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!