Posts Tagged ‘travel’

Cruise Line Insurance protects loss on emergency medical expenses

Friday, May 11th, 2012

Cruise lines normally sell cruise travel insurance cover to their clients before or during the boarding time, cruise insurance packages are also available through third party insurance companies, these companies sell directly or through a travel agency.

Coverage for cruise service insurance: Five different major packages are offered under cruise line travel insurance package, these are; emergency medical expenses, trip delays, emergency medical evacuations, Loss of baggage or other personal substances , and trip cancellations.

Most insurance companies also offer comprehensive insurance packages that take care of other issues such as re-booking reservations and loss of passports. Trip cancellation as a result of illnesses, injuries, and sick family members is believed to account for more than 80% of insurance claims made by individuals.

Cost of Insurance:Two factors normally come to play when determine the cost of this insurance program; the age of the individual and the costs of the trip. In most cases, the insurance cost normally cover 6-8% of the total trip costs, costs of this insurance policy may also depend on the insurance company handling it. You need to get quotes and make costs and coverage comparison to select the most suitable insurance policy for your travel plans.

Comparing direct cruise service insurance with third party insurance services:One of the major differences between cruise service insurance service and a third party insurance party is that it costs less to subscribe to a direct cruise service insurance policy.

With a direct cruise service insurance company, you only get an insurance cover based on the services rendered by the cruise company, for instance, if you buy a cruise service ticket from the company and then buy an air fare ticket from another, the cruise service insurance only covers your cruise service ticket and not your air fare ticket.

Out of coverage medical expenses and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions are offered by third party insurance companies but not available under cruise line.

In a situation whereby a passenger had to cancel a cruise package as a result of a pre-existing medical condition , such a passenger might be offered a cruise credit instead of cash refunds, a third party insurance company will refund you in cash under a similar situation. A cruise insurance blog offers comprehensive information on similarities and differences between direct cruise insurance program and a third party cruise insurance program.

Jon Hendricks generally writes about cruise travel insurance.

Living Your Mediterranean Dream

Sunday, May 6th, 2012

No other cruise has the options or the variations that a cruise of the Mediterranean can offer. The Mediterranean has over 120 seaports on offer which makes for a plethora of different combinations to keep everyone happy whether your cruise is for a week or for a month.

Taking a cruise to the Mediterranean is the first step to immersing yourself in a mix of different cultures and customs. There are 17 countries available for you to visit whilst you are cruising through the Mediterranean. Each country has its own culture and experiences which you can savor from the luxury of the cruise ship as you make your lazy way around the Mediterranean.

There are more than 50 companies who are offering cruises around the Mediterranean via different routes. There are companies the focus on the western side of the Mediterranean calling at ports in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Morocco. Other companies will focus on the eastern side of the Mediterranean with their cruises visiting Croatia, Greece, Turkey and the Middle East.

There are popular Mediterranean cruises that will tour the North African nations, a cruise for the Greek Islands as well as a cruise tailored for those who want to see the island nations of Cyprus and Malta. If you want a longer experience you can arrange to see more or even all of the countries in the Mediterranean.

A Mediterranean cruise brings breathtaking views, romantic island getaways, grand cities, history and ancient cities easily within your grasp. When you travel through the Western Mediterranean you are offered the chance to discover the traditional white Andlucian villages of southern Spain, taste the world famous sherry from Cadiz, visit Barcelona before moving onto the French Riviera.

Your cruise will offer you the splendid city of Rome, ancient Pompeii and the legendary mount Vesuvius as well as the beautiful and iconic Italian coast. Sicily and Sardinia are your oysters when you choose to cruise the Western Mediterranean.

Your first stop on an eastern Mediterranean cruise is Croatia with its stunning coastline and the breathtaking city of Dubrovnik, then you will turn southward to indulge yourself in Greece and all its islands gave to offer. Crete, which features heavily in Greek mythology, is the perfect island for history lovers with its historic palace of Knossos.

On a cruise through the Eastern Mediterranean a trip to the ancient holy city of Jerusalem is always an educational trip and it can be accessed through both of the Israeli ports of Haifa and Ashdod. Egypt’s port Said is another sight worth seeing. Port Said guards access to the famous Suez Canal that carries vessels through to the Red Sea and on to the Arabian Sea. Many civilizations have their roots in the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean has been inhabited continually for over 6,000 years and bears the relics of many lost civilizations. With the combined history of the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans the Mediterranean is the perfect place for those who enjoy history and sunshine.

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Things to see and do in Nicosia

Saturday, May 5th, 2012

The island of Cyprus is split into two divisions; the Republic of Cyprus (the Greek portion) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (the Turkish portion). The capital of both of these republics is Nicosia which makes the city the last remaining divided capital in the world. Although the Turkish portion is internationally regarded as occupied territory and not completely independent from the Republic of Cyprus, the two different cultures make Nicosia a very interesting and unique city to visit.

Because of the Turkish occupation of Nicosia, the city is divided into two by barbed wire. However, visitors with EU passports can easily cross the Green Line division at the official crossing points, allowing you to explore both halves of this 1000 year old city.

There is much to see in this millennia-old city, with the two main draws being the various museums and the cities performance arts offerings. The most important collection of Cypriot artefacts and treasures can be found in Cyprus Museum, where some of the exhibits date back 8,500 years. Other museums well worth exploring are the Ethnographic Museum, the Folk Art Museum and the Byzentine Museum.

Music and performance arts are an important part of Nicosia’s heritage, and throughout the city at various venues you can pick up tickets for operatic, theatrical and orchestral performances. But of course, one of the main draws to the visit is the shopping. Nicosia is where old meets new, so expect to be able to pick up fake designer goods just as easily as locally and traditionally made handicrafts to take home with you.

And finally, no visit to Nicosia would be complete without getting your teeth into some of their tasty food offerings. The city is a melting pot for a widely influenced range of foods from Greece, Turkey and nearby Arab nations. But you can also expect to find restaurants selling dishes inspired by other parts of Europe, the Balkans and the Middle East. It’s highly affordable to eat on in the city, but don’t forget to give their street food (the kebabs are always a winner) a go, too.

Book cheap Cyprus holidays online.

Want a fun and relaxing vacation? Get a Caribbean cruise!

Saturday, May 5th, 2012

Sun, sand, and water: three word that best describes any person’s perfect getaway. The excellent way to take a vacation from work is to greet the welcoming heat of the sun. A Caribbean cruise is a remarkable approach then is you find this very appealing.

If you want to know what it’s like sailing through a boat to see the Caribbean for a long time at a cost-effective price then a mid-size cruise ship is for you. You can pay for lower costs with mid-size ships and still get to enjoy the luxuries found at bigger ships.

When you’re a little apprehensive of sailing through a large ocean, or when you want to get a fancier treatment, then opt to sail on large cruise ships. You may enjoy the salons, spas, restaurants, and concerts among many others in these ships.

Either way you’re sure to get the most of your vacation! An island hopping or occasional stopovers give more color to these Caribbean cruises. You may go shopping for souvenirs, see the sights, or just play on the water along shore. Also, you never want to skip an island’s concert or festivities when they occur on those stopovers.

If you can’t leave from work long enough or on a narrow budget then three to four-day cruises suit you best. It may seem such a short time but it’s not bad though for you to have calmed down and invigorated after that vacation. Whether a long or short vacation, we often need to give ourselves a break. (If you choose a longer vacation why not spend on a two-week Caribbean cruise and see all the beautiful sights at once!

Your choices of cruise ships abound everywhere where you can see best places to go to at dates you want to. The Internet, local bookstore, or travel agent can all assist you in finding the Caribbean cruise best suited for you.

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Selecting Travel Packages Like Senior Singles Cruises

Saturday, May 5th, 2012

When choosing your travel package like those senior singles cruises, you should contact a travel agent for consultation. Some options can be booked in different means, which include calling the appropriate person able to handle it. Before you do it, determine if you will be traveling on water, air, or land. You must also choose activities which you find interesting.

Holidays which are escorted are highly common on people of varying ages, and a variety of possible ideas exist. Classifications of holiday packages are based on age ranges. Ensure to book ahead for you to have a discount. Inquire also regarding particular rates which apply.

Your holiday date has to be chosen well using your calendar. This is a way of planning a trip which is proven convenient, as it makes you see packages available for a particular date. Inquire also about the activities of the travel agency for proper guidance.

When visiting agencies, inquire about brochures that feature solo vacations. This not only guides you on what to choose, but it also makes you see some features through images posted in those materials. In relation to this, it can help to obtain a travel guide book so you have an idea on where exactly you should go.

Also, you have to determine how long your holiday will be. Going on a weekend travel is, in general, not as expensive as the longer ones, although you may be able to choose between the ones lasting ten days or the ones lasting two weeks.

Certain holiday packages include traveling to certain holiday festivities, such as the Independence Day or New Year celebration. Vacations which are adventurous can also include riding the big balloon.

Before taking advantage of tour packages like senior singles cruises, ask about some details like escorts or insurance. Some of these services will be included in the package while others are availed of separately.

Learn more here: senior singles cruises

Party All Day And All Night On Zrce Beach Near Novalja That is Europe’s Spring Break Capital

Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

Many young people are at a loss on the subject of enjoying their spring break and for anyone who is in will need of inspiration then there is no improved spot than Zrce in Croatia. It has a attractive beach and the party goes on all day and night.

Don’t know but where to go this spring break? Do not be left out mainly because all the party animals will likely be going to the finest spring break destination in Europe. The beach is going to be packed with party loving men and women and will be hosting a six days five nights festival from June 18 to June 23, 2012 so be sure to be there along with your buddies.

The Zrce beach in the island of Pag in Novalja will be the host of an thrilling event which might be attended by party loving folks not only from Europe but from all over the planet. Tag your friends along and appreciate an thrilling vacation you genuinely deserve.

If you have not been to Croatia this really is the ideal time to encounter a brand new and exciting travel destination. Novalja is often a well known tourist center on the Pag Island which can be the Adriatic Sea’s fifth largest island blessed with all the longest and most gorgeous coastline. The Zrce beach is usually a beautiful, pebbled, and lengthy stretched beach near to the town . This can be by far the most well-known beach within the region often visited by neighborhood and international tourists alike.

The beach is easily accessible by automobile or by shuttle bus which frequently leaves from the town. Delight in the most effective spring break holiday ever by spending time at Croatia’s most popular beach and most generally referred to as the “Party Beach” in the country. Party all day and all night with close friends and meet cool new ones. Join the quite a few festival actions and far more. There will surely be no dull moments at this beach and each and every activity will unquestionably bring excitement and entertaining.

Each day from June 18 to 23, 2012 you can take pleasure in diverse activities that can make your spring break ideal and memorable. Watch great Djs reside from the 18th of June. They are going to carry out a few of the most recent hits and naturally add some of their very own alternatives. Party all night with songs by Alle Farben live on the next day which is the 20th of June. Save some energy mainly because on the 21th, a TBA (To be announced) Dj will be taking the beach by storm and will be the DJ for an all night party. Have fun and knowledge on the best spring break you are going to ever have until the end of the festival with Jerome Isma AE and dance the night away inside a party like no other you have knowledgeable ahead of. All these DJ’s will probably be there to make everyday exciting and special.

When the party is more than delight in other actions like beach volleyball, wakeboarding, as well as other sorts of water sports. You may never run out of points to complete in Novalja from an extreme party all day all night to exciting water enjoyable actions. Any time you feel tired you can just stay and relax in a comfortable apartment accommodation or dine inside the numerous restaurants within the area. You are able to also function your tan and show the people back residence just how much enjoyable you had.

For anyone who is on the lookout for a couple of days of enjoyable as well as a party atmosphere all day lengthy then the Zrce beach in Croatia is known because the beach party capital of Europe.

It’s a great notion to spend the spring break holiday there and you’ll meet persons from all more than the globe.

Fueteventura Wave Classic 2012

Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

The wettest and wildest competition in the Canaries is held every year in Fueteventura from the 17th and 23rd March, and this year was no exception. The Wave Classic 2012 is one of the world’s leading windsurfing festivals and this year it showcased the fourth season of the tournament. Windsurfers and thrill-seekers from all over flocked to watch four teams battle it out for the prize. The competition is a fantastic display of skill, as the island’s surf is famous for its huge swells and formidable winds; making the Classic a venture not for the faint-hearted.

Whether a fan of watersports or not, the week of 17th – 23rd March is not to be missed. Local talent and roving professional sportsmen join forces with whoever fancies their chances in a competition that is guaranteed to provide a great day out for all involved. So put down the wine glass and slap on some sunscreen, its time to get down to the beach and thrill-seek the week away.

Then, in the latter weeks of March, the Wave Classic brings together local talent, windsurfing professionals and brave young upstarts together into four teams. Each faction forms the four groups competing, and the quads pit their wits against each other on points scored riding the waves. Each rider surfs for around half an hour, watched closely by the other teams, and when all four have exhausted their efforts, the end of the heat is declared.

There are four heats and at the end of the week the winners are announced. A democratic approach to judging the battle takes places as each team scores the others points in a Round Robin system, while an independent adjudicator oversees the decision to ensure it is fair and equally made. This year’s trophy went to Team Two, with locals Nicole Boronat and Yannick Anton joined by the Italian Federico Infantino and a British Andrew Fawcett.

The closest of the Canaries to exotic Morrocco, and the second biggest of the islands, Fuerteventura’s beauty is talked about the world over. Three thousand hours of sunshine a year, and some of the planets best beaches. What better place to seek a thrill? Alongside your tapas and Rioja this summer, take up some windsurfing lessons. You might just get good enough in time for the Classic 2013. There’s always next year.

Book Fuerteventura holidays online.

Where to stay in Tenerife: The best value resorts

Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

With the Tenerife Tourism Corporation revealing earlier this year that 2011 was their best yet for British tourists, you would perhaps expect prices to soar. Instead, the island continues to look after its British holiday makers by ensuring that they offer great value resorts like the following.

For all types of holiday makers, from couples and newly-weds to groups of families and friends, there is affordable accommodation for all. For friends looking to let their hair down, the resort of Playa De Las Americas is ideal, as the hotels look over the sea and are all within walking distance of the cheap bars and clubs. Playa De Las Americas is most popular amongst those looking to self-cater, and so value accommodation such as the Paraiso Del Sol Apartments and the Laguna Park 2 Apartments are great a base for party-goers. Prices for these self-catering apartments start from just 130 per week, including flights, in peak season.

Couples looking for a quieter pace of life away from the screaming neon lights should head to the more sedate resort of Puerto De La Cruz. Although an urban sprawl, the nearby countryside is easily accessible and the town retains much of its original fishing-village atmosphere. Starting from around 180 a week including flights are a number of affordable half-board hotels, such as the Chimisay Hotel and the Dania Magec Hotel.

For value for money and much less stress, many families opt for all-inclusive holidays so that they don’t have to worry about extra expensive when away. The whole island caters for families, with the beaches fun, cheap places to spend the day and the hotels offering a wide range of kids clubs to keep everyone happy.

All around the island are a number of all-inclusive hotels depending on whether you want to be located in a bustling town or a much quieter village. The best value all-inclusive hotels can, however, be found in the resort of Puerto De Santiago, where a week’s all-inclusive stay (including flights) in a hotel such as the 4* Hotel Blue Sea Lagos De Cesar costs from just 230 a week.

Book cheap holidays to Tenerife online.

Malls in Dubai

Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

Dubai Festival Centre

If you’d prefer to shop the scenic way, Dubai Festival Centre featuring its enjoyable waterfront walkways, backyard bars and unmatched landscapes of the traditional Dubai Creek is the retail destination for anyone. Located in the center of Dubai Festival City – a 1,300-acre urban community – this particular large mall is home to numerous shops, high-street stores, designer-jewellery brands plus a 12-screen cinema. Newer performers need to look out for the Community Arts Marketplace, which is held on the very first Friday of every month. Through artworks to custom-made jewellery, it’s the place to discover if you need to snap up pieces of art. Music Week-ends in the Festival Marina are placed each weekend night time throughout the cooler months. With the stunning backdrop regarding Dubai Creek, music artists and bands take to Dubai’s unique floating stage platform and entertain viewers having a various music acts.

Ibn Battuta Mall

Distinctively made to commemorate the travels of the renowned Arabic traveler Ibn Battuta, this specific mammoth shopping mall is split in to 6 distinct areas: Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China – along with thrilling design to complement each region. Housing a diverse range of around 275 stores and also 50 eating places, there’s plenty of territory to cover. Luckily the shopping mall is ideally built on a G level, so routing is pretty simple, so that it is the location of choice for those who like to check out every single store. For the ultimate movie-watching experience, prepare to get really wowed at Grand Cinemas, a 21-screen theater along with the UAE’s only IMAX.

Mall of the Emirates

When it comes to unique selling spots, what about 22,500 square meters of real snow inside desert? That’s just what you’ll uncover when you visit Mall of the Emirates, simply because this giant retail store destination houses Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s 1st indoor skiing slope. Suitable for almost all levels of skier, the mountain-themed park offers green, blue, red as well as black runs, plus an apres ski cafe. To add to the fun Ski Dubai lately made welcome a new community of Gentoo and King snow penguins. Visitors to the skiing slope will make their particular ‘Peng-Friends’, by way of a special one-on-one experience with the birds.

For the pleasure which doesn’t require a hat, gloves and scarf, visit the 14-screen cinema, or check out Magic Planet. Admittedly, it’s usually among the noisiest indoor places within Dubai, but the latest video games as well as adrenaline-inducing rides, it is usually one of many coolest. The Fashion Dome never ends in order to astonish, having a multitude of designer brands in one place. Just not forget to wear comfortable shoes because you need a day to make it justice. For a bit from the dramatic, call in the Dubai Community Theater & Arts Center. This specific 550-seat, two-level theater stages globally renowned performs, dancing recitals along with beginner dramatics for both adults and children.

Learn more about malls in Dubai on the website www.conciergedubai.com

Tenerife celebrates record number of British tourists in 2011

Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

Tenerife definitely had reason to celebrate last year. 2011 was for the Canary island, the best year for tourism concerning their British guests. According to new figures released by the Tenerife Tourism Corporation, the highest number of Brits ever visited their island last year.

The figures released in February 2012 regarding last year’s record breaking tourism showed that 10.6% more Brits visited Tenerife than the year before, totalling 1,658,315. September was the month that saw the highest increase that, based on the year before, saw an increase of a staggering 34%! Before 2011, the last time the island saw record breaking figures was back in 2005.

But how are these figures laid out. Well, hotels saw the number of tourists increase by 14%, with another 7.6% increase in other forms of accommodation. It was not just the summer that saw an increase either; the 2010/2011 winter period also saw a rather impressive climb in numbers by 6.3% compared to the previous year. Although last year’s figures were only released in February 2012, the Tenerife Tourism Corporation are confident that already the 2011/2012 winter season is set to be another record breaker.

But it was the summer that boasted the highest increase in British tourists to Tenerife, equating to a rise of 21.2%. The Travel Trade Industry Director of the Tenerife Tourism Corporation, Pia Louw, has responded to these findings by saying: “We’re extremely pleased to see a come-back in British tourists, which demonstrates confidence is gradually being restored. Nonetheless, in such uncertain conditions and in such a highly competitive environment, we will continue to work hard to maintain our position as a top holiday choice for UK visitors, which represent our most important source market.”

These record breaking figures couldn’t have come at a better time either, as they were announced at the same time as the Tenerife Tourism Corporation announced their new four-year tourism strategy which will, undoubtedly, help these British tourism figures to continue growing.

Book Tenerife holidays online.