ‘Standard’ Single Trip policy with Winter Sports cover for 7 days in Europe and travelling within 14 days of purchase. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (October 2008) and are subject to change.

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

Have you ever been horrified at the cost of using your mobile phone abroad and the fact that you have to pay to receive calls as well as make them! With a bit of planning you may be able to cut down your mobile phone costs. This blog tells you how*.

Plan ahead

It is like a lot of things in life, ‘failing to prepare is preparing to fail’, so if you are planning to use your mobile phone on holiday make sure you are fully equipped with the facts to ensure you don’t face a hefty bill!

Call charges

Before departing on your holiday, make sure you know what your mobile phone provider charges for roaming in the country you are visiting. Some mobile phone operators charge flat rates for text messages and calls to the UK no matter what time of day it is or what foreign network you use. So when you arrive at your destination you can simply turn on your mobile phone on and use the network it automatically defaults to. Simple!

Certain networks however (Vodafone, Virgin and Three) charge different call rates depending on which foreign network you use. It is therefore worthwhile finding out which foreign network is cheapest before you leave the UK so that you can select it manually when you arrive at your destination.

Price comparison

Getting an overview of what prices each mobile phone company charge is a good place to start and save money. The Internet is ideal for this and websites such as www.moneysavingexpert.co.uk are a great source of information. Moneysavingexpert.com has an International Callchecker which compares daily the different prices of calling abroad from each provider.

Another good way of keeping costs to a minimum is by using payphones for local calls and then buying an international card for calls back to the UK.

Text messaging

It is best to try and limit the amount of text messages you send as the costs can mount up very quickly. The European Commission is proposing to reduce the cost of text messaging which may come into force next summer after it has been approved by Governments and the European Parliament. For more information on this click here

SIM cards

If you are going away for an extended period in one country, e.g. a Gap year, it might be worth considering buying a SIM card. You can buy an International one in the UK before you go or one at your destination. For further information visit these websites www.0044.co.uk and www.uk2abroad.co.uk.

Check your mobile phone works abroad

The last thing you need is your phone not to work when you arrive at your destination. So well in advance of your departure date there are a few things you need to do. Firstly, check whether your mobile phone will work at your destination – if you are visiting the USA and Canada, for example, you will need a tri-band phone. Secondly, check with your mobile phone provider to make sure you can use your phone in the country you are visiting – not all networks allow you to roam anywhere. Thirdly, ask your mobile phone provider whether or not they have to activate your phone for use abroad. Finally, check the network coverage in the country you are visiting.

Travel adaptor and phone charger

These are vital items to pack in your rucksack or suitcase before you go, so you are not left in the middle of nowhere with a mobile phone with a flat battery!

Don’t forget your holiday insurance!

You can also cut down your holiday insurance costs by buying cover online. For great value holiday insurance why not check out 247 travel insurance which offers cover from as little as £4.38*.

* Source: http://www.which.co.uk/advice/using-your-mobile-abroad/index.jsp

** Premium £4.38 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a ‘standard’ single trip policy for 3 days to Europe, travelling within 14 days of departure date, excluding personal possessions cover. Cover details and prices are correct at the time of going to press (October 2008) and are subject to change.

Labels: Mobile-phones

When you are planning your next holiday, whether it is a short trip for a week in Europe or a year long round the world trip, it really is advisable to make sure that you don’t forget to take out holiday insurance. Holiday insurance is not typically a large expense, but the consequences of not having it could be devastating and leave you severely out of pocket. This blog has been especially written to highlight the importance of taking out holiday insurance before you go on your travels.

Pre-travel cover

One of the main reasons for taking out holiday insurance is to cover you in the event that you have to cancel your holiday, for example you fall ill unexpectedly and are unable to travel. Top tip: if you arrange your insurance cover as soon as you book your holiday, you will be immediately protected should you need to cancel your trip. Without holiday insurance you will more than likely lose your booking deposit or worse still, be liable for the full cost of your holiday.

Be aware of medical costs

There is no doubt that one of the reasons you are going on holiday is to get away from your 9-5 job and to relax and ‘switch off’ from the stresses and strains of modern life. So the last thing you need is to fall ill or have an accident. But if it does happen and you don’t have holiday insurance you could be paying a heavy price. Medical treatment can cost thousands of pounds particularly in countries such as the USA. For more information click here and you will see for yourself just how steep medical costs can be.

What happens if your flight is delayed?

Imagine if your outward flight is delayed for a long period of time forcing you to cancel your holiday. Without holiday insurance you may not get your money back. Most holiday insurance policies however will cover you for irrecoverable cancellation costs if you decide to abandon your trip after a long delay on your outward journey lasting more than 12 hours. Please note that the period of time that you can claim ‘abandonment cover’ varies from policy to policy so check the policy wording before you buy your holiday insurance cover.


Your personnel possessions

There is nothing worse than losing something on holiday, whether it your passport, an item of jewellery or your camera. If you don’t have holiday insurance or ‘cover away from home’ under your home contents insurance you won’t be able to replace your lost items. Top tip: most holiday insurance policies stipulate a maximum limit of cover for valuable items and a limit for any one item. If you are planning on taking expensive jewellery or photographic equipment with you on holiday it may be better to cover these items under your household insurance. Some holiday insurance even offer a premium discount if you exclude personal possessions cover so it is worth checking which policies offer this option.

Select the right policy for you

After deciding your holiday destination, the dates and length of your trip and what type of activities you will be taking part in, there are three principal holiday insurance policy types to choose from. These are single trip, annual multi-trip, and backpacker policies. Top tip: if you happen to be a person who likes to go away several times a year at the last minute to take advantage of cheap holiday deals, then taking out an annual multi-trip holiday insurance is the probably the best option. By doing this it saves you having to worry about taking out holiday insurance each time you book a trip, and, if you go away more than two times a year, it will probably work out cheaper too! For regular travellers this website is worth a visit: Spontaneous travellers should have annual holiday insurance.

Backpacker policies are mainly for those who are taking extended trips typically up to 18 months. The cover and limits may be less than single trip and annual multi-trip policies, so you should check carefully that the backpacker policy provides you with the right level of cover before you take it out. There are certainly some great deals to be had and comparison sites such as http://www.moneysupermarket.com/ and http://www.confused.com/ are worth checking out. Likewise, 24/7 travel insurance offers great deals, for example if you are under age 36 travelling for 6 months to Europe, you can buy a ‘standard’ backpacker policy for just £33.55!*

Know before you go!

The FCO have put together a useful travel checklist to help you plan your trip abroad and stay safe whilst you are there. It is definitely worth a read - click here

Better safe than sorry!

Whether it’s a short weekend getaway or a long haul journey, you can see that it makes sense to have holiday insurance in place. Holiday insurance should not to be taken as an optional holiday extra, so make sure it’s on your checklist and ticked off before you go. Like the old saying goes, better safe than sorry!

Top tip: 24/7 travel insurance offers great deals on all holiday insurance types, and with premiums starting at just £4.38 ** it’s worth a visit.

* Premium £33.55 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual traveller aged under 36 taking out a ‘standard’ backpacker policy for 6 months to Europe. Cover details and prices are correct at the time of going to press (October 2008) and are subject to change.

** Premium £4.38 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a ‘standard’ single trip policy for 3 days to Europe, travelling within 14 days of departure date, excluding personal possessions cover. Cover details and prices are correct at the time of going to press (October 2008) and are subject to change

Labels: Holiday-insurance