8 Destinations that DO Live Up To The Hype

Posted on February 9, 2018 by worldwideinsure

Places so pretty they could have been photoshopped, and with enough culture to put you in a Stendhal spin – could these be the best holiday destinations on the planet?

Banff National Park, Canada

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Gorgeous lakes and incredible mountains, every photo looks so good people probably don’t think the place is real. Banff is also home to bears, elk, deer, and bighorn sheep – an idyllic setting that ticks all the big wilderness boxes.

Fjords of Norway

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There are 1,190 drop-dead dramatically gorgeous fjords to visit in West Norway. The region is great for hiking, camping, kayaking, and there is the added benefit of being able to see the Northern lights. 

Table Top Mountain, Cape Town

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To get the best out of a trip here, hike up from the Botanical Gardens (taking some time to enjoy the attraction, it is billed as one of the best gardens in the world), to go past waterfalls and a lake before you walk across Table Mountain itself. Then catch the cable car down.

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

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While the Cliffs of Kerry are more rugged and bigger than Moher, at Moher visitors can walk along the side of the cliffs on the trails. The visitor centre is almost as dramatic as the cliffs themselves, and well worth a visit.

Iceland

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Volcanos, glaciers, waterfalls, caves, mountains, rivers, pools and the best aurora borealis – Iceland has it all. While many other top destinations might have a better example of one of these wonders, this is probably the only place you can find them all!

Vienna, Austria

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Incredible architecture, fantastic art, first class food, and oodles of history – plus the people are friendly people and the views are great. Vienna is the place to go if you think you want to go to Paris. Another bonus is that to get there you have to experience the glory of the alps… what a shame!

Milford Sound, New Zealand

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New Zealand is what bucket list dreams are made of! Idyllic picture postcard scenery of an astoundingly huge variety, and geological wonders galore. Here’s a taster: tropical Island beaches, Lord of the Rings mountain ranges, Norwegian-style fjords, and rain forests with cold-weather parrots.

Yosemite National Park, California

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Supersized, epic, and inspiring scenery that is worth experiencing every season! Top tips: Go in winter and you will feel like you have the park to yourself (plus the snow is a magical touch not to be missed), although some trails and roads may be closed. Brave the crowds in the spring to experience the waterfalls, which are absolutely breath taking. To escape the crowds at any time, go along any trail for about a mile and there will be far less people!

Don’t forget your travel insurance! We have single trip, multi-trip and long stay options, plus specialist wintersports insurance for adventurous travel plans! Plus kids go free on family policies!

 

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The Most Romantic Valentines Getaways For A Proposal

Posted on February 2, 2018 by worldwideinsure

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What could be more romantic than popping the question on Valentines Day? Doing it on a romantic Valentines break! Here are the top three romantic getaways that will ensure your loved one says YES!

Spa Break

Undivided attention, pampering, and a luxurious setting – an undeniably romantic combination. Whether it is a couples massage, soaking in a hot tub under the stars, or the intimacy of a candle lit detox dinner that ignites your passion, a spa break is guaranteed to ensure the love of your life feels like a million dollars when you say “Marry Me”.

City Escape

Paris, Venice, Rome, and Reykjavik are some of the most sought after destinations when it comes to a proposal. If you are heading to the latter, Gullfoss Waterfall is the most popular place to pop the question. If Venice is your destination of choice then head for romantic hotspots like Doge’s Palace, The Grand Canal, St Mark’s Basilica, and Rialto Bridge.

Exotic Beach Holiday

Maldives or Seychelles? What a choice! These Indian Ocean destinations are what romance is made of, but they offer very different experiences. The Maldives is an archipelago of tiny islands with just one resort on each – perfect if you want to propose in the seclusion of a romantic bubble. Seychelles on the other hand offers more space, bigger sweeping beaches, and things to see and do, so if activities are key to your romance as a couple, head here.

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CamCard Review – Travel App of the Month January 2018

Posted on January 31, 2018 by worldwideinsure

If jet lag leaves you fuzzy headed on your business trips, you are going to love CamCard.

It is a nifty app that can scan, manage, sync and exchange business cards, and offer all the information you need to get a conversation started with your prospective new client or customer.

 

 

What is the CamCard app?

It’s a multilingual business card scanner app with a heap of additional features that take the legwork out of networking, such as instant access to their company news.

What does the CamCard app do?

It can do your thinking and your research for you. It can also make you look extra fabulous to your new contacts – check out this list of features:

  • Accurately read cards in 16 languages
  • Batch scan all your paper cards to cut the card clutter
  • Get notified when your contacts join new companies, get promoted or others
  • Exchange e-cards with people nearby at meetings, tradeshows or seminars
  • Complete your own Profile to make a better impression to your contacts
  • Synchronize cards across smartphones, tablets and the web app
  • To know your contacts better, get their company news instantly
  • Add meeting notes with texts or images, set reminders

Why is CamCard good for travelling?

The information the app can access and store will be welcomed by any business traveller who wants to impress but is hampered by a lack of sleep from a long journey. Also, the app is ideal if you don’t want to carry lots of your own cards, or other peoples for that matter.

What do the CamCard app reviews say?

Good points to note include: nice tools for sales, good export to excel feature, handy integration with maps. On the less positive side users say that you need to check the information after scanning as a busy card or quirky font can be misread.

play.google.com

itunes.apple.com

camcard.com

 

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How To Cut The Cost Of A Holiday

Posted on January 19, 2018 by worldwideinsure

Thrifty travel without slumming it is totally possible. Check out this list of hints and tips – add them all up and you’ll probably have enough cash left over for another holiday!

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Find cheap flights first using tools like Skyscanner and Flights Direct.

Book flights early – last minute flights can be more expensive.

Book a flight through a partner airline. This is known as the codeshare trick where airlines sell each other’s flights, often at a reduced price.

Use Trivago or Trip Advisor to see who is offering the cheapest price on your chosen hotel room – then call the hotel to see if they’ll beat it.

Book a last minute package holiday – these get discounted to make sure they are sold.

If there is a group of you consider booking a luxury apartment or villa, when the costs are divided it can beat the price of a hotel of a similar standard.

Don’t get a travel insurance package with your holiday provider, airline or bank – this is usually more costly (and not tailored to your specific travel requirements) than getting insurance through an independent provider.

Book car hire early – the daily rate increases dramatically if booking the day before, and even more if you book when you arrive.

Get car hire excess insurance from an independent insurer, not the car hire firm. Not only should it be cheaper, it will likely offer more protection too.

Get a travel credit card for the best exchange rates. Bear in mind that you must pay off the balance if full at the end of the month or the interest negates the bargain exchange rates.

We offer Single trip cover for 1 to 94 days; Annual multi-trip cover for 31, 45 or 62 days per trip; Longstay cover for 4 to 18 months. Options available to tailor your policy to your requirements, plus you can extend it to cover winter sports and golf, or upgrade to cover more adventurous activities! Call us on 01892 833338 or get a quote online.

 

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5 Tips To Make Business Travel A Bit Less Boring

Posted on January 12, 2018 by worldwideinsure

Jet-setting, high flying professionals – living the life right? As you’ll well know, it’s not all silver linings when you have to travel the skies for work. Here are a few tips that will alleviate the boredom and maybe make that next business trip a bit more like a holiday!

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1. Book an apartment

No matter how luxurious, hotels have a hint of loneliness about them if you are enjoying them solo. Booking an apartment instead will inject some homeliness into your travel schedule, and help you avoid sleeping in the “same old” space over and over again.

2. Take public transport

Ditch the taxi (and the hire car) in favour for travelling by bus or train. This is an amazing opportunity to go on a sightseeing adventure and soak up the culture of the country you are in. While you might not have a tour guide, it is a great way to discover the streets and suburbs of your temporary home.

3. Book in some “me time”

Rather than yearning for home time, indulge in something that you can enjoy without having to book in some time off. Maybe you like to sit in a spa, watch live sport, go to a gig, take in an opera – whatever it is, make your trip a chance to enjoy any free time you have without having to ask for permission.

4. Meet new people

The likes of City Socializer make it easy to meet new people when you find yourself in unfamiliar territory. Not only is it a great way for people travelling on business to network without the hard work, it can fast-track you to the real heart of a city and all it has to offer without needing to spend a whole week exploring.

5. Make it a Bleisure trip

Yes, a trip that is a mix of business and pleasure. Although it may require some element of luck, planning a business trip around a social engagement, or looking up an old friend when you find yourself in their neighbourhood for work has been proven to reduce the stress of business travel. The other option is to tag on a few days holiday to your trip and take your family with you too.

Don’t forget your Business Travel Insurance! We offer annual multi-trip cover for frequent travel with a choice of 31, 45 or 62 days per trip. Call us on 01892 833338 or get a quote online.

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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12 Month Wellness Holiday Guide 2018

Posted on January 5, 2018 by worldwideinsure

Detox retreats aren’t just for overcoming the indulgence of Christmas – check out these fab sun-kissed wellness breaks that are happening throughout 2018!

Image courtesy of healthandfitnesstravel

January – New Year Cleanse in Thailand

Average January Temperature: 30C

The Barai Vital Body Cleanse – a full body detox in a luxurious hideaway surrounded by the exotic flora and palm-fringed beaches of Hua Hin, Thailand. The body cleanse incudes abdominal massages, moor mud wraps, and a healthy detox menu, plus wellness activities and energising fitness classes.

Image courtesy of healthandfitnesstravel

February – Holistic Weight Loss in Sri Lanka

Average February Temperature: 20C

Set amongst the lush greenery of Sri Lanka you can work up a sweat with energetic group fitness classes and outdoor activities, and decrease your stress-levels with daily meditation and yoga sessions. The programme includes a personalised diet plan and lifestyle classes to encourage you to make long-term changes that will benefit you beyond your holiday.

March – Digital Detox in Portugal

Average March Temperature: 21C

Set in the sunny Algarve you can learn to switch off more than your phone. Expect to enjoy meditative breathing classes, relaxation massages, and ‘energy breaks’ under the retreat’s signature pine trees. Ditching the digital stuff will leave you plenty of time to indulge in personal training on the beach and paddle board sessions in the sea – leaving your mind cleared and body re-energised.

April – Spring Surf & Yoga in Morocco

Average April Temperature: 25C

Enjoy an early Summer in Morocco with the perfect balance of surfing and yoga. This healthy holiday also promises active adventures such as mountain hikes and cultural excursions to leave you rejuvenated, not wiped out from your adventures!

Image courtesy of healthandfitnesstravel

May – Mindfulness in Marbella

Average May Temperature: 23C

Enjoy a complete mind and body makeover in the Med combining favourite fitness activities with mindful and balancing practices. Expect beach circuits and personal training, yoga, guided meditations and Tibetan bowl vibrational massages on a holiday with an emphasis on learning how to live a mindful life.  

June – Summer Shape Up in Ibiza

Average June Temperature: 26C

On this luxury boot camp style fitness holiday you can enjoy a daily fitness schedule of circuits, aerobics, Swiss ball, boxing, running, swimming, deep stretching, body sculpting and rebounding. There are also mindfulness sessions to soothe the mind, cookery workshops to feed it, and creative workshops to let it loose. To top it off, you’ll get a full body massage and manicure to ensure you leave feeling great inside and out.

  July – Fusion Fitness in Sardinia

Average July Temperature: 29C

Get fit by the beach while you enjoy magnificent sea views and the excellent wellness facilities at Forte Village. On this holiday you can expect a bespoke Fusion Fitness programme offering a personalised workout plan, and a range of energising activities and treatments with a series of six thalassic pools.

August – Soothing Summer Spa in Italy

Average August Temperature: 28C

Nestled in the alpine mountains surrounding Lake Garda, you can indulge in Lefay’s signature spa, which features a private saline pool with a suspended moon above it to create a truly calming atmosphere to relax and unwind. The resort is also known for offering a wide range of holistic spa treatments from around the world.

Image courtesy of healthandfitnesstravel

September – Mental Makeover in Portugal

Average Temperature September: 29C

Set in the picturesque Algarve, The Mind Coaching Retreat at Macdonald Monchique will take you through a psychological programme using state-of-the-art techniques to build mental strength. Expect lifestyle tips and group sessions that promise to leave you rejuvenated, more in touch with your inner-self, and focussed on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

October – Autumn Ayurveda in India

Average Temperature October: 33C

A holistic break in North India that boasts ultimate relaxation and self-discovery. Nestled between the Sahyadri mountains and Mulshi Lake, this spiritual hideaway provides a platform for total rejuvenation in soothing tranquillity. Expect Ayurvedic spa treatments, reflexology, and a variety of yoga practices that will purify and heal your body so you return home feeling rebalanced and cleansed.

November – Farm to Spa Wellness in Costa Rica

Average Temperature November: 31C

Costa Rica is a tropical paradise, the perfect location for a retreat that provides a luxurious yet secluded wellness experience, with unparalleled ocean views. Expect organic spa treatments such as a mint-chocolate treatment for glowing skin, plus activities like cooking and gardening on a back-to-nature wellness holiday that will give you a renewed sense of well-being.

December – Pre-Christmas Restorative Break in St. Lucia

Average December temperature: 30C

Break the mould and have a healthy start to the holiday season. On this break you can prepare your body and mind with a special pre-Christmas wellness programme, designed by leading health and well-being experts. Hosted by Olympic legends, Colin Jackson and Leon Taylor, this wellness experience isn’t just for Christmas, it will benefit you for the rest of your life!

To find out more about these breaks visit healthandfitnesstravel – and don’t forget your travel insurance! Wellbeing holidays and detox breaks are a lot less enjoyable if you lose your passport or your luggage goes missing – travel insurance can help recover the costs and restore balance so you can carry on enjoying your getaway!

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Booking – Travel App of the Month December 2017

Posted on December 29, 2017 by worldwideinsure

Looking for an app that could get you a tasty discount on your next hotel stay? Booking.com is billed as “Planet Earth’s #1 Accommodation App” let’s find out why, and whether users think that’s true too! 

What is Booking.com?

It is an online portal for holidays, helping travellers find places to stay, such as apartments, holiday homes, family-run B&Bs, 5-star luxury resorts, tree houses and even igloos!

What does the Booking.com app do?

It gives users access to 1,534,024 properties, covering 123,234 destinations in 229 countries and territories worldwide. The app is available in over 40 languages.

– Search by city, landmark, hotel name or properties close by
– Filter by WiFi, price, review score and other things important to you
– Browse verified guest reviews to help you pick your perfect stay
– View maps to make sure your hotel is where you want to be
– Save your favourite properties to a list and share with friends and family
– Find great deals at all kinds of amazing properties (not just cheap hotels!)

– Get paperless confirmation and offline maps with the app! No printer, data or wifi needed

Who is the Booking.com app for?

Globetrotters on the go! This app on your phone means you can access your account easily, get all the latest deals easily, and of course compile your destination wish-list while you are waiting for your delayed flight to depart! You can make bookings and pay via the app and get confirmation and local maps even if you don’t have any data.

What do the Booking.com reviews say?

While we didn’t find a review that stated it is “Planet Earth’s #1 Accommodation App”, the stats do look pretty good. Very booking good they might say!

Get it on Google Play

Get it on iTunes

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7 Ways To Get A FREE Hotel Room Upgrade

Posted on December 15, 2017 by worldwideinsure

Fancy a bigger, better room than you can afford on your next trip? Why not try some of these awesome tips to be in with a chance of getting a free room upgrade!

Image by Megha01 CC0

1. Choose a rebooking agent for automatic upgrades

There are booking sites that will automatically upgrade you if a better room becomes available for the same price you booked your original room. Basically they re-book you, and cancel the previous booking.

2. Be a loyal customer

Loyalty goes a long way, and chain hotels use schemes to ensure their customers keep coming back. Some have schemes where you can upgrade 4 times a year, others ensure that they do their best to assist if an enquiry is made when booking etc. So, if you are happy to choose a Marriott hotel every time you go on a trip, get on the loyalty scheme and it won’t be long until you get that elusive free upgrade!

3. Ask at the desk – nicely and quietly

Asking for an upgrade and getting one as you check in requires some decorum. Firstly, make sure you are well presented and polite. Ask without expectation, and always make sure to ask when no other guests are likely to overhear – your request is more likely to be acquiesced if it isn’t followed by a stampede of customers wanting the same treatment!

4. Ask the concierge not the desk agent

It’s the job of the concierge to ensure that guests have a personalised and perfect stay, as such they are more likely than a desk agent to be able to pull a few strings and get you into a better room at no extra cost if one is available.

5. Book over the phone

Online booking is convenient, but lacks the personal touch needed when it comes to getting a free upgrade. If you book by phone, you can strike up a conversation, make a connection, and enquire what perks might be available to you. Wink wink.

6. Let them know it is a special occasion

If it’s your birthday or anniversary, let them know as you book in – if there is an upgrade available they may well let you have it. Do not lie to get an upgrade though, that is bad manners and you’ll have to live a lie during your stay and will feel terribly ashamed if you are found out.

7. Only stay for one night

If you are only staying for one night, especially during a less busy time of the week, your chance of a free upgrade goes up. This is because bumping you up to an available room for just one night won’t impact on a potential booking made for that room the next day.

Don’t forget your travel insurance! Give our sales team a call on UK(+44) 01892 833338, or get an online quote.

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The Best Places To Go For A Hot Holiday At Christmas

Posted on December 8, 2017 by worldwideinsure

If you are feeling the chill setting in, it’s not too late to ditch the Christmas turkey and go on a hot sunny break instead. Here are the top destinations to travel to this December!

Hot!

Cape Town Image by Ganossi CC0

Cape Town

Temperatures average a daily maximum of 19.8 °C with just 15 mm of rain, and an average of 11 hours of sunshine each day. The climate is very much like the Med, so you’ll be in for a treat if you like a good wine, as the place is home to some fantastic vineyards!

Lanzarote

Expect temperatures to reach 21.9 °C during the day with around 6 hours of sunshine. Due to its flat landscape, Lanzarote has lower rainfall rates than the other Canary Islands, so you’ll probably stay nice and dry. The island is well known for lunar-like volcanic landscapes, so if you like holidays that have a touch of surreal, this is the place for you!

Tenerife

This is a popular place for sun seekers during the Christmas period, with temperatures reaching a very pleasant 22.2 °C, during a 6 hour sunshiny day. Note that during winter it is wetter on the north side of the island. While the beaches draw crowds, it is the night sky that is truly impressive here. Teide National Park has been recognised as one of the best star gazing sites on the planet due to its close proximity to the equator and low levels of light pollution!

Hotter!

Melbourne Image by DroneUAVWorld CC0

Melbourne

The beginning of the summer sees temperatures reaching a toasty 25.5 °C with 8 hours of sunshine each day. It’s one of the driest cities in Oz, but during December the weather can be unpredictable, so at least pack a waterproof poncho. Melbourne is a cultural hub of wonder, so if you like a hipster vibe, damn good coffee and a destination teeming with art and design –this is the hot holiday for you

Cape Verde

Temperatures are dropping here at this time of year, to a much more acceptable average of 26.4 °C! Humidity is high, but the coastal breezes make it more than bearable. The main reason to head to Cape Verde at this time of year is for the beaches. Miles upon miles of golden sands and turquoise seas bordered by lush tropical landscapes.

Hot Hot Hottest!

Barbados Image by PublicDomainPictures CC0

Barbados

It’s hot all year round in Barbados, but in December you can enjoy the searing average temperature of 29.6 °C without the humidity, plus this season brings with it a nice breeze from the north-east trade winds. It does rain quite a bit – 112mm – but showers are short. Barbados is the birthplace of Rum, which goes really well with sun, and fun. If you like your sun, fun, and rum best on a white sandy beach or luxury yacht, then this is definitely the break for you!

Cancun

Could there be such a thing as too hot? Cancun can get very very hot, (reaching an incredible 37.5 °C in May), so December is an ideal time to visit with temperatures at a hot but bearable, 30.4 °C and rainfall at an average of 38 mm. The place is practically paradise with ivory beaches and sun-kissed seas, enticing divers, surfers, swimmers, and snorkelers as well as sun-worshippers.

Don’t forget your travel insurance! Give our sales team a call on UK(+44) 01892 833338, or go online to get a quote.

 

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Wanderlust Christmas Wish List 2018

Posted on December 1, 2017 by worldwideinsure

Looking for a gift to give a frequent traveller? Look no further than this compilation of great gifts for all budgets!

Something indulgent – Dry Eye Concealer

A vegan friendly concealer pen to conceal and brighten dry skin around your eyes – perfect for tired eyes during or after a plane journey. Contains a natural vine extract for calming down dry and irritated skin. Costs £11.95 (4.5ml). Available from skinshop.co.uk or call: 01794 527433.

Something practical – TrackR

Every traveller dreads the sinking feeling that comes when their bag fails to appear on the conveyer belt.  Avoid it by attaching a TrackR to your luggage. It tracks the location of your belongings using the TrackR app on your smartphone, and if your bags went to a different place on the planet – don’t worry…TrackR’s Crowd Locate network will show you its last location on a map. Over 2 million items a day are found with Crowd Locate! They retail for £24.99 from Argos.

Something unusual – Mecolife Tote

Engineered from silicone, this is a real ‘bag for life’ perfect for travelling. Why? Well, it is waterproof so it is perfect on the beach and by the pool and it can be folded up easily into a suitcase but won’t look crumpled when you unpack. The bags are £64 including shipping in the UK and they can be purchased via meco.life

Something sensational – Shark Snorkeling

Blue planet II has spurred an interest in bucket-list style underwater Christmas gift experiences. SEA LIFE Blackpool is offering just the thing for adventurers in between adventures… snorkeling with sharks! Special shark experiences at SEA LIFE Blackpool can be booked online at visitsealife.com from £50 per person.

Something useful – Perstel DR701C DAB+ Travel Radio

The DR-701C is a future-proof portable travel radio because it has DAB +, used throughout Europe and now in the UK by new radio stations. This means it will pick up local stations broadcasting wherever you go on holiday in Europe. £14.95 from navadaradio.co.uk

Give the gift of peace of mind! If you know someone who is a frequent traveller, get them travel insurance they can trust from worldwideinsure.com. Give our sales team a call on UK(+44) 01892 833338, or go online to get a quote.

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