24/7 Travel Insurance Blog

A guide to the best attractions in Amsterdam

2008-11-27T14:57:00.001Z

While Amsterdam is considered to be a relatively small city, there are certainly a host of attractions to choose from as well as those catering for the stag weekends! In this blog we will look at a selection of some of the best places to visit in Amsterdam to wet your appetite if you are going anytime soon.

A bit of history

Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands and is located in the province of North Holland in the west of the country. The city comprises the northern part of the Randstad, the 6th largest metropolitan area in Europe with a population of around 6.7 million. Its name is derived from Amstel dam, indicative of the city's origin - a dam in the river Amstel where the Dam Square is today. Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age and during this time the city was the leading centre for both finance and diamonds.

Amsterdam is said to be the 5th busiest tourist destination in Europe with over 4.2 million international visitors each year. Certain years have a theme in Amsterdam to bring in extra tourists; for example ‘2006’ was designated "Rembrandt 400" to celebrate the 400th birthday of Rembrandt Van Rijn.

For more information you can visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam

The Van Gogh Museum

Without a doubt, the Van Gough Museum is a place definitely worth visiting and houses the world's largest collection of works by Van Gogh. The collection includes paintings and drawings as well as letters spanning his impressionist years in Paris to his last years in St. Remy. Works by some of Van Gogh's contemporaries and friends such as Gauguin and Toulouse-Lautrec are also displayed. The museum regularly has exhibitions highlighting art toward the end of the 19th century. You can find more information by visiting this website: http://www3.vangoghmuseum.nl/vgm/index.jsp.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

This is a very popular tourist attraction with over 3 million passengers a year taking the cruise. There are a variety of options on offer such as sunset and night cruises, and there are also music, theatre, drinking and romance cruises available! Whether you are in an open top canal boat or a self pedalled canal bike, this is the best way to see a range of some of the best sights on offer. These include 17th century mansions and fantastic architecture ranging from medieval to modern. Visit http://www.amsterdam.info/tours/canalcruise/ to find out more.

Anne Frank House

Make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to see where Anne Frank produced her world renowned diary. It is the house where Anne Frank and her family went into hiding on July 6, 1942 during the German occupation and where they lived in isolation for more than two years. All the furniture was removed when the occupants were detained in 1944, but films and other media, including the diary of Anne, give you a fascinating insight into what life was like. The museum also displays information about the 100,000 Dutch Jews who died during the Holocaust. Click Here to find out more.

The Heineken Experience

A visit to this historic brewery is a must for any beer lover. The tour takes you on a walk through a re-created street from the late nineteenth century (when the brewery was a small, family-owned business) to a visit to the old brewhouse which dates back to 1913.There are also rooms with a variety of multi-media entertainment and video monitors describing the brewing process. You will visit rooms that once served as aging cellars and a visit to the Brewhouse Bar and the See You Again Bar will give you the opportunity to taste the real thing! Visit www.heinekenexperience.com to get your taste buds going!

Cycling

Getting around by bike in Amsterdam is the main form of transport and is a very good way of seeing all the wonderful sights of the city at your own pace. It gives you an opportunity to experience the city from a different point of view and to soak up the lively atmosphere along the way. For more information visit: http://www.canal.nl/en/index.php.

Don’t forget your holiday insurance!

After reading this blog and you like the sound of going to Amsterdam, 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 city.

* 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 (November 2008) and are subject to change.

Get on your bike!

2008-11-21T09:17:00.001Z

If you are thinking of doing something a little different for your next holiday, why not try a cycling holiday. They can be fun, relatively cheap; don’t harm the environment and, best of all, you can do things at your own pace. In this blog we will look at what you can do to get the most of your trip as well as a selection of some of the best cycling holidays in the world.

Choose the right equipment and footwear

Wearing the correct clothing for your cycling holiday is vital, so make sure you pack a good pair of cycling shorts or trousers, cycling gloves, cycling jerseys, cycling shoes and a cycling jacket. It is also important to have some layered clothes especially if you are cycling high up in the hills where it can be very cold. To find the deals on cycling clothing it is worth surfing the internet where you will come across sites such as http://www.bottombracket.co.uk/cycle-clothing.html and http://www.cyclesportsuk.co.uk/index.php?cPath=48 .
Don’t forget your cycling sunglasses which have some advantages over standard sunglasses in that they have wrap round lenses to keep flies and any debris out of your eyes, and most have shatterproof lenses for safety. Sun cream is also essential especially when the weather is hot and humid and it’s the middle of the day.

Drink plenty of water

To prevent yourself getting dehydrated, make sure that you take a water bottle with you – just like the professionals do! Drinking water regularly whilst cycling will enable you to cycle for longer without feeling fatigued, allowing you can see more of the country you are visiting.

What is your level of fitness?

You should check that your fitness levels are capable of handling the trip so you can go at the pace you are most comfortable with. One thing you don’t want to find is that you either can’t keep up with the group or alternatively you are held back by the group who aren’t as capable as yourself. As well as this you have to decide whether you want a linear route, by going point to point, or a circular one, where by you can return to your ‘home’ each day. It is also important to check the cycling trip’s ability level rating so you know exactly what to expect before you set off!

Salzkammergut cycle path, Austria

It has been said that the Salzkammergut is Austria’s own answer to the Lake District, so bearing in mind this comparison it does sound a very tempting place to visit. The location is very picturesque with it being in the foothills of the Alps with spectacular mountains and lakes to distract you while you are cycling! The great thing about this holiday is you can select which trail you want depending on what level you are at. For more information visit http://www.radtouren.at/en/radwege/genussradtouren/salzkammergutradweg.html.

Southern Jewel Cycle Adventure, New Zealand

When you hear the word “jewel” mentioned, you know that it’s going to be something special, so this adventure in New Zealand really is one that is worth investigating. The tour starts and finishes in Christchurch and you have the option of either a 40 mile or a 60 mile ride. Along the way the views are certainly a sight to behold with snow capped mountains as well as historic goldmining towns to view along the way. To find out more visit http://gorptravel.away.com/xnet/one-product.tcl?product_id=114293.

Cycling in Cumbria

There are certainly some fantastic locations in the UK for cycling and there is no doubt that you won’t do better than going to Cumbria where there really is everything you could wish for and more! If road cycling is what you are looking for, then the Lake District National Park and the rolling hills of the Eden Valley are experiences you won’t forget in a hurry. Alternatively, you can try mountain biking and the Lake District was voted best UK destination in the ‘What Mountain Bike’ magazine in 2006. If you are looking for a cycling holiday for all the family, one of the options is traffic free rides. To find out more on this superb cycling destination visit Cycling Cumbria at http://www.cyclingcumbria.co.uk/default.aspx.

Jotunheimen National Park, Norway - a classic road cycling holiday

Jotunheimen is the highest mountain area in Scandinavia, which makes for an awesome cycling vacation as you venture through Norway’s eye catching National Parks as well viewing the fjord scenery on offer. As well as these benefits, if you want to experience the cleanest of fresh air there is no better place to breath it in! If you are looking for inspiration then click here.

New Forest, Hampshire

With 100 miles of traffic free tracks as well as ponies to spot, it makes this cycling experience a very popular one. If you are looking to go for a gentle family cycling break this is a great destination that caters for everyone’s needs. There are some very pleasant places to stay such as Careys Manor Hotel (www.careysmanor.com), and for assistance in hiring bikes visit www.newforestcyclehire.co.uk. So don’t let the opportunity pass you by as it’s worth taking on all that the New Forest has to offer!

Remember your Travel Insurance!

Whilst on your cycling break, you want to relax and unwind. So put your mind at ease by taking out travel insurance – just in case! You can purchase great value travel insurance direct at 24/7 travel insurance by visiting their website at: www.247travelinsurance.co.uk. For a week’s family cycling holiday in Europe, it will cost you only £14.00* - a small price to pay so you can enjoy your cycling all the more!

*Premium £14.00 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on a family comprising of 2 adults aged under 55 and 2 children under 18 taking out a “Standard” family single-trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 7 days in Europe excluding personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (November 2008) and are subject to change.

Experience the ultimate thrill!

2008-11-12T09:27:00.003Z

For all you adrenaline junkies out there, the ‘rush’ of a bungee jump is a very satisfying experience and one that always creates a great sense of achievement and excitement. In this blog we look at some safety advice when bungee jumping as well as a selection of the most spectacular bungee jumps in the world.

Look after your own safety

Safety should be at the top of your priority list if you are planning to take part in the extreme sport of bungee jumping. After all it is not every day that you jump off of an object 100 feet or more in the air attached only by a large rubber cord!

Individuals planning to bungee jump should be fit and healthy. A physical evaluation is critical to ensure that you are the right height and weight within the target range, and accurate measurements are recommended for proper fitting of equipment, including weight-bearing cords and body harnesses. You should also have a normal heart rate and blood pressure for taking on the jump. If you are in the hands of recognised and professional staff, this should mean that you are provided with the right equipment and dress to carry out the activity.

The most common accidents occur when the individual becomes entangled with the cord. Also, the miscalculation of the elasticity of the bungee cord may allow the impact of the head with the ground to occur which can be fatal.

One last thing that is important is to check the weather as respected companies should always call off bungee jumping if conditions aren’t right. For more information visit: http://www.safesport.co.uk/BungeeJumpingSafety.html.

“Goldeneye” Bungee Jump, Ticino, Switzerland

Have you always wondered what it would be like to take on the famous bungee jump that was played out in the first scene of the James Bond movie “Goldeneye”? If so you can take a dive off the wall of the Verzasca dam in the Vezasca valley and pretend to be a 007 agent! The dam measures 220 metres high and takes around 7.5 seconds to fall, allowing you some time to admire the beautiful Swiss scenery - that’s if you can manage to keep your eyes open! The Ticino valley in Switzerland offers a varied landscape, with the Alps on one side, a lake on the other, and an emerald green river at the bottom, making your bungee a truly memorable experience. If you have the courage to take on this bungee jump, it will certainly be a great story to tell all your friends and family. You can find out more information at: http://www.ticino.ch/15/common_details.jsp?id=77102.

Victoria Falls Bridge, Zimbabwe

If you love waterfalls and have thought about combining this with the adrenaline rush of a bungee jump, then how about a 111 metre plummet towards the Zambezi River? The Victoria Falls bridge lies in ‘no mans land’ between the Zambian and Zimbabwean border posts with the spectacular Victoria Falls in the background, which makes the jump a memorable experience. As well as this there is the opportunity to have photos and a video taken of your jump to round off the whole experience. Click here to find out more.

Great Canadian Bungee

A few years ago there was a campaign that was run in Canada, termed ‘Keep Exploring’ so how about exploring the highest bungee jump in the country. The Great Canadian Bungee is a fascinating place to go as you will find that you literally jump of a cliff edge. You will be jumping in an amphitheatre of solid limestone and be surrounded by a 160 foot deep aqua blue spring fed lagoon which is larger than three football fields. So if you have the nerve to attempt this bungee jump and want to know more visit: http://www.bungee.ca/.

Bloukrans River Bridge, South Africa

The Bloukrans River Bridge is the world’s highest commercially operated bungee jump according to the Guinness Book of World Records. You will find that it has the highest single span arch bridge in the world and it is situated along the famous Garden Route about 40km east of Plettenberg Bay in South Africa. The jump itself is 216 metres above the Bloukrans River, and you can be safe in the knowledge that pendulum bungy technology is in place to make it the ultimate bungee experience! For more information click here.

The Nevis Arc, Queenstown, New Zealand

If you are thinking of going to New Zealand, then why not try a very recent bungee jumping adrenaline innovation called “The Nevis Arc” – it is certainly worth checking out! The great thing about this experience is the fact that you can choose the height you bungee from and the all important fear level you are prepared to go for! Find out more by visiting: http://www.bungy.co.nz/index.php/pi_pageid/159

Take out the all important Travel Insurance!

Especially when doing bungee jumping you need to make sure you are covered and you will be pleased to know that it is an activity automatically covered by 247 Travel Insurance. Cover for a 14 day trip to Switzerland costs only £8.76* - a small price to pay to have peace of mind before your jump! For more details visit http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/

*Premium £8.76 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a “Standard” single trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 14 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 (November 2008) and are subject to change.

Embark on a Safari adventure of a lifetime!

2008-11-03T09:07:00.006Z

If you have never been on a safari before and are thinking now is the time to go on one, make sure you don’t let the opportunity pass you by as it really is an unforgettable experience. In this blog we will look at some important things to remember to help make your safari a memorable experience, as well as a selection of some of the best safaris in the world to choose from.

Prepare yourself before you go

There are certain essentials that you should take on your trip including the basics such as a safari hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and mosquito repellent and, to make the most of your time, a good pair of binoculars, a torch, and a digital camera for all those important photos! In terms of medical advice you should get in contact with your GP for any injections required, and get up to date advice on inoculation requirements.

What should you expect?

Whilst it is quite possible that you are so entranced and captivated by the adventure that you think there can’t be any negative aspects of taking in a safari on your holiday. However, a safari can be difficult due to the heat, insects, delayed flights and unreliable vehicles. Another issue is that the quality of your safari experience can depend quite a lot on the tour operator you are using. The best tour operators should provide a safari vehicle of the highest quality and provide respected and recommended guides to allow you to see all the animals you wish to see. So it is important to talk to a couple of tour operators and travel agents to get a good understanding of what each provides so you can make the right choice when taking on your adventure.

Masai Mara National Reserve

When going on holiday in Kenya, the Masai Mara National Reserve is a major attraction and certainly one of the main reasons tourists go there. You will find the Reserve in southwest Kenya on the border of Tanzania and it is located in the Rift Valley with the Serengeti Plains running along its southern end. There are a variety of things that you can do such as Game Drives where the safari package will include several daily drives or alternatively Walking Safaris where a Maasai guide will take you round.

Bwindi National Park

If you want to go on a Gorilla Safari then look no further than the Bwindi National Park in Uganda where Gorilla Tracking is very popular. It is based in south west Uganda on the border of the western Rift valley. There are 4 different groups to choose from which include: The Mubare Group, Habinyanja Group, Rushegura Group and the Nkuring Group. One thing is for sure is you should be prepared for a physical workout as Gorilla Tracking can require a vigorous effort to get through a whole day! If you would like to know more visit http://www.safari-uganda.com/uganda/bwindi.php and http://www.gorillatrackinguganda.com/

NB. Before travelling to Uganda check the FCO website at http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/sub-saharan-africa/uganda

Khao Sok National Park in Thailand

Visiting the Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani province you will find some spectacular views as it is covered by the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world with huge limestone mountains as well as deep valleys making it a fantastic place to visit. There are a couple of tours that you can choose from; whether it be a 1 day, 2 day or 3 day adventure where you are taken right into the heart of the national park with the option of either elephant trekking, canoeing and jungle trekking. This website provides additional information and might be helpful when choosing your safari: http://realtravel.com/khao_sok_national_park-thailand-reviews-hotels-d753144.html

Ranthambore and Corbett National Park India

Have you ever thought of a Tiger Safari? Visiting the Ranthambore and Corbett National Park you will come across one of the finest tiger reserves in the country. With its ‘friendly’ tigers it is amongst one of the most filmed wildlife reserves in the world. It is situated in Eastern Rajasthan where the Vindhyan plateau and Aravali Hill ranges meet and is 130 km to the southeast of Jaipur. To find out more visit http://www.wildlifeindiatravel.com/indian-national-parks/ranthambore-national-park.html and http://www.dharssi.org.uk/travel/india/ranthambore.html.

Don’t forget your travel insurance!

Just in case you have an accident or fall ill on your travels, don’t forget to take out travel insurance before you leave home. Please ensure you check the policy wording to make sure you have cover for going on a safari. 24/7 travel insurance offers great value cover and automatically covers you for taking in a safari provided it is organised in the UK prior to departure. For example, a 14 day trip to African costs only £16.64* - a small price to pay for peace of mind whilst on a safari! http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/

*Premium £16.64 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 14 days in Africa 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 2008) and are subject to change.

Money saving advice to ski past the credit crunch!

2008-10-22T17:44:00.002+01:00

Considering the global financial crisis that has dominated the headlines of late, a lot of people will be looking for ways to cut costs in any way they can. If one of your passions involves skiing and you are having second thoughts about taking a ski holiday due to the cost, this blog is written for you. It offers some useful tips and advice on how you can make cost savings...and even possibly still have some money spare to enjoy your après ski!

Get the timing right

There is no doubt that there are certain times of the year that you want to avoid when it comes to paying high prices for your skiing holiday. These include: February half term, Easter, Christmas and New Year. It is best to target early December and January after New Year for the best deals. Also because Easter is late next year you may also find some good deals in March.
Another good tip is to book your holiday early. When you are booking flight tickets separately, low budget airlines like Easyjet and Ryanair offer the best prices the earlier you book. The alternative is to book at the last minute and websites such as www.lastminute.com provides some fantastic discounts and savings. To find out more go to http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2008/sep/28/top100skibreaks.skiing3

Airport parking is another big cost but if you pre-book your parking you can save up to 50%. Three websites worth visiting for low cost airport parking are: www.holidayextras.co.uk/airport-parking and http://www.travelsupermarket.com/c/guides/airport/parking-and-hotels/ and http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-airport-parking

Where to go

The more famous the resort, the more it normally costs. To save money you have two options: go for a lesser known and less expensive destination or find cheaper accommodation in your first-choice resort.

Get the best exchange rate

The rate of exchange can make a big difference to the cost of your ski holiday. To get the best rate do your research before you go. Websites such as http://www.xe.com/ and www.moneysavingexpert.com are certainly worth visiting. Tip: When changing money abroad check out the commission rates on currency exchange and credit cards.

Accommodation

There are some good ways of cutting costs in terms of where you are staying.

Book self-catering accommodation particularly if you are in a large group as the larger the chalet/apartment the cheaper the “per bed” cost.
Cut out the luxuries - if you are going to be hitting the slopes on a regular basis there really is no need to have extras like room service and a swimming pool. You can also save money by staying in three star hotels and B&B’s which still provide a friendly atmosphere when you come back after a hard day on the piste!
Big resorts can work out cheaper than smaller ones as they have a greater variety of hotels, such as one- and two-star hotels and a greater choice of good-value restaurants.

For further advice click here

Clothing and equipment

For first time skiers buying ski clothing and equipment can be a big expense in the overall cost of a ski holiday. You can save money by not buying at the resort but searching out for good deals in the UK before you go. Shops such as TK Maxx (www.tkmaxx.com) are worth checking out as they are one of the biggest suppliers of ski clothing in Britain. Ebay (www.ebay.co.uk) is another good source of both new and second-hand ski clothing and equipment. Tip: If you are new to skiing don’t splash out on expensive ski wear you may never use again. You can hire ski clothing and equipment from Edge2Edge (www.edge2edge.co.uk).

Beware of airline baggage charges

While you may want to take all your ski equipment on holiday to save on ski hire costs, please be aware that by going by plane, some airlines charge for ski carriage. For example, currently Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) charges £50 and Easyjet (www.easyjet.com) charge £33. However, some airlines such as Swiss, BA and Snowjet currently don't charge to carry your ski gear. Bear this in mind when comparing flight prices.

Getting to your resort

Self drive is a popular option especially for families. One main benefit is that you can take as much baggage as your vehicle will allow space for. With an average journey time of 10-12 hours to the Alps it can be a cheaper option for families than flying. For a family self catering ski holiday, you can save money by purchasing food at supermarkets away from your resort. Other advantages include being able to drive through some fantastic mountain roads with some great scenery. For more information click here.

The larger the group the better!

If you manage to get enough of your friends to come, then there is a chance you can get your own holiday for free! There are some really good deals on offer such as with Neilson you can get 25% off bookings for groups of seven or more and, as well as this, you can get free lift passes. Also Inghams has a free place in eight at all chalets and selected hotels. So try and persuade as many friends as possible to come along – not only will you have more fun in a crowd, you will be saving money as well!

Eating out

Eating in restaurants on the mountains can be very expensive. Some hotels offer packed lunches which will not only save you money compared to mountain prices but will also save you time from queuing! If you are not on half board, make lunch your main meal and eat in the resort. There are usually lunch–time specials which work out cheaper than eating on the mountain or having dinner in the evening. Drinks too in a resort are expensive, so make the most of happy hour or après-ski specials.

Don’t forget travel insurance with winter sports cover!

You want to relax when on the piste so you can enjoy your ski holiday all the more. To put your mind at ease, make sure you take out travel insurance including winter sports cover just in case you have an accident and need medical treatment. www.247travelinsurance.co.uk offers winter sports cover for 1 week in Europe for just £15.54*.

Happy skiing!

*Premium £15.54 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on 1 adult aged under 55 taking out a ‘Standard’ Single Trip policy with Winter Sports cover for 7 days in Europe and travelling within 14 days of purchase. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (October 2008) and are subject to change.

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

Cutting your mobile phone costs when travelling abroad

2008-10-16T10:55:00.002+01:00

Have you ever been horrified at the cost of using your mobile phone abroad and the fact that you have to pay to receive calls as well as make them! With a bit of planning you may be able to cut down your mobile phone costs. This blog tells you how*.

Plan ahead

It is like a lot of things in life, ‘failing to prepare is preparing to fail’, so if you are planning to use your mobile phone on holiday make sure you are fully equipped with the facts to ensure you don’t face a hefty bill!

Call charges

Before departing on your holiday, make sure you know what your mobile phone provider charges for roaming in the country you are visiting. Some mobile phone operators charge flat rates for text messages and calls to the UK no matter what time of day it is or what foreign network you use. So when you arrive at your destination you can simply turn on your mobile phone on and use the network it automatically defaults to. Simple!

Certain networks however (Vodafone, Virgin and Three) charge different call rates depending on which foreign network you use. It is therefore worthwhile finding out which foreign network is cheapest before you leave the UK so that you can select it manually when you arrive at your destination.

Price comparison

Getting an overview of what prices each mobile phone company charge is a good place to start and save money. The Internet is ideal for this and websites such as www.moneysavingexpert.co.uk are a great source of information. Moneysavingexpert.com has an International Callchecker which compares daily the different prices of calling abroad from each provider.

Another good way of keeping costs to a minimum is by using payphones for local calls and then buying an international card for calls back to the UK.

Text messaging

It is best to try and limit the amount of text messages you send as the costs can mount up very quickly. The European Commission is proposing to reduce the cost of text messaging which may come into force next summer after it has been approved by Governments and the European Parliament. For more information on this click here

SIM cards

If you are going away for an extended period in one country, e.g. a Gap year, it might be worth considering buying a SIM card. You can buy an International one in the UK before you go or one at your destination. For further information visit these websites www.0044.co.uk and www.uk2abroad.co.uk.

Check your mobile phone works abroad

The last thing you need is your phone not to work when you arrive at your destination. So well in advance of your departure date there are a few things you need to do. Firstly, check whether your mobile phone will work at your destination – if you are visiting the USA and Canada, for example, you will need a tri-band phone. Secondly, check with your mobile phone provider to make sure you can use your phone in the country you are visiting – not all networks allow you to roam anywhere. Thirdly, ask your mobile phone provider whether or not they have to activate your phone for use abroad. Finally, check the network coverage in the country you are visiting.

Travel adaptor and phone charger

These are vital items to pack in your rucksack or suitcase before you go, so you are not left in the middle of nowhere with a mobile phone with a flat battery!

Don’t forget your holiday insurance!

You can also cut down your holiday insurance costs by buying cover online. For great value holiday insurance why not check out 247 travel insurance which offers cover from as little as £4.38*.

* Source: http://www.which.co.uk/advice/using-your-mobile-abroad/index.jsp

** Premium £4.38 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 2008) and are subject to change.

Holiday insurance – don’t go abroad without it!

2008-10-08T09:32:00.001+01:00

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. This blog has been especially written to highlight the importance of taking out holiday insurance before you go on your travels.

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. Top tip: 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. For more information click here and you will see for yourself just how steep medical costs can be.

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 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.

Your personnel possessions

There is nothing worse than losing something on holiday, whether it your passport, an item of jewellery or your camera. If you don’t have holiday insurance or ‘cover away from home’ under your home contents insurance you won’t be able to replace your lost items. Top tip: most holiday insurance policies stipulate a maximum limit of cover for valuable items and a limit for any one item. If you are planning on taking expensive jewellery or photographic equipment with you on holiday it may be better to cover these items under your household insurance. Some holiday insurance even offer a premium discount if you exclude personal possessions cover so it is worth checking which policies offer this option.

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 principal holiday insurance policy types to choose from. These are single trip, annual multi-trip, and backpacker policies. Top tip: 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! For regular travellers this website is worth a visit: Spontaneous travellers should have annual holiday insurance.

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 policy provides you with the right level of cover before you take it out. There are certainly some great deals to be had and comparison sites such as http://www.moneysupermarket.com/ and http://www.confused.com/ are worth checking out. Likewise, 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 £33.55!*

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 weekend getaway or a long haul journey, you can see that it makes sense to have holiday insurance in place. Holiday insurance should not to be taken as an optional holiday extra, so make sure it’s on your checklist and ticked off before you go. Like the old saying goes, better safe than sorry!

Top tip: 24/7 travel insurance offers great deals on all holiday insurance types, and with premiums starting at just £4.38 ** it’s worth a visit.

* Premium £33.55 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 2008) and are subject to change.

** Premium £4.38 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 2008) and are subject to change

Tee off on a golfing holiday!

2008-10-02T13:09:00.002+01:00

After the aftermath of the Ryder Cup and the interest that it created, I am sure there are many of you who are motivated to dust off your golfing clubs and get out on the course to demonstrate your golfing prowess. If you happen to be booking a holiday in Europe there are some great opportunities to play at some of the best golfing resorts in the world. In this blog we will look at some tips to help you prepare and get the most out of your golfing holiday as well as a selection of 5 destinations to play.

Book yourself or through a specialist company

When planning your trip, you have to decide if you want to do it off your own back or choose a recognised company where everything is taken care off. You may decide that you can have more flexibility by organising it yourself, and for some people it is nice to be able to set their own itinerary if they are with friends or family as you can do things at your own pace. When selecting a company you should be looking for one that offers golf booking, hotel reservations and car hire as an all in one package. Make sure that you check what is covered in the ‘all inclusive’ charges as a respected company should provide insurance coverage and there should not be any hidden charges.

Choosing the ideal resort

You need to decide your priorities in terms of what you are hoping to get out of the trip. Do you want a once in a lifetime opportunity and stay in top class accommodation whilst playing on some of the most spectacular courses in the world? Or would you prefer a low key destination, but still get the satisfaction of playing on courses that in its own unique way provide just as much joy as the well known courses in the world.

La Manga

La Manga Club in Spain has one of the most renowned reputations in the world and no matter what standard you are, it is sure you to provide you with an unforgettable experience. If you are looking for a relaxing family holiday or looking to take on the golfing academy, you won’t find a better place around. To find out more check out their website: http://www.lamangaspain.co.uk/.

Valderrama

There is no doubt that if you venture to the Costa del Sol there won’t be a shortage of golf courses to choose from as after all, it hasn’t been named the ‘Costa del Golf’ without good reason! Playing at the Valderrama Golf Club you will be playing at what many people have called a very similar version of the famous Augusta course in America. Valderrama is ranked among the top 100 courses in the world, one of the top 10 in Europe and 1st in Spain. It is certainly an exclusive place to play and doesn’t come cheap, but if you visit The top 100 Golf courses of the world website you should find that the temptation of playing there is too good an opportunity to miss!

Praia D’El Rey

How about going to Spain’s neighbour country Portugal? There is certainly a wide range of spectacular golf courses to choose from. For example, if you want to stay in luxury accommodation by a spectacular sandy beach, as well as combining your passion for golf, then Praia D’El Rey Golf & Beach Resort is certainly the place to go. For further information visit their official website at: http://www.praia-del-rey.com/

Saint-Malo Hotel Golf

Over the channel and you can find Northern Brittany’s Emerald Coast in France as a very appealing and picturesque destination for a proposed holiday. Staying at the Saint Malo Hotel Golf you will have some fantastic sea views whilst staying in a 19th Century Manor House. So combining all this with your time on the golf course should make it a very rewarding experience indeed!

St Andrews

St Andrews in Scotland has a very revered reputation. To be able to tell your friends and family that you have had the pleasure of playing at this world famous golf club would certainly make them sit up and take notice! It certainly isn’t called the ‘home of golf’ for nothing, with 11 courses designed to suit all ranges of ability and experience. St Andrews is steeped in history and the views are quite spectacular, making it a must for all golf fans. For more information visit their website at: http://www.StAndrewsgolf.org/

Don’t forget your insurance!

When going for a Golf Holiday, there is no doubt that taking out Golf Insurance and Travel Insurance is vital to put your mind at ease – very important when playing golf!
There are a number of specialist golf insurance providers that cover golf equipment, public liability and accidental damage to property. One worth looking at is Golfplan which is one of Europe's largest specialist golf insurance providers and is endorsed by the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA).

Travel insurance is also important to give you cover before and during your trip with Cancellation and emergency medical expenses. 24/7 Travel Insurance offers cover for 7 days in Europe from only £7.77*.

* Premium £7.77 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on 1 adult aged under 55 taking out a ‘Standard’ Single Trip policy for 7 days in Europe and travelling within 14 days of purchase. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (October 2008) and are subject to change.

Get Walking!

2008-09-25T17:03:00.028+01:00

Nowadays there is a wide range of walking and hiking holidays available which can accommodate everyone’s needs. The options can vary from guided groups to tailor-made tours. So if it is a leisurely or a more gruelling adventure you are after, there are many ways to achieve your walking desires. An increasing number of companies offer walking tours all around the world, as after all the best way to get the ultimate feel of a landscape is to walk!

Britain

On our very doorstep you can celebrate the best of British scenery, from coastal paths and countryside to the wilds of the Peak District and Scotland. There is Arnside Knott in Cumbria overlooking Morecambe Bay on one side and the Lake District on the other. If you happen to be on the Northumberland coast, soak up its wide open skies and colourful variety of birds and flowers and for the more adventurous, go hiking in Britain’s National Parks. The Norfolk Broads, New Forest, Peak District and the Brecon Beacons National Park offer short or long walks, a leisurely stroll or a more demanding hike. The National Trust website has suggested routes and great walking ideas with downloadable maps, ideas for places to eat and stay and also points of interest on each walk. The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site is also worth a visit to discover the Dorset and East Devon Coast which has achieved World Heritage status, and the Lake District National Park’s site guides you through leisurely walks to more demanding hill walks.

Mainland Europe

There is nothing quite like exploring beautiful lakes and mountains on your travels. For example the breathtaking scenery of Carinthia and the Dolomites in Austria are great places to visit. Another popular place for British tourists is Mallorca (Majorca). Walking through La Serrania allows you to soak up the picturesque island by foot and is certainly worth slotting it into your itinerary if you are thinking of going there. The Alps has a well renowned reputation for its mountain range and if you haven’t been there already check out this website: http://www.tirol.at/xxl/en/771525/index.html which should be enough to tempt you to go and explore the 36 scenic holiday regions for yourself.

Further afield!

If you happen to be in the region of Australasia, the Blue Mountains in Australia’s New South Wales http://www.bluemts.com.au/ or the walks of South Island and North Island in New Zealand can cater for every type of walk or hike. The snow capped mountains, alpine lakes, rainforests or valleys that make up the natural scenery of New Zealand is something else, and the added bonus is the climate is similar to the UK even if takes over a day to get there! Alternatively climb Table Mountain in South Africa and take in the best ever views imaginable. For more information visit http://www.tablemountain.net/ . To get the ultimate challenge in hiking and if you really want to test yourself, the Himalayas is a must. There are many websites to visit for information and ideas including this one http://www.himalayankingdoms.com/ which caters for every type of holiday ranging from climbing a trekking peak such as Island Peak to a gentle trek in Nepal.

Walking Tips

To be able to undertake your proposed walk or hike, it is essential that you are fully prepared and equipped. These are a few tips we have put together:

1. A Topographic Map - A good topographic map is essential as it has features such as rivers, hills and other terrain to help you get from A to B.

2. Always warm-up - Stretching out before and after walking is important to prevent injuries. In particular, pay attention to the calf muscles, hamstrings and quadriceps.

3. Wear the right clothes and footwear - Light layers are advisable as you are likely to get warm whilst walking. It’s always worth taking waterproofs too. Comfortable footwear that has preferably been worn before is essential to avoid blisters and calluses.

4. Take enough water and food - It is important to keep hydrated, especially if walking long distances or exercising in hot weather, as well as taking enough food. For a more leisurely approach, why not take a picnic and make a day of it.

5. Don’t forget - Do not carry more than you need and always have a compass and mobile phone with you. It is also vital to let people know where you are going.

For further tips visit: http://www.gelert.com/FaqDisp.aspx?catkey=2 and http://www.walkingandhiking.co.uk/WhatToDoEmergency.html

Don’t forget your travel insurance!

Wherever it is that you may be planning to walk in the world, don’t forget to take out travel insurance before you go. 24/7 travel insurance offers great deals, for example if you happen to be visiting Europe for 2 weeks the cost is only £10.01* - a small price to pay for peace of mind whilst walking and hiking!

* £10.01 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single-trip policy for 14 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 (September 2008) and are subject to change.

Thinking of going down under?

2008-09-17T11:04:00.003+01:00

As the summer in the UK draws to a close, and you are thinking about travelling in the winter to warmer climates a very popular place for British tourists to go is Australia. While the 24 hour journey might seem that it goes on forever, once you get there with the wide range of entertainment and sights on offer you will realise that it was all worthwhile in the end!

Activities

Have you always been someone who thrives on the rush of adrenaline such as going bungee jumping? Then the Bungee Bullet in Queensland is a great place to go. It is amongst the top 10 popular bungee destinations in the world, and if you feel like doing a reverse bungee in the beautiful surroundings of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland this one is for you! For further information this site is worth looking at: http://www.tourstoaustralia.com/adventure-tourism-in-australia/bungee-jumping.html .

Scuba Diving in Australia is a very appealing activity, and with so much coastline including the Great Barrier Reef available it makes it one of the favoured spots in the world for scuba divers. http://www.scubaaustralia.com.au/61/country.php/61 is a very good place to start in providing you with in depth information on each particular region in Australia and what they all have to offer.

If surfing has always been your passion then there is no denying that you won’t find a better place in the world than the waves of Australia. By going onto
http://www.surfingaustralia.com/index.aspx?siteid=1 you will have all the information that you need if you are a beginner or more experienced. There are dedicated surf schools around the country which will improve and enhance your surfing ability no matter what standard you are.

Hot air ballooning in the northern part of the country in Cairns presents a great opportunity to get high above the Tablelands with either a 30 or 60 minute flight. Just in case the beautiful sights aren’t enough there is then a glass of champagne with breakfast to get you up and running for the day ahead! http://www.hotair.com.au/

How to get around Australia

Due to the sheer size of Australia with the land area being 7.69 million square kilometres the modes of transport slightly vary compared to the UK. As the distance between all the cities is so sparse, flying is the best method due to the speed of getting from destination to destination. There are some good deals to be had for domestic flying, with airlines such as Jetstar and Virgin Blue who offer competitive flights. A really good place to start your research is lonely planet.com: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/australia/getting-there-and-around.

Another popular way of seeing the sites of the country is hiring a car as it gives you so much freedom to explore the country. On sites such as this one there are some good links to car services in each state including advice on insurance and road safety. When looking for some good deals http://www.budget.com.au/default.aspx is a good site to get quotes on whether you intend to use a car, van or minibus.

Events and Culture

If you happen to be a bit of a party animal and are in the city of Sydney there are great choices of bars and clubs to visit. Quite a few visitors opt for the Opera Bar when in the famous Sydney Opera House for a fabulous harbour view, and for the clubbing fans, Oxford Street is full of choice acquiring for every taste. This website is worth visiting for information on Sydney’s ever-changing nightlife.

For the Arts and Museums, if you want to spend the day unwinding after sampling the night life of Sydney there is the well renowned Museum of Contemporary Art http://www.mca.com.au/ . Also when visiting Canberra, the National Museum of Australia http://www.nma.gov.au/index.html has a fine reputation for covering various aspects of the Australian society, and is a very worthwhile place to go when in the capital of the country.

Working Holiday

A popular idea that many people undertake when going to Australia is a working holiday. Due to the distance to get there, people feel that having a long term stay is the best way to get the most out of their experience, so many look to use their skills to work in the country. There are a real range of job opportunities to choose from, and this can vary from either working as a Jackaroo in the outback on a farm, or working as a deckhand on the Great Barrier Reef! To ensure that you can fulfil your ambition of working in the country, obtain a Working Holiday Visa if you are aged between 18 to 30. It is an important document to allow you to work up for up to 12 months. Visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website at http://www.immi.gov.au/index.htm

Don’t forget your travel insurance!

So that you can really relax and enjoy your time down under, don’t forget to take out travel insurance before you go. 24/7 travel insurance offers great deals with cover for 6 months at just £47.00* and only £94.00** for 12 months cover.

*Premium £47.00 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on Standard Backpacker Trip Policy for an adult aged 35 and under travelling to Australia/New Zealand for 6 months. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (September 2008) and are subject to change.

**Premium £94.00 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on Standard Backpacker Trip Policy for an adult aged 35 and under travelling to Australia/New Zealand for 12 months. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (September 2008) and are subject to change.

To cruise or not to cruise………..?

2008-09-10T09:19:00.006+01:00

A record number of Britons are taking cruises and 1.5 million Britons are predicted to do so in 2008*. With new ships coming into service, an increasing number of new attractions and something for every budget to choose from, those lazy days of just sitting on deck are well and truly a thing of the past.

Luxury Cruises
At the top end of the spectrum is the traditional luxury cruise, which has twenty four hour on- board entertainment and every conceivable facility with pool and sports zones, spas, theatres, cinemas, restaurants and cafes. If you want the ultimate cruise experience with five star luxury there are companies such as Crystal Cruises to choose from.

Expedition Cruises
Perhaps you might feel like something more adventurous and go for Expedition cruises which may not be as luxurious as you would expect but nevertheless comfortable. Choosing Cruising is a good site to look at. Companies such as Voyages of Discovery go to Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic, here you will have lectures on board the cruises which are both informative and interesting. To find out more http://www.allleisuregroup.com/ is a good site to investigate.

River Cruising
River cruising is a relaxing way to visit and see stunning countryside, fascinating cities and world famous landmarks. For example Page and Moy (http://www.pageandmoy.co.uk/) do a nine day Pyramids and Nile trip, or perhaps a cruise down the Amazon with Fred Olsen is another option. Closer to home, you can explore Europe’s popular cruising trip along the Rhine, visiting the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. More information can be found at sites such as this one. Wildlife cruises are growing in popularity with small expeditions for nature lovers and like minded adventurers, so if this is your passion (http://www.celebritycruises.co.uk/) is a good place to start to do some prior research.

Budget Cruises
At the other end of the scale for people who don’t want all the ‘extras’, have a more limited budget and therefore want a cheaper holiday, there are budget cruises such as offered on http://www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk/ which are generally more informal and fun. If these do not appeal, you could always opt for a small ship cruise which visits more remote places where the big ships can’t berth, and are therefore less crowded and ‘touristy’ with (http://www.starclippers.co.uk/) a good site to start with.

What exactly are you looking for from your dream cruise?
Before deciding, you should ask yourself whether or not you want a large ship with a lot of facilities, entertainment and people or would something smaller suit you better? Do you want a child friendly cruise or a more formal experience? Also it is important to take into account what type of weather you are looking for and crucially which part of the world can deliver for the time of year you want to go. Choose your itinerary carefully and think about the places you want to visit. Finally consider cost, as an ‘all inclusive’ package doesn’t necessarily cover everything, so beware of the small print and to find out more Which? is great for providing advice in this area, but remember to gain access to all the information on the website there is a subscription fee.

Check out the total costs
The hidden costs of cruising can add up for example fuel surcharges can add to the cost. With regard to tipping it is advisable to find out what the on-board policy is and a good place to start for prior advice can be found in an article done by the Daily Telegraph earlier this year http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/1176589/Cruise-advice-take-a-tip-on-gratuities.html which gives a good insight into what to look out for. The cost of extras such as alcohol and drinks can also mount up substantially to the overall trip. When contemplating on board casinos – decide on a limit and don’t be tempted to go over it! Shore excursions will also add significantly to the overall cost so it is worth thinking carefully before undertaking these, and Spa and beauty treatments can also be expensive but are occasionally reduced when the ship is in port. To gain good prior advice (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/) is a good site to get you prepared in terms of reading reviews of other travellers and their experiences.
Bon voyage!

Ensure you have Travel Insurance!
Whatever cruise you are taking don’t forget insurance! 24/7 Cruise Insurance is a dedicated travel insurance policy especially designed for cruise holidays. It offers excellent cover and competitive rates and you can check out details via this link http://www.pjhayman.com/scheme.asp?SCH_ID=42.

* Source Daily Telegraph 4th June 2008

Don’t be caught out on holiday!

2008-09-02T09:52:00.003+01:00

If you are planning on going on holiday in the near future, as you unwind and relax and work on topping up your tan, make sure that you don’t be taken for a fool from the variety of scams that have reared its ugly head for many British tourists in recent times. To avoid being put in this distressing situation where many tourists have found themselves losing large sums of money, it is crucial to do your research and be aware of the pitfalls that many have succumbed to.

Scratchcard Scam issues

The Office of Fair Trading (http://www.oft.gov.uk/), state that every year 400,000 UK tourists fall for holiday club scams and the results are astonishing. The scams are costing UK consumers over £1 billion a year, with an average loss of £3,000 per person. While some of the most popular Spanish resorts might sound appetizing on paper, this is where these bogus companies are operating.

It appears that the conmen are specifically targeting couples, with the tourists being offered a scratchcard which give you a surprise win and to receive your prize you have to listen to a sales presentation to collect the prize. The OFT say that this is when the tourists are led into signing a contract for an ‘exclusive’ holiday club with false claims relating to price, range and quality of holidays available. Despite spending thousands of pounds, tourists find that they have just spent for little more than what you would get at a high street travel agent. So it is critical to identify the genuine holiday clubs from the ‘bogus’ ones, as the official operations will give you time to read the contracts and there will be a cooling off period so you can still get a refund if you change your mind.*

There are various websites that are offering tips on avoiding certain scams and a good one to start with is http://www.safefromscams.co.uk/HolidayClubScam.html.

What about hiring a car?

While using a hired car on holiday might seem innocent enough, the AA (http://www.theaa.com/) have researched 58 operators in five Mediterranean countries and the results show that a third of cars were hired with some damage involved. As tourists are in holiday mode they take whatever they are offered and there have been instances where people have been charged hundreds of Euros for a scratch on the car despite it being there in the first place. Crucially you should check the car for damage with an employee from the car rental company before signing a rental agreement so if there is a mark or scratch, you are not the one that is liable.

For further tips check the Institute of Advance Motorists website

Passport and Identity Fraud

If you don’t keep your passport safe on holiday you could be putting yourselves at risk of identity theft which is estimated to cost Britain in excess of £1.7 billion a year and in a surprising piece of investigation carried out by the Identity and Passport Service (http://www.ips.gov.uk/) people take more care of their of their iPods and phones than their passports!

Some tips that can help you avoid losing your passport on holiday as stated on which? include:

Before leaving for your holiday take 2 photocopies of your passport. Leave one with a friend or relative and take one with you, keeping the copy separate from the original
If your passport is stolen immediately go to the local police and get in contact with your nearest British Consulate.

A dodgy drinking buddy!

This might be the other end of the scale compared to other potential scams but it is a genuine issue that people need to be aware of. In the fashionable beach resorts of Venezuela your pretend buddy gives you some Rohypnol known as burundanga, and as a result of this it means about three hours of stumbling incapacity and during this period of time you are robbed. To avoid finding yourself in this situation ensure that you watch your own drink in the bar and look to use bottled products **

Be protected

To ensure you are protected from unforeseen costs when travelling, make sure you don’t forget your travel insurance. 24/7 Travel Insurance offers covers for under a fiver for individual travellers***

***Premium £4.38 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a "Standard" Single Trip 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 (September 2008) and are subject to change.

*Source: The Guardian.co.uk, dated 12th October 2007

** Source The Times.co.uk, dated 3rd February 2008

Holiday Lingo

2008-08-27T09:34:00.000+01:00

We are pretty fortunate to live in a country where the national language is so widely spoken – after all it saves us having to learn lots of other languages! But even if you still need to converse in English for the majority of the time on holiday, a sincere “thank you” or a firm “no” in the local language is more likely to gain respect, strike up relationships with the community or get you out of an awkward situation.

Here we have provided a range of basic vocabulary in a variety of foreign languages to maximise the enjoyment of your trip.

French
Hello – Bonjour / Bonsoir (evening)
Goodbye – Au Revoir
Thank you – Merci
Yes – Oui
No – Non

Spanish
Hello – Hola
Goodbye – Adios
Thank you – Gracias
Yes – Si
No – No

Italian
Hello – Ciao
Goodbye – Arrivederci
Thank you – Grazie
Yes – Si
No – No

Greek
Hello – Yassou (informal) Yassas (formal)
Goodbye – Adio
Thank you – Efharisto
Yes – Ochi
No – Ne

Portuguese
Hello – Hello
Goodbye – Adeus
Thank you – Obrigado
Yes – Sim
No – No

German
Hello – Hallo
Goodbye – Auf Wiedersehen
Thank you – Danke
Yes – Ja
No – Nein

If you would like to prepare some more detailed phrases to take to your destination, there are a number of free online translation tools such as WorldLingo. If you’re using one of these, keep the phrases as simple as possible for the most accurate results.

Luckily, should you need to make a claim on your travel insurance while abroad, 24/7 travel insurance has an English-speaking 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Medical Emergency Helpline which can be reached from all over the world, so you won’t be stuck for the right vocabulary in an emergency, and premiums for European travel start from under a fiver*

* Premium £4.38 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a "Standard" Single Trip 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 2008) and are subject to change.

Source for translations: Babelfish

Great Gap Experiences

2008-08-18T16:15:00.002+01:00

A few years ago, Gap Years were something of a rarity. You went to school, then to university, then into work where you stayed for the next forty years. Nowadays they are increasingly becoming the norm, and employers look upon them far more favourably than they used to. To make the most of their time many people now look for voluntary or paid work abroad which gives fantastic experience of living as a citizen of the country. In this blog we have rounded up some of the best opportunities.

Coaching children
If there is a particular sport you have grown up with or if you are musical or artistic, passing your knowledge on to new learners is very rewarding, and great experience if you are planning on teaching or other youth work as a career.

Gap Sports (www.gapsports.com) offer worldwide placements coaching sports, mostly to disadvantaged children. You need not be a qualified coach; enthusiasm is far more important. Also on offer are placements for clinical and care staff, and in physiotherapy – great if these are your career aspirations. You will be expected to pay for your flights plus allow at least £1000 for arrangement fees.

A more affordable option is to work at a summer camp in the United States, where thousands of children spend their summers. Your flights are paid for by the camp you work for (you will almost certainly have to work out your entire contract for this however) and admin fees are much lower than those charged for voluntary placements. You may even have a bit of time at the end of your placement to travel further. You generally need to be available for 8-9 weeks from May/June so this could also be done during university summer holidays. It’s hard work – and you may encounter some real brats! – but very rewarding and lifelong friendships can be made. For more information visit www.bunac.co.uk

Conservation projects
With increasing concern over environmental issues, you may feel a leaning towards volunteering in this area. www.greenforce.org has a wide range of projects including marine conservation (some packages include a scuba diving course), wildlife monitoring, or community projects such as working in orphanages. Conservation work is particularly highly regarded by veterinary colleges, and with competition for places being fierce this could give you an advantage over other candidates. Expeditions last from 1 week to 12 months.

A new career
Some projects abroad enable you to obtain a qualification that you can use in the future, such as being a ski instructor, diving instructor or a lifeguard. These are not cheap, but enable you to learn the trade in some of the best surroundings and if you make a long-term career out of it, you can eventually recoup your initial investment.

Try www.alltracksacademy.com for ski/snowboard instructor courses, www.divinginstructortraining.com for dive instructors and www.gapsports.com for beach lifeguard training.

Insuring your trip
If you are going abroad for your gap year you will need travel insurance as even a trip to hospital for something minor can leave you seriously out of pocket. It is very important to check in your policy wording that you are covered for any activities that you may be undertaking. If your plans might involve manual work, read your policy wording as most policies exclude cover if you are involved in any kind of manual work. If it’s not clear, don’t assume you are covered - ring your travel insurance provider to check!

24/7 travel insurance offers worldwide cover for a six-month worldwide adventure from just £63.73* including cover for a wide range of activities which you can view here.

* Includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an adult aged under 35 taking out a 24/7 travel insurance "Standard" Backpacker policy for 6 months for Worldwide travel. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (August 2008) and are subject to change.

Driving abroad

2008-08-12T10:19:00.001+01:00

As consumer concerns about carbon footprints increase and with flight prices rapidly increasing, more and more holidaymakers are now looking at self-drive holidays. If this is you, check out the useful tips in our blog.

Get serviced
If your vehicle is within a few thousand miles of its next service, it may be worth bringing it forward. It is worth having the car thoroughly checked over about a month before you go so all niggles can be fixed (and new ones don’t have a chance to arise). Mechanical problems can be very stressful to get sorted when abroad.

It is also important to check that your breakdown cover and motor insurance extends to you driving abroad as recovery bills can be very steep!

Documents
Wherever you are going, take the following documents with you:

· Driving licence, and the paper counterpart if you have a photo licence
· The Vehicle Registration Document (V5)
· Your Motor Insurance Certificate
· Your Passport
· Any Visa documentation you need for the country you are visiting
· Your travel insurance documents and EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)
· Your Breakdown insurance details
· If you are towing a boat or caravan, any documentation relating to that

Don’t leave any sensitive personal data in the vehicle though!

Drive on the right
Sadly, being on the wrong side of the road is one of the most common causes of accidents among Brits driving abroad and it is very easy to do. Be particularly careful when setting off from petrol stations or restaurants on the left hand side of the road, and on roundabouts.

Check the laws
While every country in Europe has its own motoring laws, they vary widely even between neighbouring countries. So it is important to check the regulations for every country that you are planning to visit including speed limits, age limits for driving, and drink driving limits (remember in some countries you can be arrested if any alcohol at all is detected, and others prohibit alcohol in the vehicle at all if it has been opened). A comprehensive guide to each country can be found on the AA’s website here.

Equipment
Motoring laws abroad also extend to safety items that must be carried. Most of these items are useful to the motorist anyway so are worth the investment. In much of Europe you must carry a warning triangle, a hi-visibility waistcoat or jacket, a first-aid kit, and a spare bulb kit.

Many countries also insist on headlamps being adjusted to ensure you don’t dazzle oncoming motorists. This is easier said than done however, particularly if your car is fitted with halogen headlamps. Consult your garage before your trip.

European Tolls
In much of Europe, car tax is cheaper than in the UK. The shortfall is made up by motorway tolls where you pay to use particular roads. Although most tolls take credit cards these days, make sure you have plenty of cash (including coins) on you for these, just in case!

Taking the scenic route and not using the motorways will probably be slower but cheaper, and you will often travel through beautiful countryside. Again the AA website has a detailed guide to fee-charging roads throughout Europe here.

Know your route
If you have a Sat Nav make sure it works abroad for the country you’re visiting. Also take a good European road atlas just in case your Sat Nav fails to work.

Travel Insurance
Even if you are only visiting the continent for a day, make sure you take out travel insurance as emergency medical expenses abroad can be very expensive. 24/7 travel insurance offers cover for 3 days in Europe for a family from just £8.77*.

*Premium £8.77 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on two adults aged under 55 and their two accompanying children aged under 18 taking out a "Standard" Single Trip 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 and are subject to change.

Content in this blog sourced from the AA website

Cheap flight finder

2008-08-04T16:59:00.004+01:00

In the eighties and early nineties, we had the “bucket shop”. More recently we have had low cost airlines. But with the cost of oil still increasing, is there such a thing as a cheap flight anymore? Yes there is – if you follow the tips in this blog.

Book well ahead
While the cheap flight hasn’t yet died out, the cheap last-minute flight is becoming a rarity. One reason for this could be that business travellers tend to book quite late, thus taking up the seats that used to be sold at rock-bottom prices. Booking as far in advance as possible is now more likely to get you the cheapest fares. Do be aware however that some of the cheapest fares have stricter terms and conditions and very limited changeability so make your travel plans well in advance.

Low cost: not as low as you might think
Don’t automatically assume that the low cost airline is going to get you the best deal. If you are a family travelling with baggage, you will most probably have to pay for the baggage, a fee to check the baggage in, a fee to guarantee everyone sitting together and finally a debit or credit card charge, making that cheap flight less of a bargain than you first thought! Bear in mind that low cost airlines tend to fly into smaller regional airports, which may be a long way from city centres. This might be great for some holidays but not others so check out all your options.

Charter airlines
If you are flying to a popular holiday destination, your choice of airlines is greatly increased thanks to the charters. Unlike flights, package holidays can be very good value for money if you book them late so in some circumstances it may even be worth booking the package and not using the accommodation portion if you have made other plans. The website Flights Direct includes a search for charter airlines, and it is worth seeing your travel agent too for late deals.

Ethnic Travel Agent Specialists
The UK has many ethnic communities, which in some regions means that there may be a travel agent that specialises in cheap flights to those communities’ linked countries – if you are travelling somewhere like the Caribbean, India, the Middle East or Africa these may be worth a visit.

Using the internet
The internet has become a powerful tool for finding flight bargains. But with so many travel websites, where do you start? For flight only deals, look for sites that use “screenscraper” technology. They work by sending your request to a variety of sites and reporting back the cheapest. Try Kayak (http://www.kayak.co.uk/), Travelsupermarket (http://www.travelsupermarket.com/), Cheapflights (http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/) or Skyscanner (http://www.skyscanner.co.uk/).

If you are flying long-haul, or are also looking for a hotel for your trip, it is worth trying “flight broker” type sites as these have different commercial relationships which may work more in your favour. Try Expedia (http://www.expedia.co.uk/), and Opodo (http://www.opodo.co.uk/).

If you are flexible about where and when you travel, and are just looking for the cheapest flights then try the Flight Checker tool on the Moneysavingexpert site. This helps find the cheapest fares for a particular destination between a range of dates, or alternatively you can click “I’ll Go Anywhere!” for the cheapest fares in their database.

Insurance
Many airline’s websites and travel agents will suggest taking out travel insurance with themselves – but remember you are not obliged to do this and you can often make savings by shopping around. 24/7 travel insurance offers cover for under a fiver* - another great saving!

*Premium £4.38 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a ‘standard’ Single Trip 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 and are subject to change.

Information in this article taken from www.moneysavingexpert.com

Scared of Flying?

2008-07-28T17:42:00.002+01:00

If you have a fear of flying you may find that you dread holidays rather than look forward to them. In this blog we explore some of the reasons behind flying phobias, and what can be done about them.

Up to 1 in 5 of us fear flying*, and the phobia can take various forms. Some “aviophobes” are actually frequent but reluctant fliers, others are unable to even visit an airport. Many people will face a “turning point”. For some people this is when their fear of flying stops them from taking holidays with their family or prevents them from visiting a destination they have always wanted to see. Or perhaps their dream job involves lots of flying and they want to start enjoying it rather than fearing it.

The important thing to remember is that your fear of flying is not something that you have to put up with – it can be cured. After all, most aviophobes are aware that their fear is irrational, as flying is by far the safest method of travel and the odds on being involved in an accident are minute.

There are a number of methods used for overcoming a fear of flying. These include hypnosis and counselling. Another method is courses that are run by airlines. These usually last a day, and help to overcome the fear explaining how flying actually works and removing the fear of the unknown. With the knowledge, you gain understanding and therefore feel in control.

Virgin Atlantic claim a 98% success rate on their “Flying Without Fear” course (http://www.flyingwithoutfear.info/). The course includes a talk from pilots about how they are trained, how an aircraft flies and even what all the noises mean! Later in the day there is a talk from a psychologist to help the participants explore the reasons behind their fear,

A short flight is included in the afternoon, and many participants find that their fear has already evaporated by then. The flight includes a complete commentary on everything that is happening with the plane and why turbulence is completely safe (apparently it is the aviation equivalent of speed bumps!).

People who have been cured are now finding that flying can be a very enjoyable experience and on a clear day you can see some incredible sights from your window in a way that isn’t possible by any other method. So don’t let your fear hold you back! An excellent site for tips and info is http://www.fearfreeflying.co.uk/

Once you have got your fears out of the way and are enjoying flying all over the world, don’t forget your travel insurance. 24/7 travel insurance offers single-trip cover starting from less than a fiver** and annual multi-trip cover starting from just £32.35***.

* Source: fearfreeflying.co.uk

** Premium £4.38 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a "Standard" Single Trip 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 and are subject to change.

*** Premium £32.35 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a "Standard" annual multi-trip policy for Europe excluding personal possessions cover. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press and are subject to change.

Travelling on these dates? Be prepared!

2008-07-21T17:25:00.001+01:00

In the summer holidays the roads both in the UK and Europe can get pretty hairy and heavy traffic can cause chaos on the roads on certain days in the summer. In this blog we have collected some of the likely dates when you should allow extra time for your journey.

July 25th – 27th
Most English and Welsh state schools break up earlier this week, often on the Wednesday or Thursday. As the majority of family holidays begin on a Saturday, ABTA predicts this will be the busiest weekend of the year for outbound travel. The M1, M5, M6, A303 and A30 can expect the longest delays, and expect the ferry ports and the Channel Tunnel to be busy as well.

August 2nd
This is traditionally a very busy day on French roads in particular as most French families take a holiday this weekend, and is also a peak weekend for travel to coastal resorts in Spain and Italy.

August 16th – 17th
This is the last day of the Scottish school holidays, so expect roads and airports north of the border to be busy. In Italy and Spain it is the weekend following the big summer festival of Assumption Day and is also the end of their school holidays.

August 23rd – 25th
The last Bank Holiday until Christmas is generally regarded as being the busiest weekend of the year for roads, airports and seaports – avoid if at all possible.

August 30th – 31st
Most children in England and Wales will be going back to school next week, so with this being the last weekend of the school holidays expect congestion.

Additionally, before you set off, you may want to check whether your journey may be affected by local events – a large concert for example can put hours onto your journey. A very useful site is AA’s Routeplanner. Another clever site is www.keepmoving.co.uk which shows webcam images from UK trunk roads, enabling you to check on the state of the traffic. Tune into local radio stations as you go along too – they often have information on the traffic that national stations don’t.

If you do have to travel on a busy day, make sure your car is in tip top condition (breakdown and recovery firms are especially busy on these days and you can expect a long wait to be rescued). Consider taking a picnic as well, as the motorway services are likely to be jammed!

If you are travelling to the airport or seaport, particularly on one of these dates, leave a good time margin (at least an extra 50% of your usual journey duration) to ensure that you arrive on time and not too flustered!

Don’t forget your travel insurance
If the worst happens and you miss your plane or ferry, you may be able to claim on your travel insurance for any additional expenses incurred (terms and conditions will apply). It is vital that you keep any receipts for these, and you will also need to obtain proof of the delay - a police report perhaps, or a report from a breakdown company. 24/7 travel insurance offers cover from just £14.00* for a week in Europe for a family.

*Premium includes Insurance Premium Tax, based on two adults aged 18-54 and their accompanying children aged under 18 taking out a “standard” Single Trip policy (excluding personal possessions cover) for 7 days for European travel and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press and are subject to change.

Information in this article sourced from Telegraph Travel, June 28th 2008

Flying with your kids

2008-07-14T10:41:00.005+01:00

With the summer holidays fast approaching, you may be looking forward to taking your kids on holiday but dreading the flight there. But airports and flying are a tremendous adventure for kids – in today’s age of easy flying it’s easy to forget that once upon a time it was exciting for everyone. The trick is to find the balance between them being happy and stimulated and overwhelmed or bored, and in this blog we have some tips to help turn things to your advantage.

Check in
It takes a very calm person to not get stressed out by check-in at the airport on a Saturday afternoon in the school holidays. Arrive early enough to avoid the queues and bear in mind that if you arrive late the airline may struggle to be able to seat you all together. Dress them in as bright a colour as they will tolerate so you can spot them easily amongst the crowds. Another useful tip is to write your name and mobile number on the back of their hand so you can be reunited speedily should they get lost.

Papers, please
The era of children travelling on their parent’s passports is nearly over. Children who are not already on their parent’s passport must now travel on their own documents. So if you are taking your kids abroad for the first time, you will need to obtain a passport for them. This applies to newborn babies too, and 16 and 17 year olds require their own passport even where they have previously travelled on yours. For the latest advice on passports, visit http://www.ips.gov.uk/

If you are travelling with children that are not your own – a friend of your child perhaps, or your grandchildren, it is wise to carry a letter from the child’s parents authorising you to take them out of the UK and giving consent for medical treatment to take place abroad if necessary. The letter should include the dates of the trip, the destination, and the name of the adults in whose care the child is being placed. This is because it is actually a criminal offence under the Child Abduction Act 1984 to take a child under the age of 18 out of the UK without proof of appropriate parental consent, and there have been reports of customs officials being rather heavy-handed.**

Put them in charge
Older children will thrive upon being involved in the whole adventure. Explain the airport procedures to them and give them the task of finding the check-in desk, passport control and departure gate and watching the screens for updates on their flights. They will love it and it gives useful practice for the day when – gasp – they have to do it themselves. In departures, give them a small “airport allowance” – searching for the perfect magazine or toy for the holiday will keep kids happy for a good length of time.

The dreaded D-word
Delays are every parent’s nightmare. Pack a good supply of travel games and colouring books, and a useful tip is to produce a new one from your bag just as they start to tire of the current one, rather than giving them all the goodies in one go! If conditions permit, take the kids up to the airport’s viewing gallery. Kids will watch planes taking off and landing for a surprisingly long time and it is usually much quieter than the departure lounge.

Younger children
An excellent tip for babies and toddlers is to pack a small ball. While waiting at the departure gate roll it around the floor for them to fetch and follow. Often other passengers will join in on the game. Feed them on take-off to stop ears from popping (this is much more painful for children than adults) and hopefully by the time the plane reaches the clouds they will be fast asleep!

In the air
In this era where cockpit visits are no longer allowed, flying often ceases to be interesting after take off. If you are lucky enough to be flying on a clear day, seat your child by the window – they will find the view fascinating, particularly if they can pick out landmarks. The in-flight magazine will often have a map showing the routes and flight attendants are usually happy to point out roughly where the plane is!

Technology
If your child owns a handheld games console you will realise it is probably the best money you ever spent. Just make sure it’s fully charged!

An excellent website for further tips, and a variety of items to make the family holiday go with a swing is http://www.travellingwithchildren.co.uk/. You may also find our previous blogs on Motion Sickness and Great games for journeys useful for your trip.

Insurance
Don’t overlook the importance of travel insurance in the excitement of going away. 24/7 travel insurance offers cover for a week in Europe for a family from just £14.00*, leaving you plenty of money for those colouring books!

*Premium £14.00 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on 2 adults under 55 and their two accompanying children aged under 18 taking out a Standard single-trip policy for 7 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 and are subject to change.

**Gill Charlton, Telegraph Travel, 7th September 2007

The “ruff” guide to holidays with your dog

2008-07-07T11:00:00.002+01:00

There was a time when taking Fido on holiday abroad was unheard of due to our strict quarantine laws. But in 2000 the launch of the Pet Travel Scheme (often referred to as Pet Passports or PETS) meant it is now possible to include the most important member of the family in your travel plans – not to mention opening up the opportunities for travellers with assistance dogs.

The first port of call when organising a pet passport should be your vet, who will be familiar with the process. If you have an assistance dog, contact the organisation who provided it as they may also be able to help. Discuss your travel plans with the vet, as Fido will be exposed to different parasites and diseases in some countries.

Fido will first need to be microchipped if he isn’t already, then he will need a rabies jab. A month after this, he will need a blood test to check that the jab worked and then he will need to remain in the UK for a further 6 months. If all goes well, the pet passport will be issued. The total cost per dog is between £120-£160 and you should allow at least eight months for the whole process. If that sounds daunting, bear in mind that this is a one-off process and kennel fees for a fortnight can be upwards of £200 (and Fido will probably much prefer the holiday!).

Broadly speaking, airline rules on carrying pets – even assistance dogs – are still pretty restrictive and are not really worth the hassle for a holiday. Self drive holidays are a better option. Most major ferry companies and the Eurotunnel will carry dogs for a small fee. Unfortunately, Fido will probably have to stay in the car for the crossing so choose a short route where possible. Some of the companies which operate longer routes are introducing on-board kennels and may allow dogs in cabins so check with your operator. It is also important to inform your Breakdown Cover provider prior to your holiday that you are taking a dog to ensure that he is included as a passenger should you need to use their recovery service while away.

In order to make the trip as pleasant as possible for Fido, stop every two hours to give him an opportunity to exercise and relieve himself, and make sure he has constant access to water. If he’s a fussy eater or has a special diet, make sure you bring plenty of his food.

A very important thing to mention is ticks, which are rife on the continent (particularly France) and can make your dog extremely sick. Check Fido every day for ticks and go straight to a vet if you find any (don’t try and pull them off).

Ticks are also important from the point of view of your return journey – you will need to visit a vet between 24 and 48 hours before going home to certify that Fido is free of ticks and tapeworms. Check that the vet stamps the pet passport, as this stamp is needed at customs to re-enter the UK.

This blog is only designed as a rough (or should that be “ruff”?) guide to what is involved in taking pets abroad and legislation is likely to change regularly. Further information can be obtained from DEFRA (http://www.defra.gov.uk/) and from the BBC who have an excellent article on the scheme here.

If you are holidaying in the UK, the website http://www.dogpeople.co.uk/ has suggestions for dog-friendly accommodation and days out with your best friend.

Make sure Fido is insured for the trip too. Generally speaking, travelling pets are covered for their holiday under pet insurance (inform your provider of your plans at least two weeks before you go). The cover offered by 24/7 Pet Insurance for vet fees and third party liability also applies abroad (although any veterinary fees incurred outside the UK will need to be settled by the policyholder and reclaimed later)**.

Of course, you wouldn’t go on holiday without making sure you have travel insurance for yourself too so don’t overlook this! 24/7 travel insurance offers cover for a week on the continent from just £6.99* and cover can be arranged online in just a few clicks.

*Premium £6.99 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 and are subject to change. Please note that 24/7 travel insurance is unable to offer cover for any liability, injury, loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from or due to any animals belonging to you or in your care, custody or control.

** Subject to terms, conditions and exclusion that apply to the policy.

Information in this article sourced from the links above and from Holiday Which? January 2008

Theme park breaks

2008-06-30T09:54:00.001+01:00

The title of this blog probably immediately made you think “Florida”. While no article about theme park breaks would be complete without covering the theme park capital of the world, you may not be aware that your options are far greater than that.

Blighty
Don’t forget that what is considered to be one of the best theme parks in the world – Alton Towers – is right on our doorstep. A break there need not be expensive either, as the Tussauds Group (who also operate Chessington World of Adventure and Thorpe Park) frequently participate in voucher schemes such as Tesco’s recent promotion, and you can cut costs by using Nectar points too. Although the Alton Towers hotel has had rave reviews, you can stay in the area inexpensively by using local B&Bs or camping. Visit http://www.altontowers.com/

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the home of The Big One, Europe’s tallest rollercoaster, and The Big Dipper which is one of the few wooden rollercoasters left and has delighted generations of visitors. Blackpool has a vast choice of accommodation so finding something competitively priced shouldn’t be difficult. Visit http://www.blackpooltourism.com/

For kids (of all ages!) you can’t go far wrong with Legoland. http://www.legolandhotels.co.uk/ offers ticket and hotel packages. For something a bit different, try Diggerland. There are four theme parks situated in Devon, Durham, Kent and Yorkshire and visitors can ride in and even drive diggers and dumper trucks – haven’t you always wanted to do that?! Visit www.diggerland.com

Europe
Disneyland Paris is a popular option for families wanting to give the kids the Disney experience while it still holds the magic. A reported downside of going to the Florida Disney is the kids will be too small to access rides at other theme parks but waiting until they are old enough for this means that Disney is not quite the same – the characters just become people in suits after a certain age! The options for getting to Disneyland Paris are plentiful and competitively priced, particularly if you use the ferries, Channel Tunnel or a low-cost airline. Again if you are on a tight budget, consider a hotel outside the resort – France has a number of inexpensive hotel chains such as Campanile and Formula 1. Visit http://www.disneylandparis.co.uk/ and http://www.franceforfamilies.co.uk/

If you ask the question “what is the best theme park in Europe” a likely answer you will hear from many people is Port Aventura, which is just outside Barcelona. Ryanair fly to Girona airport, and the proximity to the Costa Brava means that the park is very accessible to British holidaymakers as part of a package holiday. Visit http://www.portaventura.co.uk/

If you are going somewhere else in Europe and fancy taking in a theme park, the Theme Park Vision website provides detailed information about 80 theme parks (and 3498 attractions) in 14 European countries here.

United States
Florida is the first choice of most people seeking a theme park holiday and the sky is the limit on how much you can spend on such a trip. The good thing about Florida is that there is an excellent range of accommodation options including hotels and self catering, and if you stick to visiting the theme parks you can probably do without a car as the transport links to the theme parks are excellent. Other ways to save include arranging your theme park tickets in advance, and travelling off peak – Florida is usually warm all year and you may also find the theme park queues to be shorter in Autumn and Winter. A popular course of action is to spend a whole day on the web investigating all the options, and a good starting point is http://www.floridareview.co.uk/

For something really off-the-wall, try Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Owned by Dolly Parton, the park pays homage to the legendary lady and even the website is a masterpiece of kitsch. Visit http://www.dollywood.com/

Don’t forget your travel insurance!
A great thing about theme park breaks is you can get your thrills in a safe environment. But you will still need travel insurance! 24/7 travel insurance offers cover for 1 week in Europe for a family for just £14.00*, or for two weeks in the USA from £43.82** - so it won’t make a dent in your holiday budget either!

*Premium includes Insurance Premium Tax, based on two adults aged 18-54 and their accompanying children aged under 18 taking out a “standard” Single Trip policy (excluding personal possessions cover) for 7 days for European travel and purchased within 14 days of departure date.

**Premium includes Insurance Premium Tax, based on two adults aged 18-54 and their accompanying children aged under 18 taking out a “standard” Single Trip policy (excluding personal possessions cover) for 14 days for Worldwide travel and purchased within 14 days of departure date.

Travel Health

2008-06-23T12:13:00.001+01:00

There are few things that put such a downer on a trip as falling ill on holiday. Serious problems are obviously very traumatic, but even minor illnesses seem much worse when you are miles from home. In this blog we discuss some of the more common travel ailments and what to do about them.

Sunstroke/sunburn
This is more likely to occur during the first couple of days of your trip, where, due to the sheer novelty of seeing sun, you overdo it and feel lousy for the next few days.
Young children especially should be kept out of the sun as much as possible as it doesn’t take much to make them very ill. Wear a hat as much as possible, drink plenty and avoid the sun when it reaches its peak between 12-4pm; you will notice the locals probably have a siesta about then, so follow their lead!

Heat exhaustion symptoms include feeling faint, muscle spasms and nausea. It is very important to replace lost fluids and salt. Sip water and eat something salty like a packet of crisps to rehydrate. If left untreated, heatstroke may develop which is more serious – if the person’s condition deteriorates or they appear confused, have breathing difficulties or fits then seek urgent medical attention.
Sunburn should be treated with moisturiser and cool water, and bear in mind that the only safe tan comes out of a bottle!

Stomach upsets
Traveller’s tummy, Delhi Belly…I’m sure you can think of some other names for holiday stomach upsets.

Drinking water is a very common cause – even in countries where the water is considered safe to drink it might not be what you’re used to so use bottled water if you are worried (in safe countries you could mix the bottled water with local water, decreasing the quantity of bottled water over time). If you plan to only use bottled water, check the seals on the bottles haven’t been tampered with and bear in mind other places that you may ingest local water – ice in drinks and when cleaning your teeth to name but two.

Food poisoning abroad is very common and can range from a minor upset to severe gastroenteritis needing hospital treatment. Food should either be piping hot or properly chilled to prevent the spread of bacteria. Peel raw fruit and vegetables or wash them thoroughly and look out for questionable hygiene practices such as raw and cooked meats stored close together.

If you are unlucky enough to be affected, drink plenty of water and eat small amounts of bland food until symptoms subside. It is worth taking Imodium with you on your trip as having to ask for local substitutes isn’t always easy!

Tropical diseases
Apart from an amazing travel experience, some countries are unfortunately associated with more serious illnesses. Before you go, check whether you need any jabs or medicines for your holiday bearing in mind that some vaccines need to be given in multiple doses spaced over a certain amount of time. You may also need to take anti-malarial tablets (even if you are visiting a malarial zone for a stopover) and if you are visiting more remote areas of some countries you may need additional vaccinations.

Even if you have booked a late deal or need to travel unexpectedly, see your doctor as some protection may be better than none. If you have travelled outside Europe, North America or Australia/New Zealand and you feel unwell shortly after returning home, tell your doctor or pharmacist where you have been.

An excellent resource for travel health information is provided by NHS Direct, and can be found here. Other useful sites for travel health are www.travelhealth.co.uk, www.travelhealthzone.com and the Department of Health’s website at www.dh.gov.uk

Perhaps the most important reason to take out travel insurance is to provide cover for emergency medical expenses abroad – remember the bills can run into many thousands of pounds, especially in places such as the United States and Spain. 24/7 travel insurance offers cover for medical and emergency expenses not exceeding £5m on their “Standard” single-trip policies, and premiums start from under a fiver- a small price to pay for peace of mind on your holiday.

** Premium £4.38 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a "Standard" Single Trip 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 and are subject to change.

How to beat jet lag

2008-06-16T15:16:00.002+01:00

Thanks to modern aviation we can now go anywhere in the world in a matter of hours, and some tour operators are even offering short breaks to far-flung destinations such as Hong Kong and San Francisco. But if you’re going on one of these, how do you make the most of your time there without jet lag spoiling it?

What is jet lag?
Simply put, jet lag is an inability for the body to adapt to a new time zone. If your body clock gets very upset it can take as long as a week before you feel human again. It isn’t just feeling tired either, jet lag can cause headaches, indigestion, stomach upsets and nausea.

It rarely occurs when travelling long distance by boat or other transport as it takes so much longer to change time zones so your body has time to adapt. Curiously, babies and small children are largely unaffected by it. There are a variety of theories as to why this might be, one being that babies are generally able to sleep well in any situation.

How to prevent it
The most important thing to do is to begin working to your destination time as soon as the plane takes off. Change your watch and decide at what times you need to sleep and what times you need to be awake (this is easier on direct flights as you don’t have to worry about having to get off the plane when you should be asleep). This is still easier said than done as it is not easy to force sleep when you feel awake, but avoid stress and other stimulants. Use an eye mask too – if it is still light outside when you need to sleep, your eyes will detect this even when they are shut and the sleep will be of poor quality.

Drink plenty of water on the flight – even if you don’t escape jet lag completely you will feel less grotty when you are fully hydrated.

Avoid napping when you reach your destination. It will inevitably turn into a blissful sleep – until you wake up many hours later and realise it is actually now time for bed! Try and get into a situation where it is impossible to sleep such as going for a walk.

A very useful site for helping calculate your sleeping and waking times is www.bodyclock.com The site offers tools such as a jet lag calculator and time zone maps.

How to treat it
If you have been very badly affected in the past it may be worth looking into different ways of getting to your destination. Some travellers will happily spend a few extra hours flying to Australia or Japan via the USA as jet lag is often less severe when flying West.

Try not to cram too much into the first days of your trip. If you are on a business trip don’t take on more meetings than you can cope with. Bear in mind that athletes travelling to long-haul destinations often set off as far as two weeks before the event to ensure they are at their best!

Medication is available but many have side effects and they ultimately mask the symptoms rather than fixing them. Time to re-adjust, and prevention is the only really effective solution.

Insurance
If you are prepared to chance the jetlag and still want to take a short break to a long-haul destination, don’t forget your insurance. Cover for a short break to anywhere in the world with 24/7 travel insurance costs from just £12.16* and frequent travellers might get better value from an annual multi-trip policy starting from £50.33** - so you can really enjoy seeing the world without worrying about unforeseen expenses!

*Premium £12.16 includes Insurance Premium Tax, based on an individual aged 18-54 taking out a “standard” Single Trip policy for 3 days for Worldwide travel and purchased within 14 days of departure date.

** Premium £50.33 includes Insurance Premium Tax, based on an individual aged 18-54 taking out a “standard” Annual multi-trip policy for Worldwide travel.

Terms and conditions apply to 24/7 travel insurance. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press and are subject to change.

Responsible Tourism

2008-06-09T17:58:00.001+01:00

With climate change and human rights issues being widely reported on the news many holidaymakers are now seeking ways in which they can minimise the impact made by their trips, and even bring benefits to local economies. So what can you do?

Reduce your carbon footprint
As T.S Eliot famously said “The journey, not the arrival matters”. Most trips tend to involve getting to your destination as fast as possible, but sometimes lengthening your journey can be part of the holiday in itself as well as being eco-friendly. Nowadays we can fly vast distances in a few hours and we take this for granted. But it’s easy to lose perspective of how far you’ve travelled and it’s rare to see anything particularly impressive in the air.

It would not be unfair to argue that the rail network on the Continent is far superior to the British version. Trains are quiet, fast, and luxurious, and fares are reasonable. In countries such as Switzerland, taking the train offers stunning scenery and can be the highlight of the holiday. Another bonus is that bus and train stations and ferry ports tend to be closer to city centres than airports, saving you money and emissions on transfers.

Taking the ferry or chunnel to the continent is very competitively priced nowadays as the providers compete with the low-cost airlines. Ferries are a very pleasant mode of travel and there is plenty of room to walk around without annoying your fellow passengers. Longer crossings to Scandinavia and Germany are almost cruises in themselves with comfortable cabins and plenty to do on board.

If you are really keen to check out your carbon footprint on your holiday travel, an excellent calculator is here. The website www.ecotravelling.co.uk also offers some useful tips on how to reduce carbon emissions in your travel plans.

Keep your money local
If you are not a frequent visitor of developing countries you might be daunted by the poverty you may witness. One of the best things you can do about it is to make sure your tourist money goes into the local economy as much as possible.

Try and buy supplies, food and souvenirs from local stores and restaurants rather from your resort and don’t automatically assume that you must go with your tour operator’s excursions and car hire companies – there is more than likely a local company offering the same at a more competitive rate. Obviously you will have to make your own judgements on safety and security with these, but don’t be put off.

Animal Magic
Do your homework before visiting attractions involving animals. Zoos abroad are not always up to the welfare standards you might expect here. On the other hand, many attractions are actively involved in wildlife conservation programmes and are well worth your tourist money.

In some resorts you might be offered the opportunity to have your photo taken on the beach with a chimpanzee or exotic birds. Don’t do this – you have no way of telling what conditions the animal is kept in and if you did find out, you might well be appalled. Give the money you would have spent to a local animal welfare organisation instead.

More responsible tourism
The good habits that you may already apply at home don’t have to go to pot because you are on holiday. Reuse carrier bags and dispose of your rubbish responsibly. Germany and Austria are leading the way on this and you will be expected to sort your refuse.

Many hotels now offer the option to not have your towels and linen changed every day. If they don’t, let them know that you are happy to wait a few days between changes.

Don’t forget your insurance!
As you can see, being a responsible tourist isn’t difficult. But don’t forget to look after number one as well and take out travel insurance for your trip. 24/7 travel insurance offers comprehensive insurance cover for under a fiver*, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing you are being a good tourist in more ways than one!

*Premium £4.86 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a ‘standard’ Single Trip policy for 3 days in Europe and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press and are subject to change.

Using your credit card abroad?

2008-05-21T12:01:00.001+01:00

Planning a big shopping trip abroad? In order to bag as many bargains as possible you might decide to take your credit card. But as BBC Watchdog recently highlighted, it may not be a good idea to solely depend on it.

The good thing about using credit cards abroad is that they are widely accepted. In today’s world, a credit card can be the most useful thing of all for getting you out of a scrape. Also the exchange rate offered on credit cards is about the best you can get (but don’t forget that many charge a “loading rate”, typically around 2-3%, and there are charges for using them in cash machines so they are best used for larger purchases and withdrawals).*

But in order to combat card fraud, credit card companies now look for unusual activity on cards, and spending abroad can be considered unusual. If the company decides something is suspicious, they may put a block on the card to prevent any further spending. This may be more likely to happen in countries that don’t have Chip and Pin such as the USA*.

Sometimes they will endeavour to inform you of this, but if you are on holiday you might not receive the message if it goes to your home number. Others might not phone you at all – which means costly international phone calls to the credit card company to sort it out, when you should be enjoying your trip!

If your credit card is your only source of money on holiday you could be left in a perilous position if your card is blocked as the call centres are not always easy to reach, and of course you need the money to make the phone calls. Some holidaymakers have been left unable to buy meals and onward transport due to having no other access to funds.

When BBC Watchdog contacted some banks to establish the best course of action, all of them recommended phoning your bank to inform them of your holiday plans. However as the blocks are applied by computer, there is still no guarantee that your card won’t be stopped. They also recommend giving the card company your mobile number so if they do try to phone you at least you can be contacted. But really the only way around the problem is to take some back-up money with you.

Don’t forget to take travel insurance when you go abroad as well as your credit card. In some cases it may be easier to settle some out-of-pocket expenses upfront with the card and claim them back from your insurer on your return home. Check your policy wording carefully to establish whether your claim will be valid and for any procedures you need to follow. 24/7 travel insurance offers insurance for a weekend break from under £10** including cover for personal money and travel documents of up to £500.

*Source: Moneysavingexpert.com
** Premium £9.75 includes Insurance Premium Tax, based on a couple aged 18-54 taking out a “standard” Single Trip policy for 3 days for European travel and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press and are subject to change.