24/7 Travel Insurance Blog

With lots of cheap online travel deals on last minute skiing packages, the lure of a winter sports holiday is very tempting. You can do so much more than just ordinary skiing and snowboarding on your holiday. Many resorts offer snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice diving and many more adventurous activities; but what about essential winter sports insurance cover to protect you on your trip. Read on to find out more…

The winter sports industry is very ingenious and often you will find a new activity available every year. It is very important to check with your insurer before you go that you are covered for your snow-filled activities.

Winter sports facts

According to the Ski Club of Great Britain, one in three people don't take out travel insurance when they go skiing. If you do take out a ski travel insurance policy, three per cent of you will need to make a claim.* If you hurt yourself on the slopes, being rescued is expensive especially if you need to be airlifted off the mountain.
*source – Skiclub.co.uk

The most common ski injury is damage to the knees, such as ligament tears where treatment costs can be as much as £2,500 in the US or £700 in Europe.* Add the costs of air ambulance rescue from the slopes plus the initial medical treatment and you’re left with a hefty bill running into the thousands. Do make sure that your winter sports travel insurance policy covers you for all types of mountain rescue. Keep your travel insurance details and your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) on you while on the slopes to avoid any potential delays with treatment.

*source – Ultimate-Ski.com

EHIC

The EHIC entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that becomes necessary while you are in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. But the EHIC only gives you access to state-provided medical treatment only. This might not cover all the things you would expect to get free of charge from the NHS in the UK. You may have to contribute to the cost of your care and it will not cover personal repatriation.

Winter Sports travel insurance covers many things that standard travel insurance and the EHIC do not. The EHIC is definitely no substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.
Check out 24/7 travel insurance for cheap winter sports insurance cover.

Remember…
It is not just medical emergencies that winter sports travel insurance can protect you from financially - policies may include:

• cover for stolen or broken ski equipment
• baggage loss
• piste closure
• personal liability
• loss of ski passes and repatriation

So check your winter sports travel insurance cover carefully to avoid being left out of pocket!

Don’t forget your travel insurance!

Travel Insurance with winter sports cover can be purchased for just £9.73** at http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/ – a small price to pay to be able to relax and really enjoy your winter sports holiday!

Please note: 24/7 travel insurance ‘Winter Sports’ option covers you for winter sports activities but excluding ski racing in major events, ski jumping, ski mountaineering, ice hockey, the use of bob sleighs or skeletons, ski touring, ski randonee (unless with a professional qualified guide) and off piste skiing whilst alone and/or against local authority warning or advice).

** Premium £9.73 includes Insurance Premium Tax, personal possessions cover and winter sports cover. Based on a ‘standard’ single trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for one adult aged under 55 travelling to Europe for 3 days. Policy purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (January 2009) and are subject to change.

If you’re planning a trip to the USA you may not be aware that the entry procedures have changed. From the 12th January 2009, the online completion of ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) became compulsory for all Visa Waiver Programme travellers entering the United States by air or sea. Read on to find out more!

Visa Waiver Programme:
The Visa Waiver Programme has made visiting the United States very easy for millions of visitors. Currently consisting of 27 countries, the Visa Waiver Programme enables citizens with a machine readable passport* to visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a tourist or business visa in advance. Until now, Visa Waiver Programme travellers simply presented their machine-readable passport to border control agents for admission to the United States.

*A machine-readable passport contains two lines of text with numbers and chevrons (<<<) at the bottom of the personal information page with the passport bearer's picture.

The purpose of ESTA:
With the new Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, all Visa Waiver Programme travellers must pre-register their visit to the United States and be approved prior to travel. The application process is run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is currently free; you must complete the application online.

The purpose of ESTA is to let the DHS pre-screen all travellers before they leave their countries - think of it as an added security measure! You should apply for travel authorisation at least 72 hours prior to entering the country - this also applies to travellers transiting through the United States.

If your application is successful, it will be valid for two years or until the date on your passport expires – which ever comes first. If your application is denied, you will have to apply for a visitor visa at a US embassy or consulate, which can take weeks to get an appointment.

Travellers entering by land either from Canada or Mexico are not required to register before travelling but remember to buy your 24/7 travel insurance as soon as you book your trip!

*The ESTA process:

• Complete your application online - enter all required travel information including your passport details. All members of your party must have an approved travel authorisation or a visa regardless of their age.
  
• Submit your application - check all answers given are accurate before submitting. It is a good idea to print a copy of your application for your own records.
  
• Receive and record your application number - you will be given a reference number once you have submitted your application. You will need this number to check your application status or to update your details in the future.
  
• Receive response to application - in most cases, a response will be sent immediately. In instances where more time is needed to determine the status of an application, an answer will be returned within 72 hours.

For more information regarding your online ESTA application, please click here.

* Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Don’t forget to take out travel insurance!
Whilst it is easy to get carried away with researching your trip to the United States, please make sure you buy your travel insurance after you have booked your flights and accommodation. Medical costs in the USA can be expensive even for a minor injury, so don’t skimp by not taking out this essential insurance cover.

24/7 Travel Insurance offers great value and can bought direct from the provider at their website: www.247travelinsurance.co.uk . For example a trip to the USA for a week will cost only £17.52 – a small price to pay for peace of mind!

*Premium £17.52 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on 1 adult aged under 55 taking out a “standard” Single-trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 7 days in the USA excluding personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (January 2009) and are subject to change.

Labels: ESTA

As the credit crunch bites, people may be cutting back on luxuries but are not ready to give up on their annual holiday. Now they are looking around for the best value holiday destination for their pound and Turkey is tipped to be the best value holiday destination for 2009.

Holiday makers are becoming far savvier when searching for holiday deals, paying attention to exchange rates and looking to holiday in areas outside of the Euro zone. Recent reports from the Turkish tourist board has revealed that British visitors to Turkey increased by 18% in 2008.* So with its historic religious monuments, great shopping centres and some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, pack your suitcase and head to Turkey this year – not forgetting to take your travel insurance!

*source – The Guardian

Top Turkey travel tips:

• Do a spot of shopping in the world's largest covered market. Istanbul's Grand Bazaar with more than 58 streets, the market welcomes between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. The Grand Bazaar is well known for its 6,000 jewellery, pottery, spice and carpet shops so you’re bound to pick up a bargain! For something a bit different head uptown to browse for cut-price fashion goods and clothing in the boutiques along Istiklal Avenue located in the historic Beyoğlu district or visit fashionable up market Nisantasi – one of Turkey’s most expensive shopping districts.
  
  
• Take a ferry from the Eminönü dock in Istanbul to the Princes' Islands, a popular destination for day trippers during the summer months. At just a short ferry ride away, the chain of nine islands are incredibly peaceful compared to the chaotic city of Istanbul as there is no traffic, the only form of transportation on the islands is by horse and cart.
  
  
• For a hint of nature, take a trek along the Lycian Way coastal route which stretches for 500km between Fethiye and Antalya, where you’ll be walking through some of Turkey's most spectacular sceneries. The Sunday Times has listed it as one of the world's top ten walks so you won’t be disappointed!
  
  
• For some sunbathing head to Patara Beach, one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean and part of a national park. The white sand stretches a vast 14.2 kms long making it the longest beach in the Mediterranean and was even rated as the best beach in the world by The Sunday Times!
  
  
• Thrill seekers can experience an exhilarating adventure white-water rafting on one of Turkey’s various rivers - the Dalaman River, the Köprülü River, the Zamanti River or the Coruh River which is rated by professionals as one of the top rafting descents in the world!
  
  
• After a busy day of sightseeing, relax in a steamy Turkish bath known as a hammam. In Istanbul, the most popular historic baths are the Galatasaray Hammam in Beyoğlu and Cağaloğlu Hammam in Sultanahmet, though local baths are often just as effective in soothing your aching muscles!
  
  
• To experience a taste of Turkish culture catch a performance by the renowned Whirling Dervishes, who are members of the religious Mevlevi Order who perform the famous whirling dance. Their amazing ceremony can be seen in Konya, where the Order originated or in Istanbul.
  
  
• For breathtaking scenery catch a glimpse of the 5,165m high Mount Ararat in Turkey's far eastern region. The volcanic mountain is the tallest peak in Turkey and has biblical references to Noah's Ark, where pieces of the ark are reputed to have washed up on the mountain slopes.

Don’t forget your holiday insurance!

If after reading this blog you like the sound of Turkey, 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. You can purchase great value travel insurance direct at 24/7 travel insurance. For a week’s family holiday in Europe, it will cost you just £14.00* - a small price to pay so you can enjoy your Turkey holiday 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 (January 2009) and are subject to change.

Labels: Turkey

If you have ever dreamt of taking some time out to relax on a picture perfect beach, ride an elephant through a tropical jungle or soak up the vibrant culture of another country, then delay no more…head to Thailand. In this blog we will look at what attractions and activities Thailand has to offer to backpackers.

First things first, travelling to the other side of the world with your worldly possessions tucked away in your backpack to a whole other continent with a very different way of life requires some pre-planning.

Remember the backpacking essentials:

• mosquito repellent
• sun cream
• Imodium & Paracetamol
• phrase book / guide book
• first aid kit
• travel towel
• plug adaptor
• travel insurance

Bustling Bangkok:
Most backpackers start their journey in the Thai capital Bangkok and are most likely to stay in the tourist hub of Khao San Road. The area is packed with a plethora of bars and guesthouses making it a great hang out spot for backpackers to share travel stories and experiences with one another. It is best to arrange your first night accommodation before you arrive, after a 13 hour flight the last thing you want to be doing is trundling around with your backpack in the tropical heat trying to find a bed for the night!

Try to get over your jet lag by adjusting to local times as soon as possible, fight the urge to sleep during the daytime by throwing yourself into something active like taking a walk. You’ll feel the benefits of getting a good night sleep and will be refreshed for your first full day of exploring this amazing new country.

Be sure to visit the street markets, browsing through the narrow rows of clothes and jewellery stalls, you’re bound to pick up a great bargain ideal for a souvenir. For a spot of sightseeing, head to the golden spires of the ‘Grand Palace’ and the spectacular ‘Temple of the Emerald Buddha’ - Thailand’s most sacred site! Metered taxis are the easiest way to get around the city; each taxi company has their own coloured cars ranging from pink, to orange and blue so they’re easy to spot. For more information on Bangkok sightseeing visit the Lonely Planet website.

Southern islands:
The South is mostly about the white sandy beaches and water activities in the warm sea making it the perfect place to relax and top up your tan. The pace of life on the islands is slow, a far cry from the hustle bustle of Bangkok. For truly breathtaking views head to the Phi Phi islands where the movie ‘The beach’ was filmed.

Culture of the north:
There are plenty of cultural activities to do in Northern Thailand ranging from visiting the centuries old Buddha temple of Wat Chedi Laem and browsing through the various local crafts stalls. To sample a slice of Thai history, travel north to Thailand’s former capital city Chiang Mai.

Feeling peckish?
You can’t go to Thailand and not sample some of the legendary Thai foods. Maybe even unleash your inner chef by taking a Thai cookery course?

Here are a few mouth watering suggestions to try:

• Sticky coconut rice with mango- sticky rice soaked overnight, served warm mixed with coconut milk and fresh mango
• Pad thai - rice noodles pan fried with fish sauce, sugar, lime juice or tamarind pulp, chopped peanuts, and egg combined with chicken, seafood, or tofu
• Green curry - made with fresh green chillies and flavoured with Thai basil, and chicken or fish meatballs. This dish is one of the spiciest of Thai curries!
• Banana smoothie- fresh fruit gently blended with milk

Something to tell your friends about:
The Thai word for fun is ‘sanook,’ so you’ll never have a dull moment in Thailand! There really is an activity to suit everyone which will make a good story to tell friends about at home! Capture your imagination by listening to the mystical sounds of chanting monks in remote hillside temples, snorkel in the warm turquoise sea, pet tigers at the famous ‘Tiger Temple,’ discover remote mountain villages by elephant back in the lush landscapes of Northern Thailand, float along the river on a handmade bamboo raft, or the more adventurous backpacker can go on a 3 day jungle trek. Remember to check that you have the right insurance cover before you do such activities!

Check out the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website before you travel. For up to date travel information visit: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/ta-relevant-to-you/backpackers

This website contains information especially for backpackers going on a gap year: http://www.gogapyear.com/

Backpacker Travel Insurance:
For those going on a gap year, the cheapest option is most likely to be a Backpacker travel insurance policy which allows you to choose cover up to a maximum of 18 months. It is important that you remember to check that the Backpacker travel insurance policy offers you the level of cover that you need for your trip before you buy it.

24/7 Backpacker travel insurance is available from only £16.79!* - great value for peace of mind whilst travelling!

* Premium £16.79 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on 1 adult aged under 36 taking out a 24/7 travel insurance “Standard” (Worldwide excluding USA, Canada & Caribbean) Backpacker travel insurance policy for 2 months in Thailand. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (January 2009) and are subject to change.

Labels: Backpacking

Has the recent cold snap that’s swept across the UK given you a taste for real snow? Are you thinking of packing your thermals and heading up north, deep into the Arctic Circle to Lapland? This blog will explore the magic of the ultimate family winter wonderland holiday and what it is like spending a night in a hotel made entirely from ice.

Facts:
Lapland is not a country but an area larger than the UK which covers the northern regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. When you think of Lapland your mind conjures up images of snow clad forests, cosy log cabins, reindeer and the infamous Santa Claus! One of the region’s main attractions is the permanent crisp white snow between the months of October to April, with the coldest months being January and February where temperatures can drop to as low as -35˚. Lapland is so far north that for the last two weeks of the year, the sun hardly rises compared to the summer when the hours of daylight increases to the point when it doesn’t get dark- this is known as the midnight sun.

Sleeping on ice:
Situated 200km above the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland, the Icehotel is built each year in November from frozen blocks of ice borrowed from the Torne River which runs behind the structure in the small town of Jukkasjärvi. Approximately 3000 tonnes of clear ice is stored on site in a giant freezer ready to build the next years Icehotel.

Inside the structure there are around 80 rooms containing different ice sculptures and designs for those daring enough to spend a night there. Even the beds are made of ice covered with reindeer hides, but don't worry you are given a thermal sleeping bag for the night! The Icehotel is also home to the famous original Absolut Icebar, where you can sip your drink out of an ice glass made from ice straight from the Torne River. (The concept of the Absolut Icebar has spread around the world, with bars as far afield as Tokyo!)

The temperature inside is kept at a cool -8˚ so there’s no chance of the structure melting until mid April when the climate starts to get warmer and the ice gradually melts back into the river.See the Icehotel being built on this live webcam.

Activities:
Lapland is the place to go for fun snow filled activities including cross country skiing, snowmobiling, reindeer sledging and mushing your own team of husky dogs. If you do decide to brave the cold, remember to wear plenty of warm layers - you'll need some waterproof gloves and at least 2 pairs of thick socks under your boots. If outdoor activities are not for you, why not relax with a mug of warm lingonberry juice in one of the many spas and saunas Scandanavia is famous for! As with all activities you participate in abroad, make sure you and your family have the right travel insurance cover in place before you go!

Clothing:
Please do not underestimate the cold weather in Lapland. Make sure you pack thick winter woollens, scarves, ski gloves, thermal underwear, hats and extra pairs of socks in your suitcase. A number of thin layers are preferable to one large layer of clothing as they will prevent your body heat from escaping too quickly. You will also need to wear warm, sturdy footwear like skiwear or moonboots- you’ll be surprised at how cold your feet get standing around in the snow! Other useful items to protect yourself and your family against the cold Arctic weather are non water based lip salve and hot pads which insert into your gloves and boots. Please take care in protecting young children and infants who are particularly vulnerable to the cold.

Northern Lights:
In the right weather conditions it is possible to catch a glimpse of the natural phenomena that is the Aurora Borealis most commonly known as the Northern Lights. These fluttering bright lights can be observed in the sky over the northernmost parts of the world. The best viewing areas in Sweden are above the Arctic Circle between the months of September and March. As the phenomenon is caused by energy from the Sun carried towards Earth on the solar winds, its appearance cannot be guaranteed!*

*Source- Swedish Tourist board

Don’t forget your travel insurance!
It’s easy to forget in all the excitement of booking your winter wonderland holiday, the importance of taking out travel insurance - even if you have the European Health insurance Card (EHIC).

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 holiday in Europe, it will cost you only £14.00* - a small price to pay so you can enjoy your Lapland holiday 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 (January 2009) and are subject to change.

Labels: Lapland