Travel Informations » Travel Insurance

Proper Planning Helps Make the Most of Skiing Holidays

admin — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 18:36:32 +0000

There can be nothing more exhilarating than whizzing down a glistening, snow-covered mountain, with the sun shining down on you and a breathtaking view stretching out as far as you can see. However, in order to make the most of any skiing holiday, the travel experts state that proper planning is of utmost importance.

Indeed, a poorly prepared person will often find that their dream skiing trip has turned into a hassle-filled holiday, complete with inadequate clothing choices, an inappropriate resort and unavailable ski passes. That’s why it’s imperative that before you embark on your snowy adventure, you take the time to thoroughly organise your trip.

The first issue to consider is where you want to go and which resort or ski lodge you want to stay in. Here it’s useful to think about your level of skiing expertise, as well as the types of activities you want to participate in. It’s also important to book in advance, since many of the popular resorts fill up quickly, particularly in the peak seasons.

Ensuring that you’re physically fit is another essential factor. Hitting the slopes after months of sitting behind a desk is going to give any body a huge shock. Not only that, but in an unfit state, you’re also more likely to suffer from muscle strain or injuries. Therefore, make sure you undertake some form of training before donning your skis.

It’s also advisable to pack appropriately. The last thing you want to happen is to arrive on the top of a freezing cold mountain only to discover you have one jumper, three t-shirts and a pair of jeans. Plenty of thick, warm clothing is essential, as is proper ski gear. If you’re intending to rent equipment or clothing, then try to organise this beforehand.

One of the most essential things that you should do before any skiing holiday, whether it be in Europe or further afield, is to organise an adequate level of insurance. In addition to protecting you against any cancelled flights or loss of baggage, it should also provide enough medical and sports equipment coverage.

It’s crucial to read the terms and conditions of any insurance policy and this is even more essential when it comes to ski insurance. Indeed, you should be aware that most general travel insurance policies do not include winter sports. Consequently, you’ll be expected to take out additional cover. This is simply because most insurance companies view activities like skiing as high-risk, as well the fact that any medical treatment has the potential to be very costly.

There are thousands of ski travel insurance deals to choose from; the key to getting it right is to search and compare the different policies out there in terms of the coverage they offer. To find the best deal for your circumstances, it can be advantageous to conduct an internet search since there are many discounts available, which are not offered on the high street.

Going Skiing? Take Out Travel Insurance – you Know it Makes Sense

admin — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:36:35 +0000

The net result is that an increasing number of skiers and snowboarders are injured each year and, while falls, tumbles and the occasional wipe out are part of the holiday experience, you could be hit hard when it goes wrong. Being rescued from the ski slopes will now cost you well over £75, while medical expenses could set you back a further £250. The more serious injury cases could be even more painful both physically and financially. Repatriation to London from the Alps will cost around £2,500, rising to a hefty £6,000 from the USA.

And if you think that a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will provide you with full medical cover while skiing in Europe, then think again. The EHIC, which replaced the E111, entitles you to low cost, sometimes free, basic medical treatment on the same terms as all nationals in EU states, but it should not be viewed as a substitute for proper travel insurance as the EHIC will not cover costly extras such as an air ambulance, personal liability, trip cancellation, or loss of baggage.

That said, do not assume a standard travel insurance policy is enough, as most winter sports travel insurance cover has to be bought as an extra option and, even then, check the small print on your policy. It would be wise to check that the heli-sking or freestyle skiing that you intend to do is covered, not to mention those ‘off piste’ activities you have planned as your ski travel insurance policy could very well exclude these and that could mean being saddled with an unexpected bill if you get injured.

The golden rule is ‘Get the best cover for the activities you are planning to do’. This is one area of travel insurance where buying cheap travel insurance could definitely end up being a false economy.

Don’t ruin Mother’s Day – buy travel insurance

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:36:36 +0000

Recent figures have revealed that a majority of British holidaymakers are still intending on going abroad this year despite the recession continuing to eat its way through our pockets.

However, one in six British holidaymakers are planning to book a cheap holiday this year with more Brits downsizing to package holidays or short breaks, while a great number of holidaymakers are even opting to stay in the UK, according to research by American Express.

And with Mother’s Day approaching, what can be more of a perfect gift than to take her away for a nice break?

Mother’s Day breaks
According to a recent survey conducted by Holiday Extras, millions of Brits enjoy travelling abroad with their parents.

The poll found that 54 per cent of participants believed that their mum would be the ideal travel partner with five per cent admitting that they would like to take their mum on a short holiday for Mother’s Day.

Mike Whiting, managing editor of Holiday Extras, said: "Mums deserve a treat on Mothers’ Day so it’s great to hear that so many people would gladly take theirs on holiday."

However, those taking their mums abroad for a Mother’s Day break, or even those who are just travelling in the UK, have been advised to ensure they have adequate cover.

Brits avoid insurance
Research by World First Travel Insurance found that a large number of holidaymakers travelling on domestic holidays throughout 2009 will fail to purchase travel insurance to save more cash.

The travel protection firm found that a "worrying" 80 per cent of holidaymakers will be travelling without cover this year.

Managing partner, Martin Rothwell of the firm said: "People simply forget that they could be charged for a holiday they cannot take and there could still be major cost implications during a domestic break.

For example, most long distance ambulance trips home following an accident whilst on holiday are not covered by the NHS; they are covered by our policies."

Furthermore, figures from the Post Office have also revealed that nearly 25 per cent of British holidaymakers may avoid purchasing travel insurance this year because of the financial crisis.

With growing figures in those opting for winter sport holidays, a quarter of Brits are expected to travel without being covered.

According to the Post Office, 72 per cent of ski travel insurance claims involve medical costs stating that the cost on an air ambulance can vary from £12,000 in Italy and £50,000 in the USA.

Therefore, holidaymakers expecting to save money by opting out of travel insurance could be in for a surprise if something goes wrong either during their holiday, or even before.

"At a time when all of us are watching what we spend, financial protection is more important than ever before," added Rothwell.

Travel Insurance for skiing

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:36:37 +0000

Travel insurance has become indispensable to people going for holidays. People have come of age and have started giving travel insurance its due importance for the last couple of years. The reason why it has become so popular is because it provides support for various things ranging from illnesses of different kinds to compensation for loss of goods to cover for life to 24 hours emergency hotline services. The host of services has been couple with aggressive marketing policies by the insurance companies and a lot of varied schemes to suit all tastes and requirements. But there are certain circumstances under which travel insurance does not only become necessary but a must. One such circumstance is when a person takes a holiday and has plans to go on skiing.

Skiing travel insurance is a must because skiing is a very risky sport. The risk associated with skiing is huge and anything may befall anyone at any point of time while skiing. The risk of getting injured and that too fatally injured is also high. But astonishingly, one-third of the people who go for skiing in UK do not insure themselves. The rest obviously purchase travel insurance from the large pool of options available to them in UK.

While purchasing travel insurance for skiing, one should keep in mind certain things. Firstly, what type of skier he/she is. Depending on that one can settle for piste, one that is easily available, comes very cheap and is suited for amateurs and novice tourists. But in case one is a pro at it and have extensive plans, he/she should purchase cat-skiing and heli-skiing policies. These policies are cover for a higher degree of risk, and therefore, the premium is also comparatively higher than that of piste which starts for a price as low as 20 pounds. The specialized policies covering for heli and cat skiing are provided by specialized insurance companies who deal in such special services and have such policies for professional skiers. The travel insurance policies for skiing cover for a lot of things including life. The amount that can be reimbursed if claimed properly is huge compared to the investment that is made for purchasing it.

Before buying a travel insurance policy for skiing, one should obviously go through the policy document carefully and ponder over the special clauses, small prints and facilities provided by the policy. In case of some confusion in understanding something, one should always consult the service provider for clarification. But given the amount of risk involved in skiing, one should always buy travel insurance for skiing.

Copenhagen – Lonely Planet Travel Video

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 06:55:17 +0000

Traveling in a group? You are the holiday packagers dream! Imagine being able to offload bulk airline seats, rail passes and entertainment packages in one booking. A group traveling is a wanted commodity and because of this you can secure great deals for your group. But as always, beware of any hidden ‘extras’ such as cancellation policies and preferred partners when stepping outside the package. Be prepared to shop around for the best deal.

Here are some tips for the traveling group on a budget:

1. Travel insurance can be bought through some companies where savings can be ten percent or more. A group usually consists of four or more. Contact a number of travel insurance agencies and compare quotes.

2. Pack as many people as you can into your hotel room (keeping it legal). The more heads in the room, the higher the number to divide the cost by.

3. Renting a car when traveling in a group of four is usually cheaper than buying travel passes – and more convenient.

4. Food, guidebooks, taxi fares can all be split between the group bringing costs down.

5. Rail passes for groups or pairs may find discount offers in some countries.

6. Some airlines offer discount rates to groups of ten or more traveling together.

7. Group package bookings that have everything included in the price will have all expenses covered so you won’t be surprised by any extra costs, apart from shopping!

8. Discount holiday packages for large groups of travelers are offered through a number of travel agencies. Sports fans may be able to travel to big events using one of these travel packages for much cheaper than organizing it on their own.

If you want to join a group tour so you don’t have to travel alone consider all the pros and cons. Will there be like-minded people? Is there any flexibility to the travel arrangements? If not, will this outweigh the savings you’ll make on joining the tour? Some travelers like the convenience of all the travel arrangements being made for them. Group tour operators will find the best fares and reputable places to stay in. This saves you the hassle but it may mean that some of the cultural experiences you want will have to be put aside for the relatively cheaper ride.

Traveling in a family group can also benefit from a number of offers. Inform your booking agent that it is a family and ask about any special offers or deals. Can you visit any amusement parks or tourist attractions at family discount rates?

When traveling in a group, never be afraid to ask for a discounted rate. Everyone involved in the tourism trade is looking to get large numbers on seats or through doors. Groups are welcomed and catered for accordingly.

Is Time Travel Possible?

admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 06:55:30 +0000

There are many things to keep in mind when traveling, whether you are a budget traveler or not. You obviously want to keep what money you have for your trip rather than lose it or have it stolen. You also want to keep yourself and traveling companions safe from harm. Here are some tips to follow to ensure your trip is safe and enjoyable in a foreign country.

1. Have a valid passport and all visas required for your trip. Make two copies of your passport. Keep one in a separate part of your travel luggage and the other leave with someone at home.

2. Be aware of any travel warnings for the country you are visiting. Find out about security and safety conditions in your destination.

3. Secure travel insurance!

4. Ensure you have been vaccinated against any infectious diseases prominent in the area you will be traveling to.

5. To make sure you can be contacted in case of an emergency, make a copy of your itinerary and leave it with someone at home.

6. Travel light and don’t pack valuables that you wouldn’t want to lose. Leave your jewelry at home but take an extra pair of glasses if you can’t live without them.

7. Remember you are a foreigner when you travel. You are a guest in their country and therefore should abide by their laws, and to a certain extent, their customs. For example, if you are a female traveling in an Islamic state, be considerate of your dress.

8. Try not to bring too much attention to yourself when traveling. Don’t go out looking like a tourist with a flashy camera and expensive clothes. Try to blend into the scenery.

9. Travel in a group where possible and in well known areas. There will be times you want to get off the tourist track, so make sure you always have a traveling companion with you.

10. Only carry small amounts of cash on you. Your credit card and travelers checks will pay for most things.

11. Watch out for pickpockets! Wear a money belt and keep your purse/wallet in the front of your body. Report any loss or theft immediately to the local authorities.

12. Don’t leave your luggage unattended. Apart from having it stolen or items from it taken, you could also become an unsuspecting drug courier.

13. If traveling with a partner, pack half your clothes in their luggage and vice versa. This way if one of you loses your luggage, you will still have some clothes.

14. Lock your luggage and label everything.

15. Lock your hotel room. Keep money and valuables with you, not left unattended in your room.

16. When using public transport be aware of possible theft. If you are traveling overnight, secure your luggage and sleep on top of it if possible. It is not uncommon for tourists to be drugged while on trains and buses so don’t accept gifts of food or drink from strangers on public transport.

If at any time you feel unsafe, whether it is on the streets or in your accommodation, get out. Follow your instincts. Stay safe when you travel by being aware of the dangers and obeying the laws of the country you are visiting.

TRAVEL PORTLAND

admin — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 06:55:31 +0000

Being a poor student doesn’t mean you have to put your travel plans on hold. In fact traveling as a student, whether it be at home or abroad, can be done on a small budget as there are many deals there for you to take advantage of.

Use the fact that you are a student to get discounts. Before you go traveling get yourself a student discount card and use it. The ISIC (International Student Identity Card) will get you concessions on tourist attractions, food and shopping among other things. This card is for any student regardless of age or for youth aged between twelve and twenty six and can be used in over one hundred countries. This student discount card comes complete with an international phone card and a voice mail account. This ensures you can be contacted while traveling.

There is also the International Student Exchange Card (ISEC) which gives travel discounts across the globe. Discounts can be as much as fifty percent on such things as museums, movies, transport options and accommodation. Not only will this card save you a lot of money while traveling, it also provides other benefits including assistance with medical expenses and evacuation fees if caught in a disaster. You also have access to toll free emergency phone service world wide should you need help in urgent situations. The ISE card will also provide you with airline bankruptcy protection. If you book your flights through an ISE agency, you will be covered if your carrier goes bust.

And finally there is the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) which you can get if you are under twenty six years of age. There is a small charge associated with this card, but the benefits outweigh this cost when traveling. This card will get you discounts in about fifty countries including airfare discounts, accommodation reductions and entry in to tourist attractions at a reduced rate.

Other student cards that offer discounts are transport cards such as the STA Travel card or Young Persons railcards issued in the United Kingdom. But the offers don’t stop there for students. In western countries it is wise to ask if there are student discounts in any place where you are about to part with your money. Discounts can be given by restaurants, retailers (on just about anything) and hostels. Not all places advertise that they give discounts so if you don’t ask, you’ll never find out what savings you can make.

Students aren’t the only lucky ones to get fabulous travel discounts. Seniors also have deals available to them while traveling as do group travelers and families. Investigate what discounts apply to you and ensure you take advantage of them.

YOUR TRAVEL GUIDE — Disney’s EPCOT Center, Orlando, FL

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:55:36 +0000

One you can afford – seriously.

Look at how much you earn. What can you put aside for a trip? What are you prepared to sacrifice to make your trip a reality? Maybe you’ve been saving for a while and have a few thousand dollars in the bank. You do? Great. Well that’s your realistic budget. If you want to fly to Europe tomorrow and you only have ten dollars in the bank then you are not being realistic. But it might be enough to get you in to the local museum for a few hours escape.

When you are setting your budget, be practical. Everyone has different needs for their travel experience and if your travel plans include overseas flights, you will need to budget accordingly. Sure you can find great deals and get there cheaper than you might have expected, but make sure you have enough money in your budget to not only get you there but to travel around, find a place to sleep, oh and have enough money to be able to eat!

So how do you go about setting a budget? Following these steps might help:

1. Draw up a table with two columns.

2. Column A is for Expense Items. Column B is for Approximate Costs.

3. In column A write down all the things you can think of that will cost you money while traveling. These might include: air flights, car hire/fuel allowance, travel passes, sight-seeing tours, accommodation, food, insurance, immunizations, and souvenirs.

4. In column B write an estimate of how much you think these things will cost while on your trip. You can research your travel costs quite easily on the Internet. Food allowance might be a bit more difficult. If you are traveling alone, as a couple or in a family you will need to budget food costs accordingly.

5. Now add up the costs. This will give you an estimate of how much your trip will cost. Can you afford it? Yes – then this is a realistic budget for you. If not, then you may have to rethink your destination and the type of travel experience you want.

Remember that this table will only be an estimate of your travel costs. You must also budget for incidentals and prepare yourself for things to not go to plan. For example, have you got enough money in your budget to buy new clothes if your luggage goes missing? A realistic travel budget will have extra built in to it to cover emergencies. Setting yourself a budget of about sixty-five dollars a day, if traveling alone, is a reasonable amount. If you are traveling as a family or in a group, this number will be vastly different.

Also consider if you will be traveling and working. If this is the case, then you may not need as much to start with, just enough money to get you to your destination and a place to live while you look for work. (And enough money to buy you food until you begin earning a wage.)

Start making your travel plans with your budget in mind. Don’t exceed your budget, always keep a little in reserve so you can buy that fantastic Italian leather handbag or go jet-skiing in Hawaii if the desire takes you!

This article is brought to you by: Stuart S. Travel – Your Online Travel Guru

Travel Videos – Airlie Beach, Irish Backpacker, Australia

admin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 06:55:34 +0000

Of course you can travel just about anywhere with your kids on a budget. Like any travel experience on a budget you need to research and plan well to make the most of your travel dollar. Many places, however, are family or kid friendly and will throw in added extras for the children. So whether you intend traveling at home or abroad, look for places that will cater to your family’s needs.

RV trips are a great way to travel on a budget. In fact, traveling with a car is almost essential for families. It is usually cheaper than buying rail passes or catching taxis everywhere. But more importantly, it gives you that ‘door to door’ freedom that is necessary when traveling with kids.

If you are traveling overseas, have you considered staying in a hostel with your family? This is a much cheaper option than staying in hotels and many hostels are family friendly and have no age limit (except in Bavaria where you can’t be older than twenty six). You can request a room with enough bunk beds to accommodate your family and you can cook your meals in the communal kitchen. Huge savings to be made!

In the USA there are many places to travel with your family on a budget. Consider these options:

1. Camping. The cheapest option around for any travel adventure. Many campsites have activities for kids and if you don’t like the idea of staying in a tent, many places have cabins to rent that are still cheaper than a hotel room. Camping gets you up close and personal with nature and gets the kids outside and running around.

2. What about spending some time at a Working Farm or Dude Ranch? Look around for reasonably priced holidays at these destinations and you will find plenty of activities and atmosphere for kids and adults alike.

3. Head to Disneyland in off peak season for big savings.

4. The same can be said for traveling to Hawaii. Check the packages available in low season and see how affordable it is.

5. You’ll also find some excellent deals in traveling to Mexico. Go for all-inclusive resorts, especially in the low season.

What about if you want to travel overseas? Where are some good places to take the kids on a budget?

* Although Australia is a long way away and can be a bit pricey to get there, it is a very child-friendly place with lots of cost saving adventures to be had for the kids. Australian off peak is different from North America so do some research.

* Europe can be done on a budget with kids. Pick your destinations with the kids in mind. Get them involved in your itinerary. Stay in hostels and travel by car. You’ll be amazed at how much you save and how much you see.

* Some island resorts are very child friendly. In Fiji there are resorts where children under twelve stay and eat for free. Do your research!

* How about a family cruise? Cruises are great because they are all-inclusive, cater for families and you get to explore lots of places. There are some good family package deals to be found with most cruise companies.

So get planning and get packed. Plan your family vacation and check out the deals available. Going off peak is the best way to save money. If you are going to take the kids out of school buy them a journal so they can record their experiences. It’s amazing how much they’ll learn by traveling with their family.

Las Vegas Travel Guide

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:55:35 +0000

The best time to travel is in the holidays, right? Not if you want to make big savings on your traveling costs it’s not. If you travel in off peak (or low season) periods, or even in the shoulder season, you’ll find traveling costs a lot less.

Where are you traveling? Do you know the peak travel times for this destination? Summer and spring, no matter where you are, are generally considered the peak seasons to travel, unless you are a winter sports enthusiast. In that case, ski resorts will be having their peak season in winter. And what hemisphere are you thinking of visiting? The seasons differ depending on whether you are north or south. For example, the North America summer months are June, July, August but in Australia the summer months are December, January and February. You will need to research your destination to find out the low season times to visit.

First of all, what type of savings can you expect to make if you travel in the off-peak season?

1. Air fares are much cheaper. There are less people wanting to fly so air carriers drop their prices to attract customers. Take advantage of these great savings. If you are traveling in the high season, see if you can book a flight mid-week. These flights are generally cheaper too.

2. Accommodation is cheaper and more readily available. In high season it can be difficult to find a place to stay in popular tourist destinations and when you do find somewhere it can be up to twice as much as when traveling in the off peak.

3. Eating in restaurants can be cheaper too. Owners will be trying to attract patrons so see what sort of deals you can find when eating out.

There are some other positives to traveling in the off peak season, other than saving money. There are fewer tourists for one, so visiting any cultural sight will be much more enjoyable. You can get more of an idea of what a destination is really like without the thousands of extra people. Experiencing the true culture is a real bonus. Did you know that opera season is in full swing in Europe in winter? Or that winter in Australia is often the best time to visit places in the north when the humidity and heat are bearable. Or how about visiting the best holiday markets in Germany in December? Do some research to find out what your chosen destination can offer in off peak, ones that you won’t experience in high season travel times.

So what are the negatives of traveling in the off peak? Well there are a few, but if you plan well you can overcome most drawbacks. Off peak usually means traveling in colder weather and that also means less daylight hours. Pack wisely and remember to dress in layers for the cold weather. Some tourist places close earlier or do not open at all in the off peak, so check up before you go so you are not disappointed. You will also find that in some areas the public transport system does not run as often as in peak tourist season. Find out what options you have to get to places and don’t be caught out missing the last bus home in the middle of winter, in the middle of nowhere! Some hotels and museums close down for the winter to re-furbish and get ready for the next high season influx of tourists. You can gamble and bargain your way to a great accommodation deal once you get to your destination, but all your bartering skills will be of no use if the hotels are all closed. It’s best to check what’s open before you go.

If traveling in the off-peak doesn’t sound attractive to you, then you might like to try the shoulder season and still get some travel price reductions. The shoulder season is considered the period leading up to and away from the high season. Usually in this time you’ll get decent weather, less crowds and lower travel costs – not the great bargains you’ll get in off peak, but lower costs nonetheless.