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!

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!

Posted in The places we've been | Leave a comment

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!

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New Year Detox Retreats for a New You!

Posted on January 6, 2014 by worldwideinsure

New Year Detox Retreats

Happy New Year! Now all the fun and festivities are over, it is a chance to be indulgent in another way! How about a trip to a luxury detox retreat?

A detox doesn’t have to be about sacrifice, in fact the thought of sipping mocktails and having a deep tissue massage in the sun sounds like a treat! Here is our selection of top destinations where you can unwind and get back into shape without feeling like you have sacrificed a thing.

38 Degrees North Detox – Ibiza

A far cry from the parties that this island is known for, this detox holiday will help you refocus your mind and cleanse your body. Following a 6 day programme, you’ll be given freshly prepared fruit and vegetable juices with added superfood ingredients and the use of the spa. There are yoga and pilates classes available to attend, alternatively you can sit back and relax to the max. There is a selection of spa treatments included in the price, and additional treatments can be booked prior to arrival.

http://www.thirtyeightdegreesnorth.com/detox-retreats

Shanti Maurice Detox – Mauritius

As if the location in itself isn’t indulgent enough! When combined with a week long programme of wellbeing treats, Mauritius is a dream detox destination. There are several packages available that offer yoga, meditation, powerwalking, aquafit, kayaking and snorkelling amongst many activities on offer. Treatments include Swedish massage, Africology anti-oxidant facial, Coffee & mint wrap and Inkomfi renewal.

http://shantimaurice.com/en/best-spa-mauritius/spa-package-mauritius

Yoga Detox in the – Himalayas

To allow residents to detox in the most natural way possible, the Ananda provides a range of programmes that combine a variety of yoga practices including yogic breathing techniques. Packages can be booked for 7,14 or 21 nights and promise to give ‘profound experiences of visualisation and harmony’, the intensities of which increase with the duration of the stay. However long you choose to indulge in all things yoga, the location promises to provide an idyllic backdrop to an asana or two, and also deliver a much needed breath of fresh air – essential on a detox programme.

http://www.anandaspa.com/ananda-packages/USD/ananda-wellness-experiences/Yogic-Detox-Package.html

Mind Body and Soul Detox – Canada

At Grail Springs wellness centre, you’ll find amazing scenery, luxurious accommodation, excellent nutritionists, life coaches, fitness gurus and a selection of activities that promise to revitalise every element of your being. From fresh juices and specially prepared nutritional menus to yoga fitness, meditation and spiritual coaching Grail Springs promises a completely holistic approach to a detox. Guests can also enjoy a variety of traditional spa treatments, and there are also a number of workshops offered on a regular basis. This is one detox holiday that is a guaranteed life changer!

http://www.grailsprings.com/Grail-Life-Program

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Snow Kite Day at Col du Lautaret in France

Posted on January 2, 2014 by worldwideinsure

As the new year begins, we thought it would be great to give you a wintery treat to welcome you back to work!

Our recent blogs have featured an array of exciting winter sports that make a change from heading off piste on a pair of skis. One idea for a Winter Wonderland holiday included Snowkiting. An intriguing pastime that we felt deserved more attention!

Super Snow Kite day was filmed almost a year ago to the day at Col du Lautaret in France. It features some spectacular stunts set to some great tunes too!

Highlights:

A bunch of excitable young chaps riding big mountains in the Alps, flying high in the sky – holding on for dear life no doubt to their trusty Snow Kite!

Abe learns how to hill glide

Lolo does a crazy mega loop

Benoit shows off his super-looping skills

Fancy Snowkiting? So do we! Exploco Snowkiting is an excellent place to start searching for the best locations around the world! Wishing you a snowy start to 2014!

Posted in Fun, Ski Insurance, Travel Advice | Leave a comment

Packing Pro App Review – App Of The Month December 2013!

Posted on December 27, 2013 by worldwideinsure

There’s nothing worse than arriving in a state of excitement at your destination only to realise that you’ve remembered your self-stirring travel mug, but forgotten essentials like your pants and your phone charger.

The solution? Packing Pro! This clever little app costs a mere £1.99 and saves you a fortune in forgotten things and an even bigger fortune in stress and inconvenience. That’s why we have voted it App Of The Month for December 2013.

Packing Pro App – By Quinn Genzel

What does Packing Pro do?

As a super-enhanced version of the top-ranking packing app on the market, this essential travel friend packs a punch when it comes to organisation. It “automagically” creates lists based on the number of adults (males and females), children and days, as well as considering variables such as the destination, the distance, and your personal travel preferences.

The wise and wonderful list system features plenty of must-have benefits:

Completely unlimited list-making: make as many as your heart desires!
Multi-item selection allows for quick building of lists
Fully flexible filing means they can be renamed, reorganised, added to or deleted with ease
Create templates of basics to add to all future lists to save time
Monitor your selections and see how many are ticked off
The ability to sort items into type or item automatically or by hand (eg. all the bathroom bits together)
Filter the lists to show only the things packed, unpacked, or see everything all at once
Total your list items by weight or by bag
Print directly to your printer for absolute organisation, or even email at the press of a button to help out a forgetful friend

Packing Pro- Features Screenshot

Additional Features

As well as being amazingly helpful, this app is also amazingly handsome and is fully customisable to your specifications. You can access common items and select from hundreds of items, as well as a pre-departure to do list with multiple tasks you may well not have accounted for. This app is fully compatible with iCloud and can also be imported and exported with ease to make sure you’re covered across all of your devices.

Packing Pro Reviews

Although yet to be reviewed on the App Store, Packing Pro has been featured in Apple’s “10 Essentials” (a huge achievement), “Travelling Home” and has even caught the eye of Apple’s employees, making into the “Staff Favourites” category.

Therecapp.com gave it an impressive 4 out of 5 stars, and CNN travel thought it was one of the best new apps for travellers.

Whether you’re off for a day, a week, a month or a lifetime, we would definitely recommend giving Packing Pro a go. Happy jet setting!

Posted in Travel Advice, travel apps | Leave a comment

Top Five Alternative Winter Sports Holiday Activities

Posted on December 13, 2013 by worldwideinsure

It might be that you’ve out-and-out mastered the art of skiing and snowboarding, or perhaps quite the opposite, and you’re looking for a new sport to dip your snow boots into… whatever your reason, welcome to the world of alternative winter sports! We’ve compiled a top five list of ultra-exhilarating activities that give you the same rush of adrenaline, without the ski pass. Are you brave enough to tick them all off?

Dog-sledding

Calling all pooch lovers! This is the sport for you! Get your kicks on snowy excursions with a thrilling ride from a pack of beautiful huskies. Go soaring through stretches of uninterrupted white desert with the wind whipping away at your face, and experience the sheer strength of these amazing animals. But don’t be fooled — it’s not as effortless as it seems! Be prepared for sore arms in the morning.

Dog Sledding in Prince George British Columbia by Kris Krug

And where can you go to experience this time-honoured mode of transport? We recommend Norway, the destination of choice for lovers of this sport.

Snowkiting

If having your feet firmly on the ground seems oh-so-safe and ordinary, why not give snowkiting a go? All of the exhilaration of skiing with the added rush of a power kite to send you shooting off at super speeds. This daring sport gives you the feeling of being weightless, lifting you off the ground and allowing (for the braver sportsmen) the chance to do some awesome mid-air moves.

Eddy Zooming by Big Dubya

You’ll want to head over to the Northeastern USA to give this one a go.

Night Sledding

Why spend weeks perfecting the art of snowboarding when you can quite easily pop yourself on a sled and whizz off down the slopes almost effortlessly? Sledding (or tobogganing) is the number one winter sport for beginners. But if you’re looking to spice things up a little, try doing it at night. The slopes are flood-lit for your safety but the danger element is definitely present, which is what makes this sport so much fun.

Take a trip to Morzine-Avoriaz in France for a first rate night sledding experience, and you can even opt for a head torch rather than floodlights for the invigorating experience of a lifetime.

Broom Ball

If you’ve found yourself a little weary of putting yourself in constant danger, try getting your kicks from a sport that is played on flat ground. Broom Ball is the fun and fresh cousin of your normal game of ice hockey, but is played wearing special rubber shoes and with a ball not a puck.

This latest craze originated in Canada, but is spreading like wildfire through the USA, Europe, and beyond.

Broom Ball by Ed Schipul

Snow Rafting or Tubing

Those tantalising ski slopes are just begging to be soared down, so why not experiment with your equipment and give tubing ago! Similar to sledding, you go rushing down this compressed snow at high speeds, but with a rubber dinghy or doughnut underneath you instead – for minimal drag and maximum thrill! Gather your friends and descend in a pack, or take it solo and ride alone.

Although snow rafting is common throughout Europe, Switzerland seem to be leading the pack with some of the best slopes to give this a go on.

If you’re venturing off on a winter holiday this year, why not give one or more of these awesome sports a try? But always remember to wear a helmet and be safety-conscious, and make sure you’re fully insured so you can go adrenaline hunting worry-free.

Posted in Ski Insurance, Travel Insurance | Leave a comment

Christmas Gifts For Travellers

Posted on December 9, 2013 by worldwideinsure

Need to find a perfect present for a frequent traveller? Well, we are on hand to help! We have scoured the internet to find the best gifts available for Xmas 2013, whether you are looking to save, spend or splurge! Whether you are buying for a globetrotter, backpacker or business traveller, we have found something to suit your budget.

SAVE! – Gifts under £25

Mighty Boomball

Ideal for any traveller from backpacker to businessman, this quirky mighty boomball speaker from Firebox provides a convenient way to listen to your tunes anywhere. This speaker comes in a range of wonderful colours and with a universal input jack, which will suit both phones and multimedia devices. The perfect, budget gift for any globetrotting music lover.

http://www.firebox.com/product/5511/Mighty-BoomBall-Speaker

Travel Cushtie

When travelling on planes, buses, boats or trains it is often difficult to get comfortable, help fix this common issue with a travel Cushtie from Amazon. This lovely, soft travel pillow moulds to whatever shape is needed and comes in a convenient case that can also hold many travel essentials. Available in a range of colours, the travel Cushtie is the ideal Xmas gift for all globetrotters.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Funtime-Ltd-CUSHTIE-T-BLACK-Travel-Cushtie/dp/B0007Z1ICW/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1386079918&sr=8-9&keywords=travelling+gifts

SPEND! – Gifts from £25 to £50

Arka USB Charger x Lantern x Flashlight

When travelling, saving space and weight in luggage is of the utmost importance. Any gadget that can perform more than one function therefore makes the ideal gift this xmas. The innovative Arka USB charger x- lantern x flashlight from Firebox is the ultimate in convenience for every adventurous traveller, featuring a powerful LED light perfect for camping and a charger to ensure every USB device always has power.

http://www.firebox.com/product/6093/Arka-USB-Charger-x-Lantern-x-Flashlight

Personalised St Christoper Necklace

The perfect gift for a loved one, this beautiful, unisex hallmarked sterling silver pendant has an image of St Christopher, the patron saint of travellers. Available on a black or brown leather necklet, this stylish piece of jewellery is blank on the back, so you can choose to have your own personal message engraved. Whether it is for a backpacker on their first trip, or a business traveller who spends time away, this is the ideal Xmas gift.

http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/herseysilversmiths/product/st-christopher-necklace

SPLURGE – Gifts over £50

Lifeproof Gadget Case

Whether you are backpacking through Asia, attending business meetings in Tokyo, or splashing the cash in Rio, you want to know that your gadgets are safe. Help the traveller in your life achieve this, with a high-end case from Lifeproof. These cases protect from water, dirt, snow and falls, ensuring whatever gets thrown at them on any journey, you can be confident they will rise to the challenge. Available for many Apple products, including iPhones and for Samsung S3 and 4.

http://www.lifeproof.com/shop/gb_en/?gclid=CL2NmOKblLsCFa-WtAodQksAiA

GHD Mini

The perfect Xmas gift for any woman who travels, cult brand GHD’s mini styler is a must-have. With a lighter body than the standard styler, the mini styler is perfect for carrying along and will suit everyone from chic businesswomen to globetrotting partygoers. All style-conscious girls will love this gift, which comes with a 2-year guarantee for added peace of mind.

http://www.riahhairshop.co.uk/ghd_v_gold_mini_styler

Posted in Travel Advice, Travel Shopping | Leave a comment

Accessible Holidays – Advice for Disabled Travellers

Posted on December 6, 2013 by worldwideinsure

Whether you have mobility issues, sensory impairment or a disability yourself, or you care for someone that does, you’ll find our guide to accessible travel an essential read! It is full of must-know facts about accommodation and travel as well as a run-down of top destinations for barrier-free travel around the world.

Beach Access by Keoni Cabral

Accessible tourism is a big issue. It is a movement that strives to improve the accessibility of tourist information, transport and services for people with all sorts of access needs. This can be anything from creating step-free environments at airports for those with mobility issues to ensuring that visually impaired individuals can access audio information online. A section of society that is certainly not in the minority! In fact, worldwide, the accessible tourism market is estimated at 1.3bn people, 2.2bn if you count friends and family that go along on holiday too.

There are many dedicated travel operators that offer accessible holiday packages – more on that later on, and accessibility in general is improving in many countries, but there are still lots of obstacles when it comes to fuss-free travel, especially if organising a holiday on your own. So – what needs to be considered?

Staff Knowledge

Always assume that whoever you are talking to knows nothing about your impairment. Maybe it is not obvious, and even if the staff are aware, they still may not know what you need as an individual. Explain what you require at every opportunity and ask for confirmation of specific arrangements in writing so you can be sure that your request is on record.

Your Rights

In the UK, certain rights to access exist and there is legislation in place that says that reasonable access should be provided for people with accessibility issues and that no person should be refused travel due to accessibility issues unless it constitutes a danger to other passengers. The same cannot be said of other countries, so don’t presume access to public transport is a right – check first with the relevant travel authorities at your chosen destination.

Airplane in the Sky by Kitty Terwolbeck

Planes

You have certain rights in the UK under the Equality Act 2010 and also European Union law – airlines cannot refuse you travel (that includes airlines outside the UK travelling to destinations within the EU), but it is advisable to give plenty of notice to ensure that all arrangements are in place for easy access to your flight. If you need assistance at the airport, to check in bags or retrieve luggage from baggage for example, or if you will need help on board the plane, airline operators appreciate knowing this when you make the reservation, and certainly no later than 48 hours before departure.

Bournemouth Airport prides itself on being access friendly and has been hailed as a Disabled Friendly Airport by Reduced Mobility Rights for being virtually step free and providing disabled parking as close as possible to the terminal. You can find out more about their access-friendly policy on the Bournemouth Airport website.

Some questions that you might want to ask if you require a wheel chair include:

Can wheelchairs be brought on board? If not do special arrangements need to be made?

If you have an electric wheelchair – Are only dry cell batteries permitted on board?

If the airline provides you with a wheelchair – Can it be used to access the on-board toilet?

Are there steps or tunnels to negotiate? If so will someone be available to help me get to the boarding gate and on the plane?

Trains

All train operators in the UK are obliged to make sure that people with mobility issues have reasonable access to rail travel. Specifically, this means travellers can expect to:

Get on and off trains safely and without unreasonable difficulty and do so in a wheelchair if needed.
Travel in safety and reasonable comfort and do so while in a wheelchair if needed.

Eurostar has designated wheelchair areas for passengers, but for travel overseas it is wise to find out via the relevant tourist information board which stations are access-friendly.

Germany’s rail operator DB Bahn have a commitment to aiding barrier-free travel, you can find out more on the DB Bahn Barrier-free Travel page. Rail Europe have an informative Rail Guide for Disabled Travellers with specific information about stations and destination throughout Europe and facilities available on board. If a rail holiday is more you cup of tea, then tour operators Railbookers are a fantastic option.

Automobiles

Whether taking your own car, or an adapted car hired through a Motability scheme, there is no denying that it is easier to get around in an automobile when travelling abroad. Blue badge holders can continue to make use of parking concessions in Europe as they do in the UK, but should be aware that the rules will vary slightly on these rights from one country to another. There is a European Parking Card for People with Disabilities available from the Mobility and Inclusion Unit of the Department for Transport, which states your parking entitlements in the language of the country you are visiting. For more information visit www.dft.gov.uk

There will be adapted car hire available in the most popular destinations, for example if you are heading to the USA, check out Wheelchair Getaways for accessible vehicle rental.

Smooth Entry by SHUN [iamtekn]

Accommodation

There are a lot of things to consider when booking accommodation from whether there are ramps instead of steps, rooms with wider doorways or reception areas with induction loops. As everyone has unique requirements, it is a good idea to write down a list of essential things that any accommodation has to have for it to be accessible to you so you can ask about these at the time of booking. Some simple things to consider include:

Step free entry to hotel

Lift to all levels

Grab rails

Alarms

Level access showers

Raised toilets

Shower chairs

The Good Access Guide has a select list of access-friendly airport hotels throughout the UK. There are also a number of specialist hotel sites that list access-friendly hotels around the world, which include essential advice on accessibility, facilities and equipment available such as Disabled Access Holidays and Disabled Holidays 4 You.

Location

Once you have found an access-friendly hotel, you need to make sure it is in a suitable location. Is the local area relatively flat? Do the pavements nearby have a small drop? Are there amenities nearby? Where is the nearest bus stop, taxi rank or train station?

Knowing that the little things like these are not a problem can make life a lot easier when you get to your destination, and ultimately make your holiday a lot more enjoyable. Also, if you are not after a secluded holiday, and you’d like to meet new people, you’ll want to make sure your accommodation is close to visitor attractions, bars and restaurants.

Medicines and Customs

What many people with pre-existing medical conditions want to know when they travel is what happens if you have lots of medication that you have to take with you, or what if the medication contains a controlled drug. Here’s what you need to know:

All essential medicines have to be checked by security

Any medicines under 100 ml must be in their containers and in a clear bag
Medicines over 100 ml must be accompanied by supporting documentation from a relevant qualified medical professional
Medicines over 100 ml must also have prior approval from the airline

Accessing disabled toilets and specialist equipment

If you require access to disabled toilets in Europe you will need to send a copy of your disability passport or a letter from your doctor when ordering a European Disabled Toilet Key. These can be used for access-friendly toilets in many cities through Europe, and on the Autobahn in Germany. Contact CBF Darmstadt for more information.

If you will need to hire specialist equipment, you’ll find that many of the larger cities and popular destinations will have local mobility centres offering amongst many things scooters and wheelchairs, including beach wheelchairs. Some beachside locations also offer lifeguard assistance. Contact the local tourist information centre for a list of providers.

Insurance

People with pre-existing medical conditions, and older people who are considered a higher risk often find it difficult to get travel insurance.

This is because many travel insurance providers do not offer customers the opportunity to declare the conditions and pay to have the exclusion lifted. Cheaper policies in particular will have very restrictive cover for pre-existing conditions to keep the overall premiums low – but that can leave those with even very mild conditions underinsured.

On the other side of the coin, some providers specialise in cover for high-risk pre-existing conditions, but this can lead to a higher premium for all of their customers, including those with moderate or mild conditions.

WorldwideInsure.com’s policy however is different, because we have an in-house screening service, our customers can obtain a quotation and screen their medicals within one call; the in-house screening programme is flexible and responsive, able to adapt to introduce new conditions or response options. We don’t even need to see medical certificates of documents to be able to provide insurance.

This means that if we are able to cover a condition, we do not place additional restrictions or high excesses on the insured person. So a customer with medical conditions can enjoy the same freedom and standard excess on a policy as someone who has no pre-existing medical conditions.

Our travel insurance options for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions include:

Annual (with options covering 31, 45 or 62 days p/trip) for individuals, couples and families

Single Trip (1-94 days) for individuals and families

Longstay (2-18 months) for individuals only

Access-Friendly Destinations

Germany

The country is currently promoting “barrier-free” travel with access-friendly rail travel on DB Bahn. There is plenty of useful information for travellers to read to make sure that getting from A to B is easy. We suggest contacting Rail Europe to book tickets from London to Germany.

China

In Shanghai most of the popular sights are accessible to people with mobility issues. Also The China Guide offers customised itineraries, trip and excursions.

Costa Rica

Carara National Park has just opened a universal access trail in the rainforest, just one of the many places in the country that is fully accessible, and there are many more that have been adapted to be wheelchair friendly and designed with people of all abilities in mind. Features include signs in braille, audio stations, accessible toilets and sensory sculptures.

USA

If you like extreme sports, then Utah is the destination of choice – it is currently promoting itself as an accessible tourist destination, offering trips to the national parks to take part in skiing, rock climbing and white water rafting. Trail Link is a good place to start planning activities!

Canada

The infrastructure of the country is great for the visually impaired – it has an easy to navigate environment and the government appears to be a lot more aware of the obstacles those with impaired vision face when travelling. Planat is an excellent website that rates accessibility for a number of activities and attractions around the world, with the main focus on Canada.

Caribbean

To make the most of the sun and sand Virgin Holidays have a Special Assistance Service that guarantees fully accessible accommodation, adapted rooms and free use of beach wheelchairs.

Cruises

If taking to the seas on a five star floating hotel is your idea of a holiday, then Disabled Cruise Club not only offers holidays that meet all the accessibility criteria automatically, but they also have a fabulous guide that answers all the questions you may have about staying on a cruise ship.

For more information about barrier-free travel, access friendly holidays and general advice about heading overseas, you might find these resources useful:

https://www.tourismforall.org.uk

http://www.disabledholidays4u.com/

http://www.wheelchairtraveling.com/transportation/

Bon Voyage!

Posted in Travel Advice, Travel Insurance | Leave a comment

mTrip App Review – November’s AOTM!

Posted on November 22, 2013 by worldwideinsure

Travelling abroad can be scary stuff, whether you’re on your own or in a group of friends. The most important thing when you’re abroad is to make sure you’re organised — but we know that’s a lot easier said than done! Luckily, if you’re not the most switched on lamp in the shop, help is available!

You’ve got it, there’s an app out there that can be your personal sorter-outer, so you don’t have to worry – meet mTrip, November’s App of the Month!

What does mTrip do?

mTrip features a free home app for general management, and different travel guides for places all over the world, at a cost of £2.99 each.

The main aim of the app is to generate an itinerary for you, based on your travel interests, accommodation, personalised favourites, pace preference, opening hours and the ratings of other visitors.

As if all of that wasn’t amazing in itself, there’s even more on offer… check out some of the best features below:

100% offline – this app doesn’t rely on an internet connection to get your trip in tip-top shape
Attraction finder – whether you’re looking for museums, theatres, restaurant or shops, you’ll be able to find them quickly and easily right here
Augmented reality – experience your location in the easiest way, visualising the area and giving distance information, locating prices and finding opening hours

Additional Features

With all of this clever stuff going on, you’ll need somewhere to keep track of everything. That’s what the Dashboard is for! View your itineraries, favourite places and trip journals all in one easy to manage location. Going abroad never seemed so simple!

Plus, if organisation isn’t your strong point, postcards probably get lost along your list of things to do. Send them via email or Facebook right from your mTrip dashboard, with all the hassle of stamps and postage delays eliminated.

Reviews

This app has received quite the selection of write-ups from some pretty big names, and even won an award or two!

“Don’t travel without them” – iPhone Life

“Travellers with iPhones should add mTrip to their augmented reality specialty apps list” – New York Times

“These next-gen travel guides can take care of stress-inducing itinerary-planning in Asia, Europe and the U.S” – The Wall Street Journal

iPhone users on the other hand haven’t been quite so quick to add reviews, and the app currently remains unrated. Google Play is a mixed bag of very satisfied and rather unimpressed!

We still think that is well worth downloading this nifty little app so you can take the stress out of your trip, and use all that extra energy for having fun!

Bon voyage!

Posted in travel apps | Leave a comment

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