24/7 travel insurance blog

A report has revealed that the UK’s popular soaps' have racked up insurance claims 10 times more than average person in the UK.

More than £1m of damage has been spent in the last three years, with Coronation Street claiming a £315,620 bill - ten times more than an average street in Manchester. The high rate of explosions, fires and crime in Corrie and EastEnders' Albert Square would see insurance claims of 10 times more than average, the study said.

An analysis of plotlines in Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks showed explosions were the biggest cause of soap damage (£311,000) followed by fires (£208,420) and car crashes (£173,550).

Corrie character David Platt was television's biggest insurance nightmare. In one storyline he left a £10,000 trail of destruction when he vandalised windows and vehicles with a metal pole.
Corrie also had the most expensive single incident, with the siege, fire and explosion at Weatherfield's Underworld knicker factor this summer causing an estimated £150,000 of damage.

Meanwhile, EastEnders had the highest crime rate with £70,145 worth of criminal damage.

In Hollyoaks the characters suffered 32 thefts and five muggings.

Nikki Sellers, head of home insurance at esure, said: "The storylines that we see on TV soaps add up to a fortune in damage to cars, property and individuals.

"We may find them unbelievable but real life incidents are often not that far from fictional storylines - the exception being the extraordinary number of major explosions and incidents of wilful 'trashing' by enraged characters.

Let’s just hope the fictional characters of Coronation Street have ample building and home contents insurance to cover any damage costs following the recent dramatic tram disaster!

Remember to pack your cheap holiday insurance!
You can get an instant quote and immediate cover by going online to 24/7 travel insurance. A 3-day break in Europe will cost you only £4.14*

* Premium £4.14 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an adult aged under 55 taking out a “Standard” Single Trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 3-days in Europe excluding personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (December 2010) and are subject to change.

Labels: insurance

There has been a surge in people looking to book a holiday in the sun after the bitterly cold last few weeks, according to travel companies.

The Spanish islands, Mexico, Egypt and Thailand have all seen a spike in interest from British holidaymakers looking for a last-minute Christmas break or a January holiday away from the sub-zero temperatures that many fear will continue to hit Britain.

The more favourable euro exchange rate and some cutting of prices has also encouraged people to look abroad.

The Met Office has already confirmed that so far this month is the coldest December since at least 1981. Its forecasters have given warning that there may be a return to very cold conditions, with the risk of further snowfall and widespread icy conditions.

Travelsupermarket, a travel booking website, said that in the last few weeks searches for foreign holidays during the Christmas and New Year period on its website had increased by 35 per cent on a year ago.

The Co-Operative Travel said Christmas and New Year bookings for some areas in Spain, driven by interest in Lanzarote and Tenerife, had increased by 12 per cent compared with last year. Bookings to Fuerteventura were up 12 per cent year on year and Tenerife by 10 per cent.

Many of the Spanish coastal resorts, after a torrid year, have cut their prices, with family hotels offering a package deal for a week for four people for as little as £388.

Despite the recent shark attacks, bookings to Sharm El Sheikh this winter are also up nine per cent year on year as the guaranteed sunshine lures those shivering in the UK snow.

Christian Cull, at Thomson and First Choice holidays, said: "One of the main reasons holidaymakers choose to go abroad is to escape the Great British Weather. The cold snap in the UK has seen an increase in visits to our retail shops and web sites as people seek to escape the doom and gloom for warmer climes.

"One trend we have noticed is a rise in demand for three or four night ‘flexible duration’ holidays; although people don’t have much time to play with in the run up to Christmas, they are looking to enjoy some great value winter sun. With the Met Office predicting even more cold weather to come, we’re anticipating a rush to our retail shops in January as even more customers look to book some late winter sun or, in most cases, give themselves something to look forward to by booking their main summer holiday."

Travel experts warned that the interest in warmer destinations was not spread evenly around the globe and that not all potential holidaymakers were encouraged by the weather to book.

Charlotte Cumming at directline holidays warned that many potential holiday makers had been put off booking by the severe snow at the start of December, when flights out of Britain were severely affected with Gatwick closed for two days, pointing out that those of a nervous disposition didn't want to risk being stranded at the airport by a fresh bout of snow.

Remember to pack your cheap holiday insurance!
You can get an instant quote and immediate cover by going online to 24/7 travel insurance. A 3-day break in Europe will cost you only £4.14*

* Premium £4.14 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an adult aged under 55 taking out a “Standard” Single Trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 3-days in Europe excluding personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (December 2010) and are subject to change.

Labels: winter holidays

If you’re planning a self drive holiday, don’t leave your winter checks until it’s too late and you experience a problem.

The best way is to book your car in for a service and have everything checked by a professional.

A few obvious things to check:
- The age of your car battery - have it tested if unsure
- Tyres: if they are worn replace them and don’t forget a spare
- Add antifreeze to windscreen wash
- Windscreen wipers - check for wear and splits
- Hoses and belts - for cracks and wear
- Car heater and rear screen heater working
- Headlights: Check alignment (also check indicators/turn signals)

Pack some items for comfort - and survival:- Change of clothes and comfortable footwear
-Sleeping bag/duvet/blanket
- Flask of hot drink, food and water
- Waterproof poncho/rain gear/boots
- Hat, scarf, gloves
- Thermal heat packs (chemical gel type) for hands and feet

A good idea to carry:- Mobile phone and charger (charger independent of car battery)
- Scraper to clear screen, spray de-icer, and brush to clear snow off car
- Keep a small can of lock de-icer with you
- Torch or torch/radio combo (hand-chargeable type preferably)
- Dry cloths to clean and dry inside of windscreen/windows/mirrors
- First-Aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Reflective jacket and warning triangles
- Shovel, tow rope and tools
- Even with sat-nav, carry a compass and updated road map
- Old sacks, rugs, or blankets (for tyre traction in case stuck in snow/mud)

A few more tips:
- If you have trouble driving at night or in fog consider night-driving glasses
- Don’t drive in wet, snow-covered, or icy boots as they could slip off pedals
- Leave extra time for your journey and take your time
- Adjust speed to the road and weather conditions
- Clean snow or mud off your headlights/lights and indicators
- Keep safe distance from the car in front.
- Clear windows properly (not just a hole to peep through). This is law!
- Clear snow off the car roof (it could fall and obscure your view)
- Be wary of leaving your car to warm up and defrost as car may be stolen!
- Give car a good wax and repair paint chips before winter to protect paint
- Consider rust proofing to protect against salt on the roads
- Check weather forecast and road reports before setting out
- If driving in mountains check if chains are required
- If driving abroad check local laws (emergency equipment to carry)
- If you don’t know how to change a tyre, do a practice run at home

Remember to pack your cheap holiday insurance!
Don’t forget to pack your cheap holiday insurance, you can get an instant quote and immediate cover by going online to 24/7 travel insurance. A 3-day break in Europe will cost you only £4.14*

* Premium £4.14 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an adult aged under 55 taking out a “Standard” Single Trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 3-days in Europe excluding personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (December 2010) and are subject to change.

Labels: cheap holiday insurance

With scores of Brits expected to visit popular skiing destinations this season, it is imperative to keep safety at the forefront at all times. No matter how seasoned the skier, there are certain guidelines that should be adhered to, to ensure a safe and enjoyable on the piste experience.

1. Wear appropriate clothing and safety gearWrap up warm on the slopes and make sure you have all the necessary equipment to keep you safe when skiing e.g. wearing a helmet. Double check your ski equipment before using it to ensure it is all in order.

2. Stick to the slopes you are comfortable with
Whether trying out a new resort for the first time, or returning to an area you are familiar with, it is imperative to feel safe on the slopes. This may mean a “back to basics” approach to begin with, until you feel ready to try the more adventurous runs.

3. Ensure you obtain adequate ski insurance to cover for any mishaps on the slopesWhilst a fun activity, skiing can be a hazardous sport and it is imperative to have sufficient ski insurance should anything go wrong. Make sure you carry your documents with you at all times so that you are not refused help if you have an accident on the slopes. It is also important to check your policy to ensure that you are adequately covered, particularly if you are planning to go off-piste.

4. Check the weather conditions
Before hitting the slopes, it is wise to check the predicted weather conditions so you are not caught out or put in danger by any unexpected snow storms.

5. Don’t over indulge in après ski!Although it is tempting to have a tipple or two at lunch time, the high altitude can affect your reactions to alcohol. Be wary of this when treating yourself after a morning of skiing. Also, please be aware that any incidents where you are under the influence of alcohol will not be covered.

Cover for winter sports can be obtained from reputable travel insurance providers including P J Hayman (the company behind 24/7 travel insurance) which offers both single trip and annual multi-trip policies with winter sports cover, to ensure you get the right protection whilst on your skiing or snowboarding trip.

Information on 24/7 travel insurance including getting an instant quote and immediate cover can be obtained via the website: http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/. A 3-day winter sports holiday in Europe will cost you only £8.29*!

* Premium £8.29 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an adult aged under 55 taking out a “Standard” Single Trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 3-days in Europe with winter sports cover excluding personal possessions and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (December 2010) and are subject to change.

Labels: Skiing, snowboarding, wintersports travel insurance

If you're planning a gap year, it could increase your chances of gaining a place at your chosen university or landing your dream job. Here are some gap year ideas to enrich your life experience …

Teaching
Teaching English as a Foreign Language, also known as TEFL, is a fantastic way to test yourself while also feeling rewarded for your efforts helping others. It requires patience and creativity as well as improving your ability to interact in groups and one-to-one.

Teaching has always been seen as one of the most satisfying careers and doing this on a year abroad is a fantastic way to improve your CV while still being able to travel. This is a fantastic idea if you are concerned about cash flow.

Volunteering
Charitable trips are always going to be looked at in a positive light and the options are endless. The Raleigh International website provides tonnes of information on what exactly volunteering entails.

It is a great way to help poor communities or contribute environmentally and still benefit from the experience yourself, from gaining a deeper understanding of a culture to getting to see areas that are well off the usual tourist routes.

It's important to remember that volunteering will usually cost money and be unpaid so it's important to research your options and maybe work first to be able to afford the trip.

ChallengeAdrenaline junkies should consider focusing their energy into achieving something special, from climbing a mountain to cycling a country. Whatever challenge you take on, it shows commitment, dedication and great perseverance to complete these kinds of expeditions. Remember these types of trip require funding and most importantly, training.

Don’t forget to pack your gap year insurance!
You can purchase great value gap year insurance direct at 24/7 travel insurance. For a 2-month trip in Asia, will cost you just £18.04* - a small price to pay to really enjoy your gap year all the more!

* Premium £18.04 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual aged under 36 taking out a ‘Standard’ Backpacker 24/7 travel insurance policy for 2 months in Asia. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (December 2010) and are subject to change.

Labels: Gap Year Travel

Britain is facing the threat of a pilot shortage because of the cost of training, which can cost recruits up to a massive £100,000.

According to the British Airline Pilots' Association the number of people learning to fly commercial aircraft is falling.

"Once young people could enter the profession through airline sponsors'' said Captain Mark Searle, BALPA Chairman. "But now they have to fund their own initial training which can cost up to £100,000.''

However airlines did still pick up the cost of the additional licence pilots needed to operate individual aircraft, such as a Boeing 737.

But this has ceased within the last five years, leaving cadets facing a further bill of at least £25,000.

A top-earning pilot, at the controls of a Boeing 747, can expect to earn £110,000 a year, while a junior recruit on a smaller plane would start at around £25,000. The union says the industry average is around £60,000.

BALPA says it has been contacted by potential pilots who have decided against joining the industry because of the cost of training. Flying schools have also told the union that they have noticed a drop in applications.

"This is plain wrong,'' said Captain Searle. “These young pilots are desperate for a job and are now being charged by airlines to fly fare paying passengers. Airlines should be ashamed.''

Pilots retire at 65. According to the aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, aviation will need 448,000 new recruits over the next 20 years, just to replace those who have left the industry.

In the short term there is a plentiful supply of pilots, because of the number who were laid off during the recession. But if the dramatic recovery of aviation in recent months continues, the industry could find itself short of pilots by the middle of the decade.

However BALPA's analysis was challenged by Simon Buck, chief executive of the British Air Transport Association.

“In the current economic climate many airlines can no longer offer direct sponsorship but, if pilot recruitment becomes a significant problem for UK airlines in the future, this policy may need to be reviewed," he said. "Currently we are unaware of UK airlines experiencing difficulties in recruiting pilots.”

If you’re flying off on a gap year or a career break, don’t forget to pack your backpacking travel insurance!

You can purchase great value backpacker insurance direct at 24/7 travel insurance. For a 2-month trip in Asia, will cost you just £18.04* - a small price to pay to really enjoy your backpacking adventure all the more!

* Premium £18.04 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual aged under 36 taking out a ‘Standard’ Backpacker 24/7 travel insurance policy for 2 months in Asia. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (December 2010) and are subject to change.

Labels: backpacker insurance

A report accusing gap year volunteering projects of harming local economies an insult to hundreds of thousands of volunteers.

The report, from the South Africa-based Human Sciences Research Council, suggested that volunteers risked undermining local workers and exploiting the victims of poverty. It argued that because volunteers stayed a short time, they often ended up doing low-skilled work that would otherwise keep local people occupied.

Projects Abroad, Britain's largest gap-year organisation, is entirely at odds with the report findings. Who say: “We hear hundreds of success stories every year about the work our volunteers have done in teaching, conservation and care projects in South Africa as well as many other countries.

“Gap-year volunteers do not take away other people's jobs. In most cases they are supporting causes where staff are already stretched and need help. Sometimes we help to create jobs: on our Amazon reserve project we created 30 for local people. Our volunteers are intelligent, sensitive people who would not be willing to waste their time on something that wasn't doing some real good. We are commercially obliged to do useful work that makes a real difference to the quality of people's lives in developing countries.

“With more than 6,500 volunteers so far in 2010, our spending in developing countries has been around £16 million. Volunteers themselves then spend another £8 million, making the total from our volunteers alone some £24 million. This spending is not on traditional tourism but mainly on local staff and local services.

“We should be encouraging young people in this country to volunteer abroad. Not only does it give them a chance to learn more about different cultures and play a crucial role in development projects overseas, but it is also a chance for people in developing countries to learn more about the West.”

Source – The Telegraph

Don’t forget to pack your gap year insurance!
You can purchase great value backpackers insurance direct at 24/7 travel insurance. For a 2-month trip in Asia, will cost you just £18.04* - a small price to pay to really enjoy your backpacking adventure all the more!

* Premium £18.04 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual aged under 36 taking out a ‘Standard’ Backpacker 24/7 travel insurance policy for 2 months in Asia. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (December 2010) and are subject to change.

Labels: Gap Year Travel Insurance

With the popularity of phone 'app culture' where Apple has recorded over four billion app sales since July 2008, companies have been quick to exploit this potential. The whole premise of apps is portability and convenience - perfect for travel. A list of top 5 travel apps have been compiled by travelbite.co.uk which could completely change the way you book and research your holidays, or simply make your weekend away that little bit easier.

1. Exodus (free)
With key information, social media connectivity, travel itineraries and trip booking facilities the new Exodus travel app offers some good functionality. You can also live chat with Exodus' travel experts, research trips and discuss plans with other users as well as book your holidays with the simple touch of a button.

2. Qype Radar (free)
By browsing over 850 categories the Qype Radar lets you find exactly what you need in your local area. This location-based app finds out where you are then offers thousands of restaurants, bars, cafés, hotel and nightlife reviews for the surrounding area as well as allowing you to contribute to the global network by adding your own reviews and recommendations.

3. Tripit (free)
An indispensable tool for the frequent traveller, Tripit automatically organises travel information into your Google or Blackberry calendar. By forwarding your flight or accommodation confirmation email to a dedicated email account you enable Tripit to detail your travel itinerary automatically, saving much time and confusion.

4. Conde Nast Traveller's City Guides (£3.49 each)
This series of apps offers comprehensive city guides for a variety of destinations including Paris, New York, Barcelona and Rome. The iTunes Store's current 'App of the week', Conde Nast Traveller's City Guides help you navigate via GPS and augmented reality technology, learn about your destination via dedicated audio tours, make to-do lists and travel journals, and find the right places to eat, drink and be merry with endless reviews. In addition to the long-list of functions, these apps also provide off-line city maps so you can avoid expensive roaming charges when abroad.

5. Jourist Travel Interpreter (£5.99)
While perhaps not the cheapest of apps, this handy interpreter is extensive where others are lacking. The Jourist Travel Interpreter offers 24 target languages and more than 2,100 illustrated phrases and audio tracks for each language. Easily navigable, this simple app will ensure you never get lost or order the wrong thing ever again.

All of these apps are available at the iTunes App Store - but you'll need to download the iTunes music programme first, which can found for free at the Apple website.

Source - Travelbite

Remember to pack your cheap holiday insurance!
Don’t forget to pack your cheap holiday insurance, you can get an instant quote and immediate cover by going online to 24/7 travel insurance. A 3-day break in Europe will cost you only £4.14*

* Premium £4.14 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an adult aged under 55 taking out a “Standard” Single Trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 3-days in Europe excluding personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (December 2010) and are subject to change.

Labels: travel apps