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Travel InsurancePlanning Your Holiday
The first step to planning the perfect holiday is deciding what type of break you would like. Tranquillity? Excitement? Cocktails on the beach or wildlife safari in a Jeep? Would you like to experience local history and culture or take the clubs by storm with your friends? At this stage don't let money scare you away – this is your chance for a perfect holiday, and with careful planning and research you'd be surprised how easily your goals can be accomplished.
Next choose your destination. Remember you may not have to leave the UK to find your ideal location. At this stage you should bear in mind travel times to and from your destination, whether by air, rail, road or sea. Weather is another important factor; useful weather forecasts around the world can be found at Weather2Travel. Browse the web for cities and towns in your chosen country to find somewhere most suitable for you. Travelistic and WikiTravel offer excellent videos and guides for popular destinations.
Now comes the careful decision of how to get there and where to stay. It is worth shopping around for the best deals – don't necessarily go with the first deal you find. It pays to read reviews of the accommodation, resort, as well as the travel company. Make sure any companies you deal with are accredited by travel associations.
Travel insurance at this point is essential. Most insurance policies will cover you for delays and cancellations, however you must be covered before you book your holiday. Read the small print of your travel insurance policy carefully to understand what you're covered for and what you are entitled to claim.
If possible make all payments by credit card. This will give you extra buyer protection that isn't available with cash, cheque or debit cards and often offer extra insurance against fraud.
Remember the internet is your best friend. Thousands of bloggers write reviews, rants and guides everyday and there's bound to be useful information waiting to be researched. Online brochures for popular travel destinations, hotels and resorts are also very useful. And not forgetting comparison sites like CompareNow to find good deals!
Finally, before you travel make sure your paperwork is in order. Ensure your passport has a good 6 to 12 months before expiry. Talk to your GP about medical requirements and vaccinations. Read up on government advice about the destination.
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