Travel World Network

Holidaymakers look set to carry on Glamping

If you can’t decide between the great outdoors or a luxury hotel on your next holiday, you may be one of the growing number of people who decide to split the difference and go Glam-Camping, or “Glamping” instead.

Glamping originated from festivals like Glastonbury where celebrity festival goers decided they wanted a sumptuous and mud free experience. An increasing number of Camping pods, Teepees, Yurts, Bell Tents and Shepherd’s huts are springing up all over Europe, with more than 150 Glamping sites across the UK alone in 2011. Prices can vary, ranging from £50 to £350 a night depending on the accommodation size, amenities and location.

Gone are the days of tinned beans and burnt sausages, Glampers enjoy access to electricity and any number of luxury appliances. This is just as well, when the likes of celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver can be counted among their numbers. Even the Naked Chef might struggle to whip up the perfect soufflé on a camping stove. Then after a power shower it’s off to bed with the happy Glampers. Not into a rustling, smelly sleeping bag but into a full size spring mattress with Egyptian cotton sheets. You get the idea.

It is certainly bringing harmony to families whose members are split between camping haters and lovers. Offering the perfect solution and being Eco-friendly to boot, it is little wonder that this trend is catching on fast.

However Glamping is not going to appease those who relish the rough and ready appeal of a traditional camping holiday (or “tramping” as some are now calling it)and all the challenges to character that this can bring. France has long been one of the most popular European camping destinations with its thousands of well-provisioned, low cost and often scenic campsites. French campsites even offer swimming pools and entertainment, so it’s no real surprise that our neighbours over the channel have already cottoned on to the demand for a more lavish camping experience and are offering some interesting Glamping breaks.

With a rich history and beautiful scenery, the Mediterranean is one my favourite places to travel whilst on holiday. Exploring the Mediterranean by cruise is a fantastic way to enjoy the area, as you have the opportunity to retreat to a luxurious ship with plenty of amenities after a long day of sight-seeing. Although you can spend most of your time enjoying all of the amenities on the ship, I do suggest partaking in a few shore excursions, so you can discover everything the Mediterranean has to offer.

The first thing to know about cruises to the Mediterranean is that many cruise lines divide the area into two sections; eastern and western. You may be able to find some cruises that visit both areas; however, that may not give you enough time to really explore the outlying cities. I recommend finding a Mediterranean cruise that covers the area you want to see, so you have enough time to participate in shore excursions or just walk around the nearby cities. Some cruise lines may only allow for one day at each port, so make sure to plan your schedule accordingly. Try to see some of the best areas of the city, without overwhelming yourself. If you enjoy the area, plan on coming back for a lengthier stay in the future. With the Mediterranean being so close, you will be able to visit again with a short flight or even by train.

Eastern Mediterranean: This portion of the Mediterranean usually covers the Greek Isles, portions of Italy, Turkey and The Black Sea. This area is perfect for a relaxing and laid-back holiday, with a rich culture, deep history and plenty of beaches. Walk the steps of our ancestors as you travel back through time exploring Athens and the Parthenon. The adventurous can partake in water sports activities at one of the nearby beaches of the Greek Isles. One of the most popular places to visit on a trip to the eastern Mediterranean is Venice. This remarkable city offers world-famous cafes, art galleries and cathedrals for exploration. You can also view the city as you glide through the water on a romantic gondola ride.

Western Mediterranean: This portion of the Mediterranean is extremely popular with both new visitors and returning travellers. A cruise to the western portion of the Mediterranean will usually cover Italy, France and Spain. Some of the most beautiful cities are within these areas, such as Monte Carlo, Rome, Barcelona, Nice and Florence. For those who love a lively atmosphere, Monte Carlo will be a favourite spot to stop. Here you will find a grand casino, bars, night clubs, shows and plenty of water sports activities. If you prefer something a bit more laid-back, you will enjoy sitting at a café in Rome or walking down La Rambla, a lovely tree-lined street of Barcelona where you will find artisans, gorgeous buildings and an aquarium.

If you will be travelling to the Mediterranean, I recommend finding a cruise that lasts 10 nights or longer. There is so much to see on land that you will undoubtedly become exhausted if you try to do everything at once, so having a day or two at sea built into the itinerary will give you time to feel refreshed and ready to explore the next port of call.

Cruises have become a favourite option for those on holiday, with over one million cruises being booked per year. As cruise holidays continue to gain popularity, many brokers are offering travellers cruise insurance to help them stay protected whilst travelling. Whether you are planning a cruise for yourself and a spouse or you are bringing the entire family, it is important to explore your cruise insurance options before finalizing your plans for the trip. Here are a few of our tips regarding travel insurance for cruise and land.

Make Sure Cruises Are Covered in Your Policy

Many travel insurance policies do not provide coverage for cruise holidays, so it is best to speak with a broker before purchasing insurance. If you currently have an annual travel insurance policy, read the details to find out if cruises are covered. If they are not, consider asking your broker to add cruise insurance to your travel policy.

Make Sure All Important Points Are Covered

Here is a checklist of some of the most important things we think cruise insurance should provide coverage for.

Cancellation: If you need to cancel the trip, you should be able to reclaim lost holiday-related expenses.

Delays: If there are unfavourable weather conditions or the cruise is delayed for some other reason, you should be able to reclaim expenses for the day you missed.

Shore Excursions: It is very important that your cruise insurance policy covers you both on the ship and on land. Make sure you find out if there are any excursions that are excluded from your policy, such as water or winter sports activities. You may need to purchase extra coverage for these activities, but it is worth it if you think you may partake in any type of extreme or adventurous activity.

Medical Expenses: The policy should provide coverage for medical expenses and travel fees that you incur due to illness or injury.

Luggage: Some policies will not cover personal items that are lost or stolen if they were in your possession. Yet, if your luggage becomes lost or stolen during travel, you should have coverage for this.

Additional Tips for Cruise and Land Insurance

Here are a few additional tips for purchasing cruise and land insurance.

Keep Detail Records: Make sure to save all of your receipts if you needed to purchase new items due to your luggage being lost or if you incurred medical expenses due to illness or injury. Make detailed notes of each purchase or expense.

File Claims on Time: If you need to file a claim, make sure you do so within the timeframe that you are allowed. You should report all claims immediately; otherwise they may not be covered.

Report Pre-existing Conditions: You need to speak with your broker about any pre-existing medical conditions you have before purchasing insurance. If you are pregnant, you may not be eligible to be covered. If you have certain medical conditions, the insurance company may require a paper from your doctor before you can travel.

While cruise and land insurance may not provide coverage in all situations, such as if you have a pre-existing condition, it is highly important that you are protected in the event that something unexpected happens. We recommend finding a policy that is right for you and will provide you with the coverage you need to be protected during your cruise holiday.

There are many reasons why cruises from Southampton are so popular. With no-fly cruises and stress-free travelling options, departing from Southampton is the ideal choice for both couples and families with young children. If you are considering going on a cruise for your next holiday, I suggest exploring the different types of cruises that board in Southampton. Here are just a few reasons why cruises from Southampton are easy and stress-free.

No-Fly Cruises: In my opinion, one of the most appealing aspects of cruises departing from Southampton is the ability to have a completely no-fly cruise. With this option, you don’t have to worry about where your luggage is or face baggage restrictions. There are no problems with flight delays or navigating your way through a crowded airport. Simply arrive at port and board the ship, which is made effortless and easy. Not having to pay for the added expense of airfare is also a bonus, as well. I expect no-fly cruises to continue gaining popularity, as they are perfect for those who have a fear of flying or just want a holiday that is easier and less stressful.

Plenty of Options: Southampton is easily one of the largest ports in the UK, with about 65 per cent of cruises departing from here. Many of the most well-known and recognizable cruise lines have ships that depart from Southampton, such as P&O, Royal Caribbean, MSC and Cunard. P&O offers three day cruises for a short weekend holiday to France or Belgium. They also offer 14 day cruises where you will experience breath-taking scenery and excitement as you head to the US or the Caribbean. I appreciate that there are so many options for cruises that dock at Southampton, as it makes it easier to find something that will appeal to the entire family.

The Atmosphere: Whilst many people plan for their holiday to start once they are on-board the ship, I say why not start your holiday a few days earlier? Southampton is not only one of the top ports in the UK, as it also offers a rich history and scenic areas for exploration. Immerse yourself in the history of the area as you explore the medieval walls in Southampton’s Old Town. For families, plan a visit to Paultons Theme Park, which is home to Peppa Pig World. Here you will find exciting rides and attractions, as well as a lively and family-friendly atmosphere. There are also sporting events to attend or art galleries and museums for exploring whilst visiting Southampton.

Whether you are traveling with your spouse, friends or the entire family, I know you won’t be left disappointed with cruises from Southampton. Take advantage of the no-fly cruises departing from Southampton for a holiday that is stress-free and relaxing. Enjoy the area and see all that Southampton has to offer before your cruise, and your holiday will definitely be one that’s memorable.

Camping holidays are becoming an increasingly popular way for families and friends to enjoy their free time together, even if they are on a budget. As with any type of self-catering holiday, choosing the right insurance policy is a priority, but with so many camping travel insurance types available, deciding which one to purchase can leave you feeling confused. To help you select a policy which will provide you and your family with adequate cover, read on and discover my top tips.

• Single Trip or Annual Policy?

One of the first things to consider when choosing an insurance policy for your camping holiday is whether you will be taking just one vacation in the year, or whether you go on holiday more often. Insurance brokers offer a variety of policy types, so it is worth shopping around to find one which suits the specific needs of your family – after all, there is no point in adding to your costs by buying a policy which covers you for a whole year, if you are only going away for a long weekend. For my family, who take camping trips in Europe up to three or four times a year, an annual (sometimes called multi-trip) policy is the obvious choice. Not only does the annual policy we choose work out at a lower cost than paying out for individual policies on each trip, but also means that we save time, as we don’t have to call the insurance company every time we travel.

• Is Your Kit Covered?

Many camping enthusiasts buy specialist kit to ensure that they get the best out of their holidays, whether it is a high-quality tent, deckchairs or a portable BBQ, and just like items that you buy for your home these need to be insured. Have you ever thought what would happen if your tent was washed away in a flood, or somebody stole all of your equipment? Fortunately, we have yet to have an experience like this, but have heard stories of holidays spoiled by the theft of uninsured items. This is why you need to look for a specialist camping travel insurance policy, and not rely on your home insurance to cover any losses. As with any contract or agreement, ensure that you read the “small print” and in particular, take note of any exclusions which are listed on the policy before you sign on the dotted line.

• Do You Need Extras?

When you arrange for an insurance policy, it can be tempting to turn down additional extras that the agent offers you, such as health cover. If you are planning to travel within Europe, you will probably already know that the EHIC card supplied by the British government will give you access to reduced cost health care in case of an emergency. However, hospital costs abroad can quickly run into thousands, even for less serious health issues. When you choose your policy, give some serious consideration to adding additional health cover for yourself and your family – and remember, you’ll only ever regret not having insurance when you need it most!

Eurocamp holidays offer surprises for every budget and preference. Family members of all ages can enjoy the spectacular views nature has to offer as well as varied entertainment each parc has to offer.

Although Eurocamp parcs are self-catering, there are groceries, restaurants and bars for every taste. Do you want to have a fun-filled family dinner in a restaurant or want some pizza by the beach? Even picky eaters and dieters will be pleased with the assorted light meals, sandwiches and salads.

Bringing children with you is never a hassle at any Eurocamp family holiday. From the watersports , to the games and playground, there is so much for them to do especially when you want a little quiet time horse-back riding or simply trolling down the beach or countryside. The TV room even has Sony Playstation and Nintendo Wii (although with the sheer number of fun activities kids would rather be outdoors).

Why Choose Eurocamp

If you love bonding moments with your family but have to keep a tight rein over the budget, then take your pick among the many Eurocamp family holidays. Book early and you can save 15%. If you are a repeat customer you get another 5% discount which totals a hefty 20% discount. We were never ruled by impulse because holidays are such precious moments that you want to get the kinks out of the way so you can thoroughly enjoy that long-deserved vacation.

There are also bookable zones where you can stay near the beach or neighborhood pitches where you can be cozy with your friends. Eurocamp makes it easy for you to just get up and go with online site selection tools and flexible payment options. We reserved our slots and paid 12 weeks prior to departure.
Accommodations are faultless. We chose a roomy mobile for us and the two kids. The kids stayed for free which was great for our pocket. Other accommodations like regular bedrooms, lodges and tents are likewise available. What Eurocamp claims on their website about “All the charm of camping without the compromise on comfort” is 100% true. Your stay is guaranteed to be comfortable because each home-away-from-home is well-equipped.
A Choice for Everyone

Eurocamp offers many activities and have destinations spread throughout Europe, U.K. and the U.S. You can choose from city breaks, cultural breaks, fishing holidays, theme park, walking, scenic and beach holidays. We’ve taken a trip with the kids and our next pone with Eurocamp promises to be even more memorable. Now that we have a dog the kids so adore, we can bring her as well! Eurocamp makes all that possible. This affordable choice even allows us to visit two or more destinations and that to me is a bargain too difficult to resist.

All these make Eurocamp a market leader – a trusted name known for reliability, safety, comfort and value for money.

Travelling is really fun, whether you’re planning to go backpacking, go on a cruise, on a city break or for a fantastic beach holiday in the sun. No matter where you go, though, it’s really important that you protect your privacy while travelling to minimise the risk of ID theft and other issues. This means that as well as having an effective travel insurance policy to protect you while you’re away, there are other things you need to do to protect your privacy. Read on to find out more.

Keep passport safe

This is common sense, but one of the most important things when it comes to protecting your privacy while travelling is keeping your passport safe. If you need to carry it with you, make sure it’s secured somewhere on your person (such as in a zipped pocket that’s hard to access) rather than loose in a bag.

Lock important documents in hotel safe

You should also make sure to keep all of your other identifying documents safe. Most hotels come with a safety deposit box in the room, or at least have them for hire, and so it’s a good idea to put things such as your passport, holiday insurance policy, bank cards and excess cash in one of these boxes for safe keeping.

Use secure wireless connections

Many people also use the internet while travelling, either through their own laptops or in public internet cafes. If you’re planning on using wireless internet while away, you should always make sure the connection is secure (password protected) before logging on. You should also always log off public computers before you leave them to make sure no one can get hold of your details.

Don’t declare your holiday on Facebook

Another tip for protecting your privacy while travelling is not to declare the fact you’re going away on Facebook or Twitter. If you gleefully post about your travels on social networking sites, this information cannot only be used by would-be burglars back home, but it can also alert people to your whereabouts, which isn’t always ideal. Make sure the people who need to know where you are have your details – someone should always know where you are, after all – but keep the information hidden from those who don’t need to know.

Use tracking apps

If you’re going to be taking devices such as your laptop or phone away with you, one option is to use a tracking app on them. This means that if they are taken, you’ll be able to track where they are, which increases your chances of getting them back. If in doubt, though, leave them behind entirely so you don’t need to worry about that aspect of your privacy.

Have you ever been to Spain for a holiday? Are you thinking of travelling to Spain for a holiday in the near future? Do you always return to Spain each year for your annual holiday? Many British people continue to travel to Spain each year despite there being many more destinations available around the world at affordable prices. In this article, I write about why the British love and continue to travel to Spain for their holidays.

A recent report highlighted the fact that many British people do not just return to Spain once, but in fact return to Spain most years for their holiday. One lady who was around fifty years of age was asked by the reporter how many times she had chosen Spain for her holiday destination, twelve she answered. A man who was probably in his forties was asked the same question, he replied, eight times.

With the birth of the budget airline you would have thought that people may choose other destinations to visit, some of course do, but what is the reason behind all of these other people travelling back to Spain, year in, year out?

Many of these people will only be able to afford one holiday abroad per year and if they have really enjoyed travelling to Spain in the past and all what it has to offer, they may not be willing to take a risk with a new resort or country.

A lot of these people see Spain as quite similar to the UK, apart from the fact that it is a lot warmer. This sun is of course is why most of them are taking their holiday abroad, how many times have we taken a holiday in Britain, in August for example, and the weather has been poor?

The food in these Spanish resorts is very much catered for us Brits and there are many British themed bars where people are able to drink British beer and watch the English Premiership in football.

This is no doubt true of many other resorts around the world but people may be of the mindset of why fix it, if it is not broken.

To travel to Spain is very cheap and the flights are also quite short, this suits a family taking their children as well as members of an older generation.

With the internet now available in most households, people are able to plan and book their holidays for even cheaper than before, this is by booking the flights and hotels well in advance.

I personally like to travel to different destinations when I go abroad but can fully understand why other people would choose to return to the same place, for example Spain.

Mexico is a big and old country. Everyone can find something interesting in this land. Ancient pyramids and temples, big modern megapolises and tropical resorts its all here waiting for you to come.

The trip to Mexico can be started with visit to its capital Mexico City. Its the third-largest metropolis in the world. Only Tokyo and New York City are bigger. This expansive city of 20 million and over a mile high is built on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the ancient Aztec capital. Reminders of past civilization pervade the city, particularly at the Templo Mayor excavation and Anthropological Museum at Chapultepec Park. This very Tenochtitlan was founded in 1325 by Aztecs. Speaking about modern Mexico City, the district called the Zona Rosa is famous for its shops.
One of the must-sees in Mexico are pyramids of Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza. Teotihuacan is located 50 kilometers northeast of Mexico City. Teotihuacan is not only a monumental city, but also a place where the mural paintings allow the visitor to delve into a world of mythical figures of Gods, jaguars, nocturnal beings and liquid skies.

The ruins of Chichen Itza lie about midway between Cancun and Merida, so that the journey from each city takes around 2 or 3 hours via the new autopista. This place was a settlement of Maya tribe. The tribe itself sank into oblivion, but its creature still attracts millions of tourists and hundreds of investigators seeking for their archeological glory.

When you feel tired of ancient ruins and dust roads you can direct your steps to one of the Mexican resorts Cancun, Puerto-Vallarta or Acapulco.

So, meet Cancun. Very popular resort among US citizens situated on the Yucatan peninsula. The city of Cancun is only 35 years old. This fashionable resort was built on the place of the former fishermans village. Cancun is world famous for its beaches, surrounding the whole city.

Puerto Vallarta is nestled between palm-covered mountains, a river and an azure sea. The city is full of cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses. Like Cancun, once it was a fishing village.

One of the most exciting resorts in the world, Acapulco is famous for its explosive nightlife, golden beaches, unlimited watersports, world-class hotels, restaurants and the breathtaking beauty of Acapulco Bay. Acapulco is located on the Pacific coast of Mexico and unlike Puerto Vallarta and Cancun its a big city with 2-million population.

Mexico is enjoyable year-round, but October to May is generally the most pleasant time to visit. The May-September period can be hot and humid, particularly in the south, and inland temperatures can approach freezing during December-February.

We all day dream about long and serene vacations. Unfortunately, few of us have the time to take them. Georgia offers you all of the benefits of a long vacation, even if you only have a couple of days.

What The Heck, Lets Go To Georgia

Sick and tired of working all summer while it seems everyone else is on vacation? Well, how about joining the many travelers heading to Georgia? Georgia may not be the first place you think of when you want to head out of town, but after exploring the range of activities, sights and relaxing environments available here, you will be happy you went.

Georgia is home to many distinctly different areas for vacations. If you are more of an adventurous, outdoorsy type, you will love the Blue Ridge Mountains in north Georgia. These mountains are beautiful, with peaks rising to 4000 feet and lakes and rivers to fish and boat in. The Blue Ridge Mountains are also home to the Cherokee tribe, and home to the United States first Gold Rush in 1828. Whether you are looking for a historical trip or a hiking adventure, the Blue Ridge Mountains are the place to be. Rental cabins and cottages, such as the Tica Cabins in the town of Blue Ridge, make a great place to stay.

Mountains are not for everyone, and Georgia has much more to offer in the way of climate and locations. The coast, for example, makes for some great beach trips in Georgia. These beaches are unspoiled, uncrowded and wildlife abounds. If you enjoy seeing nature at its finest, why not explore the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge or the trails of Blackbeard Island? All the locations on Georgia’s beautiful coast are great options for a vacation.

If you would rather spend your time listening to great music and exploring Southern culture, Athens, Georgia is the place to be. Many different rock bands got their start here, as well as African-American musicians. The B-52 s and REM both originated in Athens clubs, and the vaudeville establishment known as the Morton Theatre hosted musicians like Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway. Athens is also home to AthFest, a rock music festival held every June that features over 120 bands and acts.

Whether you are a city or nature lover, taking off to Georgia can fill the needs of any traveler. If you enjoy the warm climate and good-natured people of the South, Georgia will be sure to be your vacation paradise.