Extreme Sports Holiday Ideas For Father’s Day

Posted on June 12, 2015 by worldwideinsure

Want to get your dad something better than a pair of socks for Father’s Day? How about packing him off on an action-packed adventure with one of these top extreme sports holiday ideas!

Coasteering

You don’t have to head to distant shores to get a hit of adrenaline. Coasteering is an incredibly popular and growing outdoor activity in the UK. It combines rock climbing, or scrabbling up a cliff face with getting in the water to traverse the coastline. Full-on sports extreme enthusiasts will enjoy leaping from clifftops into the water, those with less of a head for heights, or death-defying feats of fun can miss out large leaps, and keep to water level.

Key Destinations:

  • Cornwall
  • Devon
  • Dorset
  • Wales
  • West Scotland

Portaledging

This is quite possibly the most extreme camping possible. Take one (very) small tent, attach it to a cliff face, enjoy the view, then sleep. Portaledging is best suited to fathers who already have an enthusiasm for rock climbing, but it allows them to reach ever higher peaks by inserting an overnight stay half way to the moon.

Key destinations:

  • Yosemite National Park
  • Devil Bay, Newfoundland
  • Dolomites, Italy
  • Troll Wall, Norway

Sandboarding

Think your dad would enjoy all the fun of snowboarding, but with the sunshine and sand of a hot holiday destination? Then you should check out sandboarding, it is the activity du jour for thrillseekers who like sunshine too.

Key destinations:

  • Egypt
  • Australia
  • South Africa
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Peru
  • Chile

 You have until 21st June to get your surprise together, but don’t forget the insurance! Our Wintersports Insurance, covers everything from shark diving to glacier walking – just call our team on 01892 833338 if you have any questions.

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Gap Year Travel Advice For Students

Posted on June 5, 2015 by worldwideinsure

What To Do

Are you planning to bum your way around the world, do volunteering, study, or get a job? Depending on what your aims are, you’ll need to find the right kind of experience that fits your plans. GapAdvice. Org has plenty of ideas for people of all ages (yes, it isn’t just students that take a break!).

Passports and Visas

Requirements all depend on your destination(s). Make sure you consult the .gov website and find out about the specific travel advice for all of your destinations. Things to consider:

  • Some countries require you have at least 6 months left on your passport beyond the date of entry.
  • You may require a visa to enter the country you are going to specific to your reason for visiting – very important if you plan to work overseas.

Travel

Make sure you get flexible tickets for whatever mode of travel you choose. A flexible ticket will mean you can move to another country whenever you want, whether that is by air, rail or boat.

Accommodation

The golden nugget of gap year advice is to book your first night’s accommodation in advance each time you travel to a new country. You are at your most vulnerable thanks to a combination of fatigue and culture shock – so at least get yourself a good night’s rest before you go all-out on your adventure.

Money

Even if you are planning to fund your year by picking up work, you’d be foolish to set off without a backup plan, and of course without checking some essential info. Here are some tips you might find useful:

  • Check the expiry of all your existing cards
  • Consider getting a credit card should you need it in an emergency
  • Check daily spending limits on your cards with your bank
  • Consider a currency card over a credit card
  • Check withdrawal rate abroad
  • Check commission rates
  • Keep your cards in a locked safe when you can
  • Do not carry all your cards and money on you at the same time
  • Give a trusting family member card details in case you lose them or they are stolen
  • Make a note of the emergency number for lost and stolen cards
  • Always arrive in a new country with some local currency on you
  • Make sure you have made repayment arrangements for any credit cards if you are going away for a long time
  • Budget for your trip – know how much each destination is likely to cost in terms of food, drink, travel and accommodation, and stick to it!

Insurance

You MUST get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Not only will this cover you in the event of flights or ferries being cancelled, luggage being lost or your belongings being stolen, it will also cover you if you become unwell or injured… which can be a huge cost! Our Gap Year Insurance can cover everything you need it to, even a spur of the moment decision to go heliskiing! And if you find yourself at the end of the gap year but still thirsty for adventure, we can provide or extend cover while you are travelling too.

Here is what you might want to consider before taking out travel insurance:

  • Cover for all your possessions – money, tickets and passports
  • Personal accident cover – which will pay out for death or permanent disability
  • Cover for legal expenses – to help you get compensation or damages
  • Exemptions – look carefully at what you’re not covered for

Here is what you might want to do once you have your insurance in place:

  • Email yourself your policy details
  • Add the insurance helpline emergency number to your phone and email it to yourself in case you lose your phone
  • Keep all receipts, paperwork, tickets and bills in case you need to make a claim

If something goes wrong and you need to make an insurance claim, you should be aware that your insurance policy could be invalidated if you are deemed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Safety

This comes down to drink, drugs and strangers. Oh, and knowing the local laws! Once again, consult the .gov website and find out about the specific safety advice for all of your destinations, paying attention to the local laws and customs section too. In some places you could find yourself in jail for a public display of affection. Apart from that, steer clear of intoxication – not only will you be more susceptible to making bad decisions and being taken advantage of, you should also be aware that your insurance policy could be invalidated if you are deemed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Finally, A Little Thought For Those Back Home…

Keep in touch! This doesn’t mean calling home every day to say you’ve reached your hotel safely, but you may want to take some of these tips on board:

  • Tell friends or family your itinerary
  • Notify them if this changes
  • Use an email address that you can access easily from an internet café anywhere in the world
  • Consider getting a cheap phone that you can use abroad for emergency contact
  • Consider that there may be an emergency at home and someone will need to contact you
  • If you are meeting new people or going for a job, let friends and family know the details
  • Set realistic keeping in touch times – for example once a week to avoid anxiety or stress back home
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What To Do If Your Passport Is Lost or Stolen Abroad

Posted on May 22, 2015 by worldwideinsure

Around 80 people every day apply for Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) abroad after losing their passport, finding it is stolen, or discovering that it has expired. That is close to 29,000 a year! As well as being a huge inconvenience, replacing a passport can be costly. Here are some eye opening facts and figures, plus essential advice if you find that you are suddenly without your passport while in a foreign country.

If your passport is lost or stolen you should take the following steps immediately:

  • Report it to the local police
  • Get a crime reference number – you will need this to get a new passport
  • Report the loss or theft to the British Embassy
  • Fill in an LS01 form – available from the Embassy or online

What happens next?

You passport will be cancelled so that no one else can use it. This means that if you misplaced your passport and you find it again, you won’t be able to use it. You MUST hand it in to the passport office!

Next you will be issued your ETDs (emergency travel documents). This can take a few days, and will cost money. This is usually covered by your travel insurance.

Bear in mind that you may also need to replace any visas you had for your journey, and you may even have to rearrange your journey. These are added costs you could do without, but circumstances that can be covered with comprehensive travel insurance.

Lost and Stolen Passport Facts*

  • Lost passports cost Brits £5m per year
  • More than a fifth of all ETDs are issued in Spain
  • Barcelona’s pickpockets are responsible for over 1,000 lost passports
  • In Australia, a rising number of ETDs are issued for passports that have expired

*source

What you can do

Quite simply, you could take extra care of your passport while you are away, and make sure you have the information you need should your passport get lost or stolen.

  • Keep your passport in a locked safe
  • Use a photocopy as ID when going out
  • Make a photocopy of your passport, or email yourself the details
  • Save the number of the British Embassy at your destination
  • Check the expiry date
  • Check the entry requirements of your destination, some places require passports are valid for 6 months after the date you travel

You should also make sure that your travel insurance covers you for any costs incurred as a result of losing your passport or having it stolen. Find out more about travel insurance on our website, or call 01892 833338 to speak to an advisor.

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Bank Holiday Breaks – How to find a great last minute deal

Posted on May 15, 2015 by worldwideinsure

We all love a bargain, but what is the best way to save money on a last-minute break, especially in the run-up to a busy bank holiday? We share some top tips to bag a bargain!

Visit High Street Agents

The windows of high street travel agents are awash with deals, and quite often you can bag yourself a bargain as long as you aren’t too restricted on travel times and aren’t set on a specific destination or hotel. These agents have fingers in many pies, so can access a broad range of deals, and tweak prices to suit your budget.

Check Out Online Comparison Websites

Travel Zoo was voted the best travel deals provider in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Their success lies in the fact they have a team of travel experts around the world with their eyes peeled for the best deals around. To add to that, they actually test the deals themselves, making sure they are current, accurate and do everything they say. If you are looking for a great experience as well as a great deal – this is certainly a good way to go about it!

Look On Last Minute Websites

Although many travel providers have a last-minute deals section, dedicated website lastminute.com is where you should head when time is running short. Not only can you book a last minute hotel, flight, or whole package holiday on their website, but you can also get your hands on cut-price tickets for events and attractions at your destination too.

Get Organised

By far the best way to save yourself some pennies is to make sure that you have your travel insurance arranged before hand, as well as your airport parking and your currency exchange! When things like travel insurance are added to a deal, you will find yourself paying over the odds, probably for insurance that doesn’t actually cover you for what you need.

For advice about making sure you have the right travel insurance for your journey, give us a call – we are a friendly bunch, here to make sure that you only pay what you need for the cover you need! Find out more on our website, or call 01892 833338.

 

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Top 10 Ways to Beat The Fear Of Flying

Posted on May 8, 2015 by worldwideinsure

If you long for adventure, but you are fearful of taking to the skies, read on! We share some top tips to overcome your fear of flying!

1 – Hypnotherapy

A tried and tested method to help people take to the skies with ease. Hypnotherapy can teach deep relaxation, and encourage new patterns of behaviour – together a recipe for success!

2 – Airline flying with confidence courses

Many airlines now offer special courses that help people overcome flight anxiety. They usually involve coaching from a Captain and Psychologist, followed by a couple of flights and on-going support if needed.

3 – Familiarise yourself with planes

Find out how aeroplanes work, and understand why they are the safest form of travel. Facts like these will help you rationalise your fear, and lead to an anxiety-free experience.

4 – Know what to expect during a flight

Turbulence is normal, as are strange noises. Make yourself familiar with what to expect when you are on board. The Flying Without Fear website has a great page about noises on an aeroplane.

5 – Get to the airport early

If you are in a rush, you are more likely to feel anxious. Get up early, arrive early and get accustomed to the new ambience, it all helps to reduce fear.

6 – Talk to the crew

Meeting the people in charge of your flight can work wonders on the nerves. This is their regular day job, and they will help you feel just as calm as they do!

7 – Medication

Medicating is not an ideal solution, as it does not deal with the real issue. You can get prescription drugs that will calm your nerves, or you could opt for some Dutch courage… but never mix the two! Whatever you do, avoid caffeine, as this is known to increase anxiety levels.

8 – Distraction techniques

Plug in your headphones, read a book, do some crosswords or Sudoku – whatever takes your fancy. By keeping yourself occupied you are less likely to focus on the negative.

9 – Avoid media hype

The media never reports on the hundreds of thousands of flights that go smoothly every day of the year, so pay no attention to the one-off stories that are likely to evoke fear!

10 – Learn to breathe

It may sound silly, but calm, controlled breathing is the fastest way to reduce anxiety and find some inner peace. It is also a great distraction technique. Keep your jaw relaxed, this will also help your shoulders and hands relax, then breathe in for the count of 3, and out for the count of 6. Repeat.

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Early May Bank Holiday UK Mini Break Ideas

Posted on May 1, 2015 by worldwideinsure

Bank Holidays were made for mini breaks, and the Early May Bank Holiday is the perfect time to explore the UK, thanks to fine weather, blossoming trees and an abundance of wildlife. Here are our top picks for May 2015!

City Break – York

York is a top UK destination for a mini break thanks to stunning architecture, rich heritage, great shopping and some fabulous attractions too.

Ideas to add to your itinerary:

York Minster – One of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe.
Jorvik Viking Centre – Discover the sights (and smells) of the past at this unique museum.
York Castle – A stunning fortress right near the river in York.
The Shambles – The oldest street in York, now vibrant with touristy boutiques, cafes and bars.

Where to stay on a budget – Mercure York Fairfield Manor Hotel, from £28.00 pppn.
Where to stay for a treat – Best Western Kilima Hotel, from £120.00 pppn.

Countryside Break – Cotswolds

As an official Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) you can expect nothing but serene and quintessentially British countryside here, mixed in with traditional market towns.

Ideas to add to your itinerary:

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens – Discover 260 different species in 160 acres of parkland.
Cotswold Way – A 120 mile walk, but you can hop on the trail anywhere any time!
Cotswold Water Park – 150 lakes in 40 square miles full of fab outdoor water activities.
Stow on the Wold – The highest village in the Cotswolds, well worth a visit during your stay.

Where to stay on a budget – Hatton Court Hotel, from £33.75 pppn.
Where to stay for a treat – Thornbury Castle, from £97.50 pppn.

Coastal Break – Dorset

The coast here is another AONB, a Natural World Heritage Site, and also part of The Jurassic Coast, stretching 155km from East Devon to East Dorset blessed with excellent fossil hunting grounds, and stunning views.

Ideas to add to your itinerary:

Durdle Door – A stunning natural lime archway just off the coast of East Lulworth.
Brownsea Island – Woodland and wildlife meet in this small island off the coast of Dorset.
Weymouth Beach –  A three mile long sandy beach, close to the bustling town of Weymouth.
Oceanarium Bournemouth – Full of creatures from across the world, landlubbers not welcome!

Where to stay on a budget – Carrington House Hotel, from £13.50 pppn.
Where to stay for a treat –  The Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa, from £90 pppn.

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Early May Bank Holiday 2015 – Motorist Travel Advice

Posted on April 17, 2015 by worldwideinsure

An early Easter meant that lots of people looking for a long weekend break delayed their travel plans until the Early May bank holiday hoping for better weather. As a result, there will be more people than usual on the roads this bank holiday – here is how to stay clear of the crowds and what to take to prepare for a long journey!

1 – Plan your route effectively

Rather than planning your route quite simply from A to B, find out what roadworks are planned during the Bank Holiday weekend, the longer route may well be faster. The Highways Agency Travel App shows current and planned roadworks, listed by road, region and country as well as delivering up-to-the-minute real-time information about traffic congestion.

2 – Set off early – or late!

Not everyone has time off over the bank holiday, so rush hour traffic still exists. The best bet is to leave well before it starts, or after it has cleared. Bear in mind that lots of people will travel in the morning after the rush, creating a rush of a different sort, and people are more likely to set off in the afternoon than evening to miss the p.m. congestion. Ergo – the best plans are to travel well before breakfast, or after dinner!

3 – Be prepared to change course

Keep an ear out for traffic reports so you can avoid unexpected tailbacks, and have an idea of alternative routes that you could take. Another great way to avoid jams is to use them as an ideal time to get off the road and take a break. Far better to be enjoying a cuppa and some food than sat in traffic for hours!

4 – Pack refreshments

Dehydration can cause fatigue, so make sure you take plenty of water for your journey. Energy drinks are also popular, but beware of the slump that can occur after consuming caffeine and sugar – you might just end up more tired!

5 – Plan a break

This could be a motorway service station, in which case take plenty of cash for food and drink, or it could be a beauty spot along your journey. Choosing the latter will offer a more relaxing break from driving, and will also feel like you are already on holiday, rather than on a long journey trying to get from A to B. It is recommended that drivers take a 20 minute rest every 2.5 hours.

6 – Avoid being the cause of a tailback

Quite simply, get your car serviced, or make sure that your oil, screenwash, coolant, wiper blades and tyres are all as they should be before a long journey. If you are hiring a car, consider taking out car hire excess insurance – just in case.

The Early May Bank Holiday is on Monday 04th May 2015 and the Spring Bank Holiday is on Monday 25th May 2015. 

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Wedding Insurance – Your Questions Answered

Posted on April 10, 2015 by worldwideinsure

Did you know that only 47% of couples take out wedding insurance?

WorldwideInsure.com were recently featured as the voice of expertise in a bridal magazine offering advice on wedding insurance, answering some common questions that brides ask about whether or not they really need the cover. We thought this advice was too good not to share here too. You can read the full article in Absolute Bridal online, page 112, or take a look at our extracts below!

Why do I need wedding insurance? Surely the venue and the suppliers have their own insurance! Although venues and the suppliers are likely to have their own cover, wedding insurance is specific to the couple getting married…

Does the type of cover I need depend on my wedding budget? Yes. Couples should choose their level of cover based on what it would cost if they had to cancel their entire wedding. Honeymoons are not covered as they would be considered by insurers to be holidays…

Wedding Insurance protects from loss or damage… can that be from flood, fire, courier mistakes, and best man misadventures? As with all insurance policies, the eventualities that are covered are listed in the policy wording under each section – so it depends on what is lost or damaged as to what can be claimed for…

I am getting married abroad, do I need specialist over, or will my Wedding Insurance cover that too? Some wedding insurance providers cover overseas weddings at no extra cost, although there may be the addition of Essential Document Cover…

Want to know more about getting cover? Get an instant online quote for wedding insurance from WorldwideInsure.com, or call us on 01892 833338.

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Easter Island – The Alternative Easter Holiday

Posted on April 3, 2015 by worldwideinsure

Bored with picking foil out of half-melted Easter eggs at this time of year? Yearning for adventure? Why not pack your bags and go on an Easter holiday of a lifetime to Easter Island… not a chocolate egg in sight – promise!

A bit about Easter Island…
This is the educational bit! Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui by the natives, or Isla de Pascua by Chilean settlers, or Te Pito o Te Henua, meaning Navel of the World by Polynesian settlers, is about 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile. The name Easter Island was coined after Jacob Roggeveen, the first European to land here set foot on it on Easter Sunday in 1722.

The history of the island is full of mystery, and there are many theories about how the population of 12,000 dropped to just 111, and of course about how and why the Moai appeared! The reason for the disappearance of the island’s 16 million trees and diverse wildlife is less of a mystery, a culture of slash and burn farming was to blame.

Permanent population: 5,200
Size: 14 miles long, 7 miles wide
Number of Moai statues: 800
Climate: subtropical
Hottest months: January and February
Wettest month: May
Coolest months: July and August
Weather warnings: tropical downpours are common, high winds and storms cause flight delays

What to do on Easter Island
It all depends on how long you stay. Some people do a flying visit, literally a couple of days as part of a grand Chilean tour, whereas other visitors like to spend a whole week exploring the island. Whichever you choose… here is what’s on offer if you can fit it in:

Rano Raraku – The birthplace of the Moai! A quarry in a volcanic crater that also has a beautiful lake. It is thought that this is where the statues would have been sculpted, and there are many here in an unfinished state – one measuring a whopping 21 metres!

Ahu Tahai – At this beach location you can see the reconstructed Moai – the stone statues originally had eyes made of coral and obsidian.

Ahu Tongariki – Go at dusk or dawn to see 15 Moai at their most magnificent – you’ll soon see why this is the most photographed spot on the island!

Ahu Akivi – This is thought to be an observatory! Unlike the other statues on the island, the seven Moai here face out to sea.

Anakena – 3 Moai, which are more or less complete, can be found on the dunes at this coastal location.

Rano Kau – An extinct volcano, well worth the climb to the top.

Orongo – A ceremonial village where the Birdman Cult is said to have replaced the Moai tradition.

Ahu Huri A Urenga – A unique Moai that is not only situated inland (they are usually on the coast), but also because it has four hands instead of the usual two.

Hanga Roa – The capital of the island, and home to Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum where you can see some amazing artifacts relating to the island’s mysterious past. You’ll also find hotels, eateries, bars and cafes in the town – but be warned, things here are pricy because of the extremely remote location!

As far as outdoor pursuits go – Cycling is a great way to discover all the above at your leisure, horse riding is also popular here, and the crystal clear waters is perfect for scuba diving! Surfing, sailing and kayaking is also available.

FACT! In 2012, over 86,000 people visited the island!

What to add to your holiday insurance
Make sure you get insurance for the outdoor pursuits mentioned above. Our Wintersports Insurance provides comprehensive cover for all sorts of adrenaline-fuelled activities. Get a free instant quote online or call us on 01892 833338.

Find Out More! Visit EasterIslandTourism.Com for info about hotels, restaurants, package holidays, car rental, sports, and of course the best excursions!

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Holiday Car Hire – 8 Moneysaving Tips

Posted on April 1, 2015 by worldwideinsure

Thinking of hiring a car on holiday? Here’s what you need to know to keep costs down and reduce the chances of getting ripped off by a car hire company!

1. Opt for the basic package – At all times resist the patter of the sales person who is trying to sell you insurance for incidents that may not be covered by the basic insurance. Their policies will be far more costly than one you can source yourself, such as our car hire excess insurance… you can find out more from Norbert…

2. Ignore their claims that the insurance you have purchased is not valid – Quite simply it is valid! They will also likely tell you that you need to get extra insurance to specifically cover windscreen, tyres and the undercarriage – you won’t need this if you have arranged your car hire excess with Worldwide Insure.

3. Make sure you have money on your credit card – Some car hire companies may get twitchy about the cover you may or may not have, so will ask for a pre-authorised sum to cover costs on your credit card. This is a normal procedure so make sure you have about £600 available as it will also need to cover fuel costs too if that is part of the arrangement.

4. Take video or photographic evidence of the condition of the vehicle – Even the most minor blemish, inside or out could land you with a bill if it hasn’t been noted before you drive your hire car away. Video and photographic evidence is difficult to dispute, so make sure you capture any damage that already exists on camera.

5. Read the T&Cs – It sounds simple, but how many of us (besides those in insurance) actually pore over the fine print? If scan and tick accept is your modus operandi, now is the time to take a little more time and find out what you are really signing.

  • What’s the fuel policy? Some car hire companies make you pay for a full tank up front and you then return it empty – fine if you know you’ll be using a full tank!
  • Is there a mileage limit? Some companies don’t want their cars driven for thousands of miles, do check if you have a long journey planned.
  • Are you old enough? Generally only an issue if you are under the age of 25.

6. Take your own accessories, don’t hire theirs – Items such as child seats and sat navs can be hired from the car hire company, but usually at a much greater cost than buying items new.

7. Get your camera out again when you return your vehicle – Just as you documented the state of the vehicle before you left, do the same when you get back just in case there are any allegations of additional damage after you’ve handed the keys over and left the building. Keep hold of the paperwork and photos!

8. Keep an eye on your bank statements – Firstly you want to check that any fuel or damage deductions have been correctly charged, or that deposit money is correctly returned. Then you want to keep an eye open to make sure no mysterious payments come out over the following months.

If you would like to know more about car hire excess insurance from Worldwide Insure (not that Norbert hasn’t summed it up succinctly), give us a call on 01892 83 33 38

 

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