Thursday, 26 February 2009
Now’s a good time to visit the land of fire and ice!
Iceland is the youngest country in the world and is so close to the UK you can just visit on whim for a quick change of scenery. Iceland's reputation for being expensive, with some of the costliest food and drink in Europe is no longer justified. After the recent collapse of the country’s main banks, you now get more pound to your Icelandic krona. So now is the best time to visit the once expensive isle, read on to find out more…
Reykjavik
The most northerly capital city in the world, Reykjavík, where more than half of Iceland's population live, is a bustle of activity. It is a busy city combining old-fashioned wooden architecture and modern buildings and also has a reputation for partying! With regular flights from many European gateways, you can be there in less than 3 hours from London for a long weekend. Click here for travel information.
Food and drink
Iceland's ocean-fresh seafood and tasty mountain lamb are part of the local culinary experience. For something a bit different, an Icelandic speciality that sorts the men out from the boys is rotten shark, washed down with a well-deserved shot of Brennivín. Hint for beginners - if you manage to get it past your nose, you're half way there!
Things to do
The milky turquoise waters of The Blue Lagoon are perfect for a good, long soak. Located in a lunar-like landscape of lava fields, the lagoon is renowned for its health benefits and mineral-rich, geothermal seawater, which have made it one of the most visited locations in Iceland.
The spouting hot spring Strokkur geyser located 125km northeast of Reykjavik erupts every five to ten minutes. The entire area is a geothermal park with belching mud pits, hissing steam vents, hot and cold springs, warm streams and primitive plants.
The waters around Iceland are some of the best in the world for spotting whales. Minke, blue, sei, fin, humpback and sperm whales are frequently sighted just off the coast. The largest whale watching operator in Iceland, Elding, schedule whale watching tours from Reykjavik Harbour on a daily basis.
For a spot of shopping, check out stores like 66 Degrees North and Cintamani in Reykjavik, which offer great outdoor clothing you can wear while you explore Iceland. Warm woollens and beautifully crafted pottery make great holiday souvenirs.
If you fancy practising your golfing skills, head to Akureyri in the north of Iceland on midsummer night for the annual Arctic Open golf tournament which attracts players from around the world in to tee off at midnight in the midnight sun.
Where to stay
There are hotels and guesthouses to suit all tastes and budgets, from the most luxurious like the Hilton Hotel Nordica to the simple and sufficient like Hotel Cabin. To experience the Icelandic countryside, Icelandic Farm Holidays is a chain of farms around Iceland offering travellers accommodation and a variety of services. Some activities offered at farms are horseback riding, fishing, sailing, hunting, glacier tours, sheep round-up and swimming.
Weather
Iceland's climate is tempered by the Gulf Stream so summers are mild and winters rather cold. The colourful Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) appear from the end of August and the best time to see for the natural phenomena is between the months of November - February. From the end of May to the beginning of August, there are nearly 24 hours of daylight in Reykjavík, while in the northern part of the country the sun barely sets at all. Snow is not as common as the name of the country would seem to suggest and does not lie for long in Reykjavík.
Icelandic facts
Located in the North Atlantic close to the Arctic Circle, the whole of the central highland area of the island is a barren and uninhabitable terrain (a bit like the moon) - so much so that the first American astronauts were sent there for pre-mission training!
Vatnajökull glacier in the southern region, measuring 8,400 km, is the largest ice cap in Europe – that’s larger than all the other glaciers in Europe combined!*
Iceland lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, so although Iceland is part of Europe, half of it lies on the American plate. At the ancient parliament site of Thingvellir which lies on this rift, you can stand on the edge of America (geologically speaking) and see all the way to Europe, 10 km away!*
* Source – VisitIceland.com
Don’t forget your travel insurance!
After reading this blog and you like the sound of going to Iceland, 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 country.
* 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 (February 2009) and are subject to change.
Reykjavik
The most northerly capital city in the world, Reykjavík, where more than half of Iceland's population live, is a bustle of activity. It is a busy city combining old-fashioned wooden architecture and modern buildings and also has a reputation for partying! With regular flights from many European gateways, you can be there in less than 3 hours from London for a long weekend. Click here for travel information.
Food and drink
Iceland's ocean-fresh seafood and tasty mountain lamb are part of the local culinary experience. For something a bit different, an Icelandic speciality that sorts the men out from the boys is rotten shark, washed down with a well-deserved shot of Brennivín. Hint for beginners - if you manage to get it past your nose, you're half way there!
Things to do
The milky turquoise waters of The Blue Lagoon are perfect for a good, long soak. Located in a lunar-like landscape of lava fields, the lagoon is renowned for its health benefits and mineral-rich, geothermal seawater, which have made it one of the most visited locations in Iceland.
The spouting hot spring Strokkur geyser located 125km northeast of Reykjavik erupts every five to ten minutes. The entire area is a geothermal park with belching mud pits, hissing steam vents, hot and cold springs, warm streams and primitive plants.
The waters around Iceland are some of the best in the world for spotting whales. Minke, blue, sei, fin, humpback and sperm whales are frequently sighted just off the coast. The largest whale watching operator in Iceland, Elding, schedule whale watching tours from Reykjavik Harbour on a daily basis.
For a spot of shopping, check out stores like 66 Degrees North and Cintamani in Reykjavik, which offer great outdoor clothing you can wear while you explore Iceland. Warm woollens and beautifully crafted pottery make great holiday souvenirs.
If you fancy practising your golfing skills, head to Akureyri in the north of Iceland on midsummer night for the annual Arctic Open golf tournament which attracts players from around the world in to tee off at midnight in the midnight sun.
Where to stay
There are hotels and guesthouses to suit all tastes and budgets, from the most luxurious like the Hilton Hotel Nordica to the simple and sufficient like Hotel Cabin. To experience the Icelandic countryside, Icelandic Farm Holidays is a chain of farms around Iceland offering travellers accommodation and a variety of services. Some activities offered at farms are horseback riding, fishing, sailing, hunting, glacier tours, sheep round-up and swimming.
Weather
Iceland's climate is tempered by the Gulf Stream so summers are mild and winters rather cold. The colourful Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) appear from the end of August and the best time to see for the natural phenomena is between the months of November - February. From the end of May to the beginning of August, there are nearly 24 hours of daylight in Reykjavík, while in the northern part of the country the sun barely sets at all. Snow is not as common as the name of the country would seem to suggest and does not lie for long in Reykjavík.
Icelandic facts
Located in the North Atlantic close to the Arctic Circle, the whole of the central highland area of the island is a barren and uninhabitable terrain (a bit like the moon) - so much so that the first American astronauts were sent there for pre-mission training!
Vatnajökull glacier in the southern region, measuring 8,400 km, is the largest ice cap in Europe – that’s larger than all the other glaciers in Europe combined!*
Iceland lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, so although Iceland is part of Europe, half of it lies on the American plate. At the ancient parliament site of Thingvellir which lies on this rift, you can stand on the edge of America (geologically speaking) and see all the way to Europe, 10 km away!*
* Source – VisitIceland.com
Don’t forget your travel insurance!
After reading this blog and you like the sound of going to Iceland, 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 country.
* 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 (February 2009) and are subject to change.
Labels: Iceland
// posted by 24/7 Travel Insurance @ 09:51
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Fun family days over half term!
It’s that time of year again, the school bell has rung and the kids will be excitedly rushing home to start their half term week. If you’re stuck for ideas on how to keep the kids occupied this half term, there are many great value family activities and short breaks on offer on websites like Lastminute.com. Wherever you decide to go and spend some quality family time together, remember your family travel insurance – even for UK short breaks!** Read on for some fun half term suggestions that won’t break the bank!
Here in Blighty:
Longleat Safari Park: Based at Longleat www.longleat.co.uk/ in Warminster, the safari park was the first of its kind outside of Africa when it opened over 40 years ago! Discover a range of exotic animals from the comfort of your own car. See how you measure up to a giraffe, watch out for the zebras crossing, and be enthralled by the majestic lions and tigers. Opening times: from 14th – 22nd Feb 2009, the safari should take you around 1½ hours to complete, click here for safari prices.
The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre: Situated in Great Missenden the village where the famous author Roald Dahl lived and wrote for 36 years. The museum is great for the kids to explore their imagination with free story telling sessions and creative writing workshops. Due to high demand, booking is essential for participating in the workshops. Visit The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre for more information on the creative workshops availability. Opening times: museum visits last between 1 hour to 90mins, click here for opening times. Prices vary so click here to check out the costs.
Cadbury World: The mouth watering Cadbury Factory at Bournville near Birmingham is dedicated to the history of Cadbury’s chocolate. After taking a factory tour, head to the factory shop where you can pick up a wide range of Cadbury products for a fraction of the cost you pay in the newsagents – yum! The tour is optional and not necessary for access to the shop for those who just want to purchase cheap chocolate! Opening times: these vary throughout the year, click here to plan your chocolate heaven visit. You will need to buy your tickets before you go, click here to check out prices.
Explore London for free:
Science Museum: There’s a lot going on at the Science Museum this half term with science workshops, guided gallery tours and interactive shows taking place every day. The mind boggling Science Museum has something to suit everyone, both children and adults! Visit the Science Museum website for more information on events. Opening times: from 10am to 6pm daily (excluding 24th to 26th December) and entry is free! Click here for museum directions.
Changing of the Guard - Buckingham Palace: The changing of the guard is one of the oldest and most familiar ceremonies associated with Buckingham Palace. The ceremony takes place in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace at 11.30am, and lasts about 45 minutes. Opening times: There is no changing of the guard in very wet weather. During the autumn and winter it takes place on alternate days, so check out the dates before you go.
The Natural History Museum: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/ has real dinosaur skeletons and countless other displays that appeal to children. Throughout February there is an itinerary of family attractions such as discovery trails, craft workshops and trolleys of interesting specimens to investigate. Opening times: 10am to 5.30pm and entry is free! Click here for museum directions.
Theme Parks:
Chessington World of Adventures: A great family theme park and a fun day out for every age. Chessington World of Adventures also has a zoo where you can see many endangered species as well as enjoying three animal shows - sea lions, penguins and birds in flight. Be sure to visit the new Sea life centre which is home to a wide range of sea creatures ranging from shrimps to sharks! The theme park is located 12 miles south of London, click here for directions. Opening times: 14th to 22nd Feb for the zoo and sea life centre only – the rides will open on the 27th March. Click here for ticket prices and special offers.
Alton Towers: Perhaps the best known of all England's theme parks, Alton Towers is home to two of England’s legendary ‘white-knuckle’ rollercoaster rides. Oblivion, the world-famous vertical drop rollercoaster; and Nemesis, an inverted rollercoaster, takes your breath away as it turns everything upside down. The resort also has crazy golf, a spa and a waterpark. Why not take a break for a few days and stay in one of the themed on site hotels to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the fun activities. Opening times: Theme park is open from the 14th Feb to 22nd Feb; you can save up to 20% online if you buy your ticket in advance, click here for great Alton Towers ticket deals.
Head to Europe:
Euro Disney: Disneyland Paris is a popular option for families wanting to give the kids the Disney experience without having to travel to the USA. The famous Disney attraction this side of the Atlantic is celebrating its 15th birthday this year and to celebrate are offering discounts of up to 40% on 3 day family packages. It’s easier than ever travelling to Disneyland Paris either on Eurostar or on a cheap flight from the UK, Click here to plan your journey to Euro Disney.
Futuroscope: Also in France is the theme park Futuroscope. The park is based upon multimedia and audio-visual techniques and is home to several 3D cinemas along with other interactive attractions and shows, some of which are the only examples in the world! Check out the special offers on package deals if staying in the resort overnight. If you prefer to stay outside the theme park, click here for a list of hotels less than 10 mins walk away from the resort. Ryanair fly direct from Stansted Airport to Poitiers Biard Airport which is only a 10 min taxi ride away from the theme park. Click here for more travel information. Opening times: The park is open daily between February and November, and open at weekends in the winter, click here to plan your visit.
Don’t forget your travel insurance!
If this blog has inspired you to book a trip away from home this half term, make sure you take out holiday insurance before you go. 24/7 travel insurance offers cover for a family for 3 days in Europe from just £8.77*.
You can get an instant quote and immediate cover by going online to 24/7 travel insurance and if you arrange your cover as soon as you book your half term holiday you will be immediately protected should you need to cancel your trip.
Remember, it’s not just trips abroad where you will need travel insurance cover. Short breaks away from home in the UK also require adequate insurance cover**. So, be protected wherever you travel with holiday insurance!
* £8.77 Includes Insurance Premium Tax based on 2 adults aged under 55 and 2 children under 18 taking out a ‘Standard family’ Single Trip 24/7 travel insurance holiday insurance policy for 3 days in Europe and travelling within 14 days of purchase and excluding personal possessions cover. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (February 2009) and are subject to change.
** Many travel insurance policies, including http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/, will cover trips in the UK providing there is pre-booked accommodation or travel.
Here in Blighty:
Longleat Safari Park: Based at Longleat www.longleat.co.uk/ in Warminster, the safari park was the first of its kind outside of Africa when it opened over 40 years ago! Discover a range of exotic animals from the comfort of your own car. See how you measure up to a giraffe, watch out for the zebras crossing, and be enthralled by the majestic lions and tigers. Opening times: from 14th – 22nd Feb 2009, the safari should take you around 1½ hours to complete, click here for safari prices.
The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre: Situated in Great Missenden the village where the famous author Roald Dahl lived and wrote for 36 years. The museum is great for the kids to explore their imagination with free story telling sessions and creative writing workshops. Due to high demand, booking is essential for participating in the workshops. Visit The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre for more information on the creative workshops availability. Opening times: museum visits last between 1 hour to 90mins, click here for opening times. Prices vary so click here to check out the costs.
Cadbury World: The mouth watering Cadbury Factory at Bournville near Birmingham is dedicated to the history of Cadbury’s chocolate. After taking a factory tour, head to the factory shop where you can pick up a wide range of Cadbury products for a fraction of the cost you pay in the newsagents – yum! The tour is optional and not necessary for access to the shop for those who just want to purchase cheap chocolate! Opening times: these vary throughout the year, click here to plan your chocolate heaven visit. You will need to buy your tickets before you go, click here to check out prices.
Explore London for free:
Science Museum: There’s a lot going on at the Science Museum this half term with science workshops, guided gallery tours and interactive shows taking place every day. The mind boggling Science Museum has something to suit everyone, both children and adults! Visit the Science Museum website for more information on events. Opening times: from 10am to 6pm daily (excluding 24th to 26th December) and entry is free! Click here for museum directions.
Changing of the Guard - Buckingham Palace: The changing of the guard is one of the oldest and most familiar ceremonies associated with Buckingham Palace. The ceremony takes place in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace at 11.30am, and lasts about 45 minutes. Opening times: There is no changing of the guard in very wet weather. During the autumn and winter it takes place on alternate days, so check out the dates before you go.
The Natural History Museum: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/ has real dinosaur skeletons and countless other displays that appeal to children. Throughout February there is an itinerary of family attractions such as discovery trails, craft workshops and trolleys of interesting specimens to investigate. Opening times: 10am to 5.30pm and entry is free! Click here for museum directions.
Theme Parks:
Chessington World of Adventures: A great family theme park and a fun day out for every age. Chessington World of Adventures also has a zoo where you can see many endangered species as well as enjoying three animal shows - sea lions, penguins and birds in flight. Be sure to visit the new Sea life centre which is home to a wide range of sea creatures ranging from shrimps to sharks! The theme park is located 12 miles south of London, click here for directions. Opening times: 14th to 22nd Feb for the zoo and sea life centre only – the rides will open on the 27th March. Click here for ticket prices and special offers.
Alton Towers: Perhaps the best known of all England's theme parks, Alton Towers is home to two of England’s legendary ‘white-knuckle’ rollercoaster rides. Oblivion, the world-famous vertical drop rollercoaster; and Nemesis, an inverted rollercoaster, takes your breath away as it turns everything upside down. The resort also has crazy golf, a spa and a waterpark. Why not take a break for a few days and stay in one of the themed on site hotels to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the fun activities. Opening times: Theme park is open from the 14th Feb to 22nd Feb; you can save up to 20% online if you buy your ticket in advance, click here for great Alton Towers ticket deals.
Head to Europe:
Euro Disney: Disneyland Paris is a popular option for families wanting to give the kids the Disney experience without having to travel to the USA. The famous Disney attraction this side of the Atlantic is celebrating its 15th birthday this year and to celebrate are offering discounts of up to 40% on 3 day family packages. It’s easier than ever travelling to Disneyland Paris either on Eurostar or on a cheap flight from the UK, Click here to plan your journey to Euro Disney.
Futuroscope: Also in France is the theme park Futuroscope. The park is based upon multimedia and audio-visual techniques and is home to several 3D cinemas along with other interactive attractions and shows, some of which are the only examples in the world! Check out the special offers on package deals if staying in the resort overnight. If you prefer to stay outside the theme park, click here for a list of hotels less than 10 mins walk away from the resort. Ryanair fly direct from Stansted Airport to Poitiers Biard Airport which is only a 10 min taxi ride away from the theme park. Click here for more travel information. Opening times: The park is open daily between February and November, and open at weekends in the winter, click here to plan your visit.
Don’t forget your travel insurance!
If this blog has inspired you to book a trip away from home this half term, make sure you take out holiday insurance before you go. 24/7 travel insurance offers cover for a family for 3 days in Europe from just £8.77*.
You can get an instant quote and immediate cover by going online to 24/7 travel insurance and if you arrange your cover as soon as you book your half term holiday you will be immediately protected should you need to cancel your trip.
Remember, it’s not just trips abroad where you will need travel insurance cover. Short breaks away from home in the UK also require adequate insurance cover**. So, be protected wherever you travel with holiday insurance!
* £8.77 Includes Insurance Premium Tax based on 2 adults aged under 55 and 2 children under 18 taking out a ‘Standard family’ Single Trip 24/7 travel insurance holiday insurance policy for 3 days in Europe and travelling within 14 days of purchase and excluding personal possessions cover. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (February 2009) and are subject to change.
** Many travel insurance policies, including http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/, will cover trips in the UK providing there is pre-booked accommodation or travel.
Labels: half term holidays
// posted by 24/7 Travel Insurance @ 11:11
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Is your EHIC in date?
If you are planning to take a trip overseas in Europe, have you checked that your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is still valid? The Department of Health estimates that 28 million Britons currently have an EHIC and at least 3 million EHICs will expire before March 2009, meaning travellers are putting themselves at risk when going on holiday this summer.* As useful as the EHIC is, it does not cover you for every eventuality, so you should always take out travel insurance when heading abroad. Read on to find out more!
*source – Department of Health
E111 form
Three years ago, the EHIC replaced the E111 form. It entitles the cardholder to reduced cost or free healthcare in most European Union countries including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland if they fall ill or have an accident whilst abroad - but only if it is in date! A staggering 50% of Brits are not aware that the EHIC has a shelf life.*
*source – Travel Trust Association
When should you renew your EHIC?
Your EHIC expiry date can be found printed on the front of your card. It is very easy to renew online or over the phone and can be done up to six months in advance of expiry. You will need your EHIC Personal Identification Number (PIN) when renewing (this number is shown on your existing card beside your date of birth and begins with the letters ‘UK’).
If you change your name due to marriage or divorce, or if you lose or have your EHIC stolen within the UK, then you will need to apply for a replacement EHIC. If your EHIC is lost or stolen abroad then you will need to apply for a replacement when you return home. If you require healthcare whilst you are abroad and have lost or had your EHIC stolen, then you will need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions in the UK and obtain a EHIC Provisional Replacement Certificate – which will provide you with the same cover as the EHIC until you return home. Failure to get the EHIC Provisional Replacement Certificate may result in you having to fork out for medical treatment yourself.
How to apply/renew your EHIC
To apply for an EHIC you will need to provide your name, date of birth and NHS or National Insurance number. In Scotland the NHS number is known as the Community Health Index or CHI number and in Northern Ireland it is known as the Health and Care number.
You are also able to apply for an EHIC for your partner and any children up to the age of 16 (or 19 if they are in full-time education). You must be over 16 to apply as a main applicant.
*source – Department of Health
E111 form
Three years ago, the EHIC replaced the E111 form. It entitles the cardholder to reduced cost or free healthcare in most European Union countries including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland if they fall ill or have an accident whilst abroad - but only if it is in date! A staggering 50% of Brits are not aware that the EHIC has a shelf life.*
*source – Travel Trust Association
When should you renew your EHIC?
Your EHIC expiry date can be found printed on the front of your card. It is very easy to renew online or over the phone and can be done up to six months in advance of expiry. You will need your EHIC Personal Identification Number (PIN) when renewing (this number is shown on your existing card beside your date of birth and begins with the letters ‘UK’).
If you change your name due to marriage or divorce, or if you lose or have your EHIC stolen within the UK, then you will need to apply for a replacement EHIC. If your EHIC is lost or stolen abroad then you will need to apply for a replacement when you return home. If you require healthcare whilst you are abroad and have lost or had your EHIC stolen, then you will need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions in the UK and obtain a EHIC Provisional Replacement Certificate – which will provide you with the same cover as the EHIC until you return home. Failure to get the EHIC Provisional Replacement Certificate may result in you having to fork out for medical treatment yourself.
How to apply/renew your EHIC
To apply for an EHIC you will need to provide your name, date of birth and NHS or National Insurance number. In Scotland the NHS number is known as the Community Health Index or CHI number and in Northern Ireland it is known as the Health and Care number.
You are also able to apply for an EHIC for your partner and any children up to the age of 16 (or 19 if they are in full-time education). You must be over 16 to apply as a main applicant.
Applying for the card is free and it's valid for up to five years. All British travellers can renew or obtain an EHIC by:
- going online, at the following address www.dh.gov.uk/travellers (delivery within 7 days)
- telephone, on 0845 606 2030 (delivery within 10 days)
- post (delivery within 21 days)
For more information regarding your EHIC, visit: https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/frequentlyAsked.do
Travel insurance
Remember the EHIC is NOT a substitute for travel insurance. It will not cover any private medical healthcare or the cost of things such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, repatriation to the UK or lost or stolen property. You should take out adequate travel insurance for visits to all countries, regardless of whether you are covered by your EHIC.
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 abroad.
* 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 (February 2009) and are subject to change.
Labels: EHIC
// posted by 24/7 Travel Insurance @ 09:11
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