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It is probably wise to note that not all hostels offer basic facilities, there are in fact plenty of luxury options out there, but hostelling as many know it involves a certain amount of ‘roughing it’. Also, many hostels have private rooms available for couples, families and older travellers. It is not just the young that stay in hostels, the young at heart too! You will meet all sorts of people from 18 to 80 enjoying the freedom of travelling and the friendly atmosphere that is synonymous with hostelling.

Backpackers by Garry Knight

Top or Bottom Bunk?

Some will tell you the bottom bunk is best because it is easier to get to, especially after a few beers, and there is less chance of waking up your bunk-mate. Others say that you will get a better night’s sleep in a top bunk, precisely because everyone chooses the bottom one – the mattresses tend to be in better shape!

Pack a sleep sheet

To avoid paying extra for hostel sheets, make sure you pack your own. A sleep sheet can be as simple as a double sheet sewn up to make a sack to sleep in. The added bonus is that you know it is yours… and know how clean it is!

Don’t forget your toiletries!

Hostels are not hotels, and rarely have luxuries such as towels and soap. Make sure you have yours packed before you go. If you are trying to keep luggage light, a sarong doubles as a handy drying cloth, great in hot countries because it will dry fast!

Earplugs are essential

When sleeping in a room full of people the chances are that at least one person will have a tendency to snore. Get yourself some ear plugs to help getter a better night’s sleep.

Pack an eyemask

Curtains may be thin and if you are partying the night away, you’ll want to block out as much light as possible for some good sleep. Alternatively, take a t-shirt or sarong and make a blindfold to keep out the light!

Shed some light on your situation

Pack a torch so you can find your way around your dorm without waking the rest of the guests up!

Keep your stuff safe

Generally speaking, backpackers and seasoned hostel travellers are a trustworthy bunch, but it is still best to err on the side of caution and keep essential documents safe. If the hostel has a safe, use it. If it doesn’t at least keep your passport with you at all times.

Make friends

Crack open a bottle of wine or hand around some biscuits – sharing something delicious is an automatic conversation starter, and will help you get to know other people staying at the hostel. Remember, the atmosphere at a hostel is friendly, and everyone is ready to make new friends and have new experiences – There is no need to be shy!

After trawling the internet for interesting Paris travel guides, it became evident that the majority of vlogs offered little more than the usual shots of the Eiffel Tower or highlighted the less romantic side of being a tourist Paris. So we have decided to bring you a gorgeous looking video featuring European éS rider John Tanner when he spent a week in Paris with his friend Henry Edwards-Wood.
Beautifully filmed and set to Mari Persen’s Melody, this is an idyllic way to see the streets of Paris, albeit from a skater’s point of view, which means less time watching well known landmarks, and more time taking in the romantic aesthetic this city is known for.

Paris is known as one of the most romantic cities on earth, and this Valentine’s Day visitors to Paris have a chance to show their love for each other by sending a message of love to be shown on one of 170 display panels around the city. Whilst this public display of romance may not be the epitome of declaring true love, it is one more feather in this beautiful city’s romantic bow.

Getting There

By Air – Flying to Paris is fast from just about any airport in the UK, with travel time from 1 to 1.5 hours. Expect a travel time of around half an hour to get from the airport to the city, and of course the usual waiting time you’d expect with air travel.

By Rail – Eurostar is a popular way to get to Paris as it works out relatively cost effective and is quite quick at just 2.25 hours. The added bonus is that the Eurostar delivers you directly to Paris, saving additional journey time the other end.

By Sea – Sail across the English Channel and raise a glass as you leave the White Cliffs of Dover behind. Travelling to Paris by ferry is a relaxing way to start a romantic break, but the total travel time could be around 9 hours (from London) once factoring in train travel either end.

Three Romantic Places to Stay in Paris

Once in a lifetime – The Hotel Particulier Montmartre has five luxurious suites available to book for couples who have enough money to experience what could be the most exclusive hidden gem of a hotel in Paris. Each room has been personalised by an avant-garde artist and there is a private garden that offers a secluded spot to woo your loved one.

Special Treat – Terrass Hotel has rooms that offer the best views across Paris, perfect for taking in the stunning night time scenery. There is even one suite that has views of the Eiffel Tower from the bath tub, just in case you fancied a romantic bubble bath for two!

Boudoir on a budget – Hotel Amour lives up to its name with each of its 20 rooms themed around love and eroticism. These have been tastefully designed by well known designers, and a couple of the rooms also boast their own terrace with private bar. There is a beautiful garden to wine and dine in for other guests at the hotel.

Three Romantic Things to Do in Paris

What could be more romantic than ice skating in front of the beautiful Paris City Hall? This free attraction is open to the public until mid-march, so there is still plenty of time to get your skates on and glide arm in arm with your loved one!

A trip up the Eiffel Tower at night – the perfect place to propose? The views from the Eiffel Tower are stunning any time of day, but by night an added element of romance is definitely in the air. If heights aren’t for you, opt for a wander through the Trocadero Gardens, which just happens to be the Parisian version of Lover’s Lane, that leads to the base of the tower.

Romantic dinner cruise for two down the Seine – fancy a romantic tour for two? There are plenty of romantic tours for two available in Paris, but a champagne dinner on a trip down the River Seine is an unforgettable way to say ‘I love you’.

There is of course so much more for two to do in Paris, and we think you will find it just as romantic all year round!

As a follow up to our getaway guide to Tenerife, we thought it only fitting to share a post about one of the best ways to see the sights on this beautiful island – hurtling down the Arona Trail on a mountain bike!

Tenerife has some pretty impressive stats. The highest point, Mount Teide which stands at 3,718 m above sea level is in fact the 3^rd largest volcano in the world. The island is also small, measuring just 90 km north to south and 130 km across. This means coming down the mountain is a very steep journey indeed – but the views are impressive.

Check out this great clip of James Shirley, courtesy of The Dudes of Hazzard to see for yourself!

Tenerife is a popular destination for UK holidaymakers seeking sunshine and warmth during the long, grey and cold British winter. Although part of the Spanish Canary Islands, Tenerife is in fact favourably located just off the west coast of Africa – where the weather is fine all year round!

Weather
Temperatures are warm during our winter and you will be comfortable enough wandering around in a swimming costume even in early January! However, if you do feel like you are missing a good old fashioned mid-winter cold snap, you can always take to the hills. The Island is a volcanic wonder, and heading up to mount Teidi will guarantee you see some snow and give you the opportunity to snuggle up in some winter woollies.

El Teide Tenerife

Nightlife and Culture
Tenerife is well known for a party atmosphere, especially in the resort of Playa de las Americas. Here you will find as many as 60 bars and clubs along just one road alone. The resort is packed with apartments and has everything a homesick Brit could want from a bog standard fry-up to an imported local paper. Other areas on the island are much more subdued, and some would say attract an older crowd, although the ex-pat presence is still strong. Moving away from the coast and further inland you are more likely to get a taste of traditional Tenerife.

Tenerife by ant_43

Food
Spanish tortilla, fresh almonds, figs and paella are firmly on the menu in the less touristy areas of the island; and the ‘village wine’ will flow like water in most establishments! However, there is plenty to eat and drink that will remind you of home, no matter what nationality you are. In particular the island caters for German, Italian and English clientele.

Things to do
There are plenty of excursions that are offered to tourists including trips up Mount Teidi, complete with cable car ride right to the top of the volcano, a submarine safari in a glass bottomed submarine, sea fishing and dolphin spotting trips and even a jeep safari across the lunaresque landscape for those who like a rush of adrenaline to help spice things up!

Visa and Passports
British Citizens do not need a visa to enter Spanish territory and no extra validity is required on your passport beyond the dates you wish to be there. However, if you want to stay for longer than 3 months you must register yourself as a resident at the Office for Foreigners (Oficina de Extranjeros), normally part of the Town Hall.

Flower Beds by the Beach by Mate Marschalko

Safety
You may remember our post about balcony falls abroad, well ‘Balconing’ as it is known is a serious issue in these parts, often due to the frivolities that follow the consumption of large amounts of alcoholic beverages. The Foreign and Commonwealth office even refer to it on their visitor safety information:

“There have been a number of very serious accidents (some fatal) as a result of falls from balconies. A number of these incidents have been caused by British nationals being under the influence of drink or drugs. Most of these accidents should have been avoidable.”

They also point out that travel insurance companies rarely provide cover for incidents that result in injury after consuming alcohol or controlled substances. Visitors may also want to note that medical evacuation is not covered by the reciprocal health arrangements between Spain and the UK, or by the European Health Insurance Card – so you might want to make sure that your travel insurance for a holiday in Tenerife has this covered for you!

The action doesn’t really start until about the 2.5 minute mark, but what a way to see the spectacular sights of cities around the world when they are lit up in a fantastic display of pyrotechnic wonder! These clips from New Year celebrations in 2012 might be enough to make you book a last minute ticket to witness the celebrations yourself.

Wherever in the world you are when the clock strikes midnight – we wish a very happy New Year and an adventure filled 2013 from all of us at Worldwide Insure!

Travelling at this time of year, no matter how near or far away your destination, comes with its own special set of problems. As bad weather threatens to put a spanner in your travel plans while emotions of the season run high – here is our guide to surviving travelling over Christmas.

Snowy Train Station by Jeff Kramer

Check train timetables. There is an incredibly limited rail service in the UK on Christmas Day and Boxing Day – check out the seasonal rail disruptions before you make plans to be somewhere!
A please and thank you goes a long way

Remember to say please and thank you and smile. Overworked staff at airports, hotels and restaurants have to deal with many demanding customers and larger groups of people than usual. By making sure you pay attention to being polite, you will undoubtedly get a better service, plus it is a nice thing to do.

Deincing the Plane by James Lee

Acknowledge cultural differences. Not everyone ‘does Christmas’. For some people, Christmas is not an event to be celebrated – bear this in mind, especially when travelling to destinations that do not recognise the holiday the way we Brits do.

Patience is a necessary virtue. Delays and overcrowding by any mode of transport are likely during the winter holiday season. By expecting long queues on the motorway or for there to be no seats on a train, you will be in a better frame of mind should you encounter delays.

Driving in Snow by Rithanne Reid

Be Prepared. Take a book, take a blanket, pack a lunch and pop a flask of hot tea in your bag. Simple comforts can keep you going (and warm) if you get stuck on your journey. You might also want to follow some basic travel advice such as:
• Make sure your phone has plenty of battery
• Have all important phone numbers (including local emergency ones) to hand
• Tell people where you are meant to be and when you are meant to be there

Also – make sure you have the right travel insurance for your journey!

Get App Happy. We have reviewed some great apps over the last few months – having these stored on your smartphone might make your journey that little bit easier!
Currency Converter
Jetlag App
Travel Maps
Weather Forecast
Hotel, Flight and Car Rental Deals
Travel Organizer