World Travel Guide by Triposo – App of the Month July 2015

Posted on July 28, 2015 by worldwideinsure

Anyone who has read Douglas Adams’ Hitchhikers Guide to The Galaxy will remember the incredible eponymous gadget, which when voice activated would relate all currently known information for a particular planet or race.  And now, as far-fetched as it may have once seemed, nearly every traveller in the world can turn their mobile phone into such a device.  For free!

Triposo’s World Travel Guide might be limited to Planet Earth, but that seems to be the only limit!

What can you expect?

The Triposo app aims to be a one-stop travel guide for the whole world.  The app itself is free to download, and is essentially a shell for displaying the content of the country or city guides which are also free to download.  Once the app and your destinations of choice have been downloaded, all the content it viewable offline, so you don’t have to worry about roaming charges or finding wi-fi.

The app pulls content from external websites like Wikipedia, Wikitravel, Wikivoyage, OpenStreetMaps, so there is a lot of information that just isn’t in guidebooks.  The app does very clever things with the information too – it can take into account not only your location but also the time of day, the weather, your previous interests, opening hours of local attractions etc. On a sunny day it might suggest a walk through the city or a nearby park, on a rainy day it might suggest a museum or exhibition, at lunchtime it will suggest a nice nearby eatery, or you can browse an extensive list categorised by cuisine.

If you find yourself at a loose end or waiting, just open up the app and it will suggest something nearby, or you can kill time by learning about the historical or cultural significance of a place in some of the more in-depth articles.

The detailed maps are available offline and you can use the GPS on your phone to help easily navigate your way around – which is free on most phones!

As the content comes from crowdsourced websites, obviously there is the danger of inaccuracy or incompleteness. However, a link in each entry of the app lets you head on over to the Wiki article in question and edit it yourself – so as the community grows and more people submit and edit content, the better info we will all have access to!

But wait, there’s more!

  • Smooth, intuitive interface, with a wealth of information very clearly presented.
  • Can be used with an account or without.  An account lets you build an itinerary and make a note of your personal highlights, which may make the recommendations more relevant, but otherwise there is little difference.
  • Categories of information for over 50 cities including comprehensive information and great photos relating to history, culture and customs, festivals, transportation, major sights, hotels, restaurants, activities, night life, museums, shopping, parks, wildlife…
  • Not to mention plenty of practical information such as locations of ATMs, bus stops, pharmacies…
  • Powerful filtering options lets you find hotels within your chosen area/budget, read reviews, and even book a room!
  • Travel log for “effortless journaling”
  • Research attractions, experiences and tours, and even book tickets through the app.
  • Share information and pics to Facebook
  • Currency converter
  • Phrase books and basic language guides
  • Weather Forecast and Current Events, which are updated each time you go online.
  • Guided walking tours are now available, but currently only for London.
  • Free for iPhone and Android

Triposo Reviews – what are users saying?

The app seems to be going strong, with ratings of 4.5/5 on both the App Store and Google Play.  There seems to be a glitch with the current Android version which means that the downloaded country and city guides disappear and have to be re-downloaded if the device is turned off and on again.  The developers are onto it, and it seems this can be avoided by downloading the offline content to your device’s internal storage rather than to an SD card.  Those reviewers stated that when this is fixed, it will definitely deserve a full 5 stars.  The iPhone version doesn’t seem to have this problem, and just gets consistently good reviews.

Some reviewers have commented that for certain locations, information and pictures are far less comprehensive, but the same it true of published travel guides like Lonely Planet – there is always less written for less popular destinations and the further you go off the beaten track.  However the advantage Triposo’s app has over bulky guidebooks (which have often started to go out of date by the time they are printed) is that every time a user (of which Triposo claims 6million!) makes an amendment or adds a new entry, the updates synch back to other users’ apps.

Rated 10/10 on www.worldsim.com and 4.5/5 on www.appsafari.com

Head on over to Google Play Store or the App store to grab your free download and start planning your next trip – or check out what it says about your hometown!

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Making friends while travelling abroad

Posted on July 17, 2015 by worldwideinsure

One of the best things about travelling is meeting new people and making new friends.  Sharing experiences can lead to bonds that last for a day, a night, a week, or a lifetime!  If you are up for a party and happy to go out drinking then you will likely have no trouble at all making friends, but if you are at all shy, it can be a daunting prospect – so we’ve put together this quick guide to show you how easy it can be.

Hostels

There are many different types of hostel, some of which are out-and-out party places which have their own bars and/or organise pub crawls, while some will be geared towards more mature travellers or even families.  Websites such as hostelworld.com and hostelbookers.com are great for doing some research to find one which will suit you.  Hostels are super-social places, and with a little confidence it is almost impossible not to make friends when staying in them, especially if you are sharing a dorm.  But even if you opt for a private room you can still find potential friends in the common areas such as the kitchen, TV room, or smoking area.

Be inquisitive

The best advice for starting a conversation, that’s even easy for the shy ones among us, is just to ask questions.  The same questions get asked endlessly in hostels the world over – where are you from, how long have you been travelling, where have you been, where are you going…  As standard as the questions are, they do a great job of breaking the ice.  If you have anything in common you’re likely to find out quickly, and even if you don’t you’ll find plenty more to ask questions about as they talk about themselves.  If conversation doesn’t flow, chalk it up to bad chemistry, bid them a good trip and move along.

Be open

When you’re asking questions, you’ll notice that you find it much easier to keep things flowing when the other person gives more than one word answers.  So remember this when you are on the receiving end, and even give a longer answer than is strictly necessary to answer their questions.  You don’t have to reveal anything about yourself you don’t want to but you’re both searching for a common thread to share and if you are genuine and authentic you just might find something pretty special.

Strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet

This might be overly optimistic as you can’t get on with EVERYONE, but it’s good to bear in mind that they all have the potential to become your next best friend.  Forget what you think you know about different types of people and be open to connecting with everyone whether old or young, male or female, and from anywhere in the world.

Suggest a friendly game

Playing a game instantly gives a group a shared goal and something to talk about.  Carrying a deck or cards can spark connection in a quiet common room, or when waiting for a bus or train.  One game that seems to do a particularly good job of bringing travellers from all countries together is Sh**head.  Different countries have different rules so it is always fun making up new combinations to play together, but simpler games can even be played when the language barrier is great (Both Snap and War translate pretty easily!).

Take a class or group tour

Look online or ask around for recommendations of good tours or classes in the area, as this not only allows you to meet like-minded people, it forces you all to spend a few hours or more together, and gives you plenty to talk about.  If by the end of that time you feel you want to exchange numbers or email addresses – great!  If not, hopefully it was a fun and informative day, and you learned something

Alternative accommodation

If hostels just aren’t your thing, and you’re better at making friends one-on-one, look into alternatives such as Couchsurfing.  Couchsurfing is an online community in which people advertise their couches or spare rooms to travellers for free, and they will often also offer to show you around the local area, whether you want to see the sights, find good food or experience the night life.  They may even have hobbies they are happy to share with you.  Look around the website to find someone you have stuff in common with, check their reviews and testimonials, and drop them a line.

Volunteering

There are many ways to volunteer, whether you want to teach English, work on a farm, or help with community projects.  As well as locals you will meet other travellers which are more like-minded, and get to not only experience a place but contribute to it too.  You may even learn new skills!  Websites such as HelpX are a fantastic resource for volunteer opportunities.

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Roadtripping in Western Australia

Posted on July 10, 2015 by worldwideinsure

Travellers in their millions flock to Australia each year, and most will head to the vibrant yet relatively densely crowded East Coast, either hopping on and off bus tours or flying into the main cities and out again.  For a totally different experience, set your sights on the rugged and less-travelled state of Western Australia (WA), and travel at your own speed.

Driving through the country’s largest state is a truly unique experience and one you won’t forget.  It takes up a third of the vast continent – most of Europe would fit inside of it – yet is home to only a tenth of its population, 92% of which are crammed into the teeny tiny south-west corner.  This is also where you’ll probably find 92% of the backpackers.

There are many amazing sights in the south-west region around Perth and Margaret River.  To the east you can travel through the tall trees of Pemberton to the magnificent rock formations of Albany and eventually to picturesque Esperance.  To the north lies the Nambung National Park, home to more unusual rock formations (Australian’s are very proud of their rocks!), the Pinnacles.

Head any further north or east, however, and it becomes hard to comprehend the huge distances between everything, so there are so many things you just can’t see on a tour bus.  With your own wheels you can get to places which make you feel like you’re the only person left on Earth.  You can drive right onto some of the unspoilt beaches, and find yourself camping under more stars than you ever imagined existed.  Don’t drive after sunset though, as that’s when the ‘roos come out and they don’t have too much road sense!

So many of the especially incredible places are only accessible via unsealed roads which are too rough for some vehicles – true hidden gems, in a vast wilderness of nothing.  In the north-west you can get to the campsite at Karijini National Park just fine, but unless you have a sturdy vehicle (or you can hitch a ride) you still can’t get to the dramatic river gorges – a rugged oasis where you can trek and swim for hours, and a little courage is rewarded with breathtaking sights.

Near the town of Northampton, a mere hour and a half’s drive along a rickety unsealed road actually delivers you to whole new country!  The must-be-seen-to-be-believed Principality of the Hutt River has been a sovereign state and independent of Australia since 1970, and you will actually get your passport stamped.  If you’re lucky, the monarch Prince Leonard might even tell you his fascinating tale himself.

Still more roads are so bumpy that they are passable only in a 4×4, so you’ll find even fewer people en route. One such road is the Gibb River Road in the northeast, and into the wilderness of the Kimberley National Park, which is one of Australia’s last remaining true frontiers and boasts yet more wacky rocks, the Bungle Bungles.  Make the effort to get out here and you will be privileged to sights few others have ever seen.

Not your ordinary travellers

Though you will obviously meet other like-minded travellers on your journey, you’re also likely to meet many Australians with the same idea.  Plenty of citizens reject the rat race for the freedom of exploring their own country and creating their own lifestyle.  “Grey nomads” retire and sell up so they can buy a camper and set off on the road.  Families break from convention, homeschooling their children and living in campsites, finding various means to earn a living on the move.  Young couples on their honeymoons shun the busy beaches of popular tourist destinations for the pristine coastline and sense of adventure of their home country.  You will meet people who are drawn to the vastness of WA for many reasons, and you can bet the perspectives they share will be fascinating and eye-opening.

So, are you convinced yet?

Are you revved up for an Antipodean adventure?  If you need more convincing, there is the fact that staying in campsites will be much cheaper than hostels.  There are even many free camp spots along the major routes, some of which are just carparks next to the road, while some turn out to  be stunningly picturesque.  Camping in National Parks however, which is also often free or for a nominal fee, is absolutely unforgettable, and the scenery, space and wildlife will blow your mind.

Should I rent or buy?

This is the first big practical question you need to consider, and really depends on where you want to start and finish your trip, and how long you want to be on the road for.  There are countless rental companies – try Wicked Campers, Spaceships and Jucy to name but a few.

Rentals will always have limits however, and the cost mounts up if you are planning to be away for more than a few weeks.  If you really want to feel free to go where you please and take as long as you want, it is worth looking into buying a vehicle.  Many travellers do this and are able to sell theirs for almost as much as they bought it for, so it actually may not be as expensive as it seems. Advice for purchasing a vehicle is outside the scope of this post but these two blogs here and here give a great overview of what you need to be aware of.

As always, whatever type of trip you’re planning, travel insurance is a necessity.  The friendly advisers at Worldwide Insure are ready with expert advice to make sure you have the cover you need for your trip-of-a-lifetime.  Call 01892 628584 or visit www.worldwideinsure.com today for an instant online quote.

Posted in The places we've been | Comments Off on Roadtripping in Western Australia

10 Tips for Travelling Safely

Posted on July 3, 2015 by worldwideinsure

Travelling abroad is a wonderful experience that everyone should have, but as unrest grows around the world many would-be travellers may be feeling anxious about visiting their dream destinations.

The following tips will help you to plan a safe trip, and to stay vigilant and out of harm’s way, wherever you are. 

1. Check before you go

Some destinations may well be too risky at present, and authorities will advise that unless absolutely essential, you should not travel to or within certain regions. Check the gov.uk website for location-specific advice and information, and if necessary, pick somewhere else to visit.

2. Stay informed

Keeping reading and watching the news while you are away, both for the country or region where you are and the rest of the world. If any potentially risky situations arise they will give up-to-the-minute advice for staying safe.

3. Careful where you point your cameras

Obviously you will probably want to take lots of photos wherever you go, but just be careful near military bases, government buildings, or public locations such as airports. Shooting stills or video or using binoculars in these locations could lead to unpleasant misunderstandings, so unless you want to have your camera confiscated or be taken in for questioning, be sensible and obey any directions.

4. Stay on the right side of the law

Other cultures have very different laws values and taboos, and if haven’t made yourself aware of what they are you may find yourself unwittingly committing an offence and getting a hefty fine, or even arrested. Identify and adhere to local laws and customs so that you know you can stay out of trouble. Even if something isn’t against the law, certain behaviours can be seen as disrespectful by locals. If you don’t want to outstay your welcome in an area, take the time to find out how to behave.

This varies from country to country, so be sure to check gov.uk for info for all your destinations.

5. Stay vigilant

Unsuspecting people make the easiest prey for thieves, so if you look like you are on the alert they will most likely leave you alone. Keep looking around, noticing your surroundings and who is coming and going, and thieves will pass you by on the lookout for easier victims.

Crimes motivated by political unrest often target areas that attract foreigners and travellers such as hotels, bars, restaurants, embassies etc, so be extra vigilant in these areas and report anything suspicious to the local police.

6. Don’t flash your valuables or dress like a tourist

Thieves find a way to operate pretty much anywhere in the world, so wherever your destination, try to blend in so that you don’t advertise yourself as a tourist. Steer clear of new or expensive-looking clothes shoes and bags, and shun any hats or bags bearing the logos of tour operators. Take care not to display valuables like your mobile phone and camera, and consider using padlocks on any backpacks or luggage. Opt for digital maps downloaded to your mobile phone rather than paper, and avoid checking them too openly when walking.

Always keep your wallet and phone in your front pocket – never the back pocket – and in  crowded areas move your backpack to the front of your body. Carrying a decoy wallet with a little cash and a couple of expired cards is also a great tip – should the unthinkable happen you can throw the decoy at the thief and hopefully keep your real one.

7. Take your old phone

If you don’t want to risk losing your nice shiny gadget, consider taking an old mobile handset with you. Make sure you have your emergency contacts programmed in, as well as local emergency numbers such as the police and embassy at your destination. If you’re travelling alone or in a risky area, mobile phones can be used for personal safety in many new ways – check out specialised safety apps such as Emergensee and Travel Safe.

8.  Know the health risks

Some destinations require certain vaccinations, some of which need to be administered over the course of a few weeks. Check the NHS Fit For Travel website to make sure you know which vaccinations you need, and what other health risks you might need to be aware of while you’re away.

9. Don’t lose your documents

Having one of your bags get lost or stolen is never good, but if you have made copies of all your important documents then you can at least minimise the disruption to your plans and arrange for replacements quickly. Photocopy the photo page of your passport, the fronts and backs of any bank cards, your driver’s license, your travel insurance, accommodation info, tickets etc and keep the copies separate from the originals. It’s also very handy to scan the docs and email them to yourself and a trusted friend, so that you can at least print new copies if you lose the others (make sure you use a web-based mail account that you can access from anywhere).

10. Ensure you’re insured!

Having adequate insurance for your trip is vital, and if anything goes wrong – from getting robbed to falling ill, to your trip being cancelled due to natural disasters or political unrest – you will be very glad you took it out.

Why not give one of our advisors a call today on 01892 628584 to find out how we can help you stay safe on your holiday abroad or visit worldwideinsure.com for an instant online quote. 

Posted in Travel Advice, Travel Insurance | Comments Off on 10 Tips for Travelling Safely

Hopper App Reviews – Travel App of the Month June 2015

Posted on June 26, 2015 by worldwideinsure

If you wish you had a crystal ball to tell you when is best to bag a bargain flight, then consider your wish granted! Hopper promises to let you know when to buy tickets based on some clever software that analyses billions of flight prices daily!

What Does The Hopper app Do?

Hopper constantly monitors flight prices to find the best deals. It also uses this information to predict when deals are likely to come up, giving you all the info you need to be able to book a flight at the best time.

Key Features:

When to Buy – Prediction software claims to be able to save travellers up to 40% just by purchasing flight tickets at the right time.

Insider Tips – Before you book time off, consult the app’s insider tips featuring advice on cheapest travel dates for your destination, best time to fly and cheapest airports to travel from.

Deal Alerts – Instant notification of price drops, and importantly, before they are about to rise again!

Hopper App Reviews

There is no doubt that this simple app appeals to the savvy traveller, and is particularly suited to thrifty backpackers with a freer-than-most schedule.

As it is only available in iTunes, requires iOS 8.0, and a reasonably new device (iPhone 5, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus), Hopper is potentially limited in its usefulness, but from those that have made the most of this free app, it gets a massive thumbs up in the reviews.

Find out more at Hopper.Com or download on iTunes.

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Best Places To Celebrate Summer Solstice 2015

Posted on June 19, 2015 by worldwideinsure

You don’t have to be a hippie to pay homage to the longest day of the year. Summer solstice, or midsummer’s day, is a chance to make the most of the sunlight that hits our blue planet – here is where to head if you want a slice of the action!

Reykjavik, Iceland

What better place to party than Reykjavik, where the sun doesn’t set for three days over the summer solstice. So much for the longest day of the year, make it the longest party of the year! Revellers should head to the Secret Solstice Festival, an annual celebration that marks midsummer with music and fun.

Anchorage, Alaska

If three days sounds a bit much, maybe you should head to Anchorage, where the sun is in the sky for 22 hours over the solstice. Anchorage is also partial to partying as a way of celebrating midsummer, so you’ll find plenty of activities suitable for all ages all day long. To find out more keep your beady peepers peeled on the Anchorage Downtown Partnership events page.

Longyearbyen, Norway

On the other hand, if you feel that the three days of sunshine in Iceland is a little tame, maybe you should visit Longyearbyen, the most northerly settlement in Norway, which offers a full four months of daytime! It’s a little complicated but April 18th is the first day the sun doesn’t set, so something known as “the midnight sun period” officially starts. Midsummer on the 21st to 23rd June doesn’t mark the longest day, instead it is when the sun is at its highest altitude. The 23rd August is the last night the sun doesn’t set, so the  “the midnight sun period” is officially over!

Stonehenge, England

No blog about midsummer celebrations would be complete without mention of our very own Stonehenge! The ancient stone monument is believed to be closely connected with the midsummer sun, with the sun making an appearance over the “heel stone” as it rises. While parties are no longer part and parcel of the celebrations here, English Heritage does open up the site to approximately 20,000 visitors on the day. Sunrise is at 4.45am on Sunday 21st June 2015 – be there or miss the action! To find out more about access this year, visit the eFestivals Stonehenge page.

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Extreme Sports Holiday Ideas For Father’s Day

Posted on June 12, 2015 by worldwideinsure

Want to get your dad something better than a pair of socks for Father’s Day? How about packing him off on an action-packed adventure with one of these top extreme sports holiday ideas!

Coasteering

You don’t have to head to distant shores to get a hit of adrenaline. Coasteering is an incredibly popular and growing outdoor activity in the UK. It combines rock climbing, or scrabbling up a cliff face with getting in the water to traverse the coastline. Full-on sports extreme enthusiasts will enjoy leaping from clifftops into the water, those with less of a head for heights, or death-defying feats of fun can miss out large leaps, and keep to water level.

Key Destinations:

  • Cornwall
  • Devon
  • Dorset
  • Wales
  • West Scotland

Portaledging

This is quite possibly the most extreme camping possible. Take one (very) small tent, attach it to a cliff face, enjoy the view, then sleep. Portaledging is best suited to fathers who already have an enthusiasm for rock climbing, but it allows them to reach ever higher peaks by inserting an overnight stay half way to the moon.

Key destinations:

  • Yosemite National Park
  • Devil Bay, Newfoundland
  • Dolomites, Italy
  • Troll Wall, Norway

Sandboarding

Think your dad would enjoy all the fun of snowboarding, but with the sunshine and sand of a hot holiday destination? Then you should check out sandboarding, it is the activity du jour for thrillseekers who like sunshine too.

Key destinations:

  • Egypt
  • Australia
  • South Africa
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Peru
  • Chile

 You have until 21st June to get your surprise together, but don’t forget the insurance! Our Wintersports Insurance, covers everything from shark diving to glacier walking – just call our team on 01892 833338 if you have any questions.

Posted in Fun | Comments Off on Extreme Sports Holiday Ideas For Father’s Day

Gap Year Travel Advice For Students

Posted on June 5, 2015 by worldwideinsure

What To Do

Are you planning to bum your way around the world, do volunteering, study, or get a job? Depending on what your aims are, you’ll need to find the right kind of experience that fits your plans. GapAdvice. Org has plenty of ideas for people of all ages (yes, it isn’t just students that take a break!).

Passports and Visas

Requirements all depend on your destination(s). Make sure you consult the .gov website and find out about the specific travel advice for all of your destinations. Things to consider:

  • Some countries require you have at least 6 months left on your passport beyond the date of entry.
  • You may require a visa to enter the country you are going to specific to your reason for visiting – very important if you plan to work overseas.

Travel

Make sure you get flexible tickets for whatever mode of travel you choose. A flexible ticket will mean you can move to another country whenever you want, whether that is by air, rail or boat.

Accommodation

The golden nugget of gap year advice is to book your first night’s accommodation in advance each time you travel to a new country. You are at your most vulnerable thanks to a combination of fatigue and culture shock – so at least get yourself a good night’s rest before you go all-out on your adventure.

Money

Even if you are planning to fund your year by picking up work, you’d be foolish to set off without a backup plan, and of course without checking some essential info. Here are some tips you might find useful:

  • Check the expiry of all your existing cards
  • Consider getting a credit card should you need it in an emergency
  • Check daily spending limits on your cards with your bank
  • Consider a currency card over a credit card
  • Check withdrawal rate abroad
  • Check commission rates
  • Keep your cards in a locked safe when you can
  • Do not carry all your cards and money on you at the same time
  • Give a trusting family member card details in case you lose them or they are stolen
  • Make a note of the emergency number for lost and stolen cards
  • Always arrive in a new country with some local currency on you
  • Make sure you have made repayment arrangements for any credit cards if you are going away for a long time
  • Budget for your trip – know how much each destination is likely to cost in terms of food, drink, travel and accommodation, and stick to it!

Insurance

You MUST get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Not only will this cover you in the event of flights or ferries being cancelled, luggage being lost or your belongings being stolen, it will also cover you if you become unwell or injured… which can be a huge cost! Our Gap Year Insurance can cover everything you need it to, even a spur of the moment decision to go heliskiing! And if you find yourself at the end of the gap year but still thirsty for adventure, we can provide or extend cover while you are travelling too.

Here is what you might want to consider before taking out travel insurance:

  • Cover for all your possessions – money, tickets and passports
  • Personal accident cover – which will pay out for death or permanent disability
  • Cover for legal expenses – to help you get compensation or damages
  • Exemptions – look carefully at what you’re not covered for

Here is what you might want to do once you have your insurance in place:

  • Email yourself your policy details
  • Add the insurance helpline emergency number to your phone and email it to yourself in case you lose your phone
  • Keep all receipts, paperwork, tickets and bills in case you need to make a claim

If something goes wrong and you need to make an insurance claim, you should be aware that your insurance policy could be invalidated if you are deemed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Safety

This comes down to drink, drugs and strangers. Oh, and knowing the local laws! Once again, consult the .gov website and find out about the specific safety advice for all of your destinations, paying attention to the local laws and customs section too. In some places you could find yourself in jail for a public display of affection. Apart from that, steer clear of intoxication – not only will you be more susceptible to making bad decisions and being taken advantage of, you should also be aware that your insurance policy could be invalidated if you are deemed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Finally, A Little Thought For Those Back Home…

Keep in touch! This doesn’t mean calling home every day to say you’ve reached your hotel safely, but you may want to take some of these tips on board:

  • Tell friends or family your itinerary
  • Notify them if this changes
  • Use an email address that you can access easily from an internet café anywhere in the world
  • Consider getting a cheap phone that you can use abroad for emergency contact
  • Consider that there may be an emergency at home and someone will need to contact you
  • If you are meeting new people or going for a job, let friends and family know the details
  • Set realistic keeping in touch times – for example once a week to avoid anxiety or stress back home
Posted in Travel Advice | Comments Off on Gap Year Travel Advice For Students

What To Do If Your Passport Is Lost or Stolen Abroad

Posted on May 22, 2015 by worldwideinsure

Around 80 people every day apply for Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) abroad after losing their passport, finding it is stolen, or discovering that it has expired. That is close to 29,000 a year! As well as being a huge inconvenience, replacing a passport can be costly. Here are some eye opening facts and figures, plus essential advice if you find that you are suddenly without your passport while in a foreign country.

If your passport is lost or stolen you should take the following steps immediately:

  • Report it to the local police
  • Get a crime reference number – you will need this to get a new passport
  • Report the loss or theft to the British Embassy
  • Fill in an LS01 form – available from the Embassy or online

What happens next?

You passport will be cancelled so that no one else can use it. This means that if you misplaced your passport and you find it again, you won’t be able to use it. You MUST hand it in to the passport office!

Next you will be issued your ETDs (emergency travel documents). This can take a few days, and will cost money. This is usually covered by your travel insurance.

Bear in mind that you may also need to replace any visas you had for your journey, and you may even have to rearrange your journey. These are added costs you could do without, but circumstances that can be covered with comprehensive travel insurance.

Lost and Stolen Passport Facts*

  • Lost passports cost Brits £5m per year
  • More than a fifth of all ETDs are issued in Spain
  • Barcelona’s pickpockets are responsible for over 1,000 lost passports
  • In Australia, a rising number of ETDs are issued for passports that have expired

*source

What you can do

Quite simply, you could take extra care of your passport while you are away, and make sure you have the information you need should your passport get lost or stolen.

  • Keep your passport in a locked safe
  • Use a photocopy as ID when going out
  • Make a photocopy of your passport, or email yourself the details
  • Save the number of the British Embassy at your destination
  • Check the expiry date
  • Check the entry requirements of your destination, some places require passports are valid for 6 months after the date you travel

You should also make sure that your travel insurance covers you for any costs incurred as a result of losing your passport or having it stolen. Find out more about travel insurance on our website, or call 01892 833338 to speak to an advisor.

Posted in Safety when travelling, Travel Advice | Comments Off on What To Do If Your Passport Is Lost or Stolen Abroad

Bank Holiday Breaks – How to find a great last minute deal

Posted on May 15, 2015 by worldwideinsure

We all love a bargain, but what is the best way to save money on a last-minute break, especially in the run-up to a busy bank holiday? We share some top tips to bag a bargain!

Visit High Street Agents

The windows of high street travel agents are awash with deals, and quite often you can bag yourself a bargain as long as you aren’t too restricted on travel times and aren’t set on a specific destination or hotel. These agents have fingers in many pies, so can access a broad range of deals, and tweak prices to suit your budget.

Check Out Online Comparison Websites

Travel Zoo was voted the best travel deals provider in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Their success lies in the fact they have a team of travel experts around the world with their eyes peeled for the best deals around. To add to that, they actually test the deals themselves, making sure they are current, accurate and do everything they say. If you are looking for a great experience as well as a great deal – this is certainly a good way to go about it!

Look On Last Minute Websites

Although many travel providers have a last-minute deals section, dedicated website lastminute.com is where you should head when time is running short. Not only can you book a last minute hotel, flight, or whole package holiday on their website, but you can also get your hands on cut-price tickets for events and attractions at your destination too.

Get Organised

By far the best way to save yourself some pennies is to make sure that you have your travel insurance arranged before hand, as well as your airport parking and your currency exchange! When things like travel insurance are added to a deal, you will find yourself paying over the odds, probably for insurance that doesn’t actually cover you for what you need.

For advice about making sure you have the right travel insurance for your journey, give us a call – we are a friendly bunch, here to make sure that you only pay what you need for the cover you need! Find out more on our website, or call 01892 833338.

 

Posted in The places we've been, Travel Advice | Comments Off on Bank Holiday Breaks – How to find a great last minute deal