Alternative Aquitaine: Sun, Sand, and Surf’s Up in South-West France

Posted on September 9, 2014 by worldwideinsure

Do you like sun, sand and surf? How about paragliding from sand dunes with views of pine forests as far as the eye can see? Oh, and the views include the Atlantic Ocean too. It may sound like something from a dream, but this is actually what it is like along the south-west coast of France.

So, if you find yourself with a week on your hands, and you want action and adventure mixed with a chilled surf vibe (without heading to distant shores) we suggest you hop on the next flight to Biarritz and check out these three fab destinations!

 

Contis-Plage

Just over 1 hour drive from Biarritz airport, you’ll find the fabulous seaside surf heaven of Contis-Plage.  After the small and unassuming town, towards the beach you’ll be greeted by timber shack-style shops that look in danger of being swamped by the sand dunes. Among the shacks are purveyors of surfboards, fine foods, and of course fabulous beers. The feeling is laid back, rustic, and unassumingly cool.

Contis Plage Beach, South West France

Contis Plage Beach – Image from 1000gites.com

The beach is long, and even in high season, you can find yourself somewhere quiet to sunbathe, or find your own stretch of sea to take on waves that attract surfers from far and wide. To the right of the beachfront “town” you can find a new type of development rising from the sand. Weathered wood is replaced with modernist architecture, but still with a vibe that keeps true to the laid-back roots of the area. Only a huge sand dune separates these houses from the sea, which have private paths over the dune to reach the beach, and many are actually available to rent as a holiday let.

Highlight: There is a restaurant bar on the other side of the rising sand dunes, overlooking the sea. It is open to the elements but perfect for replenishing lost energy after a morning or afternoon at the beach.

 

Dune du Pilat

If the sand dunes of Contis-Plage left you yearning for an even bigger beach, there is only one place to go – Dune du Pilat. The drive is just 1.5 hours through huge pine forests and along the coast.

There is no way of explaining to someone how vast this sand dune is… sure, it is over 3 kilometres long, half a kilometre wide and reaches more than 100 metres above sea level – but can you really imagine that? The best access to the dune is actually from Dune du Pyla campsite. You can choose to circumnavigate the dune to get to the beach, or take it on at a moderately easy level to get to the top.

Dune of Pilat Beach, South West France

Dune of Pilat, Image from travelioo.com

If you choose to attack the dune from the designated tourist spot, give yourself plenty of time. The ascent is breath-taking, and so are the views! Even the fittest don’t seem to get to the top in one go. Top tip is to take it easy, take some binoculars and use taking in the view on the way up as an excuse to have a rest.

At the top, you’ll be rewarded with astonishing views. To one side, all you’ll see as far as the horizon is pine forest. The trees are huge, but you’ll be way above the canopy. To the other side, the Atlantic Ocean glistening in the sun.

Highlight: Paragliding! The conditions are just perfect. Whether you book a flight yourself, or just come to watch others hanging around in the air, it somehow gives the dune an added sense of magnificence.

 

Lacanau Ocean

The final paradise in this beach trilogy is Lacanau Ocean. While the town itself feels like an end-of-the-line tourist destination, it is simple, welcoming and has some amazing food on offer. It also has a big wheel if you really like that kind of thing, but what really attracts people is the long sandy beach and the near-perfect surf. The drive from Contis is just over an hour – Warning: do not confuse with Lacanau, a nearby, and very pleasant town bordering lakes and pine forests.

The beach here, and the aforementioned fabulous surfing conditions make Lacanau Ocean a prime spot for professional surfers to have some fun. The waves are good all year round, and all day long, but August is the time that Lacanau Pro comes to town, an annual surf competition that is also the oldest in France. Should you happen to be here at the same time as the event, you’ll be able to see just how surfing should be done as the top 44 surfers in the world take to the waves.

Highlight: It is all about the watersports, and the best thing is that it doesn’t matter if you can surf or not, there is always a wave to suit. The shallow water means you can skimboard by the shore, bodyboard a metre or so in, paddle board a little further out, or go all out to catch the really big waves.

Lacanau Ocean Beach, South West France

Lacanau Ocean – Image from francethisway.com

Posted in Fun, The places we've been, Travel Advice, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Coppertone MyUV Alert Review – Travel App of the Month

Posted on August 28, 2014 by worldwideinsure

We’ve all been there – you’re off on your holiday as white as a glass of milk, eager to prove that you do and can tan to anybody on Facebook who might take the time to look! But alas, it’s never the case, and our insatiable need to be a gorgeous gold inevitably ends in sunburn disaster, which not only looks unsightly but is also very bad for your health. Never fear, faithful sun-worshippers, we’re on hand to offer you the best in safe tanning apps.

Coppertone MyUV Alert

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MyUV Alert – What Does it Do? 

Essentially, Coppertone MyUV Alert (despite boasting the least catchy title in the history of apps) is an unbelievably smart, health-conscious app that identifies the risks of sunbathing in your particular location and helps you to monitor and manage the situation to avoid any risky behaviour.

Features Include:

  • UV index levels for your current location (and for the precise time you’re using the app, rather than a peak figure for the day)
  • Multiple user profiles
  • General weather updates
  • Advice and guidance on protecting yourself and others from sun damage
  • Helpful reminder system to nudge you about applying sun cream, drinking water etc.

This app is the easy, responsible way to manage sun protection for your whole family, and its interactive nature means that you can tailor it to suit each person who has a profile – because everyone has different skin and different needs.

You can’t put a price on the preservation of your skin and general health, but this app is free anyway so you’d be wise to snap it up whilst you can!

MyUV AlertReviews 

Available for both iPhone and Android users, this app caters for travellers with all sorts of technological  preferences, and owing to its uncomplicated nature it functions well on most devices.

iPhone users have given it a respectable 3.5 out of 5 stars, whilst Android users have remained largely quiet about how useful it has been. This app does, however, feature on a number of respected websites and is a regular name in holiday-based articles, being strongly recommended by sun-health enthusiasts and regular trip-takers. And you know what they say – trust your peers!

Download  Coppertone MyUV Alert

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10 Ways To Beat The Stress of Bank Holiday Traffic

Posted on August 21, 2014 by worldwideinsure

With as many as 18 million cars predicted to be on the road in search of a bank holiday break, travel between the 23rd and 25th August this year has the potential to be stressful! Here are our top tips for keeping calm, so you can carry on! 

Image Source - FortyThree Photography

Image from http://www.fortythreephotography.co.uk/

1 – Research your journey

Check for road works, and try and avoid roads that take you near areas of heavy congestion such as airports.  Apps for your phone and online journey planners show numerous ways to get from A to B, sometimes the scenic route during busy times can be faster!

2 – Time your journey well

While you may be off on a break, others will still be going to work, so make sure you avoid rush hour traffic. A good tip is to leave early in the morning before many other people are on the road, or after the evening rush, when most people want to be at their destination.

3 – Keep your ears open for traffic reports

Unfortunately accidents do happen. To make sure you avoid tailbacks caused by unfortunate events, enable the Traffic function on your car radio. If you have passengers with you ask someone to use a traffic app which will show real-time incidents and tailbacks with enough time for you to divert your course.

4 – Pack food and drink

If you do get stuck in a jam, being hungry or thirsty just won’t do. It is very important to have plenty of liquid to hand, especially in hot weather. Regular refreshments will help avoid dehydration and fatigue.

5 – Avoid motorway service stations

They may be convenient, but they are costly and full of people! When you plan your journey, find somewhere just off the motorway to stop. A more relaxing break will leave you better refreshed when on a long journey.

6 – Plan a pit stop somewhere nice

Breaking up a long journey by visiting a landmark, beauty spot or a place of interest can be a fun way for everyone to have a rest from being in the car. If you didn’t leave first thing in the morning (or after dinner), it is a fun way to avoid rush hour traffic.

Image source - Ant at FortyThreePhotography

Image from http://www.fortythreephotography.co.uk/

7 – Avoid a breakdown

Of the mechanical kind! Check your vehicle before travelling. Oil, coolant, wiper blades, screenwash and tyres should be on the list. If you have air-con you might want to get it checked before you travel, so you can be sure it will keep you cool on a hot day! If you are hiring a car, consider taking out car hire excess insurance – just in case.

8 – Take in-car entertainment

Whether it is I-spy, or your favourite CD collection – making sure that spirits are high on the journey will make for a more pleasant experience for everyone. Restless children might appreciate magnetic travel games, colouring books and pencils, or even an electronic device to play games on or watch films.

9 – Share the driving

Tiredness causes accidents, and increases stress levels. It is recommended that drivers take a 20 minute rest every 2.5 hours, but for eager holiday makers on a long journey, this advice is often overlooked. If there is another driver in the car, ask to share the driving responsibilities, so when you stop, they can carry on!

10 – Consider public transport

Shock, horror! Catch a train, coach, or maybe even fly! While bank holidays are a busy time for all forms of transport, sometimes being able to sit back and relax while someone else takes care of the journey can be a refreshing experience indeed!

Posted in Car Breakdown Insurance, Car Hire Excess Insurance, Car Hire Insurance, Travel Advice | Leave a comment

Skiing in Summer – Where to go for Summer Snow

Posted on August 14, 2014 by worldwideinsure

Ever thought that your chance to hit the slopes is gone once spring arrives? Well think again, there is plenty of fun to be had at some of the top ski resorts overseas even in the summer months. We tell you where to go, and answer some of the most common questions about summer ski holidays.

What you need to know:

It is unlikely to snow in summer, so there is less chance of fresh snow, but there are still plenty of off-piste skiing opportunities.

It is possible to find black runs, but most places will have a mix of blue and red.

Opening times are different in summer, some parks open as early as 7am, but may be closed as early as lunch.

Passes are far more flexible, an acknowledgement of the limited area. Many places allow passes to be valid on non-consecutive days, and the passes often include free entry to most of the other fab activities on offer!

Where to go:

France

Where: Les 2 Alpes

When: June to August

Size: 90 Hectares

Other activities: Terrain park, tobogganing, ice skating, mountain biking, swimming.

My Favourite Run by Kasper Sorensen

Website in English: les2alpes.com

Austria

Where: Hintertux

When: May to October

Other activities: Terrain park, Nature Ice Palace, mountain biking, hiking.

Hintertux Ice Palace

Website in English: hintertuxergletscher.at/en

Switzerland

Where: Saas-Fee

When: July to October

Size: 20km

Other activities: Terrain park, aerial trekking, wine tasting, forest walking, ice grotto, revolving restaurant.

Website in English: saas-fee.ch/en

Canada

Where: Whistler, Blackcomb Mountain

When: June 21 to July 27, 11am to 3pm *Note: due to a recent heatwave, the glacier is much smaller than usual, as a result this year passes are being sold on a day-to-day basis.

Size: Huge

Other activities: Terrain park, hiking, bear tours, mountain top BBQs, ride the world’s longest and highest lift, helitours.

Website: whistlerblackcomb.com

 

worldwideinsure.com do really great ski and snowboard travel insurance for 1 to 94 days. Policy provides medical cover, rescue from the slopes, and insurance against equipment loss, damage or theft.

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Top 10 Holiday Dangers Abroad and How to Avoid Them

Posted on August 7, 2014 by worldwideinsure

1 – Being mugged – Don’t dress like a tourist. The advice is to avoid wearing new and/or expensive items of clothing, especially footwear and bags by well-known brands. Also avoid accessories such as hats and bags with tour operator logos on. Looking lost with a map in your hand is also a sure-fire way of attracting unwanted attention from local opportunists!

2 – Tummy upsets – Check that the tap water is safe before you travel, but bear in mind that other countries may treat water with alternative chemicals that could still cause upset in the young, elderly or sensitive. When buying bottled water, always make sure the cap is still attached to the ring. Many travellers avoid salads abroad, and some people find that meat and seafood dishes are more likely to give them a bad tummy. Vegetarian dishes and reputable eateries are the safest option in many places.

Street Food Vendors

Trying out food from markets can be a great way to sample the local delicacies – but stick to vegetarian food to minimise your chances of it disagreeing with you!

3 – Losing important documents – Make copies of passport, tickets, hotel information, travel insurance documents, driving licence etc. in case any of your belongings get stolen. Make sure you keep them separate from the real documents, many travellers choose to scan their items and email them to a trusted friend or relative so they can be easily retrieved.

4 – Getting injured – Be extra aware of your surroundings as health and safety requirements are often not as stringent abroad as they are in the UK. Slippery poolsides, loose balcony railings and walkways in need of repair can all catch an unaware tourist out, and lead to serious injuries.

5 – Road accidents – Always wear a helmet if hiring a moped, even if the local laws say you don’t have to. Many tourists are fatally injured every year from neglecting such an important safety issue. Also be aware of the rules of the road at your destination, you should know them as well as you do the UK Highway Code!

6 – Dodgy tour operators – Only ever go on an excursion, tour or take part in a sports activity from a reputable provider. Ask at the local tourist office, or at hotel reception. Many resorts and travel agencies have their own itinerary to choose from. Disreputable providers may not have your safety as a priority, and they may lack insurance cover should the worst happen.

7 – Falling ill – Check the vaccination requirements of your destination well ahead of your holiday. Some destinations require a course of jabs over a number of weeks.  Also find out ahead of your holiday where you go for medical advice and treatment should you become ill. Remember that even in the EU with an EHIC card, you could still be billed for treatment, and will be billed for repatriation. As such, make sure you get travel insurance before you leave!

8 – Getting arrested – Check Gov.UK for the travel advice for your destination. It will have a section on local laws and customs. It is important to know what might cause offense, as in some countries this could lead to being thrown in jail. Actions that break the law also vary from country to country, and what might be fine here, may be very bad somewhere else.

9 – Natural disasters – First find out if the place you are travelling to is a high risk area for earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions or avalanches, and then find out what to do in the event of a natural disaster. Ensure that you speak with your travel operator or hotel receptionist for information about evacuation procedures.

The Icelandic Volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted in 2010, causing mass disruption to flights throughout Northern Europe.

10 – War, terrorism and violent outbreaks – Ask yourself if you really need to travel. If war or political unrest has broken out at your holiday destination, it might be wise to change your travel plans, you should be covered by your travel insurance. However, if you are a volunteer or your work is taking you to hostile areas, you should make sure you speak to whoever is organising your trip to find out what safety precautions you need to take. Once again Gov.UK is the go-to resource for the latest information on threats of violence.

Even if your holiday is affected by illness, accident, theft, in fact, any of the above… with adequate travel insurance, you can turn to someone for help. Why not give one of our advisors a call today on 01892 628584 to find out how we can help you stay safe on your holiday abroad or visit worldwideinsure.com for an instant online quote.

 

Posted in Medical Conditions, Travel Advice, Travel Insurance | Leave a comment

Holiday Tips to Avoid Kids This Summer

Posted on July 31, 2014 by worldwideinsure

The summer break is well known for turning holiday havens into destinations to be avoided if you are looking for a bit of peace and quiet. Whether you are looking for a summer holiday to celebrate a special occasion, or you are just taking a trip away from your own little angels – here is how to enjoy a holiday without being bombarded by other people’s kids!

Flights

It is difficult to avoid tantrums and flailing limbs that accompany the presence of small children on a place, but all is not lost. There are a small number of Asian airlines that are now offering child-free zones, and it looks like the rest of the world will follow suit in years to come, especially as frequent fliers have said they would pay for the privilege of a quiet flight!

In the meantime, avoid seats at the back of the plane near the loos. These seats also give parents extra time to pack everything up as other passengers disembark. On long haul flights, families are often near the bulkhead as this is where the cots are.

Accommodation

There are several tour operators that offer an adult-only experience, but if you are off on an adventure and don’t want an exclusive resort experience, you need to find accommodation that doesn’t attract families.

Hotel boutique Duquesa de Cardona Barcelona in front of the port

Boutique hotels and B&B’s are far less likely to be overrun with families!

Boutique B&Bs, upmarket hotels and historic inns all attract a more grown up demographic. Avoid budget chains, as this is where families often head for a bargain break. The best advice is to check the website – if they offer deals for families or kids, or you can see they have children’s facilities, then this is not the place for you!

Location

Disneyland attracts families, exotic locations like Machu Picchu less so. Choosing where to go can make a big difference to the likelihood of families with young children being present. Alaska, Canada and Tahiti are all good examples, but it is ultimately down to the specific destination as to whether it is likely to be attractive to families or not.

Beaches

As a general rule of thumb, the more remote a beach is, and the fewer facilities it has, the less likely there will be families there.

Hainan Beach

 

Cafes, restaurants, shops, showers, and most importantly restrooms with changing facilities all combine to attract a family crowd, and a crowd in general – it just makes life a little easier.

Tourist Attractions

Similar to finding the right accommodation, when it comes to sightseeing and indulging in some cultural activities, choose places and tours that will attract a more grown-up crowd. Art galleries, brewery tours, museums, boutique shopping and the like are less likely to have hoards of children about.

Cruises

Upscale luxury liners, small ship expeditions and some P&O Cruises all offer adult-only options. Another way to avoid families on a non-adult only trip is to book a long cruise. Long cruises are far less likely to be booked by families, generally attracting a more mature crowd.

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Map My Ride – Travel App of the Month July 2014

Posted on July 25, 2014 by worldwideinsure
The theme this month has been France, and the famed bike ride that crosses it, which ends in the beautiful city of Paris. As such, we thought it was fitting to review an app for energetic travellers who take to two wheels when travelling around the world!
Map My Ride App

What does Map My Ride do?

Okay, so Map My Ride is actually an app designed to track fitness, but it has a wealth of features that make it the right type of app for touring on a bicycle, or even on foot, by canoe, kayak, when mountain climbing, or on roller skates if that’s your type of thing! At its most simple, it maps where you have been, or shows a route to follow.

Features include:

  • GPS mapping
  • Route navigation
  • Elevation profile
  • Distance and pace tracking

Other Map My Ride features:

  • You can share your routes through social media
  • It offers live tracking so family and friends can see where you are
  • You can compete for time on known routes and try and top a leader board 
  • Heaps of stats and graphs that can be analysed any time
  • Lots of fitness and nutrition info that can be added too

The app is a fun way to navigate without getting caught in the flaps and folds of an OS map, and with all the benefits of an online presence, you can brag about your journey, and keep loved ones informed of where you are!

Upgrading to the premium version also allows you to access Route Genius on the Map My Ride website, which gives you route recommendations for any distance, starting from your current location.

Map My Ride Route

 

The website also allows you to search recommended cycle routes in popular cities from New York to Edinburgh, Honolulu to Christchurch, Dublin to Vancouver.

Now that sounds like a fun way to cycle round the world! How many miles do you want to do today?

Map My Ride App reviews

Map My Ride is available for Android and iPhone. Overall it scores highly on Google Play with 4.7 stars out of 5. On iTunes, users rate it as a 5 star app.

It appears that to get the most out of it you need to upgrade to MPV, any low ranking reviews have been gripes about the functions available on the free version.

Monthly MVP £3.99

Annual MVP £20.99

To find out more about Map My Ride, visit http://www.mapmyride.com or download for your device:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mapmyride.android2&hl=en_GB

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/map-my-ride-gps-cycling-riding/id292223170?mt=8

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From Maubourguet, Bergerac & Paris, A Tour de France Travel Guide

Posted on July 21, 2014 by worldwideinsure

With Bastille Day celebrations over, and the Tour de France well underway, we carry on with our French theme. Find out what there is to do in the key locations in the final stages of the famed cycle race, from Maubourguet, through Bergerac to Paris.

Maubourguet

Located in the Midi-Pyrénées region of France, Maubourguet is by all accounts off the tourist radar. It is however close to Toulouse. Close in the grand scheme of things, and if you are traveling by car! If you are on a cycling holiday, you will find that this stretch of adventure takes just over 8 hours, according to Google maps anyway.

Castle of Montaner

Castle of Montaner

For the visitor, Maubourguet offers a wealth of sporting activities such as cycling, kayaking and hiking. There are several festivals on throughout the year, ranging from jazz music to medieval festivities.  If you fancy finding out more, check out the dedicated tourist website http://www.maubourguet.fr, you might want to brush up on your French first!

Places to see: 

  • Castle of Montaner
  • Saint Sever de Rustan Abbey
  • Tower of Termes d’Armagnac
  • Archaeological Museum

Bergerac

The journey from Maubourguet to Bergerac is just over 10 hours on a bike, not a journey to be sniffed at by the uninitiated! Bergerac boasts a delightful riverside location, is full of quintessential French charm, and is practically overflowing with historical wonders. The weather is fabulous this time of year, and the scenery is extra rewarding when out in the open on a bicycle.

French Vineyard

When visiting Bergerac it is possible to enjoy a wide variety of sporting events, not just the Tour de France. Rugby, rowing and Bergerac handball are all on the agenda. Alternatively you can indulge in fine wines, strawberries, duck and cheese – delicious delicacies the town is famed for. There are several festivities held here throughout the year including a flamenco festival and an airshow. You can find out more at http://www.bergerac.fr.

Places to see: 

  • Peyrarede House
  • Any of the many Vineyards
  • Rue des Fontaines
  • The Old Bridge

Paris

Well, anyone on a cycle holiday should be pretty well warmed up by now, which is great, because the last leg of the final stage of the Tour de France takes a whopping 29 hours at our standard Google Map speed. Paris is the traditional finish of the Tour de France, and this is the 40th finish on the Champs-Élysées. Paris is a vibrant city full of culture, magnificent architecture and quite busy roads, so watch where you are going!

Tour de France

When you get to Paris, take a well-earned rest by indulging in the café culture that is so common here. Once you’ve got your breath back, and maybe booked into a lovely hotel, then you can really soak up the Parisian way of life. Vibrant nightlife, fabulous food, museums, galleries, concert halls and monuments all combine to make the capital of the country a very exciting place to be.

Places to see: 

  • Eiffel Tower
  • Notre-Dame de Paris
  • Champs-Élysées
  • Louvre

Don’t forget to arrange some travel insurance before you set off! We provide tailored quotes to suit your adventuring style. Just get in touch to discuss what you do and don’t need cover for and be amazed at our competitive quote.

Posted in Fun, Single Trip Travel Insurance, Travel Advice, Travel Insurance | Leave a comment

Bastille Day 2014 – A Travellers Guide To Celebrating In Style

Posted on July 10, 2014 by worldwideinsure

If you find yourself in Paris on July 14th, and you don’t know it is Bastille Day, you’re in for quite a surprise! Throughout the country there are fairs, fetes, parades, fireworks and feasts to celebrate the most flamboyant of French National Holidays, but the heart of the action is in Paris itself.While there is plenty for the accidental visitor to enjoy, there are also some great perks for the organised traveller – FREE entry to some spectacular events! We tell you which must-see Bastille Day goings-on you must not miss, and tell you where to head this year to make the most of your visit to Paris!

Yann Caradec - Fireworks on Eiffel Tower

Yann Caradec – Fireworks on Eiffel Tower

Bastille Day Celebrations 2014

Military parade on the Avenue des Champs-Elysees – from 9am until midday on 14th there is a spectacular parade along one of the most recognisable roads in France. Expect breathtaking formations of troops on foot, on motorcycle and of course troops mounted on their trusted steeds. Around mid-morning there is a fly-by by the Air Defence and Air Operations Command.

Sharat Ganapati - Bastille Day Parade

Sharat Ganapati – Bastille Day Parade

Welcoming of the Soldiers – this will take place across 9 sites, after the main celebration in the morning. It is a chance for the people of France and tourists alike to talk to soldiers about their profession and the missions they have been on to defend their country. There will also be demonstrations and talks from the soldiers too. Visitors should head to Esplanade des Invalides and Place de la Nation, the two larger sites that have been confirmed for this year’s celebrations.

Fireman’s Ball – this takes place on 13th and 14th July 2014 from 9pm until 4am at various fire stations across the city. Entry is either paid on the door, or donations are requested upon entry. All proceeds go to improving conditions for Firefighters. At the time of writing there were 28 events listed, so you are sure to stumble across one on your travels!

July 14th Fireworks Display – for 35 minutes from 11pm on 14th July 2014 those who find themselves at Champs de Mars or Trocadéro will be able to witness one of the most sensational firework displays in the world. The Eiffel Tower plays centre stage to a pyrotechnic feast you won’t forget in a hurry, and is most certainly something you don’t want to miss during your visit.

Bastille Day Free Events 2014

Eiffel Tower Concert – 14th July 2014 from 9pm

Performance at the Opera De Paris – 14th July 2014 there are limited seats, so book in advance!

Louvre Entry – 14th July 2014 all day. It is also free to go in on the 1st Sunday of the month.

Don’t forget to book your travel insurance before you go… we do some great deals for occasional and frequent travellers, and kids go FREE on our family travel insurance.

Posted in Single Trip Travel Insurance, The places we've been, Travel Insurance | Leave a comment

Waze Review – Travel App of the Month

Posted on July 3, 2014 by worldwideinsure

What does Waze do?

Waze is a free community based app that gives you access to real-time traffic data contributed by other Waze users. The end result is much better information than you would ever get from Google or Apple map applications – because of its up-to-the-minute accuracy. Simply by having Waze open, users stream valuable data to the entire Waze community.

It can be used globally, and so is perfect for those who plan to drive overseas, whether for business or pleasure.

What are the specific benefits to using Waze?

At its best, Waze makes driving quicker, cheaper and less hassle. Users can report hazards, the presence of police, jams etc., meaning you get the heads up and can change routes if necessary. Waze also enables users to share fuel prices, so you can opt for the cheapest petrol station. Meeting up with other friends or colleagues on the road is also made easy with Waze.

Additional Features

  • Voice guided navigation
  • Automatic route alteration as road conditions change
  • Learns your common destinations, commuting times and preferred routes
  • Navigate to Facebook events with a single touch

Waze App Reviews

Cnet.com

Waze’s traffic accuracy was praised by Cnet.com, along with the facts that it doesn’t require sign-up – and it is free. Cnet.com was less keen on the interface and hard-to-find voice command.

Play Reviews

At time of writing rated 4.6 (out of five) on Google Play, Waze has generally good reviews.

Norman BS (five stars): “Top App!!! I am amazed by the traffic information provide by this apps. The only complaint I have, it drained the battery quite fast.”

Daniel Bello (four stars): “Like it most of the time. I use it every day on my commute. Things I don’t like: When a call enters while on Waze, the screen goes black after the call is over. It sends me through a longer toll route when there is some traffic reported when the gain in time is not significant.”

For those who travel a lot by car – whether in the UK or abroad – Waze could be a god-send. It is ideal for those who frequently have a number of possible routes to choose from when driving in the UK. But it is also a great way to stay fully informed whilst driving overseas – when being behind the wheel can be at times stressful. If nothing else, it can help you keep your fuel bills down by identifying the cheapest petrol outlet near you.

Privacy concerns are occasionally mentioned in Waze’s reviews – but these gripes are similar to those inspired by many apps and websites that take in your location data. There have also been complaints about recent updates, and the pop-up ads might be a teensy bit annoying, but we think Waze is still a winner – and best of all, it’s free!

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