Travel World Network

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.

If you looked on the various news headlines emerging from the Middle East, you will notice a substantial shift taking place in the manner they have been reporting about this region as a whole. From various military coups to the stories of political vendetta; from gun totting hostage takers to the unnerving interpretation of Islam; and from the so-called lack of democratization to the non existent human rights, the Middle East has always had to bear the brunt of hostile news reporting. But, the emerging trade and commerce and tourism activities in Dubai are fundamentally changing this long held stereotyped interpretation of the Muslim world now.

Don’t be surprised therefore, if the British footballer David Beckham and the Spice Girl Victoria are seen walking out of one of its famous five star hotels, or if the reigning formula one champion Michael Schumacher is spotted unwinding somewhere on its breathtaking shorelines. You will also come to notice some very famous names from the corporate world making regular rounds of this famous city. From top cine stars to sports celebrities and from the multi-billion empire holders to the average holiday making freaks, all are increasingly being seen on Dubai’s soil these days. This in itself, speaks a lot of how dramatically the world’s vision of the Middle East has transformed.

The next round of Dubai Tennis Championships to be held in February and March 2007 will be another treat for the tennis lovers and the media managers both. Names like the William sisters – Serena and Venus and Andre Agassi have played on this venue and enthralled the audiences in the recent past. Equally reported have had been the events like a friendly match organized between Andre Agassi and Roger Federer on the helipad of Burj Al Arab hotel. Tennis balls kept falling down inside the Arabian sea as the two players proceeded with some of their favourite strokes. Not too behind was Tiger Woods who made use of the same helipad for his golf practice. Woods was in Dubai to take part in the Dubai Desert Classic and couldn’t resist the temptation of practicing on such a breathtaking height.

If the celebrity spotting has become one of the new trends in Dubai’s social life, then so is the emerging competition among the hotel owners for making the best out of this pulsating market. They are making all efforts, like building of more niche hotels, to cap this upscale clientele. This means exclusively targeting the business travellers and the multimillionaires from across the globe. Apart from Dubai, Lebanon and Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt have also been trying to raise their stakes. However, the former is well ahead in the race involving these three.

Dubai’s desire of opening its borers to the outside world has been well received and reciprocated by the latter. As a result we are witnessing the very fundamental image of the Middle East taking a new turn in the global environment. By allowing so many expatriates on its soil, Dubai has made its friendly intentions clear. Expatriates will continue on playing a crucial role in the local economy, hence making the exchange of the Arabian peninsula with the outside world stronger. It speaks of a pleasing scenario, which will continue to get on more shades with each passing day.

Where Can Americans Get the Best Vacation Experience For Their Dollar? Travel Value Index Ranks Top 20 U.S. Places Providing Greatest Value to Visitor

Who doesn’t want a great vacation experience at a low price? One of the top questions among travelers continues to be how to plan an enjoyable trip without going into the red.

To provide travelers a resource for planning fun yet affordable getaways, discount travel site Hotwire.com developed the Travel Value Index. A first-of-its-kind resource for travelers, the Travel Value Index identifies which U.S. cities offer the greatest overall value to visitors based on three factors:

• discounts offered to travelers;

• low prices on airfare, hotel and rental cars; and

• affordable entertainment and outdoor attractions.

Which city topped the charts? With low prices on accommodations and a range of outdoor and cultural attractions, the mile-high city of Denver offers vacationing Americans the best value for their money. Denver boasts easy access to the Rocky Mountains, more than 450 miles of bike paths and a nationally recognized zoo.

The top 20 places for travel bargains include the entertainment capital Los Angeles, family-friendly Tampa and Orlando, country music haven Nashville, and cities brimming with Southern charm and hospitality like Knoxville, Dallas and Charlotte.

“The Travel Value Index proves that no matter what you’re looking for, you can enjoy a memorable vacation without blowing the budget,” said Barbara Messing, vice president and travel expert at Hotwire.com. “These cities offer something for everyone-whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, beach lover or prefer the big city.”

From the Carolinas to California, here are the top 20 places that offer the perfect combination of a memorable vacation experience and a low price:

1. Denver

2. Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C.

3. Raleigh-Durham, N.C.

4. Knoxville, Tenn.

5. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Sarasota, Fla.

6. Albuquerque-Santa Fe, N.M.

7. Orlando-Daytona Beach, Fla.

8. Reno, Nev.

9. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

10. Los Angeles

11. Nashville, Tenn.

12. St. Louis, Mo.

13. Atlanta

14. Kansas City, Mo.

15. Phoenix

16. Columbus, Ohio

17. Salt Lake City

18. Pittsburgh

19. Milwaukee

20. Charlotte, N.C.

The Travel Value Index helps travelers get more for less year-round in places that offer the best savings and overall value on air and lodging. And the index is a great resource for travelers who want to stretch their vacation dollars when planning their next getaway.

If youre planning a trip to California wine country, there are many resources available that can make your trip fun and enjoyable. Many self-planning guides are available for visitors to complement the wine tasting experience and make for a pleasurable adventure. Family wineries in Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara, and Medocino area vineyards, just to name a few, offer a variety of options, such as walking vineyard tours, wine tasting seminars, and retail stores that offer endless selections of wine and wine related products!

A tour of California wine country can be enjoyed by many means, since drinking and driving is not encouraged, visitors can make their way by limo, bus, jeep, carriage, train, plane, and even by hot air balloon! Many tour packages are available and can accommodate any travelers desires and pocketbooks. Tours of select counties, such as, the wildly popular Sonoma and Napa valley tours, can be combined with lunch or dinner, a mystery theater, mountain biking, or overnight resort and spa accommodations. Vacations can be booked online and be made as unique or as carefree as youd like. Some tour operators even offer surprise packages that combine a little bit of everything for those visitors that desire an element of the unknown! Many packages can also be revised on a whim so you dont miss a thing, and of course, you can always visit again!

To find the tours that interest you most, you may begin by searching by destination, most popular tours, or by what activities various vineyards offer. There are many excellent on-line guides available, with stunning photographs of California vineyards, travel recommendations, and historic information. California wine country is vast and statewide, with different offerings throughout the year. The weather can also be a factor, and you may want to check ahead of time with tour operators or the specific vineyards you would like to visit, as to what they recommend to ensure that your trip is memorable for all the right reasons!

The possibilities are endless and can be as unique as you want. If a romantic getaway is what youre looking for, then possibly a quaint bed and breakfast surrounded by panoramic vineyard views would be just the ticket! It is also possible to fit in other attractions as well, depending on the area you plan on visiting. Many of the most popular tours fill up quickly, so do your research and book well in advance. With whatever amount of time and money you have available, there is a unique experience awaiting you in California wine country!

The ancient streets and breath-taking architecture of Istanbul offer an unusual destination for the discerning traveler wishing to avoid the usual christmas commercialism. It is also a great place to buy Christmas gifts.

Turkeys largest covered market, the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi) in Istanbul, offers excellent shopping and great bargains. The range of beautiful objects available is quite breath-taking, including silky Turkish carpets and kelims, colorful and pungent herbs and spices, sparkling crystal, glazed tiles and pottery, copper and brassware, Turkish lamps, everything you can think of made from leather, brightly colored cotton and wool products, an array of Turkish costumes including authentic belly dancing outfits, and many types of handmade musical instruments. If you show any inclination to playing any of the instruments, you will doubtless be dragged into the store and offered an impromptu rendition of some obscure Turkish folk tune. Bear in mind this is not purely a tourist area and plenty of local people shop here too, giving the atmosphere a big dose of warm and friendly authenticity.

The architecture and layout of the Grand Bazaar alone merits attention. Forget your boot sale in a field, or rickety tables in a church hall, this building is quite stunning in itself. This is like no Bazaar you have ever been to before. The interior is literally like Aladdins cave. In fact, this is probably where Aladdin got all his stuff! The building is packed with literally hundreds of individual stalls, laid out in a labyrinth of narrow aisles. Wares are gaudy and bright, and strewn or hanging on every available area. Wafts of fresh spices and herbs drift on the air, and eager vendors entreat you to enter their lairs. But beware brush up on your bargaining skills as they are absolutely essential here. If you are in negotiation with a shop owner, often you will be brought a glass of hot sweet tea. This is a pleasing aspect of bargaining in Turkey, but also an indicator of how long bargaining can take.

It is quite exhausting but well worth the effort to see as much as you can of the Grand Bazaar. There are hundreds of shops, so plan on spending several hours. There are plenty of bars and cafes within its walls, so you may sit and rest awhile. Instead of the usual American coffee, why not try a chilled Irun? (pronounced eye-run). It is a thin, slightly salty yogurt-y drink, which is very refreshing.

So instead of having turkey for Christmas lunch, why not make Turkey your destination for Christmas vacation this year.

South America is a continent of extremes, and there is not just one, but thousands of reasons to explore the human and natural wonders of this remarkable landmass. South America’s expansive human history is visible through some of the best preserved ruins in the world. The fusion of Spanish, Portuguese and native cultures is evident in the distinctive art, food and music of the 12 independent countries.

Though it was the last continent to be inhabited, South America has a long and delicate history of flourishing indigenous cultures before European arrival in the 16th century. Archeological sites in Peru reveal the practice of human sacrifice and other perplexing traditions by the Moche people who lived there 2000 years ago. South America’s most illustrious ancient people, the Inca, held their capital in modern day Cusco and sprinkled the Andes with remnants of their terraced farming and architecture. Machu Picchu, at 7,710 feet, is the best preserved and most breathtaking Inca town, well worth the 4 day hike along the Inca Trail (the less eager can opt for the train ride).

The Sky is the Limit
When it comes to breaking records, South America is the place to see. The massive north-south continent is spread through nearly every climate zone imaginable, which makes for very dynamic travel. The world’s highest water fall, Angels Falls, cascades over 3,200 feet in Venezuela’s Canaima National Park. The Amazon River, which winds across the north through Brazil, is the largest river in the world by volume while the Amazon Rainforest is the largest existing rainforest. Travel along the Andes, the world’s longest mountain range but make sure not to lose your way in Chile or you might end up in the driest place on earth, the Atacama Desert. Catch your breath at 3,600 meters while visiting the highest capital city of La Paz, Bolivia. Then, gather your arctic gear and head south to Ushuaia in Argentina, which is you guessed it the world’s southernmost city! Along the way, stop by the steppes of Patagonia, which happens to be the cleanest place on earth aside from Antarctica. South America is also home to the stunning diversity of Darwin’s Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) and the most remote island on earth, Easter Island (Chile) with its mysterious stone head sculptures and an inexplicably large population of Pacific Islanders.

South America also offers the comforts and luxuries of modern metropolitan life in any of the countries you choose to explore. Pick up the pace in Brazil’s bustling Rio de Janeiro or immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan chic of Buenos Aires, Argentina, while still gaining an appreciation for the past in these remarkable historic cities. From big city life and resort towns to tropical rainforests and mountain peaks, there is no better place to embark on your world travels than South America, a true melting pot of culture, history and geographic phenomena. For more information, visit www.cfares.com, your source for cheap airfareon the web.

Travelers who expect to be greeted by lone standing relics of ancient Greece will be awestruck by the sprawling urban metropolis of todays Athens. The capital city is an explorers paradise as historic gems are embedded within the modern day melee and cultural nuances of a turbulent past are written between the lines of concrete and the sparkling blue Aegean Sea. Everywhere in Athens is a testament to why this mythic peninsula is considered the cradle of Western civilization and modern democracy.

Of particular interest, Athens received a much needed facelift in preparation for the 2004 Olympics. Notorious for its nefos (smog) resulting from rapid growth and congestion following World War II and the Cold War, Athens realized the need to clean up its act when it became clear that historic monuments were eroding at an alarming rate due to acid rain from air pollution. Due to this Olympic makeover, it is extremely easy to navigate around the well marked streets in English and Greek and transportation has never been more streamlined.

Mythological Mythos
Ancient Greece reached its societal peak in the 1st century BC when magnificent monuments like the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike were constructed on the fortified Acropolis and Socrates and Plato developed their Western thinking schools of thought. While most of the major attractions from the time period are in the center of the city, travel in the outskirts of Athens will bring encounters with many significant locations from this time period. Marathon, of the famous battle (and todays 26.22 mile race), is just northeast of Athens and the ancient Mycenaean excavation site at Velatouri is to the south, boasting the unearthed Thorikos theatre. While the Grecian period is omnipresent, Greece has fascinating Turkish and Persian cultural influences as a result of many wars and takeovers until the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the 20th century.

Club Hopping or Island Hopping?
In the spring and summer evenings, enjoy the cafs and restaurants as they begin to spill into the streets and squares. Greece, and particularly Athens, is notorious for its boisterous and tireless nightlife. The Port of Piraeus comes to life as many vacationers head out for their island excursions from this historic cove. Athens is the perfect place to become immersed in Greek culture and life before taking a ferry ride to one of the surrounding tranquil, historic or party islands the choice is yours. The port itself is also of particular historic interest. One of the oldest in the world, the port was heavily used during the Peloponnesian Wars in the 4th century BC and remnants of the long Themistoclean Walls, which fortified the port and Athens together during this time period, still survive today.

A trip to Athens is not only a journey of history, but one of modernity and progress. After Greeces golden age, Athens grandeur was squandered to nearly nothing by invaders and the sweeping tides of history. Today, the free and booming capital city is again a testament to its historic commitment to forward thinking civilization. Experience the rebirth of the foundations of the western world in Athens!

For more information, visit http://www.cfares.com.