Worldwide Insure

Whether you’re heading on a road trip, or just picking up a hire car from the airport – you need to make sure that you know what you are looking for in a hire car, and be ready for the journey ahead. Here are our top tips for getting it right on a fly drive holiday.

Fly and Drive by Alfred Bina

1. Research car hire companies

Whether you are planning to pick up a car from the airport when you land or get a car from a local car hire company at your destination – it is wise to do your research first. You will obviously want to get the best price possible, but should also weigh up how much it will cost against the reputation of the company. Also, think about your journey, if you are flying out from another airport – can you leave the hire car at another branch?

2. Choose the right car

Make sure you choose a car that can comfortably accommodate the amount of people who are travelling, and any luggage that you are taking. If you are on a road trip and will be in the car all the time – think about your personal comfort. Having air con, heating, comfy seats, leg room in the back, a stereo and the like can make a huge difference to a long journey! Also consider the terrain you’ll be travelling through – does it call for a 4×4 or can you get away with a Cadillac?

3. Get car hire excess insurance

We have said quite a lot about this lately – without it you could face some hefty bills if anything goes wrong (even if it isn’t your fault!). See what Norbert has to say about it in our recent Car Hire TV Ad.

4. Plan your journey

Before you leave, map out your route. If on a road trip, break the journey into manageable chunks and book accommodation in advance. You can read more about planning a road trip in one of our earlier blogs, Planning a Road Trip. if you are not going on a road trip – are you departing from the same place that you arrived? Not all car hire companies have places where you can drop off a hire car – many may require you take them back to where you picked up.

5. Research the Highway Code for your destination

To void any nasty accidents, brush up on the highway code of the country you are visiting. It isn’t all just about what side of the road you drive on; rights of way, correct usage of lights, approaching roundabouts and pedestrian rights crossing roads can vary from country to country. Learning a few new words for road signs is also beneficial!

6. Pack your ID

Obvious, but easy to forget – take both parts of your driving license and any other documents the car hire company has said you must have to be able to drive away one of their cars!

7. Get some sleep

Plan your rest on the flight, especially if it is long haul. There’s nothing quite as dangerous as driving an unfamiliar car in an unfamiliar country after no sleep. If you are unsure about how you feel, book accommodation nearby so you can get some rest as soon as you arrive!

8. Don’t be sweet talked into an upgrade

When you pick up your hire car, the chances are the sales person will try and get you to fork out a bit extra for an upgrade. If you have done your research right at the start, you will be sure that you have the right car. Don’t go for a bigger gas guzzler if you don’t need to, or try to squeeze yourself into a sporty number just because it seems like a good idea at the time!

9. Check the vehicle

If a car hire company thinks that any damage has been done to the car while in your care, they will bill you for repairs. Therefore it is essential to make sure that every dent, scratch, scuff or scrape has been logged before driving off – inside and out.

10. Understand the controls

You may be eager to get on your way, but take some time to get to know your car before setting off. Knowing where headlights, hazards and horn are before driving will save you faffing, and possibly having an accident whilst looking for them when driving. Many new cars have a button ignition that requires clutch control to activate, and new fangled handbrakes (sans handle!) that take time to master. Finding your way around a modern motor should be done at the car hire centre, so at least you can ask for assistance if needed.

In our recent travel guide, we shared our travel tips on visiting the town of Kuşadası in Turkey – and we featured the ancient ruins of Ephesus as a must-see place for visitors, just a short drive away.

To share the joys of this not so hidden gem more, check out this great video clip which is a veritable drive-thru history tour of the site. Plus we have included some great Ephesus facts for you to read below!

Ephesus Facts!

• Ephesus was the second largest city of the Roman Empire and home to quarter of a million people

• The Virgin Mary lived in a small cottage near Ephesus

• The columns of Artemis stood an impressive 30 meters high

• Ephesus is the best preserved classical city of the Eastern Mediterranean

• The library housed between 12,000-15,000 scrolls

• The city contained a theatre, Odeon, state agora, public toilets, a brothel and monuments to the emperors

Kuşadası Town on the west coast of Turkey boasts stunning coastal views, a vibrant nightlife and access to some of the best ‘Genuine Fakes’ in the bustling shopping area of the town. Here is everything you need to know to make a stay here a trip of a lifetime!

Turkish Moon by Anthony Freeman

Getting There

To reach Kuşadası, you’ll need to fly into Izmir and take a taxi transfer to the town. This is only about 45 minutes to an hour and costs between 120TL (Turkish Lira), which is about £35, and 200TL.

Travellers from the UK will require a Visa to enter the country. These are no longer available upon entry – instead Turkish Authorities require that travellers purchase a visa online beforehand from www.evisa.gov.tr/en/tour – expect to pay around £12 depending on exchange rates (they charge in USD) and don’t forget to print it off and take it with you!

Things to Do

Sightseeing – Nearby Ephesus is a cultural and historical delight – an ancient city with a diverse history that stretches back over thousands of years. Here you will find the remains of ancient Greek and more recent Roman architecture including the amazing marble street, the Temple of Artemis, Library of Celsus and of course the very impressive amphitheatre.

As one of the largest cities in the Mediterranean during the Roman period, there is an awesome sense of scale still present at this attraction.  Ephesus is just a 15 minute drive from Kuşadası, taxis from the town will take you to the entrance and meet you at the other end of the site 2 hours later. Take plenty of water and a hat at is a long, hot tour from end to end.

Library of Celsus by Anthony Freeman

Eating and Drinking – As quite a tourist haven, wherever you go you in Kuşadası  you will find a huge variety of food available from all over the world, but it is a crying shame not to make the most of local dishes, which should be served in your hotel as well as nearby eateries. This is primarily a selection of meze dishes and bread followed by fish served with a Mediterranean salad.

Choose your fish when you choose your meze selection, and the fish will be brought out once you have finished tucking into your dips and small fish and vegetable dishes. Delicious!

Kuşadası Sea Views from Palm Hotel by Anthony Freeman

Shopping – The market streets of Kuşadası are a technicolour delight, selling all things Turkish from colourful lamps, bowls and trinkets to what is quite possibly the most astounding selection of Genuine Fake products in the world. Whether Gucci, Prada, Ugg or Hugo Boss is your cup of tea, you’ll find it here VERY very cheap!

The shopkeepers and assistants here are incredibly friendly and will always offer to ‘make you a very good price’ – so get your haggling boots on and bag a bargain!

Cautionary Notes

Traffic – It is hectic! Avoid crossing anywhere near a junction, and step out carefully even on the pedestrian crossings which are flanked by parked cars. Bear in mind – the traffic does not stop here for pedestrians, but they are a little more aware that someone may be stepping out.

Travel insurance – Keep your insurance documents with you to ensure that should anything happen, you will receive the right treatment from the right doctor to satisfy insurance terms and conditions. If you access medical treatment without the hospital seeing your insurance first, you may find that treatment received is from a contracted private doctor. Although the hospital room and equipment used may well probably be covered automatically, you could find that payment will be expected to cover the doctor’s fees before you are released from hospital. This can run into tens of thousands of pounds. For more advice, get in touch with our travel insurance experts.

Souvenirs – The Turkish authorities are keen to keep their antiquities in their country. Anyone found to be taking home a souvenir rock from Ephesus, a coin, fossil or other such memorabilia could face imprisonment.

Stray cats and dogs – There are stray cats, kittens, dogs and puppies a plenty in Kuşadası, all of which appear very cute and quite docile. Expect them to come sniffing round for food, feel free to feed them, but be warned that in the colder months when less tourists are about they are less friendly because they are hungry.

Cats at Ephesus by Anthony Freeman

Hong Kong is a popular destination for travellers of all ages, from backpackers to visitors who want to enjoy the very best luxuries that it has to offer.  Before you travel, there are some important facts and advice you should know, which will help to smooth your path and ensure your trip is both safe and enjoyable.

Junk, Hong Kong by Dan Neveill

Entry

Hong Kong retains its own immigration controls, despite being part of The People’s Republic of China.  When you are entering Hong Kong with a UK passport, from an international flight or cruise, there is no requirement to get a visa before you enter.  Visitors can stay for up to six months, as long as their passport is valid for this time.  If you choose to exit Hong Kong into mainland China, you need to arrange a visa for China before you arrive at the border.

Health

When planning a trip to Hong Kong, or indeed any other long haul destination, all travellers should consult their doctor at least 6 months prior to leaving, to ensure there is adequate time for all vaccinations to be carried out, should you not already have them.  Your doctor can recommend which injections are advisable for your particular trip, and provide prescriptions for any medications, which you may need to take with you.  Ensure you have a basic first aid kit in your bag, along with insect repellent and sun cream.  Depending on the time of year, temperatures in Hong Kong can exceed 30 degrees with high humidity, so ensure you stay hydrated, drinking plenty of bottled water.

Hong Kong by Mitch Altman

Etiquette

As a fairly Westernised society, Hong Kong is easy for the traveler to adapt too, as there are no problems with causing major offence.  The residents of Hong Kong embrace a multicultural society and are accepting of Westerners.  Most women in Hong Kong, although keen on fashion, do tend to dress fairly modestly, so do keep this in mind and refrain from wearing anything too revealing.

Money

The currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar, there are ATM’s widely available, along with places to change money, but do check the amount of commission that will be charged before committing to these services.

Tipping is not essential, just rounding up the bill in restaurants, or giving an extra dollar or two to taxi drivers is enough to ensure you do not cause any offence.

Safety

For the first time traveler to Asia, Hong Kong is an excellent place to start, there is little violent crime, and as a generally stable society with many western influences, it is a generally safe place to travel, whether you are alone or in a group.  Petty theft can be an issue, as with any destination, so common sense should be exercised.  Do not wear expensive watches or jewellery, which could tempt thieves, and keep your cash and valuables secure.

Hong Kong Skyline by Sanfa Media

For more advice, take a look at FCO travel advice for the latest, up to date information.