Wednesday, 30 January 2008
How to save on your travel insurance
There is really no argument for not taking out travel insurance – it is a necessary expense. But as you will see from our How We Compare page, there are vast differences in prices for policies offering similar levels of cover. So how can you find the best value policy for your needs?
Choosing the right policy
There are three main policy types to chose from; Single Trip, Annual Multi-Trip and Backpacker but the right choice to save you money depends on what sort of travelling you are likely to be doing.
Annual Multi-trip policies
If you are likely to travel more than twice per year (including weekend breaks), you will most likely be better off purchasing an annual policy. Don’t forget that annual policies also cover you for trips in the UK provided they involve pre-booked accommodation or travel†. Also remember that annual policies will have a single trip limit so make sure this is sufficient for your needs. If you are uncertain of your travel plans, consider purchasing an annual policy for Europe only – you can always upgrade it later. 24/7 Travel Insurance offers annual multi-trip policies from just £35.25*.
Backpacker policies
If you are going away for more than a month, you could potentially be covered by all three types of policy (check your maximum trip length on annual policies however – many only permit up to 31 days†). The cheapest option here is most likely to be a Backpacker policy, but check that it offers the level of cover that you require (Backpacker policies tend to have lower cancellation cover limits in particular). A 1-month backpacker policy for a trip to Europe costs just £5.48 with 24/7 Travel Insurance, wheras a single-trip policy for the same length costs £14.31**
Single trip policies
For a short trip, and if you are unlikely to travel enough to warrant an annual policy, a single trip policy is great value. A 24/7 Travel Insurance policy for a single trip starts at less than a fiver***.
Deleting covers you don’t need
Some policies offer discounts for removing certain sections of cover that you don’t need. For example, if you are looking for insurance for a last-minute bargain holiday, you may not need cancellation cover. Check your home contents insurance policy too, as you may already have cover for your personal possessions while abroad.
Shop around for the best deal!
It was not so long ago that purchasing travel insurance either meant buying an expensive policy from the travel agent, or having to phone around providers obtaining quotes. But this is a thing of the past thanks to price comparison sites such as Moneysupermarket which enables you to compare a large number of policies online in just a few clicks.
It’s also worth shopping around if you are seeking a couple or family policy – some insurers offer free child cover for children up to a certain age, or a discount for couples. Some policies will even cover children up to age 22 if they are in full time education and living at home†(but check whether they would be able to travel independently under the policy).
If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland, obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It is no substitute for travel insurance as it does not cover large bills or repatriation, but some providers will waive the claims excess if this is produced when obtaining medical treatment.
Finally, don’t scrimp on travel insurance as one day you may need to rely on it to get you out of a tight spot. The savvy traveller should read the Key Facts document for the policy before buying it, and check the policy wording for any specific queries you have – so you can relax and really enjoy your trip!
*Including Insurance Premium Tax;based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard Annual Multi-trip policy for travel in Europe
**Including Insurance Premium Tax: both quotes based on an individual traveller aged under 36 taking out a Standard policy and purchased within 14 days of departure date.
***Premium £4.76 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single-trip policy for 3 days in Europe and purchased within 14 days of departure date.
† May vary between policies so check the policy wording before you buy
Choosing the right policy
There are three main policy types to chose from; Single Trip, Annual Multi-Trip and Backpacker but the right choice to save you money depends on what sort of travelling you are likely to be doing.
Annual Multi-trip policies
If you are likely to travel more than twice per year (including weekend breaks), you will most likely be better off purchasing an annual policy. Don’t forget that annual policies also cover you for trips in the UK provided they involve pre-booked accommodation or travel†. Also remember that annual policies will have a single trip limit so make sure this is sufficient for your needs. If you are uncertain of your travel plans, consider purchasing an annual policy for Europe only – you can always upgrade it later. 24/7 Travel Insurance offers annual multi-trip policies from just £35.25*.
Backpacker policies
If you are going away for more than a month, you could potentially be covered by all three types of policy (check your maximum trip length on annual policies however – many only permit up to 31 days†). The cheapest option here is most likely to be a Backpacker policy, but check that it offers the level of cover that you require (Backpacker policies tend to have lower cancellation cover limits in particular). A 1-month backpacker policy for a trip to Europe costs just £5.48 with 24/7 Travel Insurance, wheras a single-trip policy for the same length costs £14.31**
Single trip policies
For a short trip, and if you are unlikely to travel enough to warrant an annual policy, a single trip policy is great value. A 24/7 Travel Insurance policy for a single trip starts at less than a fiver***.
Deleting covers you don’t need
Some policies offer discounts for removing certain sections of cover that you don’t need. For example, if you are looking for insurance for a last-minute bargain holiday, you may not need cancellation cover. Check your home contents insurance policy too, as you may already have cover for your personal possessions while abroad.
Shop around for the best deal!
It was not so long ago that purchasing travel insurance either meant buying an expensive policy from the travel agent, or having to phone around providers obtaining quotes. But this is a thing of the past thanks to price comparison sites such as Moneysupermarket which enables you to compare a large number of policies online in just a few clicks.
It’s also worth shopping around if you are seeking a couple or family policy – some insurers offer free child cover for children up to a certain age, or a discount for couples. Some policies will even cover children up to age 22 if they are in full time education and living at home†(but check whether they would be able to travel independently under the policy).
If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland, obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It is no substitute for travel insurance as it does not cover large bills or repatriation, but some providers will waive the claims excess if this is produced when obtaining medical treatment.
Finally, don’t scrimp on travel insurance as one day you may need to rely on it to get you out of a tight spot. The savvy traveller should read the Key Facts document for the policy before buying it, and check the policy wording for any specific queries you have – so you can relax and really enjoy your trip!
*Including Insurance Premium Tax;based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard Annual Multi-trip policy for travel in Europe
**Including Insurance Premium Tax: both quotes based on an individual traveller aged under 36 taking out a Standard policy and purchased within 14 days of departure date.
***Premium £4.76 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single-trip policy for 3 days in Europe and purchased within 14 days of departure date.
† May vary between policies so check the policy wording before you buy
Labels: save on travel insurance
// posted by 24/7 Travel Insurance @ 17:01
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
Think you don’t need travel insurance?
Apparently a lot of you don’t; one in five people travel without insurance, and one in ten of these people will do it on purpose!* So if you think you don’t need travel insurance, this blog is for you!
What if you have to cancel your holiday?
Your first thought might be “why would I have to?” You may be happy to take the risk on the possibility of you, one of your party or a close relative falling ill. But even a minor illness could cause the cancellation of a holiday. For example, you can’t fly with an ear infection and airlines can refuse to carry someone who has an infectious illness such as chicken pox – some countries may refuse entry or even quarantine people in these circumstances. Also there could be an emergency at home such as a burglary just before you go, or during your trip which necessitates your return home.
What if you fall ill or have an accident?
Without travel insurance, you could well and truly be left in the lurch with a big bill. Expenses for even a minor check-up in A&E can reach several hundred pounds, and a hospital admission makes the expenses really pile up. In the USA for example, the cost of a travel insurance claim arising from a broken leg can reach as much as £20,000. Travel insurance also covers repatriation and transfers to a hospital or back home if medically necessary (if you are holidaying in a remote area or on an island it is quite likely that you will need to be transferred). To think that it can’t happen to you or your family is simply taking a big gamble -and a potentially expensive one at that!
What if the airline loses your luggage?
It is true that you do have a certain amount of redress from the airline, but according to Which? (November 2007) you are likely to get a better deal from your insurer. Be sure to obtain a Property Irregularity Report from the airline as soon as you realise your bags have gone AWOL. Travel insurance with baggage cover also covers you for items lost or stolen on your trip.
What if you lose your passport?
This actually happens quite frequently on holidays, and replacing them often involves a trip to the British Consular which can be very expensive if it is some distance away (again, if you are holidaying on an island you may need to get to the mainland). If it’s getting near the end of your holiday you will need the new passport quickly which can also be pricey.
What if you need legal help?
Third party liability and legal assistance are not areas that people give much thought to. But you might be very glad you had the cover if, for example, you crash into someone else whilst ski-ing.
Perhaps the reason why people don’t take out travel insurance is because they are happy to take these risks (or more likely, they weren’t aware of them). But eliminating the risks by taking out travel insurance is not expensive. 24/7 Travel Insurance offers policies for less than a fiver†. So why chance it?
*Source: Private Healthcare UK, August 2007
† Premium £4.76 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single-trip policy for 3 days in Europe and purchased within 14 days of departure date.
What if you have to cancel your holiday?
Your first thought might be “why would I have to?” You may be happy to take the risk on the possibility of you, one of your party or a close relative falling ill. But even a minor illness could cause the cancellation of a holiday. For example, you can’t fly with an ear infection and airlines can refuse to carry someone who has an infectious illness such as chicken pox – some countries may refuse entry or even quarantine people in these circumstances. Also there could be an emergency at home such as a burglary just before you go, or during your trip which necessitates your return home.
What if you fall ill or have an accident?
Without travel insurance, you could well and truly be left in the lurch with a big bill. Expenses for even a minor check-up in A&E can reach several hundred pounds, and a hospital admission makes the expenses really pile up. In the USA for example, the cost of a travel insurance claim arising from a broken leg can reach as much as £20,000. Travel insurance also covers repatriation and transfers to a hospital or back home if medically necessary (if you are holidaying in a remote area or on an island it is quite likely that you will need to be transferred). To think that it can’t happen to you or your family is simply taking a big gamble -and a potentially expensive one at that!
What if the airline loses your luggage?
It is true that you do have a certain amount of redress from the airline, but according to Which? (November 2007) you are likely to get a better deal from your insurer. Be sure to obtain a Property Irregularity Report from the airline as soon as you realise your bags have gone AWOL. Travel insurance with baggage cover also covers you for items lost or stolen on your trip.
What if you lose your passport?
This actually happens quite frequently on holidays, and replacing them often involves a trip to the British Consular which can be very expensive if it is some distance away (again, if you are holidaying on an island you may need to get to the mainland). If it’s getting near the end of your holiday you will need the new passport quickly which can also be pricey.
What if you need legal help?
Third party liability and legal assistance are not areas that people give much thought to. But you might be very glad you had the cover if, for example, you crash into someone else whilst ski-ing.
Perhaps the reason why people don’t take out travel insurance is because they are happy to take these risks (or more likely, they weren’t aware of them). But eliminating the risks by taking out travel insurance is not expensive. 24/7 Travel Insurance offers policies for less than a fiver†. So why chance it?
*Source: Private Healthcare UK, August 2007
† Premium £4.76 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single-trip policy for 3 days in Europe and purchased within 14 days of departure date.
Labels: travel insurance
// posted by 24/7 Travel Insurance @ 16:53
Thursday, 10 January 2008
Solo Travel
Did you know that more than one third of Britons are currently single, divorced, widowed or separated but a study by Mintel reveals that solo travellers account for less than 6% of holidaymakers*? It isn’t difficult to see why however, as the travel industry and particularly its pricing methods are heavily geared towards couples and families. Some people (wrongly!) attach a social stigma to travelling alone. So if you are a singleton, or even want the sort of holiday that your other half might not be keen on, this blog is for you!
The biggest stumbling block can be the idea of solitary travel itself, so let’s dispel a few of those myths.
“Travelling alone is dangerous”
As long as you follow a few common-sense rules, travelling alone is no more dangerous than travelling with a family. If anything, it could be safer because people tend to keep their guard up and their wits about them when they are by themselves and having to take responsibility for their own safety. Always look confident (even when you’re not), don’t carry excessive amounts of money and be sensitive to local customs. Women should dress modestly and in some countries it is a good idea to wear a cheap wedding ring. Make sure someone at home knows about your plans and has a copy of all your travel documents, and keep in touch with them regularly – a Hotmail or Yahoo! account is good for this.
24/7 Travel Insurance have compiled a travellers checklist which gives you some useful tips on staying safe on your travels.
“Travelling alone is lonely”
It is pretty difficult to go travelling nowadays and not meet other single people. Couples and families can be less likely to mix with other travellers but most seasoned single travellers actively seek out like-minded people. Certain types of holidays and accommodation are better for this than others – think about how sociable you want to be and plan accordingly. A great way to meet other people is to go to a festival or convention on something that interests you. People are very friendly when they have the common ground of something to celebrate.
“Travelling alone is a bit sad”
There are many single travellers who would give you very short shrift at that! Going travelling by yourself shows resourcefulness and self-respect. The biggest plus of going solo is being able to do exactly what you want, when you want, without having to worry about what anyone else thinks. A well used and trusted tip is if you are nervous about going to a restaurant or café alone, take a book to read or write up your travel diary.
“Travelling alone is expensive”
Unfortunately, some sections of the travel industry still haven’t twigged that there is a huge untapped market out there and you may well hear a few stories of being charged higher prices for inferior service. However many tour operators offer packages without single supplements, and there are an increasing number of companies that offer singles holidays.
Try http://www.friendshiptravel.com/ or http://www.solosholidays.co.uk/. If you shop around you can make savings in other respects. Unlike families, you might be able to go during school term times.
In addition to the safety points mentioned earlier, don’t forget to take out travel insurance and leave a copy of the details with someone at home. 24/7 Travel Insurance offers cover from under a fiver for individual travellers.**
If you are still unsure, perhaps start by going on some days out by yourself or take a weekend away somewhere familiar to get used to yourself as a travelling companion. Remember, you shouldn’t deprive yourself of anything – in travel or in life – just because you are on your own.
* Holiday Which? October 2007
** Premium £4.76 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single-trip policy for 3 days in Europe and purchased within 14 days of departure date.
The biggest stumbling block can be the idea of solitary travel itself, so let’s dispel a few of those myths.
“Travelling alone is dangerous”
As long as you follow a few common-sense rules, travelling alone is no more dangerous than travelling with a family. If anything, it could be safer because people tend to keep their guard up and their wits about them when they are by themselves and having to take responsibility for their own safety. Always look confident (even when you’re not), don’t carry excessive amounts of money and be sensitive to local customs. Women should dress modestly and in some countries it is a good idea to wear a cheap wedding ring. Make sure someone at home knows about your plans and has a copy of all your travel documents, and keep in touch with them regularly – a Hotmail or Yahoo! account is good for this.
24/7 Travel Insurance have compiled a travellers checklist which gives you some useful tips on staying safe on your travels.
“Travelling alone is lonely”
It is pretty difficult to go travelling nowadays and not meet other single people. Couples and families can be less likely to mix with other travellers but most seasoned single travellers actively seek out like-minded people. Certain types of holidays and accommodation are better for this than others – think about how sociable you want to be and plan accordingly. A great way to meet other people is to go to a festival or convention on something that interests you. People are very friendly when they have the common ground of something to celebrate.
“Travelling alone is a bit sad”
There are many single travellers who would give you very short shrift at that! Going travelling by yourself shows resourcefulness and self-respect. The biggest plus of going solo is being able to do exactly what you want, when you want, without having to worry about what anyone else thinks. A well used and trusted tip is if you are nervous about going to a restaurant or café alone, take a book to read or write up your travel diary.
“Travelling alone is expensive”
Unfortunately, some sections of the travel industry still haven’t twigged that there is a huge untapped market out there and you may well hear a few stories of being charged higher prices for inferior service. However many tour operators offer packages without single supplements, and there are an increasing number of companies that offer singles holidays.
Try http://www.friendshiptravel.com/ or http://www.solosholidays.co.uk/. If you shop around you can make savings in other respects. Unlike families, you might be able to go during school term times.
In addition to the safety points mentioned earlier, don’t forget to take out travel insurance and leave a copy of the details with someone at home. 24/7 Travel Insurance offers cover from under a fiver for individual travellers.**
If you are still unsure, perhaps start by going on some days out by yourself or take a weekend away somewhere familiar to get used to yourself as a travelling companion. Remember, you shouldn’t deprive yourself of anything – in travel or in life – just because you are on your own.
* Holiday Which? October 2007
** Premium £4.76 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single-trip policy for 3 days in Europe and purchased within 14 days of departure date.
Labels: solo travel
// posted by 24/7 Travel Insurance @ 17:21
Thursday, 3 January 2008
Winter sports virgin?
If you are about to set off on your first winter sports holiday – congratulations! You are about to see why so many people are passionate about the sport. The mixture of exercising outside coupled with beautiful scenery is thoroughly uplifting. The falling prices of ski and snowboard holidays also means that more and more adults are taking up the sport so you needn’t be disheartened by the many tiny children whizzing down the mountain around you. In this blog we have gathered some tips to help you make the most of your first winter sports trip.
Tip top health
Don’t be fooled by Absolutely Fabulous and the jet set – winter sports are strenuous. If you are new to exercise of any kind, visit your GP for advice before embarking on a training programme. If you are already a member of a gym, tell the instructor you are going ski-ing or snowboarding and get a programme designed for you. Both sports utilise muscles which are rarely used in day-to-day life and other sports. A simple but excellent exercise is to lean against a wall and sit in an imaginary chair with your feet, knees and hips all at right angles and remain there for as long as you can. Once you’re on your holiday, do a warm-up and stretching session every morning before you set off. If you are lucky enough to stay in accommodation which offers massage, saunas or jacuzzis, make the most of them - it’s one of the perks of the holiday!
Choose your resort
If you thought that ski resorts are all much of a muchness, then think again! Nowadays the choice is massive and the adventurous among you can even ski in places like Japan or Chile. The best approach is to assess your ability, and the sort of holiday you want. Beginners should look for resorts with lots of green and blue runs (easy ones) and a good ski school. If you’re on a budget, Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia are worth considering. If you’re after luxury, look at Switzerland, Canada or the USA. For a lack of crowds and a good snow record, try Norway and Sweden (but be prepared for some very cold temperatures!). The Ski Club of Great Britain has an excellent resort guide on their site which will help you choose the resort for you based on your priorities. You can find this here
To buy or rent equipment?
Ski and snowboard equipment doesn’t come cheap, and most people understandably are hesitant about buying everything when they are not sure whether they are going to use it again. Skis, snowboards, poles and boots can be easily hired abroad. Clothing can also be hired, however ski jackets can be purchased from as little as £25 and come in handy for cold days in the UK as well. Ask around and see if anyone might be prepared to lend you clothing or look for secondhand items (don’t forget though that skis are designed for the individual’s height, and there are many different types so avoid these unless you know your stuff). Don’t be tempted to skimp and wear clothes that aren’t designed specifically for ski-ing – after the first morning of being wet, cold and miserable you will regret it! An important item to bring is a good pair of sturdy shoes or walking boots as not every resort is as efficient with the gritting of walkways as you might expect! Once you start getting more involved, getting your own ski or snowboard boots is often the first investment that people make.
Altitude sickness
When a person is at altitude, their red blood cells will multiply in order to compensate for the reduced oxygen levels. For some people this doesn’t happen quickly enough, and the result is altitude sickness. The main symptoms are giddiness and nausea and unfortunately there is no definite method of prevention – even the fittest people get it. If it happens to you, it is probably a good idea to give the first day of ski-ing a miss as trying to learn everything when you are feeling lousy is going to achieve very little. If you have suffered from it in the past, consider choosing a ski resort that is based at a lower altitude, or look for a package where there is a greater amount of time between arriving in resort and beginning ski-ing to give yourself time to acclimatise. It is also sensible to avoid going straight up to the very top of the resort on the first day – pace yourself!
Etiquette
Don’t be alarmed – this doesn’t mean ski-ing is elitist. What it means is there are a few rules that all users of the slopes must obey.
Respect: Do not endanger others.
Control: Adapt the manner and speed of your skiing to your ability and to the general conditions on the mountain.
Choice of route: The skier/snowboarder in front has priority - leave enough space.
Overtaking: Leave plenty of space when overtaking a slower skier/snowboarder.
Entering and starting: Look up and down the mountain each time before starting or entering a marked run.
Stopping: Only stop at the edge of the piste or where you can easily be seen.
Climbing: When climbing up or down, always keep to the side of the piste.
Signs: Obey all signs and markings - they are there for your safety.
Assistance: In case of accidents provide help and alert the rescue service.
Identification: All those involved in an accident, including witnesses, should exchange names and addresses.
More details on mountain etiquette can be found on the Ski Club of Great Britain’s website: http://www.skiclub.co.uk/
Learning to Ski
Before you go, get some practice on a dry ski slope with an instructor to get the feel of being on skis or a board, and particularly, learning how to use ski lifts (to avoid embarrassing situations when it comes to the real thing!). It will be a great help to your safety and nerves if you are at least able to snowplough and stop by yourself. But don’t be put off if you find it difficult – it is quite a bit easier on real snow.
Everyone knows a nutter who decides they don’t need tuition on holiday. The same nutter is usually the one being airlifted off the slopes by lunchtime. Even the top skiers take lessons, and you will progress quicker and avoid bad habits with a good instructor. There’s no point in showing off either. Everyone in your group will fall over at least once, including you. It’s all part of the fun!
If you fancy going for a little jaunt after ski-school has finished for the day, make sure you take a piste map with you and you know the way back. There is no worse feeling than finding you have strayed onto a black run or realising you are lost as it is getting dark. Never go alone, and stick to slopes where there are plenty of other skiers.
Don’t go without insurance!
Incredibly, a quarter of Britons travel without insurance on their winter sports holiday*. An accident is upsetting enough, and if you travel without insurance it can be very expensive too. Given that winter sports insurance can be purchase from under £10** from 24/7 Travel Insurance www.247travelinsurance.co.uk it is quite frankly peanuts to pay to really enjoy your ski trip.
*Source: Telegraph.co.uk, dated 2nd November 2007
** Premium £9.53 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on a Standard Single Trip Policy for an adult aged under 55 travelling to Europe for 3 days with winter sports cover.
Tip top health
Don’t be fooled by Absolutely Fabulous and the jet set – winter sports are strenuous. If you are new to exercise of any kind, visit your GP for advice before embarking on a training programme. If you are already a member of a gym, tell the instructor you are going ski-ing or snowboarding and get a programme designed for you. Both sports utilise muscles which are rarely used in day-to-day life and other sports. A simple but excellent exercise is to lean against a wall and sit in an imaginary chair with your feet, knees and hips all at right angles and remain there for as long as you can. Once you’re on your holiday, do a warm-up and stretching session every morning before you set off. If you are lucky enough to stay in accommodation which offers massage, saunas or jacuzzis, make the most of them - it’s one of the perks of the holiday!
Choose your resort
If you thought that ski resorts are all much of a muchness, then think again! Nowadays the choice is massive and the adventurous among you can even ski in places like Japan or Chile. The best approach is to assess your ability, and the sort of holiday you want. Beginners should look for resorts with lots of green and blue runs (easy ones) and a good ski school. If you’re on a budget, Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia are worth considering. If you’re after luxury, look at Switzerland, Canada or the USA. For a lack of crowds and a good snow record, try Norway and Sweden (but be prepared for some very cold temperatures!). The Ski Club of Great Britain has an excellent resort guide on their site which will help you choose the resort for you based on your priorities. You can find this here
To buy or rent equipment?
Ski and snowboard equipment doesn’t come cheap, and most people understandably are hesitant about buying everything when they are not sure whether they are going to use it again. Skis, snowboards, poles and boots can be easily hired abroad. Clothing can also be hired, however ski jackets can be purchased from as little as £25 and come in handy for cold days in the UK as well. Ask around and see if anyone might be prepared to lend you clothing or look for secondhand items (don’t forget though that skis are designed for the individual’s height, and there are many different types so avoid these unless you know your stuff). Don’t be tempted to skimp and wear clothes that aren’t designed specifically for ski-ing – after the first morning of being wet, cold and miserable you will regret it! An important item to bring is a good pair of sturdy shoes or walking boots as not every resort is as efficient with the gritting of walkways as you might expect! Once you start getting more involved, getting your own ski or snowboard boots is often the first investment that people make.
Altitude sickness
When a person is at altitude, their red blood cells will multiply in order to compensate for the reduced oxygen levels. For some people this doesn’t happen quickly enough, and the result is altitude sickness. The main symptoms are giddiness and nausea and unfortunately there is no definite method of prevention – even the fittest people get it. If it happens to you, it is probably a good idea to give the first day of ski-ing a miss as trying to learn everything when you are feeling lousy is going to achieve very little. If you have suffered from it in the past, consider choosing a ski resort that is based at a lower altitude, or look for a package where there is a greater amount of time between arriving in resort and beginning ski-ing to give yourself time to acclimatise. It is also sensible to avoid going straight up to the very top of the resort on the first day – pace yourself!
Etiquette
Don’t be alarmed – this doesn’t mean ski-ing is elitist. What it means is there are a few rules that all users of the slopes must obey.
Respect: Do not endanger others.
Control: Adapt the manner and speed of your skiing to your ability and to the general conditions on the mountain.
Choice of route: The skier/snowboarder in front has priority - leave enough space.
Overtaking: Leave plenty of space when overtaking a slower skier/snowboarder.
Entering and starting: Look up and down the mountain each time before starting or entering a marked run.
Stopping: Only stop at the edge of the piste or where you can easily be seen.
Climbing: When climbing up or down, always keep to the side of the piste.
Signs: Obey all signs and markings - they are there for your safety.
Assistance: In case of accidents provide help and alert the rescue service.
Identification: All those involved in an accident, including witnesses, should exchange names and addresses.
More details on mountain etiquette can be found on the Ski Club of Great Britain’s website: http://www.skiclub.co.uk/
Learning to Ski
Before you go, get some practice on a dry ski slope with an instructor to get the feel of being on skis or a board, and particularly, learning how to use ski lifts (to avoid embarrassing situations when it comes to the real thing!). It will be a great help to your safety and nerves if you are at least able to snowplough and stop by yourself. But don’t be put off if you find it difficult – it is quite a bit easier on real snow.
Everyone knows a nutter who decides they don’t need tuition on holiday. The same nutter is usually the one being airlifted off the slopes by lunchtime. Even the top skiers take lessons, and you will progress quicker and avoid bad habits with a good instructor. There’s no point in showing off either. Everyone in your group will fall over at least once, including you. It’s all part of the fun!
If you fancy going for a little jaunt after ski-school has finished for the day, make sure you take a piste map with you and you know the way back. There is no worse feeling than finding you have strayed onto a black run or realising you are lost as it is getting dark. Never go alone, and stick to slopes where there are plenty of other skiers.
Don’t go without insurance!
Incredibly, a quarter of Britons travel without insurance on their winter sports holiday*. An accident is upsetting enough, and if you travel without insurance it can be very expensive too. Given that winter sports insurance can be purchase from under £10** from 24/7 Travel Insurance www.247travelinsurance.co.uk it is quite frankly peanuts to pay to really enjoy your ski trip.
*Source: Telegraph.co.uk, dated 2nd November 2007
** Premium £9.53 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on a Standard Single Trip Policy for an adult aged under 55 travelling to Europe for 3 days with winter sports cover.
Labels: Skiing
// posted by 24/7 Travel Insurance @ 14:05
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