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Three summer books to read

With the summer fast approaching, people up and down the country will be busy planning their annual getaway for a week or two.

Economic times are tough, with many people struggling to make ends meet. But there’s one thing we always seem to find the funds for – that well-earned summer holiday in the sun.

Whether it’s spending two weeks on the beach, taking a break in a foreign city, or cycling through the Alps, a good book is the one thing most of us will always pack.

Even those who aren’t normally big readers may take a holiday book or two away with us. But with so many to choose from, which should you take? Here are three of the top summer reads to take on holiday.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

A crime novel by the late Swedish writer and journalist Stieg Larsson, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was an instant hit when it was released in 2004. A thrilling read that will have you instantly hooked, the story is fast-paced and will have you reading non-stop all holiday.

Carte Blanche

Ian Fleming may have gone, but his secret agent lives on in Carte Blanche. A James Bond novel by Jeffery Deaver, Carte Blanche reprises Bond in excellent fashion. All the usual Bond traits are here, from cool gadgets to beautiful women, as the story sees 007 try to foil an impending attack on Britain.

Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness

A critically acclaimed novel from Alexandra Fuller, the tale sees Fuller herself return to Africa and her family. Semi-autobiographical in nature, Cocktail Hour explores the character of Fuller’s mother. Tackling the major issues of war, family, love and faith, Cocktail Hour is an epic read that jumps between Africa and Britain – you’ll find it very hard to put down.

If you are planning a holiday abroad this year, you might like to take out travel insurance.

Top 5 cheapest holiday destinations for 2012

If you’re looking for a dream holiday that doesn’t necessarily break the bank, there are a number of destinations you can choose from.

Here are five of the cheapest holiday spots for 2012:

Thailand

A longstanding favourite amongst budget backpackers and luxury sun-seekers, Thailand is set to be one of the cheapest holiday destinations of the year. The stunning beaches, fresh waters and great food make it an ideal holiday for the young and old. Perfect for families and partygoers, there is something to suit all tastes.

Thailand is renowned for being cheap, but this may not be always be true of the flights. Despite this, there are a number of package deals offering the hotel and flights for less than £700 for a one-week stay in the run up to summer.

Portugal

Portugal has been hit by the Euro-zone debt crisis, making it an affordable holiday destination a bit closer to home. Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, is one of the cheapest city breaks you can find in Europe, offering luxury accommodation at surprisingly reasonable prices.

Bulgaria

If beaches and cities are not your idea of holiday heaven, Bulgaria is one of the cheapest places you can choose to ski on a shoestring budget. March is a good time of year to go for good value skiing and empty slopes.

Tunisia

The Tunisian government has been desperate to attract tourists and visitors following the ongoing civil unrest. The country offers cheap holiday fun, but it could be advisable to check with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for updates before booking and departing.

Caribbean cruises

The headline figures might shock you at first, but when you consider that the majority of your food, drinks and entertainment are included in the price, cruises can actually be good value for money for those on a budget. Caribbean cruises, in particular, offer the chance to see a host of idyllic destinations with all the transport and accommodation pre-arranged.

Wherever you decide to go, it could be worth taking out travel insurance.

5 ways to prevent travel sickness from ruining your holiday

No one enjoys being travel sick and in some cases it can have a negative impact on your holiday. From anxious flights to avoiding exciting boat trips, travel sickness could stop you from enjoying your holiday.

Here are five ways to ensure that travel sickness doesn’t ruin your chances of relaxing on your time off.

1. Driving

Regardless if the journey is long or short, car sickness can be a horrible experience. One way to overcome this could be to sit in the front of the car and take plenty of breaks. It would also be advisable not to have anything dangling in the rear view mirror as this could make you dizzy.

2. Distractions

No matter what mode of transport you use, if you suffer from travel sickness it may be a good idea to keep your brain distracted.You can easily do this by listening to music or trying to sleep through parts of the journey. However, reading could make you feel dizzy and cause nausea. By allowing your brain to switch off you could reduce anxiety levels.

3. Light meals

It is not advisable to eat a heavy meal before you embark on a long journey. Avoiding spicy or fatty foods is recommended as they could upset your stomach. Acidic and carbonated drinks should also be avoided and instead drink lots of water to keep you hydrated. It has been reported that ginger and peppermint are good for calming and reducing travel sickness.

4. Clothing

Whilst the types of clothing you can wear won’t prevent you from being travel sick, it could help to make you feel more comfortable during your journey. Wearing loose-fitting and comfortable clothes will stop you feeling constrained on your travels.

5. Rest

Tiredness can add to the severity of travel sickness and as a result it would be a good idea to get plenty of rest before embarking on a journey.

There are a wide range of tricks you can try to reduce travel sickness, however if you face an unexpected bug or sickness on your holiday you might have to pay for medical expenses. Travel Insurance may help you cover the costs should you fall ill whilst abroad.

5 summer books to read

Regardless of what type of lifestyle you lead, there is nothing like sitting on a beach for a few weeks with a good book. However, one of the common holiday mistakes is to bring a book that is not as nearly as enticing, engaging or enjoyable as you initially thought.

Luckily, you don’t have to make that mistake again. Here are five of the top reads for this summer:

An African Love Story by Daphne Sheldrick

This book has been highly rated by The Telegraph and is a collection of memoirs about bringing up African Elephants. The book takes you on an African journey, beginning with a young girl’s adventure through to married life and raising children of her own.

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegerr

A critically acclaimed fiction novel that has stood the test of time, the Time Traveler’s Wife is a great love story of a married couple, one of which is a time traveller. If you loved the book then you can return from holiday to watch the film.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

A young sailor is left unjustifiably imprisoned before he disguises himself as a mysterious count and exacts revenge. A classic tale of heroism and thrilling villainy, you will struggle to put this down when you head away.

Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie

This is an epic discovery of one boy’s Indian adventure, bursting with colourful details and descriptions of the busy city of Mumbai and Northern India.

Down and Out in Paris and London, George Orwell

The first feature length novel from the renowned author is a memoir in two separate parts. Living in poor conditions in Paris as a casual worker in restaurant kitchens, before moving back to London as a tramp, the book is a wonderful insight into Parisian and London life in the early 1900s.

Wherever your book and your holiday takes you, you may wish to consider obtaining travel insurance.

How to travel to Japan on a budget

Japan is one of the most expensive countries in the world and tourists looking to travel there on a budget might struggle.

Here are a few tips to travel Japan on a budget:

1. Do your research

As with any country you’re travelling to, it’s important that you do your research. Not only will you need to research your itinerary, sights and cultural experiences it is also important that you research when it comes to setting a budget.

It could be worth investigating how much the average cost of a meal is and a night in a low-end hostel compared to a high-end hotel. Think about what kind of services you will need such as the cost of public transport or taxis.

2. Speak to the locals

Try not to fall for tourist traps. Speak to the locals and find out the prices they pay rather than the inflated tourist prices. Not only could it be worth talking to the locals, but do as they do and eat in the restaurants they would and visit the local’s best spots for nightlife.

3. Transport

There are a number of different transport options for getting around Japan. If you have the time it could be worth looking into cheaper longer journeys rather than shorter ones. For example, long distance buses can be cheaper than taking the bullet train. It might also be worth booking in advance to get a better deal.

There are also several different kinds of day passes for public transport around cities. It would be advisable to ask a tourist information centre about what is available in your area.

4. Accommodation

Depending on how much cash you have to splash, there are a wide range of accommodation types in Japan. Capsule hotels in larger cities, for example, could be significantly cheaper than a hotel. However, they are very small spaces and showers and bathrooms are shared.

Wherever you plan on travelling to, it could be worth taking out travel insurance in case of emergencies and to give you peace of mind.

How does the customs process differ from one country to another?

Before you jet off on holiday or return home from your destination, you may have to contend with that particular country’s customs process.

Every time you enter a new country, you will have to clear customs. Each country will have their own rules and regulations about customs, but generally the process is designed to stop harmful and potentially harmful or illegal goods being brought into the country. As a result, travellers are asked to declare any goods that the airport may not approve of.

Here are a few guidelines to different custom regulations;

Europe

The EU is home to 27 countries including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Romania, Solvakia, Estonia and the UK. British visitors to EU countries are allowed to bring back items as gifts or for personal use.

Dangerous, indecent or counterfeit items/goods made from endangered species are not allowed through customs. On the other hand, travellers can bring back as much tobacco and alcohol as they like, provided it is for personal use and not for re-sale.

Non-EU

It is important to know that goods from Cyprus, although part of the EU, are considered non–EU imports as they are not controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus. Those holidaying outside the EU, the Canary Islands or Gibraltar will find different regulations in place.

Travellers can only bring back either one litre of spirits/strong liqueurs or two litres of sparkling wine, fortified wine such as port or any other drink less than 22% volume.

There is a £390 limit on the duty-free goods you can bring into the UK from non-EU countries.

It could be worth taking out travel insurance and checking to see what your policy covers before going on a full-blown shopping trip.

Top safety tips when travelling to Africa

Travelling is becoming more popular than ever, as more and more people yearn to see as much of the world as they possibly can.

Travel and tourism has become such big business that you’ll be hard pressed to find somewhere in the world that thousands of people haven’t visited already.

If there is one place where ‘off-the-beaten-track’ locations can be found, it is Africa. This vast continent is one of the most culturally different to Europe, and yet is one of the least travelled.

Africa is a lot safer than most people think, but as with any country in the world, safety precautions should be taken. So what should you remember if you’re planning a trip there?

Don’t display valuables

This goes for many countries around the world, as you’ll stick out like a sore thumb just for being a westerner.

Most people in Africa are honest and friendly, but if you dangle expensive cameras around and flash the cash then you’ll inevitably become the target of thieves. So keep your valuables to yourself.

Beware of con artists

As we all know, there is a lot of poverty in many parts of Africa. Con artists posing as refugees or orphans might try to take advantage of your human side and get some money out of you.

It might be hard, but try to avoid giving these types of people money. If you want to make a difference, donate some money to a local charity.

Beware of the wildlife

Africa is home to a lot of wild animals, it is one of the main reasons people visit the continent. But remember that these animals can be very dangerous.

If you see any animals and you are not part of a tour or safari, keep your distance. It can be tempting to get up close, especially if they are exotic animals, but you could be putting your life in danger.

If you are planning a trip to Africa, or any other part of the world, you may wish to take out travel insurance.

5 things to do in Dubai

If you are heading to Dubai, put down your guidebook and check out these top five things to do in the city;

1. Underwater restaurant

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to eat your spaghetti bolognese surrounded by spectacular sea-life? Well, now you can, thanks to the underwater Al Mahara restaurant in Dubai. Situated around a giant glass aquarium, the restaurant truly has a ‘submerged’ atmosphere. Name as one of the world’s top 50 restaurants, the underwater dining experience is not one to be missed.

2. Luxury hotels

Dubai is home to the world’s only seven-star hotel which is built on a man-made island surrounded by the Arabian Gulf. Redefining luxury, the lavish building is the fourth tallest hotel in the world.

3. Dubai creek

An extremely popular trip for travellers and holidaymakers is the Dubai creek. The creek can be crossed by water taxi or, alternatively, you could hire your own boat. The creek is situated close to the Al Garhoud Bridge and Al Maktoum Bridge with a pristine golf course nestled in between.

4. Wild Wadi water park

Cool off from the Arabian sun by visiting the Wild Wadi water park. Perfect for families with young children, the water park makes for a great day trip. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the crowded city by spending a day by the pool and riding the waves. The Wild Wadi water park, which is situated in front of the stunning Burj Al Arab, offers 30 rides & attractions for all the family.

5. Shopping

Shopping in Dubai is an ‘absolute must’ and whilst it has been argued that the actual shops themselves are not that different from the UK, the experience is said to be ‘intriguing’. According to Time Magazine, Dubai shopping centres are displayed on a grand scale with the Mall of Emirates hosting an indoor ski slope with real snow!

Dubai offers a jewellery box of treats for budding travellers and holidaymakers. Comprehensive travel insurance should possibly be considered for a transatlantic trip.

Brits pack teabags and other bizarre holiday essentials

Towels, sunglasses, passport and teabags: these are just a few of the ‘essential’ holiday items that Brits are packing in their suitcase.

A growing number of Brits couldn’t possibly cope without tea and are going to extreme lengths to be able to enjoy their ‘morning cuppa’ whilst abroad.

It’s not just a lack of teabags that get Brits hot under the collar, a number of people have been known to pack marmite and Super Noodles. Even kettles are a holiday essential for some!

According to a recent poll by British Airways, nine out of 10 people fail to use up to a third of the items they take with them. Two fifths of people pack at least three pairs of shoes and, shockingly, one in eight take three or more towels with them for a week-long trip.

Whilst the holiday staples for any suitcase consist of clothes, shoes, sun cream and cash, more unusual items have also been found.

The survey revealed that peanut butter, a potato peeler and a three-foot high pair of angel wings were amongst the most unusual items packed.

Those living in the East of England and Scotland were found to have the heaviest suitcases and have paid the most in excess baggage fees.

Paying excess baggage fees can seriously hinder the start to your trip. Matters could also take a turn for the worse if your luggage is delayed, lost or stolen.

Whilst some can’t deal with the thought of being away from their favourite brand of tea for a week, imagine the idea of not having any of your luggage available at all.

Travel insurance might be something you wish to consider if you want to cover yourself for any potential issues such as lost luggage.

The 5 most popular skiing hot spots for 2012

The winter months can be a tough time of year for a lot of us. It means getting up in the dark, getting home in the dark, and generally being a bit chilly at all times.

But for a lot of people, the winter means just one thing – it’s time to don a pair of goggles and salopettes and hit the slopes for a week or two of skiing.

Brits flock to slopes in their thousands, either heading to one of the hundreds of resorts across Europe, or going further afield to the US or Canada.

There has never been a better time to hit the slopes, as the majority of European resorts are reporting the best snow conditions in years.

So, where should you go to make the most of the excellent snow on offer? Here are some of the most popular skiing hotspots for 2012.

Whistler, Canada

The Rocky Mountains, in the US and Canada, are home to many ski resorts. One of the best is Whistler, offering a huge ski region – so big, in fact, that you probably won’t hit the same piste twice in a week!

Tignes, France

This high-altitude resort is one of the most popular in France. With glacier skiing, it’s possible to hit the slopes almost all year round.

Aspen, Colorado

As probably the most well-known resort in the world, Aspen is the epitome of skiing. It is regularly visited by celebrities, but caters for everyone.

St Anton, Austria

This well-known resort is one of Austria’s most popular...and its most attractive. Buying a lift pass here will not only cover you for St Anton, but the surrounding areas of Zurs and Lech.

Zermatt, Switzerland

This luxury resort is known the world over as a playground of the rich and famous. But it’s popular with all sorts of skiers, and offers a great ski area.

If you are going skiing, remember to look into the right travel insurance. Winter sports cover will cover you for a range of things including injury, lost equipment, and even a lack of snow.

5 things to do in New York

If you are thinking of heading away from the UK this Easter, why not take a bite out of the ‘Big Apple’ and head to New York for a fun–filled trip which is perfect for families, couples and single travellers.

Here are five ‘must do’ activities to help you truly experience everything the city has to offer.

1. Statue of Liberty

The iconic Statue of Liberty is an essential visit for any traveller heading to New York. The majestic ‘Lady in Green’ has been spotted in several films, posters, t-shirts and music videos, so why not add her to your holiday snaps? New York has a number of world-famous landmarks, including the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square.

2. Central park

One of New York’s most visited tourist attractions is Central Park, which is situated right in the centre of the city. Home to thousands of film locations, weddings, walking tours and general people-watching activities, Central Park is a great spot to just sit back and enjoy the city.

3. New York hotdog

You haven’t truly experienced all the cultural delights of the city if you haven’t tried a typical New York hotdog. If hotdogs are not to your liking, you won’t go hungry! The city is littered with thousands of restaurants to cater for all tastes, with a diverse range of cuisines and dishes on offer.

4. Museums & Art galleries

New York is famous for being home to some of the world’s biggest museums and art galleries. A stretch of the city has, in fact, been dubbed as ‘Museum Mile’ for all the cultural activities that are on offer. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is highly recommended, as well as The National Academy Museum & School, The Museum of the City of New York and the Jewish Museum.

5. Districts

Hit the suburban districts to discover just how diverse the city is. From China Town to Little Italy, as well as Brooklyn and the Bronx, there are a whole range of neighbourhoods which offer something for all. If you’re looking for downtown bars or uptown shopping, New York has everything you could need.

In order to enjoy the delights of New York, you might want to consider purchasing travel insurance in advance of your trip.

Five must-do sporting holidays in 2012

2012 is set to be one for the sports fans, with a wealth of big sporting events taking place around the world over the course of the year.

And whether you’re a football fan, a cycling nut, or a Formula One fanatic, there’s something for everyone this year. So what are the must-do sporting holidays for 2012?

Chinese Grand Prix

The Formula One season is about to get underway once again, and is set to be another high-octane battle of man v machine.

The Chinese Grand Prix, the third race of the season, is held on the notoriously difficult Shanghai International Circuit.

Euro 2012

Taking place in Poland and Ukraine from 8 June to 1 July, the Euros are one of the biggest football tournaments in the world.

For England fans, the event is extra special. After failing to qualify for the ‘Euros’ four years ago, this represents a chance for England to redeem itself.

Tour De France

For those who don’t fancy a trip to Eastern Europe, head over to France for the greatest cycling event the world has to offer.

Kicking off in Liege, North France, on 30 June, the Tour De France is a gruelling race over 3,479 kilometres. After 20 stages, the world famous race finishes at the Champs-Ellysees on 22 July.

Olympic Games

No look at the biggest sporting events of the year would be complete without mention of THE biggest sporting event in the world.

The final preparations are being put in place for the Games, before millions of spectators and athletes descend on the capital on 27 July.

US Open

Even after the thrill of the Olympics, the sporting year is still not over. Next up is the US Open, one of the biggest events in the Tennis calendar.

Taking place in New York from 27 August until 9 September, the US Open is one of the Grand Slams that the tennis heavyweights really want to win.

If you’re planning a trip abroad this year, sporting or otherwise, remember to consider travel insurance.

Hand luggage allowances for domestic and international flights explained

When it comes to jetting off on holiday, there is a lot to remember. Whether it is a month-long trek through the Andes, or a weekend break in Paris, most of us have a specific list of things to remember.

But when we get to the airport, another packing challenge presents itself: what to pack in the hand luggage? Not only that, but how much are you allowed?

It is fair to say that when it comes to hand luggage allowances, there is a lot of guesswork involved for most of us. So what do you need to remember about hand luggage when you take a flight?

The size of hand luggage

Since April 2010, the Department for Transport has not set a maximum size restriction for hand luggage. However, airlines and airports do set their own restrictions.

These can vary, but in general you are allowed hand luggage that is 22 inches tall, 17.7 inches wide, and ten inches deep. These dimensions apply to both domestic and international flights.

Amount of hand luggage

You may not realise this, but the majority of airlines now allow more than one item of hand luggage to be taken on board.

Many airlines will allow for a piece of hand luggage, plus a handbag or laptop bag. But this does not apply to all airlines, so double check before you leave for the airport.

You are more likely to be able to take numerous pieces of hand luggage on domestic flights than international ones, but some international airlines will allow more than one.

Hand luggage items

We all know that you’re not allowed any liquids over 100ml, but there are concessions for this rule. If you have a baby, for example, you can take things like formula or sterilised water.

Also, if you have a condition that requires medicine, you’ll be able to bring this on board as long as you have a doctor’s note. In both cases, confirm this with your airline before leaving for the airport.

If you are going on holiday, remember to think about taking out travel insurance to ensure you are covered should something happen.

Top three potential Easter holiday destinations

The extended school break, combined with the bank holidays that Easter always brings, means that it is the perfect time for a getaway.

So whether you are taking the kids on a week-long holiday, or just spending the long weekend somewhere a bit different, there are plenty of options available for an Easter break.

And the weather at Easter can often be warmer than expected, making a trip away even more worthwhile. So what are top Easter holiday destinations?

Rome

Easter is a religious celebration, so where better to explore the history and tradition of Easter than in Italy? Whether you are religious or not, the Italian capital of Rome is a wonderful place to visit at Easter.

The Pope himself holds several masses and blessings in Vatican City, making it the ideal place to experience the traditions of Easter.

Alternatively, you could head to St Peter’s Square and the Basilica to see just how grand Easter celebrations can really be.

The Netherlands

As well as chocolate eggs and bunnies, Easter is about springtime. And there’s no better place to spring into action than in the flower capital of the world, The Netherlands.

There are a range of options available to those wanting to see The Netherlands in full bloom. Pretty much every town and city will be bursting at the seams with Tulips and Daffodils.

If you are simply on the lookout for the most spectacular sights, head to Amsterdam. Just wandering around the city you’ll see flowers of every colour, but visit the Keukenhof flower gardens for some truly breathtaking flower displays.

The city that never sleeps is a great holiday destination at any time of year, but offers something a little different at Easter.

Every Easter Sunday, the world-famous Fifth Avenue is turned into a sea of extravagant bonnets. This informal parade dates back to the 19th Century, so grab yourself a hat and join in the fun!

If you are planning a holiday this Easter, remember to consider taking out travel insurance to provide cover whilst you’re away.

Planes, trains and automobiles – How to get to Euro 2012

This year is definitely one for the sports fans, with a range of big events in the calendar. The biggest event of the year, especially for us in the UK, is the Olympic Games.

Taking place in London this summer, the Olympic Games (and subsequent Paralympic Games) are set to be spectacular events.

But for many sports fans in Britain, and indeed across Europe, there is an event taking place before the Olympics that is just as important.

Euro 2012 is set to kick off in June this year, and football fans throughout the continent are starting to make preparations for their journey across Europe.

This year, the event is being held in Poland and the Ukraine, who are joint hosts. Kicking off on 8th June in Warsaw, Poland, Euro 2012 is certain to be a great football showcase. So how can you make sure you get to Poland or Ukraine this summer?

By plane

Tickets to Poland and Ukraine during the tournament are selling out fast, so book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

It’s also worth investigating the package deals that some holiday companies are offering, which include flights, accommodation and tickets to group matches.

By train

It’s a long journey, but some England fans are planning on making the trip to Euro 2012 by train. It may seem like a strange choice initially, but at least you are likely to get a ticket.

Another option is to fly to somewhere close to Poland or Ukraine and then take a subsequent train into either country.

By car

The cost of fuel these days means that driving across Europe is probably the most expensive way to get to Euro 2012.

However, using a car is likely to give you much more flexibility and will mean you can return home early if, Heaven forbid, England go out in the group stages.

If you are planning to travel to Euro 2012, remember to look into travel insurance before you go.