Archive for the ‘Travel And Leisure’ Category
Insurance is ‘Protection against future loss’. That’s the textbook definition; Synonymous with indemnity. But in real life it is the promise of reimbursement in the case of loss, paid to people or companies, who, concerned about hazards, have made pre-payments to an insurance company. This article is regarding Travel Insurance, which is an attempt to minimize the financial risks, which can crop up, due to unpredictable circumstances while travelling(traveling).
Although there are different types of Travel Insurances, with different specifications, we can broadly distinguish them as ‘Single trip insurance’ and ‘Annual multi trip insurance’. Even though both the types are very popular, they do have their drawbacks.Annual Trip Travel Insurance is advisable for frequent fliers. It covers multiple trips taken during a span of 1 year. This scheme is usually taken by international businessmen, families, and people who love to travel. When you have this type of insurance, you don’t have to worry about getting last minute insurance cover, when there’s an emergency. On the other hand, Single round trip insurance is cheaper and is a better option for people who plan their trips. If you’re a student and planning to backpack across Europe, get yourself a Single round trip insurance. Nowadays insurance companies even give discounts on group insurance. And of course, if you’re a honeymoon couple looking to explore the scenic pastures of Switzerland, get yourself insured.
Other special schemes are there for Senior citizens, and Families. One notable insurance cover is the Extreme sports insurance. This type of insurance covers dangerous adventure sports like skiing, scuba diving, white water rafting etc. Although there are not many providers for this insurance, you can still talk to your insurance agent and convert your existing plan to cover these trips too. But understandably, the premium would be excruciatingly high.
Now let’s get to terms that are usually covered :
1.Emergency Repatriation and or evacuation – It is the act of returning to your own country, due to any reason.
2.Medical expenses incurred due to injury during the trip.
3.Death or disablement due to injury while travelling.
4.Overseas funeral.
5.Expenses incurred due to cancelled or delayed flight.
6.Loss, theft or damage to personal possessions and money.
7.Delayed baggage.
8.Personal legal assistance.
Now let’s see the terms which are usually NOT covered :
An illness or a disease with which a person is suffering from, before he/she buys the policy.
Deliberately putting your life in danger – Does that mean eating Octopus on a trip to China could be dangerous? Well, I haven’t done that yet, but I’m sure my insurance will cover it, if I choke on an octopus (God forbid) and need emergency treatment.
Claims involving alcohol and drugs – That means you cannot tell your insurance agent that you lost your wallet in Goa, because you were binge drinking.
Claims involving ST D’s like AIDS.
Illegal activities – Like medical expenses for getting shot in the leg, while trying to cross into China, will not be covered by the policy. Wow. That one is actually true.
Now the most important part before choosing a policy is to check :
Exclusion – Clauses not covered in your policy.
Deductibles – The amount you need to pay for each claim.
Pre-existing health condition – What I came across online is that a lot of insurance companies are luring customers with a ‘No medical check-up’ clause. Be thorough in your research and find out what exactly does it mean, before getting an online insurance.
Make sure the insurance company is licensed by the state insurance department.
Does the policy cover natural disasters and what are the restrictions?
What assistance is provided in case of medical emergency/evacuation?
Don’t just believe the hype or buy a policy your aunt had bought. There are many websites which give you price quotes by different companies, and compare them for you. One such website is InsurancePandit.com, which I found very helpful. Be safe, and get your trip insured.
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There are more frequent people travelling these days, whether its domestic or International travellers. Because of that, many hotel offers cheap hotel, company offers cheap phone card or calling card to make calls, online web hosting offer good web hosting rate.
Below is the tips for carrying carry-on luggage and check in luggage that might help to ease and make your travelling goes smoothly during your domestic or International trip.
CHECK FOR MAXIMUM SIZE AND WEIGHT FOR CARRY ON
• As there are more airlines offer free carry-on luggage, there are increasingly people who do domestic travelling with only carry-on luggage.However, do remember to check for the maximum size and weight for carry-on luggage for your flight.
These days, as airlines and airport keep changing their regulation, it is the best to check the maximum size and weight for your carry-on luggage for your airlines. The maximum weight is usually 7-10kg, with the maximum size of 21xm x 40cm x 54cm or 56cm x 45cm x 25cm per bag. Different airlines operate on different policies. Some airlines also only allow 1 carry-on luggage, despite the weight and size. It would just be a waste of time and money when going to the check in and be told that the hand carry is oversize or overweight.
Do not worry about the small carry-on such as coat, handbag, baby stroller, laptop bag etc, as it can be carried to the cabin and rarely counted as hand-carry. To make your hand-carry luggage easier and more convenient to be carried to your flight, it is good idea to purchase the small rolled luggage or to be more convenient. Purchase the right size carry-on luggage that will just fit nicely under the seat in front of you so that you do not need to squeeze yourself with other to fit into the overhead compartment.
• Items to be packed on Hand / carry-on Luggage
If you do bring check in luggage, it is important to know that items such as cash, keys, credit cards, cameras, computer, jewellery, medicine, and identification card, business paper should not be pack in check in luggage. Fragile and irreplaceable items should not be packed in check in luggage in the case that there is a possibility that the check in back can get stolen, lost or delayed. Bring and pack the important, fragile and irreplaceable item in your carry-on luggage. It is always safer to put in your hand-carry luggage a bit of toiletries too in the case of long delay.
• List of things that Must not be Carried in Hand Luggage
With recent changes in airline and airport, many of the items that is permitted to be carried in hand luggage is not banned. The items that is not permitted varies from airport in different countries Explosive and illegal drugs are strictly prohibited. Sharp items such as scissors, penknives, nail clipper, screw driver is not permitted on carry-on baggage in most of country in the world, despite the size. Most airport / airlines only allow liquids, gels or aerosols permit with only less than 100 ml. If you are travelling with baby or in prescription medicine and in need of more liquid to be carried on hand luggage, please ask for advice from the airlines days before your travelling.
• Pack your carry-on Luggage
Neatly In some of the airport, the xray system is quite severe. It is suggested to pack the carry-on luggage neatly in the case that the airport inspector wants to inspect the belongings in the carry-on baggage; Fold the cloth neatly, electronic devices and wires coiled properly, liquids, toiletries put in separate bag. The neat packing carry-on luggage will speed up the xray process as the inspector can have clearer view of the content of the bag and it is easier to put the stuff in if any case the inspector wants to inspect some items.
• Hints for Checked Baggage
If you have travelled using the travel baggage that you are going to use for your next travel, it is better to remove any previous airline tag to prevent confusion before putting the new airline tag. To easily recognise your checked in baggage, it is better to put identification label/luggage tag given by the airlines in the luggage and if possible, write down also the home address in the case of your baggage is lost. It is more critical to put the airline tag if you travel to different places or in transit to different places Putting the airline luggage tag with numbers or easy identification such as colour tape, ribbon stickers etc will also prevent other traveller to mistakenly take your luggage if in coincidence the baggage looks similar. Check-in luggage should be locked at all time no matter where your travel. Lastly, do make sure that your check in bag are going to the destination of your travelling.
Related Traveling Articles
We’ve discussed health and travel before, but if you’re going to travel healthy, there are some things we can add…. and there are some things that bear repeating!
We’ve said that you should be healthy when you leave on your trip. A last minute cold aside, you don’t want to be climbing on a plane if you have the flu or some serious illness. That seems obvious, but people do it all the time. Not only will you be miserable, but you might be infecting others on the plane with you.
Most people can leave on a trip without consulting their doctor, but for some itineraries, it’s wise to get a check-up. If you’re planning a trip to an exotic location, meet with your regular doctor or your travel medicine doctor.
Find out if you need any vaccinations or medications for your trip. They can probably give you a prescription for a broad spectrum antibiotic and give you instructions on how to take it in case you get diarrhea and need it.
If you have some health issues, like a heart condition or something that limits you, discuss with your doctor the proper care you should take for those conditions to keep your travel healthy.
Make sure your teeth are in good shape too.
If you’ve had some little pains in a tooth, go get it checked out. My spouse had resisted getting a wisdom tooth extracted for years. It had broken, but didn’t bother her. She started having “twinges” on that side of his mouth, but she was sure it was further forward. I told him it was probably that tooth, and it would probably blow up on him when he was on the plane! Turns out the tooth had decayed since his last checkup… she got the tooth extracted (no problems!), and we had a great trip.
Be sensible about what you eat and drink on your travels. Eat what you like, but if things look unhygienic, you might want to take a pass. If food looks like it’s been sitting out for the flies for a few hours, you wouldn’t want to eat it anyway.
Try to eat nutritiously. If you have a dietary restriction, try to learn how to say it in the local language (or get it written down). And let the restaurants know… ask if they can help you if you need to avoid something for health reasons.
If you have serious food allergies, like allergies to shellfish or peanuts, you should carry an EpiPen or its equivalent. Of course you’ll try to avoid the culprit, but in a foreign country, you may not get your point across, so it’s better to be prepared. A precaution like this not only keeps your travel healthy… it could keep you alive!
Drink bottled water in places where the water isn’t safe. It is usually pretty easy to tell where that is. Drink tea or coffee made with boiled water, or drink bottled or canned soft drinks, beer or wine.
You have to watch your own hygiene as well as the water and the food. Make sure your hands are clean. Wash them before eating… or use those hand sanitizers that are available now. They come in small packets that you can take in your carry on luggage.
Get in shape for your trip so you’ll feel good about all that walking and all those stairs. Try to get plenty of exercise when you’re on your trip. And get plenty of sleep.
Sure you want to run around and not miss anything, but if you’re going to travel healthy, you need to rest… that way you will be able to keep going, and you will see it all.
Summer is a wonderful season for doing sports and enjoying many summer recreation and leisure activities. Both kids and adults like to have tons of fun during the summer. If you are running out of ideas, then you should definitely take a look at the list below and get some valuable insights on how to spend your summer with your friends and families.
Swimming
This is a good exercise activity that will certainly keep you in shape. You can take lessons or just head over to the nearest beach and swim with friends and family. There are also other water sports that you can try if you get tired of just swimming. You can go surfing on the beach, jet skiing or even go scuba diving. The latter one may take some training and a few more gadgets, but if you want to enjoy the riches of the ocean without any of those, then you can go snorkeling instead. Just don’t forget to wear your uv swimwear, stinger suits, dive skins, surf rash and tights and you’re all set.
Camping
Kids love this especially since they are exposed to a great wilderness exposure. This is also a great way for them to learn essential survival techniques and tips as well as enjoy being close to mother nature. Parents and their children can do this as a bonding activity. You can also join Civic youth groups and Churches offering this fun and exciting activities for both kids and adults.
Hiking
This is another fun summer recreation and leisure activity that both kids and adults love. It may be quite tiring, but it is certainly worth the effort. Hiking can bring you closer to nature and give you enough cardiovascular activity so you can keep off the weight even while on vacation.
Boating
There are many alternatives when you speak of the activity of boating. You can enjoy a nice yacht ride with friends while sipping champagne. You can also enjoy a fishing expedition with a couple of your buddies. Some love a wild adventure and go white water rafting; while others prefer a more serene experience canoeing in a lake and enjoying the beautiful and quiet surroundings. Always bring your sun hats and sun protection clothing to avoid the harmful rays of the sun.
Ice cream Party
If you really were looking for a great recreation and leisurely activity, then a party would be the perfect response to that. Since summer is all about heat, why not spruce up your party ideas and conduct an all-ice cream themed party.
Rock Climbing
This is for the adventure lovers and thrill seekers. It is definitely not an activity for the faint of heart or body. You can choose mountain peaks or just basically go to the local gym to experience first hand this awesome activity.
Picnic
Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy a picnic under the warm sun. The grounds are dry and you can have a great time with family and friends enjoying your meals together. You can visit a family-themed park or go to a nearby beach and lay-out your picnic mats as well as all the foods that is contained in your baskets.
There are lots of unique ideas on how to spend your time doing summer recreation and leisure activities. Just choose from this list and have a great time enjoying the season of summer.
Summer is a wonderful season for doing sports and enjoying many summer recreation and leisure activities. Both kids and adults like to have tons of fun during the summer. If you are running out of ideas, then you should definitely take a look at the list below and get some valuable insights on how to spend your summer with your friends and families.
Swimming
This is a good exercise activity that will certainly keep you in shape. You can take lessons or just head over to the nearest beach and swim with friends and family. There are also other water sports that you can try if you get tired of just swimming. You can go surfing on the beach, jet skiing or even go scuba diving. The latter one may take some training and a few more gadgets, but if you want to enjoy the riches of the ocean without any of those, then you can go snorkeling instead. Just don’t forget to wear your uv swimwear, stinger suits, dive skins, surf rash and tights and you’re all set.
Camping
Kids love this especially since they are exposed to a great wilderness exposure. This is also a great way for them to learn essential survival techniques and tips as well as enjoy being close to mother nature. Parents and their children can do this as a bonding activity. You can also join Civic youth groups and Churches offering this fun and exciting activities for both kids and adults.
Hiking
This is another fun summer recreation and leisure activity that both kids and adults love. It may be quite tiring, but it is certainly worth the effort. Hiking can bring you closer to nature and give you enough cardiovascular activity so you can keep off the weight even while on vacation.
Boating
There are many alternatives when you speak of the activity of boating. You can enjoy a nice yacht ride with friends while sipping champagne. You can also enjoy a fishing expedition with a couple of your buddies. Some love a wild adventure and go white water rafting; while others prefer a more serene experience canoeing in a lake and enjoying the beautiful and quiet surroundings. Always bring your sun hats and sun protection clothing to avoid the harmful rays of the sun.
Ice cream Party
If you really were looking for a great recreation and leisurely activity, then a party would be the perfect response to that. Since summer is all about heat, why not spruce up your party ideas and conduct an all-ice cream themed party.
Rock Climbing
This is for the adventure lovers and thrill seekers. It is definitely not an activity for the faint of heart or body. You can choose mountain peaks or just basically go to the local gym to experience first hand this awesome activity.
Picnic
Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy a picnic under the warm sun. The grounds are dry and you can have a great time with family and friends enjoying your meals together. You can visit a family-themed park or go to a nearby beach and lay-out your picnic mats as well as all the foods that is contained in your baskets.
There are lots of unique ideas on how to spend your time doing summer recreation and leisure activities. Just choose from this list and have a great time enjoying the season of summer.