Worldwide Insure

As a follow up to our getaway guide to Tenerife, we thought it only fitting to share a post about one of the best ways to see the sights on this beautiful island – hurtling down the Arona Trail on a mountain bike!

Tenerife has some pretty impressive stats. The highest point, Mount Teide which stands at 3,718 m above sea level is in fact the 3^rd largest volcano in the world. The island is also small, measuring just 90 km north to south and 130 km across. This means coming down the mountain is a very steep journey indeed – but the views are impressive.

Check out this great clip of James Shirley, courtesy of The Dudes of Hazzard to see for yourself!

Tenerife is a popular destination for UK holidaymakers seeking sunshine and warmth during the long, grey and cold British winter. Although part of the Spanish Canary Islands, Tenerife is in fact favourably located just off the west coast of Africa – where the weather is fine all year round!

Weather
Temperatures are warm during our winter and you will be comfortable enough wandering around in a swimming costume even in early January! However, if you do feel like you are missing a good old fashioned mid-winter cold snap, you can always take to the hills. The Island is a volcanic wonder, and heading up to mount Teidi will guarantee you see some snow and give you the opportunity to snuggle up in some winter woollies.

El Teide Tenerife

Nightlife and Culture
Tenerife is well known for a party atmosphere, especially in the resort of Playa de las Americas. Here you will find as many as 60 bars and clubs along just one road alone. The resort is packed with apartments and has everything a homesick Brit could want from a bog standard fry-up to an imported local paper. Other areas on the island are much more subdued, and some would say attract an older crowd, although the ex-pat presence is still strong. Moving away from the coast and further inland you are more likely to get a taste of traditional Tenerife.

Tenerife by ant_43

Food
Spanish tortilla, fresh almonds, figs and paella are firmly on the menu in the less touristy areas of the island; and the ‘village wine’ will flow like water in most establishments! However, there is plenty to eat and drink that will remind you of home, no matter what nationality you are. In particular the island caters for German, Italian and English clientele.

Things to do
There are plenty of excursions that are offered to tourists including trips up Mount Teidi, complete with cable car ride right to the top of the volcano, a submarine safari in a glass bottomed submarine, sea fishing and dolphin spotting trips and even a jeep safari across the lunaresque landscape for those who like a rush of adrenaline to help spice things up!

Visa and Passports
British Citizens do not need a visa to enter Spanish territory and no extra validity is required on your passport beyond the dates you wish to be there. However, if you want to stay for longer than 3 months you must register yourself as a resident at the Office for Foreigners (Oficina de Extranjeros), normally part of the Town Hall.

Flower Beds by the Beach by Mate Marschalko

Safety
You may remember our post about balcony falls abroad, well ‘Balconing’ as it is known is a serious issue in these parts, often due to the frivolities that follow the consumption of large amounts of alcoholic beverages. The Foreign and Commonwealth office even refer to it on their visitor safety information:

“There have been a number of very serious accidents (some fatal) as a result of falls from balconies. A number of these incidents have been caused by British nationals being under the influence of drink or drugs. Most of these accidents should have been avoidable.”

They also point out that travel insurance companies rarely provide cover for incidents that result in injury after consuming alcohol or controlled substances. Visitors may also want to note that medical evacuation is not covered by the reciprocal health arrangements between Spain and the UK, or by the European Health Insurance Card – so you might want to make sure that your travel insurance for a holiday in Tenerife has this covered for you!

The action doesn’t really start until about the 2.5 minute mark, but what a way to see the spectacular sights of cities around the world when they are lit up in a fantastic display of pyrotechnic wonder! These clips from New Year celebrations in 2012 might be enough to make you book a last minute ticket to witness the celebrations yourself.

Wherever in the world you are when the clock strikes midnight – we wish a very happy New Year and an adventure filled 2013 from all of us at Worldwide Insure!

Travelling at this time of year, no matter how near or far away your destination, comes with its own special set of problems. As bad weather threatens to put a spanner in your travel plans while emotions of the season run high – here is our guide to surviving travelling over Christmas.

Snowy Train Station by Jeff Kramer

Check train timetables. There is an incredibly limited rail service in the UK on Christmas Day and Boxing Day – check out the seasonal rail disruptions before you make plans to be somewhere!
A please and thank you goes a long way

Remember to say please and thank you and smile. Overworked staff at airports, hotels and restaurants have to deal with many demanding customers and larger groups of people than usual. By making sure you pay attention to being polite, you will undoubtedly get a better service, plus it is a nice thing to do.

Deincing the Plane by James Lee

Acknowledge cultural differences. Not everyone ‘does Christmas’. For some people, Christmas is not an event to be celebrated – bear this in mind, especially when travelling to destinations that do not recognise the holiday the way we Brits do.

Patience is a necessary virtue. Delays and overcrowding by any mode of transport are likely during the winter holiday season. By expecting long queues on the motorway or for there to be no seats on a train, you will be in a better frame of mind should you encounter delays.

Driving in Snow by Rithanne Reid

Be Prepared. Take a book, take a blanket, pack a lunch and pop a flask of hot tea in your bag. Simple comforts can keep you going (and warm) if you get stuck on your journey. You might also want to follow some basic travel advice such as:
• Make sure your phone has plenty of battery
• Have all important phone numbers (including local emergency ones) to hand
• Tell people where you are meant to be and when you are meant to be there

Also – make sure you have the right travel insurance for your journey!

Get App Happy. We have reviewed some great apps over the last few months – having these stored on your smartphone might make your journey that little bit easier!
Currency Converter
Jetlag App
Travel Maps
Weather Forecast
Hotel, Flight and Car Rental Deals
Travel Organizer

Great ideas for passing the time in the Thai capital Bangkok, from taking in the tranquillity of temples to soaking up the vibrant nightlife of Khao San Road; oh and a lot of eating! Courtesy of Migrationology.

1. Wang Lang market – great for quick fast food
2. Chatuchak weekend market – over 15,000 vendors!
3. Klong Toey market – fresh food galore
4. Visit a floating market – there are loads to choose from
5. Pratunam market – wholesale market, great for shopping
6. MBK shopping centre – a mega-mall that is like a city in itself
7. Or Tor Kor market – upper class fresh market, only the finest food here
8. Dusit Zoo – central zoo of the city
9. Lumpini Park – green oasis in the centre of the city, complete with monitor lizards
10. Thai Massage – seek out a traditional treatment from a local
11. The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew – tickets gets you entry into several nearby temples too
12. Wat Pho – home of the Golden Reclining Buddha
13. Wat Arun – amazing temple with great views
14. Wat Saket – 318 stairs takes you to the top of the Golden Mountain, fantastic views
15. Erawan Museum –  museum boasts beautiful architecture, sculptures & manicured gardens
16. Vimanmek Mansion – world’s largest golden teak mansion
17. Khao San Road – nightlife, shopping and restaurants; backpackers central
18. Silom – central business district by day, night market by night
19. Victory Monument – sightseeing, shopping, entertainment and food
20. Try Durian – seek out this fabulous fruit, unique flavour sensation and texture
21. Thai Street Food – and home style restaurants, don’t go without trying the best Thai cuisine
22. Thai cooking class – sign up and take the taste of Thailand back home with you
23. Pahurat – Little India in the heart of Bangkok, food and shopping
24. Pak Klong Talad – fabulous flower market
25. Yaowarat – Bangkok’s Chinatown, bustling area with gold stores, exotic foods and shopping