Sunday 17 April 2016

ALL YOU NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE


 Image source: shutterstock.com
We all love to explore new places and landscapes that fill us with ultimate thrill and desire to travel more. However, travel is always accompanied with some threat of danger and something unknown. While on the one hand travel can detoxify you of worries in your life, it can also lead to unexpected situations and difficult moments. So what if we get a secure way through which any unforeseen circumstances are taken care of while we are abroad? The answer is: Travel Insurance

The Importance of Travel Insurance for the Travelers

  Image source: shutterstock.com
Since we are more of travelers rather than tourists these days, we keep on exploring something new and unexplored. However, some unthought-of events can actually ruin our travel plans and can put us in frightening situations.  Things like losing luggage, flight cancellations, medical emergencies and losing your passports can lead to difficult moments and ofcourse loss of money as well. Travel insurance comes handy in such circumstances to cover your untoward expenses and loss of money while you are travelling.

What Gets Covered Under Travel Insurance

 Image source: istock
Although there are many policies that would cover a plethora of conditions and emergencies but here are some of the basic points that a good travel insurance policy must cover:
Delay:  Do you know that you should be paid back if your flight is delayed for longer than 12 hours? Travel insurance makes sure that you get your compensation provided you get the delay apologies in written from the airlines and keep any receipts of anything you have to purchase due to the delay.
Baggage and belongings:  According to the travel insurance, you’ll be paid certain amount of money if your luggage or personal possessions are lost, damaged or stolen. Many travel insurers also put a limit on the payout for individual valuable items, such as cameras and laptops.
Personal liability: There are times when we might just hurt someone while we are on our trip for example on ski slopes or say while driving. The travel insurance helps in paying you off for any claim made against you.
Emergency assistance: many insurance companies offer a 24-hour emergency helpline, which can be a lifesaver, particularly if you are in a different time zone.
 Image source: zimbio
Cancellation and curtailment: in case you have to cancel or cut short your holiday, the insurance policy will make sure to redeem your travel expenses for that matter.  
Medical cover: you don't want to end up with a big medical bill if you are taken ill or have an accident while on holiday.
Pregnancy: Most travel firms will insure pregnant women, though typically only up until about 24 weeks. You may also be covered if you discover that you are pregnant while you are away and need to cut short your holiday to come home.

Annual as well as Single trip insurance

 Image source: pixabay
Both are available. If you are regular traveler, you can opt for annual multi trip travel insurance, which usually covers any number of trips within a year. This kind of policy works out best and cheap for people who also plan a long haul holiday in near future.  A single trip policy on the other hand will be better if you are going for just one trip across the borders.

Then there is an Adventure travel insurance

Image source: awallpaper
Adventure travel insurance covers the courageous travelers who indulge in activities that are bit risky for example, bungee jumping and white water rafting. The premiums are usually higher than for standard cover to reflect the greater risk of claims. But it's often worth the price for safety as well as other reasons.

How to buy Travel Policies?

 Image source: shutterstock.com
In most of the cases, the travel agent will help you with that. If you are booking a ticket with a low cost airline or online travel firm, you will also often be asked if you require insurance. It might be convenient to buy a travel policy with your plane ticket, but it is often more expensive. You might also find that the cover is inadequate for your needs so it's always a good idea to compare a number of policies before making a decision. These are some of the online websites that offer you the best of deals in el insurance:

Some Tips for the travelers to ward off any problem during travel

 Image source: 123rf
You have to be responsible in your own ways: From taking care of your belongings to drinking in moderation, there are ways to take care of yourself. Insurers often refuse to pay claims if you were drunk or under the influence of drugs.
Plan Your money while traveling: The Bureau De Change at airports usually will leave you paying significantly more for your money than buying your cash online. Also pre-paid cards are a great alternative to cash. They often offer competitive exchange rates whilst not incurring any additional costs associated with using debit and credit cards overseas. Aslo, booking your hotels in advance will let you help with saving a lot of money.
Don’t get carried away by adventure: Agree that most of you want to travel only because you think its one of the ways to materialize your adventure lust. But remember, nothing is greater than life. Idea is to follow moderation and to stick to security first rather than just throwing yourself in any form of adventure!

Monday 11 April 2016

1. SOME COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS AND TRAVEL HEALTH ADVICE:

4 most common problems when moving away from home include the motion sickness, heat stroke, diarrhea, and fatigue due to time zone difference (if traveling abroad). Here are some travel health advice for travellers to prevent and deal with some common health problems during a trip.
travel health advice 2

ANTI-MOTION SICKNESS:

Before going on the trip, you will need to eat light, not let your body to feel too hungry or too full as it can easily stimulate the gastric mucosa. Say “no” to fizzy drinks and alcohol before and during travel. You can take travel sickness medication: 30 minutes before departure, you should take one pill. If needed, four hours later you can take another pill; or place a piece of anti-motion sickness behind your ear.

SUN STROKE:

Bright sunlight can make you lose vitality along the long way. So when exposing to the sun, you should go with brimmed hats. Always bring a bottle of water to drink when feeling thirsty.

DIARRHEA:

Getting diarrhea while traveling can be a serious problem, as the trip will become tired with you. This situation occurs when a bacterium that causes diarrhea infiltrate your digestive system, often when you eat or drink strange things, without hygiene ensure. The best way to prevent diarrhea is very careful with food and drink along the trip.

FATIGUE DUE TO TIME ZONE DIFFERENCES:

The moving across multiple time zones will upset your biological clock; thereby can lead to bloating, insomnia and fatigue. To cope with this situation, after a long trip, take a walk, breathe more air and avoid staying in a closed room.

2. OTHER TRAVEL HEALTH ADVICE TO NOTE:

Remember to wash your hands before eating. Always remember to bring a water bottle, a bar of soap, and towels to use if they are not available in the travel place.
Prepare some dry foods to eat whenever feeling hungry.
You should wear neat clothes, but also comfortable and easy to move. Do not wear clothes that are bunch or too tight because it can affect the blood circulation. About materials, clothes with cool, good in sweat wicking will be beneficial to health.
Just get sunbathing before 10h00 and after 16h00 of the day. Use sunscreen to rub onto the skin 30 minutes before sun exposure and massage once again after 2 – 3 hours later. You also need to wear eye protection (glasses can select UV filter).
When visiting places with cold climate, you need to keep the body warm; wear socks and scarves to prevent flu.

Monday 4 April 2016

Best Holiday Destinations In India Your Child Will Thank You For!

Image sourceFlickr/masstravel
Everybody loves a vacation, but for families with children, it is quite a task to decide their destination. With their low attention span and fickle minds, kids lose interest in an instant. And, if the spot is not up to their liking, then you can say goodbye to a fun-filled vacay. Here's a list of holiday destinations in India which are perfect for children, while letting parents unwind at ease.

1. Darjeeling- Aboard the Toy Train

Image source- common.wikimedia/Shahnoor Habib Munmun
The scenic beauty in Darjeeling is a sight to behold. A perfect relief from the scorching summer heat in the rest of the country, this beautiful hill station is a haven for families. The picturesque backdrop of the blue sky, the snow-capped mountains and the lush green tea gardens, experienced from a toy train is definitely what kids will enjoy the most. 
Activities for children: Toy train ride, cable car ride
Best time to visit: April to June

2. Ooty- Indulge in Yummy Chocolates

Image source- Flickr/Thomasen
Ooty, the Queen of Hills in the South, is another summer escapade. The hill station not only provides a relaxing atmosphere for parents, but a treat for children with all the chocolate goodies available at the local confectioners. Increase your child's knowledge by taking them to Honey & Bee Museum and let them learn how honey is gathered.
Activities for children: Chocolates at confectionary stores, Honey & Bee Museum visit, boat ride at Ooty Lake
Best time to visit: April to June and September to November

3. Manali- Fly Away

Image source- Wikiwand/Michal Salaban
The crystal clear River Beas flowing through the valley, as you enter Manali, is definitely something kids will get excited about. Add in to this picture-perfect view, some fun adventure sports and there won't be a single frown throughout the holiday. Take them up to Rohtang Pass and play in the snow.
Activities for children: Paragliding, zorbing (Note to Parents: Be sure that there is a trained adult instructor with the child full time)
Best time to visit: April to June and September to October

4. Udaipur- See Puppets Dance

Image source- commons.wikimedia/puchu
The City of Lakes is a good way to acquaint your child with history during a vacation. The royal city of Udaipur is rich in culture and knowledge of the ages, making it perfect for a family holiday. Children will definitely have a good time watching puppet shows that tell some really interesting stories, as well as, the light and sound show at the City Palace presenting the historical journey of the city.
Activities for children: Puppet shows, Light and Sound show, boat rides on lake
Best time to visit: September to March

5. Jaisalmer- Feed the Camels

Image source- Flickr/schmich
The golden sands of Jaisalmer are definitely inviting for children. The thrill of riding a camel is undoubtedly one that they won't be able to forget in a lifetime. Take them for an overnight desert safari and see how the moonlit sands twinkle in their eyes.
Activities for children: Camel ride
Best time to visit: October to March

6. Thekkady- Play with Elephants

Image source- Flickr/Rbh
Kerala is indeed a perfect spot for families. The weather is suitable and the backwaters provide the best means to unwind your senses. And how to keep the kids busy? Elephants are the answer. Let them experience the joy of playing with and riding on elephants and they will thank you for the rest of their school year. Excite them further by staying in a houseboat instead of regular hotel rooms.
Activities for children: Elephant rides, houseboat rides
Best time to visit: October to February

7. Auli- Whoosh through the Snow

Image source- commons.wikimedia
Children love unusual activities that are a break through their regular routine. And that is what a visit to Auli, in Uttarakhand, will provide you with. With Government-certified operators providing ski lessons for beginners, kids will definitely not want to leave this place.
Activities for children: Skiing
Best time to visit: January to March

8. Mahabaleshwar- Hand-pick Strawberries

Image source- Flickr/Garrison
Fun is the word to describe this hill-station. Take your children to the Mapro Garden and get them to pick strawberries on their own. The joy of doing something so unusual is what you will be rewarded with. Take them to the tablelands and go horse-riding, as well as, the various gaming options available for children along with their parents. Mahabaleshwar is a complete package.
Activities for children: Strawberry picking, horse-riding
Best time to visit: March to June

9. Tarkarli- Enjoy the Cool Water

Image source- Flickr/Matt
Children love to play in the water, and are often forbidden to because of the risk of them falling ill. So, take them to Tarkarli, and let them play to their heart's content. With clean waters and exciting water sports available for both children and adults, this is a perfect getaway for families.
Actvities for children: Various water sports
Best time to visit: October to March

10. Lonavla- Get your Adrenaline Rushing

Image source- Flickr/masstravel
Every child's dream world is an amusement park. The thrill of the rides is something even adults can't deny. Take your kids to Adlabs Imagica and let them scream their lungs out in excitement. A day full of fun with your entire family is just what the doctors prescribe for stress relief.
Activities for children: Different amusement rides
Best time to go: Throughout the year, except June to August

11. Andaman & Nicobar Islands- Walk in the Waters

Image source- Flickr/CarissaRogers
The pristine beaches and the blue waters form a perfect spot for family vacations. Children can enjoy swimming with elephants here, as well as, explore underwater marine life. One of the best things they can have fun with is walking in the water, as the bouyancy will lift them up as they try hard to put their best foot forward.
Activities for children: Snorkelling
Best time to visit: October to February and March to May

12. Delhi- Get lost in the World of Fairytales

Image source- Flickr/RoderickEime
The Kingdom of Dreams is definitely a page out of a fairytale come to life. This huge set-up is out of a child's imagination and there is nothing that will stop them from getting totally engrossed in these larger than life shows.
Activities to children: Various shows
Best time to visit: Throughout the year

13. Mumbai- Go crazy on Amusement Rides

Image source- Flickr/masstravel
Essel World was India's largest and oldest amusement park and there is no way that kids will say no to a day at this happy place. Every now and then , there is a new ride added, so it's a new experience each time. Bring out the child in you and enjoy with your children.
Activities for children: Fun amusement rides
Best time to visit: Throughout the years, except June to August

14. Mayani Bird Sanctuary- Go Bird-watching

Image source- commons.wikimedia/TatianaGerus
This beautiful bird sanctuary in Maharastra will fill the kids with excitement at the sight of the rare Siberian flamingoes, as well as, around 400 different species of other birds. Get the children to indulge in feeding the birds, and make it a awesome experience.
Activities for children: Feeding the birds
Best time to visit: November to January