Med Helper – Recommended Travel App of the Month May 2014

Posted on June 5, 2014 by worldwideinsure

Going on holiday can wreak havoc with routine – great if you are looking to ‘get away from it all’, but not so great if you need to make sure you continue to take prescription medication at your usual time. Med Helper is an app that offers extra value by helping you keep track of what you have taken, and when, perfect when you are in a whole new time zone!

 

 

 

What does Med Helper do?

Med Helper has a range of features that are useful even if you aren’t travelling. Its main features include:

  • A schedule so that you know when you are meant to take which medicine
  • An alarm to remind you to take your medication
  • An inventory so that you know when stocks are running low

What makes it good for travelling with a medical condition?

As well as offering a way to schedule medication times, Med Helper also stores information about your prescription medicines. The prescription list feature contains details about:

  • Medication Name
  • Medication Alias
  • RX Number
  • Instructions
  • Reason for Medication
  • Description
  • Side Effects

In our last blog Taking Medication through Customs – Advice for Travelling with a Medical Condition, there were a number of recommendations to take information about your medication – this app has features that make keeping that information close by easy.

Additional Features

Amongst its many features, Med Helper also stores doctor and pharmacy information, dosage history, allows you to track vitals (such as pulse, weight, HbA1c, glucose, oxygen, blood pressure etc.) to manage symptoms and it has an exportable and printable reports feature.

Med Helper App Reviews

Med Helper is available for Android and iPhones/pads. Android users score Med Helper very highly indeed in online reviews – with M Stimpson stating:

“Depend upon this! I forget my meds all the time without this app. It has saved my life literally with the available list of prescriptions, dosages & strengths.”

Other users include words such as Awesome, Brilliant, Simple, Helpful and Lifesaving in their reviews. Overall this app scores 4.3 out of 5 on Google Play.

Download Med Helper for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earthflare.android.medhelper.lite

Unfortunately, the app has not had enough reviews on iTunes to be able to show a rating, but if the Android feedback is anything to go by, it is certainly worth giving it a go.

Download Med Helper for iPhone and iPad

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/med-helper-pill-reminder-medication/id438926478?mt=8

 

For more information, you can visit the Med Helper Website

Bon Voyage!

Posted in Medical Conditions, Safety when travelling, Travel Advice, travel apps | Leave a comment

Advice for Travelling with a Medical Condition

Posted on May 22, 2014 by worldwideinsure

Travelling with a medical condition can bring with it a wealth of complications, from getting travel insurance down to what your fellow travellers should do in case of an emergency. In today’s blog we are going to be focusing on medication, highlighting the best way to take prescription medications through customs.

Although, if you have a medical condition and you are looking to get affordable travel insurance, we can help with that too because our insurance policies are tailored to meet your needs – just visit worldwideinsure.com.

What you should know

Are there any restrictions on the medication you take in the country you plan to visit? If the meds you take are restricted in the country you want to visit, you may have problems taking medication across the border. Ask your doctor for information, or check the relevant embassy websites for details. Another great resource is www.incb.org/incb/index.html

Narcotics and psychotropics are the main medications that are of issue. Morphine and Codeine are common medications in the narcotics class, whereas psychotropics are used to treat a range of illnesses from anxiety and depression to psychotic conditions. Some counties also have issues with the types of drugs used to treat epilepsy and Parkinson’s and even antihistamines that cause drowsiness! What these medications all have in common is their potential to affect the Central Nervous System – but don’t let that stop you checking that your medication is OK to take across a border. The UAE for example consider some non-CNS meds such as contraceptive hormones a breach.

How do you adjust to time zones? Ask your doctor for advice about taking your prescription at the correct time when travelling abroad. If you are just going on a European trip, it may not be an issue, but long haul travel could disrupt your usual routine.

Carry your medication in the original packaging. Many people will say that medication does not need to be in the original container, and that they have taken their tablets through customs with no problems at all. In fact, it is required that meds are in their original packaging, and these people have been lucky. Our advice? Why take the risk? Your medication is vital to your health; take it in the original packing to avoid risk of confiscation. This is especially important if you also need to take hypodermic needles with you. These must be kept with the medication they are for.

Make sure you keep your medication at the right temperature. Some meds need to be stored at a specific temperature. Consider an insulated pouch or flask for transportation.

Did you know? Prescription medicines are exempt from the usual aeroplane restrictions on liquids, aerosols and gels. This exemption also incudes cool packs and storage containers to keep the meds at the right temperature on board.

Only pack what you need, with a few extra. Taking more tablets than you need for the duration of your stay has the potential to cause issues, and many countries impose a 30-day limit on taking pills and potions across the border. Take enough for your holiday, and a few extra in case some get lost.

Take a copy of your prescription or a copy of a doctor’s letter. If you run into trouble at customs, having a doctor’s letter or copy of your prescription is a great backup to prove that your tablets are for you and they are what you say they are! To be totally safe, keep any paperwork you have with your medicine.

Always keep your medication in your carry-on. Having it on you ensures that it won’t go missing even if your luggage does!

Do you know the generic name for your medication? If you run out of medication, or it gets lost or stolen the local doctors and pharmacists may not be familiar with the brand name you know. Make sure you write down the generic name of the drugs you take and this will be easier for overseas medical professionals to recognise.

We hope that this advice has been useful, but remember – your doctor is the best person to ask about taking your prescription medications abroad. We wish you a wonderful trip, wherever you are going, and don’t forget, if you still haven’t sorted your travel insurance, we do great deals for people travelling with an existing medical condition. Just give us a call on 01892 628583 for a quote!

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

Top 10 Toys To Make Travelling With Children Easy!

Posted on May 15, 2014 by worldwideinsure

Taking children on holiday, especially if traveling on a long haul flight, can be a testing experience for even the most patient parent and seasoned traveller. Last week we shared our top tips for travelling with children on an aeroplane – this week, we tell you the 10 best toys to take to keep them entertained!

1 Trunki

Trunki is a must if you are expecting to be in long queues, or waiting a while in an airport. It is a handy suitcase that doubles up as a ride-on toy, exciting in itself, but also ideal for packing in all the other things in our top 10 list! They retail for around £40 and come in loads of great designs (some cheaper than others). You can buy them (and some other cool travel stuff for kids) on the Trunki website: http://www.trunki.net/Shop/Trunki_Shop

Trunki

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Stickers

Simple, small, and cost effective entertainment. Sticker packs combined with a scrapbook are an ideal way to spur a child’s imagination, and keep them amused through play. Get creative and inventive with them too, maybe encouraging kids to decorate a finished water bottle as well as create make pictures in a book. Galt do a great travel themed sticker book, complete with 300 stickers, all yours on Amazon for under a fiver!

Galt Travel Sticker Book For Kids

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 Story Cubes

Rory’s Story Cubes are a fantastic way to create an epic story – who knows, one that might even last the length of a long haul flight! Simply roll the dice and weave a tale inspired by the pictures on the dice. You can pick up the starter set for just £9.99, and there are additional sets you can add to the mix too, excellent if you have lots of trips planned! Buy online at: https://www.storycubes.com

4 Travel Games

Travel games are great because they are small, light and easy on the pocket. Classics such as Guess Who? Pop Up Pirate and Connect 4 are available for about £5 each on Amazon.

5 Card Games

The original travel game? Maybe! Our favourites include classics such as the Snap, Old Maid, and Donkey card game compendium  as well as newer cards games like Uno, and of course Top Trumps! From just £3, you really can’t go wrong with this compact travel classic!

Card Games

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 Colouring Pens

Pens, pencils and a note book. Essential items for endless ways of having fun. Draw a picture, play noughts and crosses, create a guess the picture game, play hangman. It may be a cliché, but the only limit is your imagination. Why not get extra crafty and break out a few origami moves with some pages. You can always take things a little further with this dedicated origami farm book!  Just under £25 from Hobbycraft.

7 iPad or Tablet

Ok, not a cheapie here, but chances are you have a tablet, iPod or smart phone to which you can download videos, games and apps. There are obviously kerbillions of kids’ favourites out there, but we think that The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ & Friends – Play & Explore app is too cute to not get, and it is only £2.49 to download.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar App

Quick note about aeroplane etiquette…

Please offer your child headphones, or turn the sound off. If there is anything worse than the noise a toddler having a tantrum makes, it is the repetitive sounds of an electronic game!

8 LeapFrog LeapPad

If you are reluctant to give a tantrumming toddler your very expensive mobile device, then a dedicated kiddie gadget is the perfect solution. LeapFrog are well established as a brand that produces gadgets that meet the rough and tumble of feisty children, and the games are specifically designed to entertain and educate – not just deliver a five minute distraction. A bit of a hefty investment at around £50, but it has plenty of life in it outside of travelling as well. Buy online from leapfrog 

Leappad Ultra

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 Good old-fashioned books

While iPads, iPods and mobile devices may woo the young traveller, you can’t beat a good old-fashioned children’s book. Obviously, pack a favourite, but also take along a couple of new treats. You’ll get more time to relax if the little ones are engrossed in something new! Why not try Where’s Wally – The Ultimate Travel Collection? It is sure to take up some journey time!

10 I Spy With My Little Eye… Games that need no supplies!

It’s free, it’s fun and it can take a while. As well as I Spy, you can chuck in the Shopping List Game (I went to the shop and bought a….), ABC Game – take it in turns to name something from a theme (food, dogs, names) to match the letter of the alphabet (Apple, Banana, Carrot…), Would You Rather…? Ask questions that will elicit a laugh such as “Would you rather cuddle a slug or a snail?”. Games that need no supplies are obviously cheap, and take up no room when it comes to packing. However, a mere £3.84 on the book, Kids Games To Play While Travelling  will fuel many hours of fun wherever you are in the world!

Posted in Fun, Travel Advice, travel apps, Travel Shopping | Leave a comment

Kids on a Plane! Tips for Travelling with Children

Posted on May 8, 2014 by worldwideinsure

Get your holiday off to the best start possible with our essential tips for travelling with children on an aeroplane.

From babes in arms to toddlers prone to a tantrum, travelling with children in the confined space of an aeroplane can present a wealth of problems that parents, and passengers, would rather not face in the run up to a holiday. Luckily we are on hand to tell you our top tips for keeping those little tykes entertained on board.

Book the right flight

Does your child sleep through anything, or is he or she easily disturbed during slumber? Make sure you choose a flight that fits in with when they are happiest, or most at rest. Even if it costs a little extra, it will be worth every penny.

Forget airport etiquette

Waiting at the airport is the perfect time to get your child to let off steam, use up energy and explore the exciting airport environment. Find an empty(ish) area where you won’t be disturbing others if possible, and try not to let the little ones fall asleep while waiting.

Get a good seat

A comfy child is a happy child. On most flights, children under two fly free, but they will not have a seat. If this is the option you have chosen, it is well worth enquiring about any empty seats that may be available on the plane. This is more likely at off-peak travel times. The safer and more comfortable way to fly is to spend out on an extra seat and bring along an FAA-approved car seat. Check with the airline beforehand for any restrictions, for example, some airlines do not allow rear-facing car seats.

 

The Number One Tip For Parents? AVOID SUGARY TREATS!

Choose packets of dried fruit, savoury snacks such as crisps and cheese, and if you must turn to sweets, make sure they are sugar free. Sweets might work in the short term, but the fallout from refined sugar won’t be welcomed by fellow travellers!

 

Plan your time in 15 minute slots

Once on board, you need some serious tactics to get you through the flight. By diving the flight time into 15 minute activity slots, you have more chance of keeping your child amused. OK, this is not going to work with a baby, but it is pretty effective for toddlers. Ideas:

  • Story books
  • Colouring books
  • Board games
  • Card games
  • Small tasty snacks (they take a while to eat)
  • Drawing games
  • Sticker books
  • Finger puppets
  • Fuzzy felt

Take a portable DVD player or mobile device

The wonder of 21st Century technology is that we can download apps, games and films that will keep tired and potentially tantrummy youngsters amused, even if it is just for another 15 minute slot!

Make sure you have your own survival kit

Your kids may not care about anything other than toys and treats, but if they spill a drink and need a change of clothes you’ll soon know about it. Apart from packing a liberal change of outfits, you’d also be wise to pack additional food you know they’ll like, a few favourite toys, spare nappies, wipes, a blanket in case they get cold and even a surprise toy or two.

While we are not promoting bribery, in times of extreme need, a well-timed treat isn’t all that bad. Pulling a brand new, and even wrapped up cuddly toy out of your bag might well be just what you (and fellow passengers) need to get a few moments peace!

Top Toys To Make Traveling Easy?

If you want to know which toys make traveling with children easy, you’ll have to tune in next week! We’ll be showcasing 10 tried and tested favourites, with tips on which traditional toys to take along and advice on where to buy ‘new-fangled’ gadgetry that will guarantee some peace and quiet!

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Tripper App Review – Travel App of the Month April 2014

Posted on April 24, 2014 by worldwideinsure

Tripper App Review – Travel App of the Month April 2014

As much as we love technology, we can’t help but feel that sometimes what we really need is a holiday helper – a real person we can pop in our pocket and pull out when we get in a muddle.

Well, guess what… this concept really exists! Meet Tripper, the app that provides you with live help at the push of a button!

Tripper App

Tripper App Highlights

If you’re travelling to China or Japan on your holidays, Tripper is the must-have accessory for your trip.  Tripper connects you instantly to a live English-speaking personal assistant on the end of the phone who can coach you on issues related to interpretation and translation.

  • Tripper services are available 24/7
  • No pre-planning required
  • Tripper app connects predominantly via 3G and Wi-Fi
  • There are no hidden costs to incur

 

Ultimately, Tripper saves you a lot of stress, confusion, and embarrassment!

 

As well as the use of these fantastic services, there are added benefits to the Tripper app too! Tripper’s super-smart team of translators are also provided with all the best local knowledge and up-to-date information about (amongst many things):

  • Transportation
  • Emergencies
  • Entertainment
  • Food
  • Best local hotel deals

The in-app internet connection also allows for the exchange of photos and GPS to and from Tripper, making information easier to access and share.

Tripper App Travel Assistance

Free Help 24/7! What’s Not To Love About Tripper?

Not all of us can entertain the luxury of a personal assistant abroad, so the introduction of Tripper has been revolutionary! Tripper is the essential app item to have on-hand when you’re travelling through China or Japan, because nothing is more daunting than being in a foreign country and having to cope with an unexpected situation without knowing the language.

Free, accessible help and advice in seconds – what’s not to love? Try Tripper for yourself and relieve yourself of the language and location stress a holiday often brings. Happy travels!

Download for Android and Apple at http://www.trip-per.com

 

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Travel Advice For Volunteers Abroad

Posted on April 17, 2014 by worldwideinsure

Travel Advice For Volunteers Abroad

For some of us, a holiday is a treat that we can’t always justify, but luckily there’s a solution to the moral dilemma of sunning it abroad – volunteering! Offering your help to those in another country is a fantastic way to explore new places, experience a different way of life, and give a helping hand to those a little less fortunate than yourself. If you’re thinking of taking a volunteering trip, here are some handy bits of advice to get you on your way.

Make sure you’re immunised


Wherever it is you’re looking to jet off to, you’ll need to make sure you have ample protection against any diseases that might be catchable while you’re there. Check out our comprehensive guide to getting yourself vaccinated.

Check your locations


It’s important to be as clued-up as possible when it comes to travelling, so be sure to check the conditions of where you’re staying. Depending on the weather, you’ll want to pack a certain selection of clothing to suit, and you might want to check variables such as the terrain and the daylight hours to figure out what sort of footwear would be appropriate, and whether you’ll need to bring additional items such as a visor or a torch, depending on when you’re working.

Consider your role


Are you volunteering as a teacher? Building houses in the jungle? Rescuing sea animals? Think about what you’re doing and what you’ll need – most likely, some comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting ruined! Remember to make sure all of your shoes are broken in, you have plenty of plasters and the like, and don’t bother packing your nail varnish!

Be prepared


You’ll need to keep a savvy head when working abroad, so make sure you’re organised. Bring a plastic wallet or something similar to store your documents in a safe, dry place, and make sure you have all of the phone numbers and information you could need when you’re away. If you’re planning on using your phone, contact your provider to arrange a suitable plan that will cover the costs of your calls and texts back home.

Don’t put yourself at risk


Taking your time to volunteer is a good deed, and you don’t have to feel pressured into doing anything you aren’t comfortable with. Make sure you keep yourself clean and address any wounds in a proper manner, be mindful of the food and drink you’re consuming, and feel free to say NO to anything you think puts you in danger. If you’ve taken all of the precautionary steps prior to travelling, and follow your head when you’re away, you shouldn’t have any problems – but it’s a good idea to take out some travel insurance to cover any costs that come from the unexpected.

From all of us here at Worldwide Insure, we wish you a happy and safe trip!

Posted in Longstay Travel Insurance, Travel Advice, Travel Insurance | Leave a comment

20 Essential Travel Tips You Need To Know

Posted on April 10, 2014 by worldwideinsure

There is an art to travelling well, and it can take a lifetime to learn all the tips and tricks that make traversing this planet a little easier. To help you out, we have gathered together the top 20 tips that will make travelling a total cinch.

 

1. Don’t fold your clothes, roll them – this prevents creasing and it also means you can fit more in because you pack more tightly.

2. Hide some cash – an empty lip balm stick is a great place as it is unlikely to be stolen should you get mugged.

3. Pick up maps as soon as you arrive at the airport or station – free maps are available at most terminals and stations – pick them up while you can , you’ll need them later!

Lost in Times Square by Kevin Dooley

Lost in Times Square by Kevin Dooley

4. Scan and email important documents – having electronic copies of passports, travel insurance documents, tickets and travel plans in your inbox will make life a lot easier if you lose the originals.

5. Learn language basics – “yes”, “no”, “hello”, “goodbye”, “please” and “thank you”, little words that will get you a long way when you are abroad – it pays to be polite wherever you go.

6. Pack a needle and thread – with limited belongings, it is good to be able to mend a wardrobe malfunction.

7. Tell your bank you are going away – sometimes banks will block a UK card if it is being used abroad in case it has been stolen. Not very helpful if it hasn’t and you are trying to pay for food, transport or accommodation!

8. Wear warm socks on the plane – cosy toes make it easier to sleep, and air con on aeroplanes means that cold tootsies are guaranteed.

9. Pack plastic bags for dirty clothes – this will keep your clean clothes fresher for longer, and make unpacking easier.

10. Take hand sanitizer and baby wipes – this will mean that you can keep clean if you find that you are delayed on your journey in a place that has questionable facilities.

11. Call your phone network provider before you leave – you may want to make sure you can call and text abroad, you’ll also want to know how much that might cost. Beware of roaming data use – this can cost more than a holiday itself if you aren’t careful!

12. Take tissues – works wonders for a snotty nose, but ultra useful should you find you are sans toilet roll.

13. Pack ear plugs and an eye mask – you will be grateful if you need to squeeze in some sleep after delays or during a long journey on public transport.

14. Get travel insurance even if you are only travelling within the EU – relying on your European Health Insurance Card is not enough, find out why you really need travel insurance in EU countries, then to go to the best place on the planet to get travel insurance (from us of course!).

15. Pack spares in your hand luggage – make sure you have essential toiletries and a change of clothes, if your luggage gets lost you will be most glad.

16. Take a first aid kit – painkillers, tummy settlers, plasters and antiseptic, whatever you know you might need to help you feel better if you get ill, or keep you in one piece until you find medical help.

17. Think about safe sex and sanitary needs – some countries don’t sell tampons, so ladies, pack some just in case; and it should go without saying that condoms should be a firm fixture in your wash bag whether you intend on indulging in carnal delights or not.

18. Avoid jetlag – stay awake until it gets dark on the first day. Your body clock will adjust better if you are out in the daylight when you arrive, and you avoid taking a nap during the first day.

19. Brush up on local laws and etiquette before you leave – with the world wide web at your disposal there is no excuse for not knowing the local laws and customs of where you are going. Ignorance could end up costing you a lot if you don’t!

Laying down the law of the land by Kristina D.C. Hoeppner

Laying down the law of the land by Kristina D.C. Hoeppner

20. Check your passport a few weeks before you travel – there is nothing worse than finding out the day before you travel that your passport has expired. Believe me, I know!

Posted in Safety when travelling, Single Trip Travel Insurance, Travel Advice, Travel Insurance | Leave a comment

Easter Holiday Ideas for Sun Seekers

Posted on April 3, 2014 by worldwideinsure

Easter Holiday Ideas for Sun Seekers

The weather may be warm in the UK right now, but if you are a dedicated sun seeker, you might be in search of warmer climates over the Easter break – especially as the British Bank Holiday has a reputation unto itself! If you were wondering where in the world it might be hot and sunny in April, this is the definitive list of desirable destinations!

Europe

Head south! With temperatures in the low 20s and as much as 6 hours of daylight to squeeze in sunbathing, water sports or whatever else takes your fancy – southern Europe is an excellent idea at this time of year.

Spain – We recently wrote about a city break to Barcelona. Located on the south coast of Spain, you can expect plenty of sun and fun rolled into one.

Malta – Great if you want to squeeze in some sightseeing as well as soak up some sun. There is also a growing trend for tourists taking medical holidays here.

Ggantija temples gozo

Malta temples – Ggantija temples gozo by Ronny Siegel

 

 

 

 

 

Sardinia – Beat the crowds by visiting this gorgeous island off the coast of Italy now. In the summer months it is packed to the rafters with tourists.

Middle East

This part of the world is unbearably hot in the summer, and often dogged by unpleasant weather in the winter. That means that springtime is the perfect time to travel to the Middle East. Expect temperatures to be in the high 20s to early 30s and the days to be as long as 13 hours.

Turkey – Antalya is the best place to be at this time of the year. Lots of sun, long days, plenty of beach and a great deal of culture too.

Egypt – Take in the sights at Giza, head for a city break in Cairo or make your way to the Red Sea where you can surf, scuba dive and sunbathe, and stay in dedicated resorts.

Morocco – Marrakech is hot, exotic and luxurious. Spas, shopping and golf excursions curiously mix with the tradition and fantasy of Arabian life.

 

Essaouira by Patrick Nouhailler

Essaouira by Patrick Nouhailler

Caribbean

A perfect part of the planet which is at its best in the springtime. Temperatures are a balmy average of 31 degrees and there are around 12 hours of daylight to spend lapping up the luxury of a Caribbean break at these top destinations.

Jamaica – Great food, stunning scenery and of course the home of a laid back vibe. If you are fond of outdoor activities Jamaica also offers a selection of fun things to do such as hiking, snorkelling, kite surfing, scuba diving and horse riding.

Dunn Falls Jamaica

Dunn Falls Jamaica by Ricardo Mangual

Barbados – The dream sunshine break? Sun, sand, sea and a reggae soundtrack. Barbados is a great place to party at night and kick back and relax during the day.

Tobago – This is the ultimate beach retreat. There is no place better on the planet to feel the stress melt away while you sit on a beach with a cold cocktail in hand.

 

This is a fab list of favourite destinations, but a word of warning if you are heading to any of them over the Easter holidays – Don’t take your Easter eggs – they WILL melt!

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

Tipping Bird – Travel App of the Month

Posted on March 27, 2014 by worldwideinsure

Tipping Bird – Travel App of the Month March 2014!

What if one simple app could save you all of the embarrassment in the world? Well – good news, it can! Okay, it might not stop you tripping over in front of you partner’s parents, but it will at least advise you on how to politely tip the service at different locations around the globe.

Meet Tipping Bird – your restaurant companion from here on in.

So What Does Tipping Bird Do?

This crafty accompaniment to your app collection handily helps you add a gratuity of an acceptable amount depending on what country you’re dining in. We know what you’re thinking – isn’t a 10% tip pretty customary? Nope!

In the USA the average tip is around 19%, in the Dominican Republic you’ll be disgraced if you don’t put down 10%, 6% will suffice in Norway, and for the generous folk of Iceland, a tip is not necessary at all. In fact, in many locations worldwide, incorrect tipping is a topic that leads to great tension and offence.  Thankfully Tipping Bird is here to guide you on what percentage of the bill is the right amount to put down.

One small piece of advice – check your bill to see if a gratuity is already included in the expected payment. Overpaying can be just as offensive in some cultures as underpaying.

Additional Features

As well as sparing you red-cheeks-aplenty in restaurant situations, this app also handily covers the etiquette of taxis, bars, hotel maids and porters, and even organised tours.

Tipping Bird Reviews

Most reviews give it a full five stars, stating that it has accurate and up-to-date information that is helpful in an array of locations and situations. Some users, however, have reported that it’s a little buggy, and it doesn’t include every country on the map so make sure it’s relevant to your travels before installing.

WARNING: ANDROID ONLY!

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jeremydw.tippingbird 

 

C:\Users\victoria.spall\Desktop\tipping_bird_logo.png

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Dangerous Holiday Destinations – Should You Still Travel?

Posted on March 20, 2014 by worldwideinsure

Dangerous Destinations – Should You Stay or Should You Go Anyway?

What do you do when disaster strikes your holiday destination – change your travel plans, or go anyway? It is a sensitive question, but one that has faced far too many holidaymakers over the years.

In the event of a natural disaster, or when political turmoil is affecting a country, it makes going on holiday seems a rather frivolous affair and rather less important in the grand scheme of things than it was at first. As such, you might find yourself wondering if it is still right to take that yearned-for vacation.

gaza 01 – by stitchingkifal

If you are facing a moral dilemma like this at the moment – here are 5 questions you should ask yourself before you make your mind up.

Personal Safety

This is a number one priority and it might seem like a bit of a no-brainer, but is it safe enough? The best way to find out is to view the official Government site on travel advice. This gives a clear outline of what the dangers are, where they are and whether you should be reconsidering your travel plans. Bear in in mind that travel warnings related to personal safety can affect your travel insurance, so be sure to check with your travel insurance provider before departure if you decide to go.

Unwelcome guests

You also need to ask yourself – will I be welcome at my destination? Some travel experts suggest turning to social media to find out if your hosts will welcome you. Is the country promoting tourism? Are travel companies offering deals? These could be signs that whatever incident has happened is well behind them and that the country is trying to improve its lot by getting tourists back! Alternatively, there may be clear social signals that tourists will not be tolerated.

A relaxing break vs. an essential trip

The reasons for your travel are also a deciding factor. Are you going on holiday for a relaxing break? If the answer is yes, but there is still tension or turmoil at your destination, then you may well prefer to postpone your holiday until another time. If your trip is not essential, your presence may be considered inappropriate.

Checking your insurance and weighing up the options

Finally, you should check what your travel insurance covers. If you decide not to travel, can you get your money back? Although the decision whether to travel or not may be a moral one, you might find that in the face of losing a hefty chunk of savings, you’ll risk the journey anyway. Do make sure with your insurance provider that you will still be covered – but better still, make sure that you choose travel insurance that will protect you in the event of a disaster at your destination.

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