Immunisation Advice For First Time Travellers

Posted on March 13, 2014 by worldwideinsure

If you are about to embark on your first holiday of a lifetime, you’ll probably be wrapped up in the excitement (and nerves!) that travelling brings – there’s so much to look forward to! But, despite the adventurous buzz, it is essential that you do not overlook the formalities of travelling abroad.

One of the most important things you need to do before you go away is ensure you’re safe and healthy for your travels – which means finding out if you need to get yourself immunised. To help you make sense amidst the excitement, we’ve put together some top tips for making sure you’re prepared for the journey ahead.

Do Your Research

The vaccinations that you might require differ depending on what country you’re visiting. Each location will leave you susceptible to a specific set of illnesses, so it’s very important to know what dangers are presented in each place so you can be properly immunised and avoid coming down with anything nasty. Some vaccinations are fairly standard – hepatitis, rabies, and tuberculosis, for example, are necessary in many locations. You’ll also find that some vaccinations are free on the NHS because they are considered high risk if they were to come back into the country, so you can get shots for diseases such as cholera and typhoid usually at no cost to yourself.

Think About Your Circumstances

Being prepared doesn’t just mean thinking about the country you’re going to – there are lots of variables to consider when undergoing immunisation. For example, some diseases are more common during different seasons. Also consider aspects such as your age and general health, whether you’re likely to encounter animals, and what sort of holiday you’re going for. If you’re likely to engage in aid work or enter a medical environment, you’ll probably need additional vaccines.

Time it Well

If you’re taking a lengthy trip abroad, chances are you’re going to encounter several different environments that require varying vaccinations. In short, this means lots of jabs! To avoid any unnecessary side effects – or just a very sore arm – try to spread them out.

Be Mindful of Advice

Just because someone says you don’t have to show proof of a certain vaccination, it certainly doesn’t mean you don’t need to get it. Establishments such as travel agents or embassies might tell you that you don’t need certification of a jab, but if you’ve been told you’re at risk of the disease it prevents – get it!

Secure Proof

Remember that you will be asked to show proof at the borders that you have had the appropriate vaccinations, so keep your certificates safe and available.

Be Aware of Side Effects

As with any medicine, there is always the chance that during immunisation you’ll experience some ill effects. Try to avoid getting your jabs last minute, because you won’t be able to travel if you aren’t well – and if you are worried about the effects you’re feeling, do not hesitate to seek medical advice.

Being prepared is the best way to ensure you eventually have the most fun possible on your travels, so read up, jab up, and go have a good time! Au revoir!

Even with the right immunasions in place, there is still a risk of illness when travelling abroad. Make sure you have adequate cover by contacting our travel insurance advisors.

5 Fab Things To Do In Barcelona! Travel Guide

Posted on March 6, 2014 by worldwideinsure

5 Fab Things To Do In Barcelona!

If you fancy jetting off on a weekend city break, then Barcelona is a hot spot of culture, fun, frolics and of course fiestas! Uniting beach with the buzz of city life, you’ll find plenty of great things to do on your break. Here are our top recommendations.

1: Find Your Feet

There is no better way to explore the vibe of Barcelona than on foot. This way you get to take in the wonderful architecture, smell the fabulous food on offer and of course breathe in the laid back atmosphere that this cosmopolitan city exudes. If you find your feet getting a little tired, then there are plenty of places to catch the metro. Just make sure that you pick up a city map before you lose your bearings!

2. Amble Along Las Rambla

Las Rambla is a pedestrianized tree-lined avenue that runs through the old town. Stretching from Playa Catalunya down to the seafront, it is just over a kilometre long – perfect for a gentle stroll. Bear in mind that it is a place that attracts lots of tourists, which unfortunately means that pickpockets like the area too. Expect to see lots of street performers, great to watch while you stop and enjoy the food and drink at one of the many cafes and bars.

3. Go To Park Guell

Also known as Gaudi Park to tourists, Park Guell is a magnificent feat of creativity where modernist architecture mixes with the incredible décor. The park was originally intended as a private development for the wealthier residents of Barcelona – unfortunately the venture was a commercial failure. Allow a good couple of hours to explore the area. There is plenty to see without having to pay to get into the main development area – but it is well worth it if you do!

Park Guell, Barcelona Park by George M. Groutas

4. See A Bit More Gaudi at Sagrada Familia

From the top of Park Guell, you’ll be able to see the Sagrada Familia – Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family, rising out of the city like a monolith. Your next challenge is to get to it by foot to marvel at the architectural talents involved! The walk should be about half an hour, at a leisurely pace of course – but make sure you have your map. The buildings are quite imposing in the city, and believe it or not, you will soon lose sight of this towering giant! The Basilica was designed by Gaudi, and believe it or not building work started in 1882, and it is still in progress!

5. Taste The Delights of Tapas and Sangria

A trip to Spain surely isn’t complete until you have tucked into some tapas and quenched your thirst with Sangria! There are loads of places to sit and eat – indoors and outdoors, all year round. In the cooler months restaurants in the plazas bring out an army of patio heaters to make dining al fresco a pure pleasure. Your biggest struggle will be deciding where to go and eat!

Barcelona – Tapas Bar by Adam Wyles

Festival Fever – a short note

The Catalans love to party, and during some months you’ll find there is more than a festival a week! When you book a Barcelona break, bear in mind that festivals often mean bank holidays, and if a weekend is going to be a long one, then many people in Barcelona take most of the week off anyway. Great if you want to party, not so great if you are going for a spot of retail therapy.

Fog of World Travel App Of The Month

Posted on February 27, 2014 by worldwideinsure

Fog of World Travel App Of The Month Feb 2014!

Travellers, Explorers, World Conquerors… an app has arrived that is sure to heighten the experience of every adventure you set out upon! Meet Fog of World, the travel companion you’ll be glad you found!

What does it do?

In short, Fog of World is a GPS system that gradually uncovers different areas of the globe as you explore them! The map is covered in a thick layer of virtual fog, and with your phone in pocket you can see in one quick sweep how much of the world you’ve explored thus far. Whether it’s for your own personal gain or because your competitive nature can’t help but compare with friends, you’ll find this app immensely satisfying.

Additional features

In addition to a map of the world displaying your path, you can also see your achievements in more detail. The app cleverly displays progress bars for each continent so you can monitor how much of each location is left to be travelled! If you’re keen to know in greater depth exactly how much of a conqueror you truly are, you can view the continents one-by-one and see the km2 that you still have left to see, plus a flag checklist of your successfully visited countries. The map also uncovers itself road by road, so if you aren’t planning any lengthy adventures you can still check out your progress locally.

If, like the rest of us, you can’t help showing off to friends and family with postcards and holiday pictures, then you’ll also love the Achievements feature! Fog of World caringly monitors your travel progress and awards badges within the app for certain milestones, such as ‘Flying Man’ once you have visited five countries, and “Europe Star” for the dedicated Europe visitor who makes a whopping ten trips.

Fog of World Reviews

There are some impressive accolades for this wonderful travel app, although some users have commented on the fact that it takes up rather a lot more battery power than desired as the GPS system runs in the background.

“We don’t remember the last time we’ve run into an app that is as interesting as Fog of World” – Kevin Smith, Business Insider.

“This Fog of World app might be the funnest app I’ve seen in a long time” – Casey Chan, Gizmodo.

“Fog of World turns moving through your city and your world into a game of exploration. Just watch your battery! 8/10” – Paula DuPont, appstorm.

http://en.fogofworld.com/

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The Cheapest Ways to Take Out Your Holiday Cash

Posted on February 20, 2014 by worldwideinsure

Organising holiday money is something of an after-thought for many of us, while others sort out spending money weeks in advance. But either way, you could well be paying too much to get hold of your cash. Help is at hand, however, with these top tips for side-stepping or at least reducing transaction fees.

50 Euros Going Down The Drain By Images Money

Consider a specialist credit card that does not add a percentage-based fee on to currency exchange rates. While these cards can slash your ATM fees, you should make sure you pay any funds back in full each month, thereby side-stepping high interest charges. Set up a Direct Debit to ensure this happens. Card issuers really want you to use the card in the UK where bigger ATM fees are levied – so don’t!

Beware debit cards: relying on your debit card while abroad is lazy and could cost you a great deal! High withdrawal fees, load fees, minimum charges and spending penalties all add up. Some cards are much worse than others, so check your card’s fees before you even think about using it overseas.

Consider getting a pre-paid credit card. These cards give you all the power of a real credit card but offer complete control over your cash – since it is all yours. Lower ATM fees are another plus point. In addition, you only need to load the amount you require from your current account, protecting your main funds from card-cloning/fraud. If you have a poor credit rating a pre-paid card could be ideal.

Euros for debit cards, pounds for specialist cards! Holidaying on the European mainland? When using your card in a shop, if you’re asked whether you want to pay in pounds or euros, always choose euros. Opting for pounds will trigger a bad exchange rate. However, a specialist credit card will offer a great exchange rate for GBP, so if you have one, say ‘pounds’!

Take note of ATM fees. These can vary from bank to bank, so it’s a good idea to find out which is cheapest. Some ATM networks are free, so research your destination country before you set off. For example, the Bank of Canadia in Cambodia offers free withdrawals.

Give foreign exchange offices a wide berth. These offer poor exchange rates, especially in airports. If you must use their services, you may get a better rate if you order in advance.

Buying cash with a card? Avoid using your credit card – your issuer will charge a fee. In this case, your debit card is the way to go, since such fees are prohibited with this card type.

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10 Tips to Prevent Your Belongings Being Stolen Whilst Abroad

Posted on February 13, 2014 by worldwideinsure

Being mugged or pick-pocketed, or having your belongings stolen whilst backpacking is uncommon, but it does happen. Bad luck plays a part, but there are many things you can do to minimise the chances of such an occurrence.

Take a padlock with you, and use it to secure your guest house/hotel room. This is particularly important in budget accommodation or in areas where crime is high. It can also be used to secure lockers.
Use an old or tatty looking backpack. This dissuades thieves because they think you have nothing of value!
Pack a single, small backpack of around 30-40 litres. You can then keep your backpack with you when travelling on buses or trains. Bigger backpacks often have to be stowed where you can’t keep an eye on them.
Make a fake wallet. Take an old wallet and fill it with expired bank cards and a few notes. If someone demands your wallet, give them the fake one.
If a mugger demands your money/wallet, be sure to comply – but don’t make any sudden movements towards your pockets. They may think you are reaching for a weapon.
Never walk alone at night, especially if the area is known to have a lot of crime. If you do wish to ‘go walkabout’, make sure you read up on the area first, and don’t wander into a neighbourhood where you might not be welcome!
If you’re going out on the town, take only the cash you need and leave valuables such as bank card and mobile in your guest house, hotel or hostel. Use any lockers to keep your valuables extra safe, or if none are available, hide valuables under mattresses, wardrobes or pillows.
In some countries criminals spike tourists’ drinks with memory-wiping drugs – so they can pickpocket them (or worse). Always keep a watchful eye on your drink, and if you have to leave it (to go to the toilet for example), make sure someone you trust is watching it.
Ensure you have adequate insurance to cover the loss of any belongings.
Bag snatchers love handbags – so consider ditching yours for a money belt. If you must carry a handbag, wear it across your shoulders.

Backpacking Incan Trail – Machu Picchu Peru By fortherock

Taking the precautions listed above will make the theft of your belongings far less likely, however, it is an unfortunate fact that crime of these sorts does happen, and there may be things that are out of your control that lead to such events. This is why point 9 is so important. At least with adequate cover in place, you don’t have to worry about being stranded, and you know that help will be on hand if you need.

For more information about the travel insurance we provide for longstay holidays and backpacking, give one of our team a call on 01892 83 33 38. We can tailor our policies to meet your needs, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

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

Forget Paris: Escape with your lover to Florence

Posted on February 6, 2014 by worldwideinsure

The only problem with a romantic break in Florence, Italy, is that you might be tempted to shun your lover for the city itself, such is its allure. But if you stay true to your special someone, then you could find no backdrop more conducive to an amorous getaway.

Where to stay

There is a huge choice of hotels available, from the budget to the grand. But you won’t have to spend too much for suitably romantic accommodation – especially if you avoid high season, or are prepared to stay a little way out of the centre.

A day in Florence

Even if you spent a week here strolling the many Renaissance squares (piazzas) and narrow cobbled streets, you would only see a portion of the secrets of Florence.

However, for those with limited time, head for the Piazza della Signoria. Here you’ll find the grand Palazzo Vecchio with its iconic tower. Nearby you’ll see a copy (though a very splendid one) of Michaelangelo’s David. Enjoy the atmosphere in one of the numerous cafes edging the square.

After topping up your Italian coffee reserves, wander towards il Duomo – the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. No doubt you will have already seen its majestic dome from afar – dominating as it does the entire Florentine skyline. Big enough for 20,000 people, it is well worth the effort of looking inside. The outside, however, is equally breath-taking.

Il Duomo’s Dome – Florence by Anna Fox

Make sure you take in the splendour of the Campanile – or Bell Tower – also located in the Piazza del Duomo.

Next, take a stroll over to the 11th Century Baptistery of John the Baptist, built of stunning green and white marble. Its three large, beautiful bronze doors make this is one of the most unique buildings in the city. It is located in the Piazza San Giovanni, just off the Piazza del Duomo.

After this, move southwards to the unmissable Ponte Vecchio – a medieval bridge on which there are still shops selling jewellery. The perfect place to buy your loved one a token of your affection?

Ponte Vecchio by Colby Blaisdell

Another must-see is the Galleria degli Uffizi which boasts the world’s greatest collection of Renaissance art, but buy your tickets in advance since queues are long and may add a little too much tension to your romantic escape.

After consuming all this architecture and art, you will probably feel the need to consume some of Italy’s famous cuisine.

But, before you and your loved one dine, why not head back to the Piazza del Signoria and enjoy the sunset with some Tuscan wine?

When it comes to eating, strolling the cobbled streets in search of a restaurant is a joy in itself, with every type of food imaginable on offer. But classic Tuscan cuisine is the order of the day.

After your romantic break in Florence it won’t be long before the capital of Tuscany beckons you and your partner back for a little more amour.

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

RingCredible App Review – Jan14 App of the Month

Posted on January 30, 2014 by worldwideinsure

Going on holiday is very much an experience for you to enjoy, but half of the fun is getting to brag to all of your friends and family about it too! But with extortionate phone rates holding you back, sometimes letting your friends and family know what a good time you’re having can cost more than the holiday itself.

Thankfully, RingCredible is here to help. This ingenious app relies on the power of internet connection to make calls to mobiles and landlines worldwide for minimal costs, and the app itself is completely free! No wonder it has won itself the award of January 2014’s Travel App of the Month.

What Does RingCredible Do?

RingCredible allows you to contact friends and family worldwide using an internet connection as opposed to your mobile service, which is renowned for being extremely expensive. It can be used with both 3G/4G or Wi-Fi, but it is reportedly much more successful with a Wi-Fi connection and also avoids the issues of data allowances too.

You’ll need to top up your account to make calls, but with prices as low as one pence per minute to countries all around the world, your balance is sure to last even longer than your tan will.

Additional Benefits

All of your contacts are automatically available in the app, so calling through RingCredible is just as easy as making a standard call
Your name and number appear on the recipient’s phone as normal, so there won’t be any issues of people not answering due to withheld numbers or complicated messages
The app consumes very little battery, so you won’t find yourself in a charging predicament after using it
There are no advertisements, so your use won’t be disturbed by unwanted banners or pop-ups

RingCredible Reviews

Reviews on the Apple App Store are mixed, with some users saying it’s both brilliant and cheap, whilst some claim it didn’t save them any money at all.

A WordPress review from “The IT Nerd” found it to be reliable and have good connection and voice levels, and to be much more affordable than Skype or any other VoIP product.

It has ranked as the number one travel app in over 40 countries, and has gained an impressive one million users in the last six months.

Android users rated it a respectable 3.7 stars, with most recent reviews giving between four and five stars, which could be down to the improved version that was released mid-December.

Whether you’re contacting home to update friends on your tan, check up on your pets, or to make an important business call you forgot to make before you left, make sure you aren’t paying Barbados prices for a Benidorm experience! Why not give RingCredible a try and avoid unexpected call costs when you travel abroad. Have fun!

Download RingCredible for Android and iPhone.

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UK Activity Breaks for Families

Posted on January 23, 2014 by worldwideinsure

UK Activity Breaks for Families

This month we have focussed on the Great British Staycation, bringing you all the info you need to make the most of a holiday in the UK. Last week we shared our top UK destinations, but this week we bring you the very best activity breaks available for families!

Forest Holidays

Forest Holidays have a multitude of fun-packed locations across the UK to offer a convenient option for families of any area. There is a selection of cabin types to choose from, with the added option of luxuries such as hot tubs and log burners, and plenty of locations also welcome animals to come along and enjoy the holiday too! Activities are available to suit all ages, abilities, and adrenaline ranges, with things to do such as hiking, cycling, archery, kayaking, motorsports, fishing and even cliff jumping! If you’re looking to have fun and gain an adventure without the fuss of going abroad, Forest holidays offer packages that are perfect for your needs.

GoActive Breaks

The British countryside is famed for being inspiringly picturesque, and what better way to enjoy those fantastic views than to get right in amongst them! GoActive has accommodation dotted all over the UK so finding your nearest one should be no trouble at all. All of the activities at GoActive are led by experienced professionals and cater for people of all ages and abilities, so you can be sure that your holiday is going to be fuss-free and safe. A multitude of fun-packed activities are available including sailing, horse riding, 4×4 safari, snorkelling, pilates, paintball, abseiling, water parks, zorbing, circus workshops and golf. The list of things to do seems never-ending, and you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied from morning until night.

Go Ape

Go Ape is the UK’s number one forest adventure, and makes for an exhilarating day out for the whole family. Swing from the treetops on an adrenaline-inducing course of ropes and wires through the forest to get to the other side. You’ll get the chance to take in some fantastic scenery, have a lot of fun, and make memories you’ll laugh about for a lifetime. Separated into ‘gorillas’, ‘baboons’, and ‘tarzans’, all abilities are welcome and there are trained staff on hand at every point to ensure your safety and security. If some of the family don’t quite feel up to the task, there are Segway rides that can be taken around the forest floor, for a buzz without any worry. Go Ape has 29 locations across the UK, so finding one locally shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Go Ape by opopdodo

Extreme Element

If adrenaline is what you’re looking for, Extreme Element is your answer! One of the benefits of choosing to spend your family holiday in the UK is that you save yourself money in travel and overseas accommodation, so why not put that saved money to good use by booking some exhilarating activities? Whether you stay at home, rent a house or holiday home elsewhere or decide that a trip in the campervan is the way forward for your family, be sure to have lots of activities planned to keep you occupied. Extreme Element is a website that offers near enough every hair-raising pastime you can imagine, from skydiving to hot-air ballooning to white water rafting. There are locations for these activities all over the UK, so you can find yourself having fun right on your doorstep. If some of the family would rather keep it low-key, there are plenty of things on offer from Extreme Element that cater for the slightly less adventurous. Flight simulations, martial arts, scuba diving and quad biking all offer the chance to make memories without worrying about parachutes and life vests!

Whatever imaginative activities you choose to occupy yourself with this holiday, make sure you always feel safe. Having trained members of staff on hand will reassure you if you’re worried, and all of the necessary equipment will be available for purchase, hire, or free use so you can feel as confident as possible when trying new things.

For added peace of mind, check that your travel insurance covers you for all the activities you want to do and travel arrangements and bookings you have made. Happy holidays, and enjoy your adventure!

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

Top UK Holiday Destinations 2014

Posted on January 16, 2014 by worldwideinsure

If the pull of an overseas holiday hasn’t quite enticed you, or if you simply wish to explore the opportunities a little closer to home, choosing a UK break this year has never seemed like such a great option.

Staycations are growing rapidly in popularity owing to their dismissal of extortionate air fares, lengthy travel arrangements and the complications of leaving the country, and they offer the perfect excuse to experience some of the most exciting holiday destinations in the UK.

Whether you’re after a relaxed break away, an exhilarating adventure holiday or an opportunity to have fun and make friends, take a look at some of our favourite UK holiday destinations – we’re sure you’ll be booking a UK stay in no time!

Centreparcs

With five easy to reach locations across the UK, Centreparcs offers a fantastic stay away from home with the convenience of door-to-door travel in no time at all. Set amongst idyllic forestry, each location offers a break that caters for everybody – there’s the fun-filled option of a swimming pool paradise with rapids, slides and pools for all ages, an array of classes, indoor and outdoor sports, bike hire and all other manner of activities to keep you occupied.

If a relaxing stay away is more what you’re looking for, why not try out the impressively upmarket spa facilities, and spend your days unwinding in the Jacuzzis and enjoying treatment after treatment. The grounds are an ideal setting for any budding explorer, and with stunning accommodation to suit all sizes and budgets you can relax in comfort and style as soon as you’re finished. Each site offers all of the facilities you’ll require, with the added luxury of an American pancake house if the mood strikes! If a holiday abroad seems like an unlikely option because of animal commitments, Centreparcs welcomes dogs to enjoy the family fun too.

Cornwall

Renowned for some of the most stunning coastal locations in the UK, it’s no wonder that Cornwall is the setting of choice for most holiday-goers opting for a staycation this year. The traditional seaside towns are bursting with character, and there are activities and landmarks to keep you occupied at every corner, no matter which area you might decide to visit.

Padstow, Cornwall, England by Alison Johnstone

Old-fashioned pasty shops boast some of the best award-winning food in the country, and with the St Austell brewery providing stock to the majority of local pubs, you’ll get the taste of Cornwall wherever you go! Children can enjoy watersports on the sandy beaches, and there is fishing on coastlines and bays for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere away. Famous gardens are on offer all over Cornwall and provide some of the most interesting and unique experiences a UK holiday has to offer.

If one of the appeals of holidaying at home this year is the prospect of a roadtrip then why not explore the entire county and soak up all of the delights that each location has to offer – you’ll be sure to find plenty of other campervan owners doing the very same thing!

Snowdonia

You don’t need to head to the Himalayas to satisfy your passion for an outdoor walking holiday, you can enjoy all of the beauty of a vast mountainscape without ever leaving the UK! Snowdonia in North Wales is home to 100 lakes, 37 miles of beautiful coastline, and 37 breath-taking mountain peaks, and is one of the most picturesque locations in Britain.

This natural playground is the perfect chance to explore and discover the outdoors as a family, a couple, or simply on your own, whether you’re inclined to try a peaceful walk, challenging climb, or can’t wait to sink your teeth into some of the local activities. The natural landscape is a mix of rushing rivers and still lakes, and everything from relaxed sailing to high octane white water rafting is on offer – the opportune way to have fun and make memories! Locally you’ll find some incredible attractions such as King Arthur’s Labyrinth, medieval villages, and authentic fortresses all waiting to be explored. This might be a slightly more energetic holiday than the white beaches of Sicily, but the unparalleled beauty of the surroundings are sure to provide you with the tranquillity you’re seeking in a break.

The Isle of Skye

If a UK break away has captured your heart, what better place to discover your love for somewhere close to home than the pastoral Isle of Skye. Distinctly Gaelic in culture and effortlessly beautiful, the hills and highlands all around offer a tranquil location to unwind and adventure in the UK. If you’re looking to absorb a little local culture, Skye is famed for its whisky distilleries and well-travelled breweries offering a taste of exquisite local flavours.

Scottish culture isn’t all about drinking though! Staffin Bay is a brilliant visit if you fancy trying your hand at hunting for dinosaur fossils! Bring the whole family and have fun seeing who can collect the most. Recognised as having some of the darkest night skies in Europe (as long as you avoid mid-summer when the sun barely sets), the Isle of Skye is the destination of choice for budding astronomers, and in the Spring the Northern Lights are visible for the experience of a lifetime.

Legoland

A UK holiday doesn’t have to be all about outdoor adventure, it can be just as much about relaxed fun too! Legoland is the nostalgic haven for everybody who played with Lego as a child, with incredible structures built from the nation’s favourite toy. Rides, attractions, and ever-changing events are available to help you make your UK break one to remember, plus the chance to stay in the Legoland resort to fully complete your holiday package.

Children will be beside themselves with the differently themed villages from Pirates to Pharaohs, and will have the opportunity to learn as well as have fun. If memories are what you’re looking to make on your holiday this year, Legoland is the destination for entertainment!

Legoland Windsor by Dave Catchpole

Whether you decide that your staycation this year is all about relaxing in the peaceful British countryside, adventuring in hills and highlands, or letting your hair down at some of the exhilarating UK locations on offer – make sure you enjoy it to the fullest!

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Home or Away? UK Staycations vs Vacations

Posted on January 9, 2014 by worldwideinsure

It’s that time of year again – time to start looking at where you might like to take a break this year. As the popularity of staycations continue to rise – out of convenience and often affordability – it’s time to make a decision about whether to spend your holiday budget on a holiday overseas or to explore the UK to enjoy your time off. To help you decide we’ve put together some points for consideration when choosing whether to holiday at home or away.

Pets

Going on holiday is all about making memories and having fun with your family, but there may be one or two members of your group who simply can’t make the trip. Going abroad does of course mean leaving behind your beloved cats, dogs, fish, mice, and all other furry (or not so furry) friends, which can be costly and complicated. If you don’t want to inconvenience a friend or family member you may have to look into temporary care for your pets whilst you’re away, which is inevitably expensive. The benefit of a staycation is that plenty of places welcome pets, and you can include them in your activities and allow them to enjoy your holiday with you.

Money

Holidays are full of fun, laughter, and unavoidably expense. Travelling abroad means flights, transfers, accommodation, activities, food, and souvenirs galore, and once you start adding up all the costs you could find yourself a little out of pocket. In theory, a staycation eliminates a lot of the costs associated with holidaying, however recent surveys have shown that less than a quarter of holidaymakers spent less on a staycation than they did going abroad. If you’re looking to holiday on a budget, do your research – a budget holiday is not always a bargain. Maybe consider the quality of experience you are going to get with your budget.

Weather

It’s the most obvious reason for holidaying abroad – the weather is far more predictable than here in Blighty. Whether you are looking for a sun-drenched break, or snow peaked mountains for a specific holiday activity, you have more change of predictable weather elsewhere. If you’re considering travelling overseas then investigate the weather patterns of each location to see if the seasons fit with the activities you want to take part in for the time of year you want to go away. If you find that it will be monsoon season when you want to go on a mountain trek for example, you might want to stay in the UK this year.

Activities

Whether you have a weekend off, a week, ten days, or a fortnight… you’ll want to fill it doing the things you enjoy best. When you’re choosing whether to vacation or staycation, think about the sort of activities that interest you and your family. Going abroad can mean blue seas and water sports, steep snowy slopes for adrenaline junkies, or seeing the sights in historic towns overseas for those who like their feet firmly on safe ground. Museums and galleries are also great fun and usually free, at home and also abroad. Staying at home, however, can offer more than you might think. Depending on the time of year you can expect ice rinks, outdoor pools, circuses, fairs, extreme sports and much more.

Transport

There is no denying that it is the actual travelling part that is often the most stressful part of going on holiday, so what transport you have, and are happy to take, can be a deciding factor on whether to stay in the UK or go abroad. A long haul flight might seem like quite a mission for some, but enduring the UK motorways might seem an even more challenging task, especially without the reward of guaranteed good weather at the end of it! Maybe the only thing that has stopped you from exploring the UK is the condition of your vehicle – in which case a hire car could be the perfect option, and with car hire excess insurance available for UK car hire as well as car hire abroad, you don’t have to worry about any extra charges should the unexpected happen.

The choice between vacation and staycation is never going to be an easy one – you might feel that staying at home simply doesn’t have the excitement factor that going abroad provides, or maybe you’ve never considered the remarkable landscapes and tourist attractions there are in the UK. Wherever you decide to go this year, be sure to relax, have fun, and stay safe. Happy holidays!