Now many people do not see why they should take out travel insurance; perhaps they’ve been on a few trips where they first of all forgot to take it out then believe they don’t need it. Travel insurance companies such as Endsleigh.co.uk will all agree that the best type of holiday, no matter what you are doing, is a holiday where you don’t need to make a claim upon your travel insurance. In this respect it is just like any other type of insurance; you wouldn’t take out motor insurance with the expectation of needing to claim on it. You take out travel insurance so you are safe in the knowledge if you need to claim on it you can do.
When you take it out you don’t expect the worst to happen: be it your holiday is cancelled or your luggage lost or stolen, or even worse you end up having to be airlifted to hospital having fallen down a mountain! But if any of these things did happen you can be safe in the knowledge you are covered by your travel insurance, and that you won’t end up out of pocket should anything happen to spoil your holiday.

No matter what you consider to be a perilous holiday, the most perilous of all can be those where you head off without any travel insurance to cover you.

Visitors to the region will want to witness the stunning panoramic views for themselves from the hilltops lining the bay. They will no doubt discover that this vantage point has so many breathtaking scenes to offer that even an amateur holiday photographer will feel like a seasoned professional when they see the results! The elegant arc of the bay, with its delicate golden sands is a natural luxury that proves irresistible to visitors and locals alike. You will find yourself drawn back time and again to the award-winning shores. Pissouri prides itself on the cleanliness of its environment and has services to match, making the bay a rightful holder of a Blue Flag award for Excellence.

Beautiful and exotic, Pissouri is also a lively centre of activity. Set within a calm natural enclave along the coastline, you will find that the waters of the bay are the perfect place to enjoy any number of sports and recreational activities in a safe and family-friendly environment. On the seafront and within the nearby resort, visitors will find there are facilities on offer that allow them to enjoy windsurfing, water-skiing, diving and more – regardless of their ability.

Pissouri is ideally situated for visitors. The secluded coastal region is quiet enough to guarantee a peaceful holiday, but close enough to major commercial centres for ease of access: the Columbia Beach Resort Cyprus is a mere 25 minute journey by car from Paphos airport. Whether you are looking for a holiday in the sun with a good book and a relaxing beach, or an action-packed adventure filled with activities and exploration, Pissouri bay is the ideal holiday destination.

One aspect of travel insurance would be comprehensive travel medical insurance. This kind of medical insurance is for those people who do not have any other medical insurance. People who travel frequently abroad will want to make sure they have this kind of coverage. Another kind of medical coverage is emergency travel medical insurance. This is for those people that have insurance coverage at home. However, this coverage is not applicable while travelling. This coverage is only good for emergency medical services. When travelling, you can find yourself in some hard to reach places should you need medical care. Perhaps the nearest medical facility is a long distance away and you need to get there. Travel insurance can also include medical evacuation (medevac) insurance. This would cover the cost of an air ambulance and the services of any attending medical personnel. Keep in mind that medical evacuation insurance may exclude evacuation needed as a result of certain activities. For instance, extreme sports and scuba diving are often exceptions.

Another aspect of travel insurance would be trip cancellation and interruption insurance. This coverage would reimburse you for any cancellation fees, lost reservations and the like. Certain situations constitute emergencies as defined by the insurer. Supplier default insurance would provide you with reimbursement if you lose any money you’ve put down to cover travel expenses in the event the travel supplier goes bankrupt.
Rental car insurance is also a part of travel insurance that may be needed. If you will be renting a vehicle while travelling, this would be needed. It would cover any damages to the vehicle or any damage injuries you may cause to others.

The origins of St Malo date back to a monastic village founded by two saints – Aaron and Brendan – nearly 1,500 years ago. the name itself is derived from a follower of Brendan, but the personality the city took on wasn’t influenced by anybody, as St Malo forged a tradition of autonomy whenever it dealt with authorities wither locally in Breton or nationwide.

Holidaymakers from the UK won’t be the first to step foot in St Malo; far from it! In 1758, an attempt was made to capture the town by a British expedition. However, the expedition only got as far as St Servan in the city before departing.

Some 250 years later, and the British are again found regularly in the Brittany city, although this time for purely different reasons. That’s because St Malo has become a popular holiday destination for Britons looking for a French camping holiday, and with so much to see in the city, that’s no surprise.

St Malo is a historical treasure trove, and there are a variety of landmarks and relics to visit. One such site is the Solidor Tower in St Servan; a 14^th century building containing objects made by sailors travelling the seas over 100 years ago. Nautical instruments sit alongside scale models from the time, giving a true impression of what life was like sailing during the time.

Another example of a super St Malo site is the tomb of the writer François-René de Chateaubriand, who grew up in Combourg, Brittany. This writer’s works are considered an instrumental part of Romanticism in French literature, and his aristocratic background leads to big comparisons with Lord Byron!

These places are all big reasons why St Malo is the most visited place in Brittany, with campsite Château de Galinee one particularly impressive place to stay.

Château de Galinee is a great place to visit if you’re looking for somewhere that’s a little bit out of the way. The campsite sits in a 35 acre park within walking distance of some of Brittany’s best beaches. Of course, it’s close to St Malo, but also nearby to the towns of Dinard and Dinan. All of these places make for excellent days out, and provide a great way to really get to know the area.

So if you’re looking for an interesting and educational holiday that doesn’t break the bank, consider staying in one of the many campsites or holiday parks in Brittany. With so much to see and do on your doorstep, you’ll be missing out if you don’t!

USA

USA Coast to Coast Travelling by train from New York to San Francisco is an epic journey and adventure of a lifetime. The trip takes about three weeks, following in the tracks of the pioneers and enabling passengers to get a sense of the sheer scale of the USA and its variety of landscapes. This train journey passes through Chicago, Washington, Denver, the Rocky Mountains and the Grand Canyon before finishing in California where passengers can explore Hollywood and San Francisco. From the desert of Arizona to the streets of New York, the journey takes in the USA’s best loved landscapes.

Switzerland

The Swiss Alps Snow capped peaks, glacial lakes and alpine scenery make a train journey through the Swiss Alps spectacular. Trains travel past traditional mountain villages and Alpine forests, crossing valleys and travelling high into the mountains with stopovers at famous lake side resorts for pampering and exploration of hiking trails.

Australia

Australian Rail Adventure On a rail tour of Australia passengers experience the extremes, from cosmopolitan city life to the wilderness of the outback. Sydney’s beaches and harbour make it the perfect place to begin before touring through the Blue Mountains, Barossa Valley, Alice Springs and Uluru, going on to the Great Barrier Reef before ending in Brisbane.

Japan

Japan in Springtime Taking a rail tour is the best way to see Japan at any time of year, as many of its most beautiful locations are hidden deep in the countryside and would otherwise be difficult to visit. During spring it is particularly spectacular, when the landscape is decorated with cherry blossom and the weather is mild. Special touring trains run from the north where you can explore Mount Fuji and Tokyo, on through the spectacular Japanese Alps to rural towns like Kanazawa with their classic Japanese architecture and castles. A rail tour takes in every travel guide’s must-see Japanese sights.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s Wilderness The landscape of New Zealand is second to none, and has provided a magnificent backdrop for countless films including the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Train travel gives you the chance to explore remote regions which cannot be reached by car, and get a sense of the true wildness of the islands. Route includes the dramatic scenery of the Taieri Gorge Railway and pass by glaciers, mountains and over historic viaducts.

If you are hoping to get away during the spring or summer time this year, then there can be nothing more exciting than a camping trip! When you stay in a tent you get that little bit closer to nature and a holiday can become a life changing experience. Unfortunately, choose the wrong tent, and this life changing experience might not be for the better. The following tips should help you to avoid ending up with an unsuitable or even downright terrible tent.

1.  How many are you buying for?

This has to be your first consideration. It sounds obvious, but if you overlooked the numbers in your party when buying a tent, you wouldn’t be the first! You should never scrimp on space if you can help it, and if anything, it is nice to have a little bit of space aside from room for sleeping bags. A lot of people look for a four man tent for three people, and a three man tent for two people. It’s not essential, but it’s nice to have a little bit of spare room.

2. Who are you buying for?

If you are finding something for you and a couple of mates who are going to do more drinking than sleeping, then you should buy something that you can afford to have damaged! If you are looking for something for you and your young family, then you need to take into account the fact that you have young ones travelling with you. Does the tent have adequate ventilation and can you get a small one outside quickly enough if they have a toileting accident? J

3. One room or several?

Some people love the idea of everyone in the same room, but you might be in a party who is going to want at least some privacy. It’s important you find out what everyone is after. There are large tents you can buy which are completely open plan, while you might prefer a tent which has separate bedrooms. There’s likely to be a cost implication here, but if you want privacy, you might have to pay for it.

4. How is your tent going to be transported?

If you are going to have your tent strapped to your back pack for a walk through the Amazonian rain forest, then you are going to want something relatively light weight. If you are looking to head down to the south of France and you are going to throw your tent into the boot of your people carrier, then you can afford to find something a little bit bigger and heavier.

5. Know the conditions you will be facing.

If you are going to be camping in extreme conditions, you obviously need to buy something that can cope. Companies like Nemo produce tents with the weather in mind. Their tents have condensation curtains to deal with this problem, which can be exacerbated at high altitude. They also have custom fitted liners to protect against the cold. There are plenty of companies out there producing tents that can help you to deal with harsh conditions – make sure you find them if you are going to need them.

A lightweight technical tent to withstand extreme weather conditions.

6. Where are you going to be pitching?

The land on which you are pitching your tent has to be taken into account. Fresh luscious grass in a campsite is going to take any sort of tent, but if you are planning something a little more freestyle, then you have to bear it in mind when it comes to buying your tent. If you are planning to camp on ice, or snow, or even on sand, then you have to make sure that you buy something that can cope with the ground underfoot.

Easy pitching on turf in a cliff top campsite.

7. Can you put it up?

This might sound like a silly question, but if you aren’t experienced, then the last thing you want after a tiring journey is a difficult tent to put up. Depending on the sort of ten you buy, you could be looking at ten minutes or a few hours to get your tent up. Make sure you find out how long it takes, and how you are going to put up your ten, before you buy it!

8. Is it easily repairable?

If you are going anywhere with challenging conditions, you need to know that you can make basic repairs to your ten should they be required. This will largely depend on the material that your tent is made out of. Make sure you find out how sturdy your tent is before you buy and also how repairable it is.

9. What style do you want?

There are so many different types of ten to choose from, you really do have to have a bit of an idea before you buy.

Hiking. A strong and light hoop tent should be suitable, or a Geodesic dome tent.

Family. A touring tent with high ceilings and plenty of space is great if you have the space in your car. A standard steel frame tent can be a good and often affordable option too.

Privacy. Vis a vis tents are perfect. They have two sleeping compartments either side of a central communal area, meaning that you have some privacy when you sleep.

Easy to erect. It doesn’t get any easier than a pop up tent! Simply open the bag and they pop out into position!

Back packers. A simple two or three man dome tent is always a good option. Light weight, cheap to buy and easy to assemble and take down, they save space, time and money.

10. Do you like the look of it?

True campers may well pour scorn on a question like this, but there’s no getting away from the fact that most of us want to look good, and we want our things to look good too! If you find a tent that ticks all the right boxes, but looks completely hideous – then you should probably buy it! But if you know that it is going to niggle at you every time you set it up – then have a re-think!

Bell tents are all the rage!  Photo credit Graigwen.co.uk

The landscape of New Zealand is extremely diverse. Peter Jackson couldn’t have chosen a better setting his The Lord of the Rings trilogy. It ticks all the boxes – magical, other-worldly, ancient, and stunning. Some of the most spectacular views in New Zealand, are great starting points for travellers and photographers.

The Coromandel Peninsula

If your base is the city of Auckland on the North Island, spend a few days on the Coromandel Peninsula and enjoy the spectacular scenery. The Coromandel is less than a two-hour drive from Auckland. It’s a popular holiday location for New Zealanders and popular spot for tourists from around the world.

One of the most stunning scenes in the Coromandel is Cathedral Cove, named for the Gothic-shaped arch of a rocky overhang. Beyond the arch is a stunning turquoise sea, and frothy white breakers on a white sandy beach. This is one of them most spectacular views in New Zealand.

The inland terrain is rain forest that now covers ancient volcanoes. While here, make your way to Hot Water Beach, which is thermally heated through the sand.

The Coromandel Peninsula is easy to get to from both Auckland and the city of Rotorua which is just over two hours away by car or bus. The roads are sealed, but can be a little rough in spots. You can also take a passenger ferry from Auckland and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway is more of a scenic route than a destination, but there are numerous destinations along the road to enjoy the spectacular views or have a quick dip in the ocean. One of the most famous destinations along the Pacific Coast Highway is the Bay of Plenty. The coastal regions along the bay offer photographers a great deal of inspiration. Inland from the Bay of Plenty, is a green paradise for hiking excursions.

Take a few days to drive along the Pacific Coast Highway from Auckland to Napier and take in all the sites and vistas along the route. Driving the route non-stop will take about 16 hours, but there are lots of towns and places to spend the night to break up the journey and enjoy the coast to its fullest.

Milford Sound

The most scenic spot in Fiordland National Park on the South Island is Milford Sound. This is one of the best regions for photographers. There are several stunning waterfalls here including Browne Falls and Sutherland Falls. Milford Sound is best viewed from the water as the mountains rise up from the sea.

Milford Sound is about a four-hour drive from the city of Queenstown. There are several bus tours into the region. There are also lots of tour boats to take you out for the best views. Milford Sound isn’t a place to miss.

Mount Ngauruhoe

Mount Ngauruhoe is an active stratovolcano in the centre of the North Island. It’s a stunning picture from the air as well as on foot for the fittest travellers. For the easiest climb, take the Mangatepopo track on the east side of the mountain. It takes about 2 hours to reach the base. The views are as spectacular from a distance as they are from the base.

If you are driving from the east, you can take the SH1 which is a desert road. If you are driving from the west, you can take the popular Tongariro Crossing. The best way to do the Tangaririo Crossing is on foot, walking from one end to the other to savour the vistas and landscapes. You can be picked up by shuttle at the other end and returned to your vehicle.

Note: Mount Ngauruhoe was used as Mount Doom in Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Mount Tarawera

Mount Tarawera is another North Island site offering incredible scenery. It’s a volcanic mountain surrounded by numerous lakes and rugged green wilderness. It is famous for it’s 1886 eruption which killed 150 people and changed the landscape forever. The mountain was split in two and it lost it’s pink and white terraces which were then known as the eighth wonder of the world.

Mount Tarawere is  about an hour from the city of Rotorua. You can drive, take a tour or fly to get there. A jeep tour will take on the wilderness tracks to some stunning lakes or over the rough terrain near the mountain. If you want to get up to the crater, you need to make arrangements with a guide. Your driver will take you through the clouds that linger around the mountain to base camp. From there, it takes about about an hour and a half to get to the crater.

New Zealand has snow-capped mountains, green and rolling maintain meadows, rain forests, beautiful sandy beaches, volcanoes, rugged wilderness and desert. It’s a country with some of the most diverse landscapes in the world and spectacular views everywhere you look.

The very first thing a Peruvian taxi driver is likely to ask you is: “What do you think about our food?” Peruvian are proud of their food, and rightfully so. From the simplicity of ceviche to the confluence of flavors in lomo saltado, this South America country servers up lots of tasty treats. Peru’s geography and history are largely responsible for its diverse cuisine. The country is divided into three distinct regions: coast, mountains, and jungle. Each area has a different ecosystem where different plants and animals thrive, making Peru a land of great diversity. The history of ancient cultures, colonial influences, and waves of immigration have also added unique blends and flavors to local dishes.

Mastering Machu Picchu

By far the most famous landmark in Peru is Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu tours take visitors on a magical train journey through the Sacred Valley and to the foot of the mountain containing the ruins. Machu Picchu itself clings to the side of the mountain, equally impressive for its stunning location as well as for the intricate architecture mastered by its Incan builders. Because Machu Picchu is located near so many other Peruvian highlights, many visitors choose to take a Machu Picchu tour that includes a visit to Cuzco as well as the Sacred Valley.

Walking on Floating Islands

Lake Titicaca is the second largest lake in Peru and the highest navigable lake in the world. But what makes it so interesting are the people who live in and actually on it. Thousands of years ago, ancient cultures escaped aggressive neighbors by building floating raft islands upon which they built houses, gardens, and eventually their entire civilization. The islands are woven by hand from water reeds, and are continuously being replaced and repaired.  Today travelers can choose a standard boat tour or opt for something more adventurous, like a homestay or kayaking trip.

Being Cultured in Cuzco

Cuzco was the capital of the Inca Empire and today is one of the most dynamic and beautiful cities in Peru. Because it is a tourist hub for travelers heading to Machu Picchu, the bohemian atmosphere and mix of modern and traditional isn’t for everyone, but it is certainly a must see. Cuzco is the best place to experience the union of ancient culture with colonial imperialism, as most buildings here are a blend of both. Cuzco is also in the heart of the Sacred Valley, making treks and expeditions easily accessible.

Delving into the Amazon

More than half of Peru is covered by the Amazon Rainforest, and it is a shame many visitors overlook this remarkable region. The Amazon River runs through the north of Peru and is best accessed from the jungle town of Iquitos, while Puerto Maldonado in the south is only a 40 minute flight from Cuzco, making it the most convenient option for most travelers. Regardless of where you visit, the Amazon always offers great diversity of flora and fauna and impresses with its sheer immensity. If roughing it with the wildlife doesn’t appeal to you, consider Peru luxury tours which can take you to the Amazon via the comfort of a cruise or luxury lodge.

San Francisco’s Alcatraz is the city’s most well known historical landmark and possibly the most infamous prison ever built. It has been the set for many films and is known as being one of the most inescapable prisons ever built. The boat ride to the island is peaceful and serene and once you get to Alcatraz you’ll get to see what makes this place so special, so inescapable, and hear some stories about the colorful inmates that were confined there as well. It’s a fun trip for the entire family, and just one of the important pieces of history that makes San Francisco so famous.

The Golden Gate Bridge is of course one sight that no one should pass up. It’s a special experience that people can enjoy by driving, walking or biking along the sidewalks. There are also immaculate gardens near the bridge that are filled with beautiful flower beds, expertly manicured hedges and charming brick sidewalks, providing a unique vantage point of the eye catching Golden Gate Bridge. Not far away there are several cheap hotels that also provide exceptional views of either the bay or the bridge itself.

The Marin Headlands in the Bay area have long been a favorite for locals and visitors alike and they offer gorgeous hiking, running and walking trails that follow the stunning coastline, showcasing breathtaking views. It also takes you to the Point Bonita lighthouse which is a sight in itself and you can explore it as well. The Point Bonita area used to be home to a lot of old forts as well, and many are still standing and ready to be discovered along the trails.

The pristine, Bay Area beaches stretch out from the Point Reyes National Seashore to Santa Cruz’s popular big break surf beaches. In between there are a multitude of recreational areas, urban beaches and a great deal of hiking trails and gorgeous places where you just might see pelicans, sea lions, and of course the ever present Sea Gulls.

It just doesn’t get much better than vacationing in San Francisco and the Bay Area. What’s not to love about mild weather, beautiful beaches, good food, great night life venues and all the cheap hotels in San Francisco to choose from?

It’s that time of year again – where we all start to plan and get excited about our summer holidays. This year me and my friends are planning a holiday together and I cannot wait! Luckily I’ve been abroad quite a few times so I’m becoming quite the pro at packing lightly and ensuring I have everything ready well in advance to avoid the last minute stress.

Some of the girls haven’t been abroad before let alone abroad without their parents so I’m taking control and helping them to be well organised so we can all really enjoy ourselves.

Making a list is probably the best way to start planning what you will need, this list should include everything that you will need to take; what will be in your hand luggage and what will be in your suitcase (remember hand luggage and air line restrictions when making this list).

There are a few essential items when travelling abroad in general:

• Passport
• E111 European Health insurance card
• Travel Insurance documents
• Money
• Flight details/transport details – including boarding passes etc.
• Hotel booking confirmation
• A phone/phone card (some way of getting in touch with others and letting them know you are safe)
• Toiletries
• Electrical socket adapter suitable for the country you will be in.

Then depending on your destination there are some other essentials:

• Sun cream
• After sun lotion (someone is always bound to get at least a bit of sunburn)
• Appropriate clothing and foot wear – depending on the holiday – be sensible, sandals etc for the beach and sturdy walking boots for adventurous holidays and remember places can get a lot colder at night so bring some warmer clothing even to the warmest of destinations. Only take the amount of clothing you will need, for a week’s holiday you won’t need 5 pairs of shoes!
• Sunglasses – not only a fashion accessory but can protect your eyes in the strong sun light.
• A map of the area/ guide book/ phrase book.
• Towel (beach)
• Bag (suitable for the beach)

Then there’s the not so essentials but they will make the trip even more enjoyable:

• Book(s) depending on how fast you read – ideal for reading by the pool or in your room if the weather isn’t as expected.
• Hairdryer + straighteners
• Make-up
• MP3 player

By following this list and some common sense I’m hoping me and my friends will have an amazing time and avoid some disasters. Hopefully it will help others do the same as well!