Travel Insurance: Is Your Family Covered?

October 21, 2013 by Leave a Comment

When you’re booking a family holiday, one thing that will probably be on your to-do list is family travel insurance. After all, getting your little charges to the hotel and keeping them entertained for a week or two is only half of the story. You will also want to make sure they are safe, and that you as a family are suitably protected should the worst happen.

Happily, there are plenty of family travel insurance suppliers out there who offer suitable policies that won’t break the bank. Let’s look at Thomas Cook Extras, for instance. Their family travel insurance policies allow you to put the whole family on one policy, and choose from three different levels of cover to ensure you book the policy that suits your needs, as well as your budget. The policy can also be booked on a single or an annual basis, so you can either arrange one-off cover for a single trip or get your family covered for the whole year.
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SafariHub – a New Way To Travel to East Africa

September 29, 2013 by 5 Comments

Have you heard of Safarihub, an exciting new London-based online travel agency that specialises in the East African region?  My guess is that you have not- but if you love to travel, it’s one you should know about.

This exciting new company will offer clients an unusual range of activities including tailor made family safaris, breathtaking honeymoons, diving, mountain climbing, and beach getaways which can be perfectly tailored for couples, and solo travelers.  To hear more about (and whet your appetite) to visit Tanzania, home to three of the seven natural wonders of the world and the largest natural game park, read on.

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Meet Dilip Navapurkar, owner of SafariHub.  Let’s talk travel!  Can you tell me a bit about why you decided to start this touring company?

Dilip Navapurkar- Being born and brought up in Tanzania I came to value and appreciate the touristic features this country had to offer and had always wanted to be involved in the Safari industry. It was discouraging to see neighboring countries receiving a lot more tourists and publicity although they had less than a fifth of what Tanzania had. By studying in the UK and having have lived here for many years, I was able to look at Tanzania from the perspective of a tourist and by having the knowledge of both, I was able to establish an online system that would assist in bringing  Tanzania to the forefront of the Safari industry. Having have met my fellow business partners with similar enthusiasm, we decided to make this a reality, and we are hoping that Safarihub will be one of the leading safari operators in Tanzania by 2015.

Samantha- How is this company different from other safari operators?

DN- Safarihub currently has the largest online database of safaris, hotels and lodges in Tanzania. What makes Safarihub unique is it’s main feature as a one stop shop for all enthusiasts wishing to visit Tanzania. We have included all of the popular activities under one roof from booking a safari and scuba diving excursion in Zanzibar to hot air ballooning over the Serengeti. We have agreements with the leading ground handlers in the country with the best safari vehicles and our prices are still the most competitive on the market.

S- That sounds like an easy booking experience.  You are working with other directors- how did you come to work together?

DN- This was by sheer coincidence. During a conversation regarding  a separate business deal, I mentioned the touristic marvels Tanzania had to offer and how poorly the country has been marketed. They spotted an opportunity in the Safari business. After a 10 day trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar, they were hooked on the idea and the vast potential for tourists- upon return to London a business partnership was established.
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Kia- An Awesome Way to Drive

September 28, 2013 by 5 Comments

save money on rental cars

Recently, I had the extreme pleasure of driving the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. This was my first time driving a hybrid and I have to admit I am impressed. Kia is a relative new comer to the American Auto market, selling their first vehicle the Sephia in 1994. Kia began in South Korea in 1944 as a steel tube and bicycle part manufacturer. Since then there have been many milesontes in the Kia brand, most importantly for use the American auto market was when they first got inot the Americna market in 1994. Kia has since then started plants in the US and has sold more then 4 million vehicles to date.

hybrid cars

The Kia Optima Hybrid is a very interesting vehicle. This car is a hybrid which means it runs on gasoline and electric. In doing this breaking, coasting etc help ‘fuel’ the batteries which in turn help use less gas. This leads to a much better fuel economy when compared to other vehicles. The Optima Hybrid has a highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, while a comparable none hybrid model gets about 34. This may not seem like that much of a difference but in actuality it is quite huge. Take a look at wonderful chart comparing vehicles to the Optima Hybrid.
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Avoid Being Scammed Anywhere in the World

September 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment

As I’m sure you’re aware, it’s quite easy to get scammed while traveling. Some malcontents prey on tourists because of their inherent vulnerability. Whether you’re inside your home country or visiting another, scams can happen at any time in any area.

travel carefully

But there are ways to avoid being scammed. In this article, we will examine how to do so…

Traveling Inside Your Own Country

When you’re traveling domestically, you tend to think that everything is going to be alright. But this is not always the case, as crime really can happen anywhere.

~Keep wallets in your front pocket and purses near you.

~Watch out for sudden bursts of commotion. This is caused by scam artists at times, who may use a public spectacle to distract people. If you leave a purse across a table or on the ground, it can easily be stolen.

~Always put things like souvenirs in the trunk of a car, rather than the backseat. While a trunk can still be broken into, it’s a far tougher task than a passenger side door. A window versus metal, you do the math. 

~Research the place you’re going, so you know what locations are safe as well as what places to avoid.

Caribbean Cruise Line scams are also quite popular among thieves these days. You might think you’re getting a free trip, or a discounted one, when in reality you are being scammed out of your hard-earned money. Some scammers even use big name cruiselines to make you think you’re getting a great deal, when in reality you’re paying for a converted ferry ride.
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Travel Insurance – Take It, or Leave It?

September 21, 2013 by 1 Comment

Most people buy their travel insurance as soon as they’ve booked their flights / hotel / holiday, as they will usually be covered for cancellations, but there are some people who prefer to leave buying their insurance until the last minute so they can get the cheapest possible premium.  What do you think is best, and why bother with Travel Insurance at all?  Let’s chat with Beth Macer, Travel Insurance Expert.

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Samantha- What made you become so interested in travel insurance?

Beth Macer- I’ve always been interested in travel, different countries and cultures and I spent a gap year traveling and working abroad. The type of cover offered by Payingtoomuch.com is specifically designed to cover those people in the UK with pre-existing medical conditions and I have always been interested in the medical side of things, having previously worked for a medical supply company, so when I had a chance to put the two together, it seemed like the perfect job opportunity to interest me.

S- What is the most common reason people need travel insurance?

B- Travel insurance is designed to protect you against a variety of eventualities, such as loss / theft of personal possessions, holiday cancellation and public liability costs amongst other things, however the most common reason people need insurance is for medical expenses and repatriation. A travel insurance policy is most commonly designed to cover the cost of emergency medical treatment abroad in the event of something unexpected occurring – something which can be very costly!

S- Is travel insurance like homeowners insurance, where they pay only a fraction of what it will actually cost to replace/cancel, or does it fully cover losses and accidents?

B- All travel insurers have different cover levels / policy limits for each section of cover, for example a standard UK insurer will cover £2000 baggage / personal possessions and £5000 cancellation / curtailment. The level of cover is designed to pay you back fully, for any losses or cancellation costs (that are irrecoverable elsewhere), provided that the value you have paid for you holiday etc. is within the limits set by the insurer. With travel insurance there are different levels of cover available, so it is important to make sure you purchase a policy with enough cover to protect your needs.

S- Are there different types of insurance? If so, what do you recommend purchasing?

B-There are different policies available, depending on what it is exactly that you want to insure. Some policies will only cover emergency medical expenses, with no baggage or cancellation cover, which is great for people traveling last minute to a family holiday home, as they are then not paying for something they may not need.  However this type of policy may not be suitable for people taking a 3 week cruise or all inclusive holiday packages which have been booked in advance – in this instance they may need cancellation cover in case they can’t travel, or a policy to cover travel delays if they miss a flight.
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Mauritius Vacation: Scenic Destination And Astonishing Views

September 10, 2013 by 1 Comment

cheap flights to Mauritius

The Indian Ocean has few holiday destinations that can compare to the island of Mauritius. Formerly a French colony, after being discovered by Portuguese and Dutch navigators, the island has been an independent republic since 1968. In 2012, Mauritius was awarded the “World Leading island Destination” for no less than the third time at the World Travel Awards. At also received an award for the globe’s best beach. So, as a holiday destination it really is hard to beat.

Travel

Most tourists to the island will arrive via the SSR International Airport which serves the capital, Port Louis. In general, flights to Mauritius are plenty and can be easily availed on a regular basis. This is most true with regards to cheap flights to Mauritius and other affordable travel packages. Nevertheless, the island markets itself as a luxury destination. And it is easy to see why, given the quality of accommodation the island has to offer. Despite this, affordable travel to Mauritius, as well as reasonably priced accommodation, is certainly possible to find.
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Arrows Restaurant in Ogunquit, Maine

September 4, 2013 by 5 Comments

Arrows Restaurant in Ogunquit, Maine is an amazing farm to table dining experience.  They are positioned on almost an acre of land, with a restored 18th century farmhouse and garden.  The farmhouse has a large dining area perfect for an event or just a luxurious meal with friends or family.  Their beautiful garden produces the majority of vegetables they use for each delectable dish.  It provides at least 15 varieties of lettuce each year, along with a wide variety of root vegetables, tomatoes, and berries.  These can all vary depending on season or the whims of the growers.  They utilize their very own greenhouse and cold frames to ensure you are provided with the freshest ingredients through out the year.  Arrows also cures their own meats and makes their own cheeses.  The founding chefs pioneered sustainable dining when they opened this restaurant.

Maine Arrows

The fine dining experience at Arrows is incredible.  You can start off with delicious small tapas from the cart, such as home pickled vegetables, deviled eggs with truffle, smoked salmon and toast, and eggplant with sesame chips.  Next you can choose one of their wonderful appetizers.  Among these are a crispy tempura Maine cod sandwich, a lobster gratin with creamed endive, gruyere cheese and toasted walnuts, as well as a mascarpone tortellini with meatballs, preserved lemon sauce and lava beans.  On the lighter side, there is always a salad available made with the fresh hand picked produce from the garden.  Help yourself to a warm radicchio and dandelion green salad with house cured bacon, fire roasted peaches and candied hazelnuts.  Also available is my favorite, the bitter sweet salad, fresh crisp endive, over a thin layer of sliced melon for just the right amount of cool sweetness, and crispy prosciutto to add that bit of salty flavor as well, deliciously balanced.
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Widow Walk – New Book

August 31, 2013 by Leave a Comment

widow walk

I recently finished reading this new book by Gerard Lasalle, Widow Walk.  Once I began reading it, I finished it quickly.  It was a good read, had a good flow, likeable characters, and an interesting plot.

Here’s a brief overview: Pioneer Isaac Evers, based on the historical figure Colonel Isaac Ebey, and his wife Emmy, settled on Whidbey Island and established a prosperous, small colony there. Their life was fairly quiet until a bloody attack on northern indigenous tribe members set a group of natives off on a path to revenge. When their path crosses the Evers’ homestead, chaos ensues. Emmy must use every resource and muster every thread of courage she has to protect and piece back together what matters most – her family.
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