Cheap and convenient: why annual travel insurance is often the way to go

With the vast majority of British Airways cabin crew voting to take strike action once again in March in a move to protest proposed working condition changes and staff cuts, the importance of having a solid travel insurance policy in place before travel has once again been underlined.

But while holidaymakers are often on the ball when it comes to shopping around for the best single-trip travel insurance quotes, they often miss another, often more economical, option. While discount deals on single-trip insurance can often be incredibly tempting, for certain travellers taking out an annual travel insurance policy would work out better.

For those people who make more than a couple of trips a year, annual travel insurance will often come in significantly cheaper than buying several single-trip policies. It’s worth adding up the amount you spent on insurance for your last few trips and comparing it to a competitive quote for an annual policy; there are larger savings to be made than you might think.

The other huge advantage of annual travel insurance, of course, is simply the convenience of not having to organise a new policy each and every time you travel. This is invaluable for the more spontaneous crowd, who want to be able to take a city break over a long weekend at the drop of a hat without having to worry too much about meticulous planning.

With an annual travel insurance policy in place, you can simply book the tickets, pack your bags and head to the airport. Taking several spontaneous trips in a year using single-trip travel insurance, on the other hand, will soon add up to a big extra expense.

Naturally, annual travel insurance isn’t always the best choice. If you’re not completely certain that you’ll be making several trips in the coming 12 months then it might be worth hanging fire and just making sure that you search for the best single-trip insurance deal on an ad-hoc basis every time you travel.

And while annual travel insurance can often cover everything offered by single-trip insurance, there are some insurance requirements, such as extreme sports cover, that are sometimes not included in general annual policies – or if they are, the associated price jump no longer makes it a valid option. It’s always worth checking all of your options though, as specialist providers will likely be able to match your requirements at a price that suits you.

As always, do your research before making any concrete decisions. Surround yourself with as much information as possible when choosing whether to go down the annual policy route or to stick with single-trip insurance. There are plenty of good deals out there on both sides of the coin, so find the best option for you.

Jerez Horse Fair – Feriade caballo

2-9 May 2010

One of Jerez’s biggest fiestas is the annual Feriade caballo – the Jerez Horse Fair, the most prestigious equine heritage event in Spain, which showcases the region’s finely bred horses. Jerez is well known as an equine centre, and is the home of the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art – a riding school of comparable status to Vienna’s world-famous Spanish Riding School.

Travelling to Jerez and getting around Andalucia

Only a few budget airlines fly direct to Jerez – the airport is an ex military air base – so most visitors will fly to the Andalucian city of Malaga and hire a car or take the train eastwards to Jerez.  Be warned central Jerez has narrow winding old streets that offer little parking should you choose the option of car hire Spain.

Jerez Fireworks

A spectacular firework display marks the start of the festival late in the evening on Sunday 2 May, followed by 6 days of celebrations.

Lit with fairy lights at the city’s Gónzalez Hontoria Park, the colourful show features a fairground and shows celebrating many of the region’s richest cultural traditions: parades of horses and elaborate carriages, spontaneous Flamenco performances, and stalls selling delicious regional cuisine.

Visit http://www.jerez.es for further information about Jerez.

Flying Sky High in New York City

Flying halfway across the world is as easy as getting on a bus these days. We can live in one country and work or do business in another. Recently more competitions on the transatlantic routes have enebaled many to buy a cheap flight online.  Those flying with Air France from London to New York for business  meetings in the Big Apple may decide to stay on for few days holiday – see take a bite out of the Big Apple

See New York From a Helicopter Flight Tour

New York City really is as big as they say and unfortunately you would need far more than 2 days to see all that this city has to offer. For this reason visitors can see a lot in a short space of time and take a New York Helicopter Tour.

There are lots of companies which offer helicopter tours of New York and it is the perfect way to visit the whole city and capture great photos – all in just 30 minutes. Tours can be pricey, but if you have money to spare and little time on your hands, it is an experience not to be missed. The bird’s eye views of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Central Park are incredible.

Once you set your feet back on solid ground, go for a walk around Central Park. This green oasis is the perfect place to unwind, relax and come to terms with the fact that you are sitting in one of the most famous parks in the world.

So remember, if you don’t have much time in New York, do a helicopter tour and visit Central Park.

How to spend your time at Dubai International Airport

Previous airport guides include and Zurich and Abu Dhabi and

With around 5,600 flights to Dubai each week, operated by almost 100 different airlines to more than 200 different destinations across all six continents, Dubai airport is busy and thriving. With a reputation for sleek and modern design, and a fantastic shopping experience, this is one airport where you may want to arrive early, and perhaps won’t be too disappointed if your flight from Dubai is a little delayed.

Shopping

Dubai is famous for its shopping, and no less so than at the airport’s award-winning Dubai Duty Free shop. Established in 1983 by Dubai’s Government, the duty free shop was the first of its kind in the Middle East. Since then it has won more than 70 international awards, and remains the leader in airport shopping.

It is the largest single airport retail operation in the world, ahead of London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon airports. The merchandise is spread over some 5,400 square metres of floor space, including areas for cosmetics, jewellery, electronics, alcohol, luxury goods, sports equipment, designer clothing, tobacco products, toys and books.

Womens clothing, in particular short dresses, skirts and boutique lingeire, has had some controversy with western retailers introducing fashions that are being slowly accepted by the Emirates.  Each year sees new ranges of designer dresses and lingerie carefully displayed to appeal to shoppers but have low impact on local travellers.

Customer reviews suggest that while not too inflated, prices aren’t quite as low as you might hope — but that the sheer range of goods on offer more than make up for this.

For most destinations, anything that you buy after security control can be taken on board the aircraft, including bottled drinks, wines and spirits, perfumes and cosmetics. If you’re transferring to another flight before you reach your final destination, particularly within the EU, your purchases will be placed within a sealed plastic bag. If you are transferring within the USA or Canada you need to put any purchases containing more than 100 ml in your hand luggage before you check in for your connecting flight. You can’t take any liquids of more than 100 ml in hand luggage on flights to Australia.

And if you’re still left with any doubt about Dubai’s fascination for airport shoppers, it won the ‘Best Duty Free Shopping’ title in 2009’s World Airport Awards, based on the opinions of 8.6 million airline passengers across 190 airports worldwide in 2008/9.

Recreation

If you’re all shopped out, there are other, more relaxing facilities at the airport where you can while away some time before your flight.

Firstly, there are two open-air garden areas where you can stroll around and get some fresh air. And within the international transit area of the interconnected Terminals 1 and 2, there are internet facilities, a gym, a swimming pool, video games, prayer rooms, and spa facilities.

The airport also has various lounge areas, some of which contain children’s play facilities, while others have screens showing film, sport and news channels.

Eating

Dubai International Airport is home to more than 25 different food and drink establishments, ranging from the likes of Starbucks selling coffee and quick snacks, to elegant bistros selling more elaborate cuisine. There is even a place serving up traditional Irish pub fare, which seems rather incongruous, as well as more obvious choices such as Lebanese, Indian and Chinese cuisine. Safar, the main restaurant in the concourse, is split up into three sections: Pint 19, which is the bar area; a buffet section; and an a la carte restaurant with an open kitchen, offering international cuisine. You can also find fast food places such as McDonald’s and pizzerias. In short: you won’t go hungry, even if you’re the fussiest of eaters.

For more information about Dubai International Airport, visit www.dubaiairport.com

The beaches, history and luxury of St. Tropez

If you are holiday on the Côte d’Azur, France, St. Tropez is a must-see stop. Whether you stay for a day, or rent a villa for a week, St. Tropez is an excellent escape from the busy pace of modern life. Spend time sunbathing on the glittering white sandy beaches, or discover the fascinating history of what people generally think of as the playground of the rich and famous.

With shopping and nightlife to rival Hollywood, dramatic landscapes, and charming villas, the wealthy and famous have flocked here since the late 1950s. During the winter and spring off-seasons, St. Tropez is not crowded, but the traffic becomes heavier in the summertime when the beach weather is perfect.

St. Tropez has been known as a haven throughout its history. In the 1920s, international fashion stars escaped to this stunning destination, which also became a beach landing site during World War II. In the 1950s Brigitte Bardot made it known as a luxury holiday destination.

Now this modern version of a medieval town has many events all year to draw visitors to its shores. Set on the sparkling Bay of Saint-Tropez, St. Tropez hosts an internationally renowned regatta, Les Voiles, at the end of September each year. The International Polo Cup takes place in July and the Gold Cup is held in the autumn. A vintage car rally, Rallye des Belles, is held each May. Also in May is the St. Tropez Bravade, a military parade in honor of the town’s patron saint.

The best beaches are a car ride away, however there are a few near the center of town. The largest collection of beaches is the Pampelonne-Ramatuelle Beaches just 3km south of St. Tropez. The Plage de Tahiti, just southeast of town is another popular destination. Many nude beaches dot the area as well.

If you need a break from the sun, visit Musee de l’Annonciade. Housed in an abandoned chapel, this museum has a rich modern art collection, including works by Signac, the first Parisian artist to settle in St Tropez. The Citadel, built between 1590 and 1607, is a well-preserved hexagonal fortress. Inside the Citadel is a Museum of Shipping and Local History. Three defensive towers – Guillaume Tower, Portalet Tower and Jarlier Tower, offer spectacular views of the bay.

Spend time meandering down the small winding streets and stop in one of St. Tropez’s many terrace cafes. The old town is just west of the Citadel and is filled with boutiques and restaurants. If you walk on Rue du Portail-Neuf, you can visit the Italian Baroque 18th century church in which stands a bust of St-Tropez. Northwest of the church you can see the Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) and the palace of Pierre-André de Suffren, an important French admiral who participated in the War of the Austrian Succession.

From here, wander over to the Mole Jean-Réveille, a man-made pier enclosing the harbor from the north, and enjoy a spectacular view of the town’s seafront, yachts and luxury St Tropez Villas.

Place aux Herbes is the most bustling of the town’s squares. You can buy all the vegetables, flowers, and fresh meats that you could wish for here. The St. Tropez tourist information office is located here. If you would like to see some of St. Tropez’s traditional street entertainment and a game of boules, head to Place des Lices, where you can also enjoy the most casual dining in town.

St. Tropez even has some hiking. A 12km coastal footpath begins at the Portalet Tower of the Citadel and takes you across gorgeous coastline all the way to Pampelonne Beach.

New York Biting into the Big Apple

Everyone dreams of walking down the streets of New York. It is the city we see on big screens in the cinema and only try to imagine

.

Previously we featured Christmas shopping trip to New York with tips and ideas to get great deals when you arrive in the city.

Here we consider ways to save money getting to New York from European Cities. European travellers have often taken amny short flights – for city breaks and holidays in Europe however the prospect of long hual flights to Australia, the Far East and America can be quite daunting.

everyone should take a bite out of the Big Apple at least once in life.

Perhaps the most important things to remember when organising a trip halfway across the world are to book your flights to New York. well in advance, take out a good travel insurance and be aware of any immigration requirements.

So let’s start with the obvious; booking the flight. Experienced travellers find the best travel deals online. By using a search and comparison website you can find cheap flights to New York with top airlines such as Delta Airlines, Air France and British Airways.

The next step is to buy a good travel insurance to make sure you are covered for any unforeseen circumstances which may take place before and during your holiday. Shop around online, but make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully.

Lastly, make sure you check out the US immigration requirements so that you can apply for a visa if needed.

Information about Zurich airport

Zurich Airport (ZRH), also called Kloten Airport, is Switzerland’s largest international flight hub and boasts of winning the World Travel Award for the sixth year in a row. That award is for general quality standards and user friendliness.

Zurich Airport is situated at the center of the road network in Switzerland and therefore provides excellent connections to major cities. The airport is only 10 km (6 miles) from Zurich.

There are a choice of parking options: three covered car parks located next to the terminals, another car park nearby, and an open-air car park for long-term parking where one catches a bus to the airport. Valet parking is also available.

An automated underground shuttle train links the terminal with the satellite Gates E. Available trolleys are at no charge to the passengers.

Zurich airport offers a myriad of services and conveniences.

Information desks and nine FASTpoint terminals are situated throughout the airport to provide information on flight and train schedules, facilities, shopping, directories, maps, telephones, fax and photocopying facilities, and other services such as the sale of tickets for bus tours and excursions throughout the country and the sale of tickets for ski resort special buses.

There are banks with foreign exchange services, a post office, wireless internet at several locations, a medical and dental center, emergency and rescue services, pharmacies, nurseries, shower facilities, and prayer rooms. You can rent a baby buggy or pram or baby car safety seats, if you need them. Disabled travelers have the use of wheelchairs or can hire a porter for assistance.

The Unique Conference Center offers 28 different-sized rooms that can be set up for as many as 120 delegates for business meetings, seminars, and conferences. The reception desk has secretarial services, a photocopier, a fax machine, a shredder, telephone booths, and more including hotel and flight reservations.

There is a variety of restaurants with cuisine from Italian to Mexican to Asian, snack bars, a fast food court, and coffee shops.

You can rent bicycles, Nordic walking poles, and inline skates.

Duty free and tax free shopping is available in order to purchase cosmetics, perfumes, tobacco products, spirits, and other Swiss and international merchandise. Switzerland is one of the remaining few European countries that allow passengers to purchase duty-free goods. There are also many attractive shops throughout the passenger and public areas. Passenger area businesses open one hour before the first flight and close when the last flight is announced.

Pick up a copy of the “ZRH Newsletter”, the “Air Magazine” with lifestyle and shopping features, brochures, and flyers for information about the airport.

Under Terminal B is a Swiss Federal Railways station with trains to central Zurich and to many tourist destinations across Switzerland. A bus terminal next to car park 2 connects to destinations and ski resorts all over Switzerland. There are also taxis and car rentals available.

You can search Netflights for cheap flights to Zurich and save money on your flight in order to have more to spend on your holiday!

Life’s a Beach Visit Sydney

Sydney is often mistaken as the capital of Australia, perhaps because it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and is renowned for its famous opera house, harbour and more importantly its beaches.

Europeans travel to Sydney to warm away the winter blues and in need of some winter sun and a few weeks of lying on the beach.  Searching online, there are various travel / package deals, cheap flight to Australia and hotels in Sydney at a bargain prices.  British Airways offers flights to Sydney from Heathrow.

Sydney Beaches

Spend some time  on holiday checking out Sydney’s beaches. Obviously the most renowned beaches first such as, Bondi, Coogee and Manly. However, the determined will discover the secret beaches that the locals don’t want us to find.

A favourite spot with locals and holidaymakers is Store Beach on Little Manly Cove. It is accessible by water only so it is popular with kayakers and boat lovers. It is the perfect place to go if you want to relax, away from the busy tourist hotspots. There are plenty of other superb beaches to be discovered too, such as Milk Beach at Vaucluse and Lady Martins Beach at Point Piper.

The best way to find out about these secret locations is by asking the locals.

G’day

Carnivals in Alicante

Alicante is a truly Spanish Mediterranean city, with a sunny climate, leafy esplanades, outdoor cafés, a seafront promenade, and a calendar of vibrant fiestas. The city lies right at the heart of the popular Costa Blanca holiday resort region, so most visitors arrive here for its sandy beaches – but since the locals know how to throw a good party, it’s well worth timing your visit to include one of the big annual festivals.

Alicante Carnivals (Carnaval) February

Coming up in February there’s the lively 10-day Carnival, or Carnaval, held every year around Ash Wednesday. In 2010, this free fiesta takes place from 11 – 21 February, with the action centred along the city’s main thoroughfare, the Rambla. Year-round, this is a pleasant avenue for a stroll, lined with palm trees, ice cream shops and outdoor cafés. But during the Carnival the Rambla is a real feast for the eyes, with decorated floats, dancing, and marching bands. One of the highlights is Saturday’s Sábado Ramblero, an elaborate carnival costume parade which takes over the street like a grand masquerade ball.

Burial of the Sardine

On Ash Wednesday itself there’s the ‘Burial of the Sardine’, a bizarre event which involves various Carnival fraternities marching through the city in a Funeral Wake to ‘incinerate’ the sardine.

Las Fallas Valencia – March

If you are visiting this Spanish region later in March it is well worth having car hire Spain arranged to drive to and stay in nearby Vallencia which holds a festival Las Fallas which promises fireworks galore!

Every day at 2pm firecrackers rip through the Plaza del Ayuntamiento in an noisy event called la Mascletá. This concert of gunpowder is very popular and involves different neighbourhood groups competing for the most impressive volley, ending with the terremoto, (literally means “earthquake”) as hundreds of masclets exploting simultaneously. While this may not be for the frail or faint-fainthearted, you understand how hearted, the Valencians got their valiant name.

Alicante Fire Festival (Hogueras de San Juan) June

If you’re planning ahead for a trip later in the year, Alicante is probably even more famous for its annual Fire or Bonfire Festival, known in Spanish as Hogueras de San Juan (Bonfires of St. John). As the name suggests, this spectacular, fire-filled fiesta involves bonfires and fireworks galore. A palm-shaped firework is launched into the sky to mark the beginning of the festival on 20 June, and celebrations continue until 24 June. The fiesta’s highlight is the collection of huge papier-maché and wooden sculptures, similar to the artworks created for Valencia’s Las Fallas festival, which are put on display around the centre – before they are finally burnt to the ground. Eventually the fires die down, but the partying carries on for several days and nights afterwards, along the narrow alleyways of El Barrio and right down to the beaches. Finally, there’s a competition to choose the next Belleza del Fuego (Beauty of the Fire), who is crowned the festival’s ‘Queen’ along with six Ladies of Honour. Other Posts with ideas for visiting Alicante and Costa Blanca

• Tera Mitica Theme Park
• Elche
• Mundomar

Ideas for Valentine’s Day breaks

One of the most exciting ways to spend Valentine’s Day is somewhere foreign and romantic, so consider whisking your loved one away for a weekend. Whether you look online, in newspapers or in travel agents, you’ll find a whole host of special Valentine’s travel deals right now. Most combine romantic destinations with luxury accommodation, a gourmet meal, Valentine flowers and perhaps some other activities.

At the cheaper end of the scale, for example, Eurostar is offering a two night valentine’s break to Paris including Eurostar travel, a 3 star central hotel, and breakfast – from £189 each. Usually you can get good value from regional low cost arlines to fly to France but for a special Valentine treat consider booking scheduled flights to Paris and trying to upgrade your seats.

If you’re out to impress, you could celebrate Valentine’s Day in Champagne over a glass or two of the vintage stuff. Grape Escapes is offering a Valentine’s gift package in Reims where you’ll enjoy a bottle of Champagne on arrival, and a candlelit four-course gourmet dinner at a local restaurant. The package doesn’t come cheap, costing from £365 each, but this also includes return Dover-Calais ferry crossing for a car and two people, (scheduled flights to France and pre-booked car hire in France can be arranged but will cost more) two nights’ accommodation in Reims, a full day coach tour of Champagne houses with tastings, and a four-course lunch at a top local restaurant with Champagnes and wines.

If you’d rather stay in the UK, Macdonald Hotels Compleat Angler Hotel are offering a package beside the Thames at Marlow in Buckinghamshire, including two nights dinner, B&B, champagne, flowers, chocolates and strawberries. Prices start from £449 for the two of you. The hotel’s gorgeous river views, candlelit dining and four-poster beds promise a weekend of romance.