Travel news and tips from Flexicover
Head for Eastern Europe in 2010
Published: 14/02/2010
Eastern European destinations have experienced a surge in popularity during 2010 despite the recession.
A larger number of Brits will be visiting these destinations according to Cheapflights.co.uk.
Francesca Ecsery, their global sales director, said Eastern Europe offers the best of both worlds, as it is easy to get to and many of its countries offer favourable exchange rates with the UK. Therefore, holidays to these destinations can be relatively inexpensive.
Ms Ecsery also added that many unique experiences can be found in Eastern Europe, including stunning architecture and a wealth of culture particularly in Latvia and Estonia.
Cheapflights.co.uk's hot list for 2010 includes the Baltic states, Iceland, Singapore, Venezuela, Jamaica, Ireland, Ukraine and the Seychelles.
Top 10 Travel Adventures for 2010
Published: 03/02/2010
A team of top explorers, adventurers and award-winning writers put together a list of the greatest travel adventures to get our hearts racing for 2010.
Talking to Adventure Travel Live, travel experts including Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler, explorer Benedict Allen and broadcaster Simon Calder share some of the most intense adventures available on the planet which include:
TOP 10 TRAVEL ADVENTURES
1. Tiger tracking on elephants, Kanha National Park, India
"You'll never get so close to a tiger in the wild."
2. Skiing on Asahidake, Hokkaido, Japan
"Asahidake is Hokkaido's highest mountain and sends out a stream of smoke from its vents. It enjoys eight meters of snow a year, the most consistently excellent in the world."
3. Diving with hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos
"With basic scuba skills you can safely dive with these fabulous, iconic sharks - in the company of so many of them that you lose count."
4. Encounter with mountain gorillas in Rwanda
"Nothing rivals a close-up with our closest relatives. The trek can take five hours. It is at altitude, in a rainforest, with no paths. Worth it - massively and emotionally."
5. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru
"Popular though this three-day trek is, nothing can prepare you for the awesome first sight of the 'lost' city of the Incas as you round the trail on the last day, seeing it perched high above the Urumaba with the mist swirling around it."
6. Larapinta Trail in Australia's Northern Territory
"Classic outback country: dry, dramatic, lots of wildlife ... the 'dry' component would normally make it unwalkable until the establishment of regular water tanks made it one of Australia's best hikes."
7. Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
"The greatest rail adventure of them all. I'd suggest the weekly Moscow-Mongolia-Beijing train. It's six nights and over 5,000 miles across Siberia, the Gobi Desert, and through the Great Wall for as little as GBP410. You can even start your trip at St. Pancras."
8. Hot-air ballooning over the Serengeti, Tanzania
"Even if there are no migrating herds, just to pass over the African savannah in silence is something you will never forget."
9. Hiking the Grand Tsingy Circuit, Madagascar
"Tsingy are pinnacles and spikes of limestone creating the world's most exotic rock garden. Rare succulents shelter in the gullies that visitors cross using boardwalks, ladders, and bridges. An extraordinary experience on an extraordinary island."
10. The wildlife of the Pantanal, Brazil
"Check out giant otters, caimans, jaguars, green iguanas, and more."
Staycation... or overseas vacation?
Published: 27/01/2010
A poll of 3,000 consumers by travel site simonseeks.com found that some people are prepared to cut back on areas such as going out and buying new clothes in order to take an overseas vacation.
The study also reveals that more than half of those surveyed who holidayed in the UK last year plan to travel abroad this year.
56% said they were willing to turn their backs on holidaying at home (staycations) in 2010 and plan to head for sun, sea and warmer climates, with Spain, USA and France emerging as the travel hotspots.
In order to save for a trip abroad:
- 41% will cut back on this year's holiday budget, saving an average of £391.
- 50% would cut back on entertainment and going out for a year.
- 50% of women would wear last year's winter wardrobe and avoid new purchases.
- 40% would do overtime to pay for a holiday.
- 14% would drop home improvements.
- 41% would start taking a packed lunch to work.
The study found a large proportion of consumers keen on money-saving schemes. Around two-thirds would be happy to wait until the last minute to book if it meant finding a cheaper deal. But they weren't prepared to cut the holiday short or downgrade their destination to save money.
How do you spot a tourist?
Published: 12/01/2010
Sometimes we find ourselves in unfamiliar places whilst on holiday or abroad. During times like these, we may turn to the locals or guides for help and advice.
The Daily Telegraph recently published a list of questions asked by tourists whilst on their travels:
- "Why did they build so many ruined castles and abbeys in England?"
- "Are there any lakes in the Lake District?"
- "What is the entry fee for Brighton?"
- "Why on earth did they build Windsor Castle on the flight path of Heathrow?"
- "Is Wales closed during the winter?"
- "What time of night does the Loch Ness monster surface and who feeds it?"
- "Was this man-made?" asked a tourist at the Grand Canyon National Park
- "Are there supermarkets in Sydney and is milk available all year round?"
- "How much of the caves are underground?"
Beating the January blues!
Published: 30/12/2009
The third Monday of January is officially the gloomiest day of the year. worldtravelguide.net recently reported a few great ways to help beat the lows of a January comedown.
The third Monday of January is considered the year's emotional low point for many. The parties of Christmas and New Year are over, your social highlight is a gossip by the office coffee machine, you're utterly broke and payday seems an age away, the weather is rubbish and you've already broken your New Year resolutions. The outlook is bleak.
What you need is a little travel inspiration to take the edge off those extra-intense Monday blues. Here are the top 5 ways worldtravelguide.net suggests to perk yourself up:
1. Find some winter sun. If you're feeling lethargic or like you just want to go into hibernation, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the most common form of which is known as winter depression. Fortunately it's easily fixed and the most effective treatment is getting more sun. Why not snap up a cheap last minute deal to the Canary Islands or Egypt?
2. Pamper yourself. After all those seasonal indulgences, you're probably feeling sluggish, dull, grey and completely unmotivated. Kick start your system and get your New Year's resolutions back on track with a spot of pampering at your local spa.
3. Plan your summer holiday. Book a summer trip early so you've got something to look forward to. Purchase an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy today and maybe go the whole way by booking more than one adventure.
4. Embrace the winter. Winter can be a beautiful thing. Embrace it and book yourself a holiday cottage in the UK or France. January is normally within the off-peak season for non-ski holidays so prices can be low but the countryside is just as beautiful as the peak summer months.
5. Get some exercise. Force yourself outside and get your heart pumping. Exercise is another highly effective way to beat SAD. If you can't quite get the motivation to do it by yourself, consider going on an activity holiday either in the UK or abroad.
Winter weather drives safety awareness
Published: 17/12/2009
Frosty mornings, ice and snow appeal to the child in all of us. But would we think of those weather conditions in the same way if we had to drive abroad? The key to driving in the depths of winter is to be prepared.
Quotezone.co.uk recently published the following tips to help keep us as safe as possible:
1. Don't rush your journey. Ideally, don't go out at all but, if you do have to go out in bad weather, make sure you allow more time than normal. Listen to local weather and traffic reports to be aware of which areas to avoid and what you could be up against.
2. Check your car is winter-proofed. Top up on antifreeze and screen wash, test your brakes, make sure your tyres are inflated correctly and check your lights are all working. Keep a warm coat and a spade in the boot just in case!
3. Take extra care when driving in bad conditions. Slow down and brake very slowly rather than braking normally. Even if you can't see any ice or snow, the roads could still be slippery and your car will take longer to come to a full stop. So bear this in mind - drive carefully.
4. Make sure you have insurance cover when travelling abroad. We all hope we'll never need it but when you do it can be a lifesaver. Check with your motor and travel insurance companies that you're fully covered to drive abroad, including for breakdown recovery and any medical expenses resulting from an accident.
Walking in a winter wonderland...
Published: 01/12/2009
With Christmas almost upon us, children (and adults too) eagerly await the arrival of Father Christmas to bring them some Christmas cheer!
Thousands will even jet off to Lapland, the winter wonderland, to meet Santa in person.
Tour operators are currently offering great deals to popular winter destinations where you can also try other winter activities besides skiing, from reindeer safaris to snowmobile and husky dog rides. You may even be lucky enough to see one of nature's most magnificent displays, the Northern Lights.
Whether it's Santa in Lapland or you simply want a skiing adrenaline rush this season, we recommend getting quality winter sports insurance - this won't stop accidents, but it will be invaluable if something should go wrong. The cost of treating a leg injury abroad and getting you home can soon mount up to more than £15,000.
Wherever you decide to travel this winter for fun in the snow, do make sure you purchase a specialist insurance that covers against lost or damaged ski equipment, no snow or even too much snow.
Top tips for a safe skiing holiday
Published: 18/11/2009
Despite the current economic climate, hitting the slopes is still a desirable holiday option for those of us who have been bitten by the winter sports bug.
But it's not just a case of dust off the skis and jump on a plane. As with all holidays, planning ahead can make your trip much safer and enjoyable.
Here are a few Top Tips.
- Get in shape - Getting into shape before you go can prevent unnecessary aches at the end of your first day.
- Stretch - Start with a warm shower to loosen your joints and muscles, then gently stretch the muscles you'll be using most when skiing and don't forget to warm down when you've finished.
- Check your equipment - If your equipment has not been used for some time give it a good 'once over'. In particular, test your bindings as your safety could rest on the ability of them to release at the right time.
- Dress properly - This is more of a comfort recommendation than a safety issue, but handy nonetheless. If your feet are cold, put on a hat. Your body loses a large proportion of its heat through the head and neck.
- Stop when you're tired - A lot of injuries happen at the end of the day when people are getting tired and want to take just one more run before they go home. It's far better to call it a day than take a detour on the way home via the hospital.
- Ski responsibly and be aware - When stopping on the slope, look before you pull off to the side and make sure the spot you pick to stop and rest is visible to skiers above.
- Finally -Whilst the above tips can aid your safety on the slopes they cannot stop the unexpected happening. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance which includes winter sports cover.
Swine Flu - do take extra care!
Published: 03/11/2009
As the Swine Flu virus continues to linger, some extra care can minimise the risk of contracting it.
We are all generally aware of the CATCH IT. BIN IT. KILL IT. campaign:
- Always carry tissues.
- Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose whilst coughing/sneezing.
- Bin the tissues as soon as possible.
- Wash your hands regularly.
Here are some tips for additional protection:
- 'Hands-off-the-face'. Avoid touching any part of your face unnecessarily.
- Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (1/4 cup lukewarm water to 1/8 teaspoon salt). This is a simple, inexpensive and a powerful preventative method.
- Clean your nostrils at least once daily with warm salt water. Blowing the nose once a day and even swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water attacks the virus at source.
- Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. If you take Vitamin C tablets, do ensure that they also have zinc to boost absorption.
- Drink warm liquids when you can. These would wash developing viruses from the throat.
Advice provided by Dr. Vinay Goyal MBBS, DRM, DNB (a specialist physician)
Holiday complaints - the funny side
Published: 21/10/2009
Inevitably some holiday complaints come across as funny, reflecting our human side. Recent research (kindly pointed out to us by one of our loyal customers) by Thomas Cook and ABTA reveals a selection:
- "We found the sand was not as in the brochure. Your brochure shows the sand as yellow but it was actually white."
- "Topless sunbathing on the beach should be banned. My holiday was ruined as my husband spent all day looking at other women."
- A woman complained that she'd been locked in her room by staff. She had mistaken the "do not disturb" sign on the back of the door as a warning to remain in the room!
- "We bought 'Ray-Ban' sunglasses for five Euros (£3.50) from a street trader, only to find they were fake."
- "I compared the size of our one-bedroom apartment to our friends' three-bedroom apartment and ours was significantly smaller."
- A tourist at a top African game lodge overlooking a waterhole spotted a visibly aroused elephant and complained that the sight of this rampant beast ruined his honeymoon by making him feel "inadequate".
- The brochure stated: 'No hairdressers at the accommodation'. "We're trainee hairdressers - will we be OK staying here?"
- "It is your duty as a tour operator to advise us of noisy or unruly guests before we travel."
- "We booked an excursion to a water park but no-one told us we had to bring our swimming costumes and towels."
- "No-one told us there would be fish in the sea. The children were startled."
Bizarre holiday complaints...
Published: 08/10/2009
Hot weather, strong alcohol and melting ice cream were among the most bizarre complaints made by British holidaymakers this year, according to a survey by Sunshine.co.uk and as the following classic complaints clearly demonstrate:
- A British family told of their distress at the sunny weather in Portugal and complained that they were too "hot and sweaty" in their holiday clothes.
- One irritated man complained at the number of plain black suitcases on the airport carousel, making it difficult for him to find his own plain black suitcase!
- Following a trip to a local theme park, a lady wrote to complain that the log flume ride made her feet wet and that the sun melted her ice cream too quickly.
- A couple criticised the excellent children's entertainment at their resort - it was so good in fact that their children didn't want to spend any time with their parents.
- Another couple claimed that the lunchtime cocktails at their resort were surprisingly strong, leaving them rather the worse for wear during the afternoon.
FCO - Launches new campaign...
Published: 22/09/2009
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has launched a campaign to clarify its role for travellers abroad.
The FCO's role includes assisting with lost or stolen passports, money transfers, and other support if a British national is a victim of crime or is hospitalised. They can also provide lists of English speaking lawyers, doctors and funeral directors and make arrangements for any Britons caught in terrorist attacks or natural disasters.
"Our embassies are not there to provide weather reports or give advice on unruly children. Consular staff are there to help Britons in real difficulty abroad - from victims of crime and bereaved families to those involved in accidents or who have lost their passports," said Consumer Affairs Minister, Chris Bryant.
The FCO regularly receives requests from travellers asking for help in paying bills or finding lost sunglasses - or one from a woman who asked the consulate in Florida to help her teenage son pack his suitcase and give him a lift to the airport as he was feeling 'under the weather'.
Be careful what you claim for....
Published: 09/09/2009
Two British law graduates who tried to defraud a travel insurance company by claiming their luggage had been stolen whilst backpacking have been sentenced to community service in Brazil and fined nearly £4,000.
The two young women told police that thieves stole around £1,000 worth of possessions, including iPods, digital cameras and a laptop computer while they were travelling on a bus from a tourist resort near the Igua Falls, to Rio de Janeiro.
However, the police became suspicious of their relaxed attitude and the fact they took several days to report the apparent crime. The police subsequently inspected their accommodation in Rio where they uncovered some of the belongings reported stolen.
The women, both aged 23, arrested on 26 July, were sentenced to 14 months in prison but a judge reduced the punishment to community service and a fine.
It has been reported that as a result of the community service order they may have to stay in Brazil for at least eight months, unless their appeal succeeds.
If you are unfortunate enough to be the victim of any crime, make sure it is reported to the police within 24 hours and you obtain an incident report which you will need when making an insurance claim.
Don't get ticked off with camping...
Published: 27/08/2009
The credit crunch will create almost half a million extra camping trips this year, according to research by the Tick Alert campaign. It warns that people swapping holiday villas and hotels for accommodation under canvas this summer are not thinking about the risk of infection and disease from biting ticks.
A spokesperson for Tick Alert said Tick Borne Encephalitis (TBE), which kills two in every hundred sufferers, was now endemic in 27 countries across Europe and leads to an average of 10,000 cases per annum needing hospital treatment.
The Tick Alert survey found the most popular European destinations among outdoors activity holidaymakers this year will be France (16%), Germany (12%) and Austria (10%). All three countries have ticks carrying TBE and also Lyme disease.
"Camping, along with other popular outdoor activities that put people closer to nature also increases the threat from tick bites. The outdoors is a great way to holiday and relax, but we are saying to people 'think about tick bite prevention just as you would sun protection'," said the Tick Alert spokesperson.
How to protect yourself
- Use an insect repellent that is effective against ticks.
- Avoid wearing shorts in rural and wooded areas, tuck trousers into socks, or cover all exposed skin with protective clothing (though not always practical in summer).
- Inspect your skin for ticks and remove as soon as possible with fine-tipped tweezers.
- Avoid unpasteurised milk which may also be infected with the TBE virus in endemic regions.
How to remove a tick
- Grasp the tick firmly and as close to your skin as possible. In a steady motion, pull the tick's body away directly outwards without jerking or twisting.
Swine Flu: Questions Answered
Published: 12/08/2009
Since it was first identified in Mexico in April 2009, swine flu has reached pandemic proportion and the number of cases, actual and suspected, seems to be increasing rapidly.
Whilst the majority of the media are reporting it sensibly, others are creating panic by sensationalised predictions of millions of deaths.
Due to some recent reports, travellers are becoming worried about whether their travel insurance covers them for swine flu.
Our article on 15th May 2009 confirmed that if you insure with Flexicover Direct your policy will provide cover for cancellation and medical costs and, should it be necessary, will get you home if you contract swine flu whilst overseas.
In addition to this we have now created a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions. To view these please click here.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) are not currently advising against any travel due to the virus. However, before you go we suggest spending a few minutes visiting the FCO website to check it is safe to travel to your destination country.
Recession-beating holidays fight back
Published: 24/07/2009
Britons are staying with family and friends on their holidays this year in increasing numbers, saving as much as £2,000 according to the results of a recent study conducted by online rail ticket site, thetrainline.com.
Known as "palidays", this accommodation option offers an alternative that makes it possible for many families to continue taking holidays during the recession, the online rail ticket site, thetrainline.com, noted.
- More than 6,000 website visitors participated in the survey that found 55 per cent stayed at the home of a family member or friend over the past year.
- Approximately two-thirds of those holidaymakers are planning a repeat "paliday" this summer.
- Of those staying with friends and family, 45 per cent said that they spend less than £600 during a two-week holiday, which is 77 per cent less than the average two-week summer holiday cost, according to thetrainline.com.
- Twenty-two per cent said that they chose a "paliday" for financial reasons - a need to save money while still wanting to enjoy a holiday.
- Others said that a significant benefit of staying with family and friends was the opportunity to spend "quality" time together.
The top "paliday" location reported was the seaside, with citybreaks coming in second, followed by countryside breaks. Whatever your choice, it is imperative that you and your family are fully protected whilst away in the form of travel insurance.
Are you ready to take the plunge?
Published: 09/07/2009
Whilst most people go on holiday to unwind from stresses and strains of everyday life, the number of holidaymakers choosing to undertake adrenaline-rush activities whilst away is on the rise.
In response to the falling value of British sterling, holidaymakers are compensating for a poor exchange rate by taking a larger amount of cash with them.
Bungee jumping, white water rafting and scuba diving are amongst the favourite impulse activities, but insurers have revealed that new trends such as zorbing - where you can roll down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball - are becoming hugely popular.
As new adventure sports take the travelling world by storm, travel insurance providers are advising thrill seekers to check their travel cover before they take the plunge.
Entering the Eurozone??
Published: 29/06/2009
The British public are taking more Euros on holiday with them than last year, according to the banking arm of Sainsbury's supermarket.
In response to the falling value of British sterling, holidaymakers are compensating for a poor exchange rate by taking a larger amount of cash with them.
Figures show that spending on foreign currency has risen by 36 per cent.
Before sterling began its steep decline, £100 would have secured approximately €135 euros. By the time the credit crunch was in full swing in December 2008, the same £100 was struggling to earn €102.
At today's exchange rates, your £100 is worth €118. Since March last year, the value of sterling against the euro dropped by 20% but has recovered a little in recent months. However, it is still 12.5% less than it was 12 months ago.
Top 10 Tips for keeping your holiday money safe.
- Store it - Store excess money and valuables in a safe. Most hotels have safes, either in the rooms or behind the main desk.
- Lock it - Never leave anything important in sight and make certain your room is locked every time you leave it, even if you're only gone for a few minutes.
- Leave it - Don't carry more cash than you need and carry small denominations if possible.
- Charge it - Carry a combination of payment methods including Visa Debit and/or Credit cards, travellers cheques and a small amount of local currency - keep these separate.
- Keep it - Do not leave your bag, wallet or any other personal items unattended and, wherever possible, keep money in a zipped pocket or a concealed money belt.
- Be vigilant - Don't carry a wallet in the back pocket of your trousers or jeans; that's simply easy prey to pickpockets.
- Be careful - Do not advertise how much money you are carrying.
- Be prepared - Keep serial numbers of travellers' cheques, credit card numbers and emergency phone numbers separate in case you are the victim of a robbery.
- Keep a record - Photocopy the front and back of your credit/debit cards and keep them separate and safe in case of emergency.
- Be protected - Make sure you have adequate travel insurance which includes cover for your possessions, money and passport.
US hotels will not cost you top Dollar...
Published: 20/06/2009
Travellers planning trips to New York this month can take advantage of a perfect pricing storm, as plummeting hotel room rates collide with the rapidly strengthening pound.
The Sunday Times reported that New York has been harder hit than most by the recession. The decline in both domestic and international visitors have sent hotel room rates through the floor and worried hoteliers have slashed rates to a six-year low to tempt tourists back.
Six months ago, the pound was worth just $1.43, a double room at the iconic Waldorf Astoria would have set you back £188 per night. Now, with the pound hitting a 2009 high of $1.64 and the Waldorf frantically discounting, the same room is just £123, a drop of 35%.
Other deals highlighted included the Hudson Hotel, off Central Park, with the price for double room on offer at £80, and at the Empire Hotel on West 63rd Street, where rooms listed at £205 per night are now available from £92.
Adding to this, price comparison site Travelsupermarket.com are offering return flights for as little as £266.70 to US destinations such as New York, travelling across 'the pond' is beginning to look like the summer's hottest bargain.
Whilst many of us will be tempted to capitalise on the bargain basement travel offer, it is vital to protect ourselves against the unexpected with travel insurance given the well publicised steep cost of medical care in the USA.
Medical repatriation costs soar
Published: 10/06/2009
The average cost of claims for repatriating holidaymakers taken ill whilst overseas now exceeds £25k, according to new research published in the International Travel Insurance Journal.
Figures supplied by our underwriters, Europ Assistance, in 2009 revealed that an air ambulance from the Canary Islands or Cyprus to the UK can cost around £25k, with an air ambulance from the West Coast of America typically costing around £70-90k. And that doesn't include the medical bills from the hospital!
The research also confirmed that many holidaymakers either don't take out insurance, or don't check if their policy provides enough cover, and as such can find themselves literally stranded without the means or the finances to get home.
In fact, a moneysupermarket.com survey revealed as many as 1 in 5 people travel without any insurance - with 1 in 10 doing so intentionally and the remainder simply forgetting to take out insurance before jetting off.
As a Flexicover Direct policyholder, when travelling abroad you can leave your worries at home. You will receive protection 24 hours a day, with cover for medical expenses and repatriation up to £10,000,000. You can rest safe in the knowledge that should an emergency arise, our experienced multi-lingual assistance team will look after you and your family, and make sure you all get home safely.
Top 10 Cruise Holiday Tips!
Published: 29/05/2009
With cruise holidays selling for as little as £400, it's no surprise that record numbers of UK holidaymakers are opting to take a cruise this year.
Passenger Shipping Association director, Bill Gibbons, has predicted the number of Britons taking a cruise holiday will continue to grow, albeit at a slower pace than in the past few years. One-third of all cruises last year cost under £1,000 and clients can expect even better value this year.
As a result, cruise lines are offering generous discounts to encourage passengers to continue buying during the recession. For the third year in succession, the UK cruise market achieved a double digit growth in 2008 when an 11% increase took passenger numbers to nearly 1.5m.
Top 10 Cruise Tips
- Shop around - there are cruises to suit all budgets.
- Book at least 120 days in advance as you are almost guaranteed a discount on the brochure price.
- Take walkie-talkies to keep in contact with friends or family throughout the cruise as mobile phones do not work on many cruise liners.
- Inside cabins are cheaper than outside or balcony cabins, but always ask what the upgrade cost is - it might be worth it!
- Get the pre-paid gratuities removed when booking. Most companies have a gratuity programme but do not feel obliged to pay this as you can tip as you wish onboard.
- Meals are normally included in the price for the cruise, so eat meals onboard. Most ships offer 24/7 dining, so you can eat when you want.
- Select the second seating for dinner which gives you more time for activities during the day.
- Remember that you might be travelling through a variety of climates so pack your suitcase for comfort.
- Check on the dress code - formal, informal or casual? Bear in mind that, when dining onboard, often jeans, shorts and T-shirts will not be allowed in the main restaurants, even if the dress code is 'informal'.
- Most important is to make sure you have travel insurance cover from the moment you book your holiday.
Visiting America? The rules have changed
Published: 26/05/2009
Did you know that anyone flying to the USA is now required to complete the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before they can enter the country?
With holidays just around the corner, you may be thinking of visiting America, whether it's a family break to the theme parks of Florida or a shopping trip to New York.
You should submit your ESTA application at least 72 hours prior to your departure although the system will accommodate last-minute travel.
Everything you need to know about ESTA
- Who should apply for an ESTA?
The ESTA ruling applies to anyone travelling to the USA under its visa waiver scheme, which allows British passport holders to visit the country for up to 90 days without a visa.
- Why do I need an ESTA?
The ESTA is a compulsory pre-checking scheme enabling the Department of Homeland Security to determine whether an individual is eligible to enter the United States prior to departure.
- How much does an ESTA cost?
Nothing, it's free.
- What do I need to include in my ESTA application?
Enter your personal information into an online form to include your name, date of birth and passport details, as well as details of your flight number and destination address in the USA.
- How long is an ESTA valid for?
2 years and it will allow multiple visits to the USA within that time.
- How do I apply for an ESTA?
To apply for an ESTA please visit - www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/esta.html
Be protected against the unexpected
Published: 14/05/2009
The recent outbreak of swine flu has highlighted how travel plans can be adversely affected and unless you have adequate travel insurance in place when you book your trip you could be left out of pocket.
Did you know some travel insurance policies have an exclusion for claims as a result of an epidemic or pandemic? As such, they may not cover you if you need to cancel or cut short your trip or cover your medical expenses if you are unlucky enough to need treatment for such an illness whilst overseas
As a Flexicover policyholder, you can rest assured we do not exclude cover as a result of an epidemic or pandemic. As long as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is not advising against travel to your destination and if you are unfortunate enough to contract a condition such as swine flu when on holiday, your policy will cover medical costs.
How does the swine flu outbreak affect Flexicover policyholders?
Medical expenses and repatriation cover whilst overseas.
Our policies will cover medical costs and, should it be necessary, will get you home if you contract swine flu whilst overseas.
Cancellation cover if you catch swine flu before you travel.
Our policies will offer cancellation cover if you get swine flu before you travel and it is deemed necessary to cancel your trip.
Cancellation cover if the FCO suddenly advise against travel.
If the FCO advise against travel to a specific country you were due to visit, you can make a claim for any unused travel or accommodation costs you are unable to get back from your tour operator or issuing agent.
Curtailment cover following a government directive recommending evacuation from a country or area.
Our policies will cover the cost of getting you home and reimburse any unused travel and accommodation costs if the government are recommending evacuation from the country or area where you are staying.
No cover for 'disinclination to travel'.If the FCO are not advising against travel to your chosen destination, you will not be covered for cancellation if you simply choose not to travel.
No cover if you travel against FCO advice.
If the FCO are advising against travel to your chosen destination you will not be covered if you choose to travel.
Holidaymakers expected to favour uk trips
Published: 20/04/2009
The strength of the euro and the dollar against the pound and the ongoing credit crunch means many British holidaymakers are planning to take a UK break rather than going abroad.
Pontins has seen a 20% rise in bookings over last year, Butlins a 15% increase for the peak July/August period and Center Parcs is anticipating a record year with people booking much further in advance for the peak period.
If holiday parks are not your ideal holiday, there are plenty of destinations where you can find tranquillity, from the beaches of Devon and Cornwall to the picturesque mountains of the Highlands of Scotland. The UK offers something for everyone as an alternative to popular overseas sunshine destinations.
Whilst most people consider travel insurance an essential purchase when travelling abroad, it is often ignored for trips made within the UK.
Holidays to lift the british economy?
Published: 25/03/2009
A recent ABTA (The Travel Association) study reported that holidays will play a vital role in lifting the British economy this year, with 66% of the UK claiming a huge emotional high from a summer holiday.
Almost 50% believe the break from routine is a vital escape valve to credit crunch pressures. Brits rate the value of summer holidays three times higher than pay rises.
The study shows that, in spite of financial worries, summer holidays are three times more prized than pay rises and that, by booking and going on holiday this year, we can collectively help lift the economy, as well as our moods.
“Having something to look forward to, like a holiday, often helps us focus more on current tasks,” said psychotherapist and life coach Christine Webber, who developed the study.
“Holidays are not just about being two weeks away. The feel-good impact is felt from the moment you start to pick a destination and, in these troubled times, the whole process offers welcome relief from the gloom.”
Are your holiday plans getting squeezed?
Published: 25/02/2009
The financial doom and gloom may be spreading its net even further but the humble holiday is holding its head high - with the average number of holidays set to increase, according to research by travelsupermarket.com.
Almost 50% of Brits are assessing their holiday plans for 2009 and nearly a fifth of the people questioned will seek cheaper holidays. However, 28% won't be making any changes to their annual leave.
Bob Atkinson, travel expert from travelsupermarket.com, said "Holidays are seen as a necessity rather than luxury, so it's not surprising that people are still planning to go away. The type of holidays people will take is changing quite dramatically. There is a growing trend for breaks in the UK ? with short haul European breaks destined to be the main casualty of the current economic climate.
"With the current weakness of the pound, consumers will be paying a lot more attention to exchange rates. With the strength of the euro, destinations outside the eurozone are seeing huge growth. Holidaymakers are now much more savvy about getting the best deals and holiday companies are all vying for their attention, so shopping around will pay real dividends."
The top ten value destinations as per travelsupermarket.com are the UK, Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, Thailand, Iceland, Morocco, Bulgaria, South Africa and Canada.
Is there any break from the credit crunch?
Published: 5/02/2009
A holiday should be an escape from the stresses and strains of everyday life, but it appears there is no break from the credit crunch.
34% of Brits spend a whole day trying to find the best holiday deal, while a staggering 54% spend as little as 30 minutes or even less, arranging travel insurance.
A survey of more than 1,000 UK adults from greenbee.com (the financial and leisure services arm of the John Lewis Partnership) reveals:
- 34% spend a whole day trying to find a bargain break.
- 20% spend at least eight hours trawling the Internet for a cheap deal.
- 14% will commit a whole day to researching flights and accommodation.
- 8% will spend hours reading reviews by fellow travellers.
- 33% will allocate 30 minutes to organising holiday currency.
James Furse, managing director of greenbee.com said "With finances in front of mind for many, it's understandable that getting the best possible deal is a key concern. However the quick and easy route isn't necessarily the right one.
"Travel insurance, and having the appropriate cover, should also be seen as an essential part of the holiday check list. Those who fall ill or are injured on holiday can quickly discover how expensive overseas medical treatment can be and find out the hard way that buying travel insurance on price alone, or indeed not at all, can leave you with a financial holiday hangover."
Protect against insect-borne illness
Published: 15/01/2009
Holidaymakers looking to escape the cold of the UK winter with a new year trip to popular long-haul destinations are being warned about the increasing incidence of insect-borne diseases.
According to MASTA(Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad), large outbreaks of Dengue fever are occurring in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Southern and South East Asia, South and Central America and the Caribbean.
Dengue fever is a viral infection which is transmitted by the bite of the Aedes mosquito.
Michelle Sellors, nurse advisor at MASTA said: "There have been three quarters of a million cases of Dengue in Brazil alone this year. Indonesia and Thailand usually report around 100,000 cases and large outbreaks have also occurred in India and Sri Lanka over recent years.
"There is no vaccine for the disease, so travellers should take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes; such as using an effective insect repellent" she added.
Television presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle is currently recovering from the potentially-fatal flesh-eating bug leishmaniasis, which is transmitted from the bite of a sand fly. This left a one-inch hole in his arm and he is thought to have contracted the disease while filming in Peru.
If, in spite of your best efforts, you are still unfortunate enough to experience problems, as a Flexicover policyholder you will receive protection 24 hours a day, every day of the year safe in the knowledge that should an emergency arise; you and your family can return home, quickly.
Brits ‘worry’ on holiday
Published: 22/12/2008
Britons are unable to leave the worries of home behind them when planning to ‘escape from it all’ on a winter sun or city break holiday, according to research from American Express.
Despite holidays being seen as an opportunity to relax and unwind, the research reveals that 70 percent of holidaymakers are troubled by home pressures whilst abroad.
American Express conducted a survey of over 2,000 people to find which domestic troubles are following Britons on holiday.
The results revealed:
- 26% are haunted by the rising costs of living.
- 35% aged 25-34, who are likely to be supporting a young family and still repaying a mortgage; are troubled by increased living costs.
- 28% of women worry about putting on weight as a result of holiday indulgence.
- 5% are worried about falling house prices.
- 9% worry about being made redundant.
- 33% are preoccupied with thoughts of coming back to a burgled home.
- 13% of young professionals spend their holiday contemplating a career change.
Finally, it’s not only money issues troubling British holidaymakers, when they leave the stresses and strains of work behind them; men are twice as likely as women to worry whether their partner still loves them.
Don't break your bank!
Published: 04/11/2008
One in four people plan to go on holiday this year without travel insurance - according to the latest research by American Express. As Britons find their finances further stretched, they appear to be making cutbacks, risking a holiday without cover. They face the possibility of having to spend thousands of pounds on medical fees and repatriation, leaving them exposed, vulnerable, and badly out of pocket.
The research examined the financial products that Brits are planning to stop making regular payments to, as the increase in the cost of living starts to bite. These findings are part of a wider probe by Amex which revealed that nearly half of Brits (48%) plan to cut corners on key financial safeguards this year.
Chris Rolland, Head of American Express Insurance Services explains:
"As the cost of living rises and there is less money left over at the end of each month, our research shows that one in four Brits are struggling to meet the cost of holiday insurance.
If people are planning more than one trip this year, they should opt for an annual travel insurance policy instead; it will save them more money in the long run and help them to avoid being financially stung while they should be relaxing on holiday."
European health insurance card leaves tourist stranded
Published: 08/10/2008
A British holidaymaker has spent over a month in a serious condition in a
hospital in Dublin as his family scramble to try and pool together the €10,000
needed to fly him home to Manchester.
The International Travel Insurance Journal recently reported that Peter Carter
(66) and his son had only been in Ireland for a matter of hours when he fell
down a flight of stairs and suffered a broken neck, head injuries and extensive
bruising. He has since lost sensation and movement down one half of his body.
Mr Carter had not taken out travel insurance for his trip because he thought the
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) would cover the cost of any treatment he
needed. And he was right - the EHIC covered the cost of the hospital treatment,
but he and his family found out too late that it could not cover the cost of
repatriation.
His son Richard said: "I spoke to the British Embassy and to the Foreign Office
and they are going by the book. They're saying there's no travel insurance, then
there's no repatriation."
The case which has been reported to the Irish media, yet again serves to
highlight the fact that the government must do more to educate the public about
the anomalies contained within the EHIC.
As strongly recommended by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, "You still need
sufficient travel insurance to cover healthcare costs. Many people think an EHIC
will be enough and don't take out insurance. They regret this when they have
to pay thousands of pounds for an air ambulance back to the UK or pay out for
extra accommodation to stay with a sick relative."
Brits abroad losing cash!
Published: 18/09/2008
Brits abroad are rich pickings for pickpockets as many confess to carrying
wads of cash rather than cards - in a bid to beat fraudsters. New research by
life assistance company CPP
reported that we carry an average of £209 in cash when we jet off for a weekend
away. This compares to the £21 we carry around on the average day when home in
the UK.
Around 60% of people prefer to carry cash over credit or debit cards when they go
abroad. And it's little wonder, as 84% of Britons say they worry about
fraudulent activity abroad when using their cards at cash machines or in shops.
Kerry D'Souza, card fraud expert at CPP, says: "Card fraud abroad is a growing
problem. We are urging Brits to be particularly vigilant on holiday when they
can be less aware of their belongings and more prone to card fraud. We are
encouraging people to advise their banks before travelling, to keep their
valuables out of sight, and to be especially careful when they use their cards."
Top ten tips to help reduce the chances of card fraud:
- Don't carry multiple debit/credit cards in a wallet.
- Don't leave belongings unattended while swimming or sunbathing.
- Don't hang your bag on the back of a chair.
- Don't carry debit/credit cards loose in a bag or pocket.
- Advise your bank before going away.
- Make a note of all your card details and pack this separately.
- Don't let a waiter/shop assistant take your debit/credit card out of sight.
- Check your receipts against your statements when you get home.
- Don't let someone withdraw money on your behalf.
- Use a safe rather than leaving your debit/credit cards in a hotel room.
Credit crunch & travel disease risks
Published: 28/08/2008
Cost-conscious holidaymakers heading for countries outside the Eurozone this
summer need to consider greater risks from food and water-borne diseases, says a
travel health expert.
Michelle Sellors, senior nurse adviser at
MASTA, the UK’s biggest network of specialist travel clinics, says studies
have shown that the risk of contracting travellers’ diarrhoea is up to four
times more likely in eastern Europe compared to central Europe.
She said that typhoid, caused by contaminated water, was also a potential
problem. “Typhoid is generally a low risk in continental Europe but some
countries such as Turkey are thought to have an increased risk.”
Other research, she added, had revealed that trichinella, a parasitic worm
infection from raw or undercooked meat, was more prevalent again in Turkey but
also in countries such as Bulgaria and the Baltic States.
Holidaymakers hit by the credit crunch and the rising value of the Euro are
turning to destinations where the pound is stronger. According to
Lastminute.com, bookings to Turkey and Egypt are up 14 per cent on 2007 and
Tunisia by 95 per cent.
Michelle Sellors said the need to consider immunisation for these countries will
vary depending on the kind of trip and length of stay.
She said: “Even for short visits at good hotels in Egypt there would be some
vaccinations which we’d recommend such as hepatitis A and typhoid. Egypt still
has a fairly high risk of food and water borne diseases and there have been
reported outbreaks of hepatitis A at nice hotels in recent years - so it’s best
to be covered.”
MASTA’s
practical advice to prevent food and water-borne diseases includes washing hands
regularly, avoiding raw or undercooked meat, fish and vegetables and to carry a
basic first aid pack with medication such as loperamide (anti-diarrhoeal drug)
and oral rehydration solution sachets.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Published: 01/08/2008
Environmental issues are becomingly increasingly important when people choose
their holidays. Reduce My Footprint (RMF) has been created by the travel
industry to help mitigate the effects of travel on climate change. The RMF
website provides a way to understand the impacts that we all have on the
environment - our carbon footprint.
Climate change is a major problem facing mankind and we can all take action to
reduce our individual footprints. This should be your first step.
Before you leave your home
- Switch off all unnecessary electrical equipment including any immersion heaters.
- Turn down your central heating to the lowest reasonable level - turning down
your central heating by 1 degree Celsius can save 0.5 to 1.0 tonnes of CO2 per
year.
- For journeys of a few hundred kilometres, use rail, or coach where possible. For
such travel, driving is also reasonable if you are carrying a full passenger
load and your car is relatively fuel-efficient.
- Replace traditional light bulbs with energy-efficient ones: for a whole
household, this can save around 0.2 tonnes of CO2 per year.
- Try and use public transport to reach the rail station or airport.
- Recycle your holiday brochures when you’ve finished with them.
- Don’t take litter with you. Remove packaging from clothing, toiletries, etc and
recycle if possible. The more weight you take, the more fuel is consumed on
flights.
And finally remember
- A typical window left open overnight will waste energy equivalent to driving a
small car over 35 miles.
- A PC monitor left on for one night wastes enough energy to laser print 800
copies or to microwave six dinners.
- A typical photocopier left on for one night wastes enough energy to produce
15,000 copies.
- Lighting a typical office overnight wastes energy equivalent to heating water
for 1,000 cups of tea.
Going on a cruise? Protect against infection!
Published: 01/07/2008
Over 1.5 million cruise passengers are being advised to think about the
potential spread of infection when travelling with hundreds of holidaymakers in
confined space for days or weeks.
According to MASTA, operator of Britain’s biggest network of
specialist travel health clinics, gastro-intestinal infections and flu are
typical of the illnesses that can break out on cruise ships.
Lynda Bramham, senior nurse advisor at MASTA said: “Passengers should take extra
care with personal hygiene such as hand washing before meals and after visiting
the bathroom. “Flu can spread quickly and immunisation is especially important
for travellers with pre-existing medical problems such as heart or respiratory
conditions.”
Last month two new ocean liners were launched in Southampton which are expected
to create greater interest in cruising as a holiday choice. And according to the
Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) the number of UK cruise passengers
will reach 1.55 million in 2008, an increase of 14 per cent on last year.
Lynda Bramham also advised caution if cruising in malarious regions. She said the
risk will be “very low” if you are on the ship sailing between dusk and dawn,
the time when the mosquitoes that transmit malaria bite, but added:
“If sailing down rivers running through malarious regions such as the Amazon in
Brazil or the Orinoco in Venezuela, anti-malarial tablets would be recommended.
In tropical areas, cruise travellers should avoid insect bites day and night,
diseases such as dengue and yellow fever are transmitted by daytime biting
mosquitoes.”
Are you driving into trouble on holiday?
Published: 23/06/2008
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) recently revealed that almost two
thirds of Brits who have driven abroad run into problems, with research and
studies showing that tourists are three times more likely to be involved in a
road accident than local drivers. The FCO survey has shown that when driving
abroad, nearly a third (31%) have driven on the wrong side of the road and more
than one in 10 have driven the wrong way around a roundabout.
As the
FCO launches a new campaign to encourage British drivers to stay safe on
foreign roads, figures show that road death rates in many popular holiday
destinations are significantly higher than in the UK, with alcohol often being a
contributing factor.
For example, they highlight you are almost twice as likely to have a fatal
accident on the road in Spain than in the UK, almost three times as likely in
Greece and more than twice as likely in the USA.
The FCO reported that for holidaymakers who got into trouble, many people deeply
regretted not taking out adequate travel
insurance. They thought their credit card accident cover, home insurance or
private health cover was sufficient. Few were aware that an emergency of this
nature abroad could be extremely expensive.
For example, if you need to be returned to the UK it could potentially cost you
tens of thousands of pounds, unless you are adequately insured:
- £35-45,000 - air ambulance from USA’s East coast
- £12-16,000 - air ambulance from the Canary Islands
- £15-20,000 - scheduled flight, stretcher and Doctor escort from Australia
We are reminded by the FCO that the British Embassy or High
Commission will not pay for this.
Before you go
- Familiarise yourself with the driving laws of the country you are visiting.
- Check with your car insurance company that you’re fully covered to drive abroad,
including for breakdown recovery and any medical expenses resulting from an
accident.
- Check whether you need an International Driving Permit or Green Card for the
country you’re visiting.
- Service your car to ensure starting out in the best condition.
- If you need to hire a car abroad, make sure to hire it from a reputable company.
What to take
- A spare set of car keys.
- A fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tool kit, spare bulbs and warning triangle.
- Your registration document, driving licence and passport.
- Your UK motor insurance certificate and Green Card (if issued).
- Your breakdown policy and contact numbers.
- All travel insurance documents including emergency helpline numbers.
- And finally, if you’re driving your own car, have a GB sticker clearly visible
on the back and double check whether you need headlamp converters if you’ll be
driving on the right-hand side of the road.
- For more tips and advice on driving abroad:
click here
Malaria Hotspots
Published: 04/06/2008
With the British public expected to trade in their European package holiday
this year in favour of destinations offering better value for money,
bargain-hunting travellers are being warned about the risk of the most
life-threatening strain of malaria.
ABTA – The Travel Association believes that as the Euro continues to gain
strength, holidays to Spain and France could be replaced by trips to popular,
long-haul destinations such as Goa, Southeast Asia and Africa - where the pound
will stretch further but there are higher risks of contracting malaria. A
leading awareness group recently issued a severe warning about destinations more
prone to malaria and is urging travellers to seek expert medical advice ahead of
every journey. The warning comes as new figures show that in 2007 over 1,500 UK
travellers returned with the disease, of which nearly 75% of cases were the most
dangerous type. With visits to at-risk destinations nearly doubling over the
past 10 years, malaria continues to be a major health concern for British
travellers.
Top tips for a safer holiday
- Vaccinations: Contact your local health centre or GP to discuss
antimalarial and vaccination requirements (ideally this should be at least eight
weeks before you travel) they are best equipped to advise.
- Antimalarials: If you’ve been prescribed antimalarials, it is very
important take them as directed throughout the whole course. It only takes one
mosquito bite to contract malaria.
- Advice: Follow your healthcare provider's advice and use the recommended
antimalarial medication, mosquito netting and insect repellent.
- DEET: Take insect repellents that contain up to 50% DEET and apply to any
exposed skin and spray onto cotton clothing for added protection.
- Keep covered: Keep arms, legs and feet covered and limit outdoor
activities when mosquitoes are at their most active, such as between dusk and
dawn.
- Permethrin: Sleeping under a mosquito net impregnated with permethrin
should provide you with excellent protection.
- Websites: Increase your knowledge of malaria by visiting popular sites
like malariahotspots.co.uk and www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
- Symptoms: Initial symptoms of malaria can often be mild, difficult to
recognise and can be confused with flu. If you develop flu-like symptoms once
you return home, seek medical advice immediately.
Top tips to protect your holiday valuables
Published: 20/05/2008
Oxford Street, Bond Street and Knightsbridge, all under one roof. This is how
Heathrow's brand new £4.3bn Terminal 5 described its shopping facilities as it
proudly attempted to bring back the glitz into modern air travel.
Instead, still fresh in our minds are the chaotic scenes of the opening week. An
unpredicted breakdown of the baggage handling system resulted in thousands of
angry holiday makers being forced to make a decision between flying with just
hand luggage, getting an alternative flight or claiming a refund from the
airline.
How to avoid a baggage nightmare
There are many steps you can take to not only avoid the baggage nightmares
experienced at Terminal 5 but to deal with them if the worst does happen.
- Tags: clearly tag your baggage - this should include your name, your
flight number, the date of your flight and final destination.
- Baggage policy: Check your airline's baggage policy thoroughly to ensure
your bags are within the weight and size limits.
- Valuable items: It is advisable to carry all valuable items and documents
in your hand luggage and keep them in your possession at all times.
- Delays: If your flight is delayed, approach your airline for compensation
for accommodation, meals and refreshments. Your travel insurance may also
provide compensation if you are delayed for more than 12 hours.
- Written confirmation: If a delay occurs, get written confirmation from
your airline as to the reasons for and the length of the delay in case a travel
insurance claim is necessary.
- Receipts: Keep receipts of any expenses you incur as a result of a delay.
- Cancellations: If your flight is cancelled, ask your airline for a full
refund or an alternative flight.
- Travel Insurance: Check the details of your travel insurance policy
carefully. Check the exclusions for lost or delayed baggage and the limits for
valuables and single article limits.
If, in spite of your best efforts, you are still unfortunate enough to experience
problems, as a Flexicover policyholder, you will receive access to professional
advice 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Hygiene, hot food and holidays!
Published: 31/03/2008
Poor hygiene and sanitation can ruin your holiday, especially if you’re
considering a trip to a developing country. NHS Online confirms that more than
200 diseases are transmitted through food, but the risk is very low if it is
prepared, cooked and stored properly.
A holiday to a remote developing country should be the adventure of a lifetime
but without proper care, this type of travel can pose a problem to your health.
According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), hygiene standards are
often lower in the developing world than in the UK with a higher risk of
catching an illness. Traveller’s diarrhoea is especially common in hot
environments and diseases such as typhoid, cholera and hepatitis A can be easily
contracted from contaminated food and water. Bacteria such as salmonella,
campylobacter and E.coli can cause gastroenteritis. To stay healthy, there are a
few things we all need to remember:
- Always wash your hands before eating and drinking.
- Be careful around buffets - food left standing for some time can be prone to
attracting bacteria.
- Never use communal, damp towels in public conveniences.
- Avoid ice unless you’re sure it’s from treated water – whether used for drinks
or cooling food.
- Drink bottled water where you are unsure of the quality of drinking water; check
the seals have not been tampered with.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming
- Avoid milk, cheese and other dairy products unless they are pasteurised and have
been properly refrigerated.
- Bacteria are killed by heat, so make sure food is cooked thoroughly before
eating.
Up to 50% of travellers are affected by some kind of ‘tummy trouble’ on their
trips. If, in spite of your best efforts, you are still unfortunate enough to
suffer, as a Flexicover policy-holder you will receive access to professional
advice and emergency medical treatment 24 hours a day, everyday of the year.
Man with rucksack causes major security alert at
Heathrow.
Published: 19/03/2008
A man with a rucksack breached security at Heathrow airport last week and ran
towards a plane on the northern runway. Airport security and police reacted
quickly to capture the uninvited guest.
The Times reported that he was challenged and arrested by officers before
reaching the tarmac. Officers at the scene carried out a controlled explosion on
the rucksack, which fortunately only contained clothes. A police source said
that, while they did not yet know the man’s motive, they were confident that it
was not related to terrorism.
The incident happened just 24 hours before the Queen was due to open the
airport’s new Terminal 5 and is the second time in recent weeks that Heathrow
security has been breached. The northern runway was partially closed but later
reopened, by which time close to 40 flights were disrupted causing delays and
cancellations.
As this incident was not related to terrorism, most passengers would be able to
make a claim for flight delays or cancellations from their travel insurers where
appropriate.
Many travel insurance policies do not provide any cover in the event of an act of
terrorism but with Flexicover travel insurance, you can travel safe in the
knowledge that, on top of our extensive benefits, you will be covered for
Personal Accident and Medical Expenses, ensuring you receive emergency medical
treatment and repatriation if the worst were to happen.
Are you eligible for a £40 refund?
Published: 03/03/2008
Passengers who flew long-haul with Virgin Atlantic or British Airways may be
able to claim refunds of up to £40 for a couple after the two airlines agreed to
pay compensation to the victims of price- fixing.
BA has been fined for price-fixing on fuel surcharges and Virgin admitted to
breaching the law, narrowly escaping a fine. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic
passengers will receive up to $200m (£102m) in compensation after both airlines
have come to a legal settlement.
The deal involves 8 million airline tickets sold between August 11 2004 and
March 23 2006. To register for your refunds, please visit
www.airpassengerrefund.co.uk or if you have mislaid or lost details of your
flight call 0800 0430 343. Alternatively, visit www.virginbapassengerrefund.co.uk to find out more on how to claim.
International ski federation safe skiing code
Published: 01/02/2008
Skiing and snowboarding are great fun but accidents do happen and when they
do they can be very expensive! That is why it’s so important to buy appropriate
winter sports travel insurance before leaving home.
Do you know how much you will have to fork out if you have an accident on
the slopes? According to our latest research, a broken leg in France could set
you back up to £20,000 but, come off your skis and fracture your femur in Canada
and the bill could exceed £50,000.
The safety of yourself and others is paramount if you ski or snowboard,
which is why Flexicover recommend
that you strictly observe the International Ski Federation safe skiing code,
both on and off-piste.
- Respect for others - Behave in such a way that you do not endanger
others.
- Control of speed and skiing - Be in control, and adapt your speed and
manner of skiing to your ability and the prevailing conditions of terrain, snow
and weather, as well as to the density of other skiers.
- Choice of route - Choose your route in such a way that, when coming from
behind, you do not endanger others.
- Overtaking - Ensure that you leave sufficient room when overtaking others
for any voluntary or involuntary movements that they may make.
- Entering and starting - When entering a marked run, or starting again
after stopping, make sure that you look both up and down the run to ensure that
you can do so without endangering yourself or other skiers.
- Stopping - Unless absolutely necessary, avoid stopping on the piste in
narrow places or where visibility is restricted.
- Climbing and descending on foot - When climbing or descending on foot,
keep to the sides of the piste.
- Respect for signals and markings - Respect all signals and markings.
- Assistance - If an accident occurs, every skier must be duty bound to
assist.
- Identification – On witnessing an accident, whether or not responsible
for it, exchange names and addresses.
If in doubt never ski/snowboard away from marked ski runs
Top tips for safety on the slopes
Published: 14/01/2008
As the first snows of 2008 start to fall across Europe and the US, skiers will
soon be tempted to rush out and get some action on the piste.
That’s just the moment accidents can happen, warns Greg Lawson, Group Broking
Director of leading online travel insurance provider, Flexicover, as he
offers some timely advice to help skiers stay safe on the slopes.
“Whilst exciting and enjoyable, winter sports can also be dangerous but with a
bit of awareness and preparation, skiers and snowboarders can have a safe
holiday in the snow so here are our Top Tips” he says.
- Keep in shape - a lot of injuries, especially to legs, happen because
people are out of condition when skiing. It pays to get your muscles in shape
well before you go. The cost of treating a leg injury abroad can be as much as
£20,000.
- Get a head start– even if you are a good skier, it never hurts to spend
some time easing yourself back on to the slopes. Time either on the dry ski
slopes before you go or a few revision lessons on arrival will be a worthy
investment.
- Use proper equipment and headgear - Be sure to have your ski or snowboard
bindings adjusted correctly at a local ski shop. Do wear a suitable helmet –
bicycle helmets are not appropriate for skiing!
- Dress in comfort - Layering allows you to accommodate your body's
constantly changing temperature. Dress in thermal underclothes, cotton polo
neck, microfleece top and/or turtleneck sweater. Ensure you invest in a jacket
that is breathable, waterproof and lightly insulated with tight cuffs and
drawstrings to keep the wind out.
- Keep warm - bring a headband or hat with you as 60% of heat-loss is
through the head. Wear insulated, waterproof gloves and, for those sensitive to
the cold, mittens. Finally, only wear one pair of technical ski socks and dry
your boots out each night.
- Always wear sun protection - the sun reflects off the snow and is
stronger than you might think, even on cloudy days! Wear sunglasses or goggles
to protect against the glare and apply sunscreen or sun block, especially to
nose, ears and lips.
And finally, get quality ski insurance - this won’t stop accidents, but it will
be invaluable if the worst should happen. Make sure you buy a specialist winter
sports policy that also provides cover against those niggling little things such
as no snow, too much snow or loss or damage to your ski equipment.
Santa's mislaid bag of goodies!
Published: 18/12/2007
Many of us will spend this Christmas visiting family and friends overseas and
will be taking gifts that we will carefully pack in our baggage; the last thing
that we want to happen is for the baggage to be delayed in transit or worse, for
it to get lost!
Did you know that the maximum liability for an airline for lost baggage is
limited to £756? And that there is no obligation for non-EC airlines to
compensate passengers?
For more information:
Click here
When this amount is insufficient, or your airline absolves itself against any
such liability, you can still claim on your travel insurance policy. It is
therefore essential that you have full cover in place for your journey.
Passport News!
Published: 9/10/2007
From Thursday 5 October 2007 the cost of obtaining or renewing an adult passport
has jumped from £51 to £66. Fees for child passports have a similar increase
from £34 to £45.
It is very important to have a valid passport for any overseas journey you may
be planning. Countries such as the USA may also require some nationals to be in
possession of a passport that has a validity of 6 months beyond the proposed
return date. Please do check before you travel.
The Identity and Passport Service advise that a standard postal application is
likely to take up to 3 weeks to process. For those who need a passport within a
week a guaranteed Fast Track service is available by appointment.
Did you know?
Published: 19/6/2007
Advance Passenger Information – The Spanish Government have introduced new
regulations, effective from 19 June 2007, that require airlines flying between
the UK and Spain to provide them with certain personal information on all
passengers before the flight departs.
The information required, which is based on the photograph page of your
passport (full name, date and place of birth and passport number etc), will be
used for law enforcement purposes. This information will be collected either in
advance, usually when you make your booking, or at the airport when you check
in. To help speed up your check-in process, you should contact your carrier to
see if they have arrangements, possibly via a special website, for advance data
collection.
There may be some disruption at airports as a result of this additional
requirement and you are therefore advised to allow extra time to check in for
your flight.
For more information visit:
Click here.
‘Know Before You Go’
Published: 23/4/07
Having enjoyed the recent spell of warm weather our thoughts inevitably turn
towards summer holidays. However before booking your trip we suggest spending a
few minutes visiting the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website
www.fco.gov.uk/travel and check out the "Know Before You Go" section. Their
"Top Tips" are aimed at helping avoid common travelling traumas, risks and
dangers and will hopefully help you and your family travel in safety.
New rules for taking liquids through UK airport security
Published: 15/11/06
Passengers can now take through airport security liquids such as toiletries
including perfume, toothpaste, deodorant, shaving foam and lip gloss, provided
they are no bigger than 100ml each.
All individual liquid items must fit comfortably into one transparent,
re-sealable bag no larger than 1 litre or approximately 20cm x 20cm (about the
size of a small freezer bag).
The bag must fit into the one permitted piece of cabin baggage (a maximum of
56cm x 45cm x 25cm) but passengers will be asked to present the bag separately
when going through airport security.
Liquids of any amount can still be carried in luggage checked into the aircraft
hold.
For full details on preparing for your flight visit:
Click here.