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Which nation has the most prolific travellers?

Here in Britain, we love to take a holiday. Maybe it’s because we are a small island nation, or possibly because we don’t enjoy the best weather in the world.

A timely trip abroad can often be a great tonic to the stresses and strains of modern life in the UK. Some people even travel to the same place year after year, this can help them to consider the region as second home in a lot of cases.

Whatever the reason, the majority of us have been abroad at least once. But are we the world’s most prolific travellers? If not, which nation holds the coveted title?

Germans are regularly ranked as the most prolific travellers, with 86.6 million Germans taking a trip abroad in 2006 alone.

This was closely followed by Britain, with 65.3 million trips to foreign lands. Surprisingly, it was Americans who came in third place, with 58.3 million, according to leading travel blog worldhum.com.

In terms of America’s population, this is a miniscule amount. Americans are notorious for staying at home, as the vast country offers pretty much everything you could wish for – from mountains to deserts, sprawling cities to sandy beaches.

Last year, just over 109 million Americans held a valid passport – around 37% of the population of the country. Despite the wealth of activities that the country offers, this is still a staggering statistic.

While it’s unlikely that we’ll change our travelling ways, it has been predicted that China and Japan will overtake us in the future.

The rise in a wealthy ‘travelling class’ in the Asian countries will see more and more Chinese and Japanese exploring the world.

If you are planning a trip abroad this year (and if you’re British you probably are) then consider getting Travel Money before you depart.

Help! How do I use travel money abroad?

With the summer fast approaching, many of us will be thinking about that all-important summer holiday abroad.

Whether it is a month on the other side of the world, or a week in Tenerife, the summer holiday is something we look forward to all year round.

Despite the high cost of living and the pay freezes that many people are experiencing, Brits still manage to find the funds for a trip overseas.

However, there are several big costs to take into consideration when booking a holiday, from the airline tickets to the accommodation when you’re over there.

Then, of course, there is spending money. Booking flights and accommodation may involve a big lump sum, but at least there’s no danger of you spending any more.

But with spending money, it’s easy to lose that self control and go on a bit of a spending spree. So what should you remember when using travel money abroad?

The benefits of Travel Money

Using Asda Travel Money offers numerous benefits, such as the convenient delivery of foreign currency direct to your doorstep. With highly competitive exchange rates and 25% off travel insurance available exclusively to Travel Money customers, the advantages are obvious.

Avoid cash machines

Most banks will charge a large fee if you use your credit or debit card in foreign cash machines, and more often than not the machine itself will charge you a fee for using it.

When abroad, it’s easy to treat cash machines as if we were at home. But avoid the temptation if possible. If you have to use one, take out a larger amount to ensure you don’t have to use it again.

Tell your bank where you’re going

If you are planning on using your credit card for a bit of holiday shopping, the last thing you want is for your bank to get suspicious and cancel your card.
So make sure you tell your bank when and where you are going, to avoid any awkward moments when it comes to paying.

To make sure you get the best exchange rates, arrange your travel money before you go. Airport exchange rates are notoriously high, and you’ll be in danger of being ripped off when you’re abroad.

Top Italian holiday destinations inspired by Shakespeare

It’s no secret that William Shakespeare took a great deal of inspiration from Italy. The country provided the perfect idyllic settings for a number of his most famous plays and poetry.

From Romeo and Juliet’s display of love on the streets of Verona to Desdemona’s bedchamber in Venice, there are a number of Italian hotspots that inspired Shakespeare’s works.

Here are just a few of the top destinations:

Verona

Situated in northern Italy, the city is home to the controversial fictional love affair between Romeo and Juliet. It is the second largest city in the region and is a bustling tourist destination due to its well known cultural and historical heritage.

The city was used as a backdrop for three of Shakespeare’s most famous works, including Romeo and Juliet, the Two Gentlemen of Verona and The Taming of the Shrew.

Venice

Winding pebble stone streets, stretches of narrow canals and stunning marble churches set the scene for a number of Shakespeare novels. It is easy to see how the writer would have been inspired by such a magical place.

To see Venice at its best, it is a good idea to visit St. Mark’s Square and feed the pigeons, or better still visit St. Mark's Basilica. Enjoy a relaxing gondola trip in the Grand Canal of Venice and then afterwards try some truly authentic Italian food at one of the many restaurants which are tucked away within the city.

Padua

Another northern city that Shakespeare drew inspiration from is Padua. Located not a million miles away from Venice, Padua is the setting for most of the action in The Taming of the Shrew.

Whether you’re a lover of all things Shakespearian or just enjoy Italian cuisine, there are a huge number of reasons to visit Italy. If you are heading overseas before you go, it may be a good idea to take sufficient Travel Money.

The world’s most expensive restaurants

If you love food and have the cash to splash, then there are numerous expensive and unique restaurants dotted around the globe. If you are a fan of both travel and food there are many hotspots that you may like to visit.

Below is a list of some of the world’s most expensive restaurants:

Canada

Food is big business and in some cases even the simplest meal can be enhanced to attract consumers. DougieDog Hot Dogs offers a fresh twist on an old favourite. However, if it’s a cheap bite you’re after, you might have to head elsewhere. DougieDog Hot Dogs is, of course, home to the world’s most expensive hot dog, with prices starting at $100 (£63).

The Dragon Dog is made of a foot-long bratwurst infused with 100-year-old cognac. You can skip the mustard and ketchup on this hotdog as the alternative is Kobe beef seared in olive and truffle oil with fresh lobster and picante sauce.

Japan

Tokyo actually has more Michelin star restaurants than Paris, and is the home of some seriously good grub. Aragawa is a world famous restaurant renowned for its prices as much as its steaks, which cost an average of £217 per person. The drinks will also cost a pretty penny!

Many people may think that the vast majority of the UK’s most expensive restaurants are situated in the South East, however, the Lake District is proving to be a serious competitor on this front.

Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel in Windermere, Cumbria is where you will find the world’s most expensive pudding at a mouth-watering £22,000.

The Faberge Easter egg features four different types of Belgian chocolate, including champagne, caviar, gold and a two-carat diamond.

If you are thinking of heading to an expensive restaurant whilst on holiday, you may wish to take sufficient travel money with you so that you don’t get caught short.

5 things you should NOT take on holiday

When packing for that well deserved holiday, you might feel the need to take everything you own. This is not usually a particularly good idea though.

Here are just a few things you most certainly DO NOT need when you are heading away on your travels;

1. Chewing gum

Singapore has a strict ban on chewing gum, meaning that anyone caught with the sticky stuff could end up in trouble. Rules have been relaxed slightly since the ban was imposed in the early nineties and now only chewing gun of therapeutic value is allowed into the country.

2. Mosquito nets

Are you hoping for a relaxing holiday in Nigeria with a trip to the coast or even a trek in the wilderness? All of this is actually possible without the essential fabric that could help to keep you malaria-free. Bringing textile fabrics and mosquito netting is prohibited in Nigeria, along with all kinds of beer, sparkling wine, mineral water and soft drinks.

3. Kinder Surprise Eggs

If you are heading over to America, think twice about bringing a chocolaty treat in the form of a Kinder Egg. Around 25,000 Kinder eggs were seized by U.S Customs and Border Protection in 1,700 separate incidents in 2010. The little children’s sweets are banned because they have a ‘non-nutritive object’ imbedded inside.

4. Gadgets

New Zealand is doing its bit for the world by trying to eradicate a throw-away culture. The general rule is if you bring it into the country, you have to take it out. This applies to binoculars, calculators, mobile phones, musical instruments, laptops, potable radios, typewriters, sporting goods and wheelchairs.

5. Household appliances

When renting out a villa, going camping or even just staying in a hostel, you might think about bringing your favourite cooking utensil. Think again if you’re heading to Cuba though. There is a strict ban on bringing household appliances into the country. This includes white goods, as well as any type or size of electric frying pan, iron or toaster.

As you might not be able to bring some of your favourite items with you due to custom regulations or other reasons, you might be able to buy the item when you get there.

Asda Travel Money will deliver your holiday money directly to your home address before you go away, leaving you to concentrate on enjoying yourself.

World’s 5 most expensive hotel suites

Have you ever wondered what the inside of a presidential hotel suite might look like? Have you ever dreamed what it would be like to spend the night like a member of the Royal Family? Well, if you have the cash to splash, here are five of the world’s most expensive hotel suites.

1. Hotel President Wilson, Geneva

The Royal Penthouse Suite in this hotel is more than just a penthouse suite. Containing 12 separate rooms, the Hotel President Wilson’s top suite is larger than an average house with a larger than average price tag to go along with it.Paying just over £40,800 per night, you can expect panoramic views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc.

2. The Raj Palace Hotel, India

Situated in the Northern Indian city of Jaipur, the Raj Palace Hotel has the second most expensive hotel suite in the world on offer. At a pricy £28,250 per night, guests can enjoy their own private museum, and four floor apartment.

3. Four Seasons Hotel, New York

Forking out just over £26,000 a night, guests staying at the TY Warner Penthouse Suite in New York’s Four Seasons Hotel will experience 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline. Despite only having nine rooms, the suite does come with the services of a personal butler, personal trainer, therapist and private chauffeur.

4. Hotel Martinez Cannes, France

The South of France is no stranger to luxury so Cannes must be on the map for having one of the world’s most expensive hotel suites. The Penthouse Suite in the Hotel Martinez features an art deco style living room, two bathrooms and two bedrooms, all for £ 23,500 a night.

5. Sky Villa Palms Resort, Las Vegas

If the sophisticated French Riviera is not your scene, why not head to Hugh Hefner’s Sky Villa in Palms Fantasy Tower. The two-bed playboy pad features a branded poll and spa-bath above the famous Las Vegas strip. This experience will set you back over £22,000 per night, but breakfast is not included.

Wherever you spend your holiday, make sure you have enough travel money to cover your costs.

Top 5 extreme sporting events in the world

The majority of the UK population like to relax and unwind when they take a holiday broad. Life can be pretty stressful at times and getting away from the strains of daily life is often the main reason people travel abroad.

However, there are also a number of people who wish to use their time off to raise their heartbeat and push their body to the limit. Here are the top five events you don’t want to miss out on if you are an extreme sports enthusiast:

1. Ice Climbing World Cup

If the dizzying heights of rock climbing are not enough for you, why not combine the activity with ice! Someone once thought that racing up a freezing cold block of ice with just two ice picks in their hands and spikes on their boots was a good idea. A few others also thought this was fun and, as a result, we have the Ice Climbing World Cup which will take place from 8th - 10th March in Russia.

2. Billabong Rio Pro

Man versus the elements is an ongoing battle of which some will win and some will lose. Controlling your body on a surfboard is hard enough, let alone trying to tame the high ocean waves as well. The Billabong Rio Pro in Brazil is part of the Association of Suring Professionals Tour, which circles the globe every year.

3. 24 Hours of Le Mans

Some men and women like to read, write and listen to music for fun, others enjoy sitting in a fast car and ‘ripping it up’ for 24 sold hours, nonstop. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the legendary Le Mans race, which is harder than it looks. Skilled drivers have to judge speed, time, agility and motor maintenance constantly for 24 hours during the French race.

4. 2012 Crashed Ice World Championship

Extreme sports would be nothing without the risk of being killed or seriously injured and that’s exactly what this sport involves. Gather a team of big hockey players, strap ice skates to their feet and throw in some sharp turns, steep drops and jumps and there you have Crashed Ice, which might also involve some crushed people.

5. The X Games

The popular X Games features all the activities your mother would have feared; rally car racing, BMX racing, skateboarding and snowboarding. Originally taking place in both the Winter and Summer in the US and Canada, the games have spread across the globe to China and France.

Wherever you are going, you may wish to consider purchasing travel money as part of your trip.

Top five global ski resorts

It may seem like the worst of winter is finally behind us, but there is still plenty of snow to be found throughout Europe and farther-flung destinations.

There is still plenty of time to make the most of the white stuff. So what are the top ski resorts for one last ski holiday before the season ends?

Geilo, Norway

Norway isn’t one of the countries that immediately comes to mind when you think of skiing, but the Scandinavian country has some great ski resorts.One of the best is Geilo, located near Oslo. One of Norway’s most ‘snow-secure’ resorts, great snow conditions are all but guaranteed in Geilo.

Red Mountain, Canada

We’ve all heard of the likes of Banff and Whistler, but Canada has plenty of great ski resorts that you won’t have heard of. One of the best is Red Mountain, in British Columbia. Stretching across two mountains, Red Mountain’s ski range will keep you busy for your entire trip.

Killington, Vermont

This resort is the closest US resort to the UK, situated in the Green Mountains of Vermont – just across the Atlantic from us. As with many American resorts, Killington is not short on ski lifts and runs. Boasting 140 ski routes, Killington caters for all level of skier.

Saalbach, Austria

Austria is full of quaint little villages that are situated at the bottom of some great ski areas. Saalbach, and neighbouring Hinterglemm, are located in the heart of the Austrian mountains.

There is, therefore, plenty of skiing to be had when you stay in these villages, and they aren’t short on nightlife either.

Val D’Isere, France

A hugely popular resort, Val D’Isere has more than enough skiing to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of skiers it attracts every year. With 300km of piste, more than 100 lifts, and more off-piste than you’ll know what to do with, Val D’Isere is one of the most comprehensive resorts in the world.

If you are planning a skiing holiday, or any kind of holiday, consider arranging travel money to benefit from 0% commission on foreign currency.

Which European country would you most like to live in?

The UK has been officially voted as one of the worst places to live in Europe, according to a survey by comparison website uSwitch. With this in mind, we have looked at the reasons why it might be better to look elsewhere on the continent for a new life.

If you’re heading off for a flying visit to check out potential new countries to live in, it might be worth looking into the merits of travel insurance.

France

Historically, the British and French have enjoyed a love-hate relationship. We don’t really know their language (bonjour doesn’t count) and they try not to learn ours. This has cultivated a mutual distain over a number of years.

So what would tempt you over there? Well, they have an average of 36 annual days of paid holiday and 2124 hours of sunlight a year compared to the UK’s 1387.

The Quality of Life Index Poll, by price comparison website uSwitch, voted France to be the best place to live in Europe. Cheaper electricity, the second cheapest food prices and the highest government expenditure on heath care are just a few of the reasons for this lofty status.

Spain

The research found that 46% of people said they had thought about emigrating, with 13% of this group choosing Spain.

Spain has more hours of sunlight than anybody else in Europe. The Iberian nation also offers 39 days of annual leave on average! Spain also has the lowest rate of VAT on goods and services, as well as the cheapest alcohol on the continent.

Norway

According to recent research by the U.N Development programme, Norway is officially the best place to live in Europe. It offers the highest level of individual economic prosperity, education levels and life expectancy.

However, with the current Eurozone crisis deepening now might not be the ideal time to make a move to the Scandinavian nation.

5 Extreme Activities to Do in New Zealand

Fresh from having successfully hosted the Rugby World Cup and basking in the glory of becoming newly crowned world rugby champions, now is a great time to visit New Zealand.

As well as rugby, New Zealand is also famous for extreme sports and adrenaline filled adventure.

Resort towns such as Queenstown, Wanaka and Te Anau in the Southern Lakes region of New Zealand are nonstop outdoor activity centres. So much so that influential travel book publisher Lonely Planet recently selected the region as one of their top 10 destinations for 2012.

But wherever you are in New Zealand there are plenty of extreme activities to try. If you are thinking about visiting the country any time soon, be sure to try these five activities:

Heli-Skiing

If you are used to skiing in European resorts in France and Austria, you may be in for something of a surprise in New Zealand. The country has hundreds of miles of untouched, snow-capped mountains that you can ski. The best way to access these routes is via helicopter. Heli-ski operators allow access to large swathes of the Southern Alps, as well as areas such as the Tasman Glacier in the Mount Cook National Park and the Harris Mountains region close to Wanaka.

Jet Boating

If you are looking for a real adventure that will offer a jaw-dropping thrill jet boating is certainly something worth experiencing. Travel along the river gorges, canyons and rivers of New Zealand on a white-knuckle jet boat ride: most experiences culminate after 30 minutes with a full 360 degree spin that will take your breath away.

Fly By Wire

This activity is unique to New Zealand and is dubbed a ‘tethered adventure flight’. A purposely built aircraft is suspended from an overhead cable, which allows it to fly at speeds of over 100 miles per hour inside a spectacular natural canyon. The fly by wire activity is located near Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island.

Bungee Jumping

Thinking about trying a bungee jump, but unsure about doing it in a car park in the UK? Fear not, New Zealand is one of the best places on the planet to try your hand - or should that be feet - at bungee jumping. Expect an adrenaline rush like no other and some spectacular scenery too. You can find bungee jumps all over New Zealand. Popular spots include Queenstown, which has an impressive five different sites and Auckland’ Harbour Bridge.

Canyoning

Canyoning is becoming increasingly popular around the world and it is a fun activity to try when in New Zealand. From gentle walking to abseiling down cliffs and swimming in the sea, canyoning is pure adventure, but in a controlled and fun environment. Expect to get wet (you will be in a wet suit), but more importantly, expect to have lots and lots of fun. Popular places to try your hand at Canyoning include the Waitakere Ranges near Auckland and Wanaka on the South Island.

Don’t forget to pick up your travel money before you jet off.

More over-50s 'opting for gap years'

Older people are increasingly embarking on gap year-style trips, with Australia and New Zealand among the regions that over-50s are keen to visit.

That is according to travel operator Bridge the World, which suggests that a "grown-up" market for gap years is beginning to emerge in the UK.

With an average sum of around £7,000 being spent by each older gap year goer, the firm's research shows that people are often heading away from home for as long as three months.

A range of lifestyle factors are enabling people to go on gap year-style breaks in later life, Bridge the World commercial director James Herbert said.

He added: "The over-50s are in a great position to take these trips as they're likely to have high disposable income, are usually retired and have grown-up children who have left home."

Most Britons 'overspend on holiday'

The majority of UK holidaymakers overspend while away from home, new survey results suggest.

Despite many holidaymakers changing their travel money before they go abroad, Credit Confidential figures indicate that 60% of people are spending more than they should.

In some cases, consumers are having to repay the travel debts they rack up over a period of four months.

On an average basis, travellers are going around £237 over budget while on holiday.

Overspending was deemed to be part of the overall travel experience by 17% of those who were queried in the survey.

Commenting on the results, Credit Confidential vice-president Paul Lewis said: "The hangover from holiday overspend looks set to stay with us in the run-up to Christmas, with millions of us having to make changes to our budgeting plans in order to pay off these unexpected debts."

Drivers face high petrol prices across Europe

Motorists in the UK have been struggling in recent months with the expensive cost of petrol, but drivers in most other countries in Europe are facing similarly high prices.

New figures from the RAC Foundation show petrol prices in eight eurozone countries such as France, Italy and Portugal are even higher than those faced by British drivers.

It seems that the only way UK drivers will save money this summer if they're travelling abroad in a car is by finding a cheap car insurance or travel insurance deal.

The only good news is that the petrol prices in Spain, a regular haunt of British travellers, currently stand at 123p a litre, which is substantially lower than the UK's current average of 136p.

Petrol is at its most expensive in Greece where it costs 155p a litre to fill up, closely followed by Holland at 154p, France and Belgium at 147p and Portugal and Italy at 145p.

Tourists 'venturing outside Europe'

Holidaymakers are increasingly choosing to visit countries outside Europe, figures have shown.

People in the UK were taking more holidays to Turkey and Tunisia, no doubt hoping to make their travel money stretch further.

However Spain still topped the most-visited list, despite trips to the country falling by more than 10%.

Italy, Greece and Cyprus also saw visits from UK residents fall by the same figure, the Office for National Statistics figures showed.

Despite this dip, the top three countries visited by UK residents last year were Spain, with 10.4 million visits, France, with 9.1 million and the USA, with 3.2 million.

Overall trips abroad fell by 5.2%, with figures possibly affected by the problems related to the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud crisis.

Teenagers 'missing out' on holidays

More than one in four teenagers will miss out on a holiday this year, a survey has indicated.

Some 26% of 13 to 19-year-olds in the UK do not have an annual holiday, according to a YouGov survey.

The research revealed a stark North-South divide, with 33% of youngsters in the North East saying they went away less than once a year compared with just 18% of those in the South.

At the other end of the scale, 37% of children in the North said they went on holiday two or more times a year, compared with 36% in the South.

Families looking to cut back on their holiday spending can save money by looking for cheap travel insurance - and Hoseasons Group, which commissioned the study, said there were also some low-cost breaks available.

Managing director Geoff Cowley said: "We live such hectic lives now, so family time together is precious and important.

"We know it's a tough economic climate, but there are some very low prices and exceptional value out there if people hunt around."

Nationally, 37% of children make a financial contribution to their holiday, the survey showed.