How Getting Covered With Travel Insurance Protects You

 

Travel is a subject that can be a great bone of contention for many people - the pleasures and stresses are both undeniable. Some find the idea of long-distance expeditions exciting, whereas others may consider the idea excruciating. However, for veteran travellers, whether for business or pleasure, for leisure or necessity, one of the aspects they (mostly) agree upon is the importance of getting covered with the right insurance policy.
Although modern travel has become a great deal faster, safer and more convenient compared to the past, there continues to be risks involved - just as with any other activity. If you're new to travelling and are unfamiliar of the benefits of getting a good insurance policy, here are some compelling reasons why getting covered is a very good idea.
It protects you against financial loss
One of the most obvious reasons for getting covered is to protect yourself against financial loss in the event that your trip is cancelled or gets cut short. There are many reasons this may occur - from inclement weather, sudden political upheavals, natural disasters, or even mundane reasons such as your airline or travel agency goes out of business.
Getting covered with a good policy means you are financially protected in the event of lost, stolen, or damaged property as well. Depending on the extent of your coverage, you can even be insured against financial loss that is directly connected to your trip, such as for costs involved in a destination wedding. Depending on your policy, you could also be covered for lost income in the event that you are prevented from getting home and resuming your job as scheduled.
It protects you against harm
While being in an unfamiliar country doing strange and exotic things can be quite exciting, being in a strange place with no access to your usual support systems can be the most terrifying thing in a crisis. A good policy will protect you in the event of major emergencies such as terrorist attacks, natural catastrophes, or political upheavals. Not only will having the right policy reimburse you in the event that you need to cut your trip short, but it will also provide emergency evacuation services and medical treatment if necessary.
It protects you against liability
Unfortunately, accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, even when you're at home doing household chores. Undeniably, though, it's a thousand times more stressful when you're in a foreign country. Fortunately, a good policy can protect you against liability in the event of accidents - such as when renting a car or sports equipment. Take note, however, that it doesn't protect you against criminal liability, so be sure to familiarise yourself with local laws and take extra care you don't break any. In the event you get hurt, your travel insurance will also ensure you receive the proper emergency and medical treatment as soon as possible, as well as reimburse you for costs incurred during your treatment.

Patrick Chong is the Managing Director of Insuremore. When it comes to getting covered with travel insurance, we offer a range of policies including single-trip, multi-trip and family insurance. For all your travel cover needs, Insuremore can help you in the quickest and most cost-efficient way.

 

How to Choose Travel Medical Insurance

 

That is almost four out of ten Americans buying travel insurance in 2010
Did they benefit from the insurance they bought?
• 17% of those people were able to claim their insurance
• Almost 40% of those claimers used the insurance for trip cancellations
• 37% of claimers used the insurance for their delayed or interrupted trips
• On the other hand, 11.6% have used it for their medical expenses during their trips
• While 9% used their insurance for their lost and delayed baggage
• Lastly, 0.02% used the claims for death
So what happened to the rest that did not claim their insurance?
• Some did not experience any medical problem with their trip
• Some were not able to claim because their claim was invalidated.
• Some were not able to claim because the country they visited was not covered or part of the insurance plan
• Some were not able to claim because the sickness they got was not covered.
• Some were not able to claim because the insurance company does not cover their preexisting medical condition such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Some did not understand the insurance policy that came with their insurance.
• And some did not need it at all
How can you prevent those from happening to you?
• First of all, do a background check on the insurance company that you will choose. Take a quick glance on its page on BBB's (Better Business Bureau) website to see if it has a good record of not upsetting its clients.
• Do not just get a travel insurance that will cover checkups. It is a good choice as a precaution, but it will not save your money in any way. If they found out that you were sick, your insurance will not be capable of paying for you.
• Make sure that you get a health travel insurance that has high medical expense coverage. A medical insurance that can cover more than $200,000 of medical bills should be enough.
• If you are not going to visit a country that is considered a medical spot, consider getting an insurance that can cover your evacuation back to the US for medical care.
• Always know all the things that the insurance will not be able to cover. If you are going for an adventure trip, choose an insurance that can cover extreme activities such as bungee jumping, hand gliding, and mountain hiking.
• Do not limit your insurance to cover your health alone. Many things could happen to your flight, and you do not want to be uncovered when any of that happens.

 

Your Insurance Policy - An Important Holiday Essential

In the not too distant past, anyone thinking about going on holiday simply went along to the travel agent, told them where they wanted to go and when and then paid their deposit! Everything was arranged for them. Then, around six weeks before departure, they paid the balance, got their tickets and documents (including the travel insurance policy) and started counting down the days. But that was then...
These days, many people prefer to make their own arrangements through the Internet, hoping to create their perfect holiday and of course to grab the best bargains. One interesting aspect of a travel agency was that it typically didn't treat travel cover as an option that you had to make a decision about - it was just there built in to the price.
One of the problems with today's do-it-yourself approach is that there may be a tendency to side step the issue of an insurance policy at the time, or even to just shelve it altogether. That may prove to be a serious mistake that could leave you remembering that dream holiday for all the wrong reasons!
But what could possibly go wrong?
Well, unfortunately, plenty! Let's imagine a scenario where you slip on some seaweed while clambering over some rocks on the beach and are carted off to hospital with a broken leg. You may be thinking how fortunate that you remembered to apply for an EHIC before you left. However, you may find that your EHIC doesn't provide the cover and the care that you'd expect in the UK. It only provides for the same level of care that locals would get in the country you are visiting, and many of these locals will have a separate health insurance policy to cover those things the state provision doesn't. These could include X-rays, some surgeries, some medications and perhaps even ambulance charges.
For a holidaymaker, though, the situation could be even worse if you had to be repatriated at your own expense.
Other memorable aspects of your holiday (for all the wrong reasons) could be and of the following.
• The baggage that went missing and only turned up the day before you were due to fly home.
• Losing your passport and travellers cheques and having to curtail your spending for the rest of your holiday.
• Being out of pocket hanging around waiting for hours because of travel delays.
• Perhaps having to cancel your bookings altogether because a close family member was taken seriously ill.
Without proper holiday insurance these may all be things that you just have to live with - including what could be serious financial consequences. So, when you look at the comparative costs of travel insurance, you may find that taking the risk and doing without it is just not worth the hassle.
Don't take any chances when it comes to your perfect holiday; make sure your holiday essentials list of things to do has a travel insurance policy right up there at the top!

 

Understanding Personal Liabilities in Terms of Family Holiday Insurance

 

It's a fair bet that if you ask anyone about the cover provided by family holiday insurance the main areas they highlight are likely to be things like these listed below.
• Health cover to top up the protection provided by an EHIC for a family in countries where emergency health care provision is not as comprehensive as the UK equivalent.
• Travel delays - where you suffer serious inconvenience and may need to fund temporary accommodation etc.
• Lost or stolen baggage - to provide funds to replace essential items until such time as your baggage is recovered.
• Cancellations - where you have had to cancel your holiday due to the death or illness of a close family member or perhaps from being made redundant.
These certainly are all very important reasons why family holiday insurance should be something that you would not consider leaving to chance when planning your holiday.
There is another area, though, where this type of cover can provide vital protection for you, and that's in situations where you or a member of your family causes serious injury to another person or damage to their property. If the injured third party decides that you or members of your group are to blame for their predicament, they may decide to sue you for damages.
If their claim results in a decision in their favour, you could be left with the prospect of finding a substantial sum of money to settle the award against you. You may also be required to fund their costs and expenses, as well as any that you may have incurred defending the claim. As many people may be all too well aware, modern society seems to be becoming extremely litigious, and family holiday insurance policies that can provide six figure sums of financial protection in these circumstances are not unusual.
If you are in the fortunate position of being able to benefit from more than one holiday per year, having cover is all the more important. That doesn't necessarily mean though that you have to go through the process of purchasing a new policy on each occasion. In addition to a single trip policy, many providers of this type of cover will also offer an annual option, saving you both time and effort. You may also find that an annual policy may be a more cost effective option than buying individual policies as and when you need them.
Over recent years there has been a major increase in the number of people arranging their own holidays as opposed to going to a travel agent and getting everything done for them. One consequence of this is the inclination to regard family holiday insurance as an option that can be sacrificed to save a bit of money. That is definitely a false economy: you need cover, end of story!

 

Why Family Holiday Insurance Is So Important

 

It's not just the budget conscious travellers who may have second thoughts about whether or not to purchase family holiday insurance before setting off on holiday.
After all, the chances are you're just not going to need it. Well maybe not, but the thing about any form of insurance is that it's there to protect you from the financial consequences of the unexpected actually happening.
So, what types of protection can a policy typically offer?
Health
Perhaps one of the most important considerations when you travel abroad on holiday is what would happen if you or a member of your family were to fall ill. It is important to note that even if you have an EHIC (freely available from the NHS but valid for the EU and associated European countries only) this will only provide you with the same level of free medical treatment that citizens of the country you are visiting are entitled to. This is unlikely to be as extensive as the free care and treatment you may be used to in the UK.
You may find yourself being asked to pay significant sums, particularly if surgery or repatriation is required. Other expenses, like your accommodation should you need to stay behind at the end of your holiday to be close to a sick child for example, would simply not be covered at all if you had no family holiday insurance.
Cancellation
If you have to cancel your holiday in situations where a close family member has been taken ill, or perhaps if you have been made redundant, appropriate family holiday insurance will allow you to get reimbursement for monies paid out.
Travel delays
Your travel plans may be hit by strikes, bad weather or severe traffic conditions. In the worst case, severe delays may lead you to having to cancel your holiday completely, while at the very best you may be facing out of pocket expenses for snacks, drinks and even accommodation until you can finally set off.
Baggage and personal item issues
Getting to your destination should be the start of a great couple of weeks for you and your family, but not if you are in one place and your baggage is in another, or if it has perhaps been stolen. A policy will typically cover the costs of you being able to purchase essential items to allow you to continue with your holiday. The loss or theft of personal items such as passports, travellers' cheques and cash can be similarly covered.
Car hire excess
With any car rental agreement, there is likely to be a fairly hefty excess charge for certain types of damage to the vehicle; this can leave you with a significant charge to your credit card for repairs to a car that isn't even yours. A good comprehensive policy can provide a financial buffer in these situations.
These are just some of the scenarios that could have a negative impact on your holiday, but the peace of mind that having cover can bring can never be overestimated - particularly when you are trying to relax and get away from your everyday cares and worries.
You may find that, when viewed against other factors like the overall cost of your holiday, the potential benefits that family holiday insurance provides may end up making it seem like an indispensable part of your planning. And it is.

 

5 Travel Insurance Myths You Should Ignore

 

Family holiday insurance is something that should be considered essential when you go on holiday overseas. Without it, you could find yourself in serious difficulties should one of your family require medical or hospital treatment. It can also be very convenient if you lose personal items or have to cancel any component of your trip. However, there are a number of myths that could affect which policy you choose, so you should be aware of these before you travel.
1. All Policies Are the Same
If you think that all family holiday insurance policies are the same, think again. Although many contain similar types of cover, such as for medical assistance and trip cancellation, they can differ enormously. Some may provide cover for certain medical conditions, some may have age restrictions, some may only have the most basic level of cover, and there are many other differences between them. That is why it is so important to choose your policy carefully.
2. You Only Need an EHIC
There is a misconception that an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is all you will need if you travel to a European country. Although it can be useful, it is not a replacement for comprehensive family holiday insurance. It only covers medical care, and it does not provide repatriation should you need a medical team to transport you home, which could cost thousands of pounds. So by all means take your EHIC, but don't use it as a substitute for a full policy.
3. Single-Trip Is Always Cheaper than Multi-Trip
Although it is usually the case that single-trip cover is cheaper than multi-trip cover for one trip abroad, it is not always the case because it depends upon the provider. In addition, it may turn out to be less expensive to get a multi-trip policy if you plan to travel abroad a few times in the same year.
4. Minor Medical Conditions Do Not Need to Be Declared
Even if you only have a minor medical condition, you should still declare this when you buy your policy. It may be that your cover will not be affected, but this is up to the provider. If your insurer does not provide cover for your condition, you may need to buy extra to ensure you will be able to get financial assistance should you require medical attention.
5. It Is Too Expensive and Too Complicated
These days, a good policy is not only very simple to arrange but it can also be a lot less expensive than you imagine. Check out some online providers and you will soon see that it is very easy to arrange cover.
Try to ignore these common myths when you buy your family holiday insurance policy this year. Instead, focus on looking for a policy that is absolutely suitable for you and your family, and provides you with everything you need - so you can focus on enjoying yourself rather than worrying about what could go wrong.

 

Family Travel Insurance - How to Pick the Good From the Bad

 

If the worst does happen on holidays and you pick up your phone to call your insurance provider, you want to be completely sure that the answer on the other end doesn't disappoint. In that moment, no amount of regret about the effort you put into choosing your policy will be a consolation if they regretfully tell you they can't help you in the way you expect.
So it is vital to know how to pick the good plans from the bad. Here are some tips.
Versatility
A hallmark of quality family travel insurance is versatility. People vacation in different ways at different times, and good providers know this and know how to cater for it. Whether you travel regularly or simply once a year, whether you take a cruise or prefer golfing, whether you will stay in a Caribbean resort or a Parisian hotel, the best plans are able to be shaped to suit your particular needs. This means you not only have a provider who understands the exact situation of your upcoming holiday, but you also are not left paying for cover that you simply do not need.
Efficiency
If negotiating family travel insurance becomes an onerous chore, then there is a good chance you are dealing with a less than ideal provider. The best companies understand that the time preparing for a vacation is both precious and stressful. They also understand that with modern technology they can make researching plans more efficient. Hence the better plans offer clear, fast online quotes and then allow you to sign up to reliable plans with no unnecessary fuss.
Reliability
No matter how simple or tailored your plan may be, it is basically useless if the provider cannot deliver what they have promised. In picking your family travel insurance, check the underwriter, investigate feedback from past customers, and understand the company's accreditation and reputation. The better companies will give you plans that are not too good to be true. The better plans give you a very clear outline of what to expect, so if the unfortunate does happen on your holiday you know exactly how you can be assisted.
Value
Travelling can be expensive. When considering family travel insurance, some people may be inclined to baulk at the cost of premiums. This is why after you have found a plan to suit your particular needs, and established the credibility of the provider's promises, it is vital to get value for money. While if you pay very little you are right to expect very little, the better companies offer highly competitive plans that allow you the luxury of spending your hard earned dollars on your leisure rather than on protection against the possible dramas.

 

4 Things to Think About When Buying Family Travel Insurance

 

Nothing is more deserved than the annual family holiday. But while nothing compares to quality time away recharging the familial batteries, the time spent beforehand preparing can be stressful enough to require a second holiday! Booking, packing, choosing hotels, managing work, sorting out the kids - in all of this, insurance cover can seem like just another hassle.
But if you take some time to find a good provider, they can back you year in year out and put your mind at ease.
Find correct cover
It is important when you are choosing family travel insurance to shape it to suit your holiday habits. There is just little point in choosing a plan that is better suited to people who are heading overseas to take par tin some adrenalin fuelled sports if you're off to Lanzarote for a beach break. A good provider will tailor a plan to cover your trip without paying for extras and premiums you simply do not need.
Find group cover
You're travelling as a group so it makes sense to cover yourselves as a group. The great benefit of quality family travel insurance is that it treats your familial group as a one entity. You don't need to spend your whole precious vacation fund on individualised cover. Indeed, the better providers are able to measure the risks you face as a unit and often provide great bonuses and cheap rates for children. Settle for a provider that serves all your needs under the umbrella of one familial package.
Find useful extras
Even the most colourful advertising and light-hearted promotions cannot disguise the fact that family travel insurance is about preparing yourself against the hypothetical or possible worst-case scenarios. But beyond this rather bleak reality is the fact that many of the best plans include useful extras. Ranging from free cover for cruises or golfing equipment to 24-hour emergency contact assistance, these extras can give you additional peace of mind and even grant you extra opportunities.

 

3 Reasons to Compare Annual Travel Insurance Before You Buy

 

Annual travel insurance is a popular choice among travellers who tend to go away more than once or twice in a year. It provides 12 months' worth of cover for all manner of trips that might be taken during that period of time. As such, there are lots of reasons why you should consider undertaking a comparison of the potential policies you could get. Here's why.
You'll find cheaper prices
No one wants to pay any more than they have to when it comes to getting good cover for their holiday. Annual travel insurance is typically cheaper pro rata than booking the required number of single trip policies, but you should still compare prices. No two insurers will offer exactly the same price, so shopping around (especially online) is likely to yield better offers.
You'll get better terms
It's not all about the price of course. You should also think about the terms offered by each policy you find. For example, you might find that a slightly more expensive policy offers far better terms than a cheaper one. For the sake of a pound or two you might consider this to be the better option. Never assume every policy you come across will have exactly the same terms. In reality, one might have markedly different terms to another one that is priced exactly the same.
It's easier to spot a good deal
A good deal doesn't just mean a good price. It means getting a good policy for the amount you're spending. For example annual travel insurance can be bought for the entire family. In this case a good deal might stipulate that the kids go free when there are two adults travelling as part of the group. Another example is that many activities won't be covered by a standard annual travel insurance policy. However, by comparing different ones you might find a policy that does cover the activities you are planning to try, without charging you any more for the privilege.
As you can see there is a lot to consider and you should bear it all in mind if you are going to get the best policy for your needs. Some people skip the comparison stage but it is foolhardy to do so. The chances of finding the best deal and terms if you pick the first one you see are very slim indeed. You need to devote at least some time to comparing different forms of cover to make sure you know which policy will provide you with the best deal.

 

 

 

How to Enjoy Your Holiday After a Holiday Accident

 

One of the biggest fears that anyone has when going on vacation is having a holiday accident. You take out travel insurance and hope for the best as you head off into the distance for a wonderful few days of relaxation, recuperation and pampering.
Some of the most common holiday accidents occur on the road, while sporting and boating. But being on a cruise ship are just as dangerous, leaving you with broken bones, illness and more.
When you have a holiday accident it can completely ruin your vacation, especially if you've headed to an exotic island for some sun and fun or you're on a cruise ship sailing to various destinations. Broken bones don't mean you can't still have fun, once you've advised the owner of the establishment or captain of the ship, you've filled out an accident form, received copies, taken photographs and got names and contact information of all witnesses.
If you break your leg while exploring Spain, you will have some peace of mind that your travel insurance will cover your hospital expenses, which is such a relief. But what if you broke your leg and it wasn't your fault? What if you were walking down a corridor in your hotel where there was bad lighting and you didn't see a step or the floors and there were no signs to advice you? You are able to claim against the hotel or establishment for completing ruining your vacation, which you probably spent months saving for.
While you collect all your paperwork, you may not want to head to the pool with the family with your leg in a cast trying to get around awkwardly on crutches. But you can make the most of the hotel amenities and still enjoy your vacation.
Take advantage of the facilities available in the hotel. Room service, a day spa, the pool and relaxing lounge are all ways you can still make the most of your vacation even if you are struggling with a broken limb or two. Being waited on hand and foot and taking time to breathe, can leave you relaxed and ready to tackle your claim when you return home.
If you're staying in a beach place, you're not going are able to take advantage of all the water sports if you're stuck with a cast on your arm, which is why you are probably going to claim for a holiday accident with a reputable law firm on your return home. Speak to family or friends you're traveling with and see if you can swap out some beach days for sightseeing days. Seaside locations usually offer much more than just sand and water, it's a chance to soak up the history and culture of the area, enjoy a great lunch and then head back so your friends and family can enjoy a splash before dinner.
The biggest problem you're going to have is keeping the family away from the water, especially if you're staying in a place such as Mauritius or the Maldives, which is all about water and water sports. Get an umbrella set up, buy a few great books and relax in the shade with a refreshing drink, this way you aren't cut off from your family and won't end up with a strange sun tan because of your cast.
As soon as you get home contact a good law firm with experience in holiday accidents. Even though you managed to relax and soak up some of the warmth and sun, you couldn't enjoy your vacation because of an error by the establishment which led to your injury, so don't feel guilty about claiming.

 

How to Buy Good Travel Insurance

 

For most of us the perception of insurance ends at the purchase of medical cover and rarely goes beyond it. But, this is wrong. Just like medical insurance takes care of your health, travel insurance takes care of several liabilities that you could incur during the course of your journey. Paying a nominal premium, you are able to safeguard yourself against untimely death, accidents, loss of luggage, theft, etc. that happens during the travel. However, buying travel insurance is not easy. Thanks to the multitude of options available in the market, choosing the right travel insurance will require you to apply your thinking abilities.
It is different!
Confusing travel insurance with medical insurance is a big mistake. The normal medical insurance does not cover you when you are travelling overseas. This is where the travel insurance is helpful. In fact, travel insurance will also take care of flight delays that could lead to major loss in your overall schedule.
Explore your options
Now that you know the importance of insurance for travel, the next important step is explore the different options available in the market. From talking to insurance agents to seeking advice from friends as well as family, invest time and effort to understand the different options.
Understand the deal
As you are already aware, travel insurance is meant to cover several types of liabilities. When you are talking to insurance companies, it is your duty to understand the different deals that the agency is offering. Ideally, we would recommend you to opt for a policy that offers higher medical cover because health is always more important. Even in case of the medical cover, ensure that your policy covers emergency evacuation in case of any eventuality during the trip. Only when you are familiar with the details will you be able to opt for the best plan.

 

How to Select Travel Insurance for Family Holidays

 

 

Choice can be a strange curse. Too little and you can get frustrated, too much and you may face the pressure of needing to discriminate between similar options. This problem of choice can certainly invade holiday plans. Preparation for a trip can be stressful enough that it you almost need a second vacation to recover from it! As well as the choice of season and destination, it is often hard to wade through the choice of travel insurance for family holidays. Here are some tips that may help.
Consider the breadth of coverage
One of the first things to think about when considering travel insurance for family trips is the extent of your cover. Does it go beyond the basics of accidents and theft? What additional extras does it provide - such as cruise cover or golfing gear cover - and which ones do you really need? The value in shopping around is that many quality providers are backed by larger insurers and give you competitive rates with benefits such as twenty-four hour emergency contact, excess waivers and free cover for children. Since you are considering your wallet as well as the safety of your loved ones and their belongings, it is worth spending time to measure the breadth of coverage that you will need.
Consider the type of trip
Another issue to ponder is the duration of your trip. Are you planning a quick stint to Mallorca's beaches or a long awaited adventure to South America? Depending on the frequency of your travel over the year and the length of each trip, you will have different needs. The better providers will tailor their plans to suit your options so you won't be tied to a policy that you don't need.
Consider the reliability of a quote
One of the great steps forward by insurers has been the legitimacy and speed of the online quote. They recognise that purchasing travel insurance for family trips should be as easy as possible. However you do need to spend time considering whether the provider that gives you a fast quote is also reliable. There is little point in finding out the catches in the small print once you've already lost your bags in South America or sprain your ankle on a boat off the coast of Thailand, for example.

 

4 Top Reasons to Purchase Travel Insurance for Family Trips

 

Insurance policies have become a part of everyday life. Advertisers caution us at every turn and options surround us everywhere. There are opportunities to get coverage for everything from our houses to our boats and even our animals.
But when money is tight, it can be tempting to forgo cover for that long awaited, long saved-for holiday. It can be tempting to dismiss the need to pay for premiums for unforeseeable risks as pandering to fear, and just ignore common sense and hope for the best. However, there are so many compelling reasons to get a good policy in place before you set off on your travel. Here are just a few aspects to consider.
What risks do you face?
The primary reason to get cover is that, sadly, the risks are very real. Your travel insurance for family trips has one simple function - protection for you and your belongings. Whether you are taking a short break to an island paradise or a life-changing adventure to a far-flung corner of the world, simply being in a new and unfamiliar place means there are risks you need to accept. However, the right policy can give you peace of mind. You'll know that in the event of theft, injury, accident or problems with your itinerary you will have remuneration and support. Accurately weighing up potential risks will inform you about the time and money you should invest in picking the right plan.
What options can you get?
Choosing travel insurance for family holidays is not about fear; it is about accurately assessing risk, peace of mind, and exploring unique extras that many companies now provide. From golf cover to cruise cover, there are many ways you can stretch your policy to suit your lifestyle. Moreover, many companies give you perks and the choice of twenty-four hour emergency contact to further boost the plan you invest in.
What about cheap and easy cover?
Fundamentally, people want the hassle take out of cover, and providers have realised this. Many of the best companies give you the option of travel insurance for family trips that is easy to manage and easy on the wallet. Being able to survey quick and accurate online quotes and read summaries of conditions means much of the perceived stress of investigation is removed. Moreover, the fact that you can choose a policy that fits you - multiple trips, a single journey, or a long adventure - means you can tailor your policy to suit you. You do not need to pay for what you won't need.

 

Top Reasons to Get An Insurance Policy for Your Domestic Holiday

Top Reasons to Get An Insurance Policy for Your Domestic Holiday

Holidays don't all have to be month-long epic trips that take you halfway around the world. In fact, some of the simplest holidays, taken in the form of short breaks in your own country, can be the best.
While if you're off on long trips abroad, an insurance policy is a given, many people think they can get away without having one for short trips. This is certainly not the case - it is just as vital for a short, domestic trip as for a longer one.
Change of plans
This may be one of the top reasons to get a comprehensive travel insurance policy that will cover you and yours on your break. There are going to be times when flights are cancelled or delayed to the point where you may miss a local travel connection. Whether you are flying to a location then getting a train, or if you are driving long distance to get to your final location, there may be things that come up to alter your travel plans. And when these things do happen - like a freak storm that delays all ferry boat trips, or a closed train station - you will feel better knowing that you are covered financially no matter what.
Loss of luggage
Another of the key reasons to sort out a travel insurance policy even when staying close to home is to cover the potential of losing your luggage on a domestic flight or other form of local transport. While it is often not quite as overwhelming to lose your luggage close to home as it is abroad, you can still be inconvenienced when the flight drops you off at your destination but takes your belongings away on an adventure of their own to another part of the country! It is always better to be covered should this happen to you.
Theft
You're just as likely to lose your personal belongings through theft close to home as anywhere else abroad. There are, unfortunately, unscrupulous operators all over the world preying on unsuspecting tourists. Make sure you cover all expensive items you may be taking with you.

Family Camping Fun

Family Camping Fun

While getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life is one of the reasons families choose to go camping, for kids – it’s the ultimate adventure.   If you are planning a family camping trip this summer, here are some tips that will ensure your vacation is both a safe and fun experience.

1. Pre-camping preparation.  If you have small children, you may want to select a tent that will accommodate all if you comfortably.  On the other hand, if you are camping with older children, it may be a good idea to purchase additional pup tents to give them some sense of independence. 

Another great tip is to practice assembling the tents in your backyard so as to avoid wasting time at the camp site.

2. Selecting a campsite.  Depending upon whether you decide to “rough it” or choose a campsite that is close to amenities, you can research the many campsites online that offer comprehensive information on the area.  This will enable you to decide not only what equipment, clothing, and food you need to take, but the available hiking areas and points of interest as well. 

Ensure that the campsite you select is an official campsite area.  Moreover, when researching camping sites it’s a good idea to look for those areas that are on the high ground.  Thus, if it rains, your tent and equipment will not become water logged.   

3. Make a checklist.  This is very important to ensure you do not forget anything on your camping trip. Among the items on your checklist, some of the more important items you will need are:

* Cooking gear such as a frying pan, a few pots, a bucket, barbecue grill or stove, bags with a Ziploc, and cooking utensils.  In addition, food containers and canned goods are best.  It is also recommended that you prepare meals at home and package them in containers for the trip.  Also bring water, a can opener, hot water kettle and coffee pot, and a cooler with a block of ice. 

* Packing the appropriate clothing is also essential.  Depending upon the location, wearing light layers is a good idea as well as packing some sweaters and jackets for the evening hours.  Extra socks, hats, and gloves may also be warranted. If you intend to engage in some hiking, proper hiking boots are necessary.

* Sleeping bags, first aid kit, flashlights, cell phone, garbage bags, toiletries, sunscreen, ointments, a map of the area, insect repellent, games for the kids, and rainwear.

For a complete checklist on what to bring on a camping trip, there are many camping websites that offer a myriad of suggestions.

4.    When you reach the camp site, choose an area to set up the tents. Ensure there are no rocks or debris where the tent will be set up.  Most campgrounds will post warning signs or instructions regarding specific animals and vegetation.

5.    When preparing a campfire, if appropriate, ensure that it is set up further away from the tents.  After you have roasted the marshmallows, sang songs, and told ghost stories; douse the fire before going to bed. 
 
Finally, enjoy the entire camping experience.  Sleeping under the stars, communing with nature, and relishing the time spent with family will not only bring a family closer together, but the memories of this experience will last forever.

Best Family Beach Vacations

Best Family Beach Vacations

The best beaches can be found along the Atlantic and Pacific Coast.  Here are a few ideas you may wish to consider for your next family beach vacation.

Florida.  From Ft. Lauderdale to Miami Beach, Florida is a prime resort area for family vacations.  With perfect weather and miles and miles of beaches, this area is affordable, diverse, and has a wide variety of water-sports, restaurants, and a myriad of activities for children. Cocoa Beach is only an hour away from the Kennedy Space Center and Disney World.  In addition, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is considered one of the best in Florida.

Myrtle Beach.  Among the many favourite activities for children include: Ripley’s Aquarium, Le Grande Cirque, a show quite famous for its acrobatics and other circus performers; and Myrtle Waves Water Park.  For older children, a definite must-see is the NASCAR Speedpark. 

With a myriad of dining options, shopping, and other historic sites; Myrtle Beach has been named the number one choice for beach family vacations in the U.S.

Hamptons.  One of the most affordable vacations for beach-loving families is East Hampton, New York.  The best place to stay is at the East Hampton House.  The rooms are available in one and two bedroom units that contain fully-equipped kitchens and/or kitchenettes.  Moreover, you have guest privileges at the nearby beach. 

Although this vacation spot does not offer food, it does have an indoor gym and offers morning coffee there as well.  But, across the street is a deli that has an array of items on their breakfast menu and is very affordable.  In addition, there is a Chinese restaurant across the street as well as a take-out barbeque, and deli. 

The grounds are impeccable and there is a very large pool (one for the kiddies, too) where you can lounge in the sun.  A tennis court is also on the premises.  Every room has its own balcony with lounge chairs and a table. 

If you live in the New York area, it is a 90-minute trip by car.  The East Hampton Inn is centrally located – five minutes from town, restaurants, shopping, and a movie house.  You can even take a short trip to Montauk and visit the historic lighthouse or spend time at the beach there.

Hawaii.  Of course, nothing can compare to the beaches that are in Oahu, Maui, and Kauai.  No matter what island you choose, Hawaii has the most pristine beaches anywhere in the U.S.  Moreover, there are black-sand beaches on the island of Maui as well as a myriad of activities for the entire family.

San Diego.  Shifting to the west Coast, your family might enjoy a stay at the Beach Cottages.  This site offers numerous amenities such as water sports, biking, as well as an amusement park.  For the kids, San Diego Zoo and Sea World are not far from the Beach Cottages.  

Centrally located to restaurants and shopping, Beach Cottages is an affordable vacation spot where the family can enjoy the sun, the surf, and other amenities available.  In fact, you can book a studio that offers a fully equipped kitchen.

Redondo Beach.  Located on Santa Monica Bay, this report haven is perfect for family beach vacations.  Here you can enjoy water sports, fishing bicycling, kayaking, as well as fine restaurants shops located not far from the Santa Monica Pier.  There are many hotels that are situated across the street from the beach or within walking distance.  Each has its own set of amenities that are geared towards families. 

Another coup in Thailand: this will not ruin your holiday

Thai army after six months of unrest and uprisings a state of martial law. According to the military leadership are in fact not a coup, but it is an "attempt to restore order."

Coups and political unrest are not uncommon in Thailand. Since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932 eleven successful coups were already committed and 7 attempts, writes TIME. The last time was in 2006, when a military coup put an end to the premiership of Thaksin Shinawatra, brother of Yingluck. The purpose of coups is consistently the same: push the political leaders aside.

"On the beaches curfew does not apply as strictly '

But Thailand is also one of the most popular vacation destinations. Tourists from around the world opt for a cultural trip or looking to relax on an idyllic beach. "And at this time you can. It's business as usual," said Suparerk Soorangura dome of Thai Travel Agents. "So the whole day the airport remained open today."

The biggest hurdle for tourists, and the Thais themselves, is undoubtedly the curfew running from ten o'clock until five o'clock in the morning. "The curfew imposed by the military was introduced for the whole country, but in some remote areas such as the beaches, she does not so strict," the travel blogger Richard Barrow.

elections

During a televised message, the general of the army that foreigners still safe and welcome in Thailand. Insured According to TIME, it is in Thailand now even safer than in the past six months. When pulled anti-government protesters settled into the street which led to violent clash. These protests 28 people were killed and over 700 injured. On July 20, there are elections planned in Thailand, but it is not yet certain whether this will continue. By the turmoil

Tourism Thailand is a very important source of income, but because of the turmoil the country saw the number of tourists during the first months of 2014 fall sharply. Around 400,000 international visitors chose a different destination or stayed at home.