Tag: travel

Travel Insurance for Bank Holiday Breaks Won?t Break the Bank


With two Bank Holiday Mondays, and therefore two long weekends, May is the perfect chance for people to take a mini-break away to quench their holiday thirst until summer arrives. Thus, popular European countries are preparing for an influx of British tourists wishing to make the most of their extra long weekends.

 

Unsurprisingly, travel prices reflect this, and holidays over these three-day weekends are often more expensive than normal, as holiday companies cash in on what would perhaps otherwise be a lull in holiday sales. Although when you consider the limited amount of three-day weekends you get in a year, a slight increase in cost perhaps seems more tolerable.

 

Travelbite.co.uk have compiled a list their top destinations for the bank holiday weekend breaks. Their selections add a bit of variety to holiday, as they suggest more unusual places than holiday makers’ usual, more predictable choices. They reveal Croatian city Split as their top May bank holiday break destination, followed by Tunis in Tunisia and Manama, Bahrain. Berlin and (surprisingly) Washington DC make up the top 5.

 

Wherever the destination, travel insurance is just as important as ever, and May holiday makers booking last minute short breaks shouldn’t let it slip their minds. Unfortunately, unexpected things can go wrong on short breaks too, and having adequate travel insurance should be considered essential. Getting cover shouldn’t cost much either, as the price for single trip travel insurance is calculated depending on how long you are travelling for (as well as taking into account your destination, travel party size and ages). So, essentially, the shorter the trip, the cheaper the cover. For example, popular travel insurance provider Direct Travel Insurance’s comprehensive policies start from £5.50 for 5 days in Europe.

 

With the current weakness of the Euro against the British pound, trips abroad could, arguably, not be as good value as they have been, and UK trips may become more common for weekend breaks, especially in May. Seaside resorts such as Brighton and Blackpool are all expected to grow in popularity, as people from inner cities seek sun and sand without leaving the country. Even for weekend breaks within the UK, travel insurance could still be worthwhile. For example, cover for cancellation, money and personal belongings would be covered by most policies, and, with cover starting from £3.50 (based on a Direct Travel Insurance policy for one adult), getting covered for your Bank Holiday break won’t exactly break the bank.

 

Article Author – Rob James

Rob James is the Communications Coordinator for Direct Travel Insurance, providers of travel insurance.

 

Mind the gap: over-50s have travel fever


Article by James Zhao

 

The general media picture is that the gap year is an entity for youngsters, university-goers and college kids. Bounds of paraphernalia speak of the brilliance of taking time out between studying and work, while the travel opportunities are endless and exciting. As the demands of education have spiralled, lifestyle choices have shifted to reflect this. Tourism operators have tapped into an all too wiling generation. Fresh-faced backpackers and rafters line the pages of brochures, screaming go abroad! There you can relax!

But it appears that there is another demographic gradually seeking out the positives such overseas jaunts can bring. Various parties have recently stated that the over-50s wish to fulfil unrealised foreign excursions, with the gap year taking centre stage. One such report came from the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta), which suggested the older generation are getting more adventurous in their travel choices. Whereas a quaint beach holiday or a ramble in the countryside may have once been paramount, over-50s now have greater goals in their sights.

An official at Abta stated that the senior gap year sector is now growing as the young-at-heart look to add a flourish to their lives. Press officer with the organisation Sean Tipton claimed “as part of this growing trend for more daring holidays for the over-50s, the market for senior gap years and career breaks is growing, with many people choosing to travel the world when they are older”.

He added that, because the over-50s have been on a vast number of more traditional holidays, since the vacation trend began in the 60s, they now want to branch out and seek other ways to view the planet.

Indeed, with these things in mind, the new travel savvy may want ensure that they are completely insured while away from home, to make the experience an even better one. There are number of travel insurance products available for this specific age group, which may offer vital support in some of the far-flung and exotic corners of the globe.

While all of these factors may all play a part in the growth of the niche market, another has been touched upon by the Emeritus professor at Cardiff University Phil Thomas, who said that lifestyle and working arrangements have led to more free time for potential travellers. He commented that people are now a lot healthier in general than they used to be, while they are also not working to such a late age – meaning that time is freed up to stretch their wings and embark on a thrilling journey to other climes. They want to explore avenues they perhaps missed out on at an earlier age, he stated.

So, all the evidence is there – travelling is great. Taking a year out abroad is fantastic. Pictures of unfathomably young models adorning the pages of travel books would appear to be myth. The options for the over-50s are boundless, whether it be backpacking, cruising, or even working while away, the ‘old’ are staying in touch with their fresh-faced peers. The travel insurance plan could just add a little bit of a safety net, to make sure the conscience is clear and the possibilities are truly endless.

About the Author

James Zhao is an e-marketer working with various industries including travel, insurance, ebusiness. For more information on travel insurance for over 50s, please visit castlecover.co.uk/travelinsurance

 

 

Travel Insurance for Saga Louts?


Article by Jean Andrews

Our older generations have been getting some negative press due to their alleged bad behaviour while on holiday abroad – earning them the unfortunate nickname ‘Saga Louts’. The same seniors don’t behave badly and earn themselves an ASBO at home. So what’s going on?

Fun and reckless behaviour is not exclusive to the young. It seems the people we used to look upon as role models are often the ones misbehaving these days. Apparently, the number of mature drinkers is rising while the number of teenage drinkers has dropped. Young people are worrying about their carbon footprints, growing their own vegetables, and spurning drink and drugs. Role reversal? It seems so.

Many older folks are ignoring their health problems and throwing old-fashioned caution to the wind. They are jetting off abroad, often without getting a health check from their GP – or taking out travel insurance! The Foreign Office has expressed concern about this new generation of retirees who are putting themselves at unnecessary risk.

Are these ageing rebels breaking the mold? What happened to our dear old grannies who spent their days baking cakes, knitting mysterious garments for us and trying their luck in the bingo halls? Where is the quiet grandpa who spent his days hiding in the potting shed with the newspaper and racing form? Perhaps they revert to a more staid persona at home, but once they have a taste for foreign travel and adventure there’s no stopping this new silver jet set!

Drinking, or rather binge drinking, is reported to be the cause of most of the problems. Their benders often result in these oldies-but-baddies ending up in jail, hospital or even the mortuary! Why shouldn’t they let their hair down (what’s left of it) or have a knees up (so what if they’re plastic). Many are wealthier than they used to be and feel they deserve to make up for all the years of sacrifice.

The over 55’s are reported to be among the largest group of people participating in dodgy activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, and paragliding! These ‘denture venturers’ as they have been labelled, often outshine younger dare-devils. The young are becoming the new fuddy-duddies, tut-tut-ing the antics of their irresponsible elders!

There’s no question that obtaining affordable travel insurance can be difficult for the older traveller. Cover varies from company to company, so it’s best to shop around for the right policy. Many companies set age restrictions in the mid 60’s for annual multi-trip policies and travel to the USA and Canada – due to the high cost of medical care. The over 70’s may have difficulty finding an affordable policy, especially if they have a medical history which includes conditions like heart disease, stroke or diabetes. Fifty used to be old, but 50 is the new 40 as they say, 60 the new 50, and so on. After working hard all their lives and paying taxes, the over 50s may feel they have earned it. Many won’t get their state pension at 60 as they planned, but will have to work until they are 65, 70 or beyond because the government changed the rules. The retirement carrot is being dangled further down the road now. Who wouldn’t get an attitude! No wonder they’re buying Harley Davidson hogs and hitting the highways while they can!

Maybe older folks feel time is running out and it’s foolhardy to stock up the freezer. Perhaps they don’t care whether they make the return trip from their holiday. In a way you can’t blame them, but one major downside to their rash behaviour is the impact it can have on the holiday plans of others. Older travellers who don’t see their GP for a check-up may not be medically fit to fly. There are reports that in-flight medical emergencies are on the increase, causing distress and chaos and sometimes requiring the pilot to make an unscheduled landing.

So, are they wrong to enjoy their silver or golden years and kick up their heels as they burn up the inheritance money? We probably shouldn’t pass judgment. However, the family may not be amused if grandma has no travel insurance and breaks her neck jet skiing in Spain! Emergency medical treatment abroad can cost a small fortune and emergency repatriation (dead or alive) can be extremely expensive. The house and nest-egg they intended to leave to the kids could vanish as fast as a nice glass of bubbly if there’s no travel insurance to help cover the costs.

Should we reprimand our seniors and send them clucking back to the bingo halls? Whatever your views may be, it’s probably too late anyway. Like free-range hens, they’ve broken free of the coop, scratched some dirt, and had a taste of sunshine and freedom. Why not let them flap those bingo wings and fly while they can!

 

About the Author

Jean Andrews is a freelance writer living in the UK. She regularly contributes articles for TIA Ltd who offer travel insurance at great prices online.

 

 

Why not take the garden tour next year?

The60LifeWeekly

30th September 2010

· Where to Profit from your unwanted collectables
· Why not take a garden tour next year?
· You, too, could have many holiday places of your own

Hi,

Remember last week we looked at finding cash in the attic. Well this week there is a little more on where to go for advice…Also, fancy a garden tour? …or perhaps an affordable holiday place of your own, in a sunny paradise…

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Where to profit from your unwanted collectables
**********************************************************

If you are fortunate to be in a position to bolster your cash with the sale of some antiques or collectables that are surplus to your requirements, then it pays to have a second opinion. In addition to last week’s online suggestions you could go to an antiques’ fair. At the least you can have a great day-out! Have a look at the Antiques Trade Gazette or antiquesguide.com for details.

For a guide price on your goods, it can repay you to visit the new website at millersantiquesguide.com. On site there are also many interesting articles – Mark Hill’s current piece on ‘writing collectables’ particularly caught my eye’, vintage propelling pencils, fountain pens, desk stands, all that. You may also be able to borrow a copy of Miller’s Antiques guide from your local library.

And, finally, don’t forget eBay, for a guide as to what your stuff is worth in the current marketplace; and also as a place to sell it online.

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Why not take a garden tour next year?

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Love gardens? Looking for something a little different for a holiday break next year? Well, you could visit and be inspired by the gardening masterpiece created by Peter Wolkonsky who, according to Financial Times columnist, Robin Lane Fox: “Aged 65,[he] took on a valley of 40 acres and turned it into a garden which still attracts 20,000 visitors a year from all over the world.”

The gardens at Kerdalo, 10 minutes away from Treguier situated on the north coast of Brittany, France, are” the creation of a family in direct descent from Tolstoy’s War and Peace .”

For further information you can check out

Kerdalo Gardens

Next year a tour of Kerdalo will be run in May, by French Gardens Today, with the help of Peter Wolkonsky’s daughter Isabelle. Further details at frenchgardenstoday.co.uk or contact [email protected]

************************************************************
You, too, could have many holiday places of your own
************************************************************
Hopefully, gone forever are the spivs who several years ago accosted holidaymakers in the Costas, and elsewhere, selling and scamming with timeshares, giving that industry a bad name. “26 years ago a more flexible alternative to timeshare emerged with the Holiday Property Bond which turned the traditional timeshare on its head,” say the Holiday property Bond people.
It offers its” investors a financial interest in an entire portfolio of villas, cottages and apartments. And enabling them to holiday at a choice of popular UK and European destinations rent free – at times to suit them.”

So (as they say) why settle for one place to own when you can choose from 1,300? You can check it out here at http://www.hpb.co.uk

I hope I have given you some food for thought when planning your holidays next year.

Don’t miss your next weekly issue!

If you have missed earlier issues of The60Life Weekly – these can be found by scrolling down the categories in the right hand column at http://www.the60life.com.

Yours,

Mike Paterson,
The 60Life Weekly

PS: Please, if you have your own stories, tips, or feedback send them to me at

[email protected]

Disclaimer: It is always my intention to be as accurate in fact, detail and comment as possible. However, I cannot be held responsible for any error in details, accuracy or judgement whatsoever. This e-letter is produced on this understanding.

How to stretch your way to fitness

The60LifeWeekly

29th July 2010

• Save money with this summer holiday offer only open until the end
of August

• Discover a world of writing for pleasure and profit

• How you can stretch your way to fitness

Hi

I’m spending a wonderful few days break surrounded by the
spectacularly beautiful scenery of North Wales in the UK. So where
exactly am I? If you would like to you can check it out here at
http://www.porthtocynhotel.co.uk
For my headlined summer holiday offers find for this week, though,
please see below – I have absolutely no affiliation with
these holiday opportunities, or the one above, and therefore
receive no payment or commission of any kind.

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Save money with late summer holiday offers
*************************************************************************
• You can access a number of exciting offers for a late summer
booking.
Last minute deals
Guardian.co.uk posts its editor’s picks:
“We trawl through hundreds of deals from tour operators and hotels
each day to bring you the pick of the best offers
around.Guardian.co.uk receives no payment or commission of any kind
from the operators listed”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/lateoffers
Or maybe you would particularly like to travel in Ireland :

From Discover Ireland:
“Here in Ireland we believe in rewarding maturity and experience so
we’ve worked hard to bring together amazing deals throughout the
island of Ireland so Silver Surfers can put together an ultimate
summer package that won’t break the bank. Even better – you don’t
need to travel with another person over the age of 66 to take
advantage. Our 2-for-1 and reduced rate accommodation offers
require only one Silver Surfer between two, and if you want to go
self-catering then you only need one pass for the whole property.
And this summer you can travel by rail in the Republic of Ireland
and Northern Ireland for free if you are over 66 – it’s called the
Golden Trekker.

These super summer savings are only valid from 17th May to 31st
August, so don’t miss out! All you have to do is surf through our
offers, download your Silver Surfer Summer Savings Pass and, most
importantly, remember you’re never too old to have the experience
of your life!”

http://www.discoverireland.com/gb/campaigns/silver-surfers
.

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Discover a world of writing for pleasure
and profit
****************************************************
For excellent writing resources, providing tips, guidance and
inspiration you can subscribe to leading magazines (or perhaps read
in a public library) like Writing Magazine or Writers Forum. The
latter publication welcomes readers to its site thus:
‘Each month Writers’ Forum helps thousands of new and aspiring
writers to achieve their dreams. It’s packed with up-to-date market
information, advice from experts in the publishing industry and
inspiring stories and tips from fellow authors and writers.
We also feature interactive reader workshops in fiction, poetry,
children’s books and self-publishing, so you can see at first -hand
how to improve and successfully target your own writing.’
http://www.writers-forum.com
There is a vast amount of information on this site as well as
http://www.writingmagazine.co.uk

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How you can stretch your way to fitness
********************************************************************

At the pilatesguide.co.uk a forum member asks:
‘Am I too old to do Pilates?
I am a 63 year old woman and want to start a Pilates class but I am
worried that I am too old and that I could injure myself
________________________________________
Answer from Brenda Phillips, Cheltenham:
You can never be too old to do Pilates. If you feel fit enough you
can do it at any age. The beauty of Pilates is that all the
exercises can be adapted to meet the specific needs of each
individual which means it can be tailored for you no matter what
age you are. Pilates can be adapted to make it less strenuous and
gentler so it will suit any ability. A lot of older people are
turning to Pilates to keep themselves suppler and fitter. Pilates
is known to help prevent age related conditions such as
osteoporosis.
http://www.pilatesguide.co.uk/answers/8.html
and for more health benefits check out:
http://www.naturalnews.com/pilates.html
Coming-up in the next issue, news and tips about:
• more good reasons if needed to include regular cycling in your
life
• looking at ‘home’ business opportunities (‘biz opps’)
• 4 easy steps to a richer life

and soon, we’re looking at personal computing: problems and remedies

Don’t miss your next issue by email on 5th August.

Yours ,

Mike Paterson,
The 60Life Weekly

PS: If you have your own stories, tips, or feedback please send
them to me at
[email protected]
PPS: If you have missed earlier issues of The 60Life Weekly these
can be found in the archives at
http://www.the60life.com

Disclaimer: It is always my intention to be as accurate in
fact,detail and comment as possible. However, I cannot be held
responsible for any error in details ,accuracy or judgement
whatsoever. This e-letter is produced on this understanding.

Food tastes of the 60s and 70s

In October 2007, I wrote the following post in an early blog of mine:

Eating-out in the 60s and 70s meant for many sampling the delights of that staple three course menu promoted by the Berni Inn restaurant chain:prawn cocktail for starters,then steak diane with chips and peas,finishing with black forest gateau and cream,and coffee. Wine if ordered would most likely be a bottle of the ubiquitous Mateus Rose or Blue Nun. So what was wrong with that, you may ask.

Tastes in food may have moved on but thirty-odd years ago there was not the variety and availability of food produce for the table, particularly for a popular and affordable establishment. Abundance of a kind required a very deep pocket from the diner at a top restaurant.

My attention was drawn recently,though,to the report by Frontier PR recently of the Porth Tocyn Country Hotel (above), on the Lleyn Peninsula near Abersoch ,which recently celebrated its appearance in the Good Food Guide for the 50th consecutive year. This still family-owned bastion of good food and service was first listed in the Guide in 1957. Owner Nick Fletcher-Brewer says that keeping high standards year-in-year-out has been the recipe for success – no dishes served in the beginning have survived,though. This is a pity. For those of you who would like to retickle your tastebuds with this retro fare, or experience what it was all about, you can see one revival recipe by clicking here for the prawn cocktail! http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/cuisine/european/english/prawn-cocktail.html

…and the Blue Nun? Well, I am told more bottles per annum are currently consumed than in its supposed heyday in the mid-80s, but then we are consuming more of everything today.’

So why have I resurrected this piece? Well,perhaps only to add that since 2007 I have tasted for myself the culinary delights of the Porth Tocyn Hotel on several occasions while staying there for short breaks. As I write over looking a spectacular view of Cardigan Bay and the Snowdonia mountains beyond, here we are again! Last night’s menu? Oh, an excellent ham hock terrine, with a mouthwatering Welsh beef main course to follow; and all helped down with a glass or two of the house merlot.If you are interested in this “little gem” of a place check out the details at www.porthtocynhotel.co.uk