Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 69)
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How to Make Sure You’re Protected during Your Travels
Planning a trip is consuming and exciting. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush and forget to add a few important items to your checklist. When making plans for travel, many people forget to search for travel insurance. Often people are quick to assume that their main insurance provider will cover any unexpected costs, or that they don’t have to worry about incurring additional expenditures. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case, especially when medical conditions are added to the mix.
Why Wouldn’t My Insurance Cover My Medical Bills When I Travel?
Healthcare delivery systems vary by country, and your insurance may not cover the cost of treatment at a private hospital. Private hospitals operate outside the public sphere, and as a result they don’t have fixed rate prices for medical procedures and tests. Since they can charge as much as they’d like for different procedures, the cost to have a procedure done can add up quickly – especially when you factor in the fees physicians charge for their services, and any lab work that must be done to assess your condition.
If you’re travelling in the United States, the cost of an unexpected medical emergency can produce a bill that could take months, years, or even decades to repay. Due to the incredibly competitive market and its heavy reliance on privatised healthcare systems, the costs of healthcare in the United States are some of the highest in the world. It is not uncommon for United States citizens with serious medical conditions to be forced to file bankruptcy because of their inability to pay the bills.
How Do I Protect Myself When I Travel?
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it is important to shop for medical travel insurance before embarking on your journey. Even if you don’t, it is best to have some sort of cover, especially if you are planning to visit a country that relies heavily on privatised healthcare (such as the United States, Canada, Spain, and Greece). Don’t rely on being able to find a public hospital. Even in countries where the healthcare delivery systems are split, some procedures may be urgent enough to require you to seek treatment at a privatised hospital, and you’ll be left to pay the bill on your own.
What Is the Best Way to Find Medical Travel Insurance?
Shopping for medical travel insurance can prove to be an exhausting task, but you don’t have to do all the footwork yourself. Using services like Medical Travel Compared will save you a lot of time and money! Simply give them the relevant information needed to search for a policy, and they’ll provide you with a list of plans that you can choose from. You’ll be able to compare and contrast the different benefits that each plan offers and decide which policy will work best for you.
When you go on holiday, you want to make sure that you won’t have to worry about any unexpected events. Purchasing travel insurance will give you an added sense of comfort, knowing that when you embark on your adventure, you will be in good hands.
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Tips For Moving Pets Overseas
What are you going to do with your beloved furry friend when it comes to moving overseas? Well, with enough preparation and planning it is possible to take them with you on your new adventure.
Don’t miss out on your chance to move abroad for work, love or adventure because you dare not part ways with your most sentimental procession: your beloved family pet.
However, taking your pet to another country with you can be a complex and time-consuming process. It’s important to know what you are getting yourself into so, below are some helpful tips to help you out with the process and make it as smooth as possible for you and your pet.
Research
Before you do anything make sure to do careful and in-depth research. Research what paperwork needs to be done, what are the countries laws regarding bringing in animals, the cost involved and the transport methods available to you (depending where you are moving to).
Moving animals between the UK and EU often requires your pet to have a rabies vaccine and to have an ISO standard micro chip while moving.
Pet Passport
You will also need to get them their own pet passport if you are leaving the country. You can get this from the Animal Health and Vets Agency, along with other necessary paperwork required for travel.
Transportation
Once you have gotten all the required documentation and your pet has received all the relevant vaccines. It’s time to think about transport and how you can prepare your pet for the big move.
First of all, you will need a suitable carrier for transporting pets in, for example, a cat box. Preferably something familiar to your pet so they won’t get extra nervous on the day of the move.
If you can’t transport your pet yourself then you need to book a suitable and licensed pet transporter to the job for you. You can use websites like Shiply to get free quotes from pet carriers.
Moving Day
On the day of the move, it’s important to make sure your pet is as comfortable as possible. Wash them and feed them before the transporter arrives. Prepare food and water for the journey if it is going to be a long one.
Make sure they have chew toys or something comforting for the journey to help settle them.
A new life
Moving to a new country requires a lot of adjusting and this goes for your pets too. Experts propose that for the first 2 weeks you keep your pets indoors to help them get familiar with their new home.
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5 Alternative Holidays You Need to Try
A few decades ago, travel was only for those who could afford it, but everything has changed thanks to low-cost airlines, budget travel packages and best of all, alternative holiday options. These days a trip away doesn’t necessarily mean expensive hotel rooms and fun in the sun – there are now so many opportunities for people who are seeking unique experiences and genuine happiness. And if you’re one those people, these 5 alternative holidays should be at the top of your bucket list!
Health Retreats
If you’re feeling like you need a huge boost in your self-improvement journey, a health retreat is just the ticket. There are so many different options out there that offer personalised programs for a wide range of different needs, so make sure you pick one that suits your personal goals. Maybe you’re looking to lose weight? Choose a health retreat that targets your diet, physical and mental health while equipping you with the tools to be your best self. And it doesn’t hurt when you can achieve all this in a spectacular location – check out health retreats such as Chi of Life in Queensland, Australia for stunning scenery and exceptional programs.
Working Holidays
Have you heard of those people who work while holidaying overseas, and imagined how good it would feel to earn a wage and have a good time? There are a number of organisations that can connect you to a wide variety of jobs overseas. Perhaps you’ll be fruit-picking at an orchard, camp counselling at summer camp in the USA, or teaching English as a second language… the possibilities are endless! You can even learn to get a qualification that will result in a real job – like scuba diving or ski instruction.
Volunteer Holidays
As a volunteer, you get to experience a destination while gaining valuable work experience and making a positive impact. I’ve written before about how much I loved my experience volunteering as a teacher in Cambodia, but there are so many volunteer packages and institutions now that you can help in a way that’s meaningful to you. This is your chance to aid communities that need it the most, whether it’s by teaching a language, building homes or schools, or working to protect endangered wildlife.
Nature and Camping Holidays
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys being with nature, there are countless destinations where you can enjoy magnificent scenery and spectacular wildlife. For a marine experience, you can try places like Lady Elliot Island or Ningaloo Reef in Australia. Or perhaps taking long walks in lush rainforests interests you? There are plenty of trails in South America and South East Asia that are sure to inspire you. A visit to these remote locations is the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the urban world and camp underneath the stars – you won’t regret it!
We travel more than we ever have before, so it’s only natural that these types of alternative holidays are becoming even more appealing and accessible. What kind of holiday would you like to try next?
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Try One of London’s Best Sunday Roasts
London is one of the most visited cities in the world and is renowned for its historical sites, architecture, friendly faces, and cosmopolitan feel. Additionally, as more and more travelers choose destinations and plan itineraries around food, London has also become immensely popular for its diverse culinary scene.
While British food has often been the subject of jokes in the past, today’s British cuisine is an entirely different story. While London’s incredibly diverse population means a visitor can eat expertly prepared dishes from around the world, the traditional food that the locals eat has taken a back seat as of late.
However, one British food legacy that can’t be ignored is the traditional Sunday roast. This meal and variations of it has been a staple in Great Britain and Ireland for hundreds of years, and has its roots in the meal that families would share after church services on Sunday. While that still holds true today, chefs throughout London and across the country have taken this humble meal and elevated it into something extraordinary, and it’s definitely one that any visitor to London can’t miss.
Try one of these four restaurants the next time you’re in London to experience a bit of British tradition and culture, and let this savory meal of roasted meat, vegetables, potatoes, and gravy speak for itself. You’ll be delighted with what’s available. If you find yourself traveling alone and want some friendly company, you can visit this URL. Eating alone just isn’t as fun, but being accompanied by a London friend makes for a much more memorable experience.
Rules Restaurant
A London institution, Rules Restaurant has been owned by only three families over the last 200 years, and claims wild game and traditional British cuisine as its specialties. The restaurant maintains its own farm and preserve, so the meats they serve are as fresh and sustainable as they could possibly be.
Sunday roast at Rules Restaurant is definitely something to experience, as it’s incredibly popular with London’s elite and visiting celebrities, although the prices are surprisingly affordable. Make your reservation well in advance though; with food and ambience as good as it is at Rules it can be difficult to get a table on short notice.
The Harwood Arms
As London’s only Michelin-starred pub, the Harwood Arms has a lot going for it, including its highly sought after Sunday roast. The menu changes daily and features only the finest seasonal ingredients and impeccable cuts of meat.
Their Sunday roast consists of the classic roasted cuts of meat and all the trimmings, prepared with the care and expertise you’d expect from a Michelin-starred eatery. As such, you can also expect the prices to be a bit higher, but if you truly want to see how the traditional Sunday roast has evolved this is the place to be.
Merchant’s Tavern
Merchant’s Tavern is a favorite among locals for Sunday roast, but London area chefs recommend it as well. Their Sunday menu changes weekly depending on the season, so you might find succulent roast lamb one week, a perfectly seared sirloin roast the next, or roasted goose in the late fall and winter months.
Located in a converted warehouse, the space is large but cozy, and their fireplace adds a very nice homey touch and is the perfect place to relax with a mulled cider or glass of wine while you’re waiting for your table. It’s a popular place so be sure to make a reservation in advance.
The Truscott Arms
Considered by many Londoners to be the best Sunday roast in the city, the Truscott Arms goes out of their way to maintain the tradition of this British classic while considering the palate of the modern foodie.
The roast is served family style so you can easily share the platter with family and friends, and you can order a variety of meats so everyone can try something different. In addition to the standard beef choice, their smoked shoulder and leg of lamb are highly praised, as is their beer and wine list.
Visiting the historic sites, museums, parks, and monuments in London is always popular, but every traveler also has to eat. Any of these restaurants would be the perfect way to experience London’s tradition of Sunday roast and to get a glimpse into the rich history of this meal. Be sure to take some time out of your busy London itinerary and make your reservations early, and consider a nap afterward. You just might need it.
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4 Dream Holidays Europeans Don’t Need a Visa For
For decades, thanks to the Schengen Agreement and other bilateral treaties, Europeans have been enjoying the freedom of travelling around the continent without needing a visa. In the past few years, Europeans have also been winning the right to travel visa-free to other continents across the globe, as more and more countries waive their visa policies for EU citizens to favour tourism and business relationships.
If you have been dreaming of a holiday abroad, but don’t have the time to deal with bureaucracy, these are five fabulous destinations that you can travel to with nothing but your passport.
Japan
As of 2014, Japan has open borders for citizens of 67 countries, including European and North American citizens. All travellers need to have a valid passport and a return ticket when they enter Japan. Your stay, however, can be up to 90 days long: three months are plenty of time to travel through the whole of the country.
You can see everything, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the magnificent Himeji Castle, stopping to admire the Great Buddha at Kōtoku-in and taking the time to visit Tashirojima, also known as Cat Island, where the feline population has outgrown the human one.
Caribbean Islands
If you needed one more reason to spend time in paradise, at the end of May 2015 islands including Grenada and Dominica obtained reciprocal visa-free travel to the Schengen Area: you no longer need a visa to take a holiday in the Caribbean. Truly Belong describe the Caribbean as being one of the ‘few places in the world that inspire serenity and encourage wellbeing’.
You could literally pack your bags and leave for a beach holiday tomorrow: there are direct flights from the UK and types of accommodation for all pocket sizes. The southernmost islands like Grenada are far away from the hurricane belt and boast fantastic sandy beaches like 2-mile long Grand Anse.
South Africa
If the Atlantic doesn’t cut it for you, then Africa might do the trick. You can soak in the sun for up to 90 days in South Africa!
This gorgeous nation is famous for its natural beauty, which is protected by several national parks and nature reserves. South Africa’s Kruger National Park, for example, is one of the world’s top safari destinations. If you can’t get tired of jaw-dropping wildlife, then go whale watching off the coast of Hermanus or Cape Town.
South America
European citizens can travel without a visa through most of South America. If you decide to make your way through the entire continent, you’re going to need all the time you get. Each country allows you to stay there for a different period of time; for example, you can spend 183 days in Peru.
Care to take a trip to Peru to visit Machu Picchu? Done. Want to see the giant heads on Easter Island? Take a plane from the coast of Chile and you’re there.
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Visiting Orlando? Here’s why you should Rent a Car
Orlando is one of the most popular destinations for people wanting to have a family vacation and it’s easy to see why. With so many incredible theme parks, easy access to Miami, Southbeach and the Everglades, you may want to add a few extra days so you can be sure that you’ll get to see everything.
Here are some reasons why you should rent a car if you’re planning to visit Orlando:
Flexibility
If you’re staying at a hotel that’s not park of any theme parks, you may find that while they offer shuttles to the theme parks, you’re completely tied into their schedule- meaning this will affect what time you can go to the park and what time you’ll need to leave.
It’s also important to note that if you’re planning to visit during any peak seasons like the holidays, you may be waiting an insanely long time for Disney transportation, which can be bad news if you have young children in the Florida heat.
Having a rental car ready to go will allow you to go wherever and whenever you want.
Airport Transfers
Most of the hotels that aren’t part of the theme parks don’t provide airport transfers, meaning that if your whole family needs to get to the airport you can expect to be paying for a shuttle or taxi. If you do stay at a Disney Resort and you’re getting an international flight, you’ll be picked up at least three hours before you leave. Because this will also depend on who else is getting the shuttle, you may find yourself spending a long time at the airport with cranky kids who need more sleep.
Time Savings
Choosing to rent a car in Orlando will mean that you can get the most out of your vacation. If you want to head down to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Key West, or the Everglades you can just pack up the car and take a day trip or book into a hotel for a night when you’re there. These time savings are incredibly important, especially if you’re traveling with kids who may not do too well if they’re stuck on a bus for four or five hours.
You’ll also find that you’ll save time when you need to do errands- grabbing a bite to eat, picking up a change of clothes, etc.
Money Savings
Many people are unaware of just how much money they can save by choosing to rent a car. When you look at the price of a taxi or Uber (particularly if you have enough kids that you’ll need a van or two cars), this will quickly add up to just as much (if not more) as the car hire but without the freedom that hiring a car will give you. To compare prices and see the kind of savings you can make, check this out today.
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4 Traveling Experiences That Are Worth the Time and Effort
Summer vacation season is upon us, and people are deciding how they want to spend their precious vacation time and money. While tried-and-true destinations like a beach, theme park or historical site are always fun, this year you want to try something a bit different.
With that in mind, check out the following list of travel destinations that might fly under your radar, but are well worth the time and expense:
Salzburg, Austria
If you dream of traveling around Europe, plan a one or two day side journey in Salzburg, Austria. The city is the birthplace of Mozart and features a plethora of amazing baroque buildings, with very few modern homes and stores. This means the city looks much like it did over 400 years ago. Salzburg also was the setting for “The Sound of Music,” which is a major plus for fans of the Von Trapp family.
One key tip is to bring along a high-quality smartphone with you on your journey to Salzburg. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge not only has amazing picture-taking abilities, but it also is water-resistant. This way, when you are visiting Hellbrunn Palace and its famous trick fountains, you don’t have to worry about your smartphone conking out if it gets wet.
Crete, Greece
Another ideal European spot to visit is Crete, one of the Aegean Islands in Greece. As U.S. News and World Report states, Greece is also one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe. As the largest of the islands, Crete offers the most activities and restaurants, including plenty of taverns that feature delicious local food at reasonable prices. If you can schedule your trip for later on this summer, it will still be warm enough to enjoy the amazingly pristine beaches, but most of the summer crowds will have returned home.
Monument Valley, Navajo Nation
Chances are good you have seen photos of the iconic Mitten buttes in Monument Valley. While the pictures are incredible, nothing beats seeing these gorgeous natural rock formations in person. Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley Park is home to a variety of sandstone formations that range in height from 400 to 1,000 feet. You can either pay an entrance fee and travel through the dusty but navigable road yourself or you can hire a local tourist company to take you through in an open-air Jeep. Be sure to carry a bandanna to wrap around your nose and mouth.
Plan on spending several hours at the park to take full advantage of the angles of the sun and how the light changes on the monuments throughout the day. When the day is over and it’s time to hang your hat for the night, stay at The View hotel, which features rooms with amazing views of the formations.
Vietnam
Located in southeast Asia, Vietnam is another surprisingly affordable vacation spot that boasts incredible landscapes, budget-friendly lodging options and affordable and authentic local cuisine. Ho Chi Min and Hanoi are both cities that are used to catering to tourists as well as backpackers who would prefer to see much of the scenery by foot. In some cases, you can get by on as little as $20 a day. If you wish to see a number of cities in Vietnam, multi-city tours are also available for reasonable prices.
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The Best Places to Visit in the United States this Year
The United States is often underrated, and many people will skip it and instead head to Southeast Asia or Europe. However this huge country has a lot to offer, whether you like small country towns, large cities or remote locations with stunning views.
There are many ways to travel throughout the states. Flights can sometimes be picked up for as little as $70 domestically, and there are also Greyhound buses. For a great way to see the country though, consider doing a tour with Trek America. The United States is an excellent place to do one of these tours since it’s so spread out and organising transport can be tricky unless you’re renting a car.
Here are some of the best places to visit in the United States this year:
New York
You’re probably not surprised to see that New York is on this list, and while many people may assume it’s too much of a tourist destination and give it a miss, it’s a good idea to remember that if thousands of people are visiting a city and raving about it to all their friends, you’d be missing out.
New York city is a favourite for many people since it has so much to offer visitors of all ages. Whether you can see yourself gawking at the buildings in Times Square or people watching in Central Park, the hardest part is planning out your day. If you want to play tourist you can head to the Empire State Building, Freedom Tower and Statue of Liberty or you can grab a snack on the side of the road and spend a day or two wandering through the Bronx or Brooklyn.
Savannah
For those who want to learn a little about the history of the Untied States and get a little taste of country life (complete with historical buildings that look like they came straight out of Gone With the Wind), Savannah is the perfect destination.
Wander through Bonaventure Cemetery, go shopping for souvenirs in City Market and take a walking tour to learn about the history behind the town and some of the things that make it so special.
Orlando
Orlando is in a perfect spot- close enough that you can head down to Miami and lay on the beach or take a tour out to the Everglades, but also on the doorstep of some of the best theme parks in the world, including Universal Studios and Disneyworld.
Las Vegas
Sure, Vegas is a complete tourist trap and it’s not exactly highbrow or where you’ll do any learning about the United States. But it’s a fun time for a reason, and if you’re hoping to have an incredible weekend it’s where you’ll be able to really cut loose. Las Vegas is also perfectly positioned if you want to visit the Grand Canyon and you can easily take a bus or helicopter tour to the canyon.
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Why you should consider taking a cruise this year
While cruising was once only for the slightly older demographic, this is no longer the case. Passengers of all ages are enjoying this relaxing and rewarding style of vacation, and as cruise companies continue to grow and build bigger and even better ships, growth in the cruise industry looks like it’s in no danger of slowing down.
Taking a vacation is sometimes one of those things that sounds like a great idea until you do it and realise that you’ll need to make sure everyone’s passports are still valid, book flights, get through the airport, and then check in and out of hotels (sometimes more than once if you’re switching destinations). The stress of going on holiday can be counter intuitive which is why so many people are desperate for a break but don’t quite have the energy to actually book a cruise.
Here are some reasons why you should consider taking a cruise this year:
It’s a cost-effective choice
Cruising is actually one of the most economical ways to travel. Increased competition within the industry has meant fares that are cheaper than ever for customers. When you look at how much it would cost to take a family on an international vacation, factoring in flights, insurance and accommodation, you’ll usually have spent thousands of dollars before you even get to the airport- and this doesn’t even include food and other money spent on things like outings, tours and souvenirs.
Joining the Bolsover Cruise Club can give you access to even better deals, so you’ll be the first to know about some of the best prices around, making your holiday even more cost-effective.
It’s a convenient and easy way to travel
Since we only have a limited amount of time to travel each year, it makes sense to avoid wasting it in airports and transfers. Since you’ll be able to relax the moment you get on your cruise ship you can begin unwinding before you’ve even left the port.
Cruising is also one of the best ways to have an all-inclusive holiday without booking a resort. Most of your holiday will be paid for up front, and since your food, transport, accommodation and entertainment is all included in your cruise fare, you won’t be opening your wallet much (if at all) once you’re onboard.
You can also pre-pay your gratuities and plan and pay for tours at each destination before you board the ship, meaning that you won’t need to worry about getting a huge bill or be doing math in your head as you travel.
The facilities are excellent
If there’s one thing you won’t encounter on a cruise, it’s boredom. Cruise ships of today include everything you need to have a good time, including pools, spas, libraries, cinemas, hair salons, nightclubs, pubs, cafes, and shopping.
You’ll have numerous restaurants to choose from each day, and most cruises have a kids club so you won’t need to worry about entertaining the rug-rats.
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Best International Destinations for your Hens party
Inspired by travel comparison site dealchecker‘s recent round up of the hottest new hen do destinations stated that 1.3 million Brits had their hen and stag parties overseas last year, and as international flights can be a steal on low-cost carriers, it’s easy to see why you would want to get away to celebrate your impending nuptials.
Here are some of the best international destinations for your hens party:
Riga
Riga is on point when it comes to both price and trendiness, and with so much culture to soak up, along with Instagram-worthy photo opportunities (check out the Nativity of Christ Cathedral and St Peter’s Church), it’s also one of the places where you’ll get the most bang for your buck.
Don’t forget to take the girls to the Central Market, a UNESCO protected site that’s one of the largest markets in Europe with endless bargaining opportunities. The foodie scene continues to grow in Riga, and if you’re heading out for a night with the girls don’t forget to head to the Hardcore Hangover Club or the Skyline Bar.
Dublin
The good thing about Dublin is it’s a manageable city- you can walk through most of the main streets in just a day. Be sure to do some people watching in St Stephen’s Green and spend some time gossiping in the sun before getting cultural exploring the National Museum of Ireland and St Patrick’s Cathedral.
This is the place to go if you and the girls like pub culture, and with the best live music scene in Europe, outside bars and vintage cocktails are calling your name before you go clubbing at Copper Face Jacks.
Lisbon
Lisbon is currently attracting bohemians from all over the world, and its bustling markets and edgy art galleries are easy to see by tram. Be sure to spend a day sightseeing and wander through Alfama, the oldest district in the city and go see the Lisbon Cathedral.
For your night (or nights) of partying, head to Pink Street where you’ll find a strip of bars (many with live music) waiting for you. Follow it up with a visit to Lux Fragil which is one of the most prestigious places in the city, or go to the secret rooftop bar Park instead.
The next day, treat yourselves with a day at the Float In Spa and gossiping about your night.
Berlin
Berlin has it all- history, culture, fun people and plenty of opportunities for sightseeing. Take a bike tour and see the main sites, before sunbathing in the floating pool at Badeschiff.
Berlin’s nightlife is out of this world, and it’s the place to go for those looking for some serious partying. Berghain Tresor is well worth a visit but they’re tricky to get into so have a backup plan. For a fun night of burlesque go to Prinzipal Kreuzberg or spend a few hours drinking cocktails in Limoandier.
Berlin has some of the best hangover food in Europe, so head to 3 Minutes sur Mer for a taste of Paris or Alpenstuck for cuisine from South Germany.
