Friday, 28 August 2009
Passport prices set to rise
For all passport applications received on or after the 3rd September 2009 the fees will increase by £5.50 for a standard adult passport application and £3.00 for a standard child passport application. Fees for all Fast Track and Premium applications will increase by £15.50.
The cost of renewing an adult passport will rise to £77.50, from £72, while a child passport will increase to £49, up from £46 at present.
The Identity and Passport Service said that the price increases are the result of fewer applications for a passport in these difficult economic times. To limit the impact on holidaymakers during the high summer season, the Identity and Passport Service will wait until September to bring in the price rise.
The adult passport will continue to be issued for free to people born on or before 2 September 1929.
Home Office Minister Phil Woolas, said: "Since the last fee increase in 2007 the Identity and Passport Service has issued almost eight million first generation ePassports, containing secure chips holding an individual’s passport details and facial biometric.”*
Source – http://www.direct.gov.uk/ August 09
The chip inside new passports contain information about the holder’s face – such as the distances between eyes, nose, mouth and ears. These details are taken from the passport photograph that you supply. They can then be used to identify the passport holder. The chip also holds the information that is printed on the personal details page of your passport.
For more information and guidance on how to apply for a passport click here.
Don’t forget your travel insurance!
It’s easy to forget in all the excitement of booking your holiday, the importance of taking out travel insurance - even if you have a valid European Health insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC will not cover you for any private medical healthcare or the cost of things such as repatriation to the UK or lost or stolen property. So ensure you take out adequate travel insurance for visits to all countries.
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 only £17.01* - a small price to pay so you can enjoy your holiday all the more!
*Premium £17.01 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 (August 2009) and are subject to change.
The cost of renewing an adult passport will rise to £77.50, from £72, while a child passport will increase to £49, up from £46 at present.
The Identity and Passport Service said that the price increases are the result of fewer applications for a passport in these difficult economic times. To limit the impact on holidaymakers during the high summer season, the Identity and Passport Service will wait until September to bring in the price rise.
The adult passport will continue to be issued for free to people born on or before 2 September 1929.
Home Office Minister Phil Woolas, said: "Since the last fee increase in 2007 the Identity and Passport Service has issued almost eight million first generation ePassports, containing secure chips holding an individual’s passport details and facial biometric.”*
Source – http://www.direct.gov.uk/ August 09
The chip inside new passports contain information about the holder’s face – such as the distances between eyes, nose, mouth and ears. These details are taken from the passport photograph that you supply. They can then be used to identify the passport holder. The chip also holds the information that is printed on the personal details page of your passport.
For more information and guidance on how to apply for a passport click here.
Don’t forget your travel insurance!
It’s easy to forget in all the excitement of booking your holiday, the importance of taking out travel insurance - even if you have a valid European Health insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC will not cover you for any private medical healthcare or the cost of things such as repatriation to the UK or lost or stolen property. So ensure you take out adequate travel insurance for visits to all countries.
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 only £17.01* - a small price to pay so you can enjoy your holiday all the more!
*Premium £17.01 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 (August 2009) and are subject to change.
Labels: Passport prices
// posted by 24/7 travel insurance @ 12:25
Friday, 21 August 2009
Travelling abroad this summer? Are you familiar with the local laws and customs of your destination?
According to research from the FCO (Foreign & Commonwealth Office), Britons travelling abroad are risking arrest, prosecution or even prison by not researching the local laws and customs of the country they are travelling to before they go.
The FCO study found that nearly half of all women that sunbathe topless do so without first checking if it is against the law. And one in ten men also confessed to mooning or streaking on holiday, risking arrest and a fine.*
* Source – ITIJ August 09
Jess Prasad, the FCO’s Know Before You Go campaign manager, said: “Different countries have different laws and customs, and what’s acceptable in Spain may not be acceptable in Greece and Turkey.”
What can seem like a bit of harmless fun on holiday, can turn out to be a serious offence in some countries with potential consequences. With more people choosing to travel outside the eurozone this summer, it is more important that holiday makers familiarise themselves with the local laws and customs before they go.
In July 2008 alone, Dubai police arrested 79 people, the majority of whom were tourists, for topless sunbathing, nudity and other acts that were deemed indecent by the authorities.*
* Source – ITIJ August 09
Even stricter laws apply in Abu Dhabi where kissing in public is considered an offence, yet over half of Britons travelling abroad have done so, possibly risking prosecution and a fine.*
* Source – routesonline.com August 09
Remember, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office will help you if you do find yourself in a spot of bother abroad but only to a certain extent. Click here to see how the Foreign & Commonwealth Office can help you.
24/7 travel insurance top tips:
- Read up on local cultures and learn a few words of the local language before you go.
- Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places - if in doubt ask for advice or don't visit.
- Always take note of the British Embassy or local British Consulate whereabouts and contact details at your destination so you know who to call if necessary.
For all kinds of useful travel advice including country-specific information, visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel.
For some handy hints Click here to see 24/7 travel insurance’s travellers checklist.
Don’t forget to pack travel insurance!
Carry your travel insurance documentation with you on holiday and keep the 24 hour emergency assistance number on you at all times along with your policy number. Click here for an instant 24/7 travel insurance quote, for just £5.91* 24/7 travel insurance will cover you for a 3-day trip to Europe!
*Premium £5.91 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single-trip policy for 3 days in Europe including personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (August 2009) and are subject to change.
Labels: Know the local laws and customs of you holiday destination
// posted by 24/7 Travel Insurance @ 13:14
Monday, 17 August 2009
Corsica – the unspoilt Mediterranean island…
If you’re looking for a Mediterranean island getaway this summer, head to Corsica. The island's warm climate, mountains and sandy coastlines make it popular among travellers. A major benefit of the Island is that it has not had the same level of intensive development as other parts of the Mediterranean so it is mainly unspoiled. Read on to find out why Corsica is the perfect island getaway…
Location, location:
As the forth largest Mediterranean island after Sicily, Sardinia and Cyprus; Corsica is one of France’s 26 regions but the island is located closer to the western coast of Italy.
Where to stay:
The areas of Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio in the south of the island and Calvi in the northwest are popular with holidaymakers. Whether you want to be near the town, on the coast or a bit more inland, there's bound to be a place to stay to suit you. Check out holidaysincorsica.co.uk for some top accommodation tips!
Things to do:
Sample some of the fresh fish at one of the many restaurants and bistros; Corsican food is a fusion of French and Italian dishes. For a day of sightseeing visit the birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte. Or for a spot of relaxing, find a hidden white sandy beach to laze on and bathe in the warm turquoise Mediterranean Sea.
For further information on things to see and do in Corsica visit: www.holidaysincorsica.co.uk/attractions.htm
Getting there:
You can fly direct to Corsica from London, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. The flight time is less than 2 hours from London and about 3 and a half hours from Scotland. Check out cheapflights.co.uk to compare cheap flight fares. Some of these routes only travel to one airport on the island, so it's important to think about where you will be staying when you get there because having to drive for 4 or 5 hours to reach your accommodation on arrival will not be a good start to your holiday!
Finally, don’t forget your holiday insurance!
If after reading this blog you like the sound of Corsica, 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 3-day break in Europe, it will cost you just £5.32* - a small price to pay to really relax and enjoy your Mediterranean island getaway all the more!
*Premium £5.32 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual aged under 55 taking out a Standard Single-trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 3 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 (August 2009) and are subject to change.
Location, location:
As the forth largest Mediterranean island after Sicily, Sardinia and Cyprus; Corsica is one of France’s 26 regions but the island is located closer to the western coast of Italy.
Where to stay:
The areas of Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio in the south of the island and Calvi in the northwest are popular with holidaymakers. Whether you want to be near the town, on the coast or a bit more inland, there's bound to be a place to stay to suit you. Check out holidaysincorsica.co.uk for some top accommodation tips!
Things to do:
Sample some of the fresh fish at one of the many restaurants and bistros; Corsican food is a fusion of French and Italian dishes. For a day of sightseeing visit the birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte. Or for a spot of relaxing, find a hidden white sandy beach to laze on and bathe in the warm turquoise Mediterranean Sea.
For further information on things to see and do in Corsica visit: www.holidaysincorsica.co.uk/attractions.htm
Getting there:
You can fly direct to Corsica from London, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. The flight time is less than 2 hours from London and about 3 and a half hours from Scotland. Check out cheapflights.co.uk to compare cheap flight fares. Some of these routes only travel to one airport on the island, so it's important to think about where you will be staying when you get there because having to drive for 4 or 5 hours to reach your accommodation on arrival will not be a good start to your holiday!
Finally, don’t forget your holiday insurance!
If after reading this blog you like the sound of Corsica, 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 3-day break in Europe, it will cost you just £5.32* - a small price to pay to really relax and enjoy your Mediterranean island getaway all the more!
*Premium £5.32 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual aged under 55 taking out a Standard Single-trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 3 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 (August 2009) and are subject to change.
Labels: Corsica travel insurance
// posted by 24/7 Travel Insurance @ 14:59
Thursday, 6 August 2009
Swine Flu
Swine Flu, or influenza A (H1N1)
Travel Insurance General Information
All 24/7 travel insurance policies provide cover in accordance with recent ABI (Association of British Insurers) guidance on this.
FAQs from 24/7 travel insurance
This is general advice, in response to queries from customers.
Q1. We are due to travel shortly but my wife probably has Swine Flu. Can we cancel our trip and claim reimbursement?
A. Yes – if you visited your doctor you will need to provide a medical certificate which confirms your condition, or if you contacted the National Pandemic Flu Service, you must provide your unique ID number together with the label on the prescribed anti-flu drugs which will include your name and the date of issue.
Q2. I had to self-diagnose Swine Flu based on my symptoms and NHS advice. Am I covered to cancel my holiday even though I do not have a firm diagnosis or confirmation of medical necessity from my GP?
A. Claims as a result of Swine Flu will require a doctor’s certificate confirming your condition or if you contacted the National Pandemic Flu Service, you must provide your unique ID number together with the label on the prescribed anti-flu drugs which will include your name and the date of issue.
Q3. Am I covered to cancel my holiday if the FCO has issued advice against travel?
A. No. You should contact your tour operator or airline.
Q4. Am I covered to cancel my holiday if I am concerned about travelling because of Swine Flu?
A. No. Disinclination to or fear of travel is not covered.
Q5. The airline refused to let me on board as they thought I had Swine Flu. Am I covered for cancellation costs?
A. The airline's medical officer will need to provide written confirmation of the reason for denial of boarding. If it transpires that you did not have Swine Flu your claim will be against them for "failure of service".
Q6. Whilst on holiday abroad my travelling companion caught Swine Flu. Can I remain with him?
A. The same terms and conditions should apply for Swine Flu as for any other medical condition. If the policy usually provides cover for a travelling companion to remain with them, then this would also apply in the case of an insured person being taken ill with Swine Flu if it is recommended by a doctor.
Q7. I am suffering from Swine Flu abroad. Am I covered for a friend or family member in the UK to travel out to be with me?
A. Cover would be provided subject to normal policy terms and conditions, which would generally provide cover for one person to stay with them or travel from the UK to escort them home if medically necessary and recommended by the treating doctor.
Q8. I was suspected of having Swine Flu and quarantined beyond my scheduled return date shown on my insurance. Is my cover still valid?
A. The policy would be extended until you return home and there would be cover under the policy for the costs associated with unexpected accommodation or hospital fees and the additional costs such as new flights etc. in bringing you home at the end of the quarantine period. This should be approved and arranged via the emergency medical assistance company shown in the policy.
Useful information
FCO website Foreign & Commonwealth Office
WHO website World Health Organization
24/7 travel insurance http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/
Travellers checklist http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/travellers_checklist.asp
Travel Insurance General Information
All 24/7 travel insurance policies provide cover in accordance with recent ABI (Association of British Insurers) guidance on this.
FAQs from 24/7 travel insurance
This is general advice, in response to queries from customers.
Q1. We are due to travel shortly but my wife probably has Swine Flu. Can we cancel our trip and claim reimbursement?
A. Yes – if you visited your doctor you will need to provide a medical certificate which confirms your condition, or if you contacted the National Pandemic Flu Service, you must provide your unique ID number together with the label on the prescribed anti-flu drugs which will include your name and the date of issue.
Q2. I had to self-diagnose Swine Flu based on my symptoms and NHS advice. Am I covered to cancel my holiday even though I do not have a firm diagnosis or confirmation of medical necessity from my GP?
A. Claims as a result of Swine Flu will require a doctor’s certificate confirming your condition or if you contacted the National Pandemic Flu Service, you must provide your unique ID number together with the label on the prescribed anti-flu drugs which will include your name and the date of issue.
Q3. Am I covered to cancel my holiday if the FCO has issued advice against travel?
A. No. You should contact your tour operator or airline.
Q4. Am I covered to cancel my holiday if I am concerned about travelling because of Swine Flu?
A. No. Disinclination to or fear of travel is not covered.
Q5. The airline refused to let me on board as they thought I had Swine Flu. Am I covered for cancellation costs?
A. The airline's medical officer will need to provide written confirmation of the reason for denial of boarding. If it transpires that you did not have Swine Flu your claim will be against them for "failure of service".
Q6. Whilst on holiday abroad my travelling companion caught Swine Flu. Can I remain with him?
A. The same terms and conditions should apply for Swine Flu as for any other medical condition. If the policy usually provides cover for a travelling companion to remain with them, then this would also apply in the case of an insured person being taken ill with Swine Flu if it is recommended by a doctor.
Q7. I am suffering from Swine Flu abroad. Am I covered for a friend or family member in the UK to travel out to be with me?
A. Cover would be provided subject to normal policy terms and conditions, which would generally provide cover for one person to stay with them or travel from the UK to escort them home if medically necessary and recommended by the treating doctor.
Q8. I was suspected of having Swine Flu and quarantined beyond my scheduled return date shown on my insurance. Is my cover still valid?
A. The policy would be extended until you return home and there would be cover under the policy for the costs associated with unexpected accommodation or hospital fees and the additional costs such as new flights etc. in bringing you home at the end of the quarantine period. This should be approved and arranged via the emergency medical assistance company shown in the policy.
Useful information
FCO website Foreign & Commonwealth Office
WHO website World Health Organization
24/7 travel insurance http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/
Travellers checklist http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/travellers_checklist.asp
Labels: Swine Flu
// posted by 24/7 Travel Insurance @ 17:13
Monday, 3 August 2009
10 things to didgeri-do in Oz!
Are you thinking about heading to the land down under either on a gap year or on a career break? As the sixth largest country in the world, there is a wealth of things to do and see in Australia. Read on to see our top 10 Oz experiences…
1. Party scene, Sydney
Cockle Bay is a lively area lined with pubs and bars, plus one of the city's best clubs. With dance floors on three levels, the Cockle Bay Wharf is the largest club in Sydney. Its waterside location makes it a seriously stylish dance spot to let your hair down!
2. 4x4 driving, Fraser Island
Explore Fraser Island by going on a 4x4 adventure. Fraser Island is a unique part of the Fraser Coast region, and its unusual formation of sand and rainforest make it a special source of adventure for visitors to explore. Aussie Trax 4x4 Rentals is the largest and longest established 4WD adventure tour operator for Fraser Island self-drive experiences.
3. Diving, Barrier Reef
Australia has much to offer the diving enthusiast, whether novice or highly experienced…or somewhere in between! So, if you fancy a spot of diving in one of the best diving locations in the world, make sure you head to the Great Barrier Reef. Click here for details on diving tours in the Great Barrier Reef.
4. Sunrise, Uluru
Also known as Ayers Rock, is a large rock formation in the Northern Territory in central Australia. Located in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru is probably Australia's most recognisable natural icons. Experience the incredible changing colours of the entire desert landscape and the spectacular sight of Uluru at sunrise. Click here for some details on Uluru sunrise tours.
5. Surfing, Byron Bay
Escape the hustle & bustle of the city by joining a surf camp. Byron Bay offers a diverse range of waves perfect for surfing beginners to experts. These fun and exciting surf camps cater from complete beginners to intermediate and advanced surfers. If you like the sound of exploring the scenic surrounding beaches of Byron Bay, get in contact with the Byron Bay Surf School.
6. Bungee jumping, Cairns
Are you looking for the ultimate thrill? Why not try bungee jumping in the tropical paradise of Cairns. Nestled on the coast of far North Queensland it is renowned for its tourism attractions like the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest. The weather never gets too cold to bungee jump in Cairns, allowing thrill seekers to bungee all year round! Click here for more details.
7. Outback life, Kroombit
Kroombit is located on Lochenbar Station, a 10,000 acre cattle operation that was once part of the now protected Kroombit Tops National Park. Kroombit offers guests a genuine Australian Outback farm experience not to be missed! Visit Kroombit to get back to nature and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Australian bush.
8. Rainforest, Cape Tribulation
The Daintree Cape Tribulation coast is where the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest meet. From long deserted beaches to a range of guided rainforest walks, Daintree Rainforest is a great place to relax and unwind.
9. Spot wildlife, Kakadu
Kakadu National Park is open to visitors every day of the year and can be reached using local tour buses or you can plan your own itinerary on a self-guided tour. The seasons of Kakadu provide a different experience. Apparently, Kakadu is one of the few places in Australia where there have been limited, if any, extinctions of plants or animals over the last 200 years!
10. Neighbours, Melbourne
No trip to Oz would be complete without a visit to one of the most famous streets on TV. ‘Ramsey Street’ (real name ‘Pin Oak Court’) is where all the action happens in the popular Australian soap Neighbours which has more than 120 million viewers worldwide! You may be lucky enough to catch the cast and crew filming...so don’t forget your camera! For details on Neighbours tours click here.
Finally, don’t forget your travel insurance!
If after reading this blog you like the sound of visiting the land down under, make sure you take out holiday insurance as soon as you book your trip. If you’re backpacking around Australia you would be better off buying a backpacker travel insurance policy.
You can purchase great value backpacker travel insurance direct at 24/7 travel insurance. For a 2-month trip to Oz, will cost you just £18.93* - a small price to pay to really enjoy your adventure down under all the more!
*Premium £18.93 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual aged under 35 taking out a Standard Backpacker 24/7 travel insurance policy for 2 months in Australia. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (August 2009) and are subject to change.
1. Party scene, Sydney
Cockle Bay is a lively area lined with pubs and bars, plus one of the city's best clubs. With dance floors on three levels, the Cockle Bay Wharf is the largest club in Sydney. Its waterside location makes it a seriously stylish dance spot to let your hair down!
2. 4x4 driving, Fraser Island
Explore Fraser Island by going on a 4x4 adventure. Fraser Island is a unique part of the Fraser Coast region, and its unusual formation of sand and rainforest make it a special source of adventure for visitors to explore. Aussie Trax 4x4 Rentals is the largest and longest established 4WD adventure tour operator for Fraser Island self-drive experiences.
3. Diving, Barrier Reef
Australia has much to offer the diving enthusiast, whether novice or highly experienced…or somewhere in between! So, if you fancy a spot of diving in one of the best diving locations in the world, make sure you head to the Great Barrier Reef. Click here for details on diving tours in the Great Barrier Reef.
4. Sunrise, Uluru
Also known as Ayers Rock, is a large rock formation in the Northern Territory in central Australia. Located in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru is probably Australia's most recognisable natural icons. Experience the incredible changing colours of the entire desert landscape and the spectacular sight of Uluru at sunrise. Click here for some details on Uluru sunrise tours.
5. Surfing, Byron Bay
Escape the hustle & bustle of the city by joining a surf camp. Byron Bay offers a diverse range of waves perfect for surfing beginners to experts. These fun and exciting surf camps cater from complete beginners to intermediate and advanced surfers. If you like the sound of exploring the scenic surrounding beaches of Byron Bay, get in contact with the Byron Bay Surf School.
6. Bungee jumping, Cairns
Are you looking for the ultimate thrill? Why not try bungee jumping in the tropical paradise of Cairns. Nestled on the coast of far North Queensland it is renowned for its tourism attractions like the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest. The weather never gets too cold to bungee jump in Cairns, allowing thrill seekers to bungee all year round! Click here for more details.
7. Outback life, Kroombit
Kroombit is located on Lochenbar Station, a 10,000 acre cattle operation that was once part of the now protected Kroombit Tops National Park. Kroombit offers guests a genuine Australian Outback farm experience not to be missed! Visit Kroombit to get back to nature and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Australian bush.
8. Rainforest, Cape Tribulation
The Daintree Cape Tribulation coast is where the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest meet. From long deserted beaches to a range of guided rainforest walks, Daintree Rainforest is a great place to relax and unwind.
9. Spot wildlife, Kakadu
Kakadu National Park is open to visitors every day of the year and can be reached using local tour buses or you can plan your own itinerary on a self-guided tour. The seasons of Kakadu provide a different experience. Apparently, Kakadu is one of the few places in Australia where there have been limited, if any, extinctions of plants or animals over the last 200 years!
10. Neighbours, Melbourne
No trip to Oz would be complete without a visit to one of the most famous streets on TV. ‘Ramsey Street’ (real name ‘Pin Oak Court’) is where all the action happens in the popular Australian soap Neighbours which has more than 120 million viewers worldwide! You may be lucky enough to catch the cast and crew filming...so don’t forget your camera! For details on Neighbours tours click here.
Finally, don’t forget your travel insurance!
If after reading this blog you like the sound of visiting the land down under, make sure you take out holiday insurance as soon as you book your trip. If you’re backpacking around Australia you would be better off buying a backpacker travel insurance policy.
You can purchase great value backpacker travel insurance direct at 24/7 travel insurance. For a 2-month trip to Oz, will cost you just £18.93* - a small price to pay to really enjoy your adventure down under all the more!
*Premium £18.93 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual aged under 35 taking out a Standard Backpacker 24/7 travel insurance policy for 2 months in Australia. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (August 2009) and are subject to change.
Labels: Australia
// posted by 24/7 Travel Insurance @ 14:28
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