Friday, 30 October 2009
ID card could make trips abroad cheaper for travel insurance customers
Travel insurance customers may be in support of the proposed identity cards scheme as it could make it cheaper to go abroad.
Britons used to paying £72 for a passport may be disappointed to learn the Identity and Passport Service and Foreign and Commonwealth Office have recently increased the tariff to £77.50.
But an identity card is planned to cost just £30 and could be used instead of a passport when leaving the country. Each identity card will be unique, and will combine the cardholder’s biometric data with their checked and confirmed identity details. These identity details and the biometrics will be stored on the national identity register while the basic identity information will be held in a chip on the identity card itself.
In November 2008, as part of the National Identity Service, the first identity cards were introduced for foreign nationals living in Britain.
Sean Tipton, spokesman for ABTA - The Travel Association, said: "In the long term, if identity cards prove successful and they are rolled out for everybody then it will be a cheap way to go abroad and avoid having a passport for travel in the EU."
An identity card coupled with a cheap travel insurance policy could be two important factors for Britons looking for a budget break.
The government estimates that it will need to sell in excess of 28 million national identity cards at £30 each for the scheme to make a profit.
For more information on how to apply for an Identity Card, visit the Directgov website.
Cheap holiday travel insurance
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 break 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 (October 2009) and are subject to change.
Britons used to paying £72 for a passport may be disappointed to learn the Identity and Passport Service and Foreign and Commonwealth Office have recently increased the tariff to £77.50.
But an identity card is planned to cost just £30 and could be used instead of a passport when leaving the country. Each identity card will be unique, and will combine the cardholder’s biometric data with their checked and confirmed identity details. These identity details and the biometrics will be stored on the national identity register while the basic identity information will be held in a chip on the identity card itself.
In November 2008, as part of the National Identity Service, the first identity cards were introduced for foreign nationals living in Britain.
Sean Tipton, spokesman for ABTA - The Travel Association, said: "In the long term, if identity cards prove successful and they are rolled out for everybody then it will be a cheap way to go abroad and avoid having a passport for travel in the EU."
An identity card coupled with a cheap travel insurance policy could be two important factors for Britons looking for a budget break.
The government estimates that it will need to sell in excess of 28 million national identity cards at £30 each for the scheme to make a profit.
For more information on how to apply for an Identity Card, visit the Directgov website.
Cheap holiday travel insurance
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 break 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 (October 2009) and are subject to change.
Labels: cheap travel insurance
// posted by 24/7 travel insurance @ 13:55
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Adventure travel insurance – check your activities are covered
With more and more people choosing to go on adventure holidays or participate in an activity while on holiday, many travellers are failing to get the correct level of cover on their travel insurance policies to cover the activities they are intending to partake in.
Most travel insurance companies will have a standard list of activities that they provide cover for, but this can sometimes be limited to more traditional activities. With the growth of new and previously unknown activities, travellers may find that after making a claim they do not actually have cover for their chosen activity. 24/7 travel insurance covers 70 activities as standard!
Activities such as bungee jumping, quad biking and paragliding are just a few activities that are increasing in popularity but may not be included on standard insurance policies. The insurance company AXA has said that: “It has to constantly increase its level of cover to take these new activities into account, but that many insurers would not provide automatic cover for travellers.”*
* Source – Travel Insurance Guide (2009)
If you have an accident abroad then the medical costs can be enormous, therefore essential to get the correct level of cover. Unforeseen events can lead to health related emergencies no matter where in the world you are. Without adequate travel insurance, travellers are liable to cover all relevant medical and repatriation costs themselves.
Example repatriation costs: **
Air ambulance from the East coast of USA - £30-35,000
Scheduled flight from the Mediterranean - £3,000-£4,500
Scheduled flight from Australia - £8,500
** Source – Cultural Cube (July 09)
Repatriation is expensive and at a time when the number one priority is to get home, you do not want to be stranded in a far flung destination wondering why you didn’t get the travel insurance cover before you left, so check out 24/7 travel insurance for an instant online quote!
Those who travel abroad to take part in any activities should definitely look at their insurance policy wording to make sure that they are covered. You may be surprised by what is not covered, and if you have an accident whilst taking part in a sport or activity for which you are not insured then the results could be devastating.
Whilst a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), does provide access to reduced-cost medical treatment in Europe, it may not provide all the cover that may be required.
Adventure travel insurance is a must!
Don’t forget to take out travel insurance before you leave home, just in case you have an accident or fall ill on your travels. Please ensure you check the policy wording to make sure you have cover for your chosen activity. 24/7 travel insurance offers great value cover and automatically covers 70 activities! A 7-day trip to Europe costs only £8.50† - a small price to pay for peace of mind to really enjoy your adventure holiday!
† Premium £8.50 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single-trip 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 (October 2009) and are subject to change.
Most travel insurance companies will have a standard list of activities that they provide cover for, but this can sometimes be limited to more traditional activities. With the growth of new and previously unknown activities, travellers may find that after making a claim they do not actually have cover for their chosen activity. 24/7 travel insurance covers 70 activities as standard!
Activities such as bungee jumping, quad biking and paragliding are just a few activities that are increasing in popularity but may not be included on standard insurance policies. The insurance company AXA has said that: “It has to constantly increase its level of cover to take these new activities into account, but that many insurers would not provide automatic cover for travellers.”*
* Source – Travel Insurance Guide (2009)
If you have an accident abroad then the medical costs can be enormous, therefore essential to get the correct level of cover. Unforeseen events can lead to health related emergencies no matter where in the world you are. Without adequate travel insurance, travellers are liable to cover all relevant medical and repatriation costs themselves.
Example repatriation costs: **
Air ambulance from the East coast of USA - £30-35,000
Scheduled flight from the Mediterranean - £3,000-£4,500
Scheduled flight from Australia - £8,500
** Source – Cultural Cube (July 09)
Repatriation is expensive and at a time when the number one priority is to get home, you do not want to be stranded in a far flung destination wondering why you didn’t get the travel insurance cover before you left, so check out 24/7 travel insurance for an instant online quote!
Those who travel abroad to take part in any activities should definitely look at their insurance policy wording to make sure that they are covered. You may be surprised by what is not covered, and if you have an accident whilst taking part in a sport or activity for which you are not insured then the results could be devastating.
Whilst a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), does provide access to reduced-cost medical treatment in Europe, it may not provide all the cover that may be required.
Adventure travel insurance is a must!
Don’t forget to take out travel insurance before you leave home, just in case you have an accident or fall ill on your travels. Please ensure you check the policy wording to make sure you have cover for your chosen activity. 24/7 travel insurance offers great value cover and automatically covers 70 activities! A 7-day trip to Europe costs only £8.50† - a small price to pay for peace of mind to really enjoy your adventure holiday!
† Premium £8.50 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single-trip 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 (October 2009) and are subject to change.
Labels: adventure travel insurance
// posted by 24/7 travel insurance @ 08:57
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Beware of backpacking scams
As travellers do tend to spend a lot and carry more cash on them, some may tend to take advantage of that in unethical practices or even illegal ways. Here are some ways to avoid shelling out more money than you should.
Beware of "special" prices
Just because you’re a tourist doesn’t mean you should have to pay more for the same service that every other local gets. For instance, some taxi drivers do take advantage of tourists by charging more. You can avoid this from happening by learning how to get around using the local transportation system, while avoiding taxis as much as possible.
Rouge traders
Not far from traders who overcharge are those who shortchange their customers. Beware of vendors who create distractions or count too slowly so that you become impatient and hurriedly leave the store without counting your change. Also, when using ticket machines at rail stations, pay the exact amount, as some are not designed to give back change.
Keep an eye on your cards
When using a credit or debit card, keep an eye on your card and the person handling it. Remember that one swipe should be all it takes; two might mean you paid twice for one bill. Also, look around for inexpensive places to buy food and other necessities. A place that is promoted to be for tourists has much higher prices than the next food establishment that offers a similar menu.
Watch out for pickpockets
When a stranger warns you to watch out for pickpockets and such, avoid reaching for your wallet to check if it’s still there. There have been incidents where those who warn tourists about thieves are the thieves themselves: they count on the potential victim’s instinctive reaction to locate the target - their wallets.
Don’t flash your cash
To avoid losing much and ruining your vacation, it’s best to avoid attracting a scammer’s attention. Keep within reach only an amount of money that you’ll be using for food and transportation, so that you can avoid flaunting your wads of cash to potential muggers. Avoid wearing jewellery, and be in the company of friends or fellow travellers as much as possible. Also, be sure to make eye contact when a stranger is in close proximity or gets in your way, as a way of saying that you will remember them in case they try something awful.
Research your destination
Being well informed about your destination before leaving home proves useful. Know where to get the best deals, the parts of town to stay away from, and the usual price range for the things you’ll need to purchase during your trip.
Backpacker travel insurance
You can purchase great value backpacker travel insurance direct at 24/7 travel insurance. A 2-month trip to Australia, will cost you just £18.93* - a small price to pay to really enjoy your backpacking adventure 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 (October 2009) and are subject to change.
Beware of "special" prices
Just because you’re a tourist doesn’t mean you should have to pay more for the same service that every other local gets. For instance, some taxi drivers do take advantage of tourists by charging more. You can avoid this from happening by learning how to get around using the local transportation system, while avoiding taxis as much as possible.
Rouge traders
Not far from traders who overcharge are those who shortchange their customers. Beware of vendors who create distractions or count too slowly so that you become impatient and hurriedly leave the store without counting your change. Also, when using ticket machines at rail stations, pay the exact amount, as some are not designed to give back change.
Keep an eye on your cards
When using a credit or debit card, keep an eye on your card and the person handling it. Remember that one swipe should be all it takes; two might mean you paid twice for one bill. Also, look around for inexpensive places to buy food and other necessities. A place that is promoted to be for tourists has much higher prices than the next food establishment that offers a similar menu.
Watch out for pickpockets
When a stranger warns you to watch out for pickpockets and such, avoid reaching for your wallet to check if it’s still there. There have been incidents where those who warn tourists about thieves are the thieves themselves: they count on the potential victim’s instinctive reaction to locate the target - their wallets.
Don’t flash your cash
To avoid losing much and ruining your vacation, it’s best to avoid attracting a scammer’s attention. Keep within reach only an amount of money that you’ll be using for food and transportation, so that you can avoid flaunting your wads of cash to potential muggers. Avoid wearing jewellery, and be in the company of friends or fellow travellers as much as possible. Also, be sure to make eye contact when a stranger is in close proximity or gets in your way, as a way of saying that you will remember them in case they try something awful.
Research your destination
Being well informed about your destination before leaving home proves useful. Know where to get the best deals, the parts of town to stay away from, and the usual price range for the things you’ll need to purchase during your trip.
Backpacker travel insurance
You can purchase great value backpacker travel insurance direct at 24/7 travel insurance. A 2-month trip to Australia, will cost you just £18.93* - a small price to pay to really enjoy your backpacking adventure 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 (October 2009) and are subject to change.
Labels: Backpacking
// posted by 24/7 travel insurance @ 09:04
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Holiday insurance – don’t go abroad without it!
When you are planning your next holiday, whether it is a short trip for a week in Europe or a year long round the world trip, it really is advisable to make sure that you don’t forget to take out holiday insurance. Holiday insurance is not typically a large expense, but the consequences of not having it could be devastating and leave you severely out of pocket.
Pre-travel cover
One of the main reasons for taking out holiday insurance is to cover you in the event that you have to cancel your holiday, for example you fall ill unexpectedly and are unable to travel. If you arrange your insurance cover as soon as you book your holiday, you will be immediately protected should you need to cancel your trip. Without holiday insurance you will more than likely lose your booking deposit or worse still, be liable for the full cost of your holiday.
Be aware of medical costs
There is no doubt that one of the reasons you are going on holiday is to get away from your 9-5 job and to relax and ‘switch off’ from the stresses and strains of modern life. So the last thing you need is to fall ill or have an accident. But if it does happen and you don’t have holiday insurance you could be paying a heavy price. Medical treatment can cost thousands of pounds particularly in countries such as the USA.
The cost of repatriation
If you need to be repatriated back home to the UK, the cost of flights will depend on the class of travel required which will be dependent on the medical condition. For example, whether the passenger can travel seated or requires extra seats for a stretcher. It will also depend on their exact location and destination. Not to mention additional costs such as hotel accommodation for travel companions or medical escorts, medication, road ambulances and other transportation.
Example repatriation costs†:
Air ambulance from the East coast of USA - £30-35,000
Scheduled flight from the Mediterranean - £3,000-£4,500
Scheduled flight from Australia - £8,500
†Source: Cultural Cube
Those without holiday insurance will have to meet those costs themselves. Repatriation is expensive and at a time when the number one priority is to get home, you do not want to be stranded in a far flung destination wondering why you didn’t get the travel insurance cover before you left, so check out 24/7 travel insurance for an instant online quote!
What happens if your flight is delayed?
Imagine if your outward flight is delayed for a long period of time forcing you to cancel your holiday. Without holiday insurance you may not get your money back. Most Single Trip and Annual Multi-trip holiday insurance policies however will cover you for irrecoverable cancellation costs if you decide to abandon your trip after a long delay on your outward journey lasting more than 12 hours. Please note that the period of time that you can claim ‘abandonment cover’ varies from policy to policy so check the policy wording before you buy your holiday insurance cover.
Deleting covers you don’t need
Some holiday insurance policies offer premium discounts for removing certain sections of cover that you don’t need. For example, deleting personal possessions cover. Check your home contents insurance policy, as you may already have cover for your personal possessions while abroad.
Select the right policy for you
After deciding your holiday destination, the dates and length of your trip and what type of activities you will be taking part in, there are three main holiday insurance policy types to choose from - single trip, annual multi-trip, and backpacker travel insurance policies. So if you happen to be a person who likes to go away several times a year at the last minute to take advantage of cheap holiday deals, then taking out an annual multi-trip holiday insurance is the probably the best option. By doing this it saves you having to worry about taking out holiday insurance each time you book a trip, and, if you go away more than two times a year, it will probably work out cheaper too!
Backpacker policies are mainly for those who are taking extended trips typically up to 18 months. The cover and limits may be less than Single Trip and Annual Multi-trip policies, so you should check carefully that the backpacker travel insurance policy provides you with the right level of cover before you take it out. 24/7 travel insurance offers great deals, for example if you are under age 36 travelling for 6 months to Europe, you can buy a ‘standard’ backpacker policy for just £40.58!*
Know before you go!
The FCO have put together a useful travel checklist to help you plan your trip abroad and stay safe whilst you are there. It is definitely worth a read - click here
Better safe than sorry!
Whether it’s a short break or a long haul journey, you can see that it makes sense to have holiday insurance in place. Like the old saying goes, better safe than sorry!
24/7 travel insurance offers great deals on all holiday insurance types, and with premiums starting at just £5.32 ** it’s worth a visit.
* Premium £40.58 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual traveller aged under 36 taking out a ‘standard’ backpacker policy for 6 months to Europe. Cover details and prices are correct at the time of going to press (October 2009) and are subject to change.
** Premium £5.32 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a ‘standard’ single trip policy for 3 days to Europe, travelling within 14 days of departure date, excluding personal possessions cover. Cover details and prices are correct at the time of going to press (October 2009) and are subject to change.
Pre-travel cover
One of the main reasons for taking out holiday insurance is to cover you in the event that you have to cancel your holiday, for example you fall ill unexpectedly and are unable to travel. If you arrange your insurance cover as soon as you book your holiday, you will be immediately protected should you need to cancel your trip. Without holiday insurance you will more than likely lose your booking deposit or worse still, be liable for the full cost of your holiday.
Be aware of medical costs
There is no doubt that one of the reasons you are going on holiday is to get away from your 9-5 job and to relax and ‘switch off’ from the stresses and strains of modern life. So the last thing you need is to fall ill or have an accident. But if it does happen and you don’t have holiday insurance you could be paying a heavy price. Medical treatment can cost thousands of pounds particularly in countries such as the USA.
The cost of repatriation
If you need to be repatriated back home to the UK, the cost of flights will depend on the class of travel required which will be dependent on the medical condition. For example, whether the passenger can travel seated or requires extra seats for a stretcher. It will also depend on their exact location and destination. Not to mention additional costs such as hotel accommodation for travel companions or medical escorts, medication, road ambulances and other transportation.
Example repatriation costs†:
Air ambulance from the East coast of USA - £30-35,000
Scheduled flight from the Mediterranean - £3,000-£4,500
Scheduled flight from Australia - £8,500
†Source: Cultural Cube
Those without holiday insurance will have to meet those costs themselves. Repatriation is expensive and at a time when the number one priority is to get home, you do not want to be stranded in a far flung destination wondering why you didn’t get the travel insurance cover before you left, so check out 24/7 travel insurance for an instant online quote!
What happens if your flight is delayed?
Imagine if your outward flight is delayed for a long period of time forcing you to cancel your holiday. Without holiday insurance you may not get your money back. Most Single Trip and Annual Multi-trip holiday insurance policies however will cover you for irrecoverable cancellation costs if you decide to abandon your trip after a long delay on your outward journey lasting more than 12 hours. Please note that the period of time that you can claim ‘abandonment cover’ varies from policy to policy so check the policy wording before you buy your holiday insurance cover.
Deleting covers you don’t need
Some holiday insurance policies offer premium discounts for removing certain sections of cover that you don’t need. For example, deleting personal possessions cover. Check your home contents insurance policy, as you may already have cover for your personal possessions while abroad.
Select the right policy for you
After deciding your holiday destination, the dates and length of your trip and what type of activities you will be taking part in, there are three main holiday insurance policy types to choose from - single trip, annual multi-trip, and backpacker travel insurance policies. So if you happen to be a person who likes to go away several times a year at the last minute to take advantage of cheap holiday deals, then taking out an annual multi-trip holiday insurance is the probably the best option. By doing this it saves you having to worry about taking out holiday insurance each time you book a trip, and, if you go away more than two times a year, it will probably work out cheaper too!
Backpacker policies are mainly for those who are taking extended trips typically up to 18 months. The cover and limits may be less than Single Trip and Annual Multi-trip policies, so you should check carefully that the backpacker travel insurance policy provides you with the right level of cover before you take it out. 24/7 travel insurance offers great deals, for example if you are under age 36 travelling for 6 months to Europe, you can buy a ‘standard’ backpacker policy for just £40.58!*
Know before you go!
The FCO have put together a useful travel checklist to help you plan your trip abroad and stay safe whilst you are there. It is definitely worth a read - click here
Better safe than sorry!
Whether it’s a short break or a long haul journey, you can see that it makes sense to have holiday insurance in place. Like the old saying goes, better safe than sorry!
24/7 travel insurance offers great deals on all holiday insurance types, and with premiums starting at just £5.32 ** it’s worth a visit.
* Premium £40.58 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual traveller aged under 36 taking out a ‘standard’ backpacker policy for 6 months to Europe. Cover details and prices are correct at the time of going to press (October 2009) and are subject to change.
** Premium £5.32 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a ‘standard’ single trip policy for 3 days to Europe, travelling within 14 days of departure date, excluding personal possessions cover. Cover details and prices are correct at the time of going to press (October 2009) and are subject to change.
Labels: holiday insurance
// posted by 24/7 travel insurance @ 11:30
Friday, 9 October 2009
Airlines increase baggage fees
Some of the big transatlantic airlines are introducing new fees for baggage this autumn. The airlines, including British Airways, say they'll allow passengers to carry just one checked-in bag weighing up to 23kg within the price of an economy fare. Beyond that they'll charge more per second bag per flight, depending on the airline.
The rate may also vary according to the exchange rate as US carriers charge in dollars, and also on the way you pay it. Some airlines, including British Airways and Virgin, will give discounts if you prepay online.
However, not all airlines are adopting this new approach. United Airlines continues to allow two bags within the price of the fare and although Virgin Atlantic is introducing a new charge for a second bag, it says it will take an additional bag of sports equipment weighing up to 23kg, such as golf clubs, at no charge.
New luggage costs
American Airlines First bag free. From September 14, a second bag will cost $50 on a Europe to US route. No online discount.
Continental Airlines First bag free. From September 15, a second bag will cost $50 (checked in at airport), $45 (prepaid online) on a Europe to US route.
British Airways First bag free. From October 7, a second bag will cost £40 (checked in at airport), £32 (pre-booked online). Note the short-haul and domestic charge for a second bag will be £35 (checked in at airport), £28 (prepaid online).
Delta First bag free. Second bag costs $50. No online discount.
United Airlines No charge for first or second checked-in bag.
US Airways First bag free. From November 4, a second bag will cost $25 (checked in at airport), $20 (prepaid online).
Virgin Atlantic First bag free. From November 25, a second bag will cost £40 (checked in at airport) or £32 (pre-booked online). One additional bag of sports equipment (such as golf clubs or ski gear) weighing up to 23kg will be carried free.
Content sourced from The Telegraph Sep 09
Baggage prices taken from airlines websites Sep 09
Pack your travel insurance
24/7 Travel Insurance offers great value and can bought direct from the provider at their website: http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/ . A trip to the USA for a week will cost only £28.36* – a small price to pay for peace of mind!
*Premium £28.36 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 and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (October 2009) and are subject to change.
The rate may also vary according to the exchange rate as US carriers charge in dollars, and also on the way you pay it. Some airlines, including British Airways and Virgin, will give discounts if you prepay online.
However, not all airlines are adopting this new approach. United Airlines continues to allow two bags within the price of the fare and although Virgin Atlantic is introducing a new charge for a second bag, it says it will take an additional bag of sports equipment weighing up to 23kg, such as golf clubs, at no charge.
New luggage costs
American Airlines First bag free. From September 14, a second bag will cost $50 on a Europe to US route. No online discount.
Continental Airlines First bag free. From September 15, a second bag will cost $50 (checked in at airport), $45 (prepaid online) on a Europe to US route.
British Airways First bag free. From October 7, a second bag will cost £40 (checked in at airport), £32 (pre-booked online). Note the short-haul and domestic charge for a second bag will be £35 (checked in at airport), £28 (prepaid online).
Delta First bag free. Second bag costs $50. No online discount.
United Airlines No charge for first or second checked-in bag.
US Airways First bag free. From November 4, a second bag will cost $25 (checked in at airport), $20 (prepaid online).
Virgin Atlantic First bag free. From November 25, a second bag will cost £40 (checked in at airport) or £32 (pre-booked online). One additional bag of sports equipment (such as golf clubs or ski gear) weighing up to 23kg will be carried free.
Content sourced from The Telegraph Sep 09
Baggage prices taken from airlines websites Sep 09
Pack your travel insurance
24/7 Travel Insurance offers great value and can bought direct from the provider at their website: http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/ . A trip to the USA for a week will cost only £28.36* – a small price to pay for peace of mind!
*Premium £28.36 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 and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (October 2009) and are subject to change.
Labels: airline baggage fees
// posted by 24/7 travel insurance @ 10:04
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Long-haul boredom busters!
If you’re the sort of traveller who gets bored just thinking about long journeys, then this blog is for you! Travelling to some far flung destination is great when you’re there, it’s just the getting there that is the boring part. Read on for our long-haul bordom buster tips…
In-flight entertainment
On board your flight the first thing you should do is check out the in-flight entertainment. This depends on the quality of your airline and the class of seat you are in, but many long-haul carriers offer a wide selection of the latest movie releases. Many of the aircraft now have personal TV screens installed for their passengers that enable you to choose what to watch and when - you can even pause the action when dinner's brought round!
As well as films, the in-flight entertainment may offer games and music so take your time to explore what's on offer. Afterall, there's no rush.
Get some sleep
Dozing can take hours off your flight and ensure you arrive at your destination invigorated and less jet-lagged. To help you sleep, the airline may provide you with an eye mask, but it may be worthwhile bringing one with you – just in case. Most of the major long-haul airlines supply their tired passengers with a blanket and pillow.
Move your body
At some point, you should get up and have a stroll up and down the aisle. Not only will this pass a bit of time, but it could help prevent you getting deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from sitting still for too long. There are also some simple exercises you can do while you’re sitting in your seat to prevent DVT and to make yourself feel more comfortable. These range from pointing and curling your toes to lifting your arms in the air. Most airlines will provide details in their in-flight magazine or other in-flight information.
Travelling with children
Check with your airline about hand luggage for children. If they are allowed to have their own bag, let them choose their favourite toys or books to put in it. Remember not to give them everything at once, but save things up for the moments when their patience is running particularly thin and then introduce a new toy or colouring book.
If your child sleeps better with a particular teddy, make sure you bring it. The ultimate achievement for any parent will be to get your children to sleep at some point on the flight, which will give you a chance, finally, to relax yourself!
24/7 travel insurance
Make sure you take out your family 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 weeks family break in Dubai, it will cost you just £38.31* - a small price to pay to really relax and enjoy your holiday all the more!
*Premium £38.31 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on a family (two adults aged 35 and two children aged 10 and 12) taking out a standard family Single Trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 7 days cover in Dubai (Worldwide excluding 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 (October 2009) and are subject to change.
In-flight entertainment
On board your flight the first thing you should do is check out the in-flight entertainment. This depends on the quality of your airline and the class of seat you are in, but many long-haul carriers offer a wide selection of the latest movie releases. Many of the aircraft now have personal TV screens installed for their passengers that enable you to choose what to watch and when - you can even pause the action when dinner's brought round!
As well as films, the in-flight entertainment may offer games and music so take your time to explore what's on offer. Afterall, there's no rush.
Get some sleep
Dozing can take hours off your flight and ensure you arrive at your destination invigorated and less jet-lagged. To help you sleep, the airline may provide you with an eye mask, but it may be worthwhile bringing one with you – just in case. Most of the major long-haul airlines supply their tired passengers with a blanket and pillow.
Move your body
At some point, you should get up and have a stroll up and down the aisle. Not only will this pass a bit of time, but it could help prevent you getting deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from sitting still for too long. There are also some simple exercises you can do while you’re sitting in your seat to prevent DVT and to make yourself feel more comfortable. These range from pointing and curling your toes to lifting your arms in the air. Most airlines will provide details in their in-flight magazine or other in-flight information.
Travelling with children
Check with your airline about hand luggage for children. If they are allowed to have their own bag, let them choose their favourite toys or books to put in it. Remember not to give them everything at once, but save things up for the moments when their patience is running particularly thin and then introduce a new toy or colouring book.
If your child sleeps better with a particular teddy, make sure you bring it. The ultimate achievement for any parent will be to get your children to sleep at some point on the flight, which will give you a chance, finally, to relax yourself!
24/7 travel insurance
Make sure you take out your family 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 weeks family break in Dubai, it will cost you just £38.31* - a small price to pay to really relax and enjoy your holiday all the more!
*Premium £38.31 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on a family (two adults aged 35 and two children aged 10 and 12) taking out a standard family Single Trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 7 days cover in Dubai (Worldwide excluding 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 (October 2009) and are subject to change.
Labels: Long haul travel
// posted by 24/7 travel insurance @ 14:30
Thursday, 1 October 2009
When in Rome...
Rome has many historical and cultural attractions to offer the traveller. As the capital of Italy, it's also a dynamic modern hub blending old and new. There are many places to visit in Rome, which include the famous Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, The Trevi Fountain and the Sistine Chapel. One item you should not forget to pack, along with your travel insurance, is some comfortable walking shoes!
When to go?
April to June and late September to October are the best months for travelling in Italy, temperatures are usually mild and the crowds aren't quite so intense. Starting in mid-June, the summer rush really picks up, and from July to mid-September the country is popular with visitors. For the best flight deals, shop around on cheapflights.co.uk.
Accommodation:
There are a great range of hotels in Rome, with something to suit everyone. Check out lastminute.com for some great Rome hotel deals.
Rome attractions:
- St. Peter's Square is located directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City a popular tourist hotspot where 2000 years of history come together. In ancient times, the land underneath the portico was part of a popular racetrack.
- Museums – a collection of Renaissance art is housed in the Vatican Galleries and Museum. The Museum and the Basilica are the only buildings in Vatican City that are open to the public.
- Vatican City covering about 108 acres and with a population of just over 500 (including the Pope), is one of the youngest and smallest European states. However, Vatican City does have a grocery store, chemist, post office and a train station. The Pope, the religious leader of some 900 million Catholics worldwide, is its governing sovereign ruler.
- The Sistine Chapel, built toward the end of the fifteenth century is most famous for its elaborately decorated ceiling. Be sure to bring along binoculars to view the 10,000 square feet of ceiling painted by Michelangelo. In the summer, approximately 1600 people visit the chapel every hour! Leave your cameras behind as no pictures are permitted.
- Trevi Fountain. Trevi is short for "tre vie" or three streets, which converge on the small square containing one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions. There is also a legend linked to the famous fountain. If a visitor tosses a coin into the fountain, they are bound to return to Rome. It is also said that it brings good luck is a person throws in three coins with their right hand over their left shoulder. Over 3,000 Euro are thrown into the fountain daily!
- The Colosseum is a former Roman stadium that is 150 feet high and was used for holding gladiator contests and shows for the Roman people. During its heyday, the 80 entrances allowed 50,000 spectators to take their seats within 10 minutes. The crowd watched shows involving exotic animals, naval battle simulations and fights with lions. The most popular games held were the venationes (hunts) and the munera (gladiatorial games).
Getting around:
The best way to explore Rome is definitely on foot with many sites of interest often clustered together. By exploring Rome by foot, you will discover endless monuments, unusual cafes and bars, and find charming family restaurants. For more information on Rome’s transport click here.
Finally, don’t forget your holiday insurance!
If after reading this blog you like the sound of Rome, 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 Rome holiday 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 (October 2009) and are subject to change.
Labels: travel insurance
// posted by 24/7 travel insurance @ 09:32
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