Insider Secrets: Cruise Liners – Travel Tips from the Experts

Posted on March 15, 2019 by worldwideinsure

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Want to get more bang for your buck on a cruise? Here are our favourite tips for saving money, making the most of hospitality services, and planning where and when to spend your holiday cash on board. We’ve even thrown in some insider insight extras about what it’s really like on a cruise ship!

 

  1. You don’t have to stick to one starter, one main, and one desert in the main dining hall – passengers are free to order whatever dishes they wish from each of the menus, and as much as they want! Nice if you prefer a few starters and a desert over a main meal, or just can’t make your mind up between dishes!

 

  1. Meals in the main dining area are usually planned in advance – ask if you can see the upcoming menu so you know which night you’d rather book a table at one of the other on-board restaurants.

 

  1. Don’t like what’s on the menu? Ask if a different dish is available – ordering off-menu is even possible in the main dining hall.

 

  1. Thrifty travellers will be pleased to know that some cruise liners don’t mind passengers bringing a couple of bottles of wine or champagne on board (although you will have to pay corkage if you plan to have it in an on-board restaurant). There is also a reasonable allowance for non-alcoholic drinks – which can end up saving a few precious pounds.

 

  1. If sea-sickness strikes, room service is usually on hand to help out, no need to try and get to the on-board pharmacy, just give them a call and they’ll come to your room with required remedies. If your cabin is on a higher deck however, you might find you feel less queasy if you head to the middle of a lower deck, where there is less movement.

 

  1. Room service is free on most cruise ships! Bear in mind that this unexpected luxury upgrade may result in a surcharge on food prices at certain times of night, and the person bringing the food will probably be expecting a tip.

 

  1. Talking of tips, the hospitality crew are generally low-paid, and earn their living by delivering a great service rewarded by tips. As such, make sure you pack plenty of “change” suitable for tipping staff.

 

  1. Missed out on free tickets for the big show? Head on down anyway, lots of people who reserve these tickets decide not to go – if there are any seats spare at show time, staff will happily let you in.

 

  1. Pack your own power board – cabins are well known for being sparse when it comes to power outlets, so bring your own power board to make sure you stay charged for the trip.

 

  1. Pick your passes and packages carefully. Whether it is a spa pass, drinks package, or restaurant package – work out what is really included for the price and whether it’s cost effective for what you will actually use. Drinks packages, for example, might mean you have to drink 10 drinks a day, every day of your cruise, even on port days to get value for money.

 

  1. Bear in mind that there are plenty of opportunities on-board for freebies – free pastries with coffee, free soft-serve ice-cream points, complimentary drinks at on-board events, and deals on buying a whole bottle of wine (which will be labelled and saved for you for later). If cheap alcohol is what you are after, get your fill in port before you head back to the ship.

 

  1. Cruise ship insurance is essential – not only will it help you out if you get sick on-board, but should you happen to miss departure (a real risk if you embark on your own port excursions), it could stop your holiday turning into a total disaster! Be warned that buying insurance from the cruise line generally costs more for lower cover – you are better buying from a third-party provider.

 

  1. Somewhere on the ship there is a morgue! Statistics dictate that out of the thousands of passengers who travel on cruise ships 365 days a year, someone will shift their mortal coil during a trip.

 

  1. If you like your privacy… the general rule of thumb is that the lower the deck and the further back on the ship you go, the fewer people will be around.
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4 Amazing Destinations for Some Pre-Summer Sun

Posted on March 8, 2019 by worldwideinsure

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If you don’t like queuing – at airport check-in desks, art galleries or ice cream shops – then booking a holiday before the peak summer season is a wise move. But aside from fewer crowds, travelling before (and after) the summer holiday madness will also bag you cheaper air fares and hotels.

Here are four of our favourite pre-summer sun destinations for 2019, covering some of the top priorities for those looking to escape the UK’s unreliable weather and high prices (not to mention its relentless politics!).

Best for a classic beach break: Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

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For ravishing beaches, it doesn’t get much better than the Algarve, which draws thousands of Britons each year. Even in peak summer season it’s affordable, but there are bargains galore in the shoulder seasons of May and September. The port town of Lagos is a good bet, steeped as it is in the Age of Discovery; many epic nautical adventures began here. The town offers crumbling churches, charming squares and cobbled lanes, all of which are protected by mighty 16th-century walls. Nearby are a host of stunning beaches, where you and yours can enjoy a variety of water sports and boat trips along the rocky coast. Expect superb (low cost) seafood and plentiful nightspots. Visit in April or May and you’re sure to have plenty of idyllic sandy stretches of beach to yourself. Great for folks of all ages, but particularly families and couples.

Best for Culture: Rome

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If you’re not careful, the Italian capital can deliver a cultural overload, such is its wealth of historic monuments and art galleries. Once known as the caput mundi (capital of the world), after a day exploring Rome you’ll understand why it had such a huge impact on global history. Boasting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain – to name but a few attractions – Rome demands a little planning. Give yourself several days to wander its old streets, or, if you’re pushed for time, decide which places you want to see in advance. The beauty of visiting before the summer season is – you guessed it – fewer crowds. Indeed, it’s challenging indeed to relax in peak summer, such is the tourist footfall. Go early and go slow(er) – enjoy the pavement lifestyle with a latte and a gelati. Rome is great for couples and solo adventurers, but could prove too busy for those with younger children.

Best for families with tweens and teens: Canary Islands

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Comprising three main islands – Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote – the Canaries deliver a vast array of activities younger family members will love. Most eye catching – to mini travellers at least – are the numerous theme parks and water parks. Add to these go-karting, snorkelling, whale watching and boat trips, and you’ll soon understand the Canaries = active. But there are more laid-back pursuits too: chilling out on some of the many fabulous beaches (which are edged, incidentally, but very shallow and calm waters – great for younger kids); and even a museum that brings to life the islands’ pirate-ravaged past. If possible, visit before the peak summer season gets under way, and you’ll dodge some serious crowds (and prices).

Best for night-life: Berlin

You don’t have to love techno to party in Berlin, but it helps. Here they take their partying seriously – yet with bucket-loads of imagination. Of course there are world-famous mega-clubs like the Berghain, located in a former power plant – which would be regarded as rather unorthodox in any city, but things get odder still in the German capital, with About Blank, which, along with two vast dance floors, boasts a big garden with a secret party bungalow. Those two, however, are rather costly, so if you’re watching your euro-cents, try Stattbad Wedding, a disused swimming pool that now hosts recurring parties. Salon zur Wilden Renate, meanwhile, is one of the most off-beat of all – a maze of junk-filled rooms where people get together to dance, talk – and whatever else takes their fancy. This labyrinth of former residential homes offers many secret rooms – some of which, say the club’s head honchos, have not even been discovered yet. What’s more, these mysterious rooms are located in the heart of the city. The German capital’s party scene is for techno-heads and party animals of all ages – after all, it’s Berlin, where rules are frowned upon.

Visit in April or May and you’ll likely brush shoulders with more Berliners and fewer tourists, making you feel that bit cooler!

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Trail Wallet Travel Budget App Review – Travel App of the Month Feb 2019

Posted on February 22, 2019 by worldwideinsure

Does worrying about your budget get in the way of enjoying your travel adventures? Fear not, there is an app that will help you stay on track without feeling like you’re sacrificing freedom and fun!

What is the Trail Wallet Travel Budget App?

It’s an expenses travel app that has been designed specifically for the travelling type in mind. It’s easy to use, quick, and beautifully designed. All you have to do is add your budget by trip or by month, set a daily budget and every time you pay for something – add the figure to the app and it’ll take it away from your spending pot. No more wondering if your available balance is up to date or collecting receipts to file!

What does the Trail Wallet Travel Budget App do?

Loads! The most helpful is probably the detailed summary screen which gives you all you need to know about your budget, including what is eating up your precious cash!  Among the many key features, these were the ones that stood out to us the most:

  • Detailed Summary screen
  • Data can be shown in any of your local currencies
  • Interactive bar chart shows your last five days spending
  • Daily budget label enables you to view an adjusted budget, to see exactly how much you have left to spend each day
  • Option to spread expenses out over multiple days
  • Multiple tags which can be filtered on the History screen
  • Add amounts in either your home currency, or choose from over 218 local currencies
  • Interactive pie charts for a visual view of how much you’ve spent by category
  • Daily breakdown of how you’re doing against a daily, monthly or trip budget
  • Export your data in CSV format and send it via messages, email, or Airdrop
  • Daily automatic iCloud backups of all your data (iCloud account required)

Who is the Trail Wallet Travel Budget App for?

The thrifty traveller, business traveller and, more than anything, we think this app is awesome for backpackers and those on long stay travel adventures. Fun fact, the app was created by Simon Fairbairn and Erin McNeaney of Never Ending Voyage, a couple who’ve been travelling full time since March 2010 because they wanted something that stopped financial stress putting a dampener on their good times!

What do the Trail Wallet Travel Budget App Reviews say?

First and foremost it’s well worth paying for! The first 25 entries are free, after that you need to go ahead with an in-app purchase to unlock unlimited amounts. It is also so good that you’ll probably want to use it for everyday living when you aren’t travelling. Apart from that, exactly what it says on the tin – quick, easy to use, and totally fit for purpose.

Get it on iTunes

 

 

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Air Travel – Insider Secrets You Want To Know

Posted on February 15, 2019 by worldwideinsure

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Some airlines have pyjamas for long haul flights! If you are travelling first or business class and fancy feeling fresh when you step off the plane, ask if there are any PJs available to slip into while you snooze.

Ask for seconds if you are still hungry. The fact is that some people don’t want their on-board meal, maybe they are prioritising sleep, or maybe flying wipes out their appetite. Whatever the reason, there are likely spare meals to be had if you want them.

Take your own pillows and headphones. There are rumours that the in-flight freebies on some flights may have been enjoyed by a previous passenger. One way to tell you are first to use the blanket, pillow or headphones is if it comes in a sealed packed. Advice is to take your own personal items just in case it doesn’t!

The Cabin Crew’s actual job is to keep passengers safe. Next time you are harrumphing because service is a little slow (or your peanuts aren’t served on a plate), remember that the crew aren’t primarily there for your hospitality, they are there to ensure your safety should you need it. Don’t believe us? Surely there would be a budget airline where you took your own food and drink to save on hospitality staff.

Screaming babies are more likely to be seated by a partition, aka, bulkhead. This is because it is the only place to safely secure a bassinet. If you want to maximise your chances of a good rest, pick a seat well away!

Some flights have childcare aboard! Premium airlines often have a dedicated person to entertain a restless child, and most airlines will have entertainment packs – just ask as you board. Even crew on the most budget of flights may be able to help calm a screaming baby, after all no one wants the stress of that, least of all the crew while they are trying to do their job.

Be nice, or be bottom of the pile. Yes folks, the cabin crew’s life isn’t as glamorous as some may think, so everything you can do to be pleasant and accommodating gets noticed because it makes their job so much easier. Those who are prone to demanding behaviour will not be the ones who get the last cold cola on the flight!

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Ice Hotels – The Coolest Place To Ignite The Fires of Passion!

Posted on February 8, 2019 by worldwideinsure

What better way to revel in romance than cosying up in an Ice Hotel! These ephemeral and magical places with an otherworldly feel are the perfect place for love

©ICEHOTEL. icehotel.com: ICEHOTEL 28, 2017-2018 Art Suite Daily Travellers. Design Alem Teklu & Anne Karin Krogevoll. Photo Asaf Kliger. 

ICEHOTEL, Sweden

This hotel has just opened its doors to its 29th incarnation! It is a hotel and art exhibition rolled into one, made of ice from the river Torne, created each year based on a new design. It’s billed as a place to discover silence, the northern lights, cloudberries, kettle coffee and we think it’s just the place for romance! Visit icehotel.com for more info.

©ICEHOTEL. Art Suite 2016. Love Capsule by Luc Voisin & Mathieu Brison. Photo Asaf Kliger icehotel.com 

The Ice Church next to the ICEHOTEL opens every year on 25thDecember. When it is formally handed over to the Swedish Church for weddings, renewal of vows and even baptisms!

 

©©ICEHOTEL. icehotel.com: Ice Church 2015 In the Glade Photo byline Design Tjåsa Lucia Gusfors, David Andrén, Johan Andrén & Erik Törner Photo. Paulina Holmgren. 

Hôtel de Glace, Canada

© Hôtel de Glace

This hotel is just 20 minutes north of Quebec City in Canada. It’s huge snow vaults and breath-taking ice sculptures are unique masterpieces created afresh every year by some of the best ice sculptors in the world. The hotel is open to visitors, guests, and for weddings. Head to Hotel de Glace for more info!

© Hôtel de Glace

Hotel of Ice, Romania 

Set in the Fagaras Mountains, Romania, this hotel is built every year in less than a month from snow and ice blocks that are extracted from Balea Lac, the largest glacial lake in the area. The hotel’s vision is to be somewhere couples can escape for a mix of romance and adventure – there is even an ice church for weddings. More over at Hotel of Ice.

©Hotel of Ice

DON’T FORGET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE! We offer wintersports travel insurance for a huge range of snow-filled activities. Get a quick online quote or speak to one of our advisors.

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Chinese New Year Travel – Myths Busted and Tips Shared

Posted on February 1, 2019 by worldwideinsure

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February 05th2019 welcomes in the Year of The Pig. Those in the know say that you should wear the year’s lucky colours – red, yellow, and green, and keep an image of a pig nearby – but what do they say about actually visiting China at this exciting time of year?

1. Everything is closed for weeks.

No, not everything. Yes, shops, schools, restaurants and factories can be closed for as long as three weeks as people travel far and wide to be with family. Businesses generally take a week off and banks and restaurants have a couple of days shut down – but it is rare that a closure will affect you if you are a tourist. Most places popular with tourists will be open, although some may have limited opening hours.

2. It is a really expensive time to travel in China.

Yes, it is and the trains and busses will be packed. Most city workers get a week off which they spend with family usually in rural areas, which they get to by public transport.

3. Don’t travel by train.

Unless you like the feeling of being packed into a sardine can! Travelling by train is the most popular form of transport because it is both cheap and efficient – an unusual concept here in the UK – seats will not be available, in fact you’ll be lucky if you find standing room.

4. Tourist attractions are empty.

Pretty much! Most people head home to be with family and eat, so are not focussed on day trips and excursions. Opening times may be limited.

Image by zhu810529 CC0

6. It’s a great time to observe local customs.

Yes! Chinese New Year is the best time to go and rub shoulders with locals. Not only are there loads of cultural activities taking place at this time of year, but generally the mood is far more jovial and inviting than at any other time of year.

7. It’s too cold for tourists at this time of year.

That all depends on what you wear and where you go! Yes, it is very cold in the northern parts of China at this time of year –15°C, but head to Shanghai, for example, and you could be experiencing relatively balmy temperatures of as much as 9°C!

8. It is more difficult to get a flight or hotel room compared to the height of the tourist season.

Totally true. Those in the know advise that if you want to experience Chinese New Year in China that you book all accommodation, flights, and other travel, and even restaurant bookings, many months in advance. If you are looking for a more relaxed experience of this magnificent country, even going in the height of the tourist season in summer is a better option!

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DON’T FORGET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE! Get a quick online quote or speak to one of our advisors.

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FLIO App Review – Travel App of the Month January 2019

Posted on January 25, 2019 by worldwideinsure

Make layovers and waiting for delayed flights more fun with an app that tells you everything you need to know about the airport you’re in. 

 

 

What is the FLIO App?

It’s the ultimate flight travel companion, with relevant and helpful information about 3,000 airports around the world. It is actually a partner app to many airports and as such there are some great deals to be had using it!

What does the FLIO App do?

Top of the list are flight tracking, interactive airport maps and access to over 300 lounges. There are also deals and discounts on cafes, restaurants and shops. The app also instantly connects you to the airport Wi-Fi, saving you data before you depart! Plus, if you are a registered user, you get the early heads up on flight changes and boarding times – making missing a flight a thing of the past!

  • Airport maps for better orientation at each airport
  • Complete flight tracker with real-time information on arrivals and departures
  • Directions on the cheapest and fastest ways to the city
  • Booking for over 350 airline lounges worldwide
  • Reserve parking at over 50 airports for reasonable prices
  • Booking with the Fastlane Access when you are in a hurry
  • Discounts in shops, cafes, and restaurants
  • Flight alerts

The app is also a handy way to keep track of all your travels, saving flight information, miles travelled and countries visited amongst other things. 

Who is the FLIO App for?

Whether you are a frequent traveller or an occasional holidaymaker, this app is designed to make the airport experience, and the associated travel arrangements less stressful and less costly. 

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What do the FLIO App Reviews say?

 It got voted as one of The Best Travel Apps of 2018 by PC magazine. Real life reviews mostly hit 5 stars thanks to being easy to use, and with lots of useful info. The low scorers are questioning the real time update functions.

 

Get Flio on GooglePlay

Get Flio on iTunes

 

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Professional Beauty Tips For Frequent Flyers

Posted on January 18, 2019 by worldwideinsure

A jet-setting agenda can take its toll on your looks – find out how the likes of A-list celebrities overcome the dry skin, tired eyes, blemishes, and bloating associated with frequent flying.

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Dehydration is the enemy – both inside and out! Make sure you up your water intake, remembering to reduce caffeine and alcohol while you are at it, and use a hydrating moisturiser or mist for your skin.

“Many people underestimate how delicate the skin under our eyes is. Using a specialised cleanser for eyecare is the best way to protect our delicate skin. Tea tree oil is one of the best cleansing and healing ingredients that loves delicate skin! It also has natural antimicrobial properties which makes it a great part of any skincare regime.” Beauty expert at OPTASE® developers of Tea Tree Oil Lid Wipes, a handy travel-size pack suited to frequent flyers.

Travel sans makeup – wearing makeup while you travel will just tire and dehydrate your skin further.

Detox before you go – having a cleansed system will mean that your body is performing as efficiently as possible at ridding itself of toxins and more resistant to the stress of travel.

“The recycled air on aeroplanes can cause dry eyes, which on a long-haul flight can really ruin the excitement of going away and leave us with red, sore and puffy faces!One solution is to use preservative-free eye drops, rather than ones that include preservatives because these have actually been shown to increase irritation if used repeatedly.” Beauty expert at Hycosan Fresh. Most preservative-free eye drops are single dose mini pipettes – not so convenient for travelling but Hycosan Fresh is totally preservative free, remain sterile for 6 months, and come in a 7.5ml bottle totally suited to travel.

Exfoliate before you go – freshly exfoliated skin is essential if you are travelling without makeup, plus your hydrating beauty products will work better.

Exercise before you go – a good workout boosts circulation and helps deliver nutrients to your skin, a key way to get that “glowing” look and does of course boost your immune system.

Vapour Balm is great for use during air travel to help feign off airborne bacterial and illness. Beware of petroleum based products that can inhibit your skin’s ability to breathe and rebalance, and are known to clog pores. Instead opt for a product free of palm oil, petrochemicals and other nasties such as P’URE Papayacare Vapour Balm, a blend of Australian essential oils and herbs with zero menthol, petroleum or mineral oil.

Travel well rested – flying is tiring, so make sure you have at least one day down-time before you go. Stress is known to raise cortisol levels which in turns creates bloating, especially around the mid-rift, and is associated with lack of sleep.

Pack an oxygenating face mask – for use at your destination, this type of masks bubbles upon application cleaning all the gunk from your pores that is inevitable after a few hours travel.

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How To Stay Stylish On A Longstay Adventure

Posted on January 11, 2019 by worldwideinsure

Insider tips on what to pack, and how to wear it, to make sure you don’t look like you’re living out of a backpack on your next longstay adventure.

Image by LUM3N CC0

  • Choose clothes that are resistant to creasing.
  • Go for dark clothes that are more forgiving when it comes to signs of wear and stains.
  • Resist packing clothes with bold patterns, they are harder to mix and match. Keep the patterns to key pieces, or accessories.
  • Roll your clothes when you pack – not only will it minimise creasing but also you’ll be able to get more items in your backpack!
  • Get a day bag that is on-trend. Just one simple stylish accessory that you can take out day or night while you leave your backpack safely at a hostel or hotel, will make a world of difference to your style status!
  • Pack some accessories that are designed to “transform” an outfit – or even better, pick up key pieces during your travels.
  • Keep comfort in mind – you’ll be clocking up a lot of hours on planes, trains, and buses so comfort is key to your happiness.

PROFESSIONAL STYLIST ADVICE FOR THE LADIES: “Packing can be really tough when you plan to be away for some time, because you don’t want to end up looking scruffy and letting your style down, just because you’re living out of a suitcase/backpack.

My top tip would be to pack a good amount of staple dresses because unlike other wardrobe items, dresses can be styled up and down. You can pair a dress with a cropped jumper and tights for when the weather is a little chilly, or opt for bare legs when the sun is out.”Katie Derrick, of bespoke luxury travel agent AfricaTravel.com.

“Choose clothing that’s versatile, imagine what you’re packing to work as your very own capsule wardrobe. Choose dresses that work both as a dress, and as a skirt, by layering and tying a t-shirt or light-weight knit over the top. Choosing pieces that can be styled in different ways is the easiest way to ensure you aren’t sick of your clothes a week into your trip!” Stylist at Elvi.com

Jumpsuit – it’s great for countries where a conservative look is a must for ladies and it can easily be dressed up or down making it a versatile item in your backpack!

Leggings – Wear on their own or under a dress, or even under shorts – versatile, comfortable, and easy to wear.

Dresses – slip dresses that can be worn with a t-shirt underneath or jumper over the top, are ideal – easily taking your look from day to night with ease. Don’t forget the LBD, easy to wear and can be dressed up for any occasion!

Vests and tees – they take up very little room, are great for layering and can be worn with jumpsuits, dresses, leggings, trousers or shorts.

Flat shoes – ones that you are happy to walk all day in that will also cut the mustard if you decide to treat yourself to a fine dining experience.

Sarong – the holy grail of accessories. Did you know there are at least 30 ways you could use a sarong? It can be a dress, a bag, a skirt, a shawl… pick a classy print and you are done!

PROFESSIONAL STYLIST ADVICE FOR THE GENTS: “Venturing away on a long trip requires packing sensibly, but that shouldn’t mean compromising on fashion. Be sure to pack a practical, stylish and foldable jacket, so that you can prepare for all weather forecasts, while also still looking the part. Pack miniature grooming products, too, including mini shaving foam, scented body wash and moisturiser, to keep you smelling good, as well as looking good during your travels.” Steve Pritchard, of men’s fashion retailer Ben Sherman.

Wondering what such a wonderfully useful jacket could be like? Well,

the classic Ben Sherman Four Pocket Jacket is just the ticket. It’s smart-casual, and it exudes style and class; it’s waterproof, and leaves enough room to layer up with warm and stylish jumpers and t-shirts – essential when venturing somewhere new and travelling to countries with varying weather and climates in one trip.

Don’t forget your travel insurance! Longstay insurance for backpackers from worldwideinsure.com can cover from 3 to 18 months, and it can be renewed if you are still travelling when your policy is coming to an end. Plus, if you have already left home without travel insurance, we can cover that too.

Please note, policies, terms and conditions may change – all information published in this blog pertaining to travel insurance from worldwideinsure.com is only deemed valid at the time of publication.

 

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The Warmest Places in Europe To Visit This Winter

Posted on January 4, 2019 by worldwideinsure

Done with the chilly weather already? Can’t wait until the warm winds of summer breeze over your newly tanned skin? How about fast-forwarding to blue skies and high temps by holidaying in the warmest places in Europe this winter!

Canary Islands

It’s a bit of a cheat this one, as the Canary Islands are just off the coast of Africa, but still classed as Europe. As such, definitely the warmest place to go in Europe in January – 21°C? Yes please! The warmest (and less windy) of the four islands are Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Both islands are very similar, and offer way more than the presumed tourist hotspots, however – if you are looking for beach action, Gran Canaria trumps Tenerife, if you are looking for historical quarters, Tenerife is the place to go.

What to do in the Canary Islands: If you are in Tenerife, get yourself up Mount Teide, the world’s third tallest volcanic structure!In Gran Canaria, visit the epic Maspolomas Dunes, and maybe ride a camel while you are there.

Image by juhasztamas08 CC0

Madeira, Portugal

The warm subtropical climate of Madeira is an instant draw for throngs of tourists in the summer, but in the winter it is an equally delightful, and altogether quieter paradise. Visitors can expect temperatures of 16°C upwards, and it has been known to get as warm as 21°C in January! Word of warning though, January is probably the wettest month of the year here

What to do in Madeira: As an archipelago of four islands, the best things to do here include getting out on the water to enjoy some sports and watch the amazing marine life in action! The stunning coastlines make for some awesome hiking action too.

 

Image by derfla CC0

Cyprus

Get out of the wind, and obviously down from the probably snow-capped mountains and you could be enjoying temps of 16°C to 20°C in Cyprus during January.The good news is that the sea is usually still quite warm too at this time of year, making a quick dip from an empty sandy beach could be a dream come true this time of year!

What to do in Cyprus: Fancy a bit of eternal youth, or maybe a pepped-up love life? Get yourself to Aphrodite’s Baths just near the quaint fishing village of Latchi. While you can’t bathe in them any more, you can splash yourself with the legendary waters, plus, the trails and gardens here offer amazing views. 

Image by dimitrisvetsikas1969 CC0

Seville, Spain

Did you know that this city was awarded the accolade of being “Europe’s Greatest City in Winter”? Okay, that might not just be due to being an almost balmy 17°C in January, but it certainly helps! This is the place to go if you want to be seduced by cultural experiences and a mix of jaw-dropping architecture.

What to do in Seville: Go to the historic centre. This is where you’ll find a Moorish Castle next to a Gothic Cathedral, and Baroque churches – nestled amongst medieval lanes.

 

Image by jackmac34 CC0

Malta

Sightseeing, boat trips and al-fresco dining during the winter months in Malta is a tranquil and rejuvenating experience, thanks to blue skies and sunshine. Expect this Mediterranean gem to provide temps of around 16°C, often raised by warm winds blowing across from the Sahara. Do note that like Madeira, it can get pretty wet during January, but the bursts of rain are usually short.

What to do in Malta: Take a Grand Harbour Tour, it is a stunning way to see the historical sights and take in some spectacular views. The commentary during the trip is a great way to learn about the area too.

 

Image by kirkandmimi CC0

 

Don’t forget your travel insurance! Even if you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), it has its limitations and only offers a certain amount of help with costs of medical treatment abroad. The Government recommends that travellers take out private travel insurance too. To find out more, visit the EHIC advice page.

 

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