Babymoon Travel Tips – Everything You Need To Know About Travelling When Pregnant

Posted on November 13, 2015 by worldwideinsure

Babymoons are all the rage, the last chance to elope before you are at the beck and call of a demanding tiny person. The trouble is, you are hormonal, prone to a whole heap of not-so-nice pregnancy symptoms, and you want to make sure that you make the best choices for your baby in terms of where you go and when you travel. To help, we have gathered some essential tips to help you make a seemly simple decision easier at this special time.

Babymoon Travel Advice Image

Babymoon staycation. Taking it easy on the steep coastal path from East Lulworth to Durdle Door in Dorset, 28 weeks pregnant.

The best time to travel is between 4 and 6 months

This is because you are most likely over your initial nausea, and yet not so far along that you are uncomfortable, or could give birth at any minute. This applies to long distance car journeys, flying, travelling by boat, and by train.

Know your personal limits

If you are fit and healthy, and were pre-pregancy, the chances are you can take on a 5k hike at 28 weeks. The key is to take it easy – now is not the time to push yourself!

Opt for a staycation rather than a vacation

Knowing that you can reach an NHS hospital easily if you needed to offers a pregnant lady priceless peace of mind – no matter how many weeks gone you are! Plus, the point of a babymoon is about spending some undivided time together before baby is born, not necessarily about the holiday itself.

You can travel by ferry until you are 32 weeks pregnant, BUT..

Do check with the ferry company before booking as they may have their own restrictions in place.

Buckle up correctly

Never wear a safety belt over your bump, always have it under, and ensure the cross-strap is between your breasts. If you are the driver, make sure that you take regular breaks during the journey, and keep fresh air circulating.

You can now travel by air up until you are 37 weeks pregnant, BUT…

Not if you are carrying twins, in which case you must travel before 32 weeks, and if you are experiencing a high risk pregnancy, you should consult a medical professional first. As with ferry travel, check with the travel provider before booking as they may have their own restrictions or require a doctors note.

Flying is safe, but there are side-effects that may affect pregnant women

Changes in air pressure and humidity, along with the slight increase in radiation have been deemed unharmful, however, swelling in legs, motion sickness, and of course the risks associated with deep vein thrombosis are all worse in pregnancy.

Carry your handheld notes EVERYWHERE

Whether in the UK or abroad, having your notes in a bag that you are carrying is essential in case you go into labour prematurely or you are experiencing anything that you feel requires medical attention.

Avoid destinations where you would need vaccinations

Vaccinations are considered unsafe while pregnant as they may affect the baby in the womb. This may mean that some destinations are off the agenda – check with your local clinic before booking a holiday!

Avoid tummy troubles

Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration which is not good for an unborn baby. Make sure that food and drinks are “safe”, and if you do get an upset, seek medical help rather than buying over the counter treatments – these could be harmful to take during pregnancy.

Think about your comfort

Long journeys will need to be broken up for toilet breaks, leg stretching, bump swinging, eating and drinking. Plus, bear in mind that when you are heavily pregnant, staying in one position for any length of time is incredibly uncomfortable!

Get travel insurance and carry your EHIC card if you are travelling in Europe

The EHIC is a must, but bear in mind that it does not cover every eventuality – travel insurance is much more comprehensive, so needed even if you are staying within the EU. If you are going further afield, then you’d be incredibly foolish to travel without it!

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WiFi Map Review – Travel App of the Month October 2015

Posted on November 1, 2015 by worldwideinsure

WiFi Map Review logoKick your roaming charges into touch with a clever app that shows you where you can tap into the nearest WiFi all over the world!

What is WiFi Map?

It’s a backpacker’s dream, it’s a business person’s buddy, it’s any globetrotters best friend. It is a sure fire way to stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues without racking up enough roaming charges to break the bank before you get home. WiFi Map does exactly what it says on the tin – it shows you a map of all the WiFi hotspots including directions on how to get to them, and the passwords to use once you get there!

WiFi Map Features

  • Contains 2,000,000 WiFi hotspots worldwide
  • Shares Wi-Fi passwords and tips
  • Smart search by cafe
  • Map navigation
  • Search by the nearest spot
  • Shows your current location
  • Share and find more Wi-Fi spots on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Oh, before you think – well how to I get online to find the nearest Wi-Fi spot without it costing money… WiFi Map WORKS OFFLINE! Yep, this app is pre-populated with everything you need to get you hooked up to the ‘net quicker than you can chuck a dongle in the bin.

WiFi Map Review screen shot

WiFi Map Reviews

This app is well and truly a four-point-fiver, with many happy users on Android and Apple devices singing it’s praises. Not bad for a free app! Word of warning, the Pro version, which costs around $5 has a lot less favourable rating, and while the free app is free to download, there may be in-app purchases to access some passcodes.

google play WiFi Map Review

Google Play

Amogh Nayak FOUR STARS

Liked it. I would give this app 4 stars because it really is a directory to find open and even passwords of some, if it was totally FREE, then I would have given 5 stars. One thing for sure, it is worth downloading…

iTunes

Love It!! by elenaluz FIVE STARS

This is just what I was looking for!!! User submitted hotspots with dated, current COMMENTS, passwords, and offline GPS, even distance to each hotspot! This has totally replaced my previous wifi finder! <3

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Forget Halloween – Check Out These Top 10 Holiday Horrors!

Posted on November 1, 2015 by worldwideinsure
Forget Halloween – Check Out These Top 10 Holiday Horrors!

Spooky Pumpkins by hjl 2013

We share the top 10 ways a holiday can go awry – and how WorldwideInsure.com can help.

  1. You are at the airport, your passport is on your kitchen table.
  2. You are not at the airport, you are stuck on the M25; your plane is leaving the airport.
  3. You arrive at your destination, your luggage arrives at a different destination, in a different timezone; possibly a different universe.
  4. You booked into a new five star resort, when you turn up you see clearly that you were looking at a concept drawing, once you’ve got past the cement mixers!
  5. You routinely apply your sunscreen only to find out that it is factor 2, AFTER you get third degree sunburn.
  6. You return to your hotel after a few too many Sambuccas, you wake up to find your passport gone, with vague memories of tossing it into the sea shouting “I never wanna leave this place, it’s beautiful!”
  7. You return to your hotel after a few too many Sambuccas, you wake up to find that you are in hospital after falling off your balcony.
  8. You stick to glasses of water, but didn’t check it was bottled water, you head to hospital with a very upset stomach.
  9. You hire a car on holiday and have a prang. Then you find out that your car hire excess is excessive and that you might have to sell your house to cover the bill.
  10. You wake up to find you have posted inappropriate pictures of yourself at a foam party on LinkedIn.

How WorldwideInsure.com can help

Missed flight – If you have missed a departure because a coach has broken down, we can help – however, if you’ve gone and left your passport on the table at home, you’ll be experiencing an expensive learning curve!

 Lost or stolen luggage, passport or wallet – These are holiday fails are covered as standard with all our travel insurance policies. They must be lost or stolen though – disposing of them yourself in a moment of madness is not covered!

 Mis-sold a holiday – if you’re disappointed with the facilities or feel they do not meet the description in the brochure, you will need to pursue any requests for compensation direct with the Tour Operator.  If you are injured on holiday due to building works at the hotel, you may be able to use the Legal Expenses cover to pursue a claim.

Medical help – Treatment for accidents and injury is covered, as is repatriation to your home country – as long as you were not under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances when you got hurt.

Car hire excess insurance – We offer a cost effective policy that will make sure you aren’t stung by car hire companies in the UK or abroad. To find out more from Norbert.

Posting inappropriate pictures to your social networking sites – This one we can’t help with, sorry!

 WorldwideInsure.com have you covered for almost any pickle you might get yourself into while on holiday. You just need to get yourself the insurance! For more information about travel insurance tailored to suit your lifestyle call 01892 833338.

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UK Travel Insurance Deal For EU Residents

Posted on November 1, 2015 by worldwideinsure

No matter where you live in the EU, you can now get comprehensive travel cover, including repatriation to your EU home country at a lower price than last year from WorldwideInsure.com.

EU residents, whether ex-pats or on home turf, can buy travel insurance from one of the UK’s favourite travel insurance providers and benefit from having a comprehensive yet flexible policy next time they take a break. WorldwideInsure.com can tailor individual policies to suit anyone’s individual needs – whether you have a pre-existing medical condition, you want cover for competing in extreme sports, or you just want to make sure you get home safe should the worst happen – you are in good hands, no matter where you live in the EU.

Lower Premiums – This year WorldwideInsure.com has lowered the premiums on its European Resident Travel Insurance policy, resulting in one of the best deals on flexible comprehensive cover for travel anywhere in EU.

Repatriation – Having an accident abroad could cost more than an arm and a leg, it could cost you your possessions too if you can’t foot the bill for treatment and missed flights.  EU Resident Travel Insurance includes repatriation to your EU home country – one less thing to worry about if your holiday does not go to plan!

Pre-existing Medical Conditions Welcomed – There is no need to give up holidays just because you have a known illness. Cover is available from WorldwideInsure.com for most pre-existing medical conditions. In most instances, you can declare the condition, and it can be insured. Some conditions may be subject to additional terms and an extra premium may apply.

Lost Luggage – This is top of the holiday horror list! Losing your luggage is a bad start to any holiday, and we don’t want to let it ruin yours, which is why lost luggage cover comes as standard with our policies.

Missed Departure and Cancellations – Ever lost out on holiday time when it wasn’t your fault? Maybe due to illness, a family bereavement or maybe you missed a departure because the coach to the airport broke down? Once again, we don’t want to see a bad event made worse, so we cover cancellations too.

 EU Resident Travel Insurance

  • Annual multi trip cover
  • Travel insurance for short breaks
  • Longstay cover for backpackers
  • Cover if you have already left your home country
  • Most pre-existing medical conditions can be declared and insured
  • Repatriation to your EU home country
  • Option to add cover for extreme sports

For a free instant quote go to WorldwideInsure.com’s EU Resident Travel Insurance page or call the UK office on: 00 44 1892 833338.

 

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Double Win For Bidborough Dragons!

Posted on October 2, 2015 by worldwideinsure

Worldwideinsure.com’s Søren V Nissen and his team, the Bidborough Dragons, had plenty to celebrate after a double Dragon Boat victory. The team also raised much-needed funds for local charity Demelza Children’s Hospice and Bidborough Primary School in the process, bringing the total donated over the last 6 years to over £30,000!

Bidborough Dragons 2015

 The dragon boat races in Kent have provided turbulent turf over the past 6 years as Bidborough Dragons have consistently competed in the finals, taking on Bewl, in the hope of winning gold. The best Bidborough have placed in the past is 3rd, but this year they finally did it – taking Gold at Bewl Water Dragon Boat Festival, officially Europe’s largest such competition, against nearly 60 other crews. This victory was followed by a second Gold medal at Tonbridge less than 24 hours later against 20 crews!

Søren says that planning, experience, power and tactics got them the victory they were looking for, against some of the fittest athletes in the sport who are fitness instructors and water sports professionals.

Bidborough Dragons 2015Victory tasted even sweeter as Bidborough Dragons were two men down and had to call in past crew members – this meant that 12 of the team that won were from the original lineup 6 years ago, when the battle against Bewl began.

As gratifying as their victory is, Bidborough Dragons are even more proud to have raised over £30k for Demelza Hospice and Bidborough Primary School over the past 6 years. You can show your support, and your congratulations, by donating on the Bidborough Dragons Just Giving page.

Bidborough Dragons 2015

 

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Vayable Travel Reviews – Travel App of the Month Sept 2015

Posted on September 25, 2015 by worldwideinsure

Want to see your destination through the eyes of a local? Want to hunt down the best places to see and be seen? Want to deviate from the well-beaten tourist path and explore the more exciting side of life? In that case, you’ll want to get the Vayable Travel app on your phone before you go. Available for free from the iTunes Store.

What is the Vayable Travel app?

Vayable Travel Reviews AppIt is a simple app that achieves great things. Quite simply, you can connect with local people wherever you are and explore the best a city has to offer with custom “tourist” trips, excursions, happenings and events. We can’t help but think that this app is ideal for those interested in street art tourism.

  • Book fun things to do with locals
  • List an experience
  • Request a trip
  • Give the gift of a trip to someone else

In the words of the developers, or their marketing team, “Get off the beaten path. Discover and instantly book the best local experiences in your favourite cities. All experiences are created with love by locals.”

Where does Vayable cover?

Well, it certainly isn’t worldwide, but it does cover a good selection of favourite destinations:

  • Paris
  • Barcelona
  • Istanbul
  • Amsterdam
  • Rome
  • London
  • Athens
  • Berlin
  • Dublin
  • Vienna

Types of experiences

The offerings are always changing, and you can always put in your own special requests. At the time of research there was a huge range including:

  • New York Midnight Street Food Crawl
  • San Francisco Scout for Street art
  • The Louvre in an Hour
  • Explore London Like A Local
  • Central Park Photo Tour
  • Learn To Eat Like A Local In Paris

Help, I don’t have a compatible device!

Don’t panic! You can access the full suite of services on the Vayable website – no app required!

Vayable Travel Reviews

By and large, the reviews are good, but users are unanimous in thinking it requires more personalisation and that more cities need to be added. Here are some of the high points in the reviews:

“Vayable is essential for any traveler because it puts authentic experiences at your fingertips, all delivered by local guides who have typically lived there all their lives.” 5 stars by Novaurora

“Love being able to spontaneously book something from a real local. Nothing touristy here!” 5 stars by by jjwonglet

Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. This app is optimised for iPhone 5. Visit the Vayable website or download on iTunes.

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Best Cities For Street Art – Graffiti Tourist Tips

Posted on September 18, 2015 by worldwideinsure

Want to base your travel itinerary around outdoor galleries? Well, there is no better way to create one than to visit the best places on the planet for street art! Here are our top picks!

Paris, France

In Paris you can actually book yourself a place on a street art tour. You can get the lowdown on infamous individuals such as Space Invader and Blek le Rat as well as superb photo opportunities in some tucked away neighbourhoods that you might not discover on your own!

ALT PARIS TOUR v3 from Underground Paris on Vimeo.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Entertaining, beautiful, and often shocking, the street art of Sao Paulo is not to be missed. Take a wander to view art by the likes of Eduardo Kobra, Nexus, Cadumen and Cranio. The art here is strong with political statement, and is a unique showcase for a wide range of graffiti styles.

Sao Paulo Street Art
Image Credit: Google Cultural Institute

New York, USA

In the Big Apple, you can book a place on a FREE street tour to view the dazzling talents of NYCs street artists. On the tour you’ll find out the background and history of artists that like an urban canvas including Buff Monster, Skewville and Beau Stanton.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s tourist industry celebrates the street art that graces its walls, doorways, shelters and street furniture, which is wonderful! As well as the usual spray paint on concrete, you will find urban knitting and guerrilla gardening, all of which serves to brighten the lives of visitors and residents alike. For those in the know, El Bocho, XOOOOX and Evol live and work here.

Berlin Street Art
Image Credit: visitberlin.de

Lisbon, Portugal

Street Art Tourism is big in Lisbon, a visual centre for the contemporary arts scene. French street artist C215 has blessed the concrete jungle here with some iconic and instantly impressive murals. You’ll also witness some of Sam3’s huge artworks, so pack your wide angle lens if you want to get a good picture!

C215 Lisbon Street Art
Image Credit: janetmillslove.tumblr.com

Mexico City, Mexico

As a cultural mecca, it is no surprise that Mexico City has a great street art scene. Urban art here is well accepted by residents as it is seen as another chapter in the city’s long heritage of mural masterpieces. Generally speaking as long as the art is good and has a message, it isn’t seen as invasive. Check out the work of one of Mexico City’s most prolific artists, Edgar Saner!

Edgar Saner Street Art
Image Credit: thewynwoodwalls.com

Street Art Tours: What to take…

If you are going on a street art tour, you need to be armed with a smart phone and a decent digital camera, and probably a GoPro.

Make sure you pack a wide angle lens, as street art is BIG, and you need to be able to fit the whole image in to one shot. Alternatively, if your smartphone has a decent camera on board, opt for some panoramic views!

The GoPro is the best bet for taking some spectacular short vids, adding context to graffiti art tours, and for capturing any commentary provided by a guide.

The reason you’ll need your phone is to make sure that you geo tag your experiences, and let the world know where you have been and what you have seen.

The world of street art is constantly evolving, and murals rarely stay around for long before another artists makes their mark – so see it as your job to document your day and upload to your fave social media channels!

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Singapore Travel Guide For F1 Fans

Posted on September 11, 2015 by worldwideinsure

As if Formula 1 isn’t exciting enough as it is, the Singapore Grand Prix has been billed as a “National Festival” by Mr S Iswaran – Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade and Industry. So we thought that we would take a look at what F1 fans and curious globetrotters can expect of the city during this spectacular event!

Singapore in a Nutshell

Singapore is diverse, clean, organised and expensive. In fact, it is the most expensive city in SE Asia, so perfect for hosting such a prestigious event as Formula 1 racing! There are lots, and we mean LOADS of high-end shopping malls – vast landscapes of consumerism – to explore, and with the price of running a vehicle and the price of alcohol very high here, it is a comparably quiet and safe place as far as major cities go.

What to wear…

Weather-wise, in September you can expect temps of around 30 degrees C during the 12 daylight hours, with only a small drop to high 20s in the evenings. Humidity is likely to be high, with plenty of overcast skies, light rain and thunder. Best to pack light layers of your best Prada, Versace and Gucci to ensure you don’t overheat, get too cold, and at the same time maintain the essential high-society style! Oh, and ladies, flat shoes are essential as the circuit entails a fair bit of walking to explore all 799,000 square metres!

The Race

The Singapore Grand Prix takes place on the 20th Sept, but the weekend will be packed with plenty of F1 action from the 18th! The race takes place on public roads around the Marina Bay area, illuminated by powerful lighting systems to replicate daylight conditions.

There will be room for more than 80,000 spectators, but as with any prestigious racing event, you better book a seat in advance to get the best price, and the best views!

Singapore F1 2015 MapImage Credit: singaporegp.sg

The Entertainment

So, hitting the event are over 300 artistes from around the world including Pharrell Williams, Jon Bon Jovi, and former Cirque du Soleil artists Duo MainTenanT. There will be fireworks, death-defying motorcycle stunt riders, illusionists, street performers, a huge selection of restaurants, exclusive access to circuit-side activities, and plenty of well-branded shopping opportunities.

Other Activities

Chances are that if you are heading to the race, you’ll be staying longer than the weekend – unless your Lear Jet hire is for a limited time only! Here are some must-not-miss activities to seek out during your stay:

  • Visit the ultra luxurious restaurant KU DÉ TA. Not only is it the place to be seen, it is the place to see! From here you can view Singapore in full 360° glory!
  • Go to Marina Bay Sands’ Sky Bar at CÉ LA VI – but only if you have a head for heights! The restaurant is on the 57th floor, a staggering 200 meters above the ground.
  • Get some retail therapy in Little India. This place is full of people, very colourful and has a fantastic buzz, a great place to feel full of life.
  • Another activity for those with a head for heights… a visit to the Supertrees Grove, a vertical garden at Gardens by the Bay. Here you can take a wander 22 metres above ground!
Supertree Grove

Supertree Grove

For a full event guide, and advice on what to take and leave behind, and what to expect in general – visit the Singapore GP website! For travel insurance for your visit, visit us at WorldwideInsure.com

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What To Do When A Holiday Disaster Hits

Posted on September 4, 2015 by worldwideinsure

Keep calm and carry on? A nice idea, but if disaster hits while you are abroad, chances are your first reaction will be panic! But don’t fear, we are here to tell you how to handle a variety of disasters that can hit while you are away on your hols.

Disaster 1 – Missed Flight

Oh dear, with this disaster you are off to a bad start before you’ve even left the country! If you miss your flight, head straight for the help desk and explain your situation. If you miss it because of an accident, or broken down public transport, the airline may well be understanding and accommodate you on the next flight. Or maybe it is the airline’s fault, in which case you’ll be compensated. If the error is yours and incurs additional travel costs, you may be able to recover these costs through your travel insurance, providing you got the right level of cover.

Disaster 2 – Lost Passport

If you lose your passport while on holiday, you must take the following steps IMMEDIATELY!

Report the loss to the local police and get a crime reference number – you will need this to get a new passport. You must also report the loss or theft to the British Embassy by filling in an LS01 form, which will be available from the Embassy or online. Want to know more? Read more in our blog What To Do If Your Passport Is Lost Or Stolen Abroad.

Disaster 3 – Stolen Bank Cards

As with losing your passport, file a police report straight away. The next step is to contact your insurance company and see if you have emergency cash cover. You will also need to contact your bank and credit card providers to stop your cards, and also to see if they are able to arrange a cash withdrawal from a local branch at your destination. To make the process easier, it is a good idea to ensure that you have emergency phone numbers and the right documentation with account numbers etc. to hand while on holiday, or with a family member back home.

Disaster 4 – Hire Car Crash

With any luck, you have taken car hire excess insurance, so won’t have to face the hire company’s charges! Hopefully you have also hired a car off a reputable dealer, and filled out paperwork that states what damage the vehicle had before you drove it away. It is a good idea to take photographic or video evidence before you drive off, as it is hard to dispute. Even if you have done all that and you have found yourself in a spot of bother, you will need to get your camera out again to document the scene of the accident, record the registration of the other car, and of course document the damage that has been caused. Then it’s time to call the insurers, and the car hire company!

Disaster 5 – Hospitalisation

With this disaster, you’ll find that preparation is the best medicine (pardon the pun). If you are travelling to Europe, make sure you have applied for and have your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. This can drastically reduce your medical bills while abroad. Even if you are travelling to the EU, and definitely if you are travelling outside the EU, get adequate travel healthcare insurance, and keep your information and your papers with you at all times. If you end up in hospital contact your insurers straight away. Without travel insurance, you may have to pay for medical care and repatriation, bills which can run into tens of thousands of pounds!

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TravelSafe Review – Travel App of the Month August 2015

Posted on August 28, 2015 by worldwideinsure

This recently revamped app has been an essential resource for travellers over the last few years, but now it boasts even better features and functionality as well as a brand new interface.

Travelsafe AppTravelSafe – what does it do

This app offers crucial information at the touch of a button for every country around the world. So, should you get in a pickle and need to call emergency services, or your embassy, you will have the numbers you need right there and then. The app also has a host of other features that frequent travellers and tourists will find useful!

Features

The majority of the functions don’t need any internet connection, but there is a difference between the free LITE version and the paid for PRO version. We think that for just 99p, you might as well upgrade this easy to use app!

Travelsafe App Screen

TravelSafe LITE – free
– Country Emergency Numbers

– Useful Country Information including voltages, plug types, tipping ettiqette, and timezones

– Tip Calculator

– Panic Button Widget that can send an SMS message to 3 registered contacts

– Currency Exchange Rate Calculator for 9 currencies

TravelSafe PRO – 99p
– Embassies information and numbers

– Country Emergency Numbers Widget

– Currency Exchange Rate Calculator for 154 currencies

TravelSafe Reviews – what the uses say!

TravelSafe Review Overview

5 star review – Great little app. Simple, easy to navigate and helpful. Was very useful to me when travelling.

2 star review – Waste of time. Only has 1-3 main emergency numbers- easy to write down/find out when travelling. UK numbers wrong, so others unreliable. LG gw620.

4 star review – Minimal but useful. @Matt UK numbers are correct (112 is a valid emergency number throughout most of EU countries

TravelSafe is available for Android only.

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