Articles by Elmo Populous on ArticleSnatch.com

Don't forget to pack insurance in your backpack

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

So youâ€™ve bought your tickets and you are ready and raring to go on your backpacking adventure. However, youâ€™ve just been reminded that you should probably look into travel insurance before you leave. Reading this, the prospect of spending more money before youâ€™ve even arrived in your dream destination probably does not appeal. However, whether you have a trip planned for just a few weeks, or you are heading off on a more extended adventure, travel insurance is essential. We're not here to put a damper on your enthusiasm. The chances are that you will go on your backpacking vacation and have the time of your life. You might not run into any troubles. We hope this is the case. Nevertheless, the fact is that travel has its risks, especially when you are backpacking through a foreign country. These risks might be unpleasant to think about, but they do happen and you might as well be prepared when they do. Insurance doesnâ€™t even have to be expensive. Many insurers have developed tailored backpacking insurance policies, which not only cover more adventurous activities than standard policies, but are generally offered at much lower prices. **End Summary** Topics: gotravelinsurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For great deals on travel insurance visit Go Travel Insurance.

Choosing your insurance provider

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Choosing your insurance provider carefully is essential to make sure that you are supported adequately if you need to make a claim. Whether you are looking for a simple travel insurance policy this summer, or something more specialised for skiing or other winter sports, or maybe backpacking you want to make sure that your money will be well spent. Since many insurance companies advertise their policies online, comparing providers is cheap and easy; however, given the number of companies on the market, buying insurance over the internet also has the potential to be very confusing. Many providers seem to promise the Earth for extremely low prices and it is often difficult to see the differences in cover between different policies. Very cheap policies offering great benefits are likely also to contain a long list of exclusions - situations where the insurance wonâ€™t apply as well as charging a large amount of excess, on top of the policy premium that you have already paid, when you go to make a claim. Remember if it looks to good to be true, then it might well be. We recommend that you look for advice about your policy provider before you purchase your insurance. **End Summary** Topics: gotravelinsurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For great deals on your travel insurance visit Go Travel Insurance.

Why exactly do you need travel insurance?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

If you have a health emergency while you are abroad, then being taken back to the UK for treatment can be an expensive business. For example, an air ambulance from the East coast of America could cost anything up to 45,000GBP. Unless you have travel insurance, then this money is going to have to come out of your own pocket, as neither the British Embassy not the High Commission are willing to pay for this. Some people believe that they do not need travel insurance thinking that their other policies, such as health insurance and life insurance, will cover them while they are overseas, but in fact this is hardly ever true. A standard travel insurance policy should include: Insurance against potential medical costs incurred while abroad. **End Summary** Topics: gotravelinsurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For great deals on holiday insurance with a wide range of activities covered as standard, visit Go Travel Insurance.

Your travel insurance guide

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Travel insurance is a travel necessity as medical costs abroad can be very high indeed, and in the case of an emergency, you want access to the best treatment possible. Here we look at some tips to follow when you are looking for health cover for a trip abroad. It is not just the cost of medical treatment itself that you may have to pay for. Many travellers fail to include the possible costs of repatriation, or for the accommodation and travel needs of visiting relatives. Most European countries now have arrangements with the UK government allowing UK visitors free or low-cost medical treatment during their visits. You should be aware however that this does not cover all treatment, which must be state-provided, and that travel insurance should always be obtained. An exclusion to look for when searching for travel insurance is that some insurance providers will not provide cover for emergencies that occur outwith official working hours. Once you have secured a policy you should make sure to take a note of your insurers telephone contact and your policy reference number and carry it with you. **End Summary** Topics: gotravelinsurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For great deals on travel insurance at competitive prices and top quality cover visit Go Travel Insurance.

What to Look for With Travel Insurance

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Sorting out your Travel Insurance sometimes feels like the straw that broke the camels back when youâ€™re already busy planning your holiday. Nonetheless, travel insurance may help to set your mind at ease and, if the worst happens and something goes awry on your holiday, reduces stress and get your holiday back on track as quickly as possible. Clearly, travel insurance is essential; however it can appear to be discouragingly complex when youâ€™re faced with the wide variety available, and all the different choices that you have to make. Will it be single trip or annual cover? What exactly do you want covered? And, with so many companies vying for your attention, who can give you the best value for money? In reality, the process isn't too strenuous providing you understand what to expect and what features to spot. So what should you expect to get from your Travel Insurance? These days, insurance companies are pretty adaptable and seek to offer cover that caters to the customer's individual needs and their specific kind of travel. **End Summary** Topics: travel insurance]]> holiday insurance]]> vacations]]> holidays]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For great deals on holiday insurance with a wide range of activities covered as standard, visit Go Travel Insurance.

Watch out for freak waves

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

People in general are aware that when they travel to foreign countries they are wise to take out travel insurance when they book their holiday, or to take out an annual travel insurance policy each year. To be fair, the majority of us would not leave the country uninsured, well aware of its necessity in the event of an unplanned occurrence. However, many of us are not as wary of the chance that the holiday insurance policy bought may be inadequate for their needs and not all of these exemptions are freak occurrences. Some may be fairly innocuous activities, such as scuba diving or backpacking. The Philippines is a wonderful tropical country, with a fantastically diverse array of culture, wildlife, and landscape scattered across the 7,107 islands that make up the Philippine archipelago. The vast majority of the 2 million travellers who visit the Philippines each year have incident-free trips. However, just like most countries, this island country contains specific regional hazards that visitors should know about. The countries in the tropics are both blessed and cursed by their geographical position. The Philippines sits on the edge of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where seismic disturbances are common. **End Summary** Topics: travel insurance]]> holiday insurance]]> vacations]]> holidays]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For great deals on holiday insurance with a wide range of activities covered as standard, visit Go Travel Insurance.

Visiting Transylvania

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

When Transylvania is mentioned, it is likely that most people will immediately think of tacky vampire souvenirs and little else. However this beautiful region of Romania has much more to offer so do not be put off by such associations. It is a region full of history and character, surrounded by the dramatic and awe inspiring views of the Carpathian mountain range. The medieval Saxon settlement of Bra?ov is located near Transylvaniaâ€™s mountain passes. This historical area of the city is enchanting with Gothic and Baroque architecture and restored merchantâ€™s houses. The cityâ€™s most famous landmark is the Black Church, a forbidding gothic construction. It took almost a century to complete and got its name from its soot-blackened walls, the result of being torched by the Austrian army in 1689. The Church then confounds expectations with its strikingly white interior, Oriental carpets providing glimpses of colour. Sibiu is another Transylvanian city worth exploring and was awarded the title of the European Capital of Culture in 2007. Walk around and enjoy the views of the ancient streets and gabled houses. **End Summary** Topics: travel insurance]]> holiday insurance]]> vacations]]> holidays]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For great deals on holiday insurance with a wide range of activities covered as standard, visit Go Travel Insurance.

Explore Transylvania

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The name Transylvaniaâ€ is associated in many peopleâ€™s minds with the sinister blood thirsty figure of literature and history, Dracula. Yet Transylvania has more than vampire figurines and a blood splattered past going for it. The region is one of astonishing beauty and culture. From the fortified Saxon churches and towers to the breathtaking countryside, Transylvania demands to be explored. Sighiioara is a highlight of any visit to the region. The citadel is both a menacing and fascinating presence on the landscape due to its battlements and needle spires as well as its hill-top location. It was, after all, the birth place of Vlad iepei, the future Draculaâ€. Yet this stunning city also inspires many other historical and cultural delights. The Romanian Orthodox Cathedral has a beautiful white multifaceted faÃ§ade which makes entering its darkinterior all the more astonishing. The huge clock tower also provides evidence of the citadelâ€™s history, having been built in the four teenth century. In the summer the Medieval Arts and the Inter-ethnic Cultural festivals create a lively atmosphere. Sibiu is another Transylvanian city worth exploring and was awarded the title of the European Capital of Culture in 2007. **End Summary** Topics: travel insurance]]> holiday insurance]]> vacations]]> holidays]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For great deals on travel insurance at competitive prices and top quality cover visit Go Travel Insurance.

Travel to Slovakia

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Slovakia is an incredible holiday destination with beautiful scenery, great food and interesting attractions. The low cost of living also makes it a sensible choice in the current economic climate. From the High Tatras mountain range to Danube valley meadows, the landscape will not leave you disappointed. It is the sheer diversity of a Slovakian holiday which is the real selling point. Enjoy gastronomic delights in Bratislava, visit medieval towns and ski or hike in the mountains. Slovakia has so much to offer it would be impossible to fit it all into one trip so this article helps pick out the best attractions for your first visit. Bratislava, at first glance, has the unappealing concrete bleakness that characterises many former Communist controlled cities. However, scratching under the surface reveals a cosmopolitan and burgeoning metropolis worth exploring. Bratislava is a particularly great place to be hungry, renowned for its excellent selection of international restaurants. If you want to experience one of the most luxurious dining experiences in the city, Camouflage comes highly recommended. The restaurant is a pricey but dazzling affair with original Andy Warhol pictures as decorations. The menu and service cannot be faulted. **End Summary** Topics: travel insurance]]> holiday insurance]]> vacations]]> holidays]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For great deals on holiday insurance with a wide range of activities covered as standard, visit Go Travel Insurance.

Visiting Riga

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Riga provides the visitor with a wealth of experiences from its lively nightlife and international cuisine, to its medieval streets and fascinating architecture. The friendly welcoming atmosphere of the city and its affordable accommodation make it a particularly attractive destination to backpackers seeking excitement without a huge price tag attached. History enthusiasts should head to Old Riga, which is centred around Cathedral Square and hosts most of the cityâ€™s ancient buildings. Navigating through its cobbled streets and secret courtyards gives you the impression of having stepped back in time. Riga Cathedral is a lofty red-brick construction established in 1211. From Cathedral Square head to Riga Castle which dates from the early sixteenth century and is now home to both the Latvian president and the Latvian History Museum. The museum displays an assortment of iron-age artefacts and peasant life tableaux, although please be aware there is little English description. The Three Brothersâ€ are close by; three attractive medieval houses, one of which is said to be the oldest in Latvia. Illustrations of Latviaâ€™s more recent history can be found at Bastion Hill, the park which leads down to the city canal. **End Summary** Topics: travel insurance]]> holiday insurance]]> vacations]]> holidays]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For great deals on holiday insurance with a wide range of activities covered as standard, visit Go Travel Insurance.

Which Travel Insurance Policy Best Suits You?

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Just as there are different types of traveller and different types of holiday, there are also different types of Travel Insurance available to accommodate everyone. The question is: what should you be looking for in your Travel Insurance? These days, policies are very specific to allow for variety, so you should be sure to get what is best suited to you and your holiday. If you spend much of your time travelling to different places and exploring other countries, then it would be wise to consider an annual policy. Depending on the Insurance Company you choose, this should be able to cover you for as much travel during the year as you want, and will generally work out cheaper than single trip insurance if you plan to make many journeys. If you are taking a gap year, an extended holiday, or are just in the mood to pack up your bags and explore the world for a while, then it is important that you find an insurance policy that caters to your needs. These days, many Insurance Companies offer â€˜Backpacker Insuranceâ€™ which covers longer periods abroad and takes into account the additional risks a backpacker may need to consider. **End Summary** Topics: travel insurance]]> holiday insurance]]> vacations]]> holidays]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For great deals on holiday insurance with a wide range of activities covered as standard, visit Go Travel Insurance.

Take to the slopes this summer

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The thought of traditional winter sports in June might sound unbelievable, but hitting the slopes in the sunshine is more than just feasible, it is also fun. Maybe the cause of summer skiing's slight obscurity is the abscene of the larger tourism companies in this specific area. The Alps are home to several dozen year-round (or close to it global warming has affected some resorts and theyâ€™ve had to reduce the number of months where skiing takes place)ski resorts, predominantly at dizzying altitudes with glacial terrain in the area. While some of the more famous resorts such as St. Moritz have had to give up there summer skiing operations due to higher temperatures, there are still plenty of decent resorts to choose from. Outdoor activity tour operators provide summer skiing in places such as the French village of Tignes. Holidays like these have gained popularity partly due to the slopes closing around 2pm, after which time the snow becomes too soft to use. This allows a different sport to be taken up for the rest of the day, such as hiking. Usually resorts will open from July through to September unless they still offer all year round skiing. **End Summary** Topics: travel insurance]]> holiday insurance]]> vacations]]> holidays]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For great deals on holiday insurance with a wide range of activities covered as standard, visit Go Travel Insurance.

Visiting Oslo

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Norway is certainly not one of the cheapest places to holiday, but it's easy to see why many fork out that little extra just to take in its culture. It's a country that boasts the best of old and new, of wilderness and urban vitality with its capital, Oslo, providing a great place to start any trip. Oslo is an old, historical city, easy to wander around and enjoy its stunning landscape and fjords and to take in its buzzing, cool atmosphere. The Royal Palaceâ€™s stunning grounds are open to the public, with guided tours of the palace run every 20 minutes during the summer. Another key attraction is the City Hall: RÃ¤dhus. Sitting deep inside this awesome building are ornate carvings of Norse myths and an enormous hall decorated with a mural by several significant Norwegian artists. For a fascinating glimpse at Norwegian history, visit the Vikingskipshuset which displays three ninth-century Viking ships, which were retrieved from ritual burial mounds in southern Norway, each embalmed in clay. **End Summary** Topics: travel insurance]]> holiday insurance]]> vacations]]> holidays]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For great deals on holiday insurance with a wide range of activities covered as standard, visit Go Travel Insurance.

The Wonders of Lisbon

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Lisbon is the complete package. It is a fascinating capital renowned for its friendly, lively atmosphere. Its famous nightlife certainly provides testament to that. Yet despite the coverage given to its stylish bars and clubs, Lisbon contains many historical and cultural gems that are worth investigating. Even if you are strapped for time, any break in this wonderful city is sure to be rewarding. The Cathedral is of huge historical interest. It was founded in the mid twelfth century to commemorate the cityâ€™s reconquest from the Moors and sits on the site of the principal mosque of Moorish Lishbuna. It was badly damaged during the Great Earthquake of 1755 but was extensively restored in the 1930s. The Castelo de SÃ£o Jorge is another fascinating sight, containing the restored remains of the Moorish palace. The camera obscura in the Tower of Ulysses on the site offers astounding 360 degree views of the city. . The Monastery of JerÃ³nimos is one of the few buildings from Portugalâ€™s most glorious era to survive the Great Earthquake of 1755. It is the most impressive example of Manueline architecture, and one of the most inventive and awe-inspiring pieces of architecture in the whole of Portugal. **End Summary** Topics: travel insurance]]> holiday insurance]]> vacations]]> holidays]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For great deals on holiday insurance with a wide range of activities covered as standard, visit Go Travel Insurance.