A big holiday abroad can be the experience of a lifetime, and often people save up for years to afford one great trip away. After so much preparation, you want to make sure that your holiday is perfect, and if possible, save a few pennies so you can spoil yourself that much more when it comes to getting on the plane.
First of all, get yourself a good exchange rate by using a service like Currencies Direct's travel-money service. Foreign exchange costs a surprising amount and particularly if you're changing a lot, a good company can save you a surprising amount. Unless you're going to the Eurozone, it's worth making sure you have a few dollars, and as the dollar to pounds rate is so good at the moment, they're more than worth it as a backup.
Next up, it's important that you get a good deal on your holiday insurance. That does not mean that you should go for the cheapest one available, but rather go for the one that represents the best value for money.
A good tip is to check out the Defaqto website, Defaqto is the independent body which judges the quality of products in the UK financial sector, so work your way through the list of Defaqto 5 star holiday insurances and pick the one that represents the best value for you.
Another good tip, particularly if you're going to somewhere which might not be quite as developed as the UK, is to buy things when you get there. This saves you a little space in your bag and maybe a lot of money. Things like suntan lotion are usually a lot cheaper abroad (except in Latin America) so it's worth waiting until you get out there before splashing out.
Again, depending on where you're going, it might be worth looking up local transport routes. Generally speaking you can buy things in advance from the UK, but a trip that could cost £50 when bought from the UK could cost a fraction of that when you get out to your destination, particularly if you're willing to hop on a bus with the other local travellers.
Last of all, restrict your mobile phone use when you get out there, if you're going to be at your destination for a long time it's worth buying a local sim, but otherwise, roaming data charges can be huge so it's best to reduce your phone use as much as possible.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Showing posts with label Fab Information. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fab Information. Show all posts
Friday, 27 July 2012
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
UK holiday spend on the rise
According to latest research released by MasterCard Cash Passport, three quarters of travellers expect to spend the same or more on their main holiday this year compared to 2011, despite concerns over the Eurozone and the costs associated with travel.
Results from a YouGov survey commissioned by the prepaid travel money card, Cash Passport, show that two thirds of us are taking a summer holiday.
Of these, one third (29 per cent) resolve to budget more for their holidays this year compared to 2011.
Two fifths (38 per cent) of 18-to-24-year-old holidaymakers are putting more money aside for spending compared to last year while one third of the over 55s are budgeting for an increase of up to 50 per cent on their holiday budgets.
As the strengthening pound means better exchange rates for those spending in Eurozone countries, less than one in ten (seven per cent) UK adults said they would be avoiding European holidays as a result of reported banking difficulties in destination countries.
Across the regions, only the south of England has a larger proportion of people budgeting to spend less on their summer holiday (31 per cent) compared to more (19 per cent), while Wales enjoys the largest percentage of people prepared to spend more on their holiday this year (37 per cent).
People in the East of England are expecting to spend 50 per cent more than they did last year, the highest proportion of all regions.
Jonathan Bennett, European sales director at Cash Passport, commented on the findings: “Faced with a difficult economic climate in the UK and elsewhere and perhaps even spurred on by the dismal weather so far this year, UK holidaymakers are staying positive about their main summer holiday and their expectations of getting away without worrying about bigger economic issues.
“For those going away but looking to tighten their belts and even those planning to spend more than last year, it remains important for people to be in control of their spending. Cash Passport customers can conveniently put aside their money and manage holiday budgets by using a prepaid card.”
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Results from a YouGov survey commissioned by the prepaid travel money card, Cash Passport, show that two thirds of us are taking a summer holiday.
Of these, one third (29 per cent) resolve to budget more for their holidays this year compared to 2011.
Two fifths (38 per cent) of 18-to-24-year-old holidaymakers are putting more money aside for spending compared to last year while one third of the over 55s are budgeting for an increase of up to 50 per cent on their holiday budgets.
As the strengthening pound means better exchange rates for those spending in Eurozone countries, less than one in ten (seven per cent) UK adults said they would be avoiding European holidays as a result of reported banking difficulties in destination countries.
Across the regions, only the south of England has a larger proportion of people budgeting to spend less on their summer holiday (31 per cent) compared to more (19 per cent), while Wales enjoys the largest percentage of people prepared to spend more on their holiday this year (37 per cent).
People in the East of England are expecting to spend 50 per cent more than they did last year, the highest proportion of all regions.
Jonathan Bennett, European sales director at Cash Passport, commented on the findings: “Faced with a difficult economic climate in the UK and elsewhere and perhaps even spurred on by the dismal weather so far this year, UK holidaymakers are staying positive about their main summer holiday and their expectations of getting away without worrying about bigger economic issues.
“For those going away but looking to tighten their belts and even those planning to spend more than last year, it remains important for people to be in control of their spending. Cash Passport customers can conveniently put aside their money and manage holiday budgets by using a prepaid card.”
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Things to do with the kids in the summer holidays
Summer family days out don't need to cost a fortune. Here's our guide to some great cheap and free options around the UK.
It’s summer holiday time again. But more and more of us are cutting back on days out due to the cost, according to new research by charity Family Action.
If you want to entertain the kids this summer, you don’t have to spend a fortune. There are loads of cheap and free activities going on across the UK – here are just some of them.
Free swimming
To coincide with the Olympics, British Gas is offering free swims between now and the end of August, even if you’re not a customer. You can get a free swim (or other activity, such as aqua aerobics) for an adult and up to two children, depending on the venue.
To find out more and get your free swims, go to the British Gas Swimming website.
If you live in Wales, children 16 and under can go to your local swimming pool for free during the school holidays - there's more details at the Sport Wales website. Some local councils in England and Scotland also offer free swimming – check your local council's website to see if it's one of them.
Free football skills
If your kids love football and are aged between five and 11, why not get them along to a free FA Tesco Skills coaching session? There are free tasters available at schools around the UK.
For more info and to book, head to the official website.
Free sports
Asda runs the Asda Active programme over the summer holidays, encouraging families to try out free sports together.
You can find out when it’s visiting your area at the Asda Active website.
Get into the Olympic spirit for free
If you want to watch the Games outside, there will be a number of Live Sites popping up all over the UK in the run-up to 27th July. As well as showing the sporting action on a big screen, there will be a programme of live entertainment.
Find out more about the Live Sites around the UK at the London 2012 Live Sites pages.
If you live in London or nearby, there’s a huge programme of free events planned for the Live Sites in Hyde Park, Potters Fields, Victoria Park, Waltham Forest and Woolwich. There will be live concerts from the likes of McFly, Alexandra Burke, Rebecca Ferguson, Tom Jones and The Temper Trap.
You can find out more about what’s going on at the London 2012 website.
Go to a free museum or art gallery
Loads of our museums are free to enter, from London’s Science and Natural History collections to the newly-opened Museum of Liverpool and the Riverside Museum in Glasgow. The Visit Britain website has a good list.
If you want something a bit more artistic, how about the Yorkshire Sculpture Park or the weird ‘n’ wonderful delights of Tate Modern in London?
Again, Visit Britain has a good list on its website.
But don’t forget the museums and art galleries on your doorstep – many have free events throughout the holidays.
Free festivals and events
Every weekend during the summer is crammed with free festivals and events of one kind or another (with lots for grown-ups to do too)
The Edinburgh Festival and Fringe Festival have plenty of free performances and activities during August. And the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta from the 9th to 12th August is one of the biggest free festivals in the country.
Get out and play
Playday is a national day celebrating children playing outdoors. There will be free events throughout the nation, most of which will take place on the day itself, which this year is 1st August.
You can see what’s happening near you at the Playday website.
Explore a new place
The National Trust runs a series of family events on its properties and land throughout the summer months, many of which are free or very cheap to take part in.
For a list, go to the Trust’s website
Go to the cinema for less
If it's raining going to the movies is a good option, but can be very expensive. However, there are a range of cheaper options.
Vue Cinemas have children's films showing on Saturdays and Sundays and every day in the school holidays for just £1.50 per child (one adult per child goes free, 3D films are £2.75). Odeon Kids shows films on Saturdays and Saturdays and many also run them in the school holidays from £2.50 (one adult per child goes free again). Meanwhile, Cineworld runs Movies For Juniors at many of its cinemas on Saturday and Sunday mornings (it hasn't extended this to school holidays), where adults and children pay £1 apiece.
And if you're an Orange phone customer, you can take advantage of the two-for-one Orange Wednesdays promotion at most cinemas.
Cheap train travel
If you travel a lot by train with children aged between five and 16, you might find a Family & Friends Railcard a good option. It costs £28 a year and gives you a third off adult travel and 60% off kids' tickets. Even better, it's valid for up to four adults and four children. Note that you can only use it on off-peak trains.
Find out more at the Family & Friends Railcard website.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
It’s summer holiday time again. But more and more of us are cutting back on days out due to the cost, according to new research by charity Family Action.
If you want to entertain the kids this summer, you don’t have to spend a fortune. There are loads of cheap and free activities going on across the UK – here are just some of them.
Free swimming
To coincide with the Olympics, British Gas is offering free swims between now and the end of August, even if you’re not a customer. You can get a free swim (or other activity, such as aqua aerobics) for an adult and up to two children, depending on the venue.
To find out more and get your free swims, go to the British Gas Swimming website.
If you live in Wales, children 16 and under can go to your local swimming pool for free during the school holidays - there's more details at the Sport Wales website. Some local councils in England and Scotland also offer free swimming – check your local council's website to see if it's one of them.
Free football skills
If your kids love football and are aged between five and 11, why not get them along to a free FA Tesco Skills coaching session? There are free tasters available at schools around the UK.
For more info and to book, head to the official website.
Free sports
Asda runs the Asda Active programme over the summer holidays, encouraging families to try out free sports together.
You can find out when it’s visiting your area at the Asda Active website.
Get into the Olympic spirit for free
If you want to watch the Games outside, there will be a number of Live Sites popping up all over the UK in the run-up to 27th July. As well as showing the sporting action on a big screen, there will be a programme of live entertainment.
Find out more about the Live Sites around the UK at the London 2012 Live Sites pages.
If you live in London or nearby, there’s a huge programme of free events planned for the Live Sites in Hyde Park, Potters Fields, Victoria Park, Waltham Forest and Woolwich. There will be live concerts from the likes of McFly, Alexandra Burke, Rebecca Ferguson, Tom Jones and The Temper Trap.
You can find out more about what’s going on at the London 2012 website.
Go to a free museum or art gallery
Loads of our museums are free to enter, from London’s Science and Natural History collections to the newly-opened Museum of Liverpool and the Riverside Museum in Glasgow. The Visit Britain website has a good list.
If you want something a bit more artistic, how about the Yorkshire Sculpture Park or the weird ‘n’ wonderful delights of Tate Modern in London?
Again, Visit Britain has a good list on its website.
But don’t forget the museums and art galleries on your doorstep – many have free events throughout the holidays.
Free festivals and events
Every weekend during the summer is crammed with free festivals and events of one kind or another (with lots for grown-ups to do too)
The Edinburgh Festival and Fringe Festival have plenty of free performances and activities during August. And the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta from the 9th to 12th August is one of the biggest free festivals in the country.
Get out and play
Playday is a national day celebrating children playing outdoors. There will be free events throughout the nation, most of which will take place on the day itself, which this year is 1st August.
You can see what’s happening near you at the Playday website.
Explore a new place
The National Trust runs a series of family events on its properties and land throughout the summer months, many of which are free or very cheap to take part in.
For a list, go to the Trust’s website
Go to the cinema for less
If it's raining going to the movies is a good option, but can be very expensive. However, there are a range of cheaper options.
Vue Cinemas have children's films showing on Saturdays and Sundays and every day in the school holidays for just £1.50 per child (one adult per child goes free, 3D films are £2.75). Odeon Kids shows films on Saturdays and Saturdays and many also run them in the school holidays from £2.50 (one adult per child goes free again). Meanwhile, Cineworld runs Movies For Juniors at many of its cinemas on Saturday and Sunday mornings (it hasn't extended this to school holidays), where adults and children pay £1 apiece.
And if you're an Orange phone customer, you can take advantage of the two-for-one Orange Wednesdays promotion at most cinemas.
Cheap train travel
If you travel a lot by train with children aged between five and 16, you might find a Family & Friends Railcard a good option. It costs £28 a year and gives you a third off adult travel and 60% off kids' tickets. Even better, it's valid for up to four adults and four children. Note that you can only use it on off-peak trains.
Find out more at the Family & Friends Railcard website.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
School's out for summer 2012
The last week of July marks the beginning of the summer holidays in the UK and the annual rush to the airport is set to begin.
The persistent rain we’re experiencing seems to be threatening any chance of a domestic holiday, urging families to escape to warmer climes, recently lowcostholidays.com reported a yearly increase of 103 per cent on family holiday related searches in June this year.
Just in time for the school holidays, here’s what is new in five of the UK’s favourite destinations for family holidays.
Traditional sun and sea in Majorca
Majorca remains a favourite for UK families, with over nine million visitors enjoying the island’s universal appeal in 2011. The biggest of the Balearic Islands is home to 554km of exotic coastline, understated natural beauty and a mix of modern attractions that keep families returning year after year. Known as the birthplace of the package holiday, Majorca offers families traditional fun in the sun, but is also beginning to offer more diverse holidays, ideal for adventure seeking families. Active breaks in the rural Tramuntana Mountains are amongst the new trends on the island.
New for 2012: Majorca is set to be the first destination in Europe to enjoy artificial surfing. Two flow barrel machines are being installed in the beach resort of Calvia, making Majorca a new hotspot for novices and surf enthusiasts.
Thrill-seeking in Florida
Florida reigns supreme as the go-to destination for fun-seeking families. With guaranteed hot weather and the biggest and best attractions, it is a playground for young children, teenagers and parents alike. Thrill-seekers are catered for with an incredible selection of theme parks, whilst younger children remain enchanted with the magic of the Disney theme parks. Parents are not left out either; Florida is home to some of the world’s most loved golf courses and a fantastic selection of shopping outlets.
New for 2012: SeaWorld in Orlando is creating a new Freshwater Oasis for visitors to enjoy in 2012. The new attraction allows visitors swim alongside Asian otters, and enjoy a 3D Turtle Trek experience.
Beach lovers in Turkey
Turkey strikes a great balance between culture and relaxation, with the eastern Mediterranean country a favourite destination for beach-loving families. Surrounded by four different oceans, Turkey’s beaches are some of Europe’s most diverse and loved stretches of sand. The country is home to an incredible 352 blue flag beaches, detailing the incredible natural beauty of the Turkish coastline. OluDeniz is one of Turkey’s most celebrated beaches and was recently voted Europe’s top beach. The resort is also renowned as a centre of excellence for paragliding.
New for 2012: Adaland Water Park has recently been renovated, adding the exciting water coaster ride to its already impressive list of attractions which include a dolphin park and sea park.
Red Sea adventures in Egypt
Competing with Turkey as a resort for relaxing beach breaks, Egypt has grown to be one of the UK’s favourite family holiday destinations. Beach resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai have been largely unaffected by events elsewhere in the country, with families still attracted by Egypt’s year-round sunshine and selection of luxury hotels. The resort’s now world-renowned diving is also a highlight. The 1950s saw famous diving pioneer Hans Has ‘discover’ diving in Sharm El Sheikh, paving the way for today’s facilities, which include snorkelling, diving and even specially designed children’s diving excursions.
New for 2012: Soho Square in Sharm El Sheikh is home to an ice rink, a bowling alley and numerous other great family attractions (not to mention the shopping). Every year they tip the cheesy entertainment scales, with acts such as former Eurovision stars Ruslana, and the likes of Peter Andre – if you’re in need of a good laugh, check their website’s listing pages.
Terrific trips in Tenerife
Tenerife is an island of diversity, making a favourite with families seeking culture, excitement or relaxation. Day trips are a great way to explore all that the island has to offer and include trekking up a volcano, boat trips to watch whales and dolphins, Thai themed water parks and enough hotels with children’s pools and activity clubs to suit even the fussiest of families. The weather on The Island of Eternal Spring is warm year round and doesn’t get too hot in the summer, averaging around 26C in August, meaning little ones won’t be uncomfortable.
New for 2012: 15 of Tenerife’s beaches have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag awards for 2012. Parents can rest easy knowing that the beaches here are clean, the waters are safe and you will never be short of ice cream shops or places to buy buckets and spades.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
The persistent rain we’re experiencing seems to be threatening any chance of a domestic holiday, urging families to escape to warmer climes, recently lowcostholidays.com reported a yearly increase of 103 per cent on family holiday related searches in June this year.
Just in time for the school holidays, here’s what is new in five of the UK’s favourite destinations for family holidays.
Traditional sun and sea in Majorca
Majorca remains a favourite for UK families, with over nine million visitors enjoying the island’s universal appeal in 2011. The biggest of the Balearic Islands is home to 554km of exotic coastline, understated natural beauty and a mix of modern attractions that keep families returning year after year. Known as the birthplace of the package holiday, Majorca offers families traditional fun in the sun, but is also beginning to offer more diverse holidays, ideal for adventure seeking families. Active breaks in the rural Tramuntana Mountains are amongst the new trends on the island.
New for 2012: Majorca is set to be the first destination in Europe to enjoy artificial surfing. Two flow barrel machines are being installed in the beach resort of Calvia, making Majorca a new hotspot for novices and surf enthusiasts.
Thrill-seeking in Florida
Florida reigns supreme as the go-to destination for fun-seeking families. With guaranteed hot weather and the biggest and best attractions, it is a playground for young children, teenagers and parents alike. Thrill-seekers are catered for with an incredible selection of theme parks, whilst younger children remain enchanted with the magic of the Disney theme parks. Parents are not left out either; Florida is home to some of the world’s most loved golf courses and a fantastic selection of shopping outlets.
New for 2012: SeaWorld in Orlando is creating a new Freshwater Oasis for visitors to enjoy in 2012. The new attraction allows visitors swim alongside Asian otters, and enjoy a 3D Turtle Trek experience.
Beach lovers in Turkey
Turkey strikes a great balance between culture and relaxation, with the eastern Mediterranean country a favourite destination for beach-loving families. Surrounded by four different oceans, Turkey’s beaches are some of Europe’s most diverse and loved stretches of sand. The country is home to an incredible 352 blue flag beaches, detailing the incredible natural beauty of the Turkish coastline. OluDeniz is one of Turkey’s most celebrated beaches and was recently voted Europe’s top beach. The resort is also renowned as a centre of excellence for paragliding.
New for 2012: Adaland Water Park has recently been renovated, adding the exciting water coaster ride to its already impressive list of attractions which include a dolphin park and sea park.
Red Sea adventures in Egypt
Competing with Turkey as a resort for relaxing beach breaks, Egypt has grown to be one of the UK’s favourite family holiday destinations. Beach resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai have been largely unaffected by events elsewhere in the country, with families still attracted by Egypt’s year-round sunshine and selection of luxury hotels. The resort’s now world-renowned diving is also a highlight. The 1950s saw famous diving pioneer Hans Has ‘discover’ diving in Sharm El Sheikh, paving the way for today’s facilities, which include snorkelling, diving and even specially designed children’s diving excursions.
New for 2012: Soho Square in Sharm El Sheikh is home to an ice rink, a bowling alley and numerous other great family attractions (not to mention the shopping). Every year they tip the cheesy entertainment scales, with acts such as former Eurovision stars Ruslana, and the likes of Peter Andre – if you’re in need of a good laugh, check their website’s listing pages.
Terrific trips in Tenerife
Tenerife is an island of diversity, making a favourite with families seeking culture, excitement or relaxation. Day trips are a great way to explore all that the island has to offer and include trekking up a volcano, boat trips to watch whales and dolphins, Thai themed water parks and enough hotels with children’s pools and activity clubs to suit even the fussiest of families. The weather on The Island of Eternal Spring is warm year round and doesn’t get too hot in the summer, averaging around 26C in August, meaning little ones won’t be uncomfortable.
New for 2012: 15 of Tenerife’s beaches have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag awards for 2012. Parents can rest easy knowing that the beaches here are clean, the waters are safe and you will never be short of ice cream shops or places to buy buckets and spades.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Monday, 16 July 2012
Breaking up will be hard to do....
If you've lost faith with your bank because you blame it for the financial crisis, or are upset with corporate greed, or have just had enough of their IT problems, you don't really have many alternatives.
The UK's biggest five banks - Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, RBS and Santander - dominate the marketplace. Excluding Santander, the other four banks together have 85% of the personal current account market.
Labour leader Ed Miliband wants to reshape the banking landscape. He is calling for existing banks to be forced to sell off hundreds of branches, thereby increasing the number of main UK banks by adding at least two new "challenger" banks.
Mr Miliband's view is that more banking competition would lead to more consumer choice and ultimately lower charges.
The UK did once have a much more diverse banking landscape. But wholesale demutualisation of building societies in the 1990s, together with the subsequent 2008 financial crisis, has seen many of the mutuals and the competition that went with them disappear as they were absorbed into bigger companies.
Last month, business secretary Vince Cable described the building societies' demutualisation as "one of the greatest acts of economic vandalism in modern times", leading to commercial banks "abandoning locally based relationship banking in the decade before the recent financial crisis".
Britain now has just 47 building societies, from the biggest - Nationwide and the Yorkshire - to small, local societies that have only a few thousand members. That's a far cry from the 481 that existed in 1970.
To get back to this level of banking variety, observers say actions will need to go a lot further than Mr Miliband has suggested.
The UK's biggest five banks - Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, RBS and Santander - dominate the marketplace. Excluding Santander, the other four banks together have 85% of the personal current account market.
Labour leader Ed Miliband wants to reshape the banking landscape. He is calling for existing banks to be forced to sell off hundreds of branches, thereby increasing the number of main UK banks by adding at least two new "challenger" banks.
Mr Miliband's view is that more banking competition would lead to more consumer choice and ultimately lower charges.
The UK did once have a much more diverse banking landscape. But wholesale demutualisation of building societies in the 1990s, together with the subsequent 2008 financial crisis, has seen many of the mutuals and the competition that went with them disappear as they were absorbed into bigger companies.
Last month, business secretary Vince Cable described the building societies' demutualisation as "one of the greatest acts of economic vandalism in modern times", leading to commercial banks "abandoning locally based relationship banking in the decade before the recent financial crisis".
Britain now has just 47 building societies, from the biggest - Nationwide and the Yorkshire - to small, local societies that have only a few thousand members. That's a far cry from the 481 that existed in 1970.
To get back to this level of banking variety, observers say actions will need to go a lot further than Mr Miliband has suggested.
Friday, 6 July 2012
Britons head overseas to escape the rain
The recent wet weather has been welcomed by travel companies, who have reported a sharp rise in holiday bookings.
Persistent wet weather across Britain has led to a surge in bookings for foreign holidays, according to tour operators.
Last month was the wettest June since records began in 1910, while a month’s worth of rain is expected to fall in parts of Northern England, the Midlands and Wales today.
The downpours have been welcomed by holiday companies, however, and both Thomas Cook and On the Beach, the online travel agent, have reported a rise in bookings.
On the Beach claimed that bookings for trips to European destinations had risen by 20 per cent during the past fortnight, compared with the same period last year.
Thomas Cook also said bookings had increased, with Spain and Greece proving particularly popular.
“We’ve definitely seen a rise in bookings as the weather worsens, with our research showing one in five people are influenced to book a holiday by the disappointing British weather,” said Lydia Dearden from Thomas Cook.
A spokesman for Thomson said it had seen a 20 per cent rise in searches for holidays last month, compared with June 2011. He added that the Balearics, Greece, Tunisia and Morocco were attracting the most interest from British travellers.
ABTA, the travel association, recently reported that up to 13 million Britons would be heading abroad during July and August, with 90 per cent of those heading to traditional Mediterranean destinations.
The eurozone is thought to be finding favour thanks to the strength of the pound against the euro – British holidaymakers can expect to get at least 10 per cent more for their money compared with last summer.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Persistent wet weather across Britain has led to a surge in bookings for foreign holidays, according to tour operators.
Last month was the wettest June since records began in 1910, while a month’s worth of rain is expected to fall in parts of Northern England, the Midlands and Wales today.
The downpours have been welcomed by holiday companies, however, and both Thomas Cook and On the Beach, the online travel agent, have reported a rise in bookings.
On the Beach claimed that bookings for trips to European destinations had risen by 20 per cent during the past fortnight, compared with the same period last year.
Thomas Cook also said bookings had increased, with Spain and Greece proving particularly popular.
“We’ve definitely seen a rise in bookings as the weather worsens, with our research showing one in five people are influenced to book a holiday by the disappointing British weather,” said Lydia Dearden from Thomas Cook.
A spokesman for Thomson said it had seen a 20 per cent rise in searches for holidays last month, compared with June 2011. He added that the Balearics, Greece, Tunisia and Morocco were attracting the most interest from British travellers.
ABTA, the travel association, recently reported that up to 13 million Britons would be heading abroad during July and August, with 90 per cent of those heading to traditional Mediterranean destinations.
The eurozone is thought to be finding favour thanks to the strength of the pound against the euro – British holidaymakers can expect to get at least 10 per cent more for their money compared with last summer.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Monday, 18 June 2012
Tunisian tourism shows signs of recovery
Figures suggest that holidaymakers are returning to Tunisia as political tensions ease following last year’s “Jasmine Revolution".
Figures released by the Tunisian National Tourist Office indicate that more than 31,000 Britons travelled to the country in May, a 34 per cent increase on the number of British visitors in the same period last year.
The numbers currently stand at about 14 per cent less than they were in May 2010, a record-breaking month in terms for visitors from the UK, with slightly more than 35,000 Britons entering the country.
The news was welcomed by Tunisian tourism officials.
“The UK has proved to be one of our most resilient markets and I’m delighted to see visitors returning to Tunisia in such numbers,” said Wahida Jaiet, director of the country’s tourism office for the UK and Ireland.
“I’m confident that the UK and Irish markets will continue to grow,” she said.
“Now is a great time to visit Tunisia as the country enjoys a new-found freedom and optimism. There is plenty to bring visitors back to Tunisia again and again.”
Mehdi Houas, the former tourism and commerce minister, said that Tunisia’s revenues from tourism had dropped by around 50 per cent in 2011 to about £800m.
There has since been a highly visible marketing campaign launched in Britain to encourage tourists back to the country.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Figures released by the Tunisian National Tourist Office indicate that more than 31,000 Britons travelled to the country in May, a 34 per cent increase on the number of British visitors in the same period last year.
The numbers currently stand at about 14 per cent less than they were in May 2010, a record-breaking month in terms for visitors from the UK, with slightly more than 35,000 Britons entering the country.
The news was welcomed by Tunisian tourism officials.
“The UK has proved to be one of our most resilient markets and I’m delighted to see visitors returning to Tunisia in such numbers,” said Wahida Jaiet, director of the country’s tourism office for the UK and Ireland.
“I’m confident that the UK and Irish markets will continue to grow,” she said.
“Now is a great time to visit Tunisia as the country enjoys a new-found freedom and optimism. There is plenty to bring visitors back to Tunisia again and again.”
Mehdi Houas, the former tourism and commerce minister, said that Tunisia’s revenues from tourism had dropped by around 50 per cent in 2011 to about £800m.
There has since been a highly visible marketing campaign launched in Britain to encourage tourists back to the country.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Thursday, 17 May 2012
EU roaming charges set to fall
Britons face cheaper EU roaming charges from July.
Millions of Britons holidaying in Europe this summer will have far cheaper mobile phone bills after the European Union gave the green light to strict price caps on “rip-off” mobile data roaming charges.
The move, which confirmed plans laid out earlier this year, will stop consumers being hit by surprise “bill shock” when they return from trips overseas.
The caps, which will come into force on July 1, will mean that people who travel to Europe with smartphones will have cheaper access to emails, interactive maps and social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. The EU said that the caps will save the typical family taking a holiday in Europe “at least” €200 (£160).
A typical businessman traveling in the EU will save around €1,000 (£800) a year, the EU said. There are already price caps in place in Europe for mobile phone calls and text messages.
In total, Europeans will spend around €5 billion this year on roaming services, a saving of around €15 billion compared to what the same services would have cost under 2007 prices, the EU said.
From July, phone companies will only be allowed to charge 70 cents (56 pence) per megabyte of data, plus VAT. As recently as 2009 the price was six times as much.
By 2014, the maximum cost of downloading data will be cut further to 20 cents per megabyte.
Neelie Kroes, Vice-President at the European Commission, said that by putting price caps on data, the EC had “created a roaming market for the smartphone generation”.
“More than that, we have ended to rip-offs familiar to anyone who has used a mobile phone while traveling abroad,” said Mr Kroes.
He said that from 2014 consumers will be able to choose a “separate roaming provider” when they travel.
“If you can find a better offer compared to your standard contract you’ll be able to do it in a few simple swipes, just like when you choose a wi-fi network,” he said.
Monique Goyens, director general of The European Consumer Organisation, said: “This welcome news is the latest step down from sky high roaming costs. As of July 1, the EU is once again bringing down the cost of calls and texts when abroad.”
However Ms Goyens added: “The issue of transparency remains a concern. A recent EU-wide survey found 74 per cent of consumers are hesitant to use their phone abroad to call, check mail, download photos or use voice services for fear of cost. This latest battle for fairer pricing can only help reduce that number.”
The EU also announced new price caps for mobile calls and texts, which will also come into effect on July 1.
From July calls will cost a maximum of 29 cents a minute to make and 8 cents a minute to receive, plus VAT. Texts will dost 9 cents each to send. They will fall again in 2013 and 2014.
Currently calls cost 35 cents a minute to make and 11 cents a minute to receive. Texts also cost 11 cents.
The EU said that the prices are a maximum and that competition between operators could drive them even lower.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Millions of Britons holidaying in Europe this summer will have far cheaper mobile phone bills after the European Union gave the green light to strict price caps on “rip-off” mobile data roaming charges.
The move, which confirmed plans laid out earlier this year, will stop consumers being hit by surprise “bill shock” when they return from trips overseas.
The caps, which will come into force on July 1, will mean that people who travel to Europe with smartphones will have cheaper access to emails, interactive maps and social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. The EU said that the caps will save the typical family taking a holiday in Europe “at least” €200 (£160).
A typical businessman traveling in the EU will save around €1,000 (£800) a year, the EU said. There are already price caps in place in Europe for mobile phone calls and text messages.
In total, Europeans will spend around €5 billion this year on roaming services, a saving of around €15 billion compared to what the same services would have cost under 2007 prices, the EU said.
From July, phone companies will only be allowed to charge 70 cents (56 pence) per megabyte of data, plus VAT. As recently as 2009 the price was six times as much.
By 2014, the maximum cost of downloading data will be cut further to 20 cents per megabyte.
Neelie Kroes, Vice-President at the European Commission, said that by putting price caps on data, the EC had “created a roaming market for the smartphone generation”.
“More than that, we have ended to rip-offs familiar to anyone who has used a mobile phone while traveling abroad,” said Mr Kroes.
He said that from 2014 consumers will be able to choose a “separate roaming provider” when they travel.
“If you can find a better offer compared to your standard contract you’ll be able to do it in a few simple swipes, just like when you choose a wi-fi network,” he said.
Monique Goyens, director general of The European Consumer Organisation, said: “This welcome news is the latest step down from sky high roaming costs. As of July 1, the EU is once again bringing down the cost of calls and texts when abroad.”
However Ms Goyens added: “The issue of transparency remains a concern. A recent EU-wide survey found 74 per cent of consumers are hesitant to use their phone abroad to call, check mail, download photos or use voice services for fear of cost. This latest battle for fairer pricing can only help reduce that number.”
The EU also announced new price caps for mobile calls and texts, which will also come into effect on July 1.
From July calls will cost a maximum of 29 cents a minute to make and 8 cents a minute to receive, plus VAT. Texts will dost 9 cents each to send. They will fall again in 2013 and 2014.
Currently calls cost 35 cents a minute to make and 11 cents a minute to receive. Texts also cost 11 cents.
The EU said that the prices are a maximum and that competition between operators could drive them even lower.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Britons enjoying up to 25% off summer holidays.
Britons enjoying up to 25% off summer holidays in the sun compared to last year thanks to strong pound.
Someone travelling to Rio will get 24.5% more this year whilst Tourists heading to Spanish or French resorts can expect 10.5% more spending power due to Euro crisis.
The Euro crisis has delivered a bonus for British holidaymakers who can expect 10.5 per cent more spending power on the Spanish islands or French resorts.
For every £500 converted to euros, a family will get an extra £47.41 this year compared to the summer of 2011.
That means more ice creams for the children, a glass of wine or two more with meals or entry to an attraction or theme park.
For those travelling further afield, the relative strength of sterling against other currencies will deliver an even bigger increase in spending power.
For example, someone travelling to Rio in Brazil will get 24.5 per cent more for their money this year, or around an extra £86 for every £500 that is converted to the local currency, the real.
Similarly, the pound will buy 15.7 per cent more Mexican pesos, delivering extra spending power to the many Britons who holiday in Cancun or the Riviera Maya. Visitors to South Africa will get 16.7 per cent more for their money this year.
While holidays in the Euro zone will be relatively cheaper in terms of daily spending, the strength of the pound against other European currencies has been even more marked.
For example, the pound is now some 23 per cent stronger against the Polish zloty than the summer of 2011, while it is 20.8 per cent stronger against the Hungarian forint.
Money will also go further this year in Turkey and Croatia.
The figures, which have been collated by Post Office Travel Money, will encourage many families to make their summer holiday choices based on where they can best value.
At the same time, many may decide to buy their summer spending money now to take advantage of the good rates. The Post Office research shows the pound has made gains against 24 of 30 leading holiday currencies over the past year.
Compared to a year ago, the pound is down by 0.7 per cent against the dollar, 1 per cent against the Barbados dollar, 1.1 per cent against the Vietnamese dong, 1.8 per cent against the UAE dirham and 4.1 per cent against the Kenyan shilling.
Post Office Head of Travel Money, Andrew Brown, said: ‘Although the increasing value of sterling against the euro has dominated the headlines, there are very few places where the pound is not packing a stronger punch this year.
'Our advice is for people to keep a close eye on exchange rates for all the destinations they are considering so they can judge where they will get the best return on their money.'
He added: ‘There are signs that the power of the pound is making people increasingly savvy both about their choice of destination and their spending habits.’
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Someone travelling to Rio will get 24.5% more this year whilst Tourists heading to Spanish or French resorts can expect 10.5% more spending power due to Euro crisis.
The Euro crisis has delivered a bonus for British holidaymakers who can expect 10.5 per cent more spending power on the Spanish islands or French resorts.
For every £500 converted to euros, a family will get an extra £47.41 this year compared to the summer of 2011.
That means more ice creams for the children, a glass of wine or two more with meals or entry to an attraction or theme park.
For those travelling further afield, the relative strength of sterling against other currencies will deliver an even bigger increase in spending power.
For example, someone travelling to Rio in Brazil will get 24.5 per cent more for their money this year, or around an extra £86 for every £500 that is converted to the local currency, the real.
Similarly, the pound will buy 15.7 per cent more Mexican pesos, delivering extra spending power to the many Britons who holiday in Cancun or the Riviera Maya. Visitors to South Africa will get 16.7 per cent more for their money this year.
While holidays in the Euro zone will be relatively cheaper in terms of daily spending, the strength of the pound against other European currencies has been even more marked.
For example, the pound is now some 23 per cent stronger against the Polish zloty than the summer of 2011, while it is 20.8 per cent stronger against the Hungarian forint.
Money will also go further this year in Turkey and Croatia.
The figures, which have been collated by Post Office Travel Money, will encourage many families to make their summer holiday choices based on where they can best value.
At the same time, many may decide to buy their summer spending money now to take advantage of the good rates. The Post Office research shows the pound has made gains against 24 of 30 leading holiday currencies over the past year.
Compared to a year ago, the pound is down by 0.7 per cent against the dollar, 1 per cent against the Barbados dollar, 1.1 per cent against the Vietnamese dong, 1.8 per cent against the UAE dirham and 4.1 per cent against the Kenyan shilling.
Post Office Head of Travel Money, Andrew Brown, said: ‘Although the increasing value of sterling against the euro has dominated the headlines, there are very few places where the pound is not packing a stronger punch this year.
'Our advice is for people to keep a close eye on exchange rates for all the destinations they are considering so they can judge where they will get the best return on their money.'
He added: ‘There are signs that the power of the pound is making people increasingly savvy both about their choice of destination and their spending habits.’
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
Is it the perfect time to buy your holiday money?
The exchange rate against the euro and the dollar is good at present.
The pound's strength against the euro and dollar has left some currency experts suggesting that you stock up on holiday money now. But will it strengthen further and what is the cheapest way to benefit when the pound is strong?
The crisis in the eurozone has pushed the euro's value down against the pound in recent months, meaning that those who are taking their holidays in mainland Europe could end up getting more for their money than they did last year.
Customers who bought £100 of euros now could get €122 for their money, compared with €111 last July. Those going to the US could get $160 for £100, compared with $142 in May 2010.
A spokesperson for currencies.co.uk, said that the sterling exchange rate "is currently the best it has been for years against all other major currencies". However, he warned that the Government may take action to reduce the strength of the pound because of the effect that it is having on exports.
"With that in mind we would advise those looking to exchange sterling to be wary of the recent pound strength and look to exchange as soon as possible. It may also be worth considering a forward contract to fix the exchange rate at its current level."However, another spokesperson at currency broker HIFX, said that they believed sterling was in a good position and could become even stronger. "Buying euros must be tempting right now, but I think the UK economy is in much better shape than the eurozone so there may be more of a rally to come," he said.
Those who do wish to take advantage of the current rates, whether because they live abroad or are planning a holiday in the months to come, can do so in a variety of ways. Preloaded currency cards are convenient for those who want to buy hundreds of pounds worth of euros for a holiday. However, it is worth noting that money does not have the same protection in the event of a firm going bust as it would in an ordinary bank account. This is because you do not have the same protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
These cards allow you to buy currency at today's prices and hold it on a card until you wish to spend it. While it is there it does not earn interest. However, you effectively "lock in" today's exchange rate, and these cards can be a cost-effective way of spending abroad.
Two of the best-known prepaid cards are FairFX and Caxton FX, which come in dollar or euro formats. These come with slightly different fees and charges and tend to be only slightly more expensive to use abroad than the very best credit and debit cards. If you don't have a specialist credit or debit card for spending overseas they are likely to be a good option as well as allowing you to buy your currency when sterling is strong.
Those who wish to buy larger amounts of currency could use a money broker. These specialists can allow you to buy larger amounts of money at an advantageous rate. Or you could lock yourself into a more expensive "forward contract". This would give you the price available now for up to two years. This may be worth doing if you are about to buy a property abroad, for example. A specialist broker is often cheaper than a bank.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
The pound's strength against the euro and dollar has left some currency experts suggesting that you stock up on holiday money now. But will it strengthen further and what is the cheapest way to benefit when the pound is strong?
The crisis in the eurozone has pushed the euro's value down against the pound in recent months, meaning that those who are taking their holidays in mainland Europe could end up getting more for their money than they did last year.
Customers who bought £100 of euros now could get €122 for their money, compared with €111 last July. Those going to the US could get $160 for £100, compared with $142 in May 2010.
A spokesperson for currencies.co.uk, said that the sterling exchange rate "is currently the best it has been for years against all other major currencies". However, he warned that the Government may take action to reduce the strength of the pound because of the effect that it is having on exports.
"With that in mind we would advise those looking to exchange sterling to be wary of the recent pound strength and look to exchange as soon as possible. It may also be worth considering a forward contract to fix the exchange rate at its current level."However, another spokesperson at currency broker HIFX, said that they believed sterling was in a good position and could become even stronger. "Buying euros must be tempting right now, but I think the UK economy is in much better shape than the eurozone so there may be more of a rally to come," he said.
Those who do wish to take advantage of the current rates, whether because they live abroad or are planning a holiday in the months to come, can do so in a variety of ways. Preloaded currency cards are convenient for those who want to buy hundreds of pounds worth of euros for a holiday. However, it is worth noting that money does not have the same protection in the event of a firm going bust as it would in an ordinary bank account. This is because you do not have the same protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
These cards allow you to buy currency at today's prices and hold it on a card until you wish to spend it. While it is there it does not earn interest. However, you effectively "lock in" today's exchange rate, and these cards can be a cost-effective way of spending abroad.
Two of the best-known prepaid cards are FairFX and Caxton FX, which come in dollar or euro formats. These come with slightly different fees and charges and tend to be only slightly more expensive to use abroad than the very best credit and debit cards. If you don't have a specialist credit or debit card for spending overseas they are likely to be a good option as well as allowing you to buy your currency when sterling is strong.
Those who wish to buy larger amounts of currency could use a money broker. These specialists can allow you to buy larger amounts of money at an advantageous rate. Or you could lock yourself into a more expensive "forward contract". This would give you the price available now for up to two years. This may be worth doing if you are about to buy a property abroad, for example. A specialist broker is often cheaper than a bank.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Monday, 30 April 2012
Where to snowboard this May?
Snow addicts, don't be too depressed by the golfers and gardeners - the 2011-12 ski season continues right through May (and beyond) if you know where to look!
Canada
At Whistler, Blackcomb Mountain’s operations have been extended to May 28, 2012.
“We are enjoying another fantastic winter season here in Whistler so spring will have to wait just a little bit longer,” says Doug MacFarlane, Whistler Blackcomb mountain operations manager. “We’ve got some of the best spring conditions we’ve ever had. Extending the ski season on Blackcomb and giving the people what they want was an easy decision.”
Marmot Basin and Lake Louise in Alberta are also open the first week of May while Sunshine near Banff, which has reported record snowfall this year, is open another fortnight to nearly the end of May.
Finland
Ruka has the longest ski season in Finland and probably the longest season of any non-glacier ski area in the world. It expects to be open to June again this winter, almost all lifts and runs are open as we end April with temperatures hovering around zero. It usually keeps one or two main runs open through May and June. The resort's 2010-2011 season ran from 18.10.2010-12.6.2011 with a total of 239 skiing days.
France
There’s no longer year-round skiing in France, but Tignes, host of the European X Games last month which once opened 365 days, still has by far the country’s longest season and is scheduled to open to May 8th, along with Europe’s highest resort, Val Thorens. After that there are no ski areas scheduled to be open in France until summer skiing begins in late June. You could ski indoors on the world’s longest indoor run at Amneville up in the north of the country though – it’s 600m long.
Italy
With most of Italy’s remaining ski areas closing in the first few days of May and summer ski destinations like Val Senales and Cervinia not opening until at least June, the country’s remaining May skiing is offered by the Presena Glacier above Passo Tonale where normally several challenging runs (intermediate level or better) are available.
Japan
Niseko had another good snow year, perhaps topping the world snowfall chart this winter with nearly 22m (66 feet) of snow reported. The snow is still lying thick and deep but it closes May 7th. After that one of the best bets may be to head to Gassan ("Moon Mountain" in Japanese), a small ski areas with a glacier in Tohoku Region's Yamagata Prefecture which has one of the world's oddest ski seasons - being open from May to July each year.
The Netherlands
The world’s largest indoor ski slope by snow surface area and the one the FIS have chosen for nearly a decade now to stage World Cup snowboarding events each autumn in SnowWorld Landgraaf in the Netherlands – also hosts to numerous international teams for summer training. Along with snowsports this May the new 2.7 million Euro ‘Outdoor Park Snow World Landgraaf’ is due to open with a host of outdoor adventure attractions to enjoy.
Of course, there's also plenty of indoor slopes and dryslopes in the UK too.
Norway
The summer ski season kicks off in May in Norway with Folgefonn normally the first to open early in the month followed by Stryn (24 May) and Galdhøpiggen. Each centre offers skiing, boarding and summer camps on the country’s highest and biggest glaciers.
Sweden
Riksgränsen in the Arctic Circle in Northern Sweden has long been known as one of the world’s best destinations for late spring skiing, with the snow still fresh and less affected by the freeze-thaw spring skiing conditions at this time of year at resorts at more southerly latitudes. It also offers the novelty of 24 hour daylight from later in the month with skiing and boarding in the small hours under the midnight sun. 2012 snow conditions are reported to be excellent.
Switzerland
Engelberg has had the deepest snowbase in Europe all winter and at the time of writing it was still lying 6m (20 feet) deep up on the resort’s Titlis glacier, where the season continues to 28 May this year.
Other Swiss options include Zermatt – open year round, and Glacier 3000 above Les Diablerets which plans to stay open to the end of May. The Diavolezza glacier in the Engadin Valley near St Moritz is a further choice.
USA
Mammoth Mountain in California has long been one of the best bets for spring skiing through to June or July in the USA and despite an unusual snowfall-short winter, frequent heavy snow storms through March and April have given the resort a good base and it has so far announced it will be open at least to the USS Memorial Day holiday at the very end of May.
Elsewhere with a 100-inch (2.5m) base, Snowbird in Utah is still open for skiing and boarding, and says it will, "continue running lifts as long as the snowpack and other conditions permit." Crystal Mountain in Washington also plans to stay open beyond May and Timberline in Oregon is a third choice.
The Southern Hemisphere
The ski season in the southern hemisphere is unlikely to start until early June unless there is unseasonable early snow. Typically Afri-ski in Lesotho (www.afri-ski.com) is one of the first to open, scheduled for June 7 this year, along with resorts in New Zealand.
Elsewhere in Europe
The Scottish ski areas are keen to prove they can deliver snow sports after being forced to close through March due to record warm weather. Three were open for the final weekends of April and with the weather still cool, may open in to May.
Canada
At Whistler, Blackcomb Mountain’s operations have been extended to May 28, 2012.
“We are enjoying another fantastic winter season here in Whistler so spring will have to wait just a little bit longer,” says Doug MacFarlane, Whistler Blackcomb mountain operations manager. “We’ve got some of the best spring conditions we’ve ever had. Extending the ski season on Blackcomb and giving the people what they want was an easy decision.”
Marmot Basin and Lake Louise in Alberta are also open the first week of May while Sunshine near Banff, which has reported record snowfall this year, is open another fortnight to nearly the end of May.
Finland
Ruka has the longest ski season in Finland and probably the longest season of any non-glacier ski area in the world. It expects to be open to June again this winter, almost all lifts and runs are open as we end April with temperatures hovering around zero. It usually keeps one or two main runs open through May and June. The resort's 2010-2011 season ran from 18.10.2010-12.6.2011 with a total of 239 skiing days.
France
There’s no longer year-round skiing in France, but Tignes, host of the European X Games last month which once opened 365 days, still has by far the country’s longest season and is scheduled to open to May 8th, along with Europe’s highest resort, Val Thorens. After that there are no ski areas scheduled to be open in France until summer skiing begins in late June. You could ski indoors on the world’s longest indoor run at Amneville up in the north of the country though – it’s 600m long.
Italy
With most of Italy’s remaining ski areas closing in the first few days of May and summer ski destinations like Val Senales and Cervinia not opening until at least June, the country’s remaining May skiing is offered by the Presena Glacier above Passo Tonale where normally several challenging runs (intermediate level or better) are available.
Japan
Niseko had another good snow year, perhaps topping the world snowfall chart this winter with nearly 22m (66 feet) of snow reported. The snow is still lying thick and deep but it closes May 7th. After that one of the best bets may be to head to Gassan ("Moon Mountain" in Japanese), a small ski areas with a glacier in Tohoku Region's Yamagata Prefecture which has one of the world's oddest ski seasons - being open from May to July each year.
The Netherlands
The world’s largest indoor ski slope by snow surface area and the one the FIS have chosen for nearly a decade now to stage World Cup snowboarding events each autumn in SnowWorld Landgraaf in the Netherlands – also hosts to numerous international teams for summer training. Along with snowsports this May the new 2.7 million Euro ‘Outdoor Park Snow World Landgraaf’ is due to open with a host of outdoor adventure attractions to enjoy.
Of course, there's also plenty of indoor slopes and dryslopes in the UK too.
Norway
The summer ski season kicks off in May in Norway with Folgefonn normally the first to open early in the month followed by Stryn (24 May) and Galdhøpiggen. Each centre offers skiing, boarding and summer camps on the country’s highest and biggest glaciers.
Sweden
Riksgränsen in the Arctic Circle in Northern Sweden has long been known as one of the world’s best destinations for late spring skiing, with the snow still fresh and less affected by the freeze-thaw spring skiing conditions at this time of year at resorts at more southerly latitudes. It also offers the novelty of 24 hour daylight from later in the month with skiing and boarding in the small hours under the midnight sun. 2012 snow conditions are reported to be excellent.
Switzerland
Engelberg has had the deepest snowbase in Europe all winter and at the time of writing it was still lying 6m (20 feet) deep up on the resort’s Titlis glacier, where the season continues to 28 May this year.
Other Swiss options include Zermatt – open year round, and Glacier 3000 above Les Diablerets which plans to stay open to the end of May. The Diavolezza glacier in the Engadin Valley near St Moritz is a further choice.
USA
Mammoth Mountain in California has long been one of the best bets for spring skiing through to June or July in the USA and despite an unusual snowfall-short winter, frequent heavy snow storms through March and April have given the resort a good base and it has so far announced it will be open at least to the USS Memorial Day holiday at the very end of May.
Elsewhere with a 100-inch (2.5m) base, Snowbird in Utah is still open for skiing and boarding, and says it will, "continue running lifts as long as the snowpack and other conditions permit." Crystal Mountain in Washington also plans to stay open beyond May and Timberline in Oregon is a third choice.
The Southern Hemisphere
The ski season in the southern hemisphere is unlikely to start until early June unless there is unseasonable early snow. Typically Afri-ski in Lesotho (www.afri-ski.com) is one of the first to open, scheduled for June 7 this year, along with resorts in New Zealand.
Elsewhere in Europe
The Scottish ski areas are keen to prove they can deliver snow sports after being forced to close through March due to record warm weather. Three were open for the final weekends of April and with the weather still cool, may open in to May.
Thursday, 8 March 2012
Pensioners face steep rises in travel insurance
Pensioners holidaying abroad this summer face being hit by annual increases of up to 90 per cent in the cost of their travel insurance, in what age charities have called a “shocking” example of age discrimination.
Steep rises in the cost of medical care in the US and parts of Europe have led to a near-doubling of travel insurance premiums in the space of a year for people with certain medical conditions.
The move could add hundreds of pounds to the cost of holidays at a time when the ageing population is showing increasing signs of wanderlust. The number of people over the age of 75 going on long-haul trips has risen by 15 per cent in recent years, industry estimates show.
Pensioners planning to holiday in the US are being particularly hit by the price rises.
For example, a 69-year-old with diabetes traveling to the US for a two-week holiday this year would pay £248 for cover, up from £134 last year, according to insurer Columbus Direct.
A 79-year-old with angina on the same trip would pay £576 this year compared to £303 last year, an increase of 90 per cent, Columbus said.
The reason for the price rise is soaring “medical inflation” in parts of Europe and the US. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the average bill for medical treatment in the US is almost £5,000. As well as hospitals charging more, the cost has been pushed up by unfavourable currency exchange rates and the rising price of aviation fuel, mean that the cost of flying someone who has fallen ill back home have risen sharply.
There has also been an increase in the number of claims by elderly people, which has further inflated premiums.
Some elderly travellers have complained that they are unable to get travel insurance at all.
Bob Champion, the 63-year-old jockey who beat cancer to win the 1981 Grand National on Aldaniti, said that he was recently shocked when he was refused travel insurance by 10 companies on the basis that he has a small pre-existing heart condition.
Mr Champion, who makes money giving lectures on cruise ships, said: “I am fitter than I have ever been but they told me I am too much of a risk.”
The jockey, who was eventually given cover by insurer AllClear, said: “It wasn’t that I was offered cover at an over-inflated premium. I simply couldn’t get an insurer willing to give me a quote at all.”
Michelle Mitchell, charity director general at Age UK, said: “It is shocking that people can be discriminated against just because of their age. A date on a birth certificate should not mean that you have to forgo holidays abroad.”
A spokesman for Saga said that although insurance costs for people with pre-existing medical conditions has risen, they have fallen for people with no such conditions.
Some insurance companies have also in recent weeks lowered the age threshold at which they are prepared to give medical cover to pensioners.
At the end of January American Express reduced the age limit at which it is willing to provide its Platinum Card holders with medical cover from 80 to 70.
Greg Lawson, head of retail at Columbus Direct, said that the increased cost of claims from travellers means that many insurance companies have “suffered financially”. He said that the rising costs of medical care in the US and parts of Europe has meant that premiums have had to also rise accordingly.
“Insurers need to increase premiums, particularly in respect of older customers traveling worldwide where the risk is highest of having a high-cost medical incident,” said Mr Lawson.
However he said that when Columbus is unable to provide travel insurance to a person, it will recommend another company that is able to.
A spokesman for American Express said that as of January 25 it reduced from 80 to 70 the age at which its Platinum Card holders can get “medical assistance and expenses” cover on their travel insurance.
“The changes are being made due to the rising cost of medical treatment and to ensure that we continue to offer an overall comprehensive insurance product while not passing on any additional costs to our cardholders,” the spokesman said.
Ms Mitchell said that last month the Government announced a delay in the implementation of rules under the Equality Act that would have outlawed unjustified discrimination in goods and services.
“It is vital that the Government acts to stop insurance companies from excluding this growing sector of the population. In the meantime, customers should shop around the best offers that suit their individual needs,” she said.
Make sure you get the best deal when looking for holiday/travel insurance with fabthings2do
Steep rises in the cost of medical care in the US and parts of Europe have led to a near-doubling of travel insurance premiums in the space of a year for people with certain medical conditions.
The move could add hundreds of pounds to the cost of holidays at a time when the ageing population is showing increasing signs of wanderlust. The number of people over the age of 75 going on long-haul trips has risen by 15 per cent in recent years, industry estimates show.
Pensioners planning to holiday in the US are being particularly hit by the price rises.
For example, a 69-year-old with diabetes traveling to the US for a two-week holiday this year would pay £248 for cover, up from £134 last year, according to insurer Columbus Direct.
A 79-year-old with angina on the same trip would pay £576 this year compared to £303 last year, an increase of 90 per cent, Columbus said.
The reason for the price rise is soaring “medical inflation” in parts of Europe and the US. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the average bill for medical treatment in the US is almost £5,000. As well as hospitals charging more, the cost has been pushed up by unfavourable currency exchange rates and the rising price of aviation fuel, mean that the cost of flying someone who has fallen ill back home have risen sharply.
There has also been an increase in the number of claims by elderly people, which has further inflated premiums.
Some elderly travellers have complained that they are unable to get travel insurance at all.
Bob Champion, the 63-year-old jockey who beat cancer to win the 1981 Grand National on Aldaniti, said that he was recently shocked when he was refused travel insurance by 10 companies on the basis that he has a small pre-existing heart condition.
Mr Champion, who makes money giving lectures on cruise ships, said: “I am fitter than I have ever been but they told me I am too much of a risk.”
The jockey, who was eventually given cover by insurer AllClear, said: “It wasn’t that I was offered cover at an over-inflated premium. I simply couldn’t get an insurer willing to give me a quote at all.”
Michelle Mitchell, charity director general at Age UK, said: “It is shocking that people can be discriminated against just because of their age. A date on a birth certificate should not mean that you have to forgo holidays abroad.”
A spokesman for Saga said that although insurance costs for people with pre-existing medical conditions has risen, they have fallen for people with no such conditions.
Some insurance companies have also in recent weeks lowered the age threshold at which they are prepared to give medical cover to pensioners.
At the end of January American Express reduced the age limit at which it is willing to provide its Platinum Card holders with medical cover from 80 to 70.
Greg Lawson, head of retail at Columbus Direct, said that the increased cost of claims from travellers means that many insurance companies have “suffered financially”. He said that the rising costs of medical care in the US and parts of Europe has meant that premiums have had to also rise accordingly.
“Insurers need to increase premiums, particularly in respect of older customers traveling worldwide where the risk is highest of having a high-cost medical incident,” said Mr Lawson.
However he said that when Columbus is unable to provide travel insurance to a person, it will recommend another company that is able to.
A spokesman for American Express said that as of January 25 it reduced from 80 to 70 the age at which its Platinum Card holders can get “medical assistance and expenses” cover on their travel insurance.
“The changes are being made due to the rising cost of medical treatment and to ensure that we continue to offer an overall comprehensive insurance product while not passing on any additional costs to our cardholders,” the spokesman said.
Ms Mitchell said that last month the Government announced a delay in the implementation of rules under the Equality Act that would have outlawed unjustified discrimination in goods and services.
“It is vital that the Government acts to stop insurance companies from excluding this growing sector of the population. In the meantime, customers should shop around the best offers that suit their individual needs,” she said.
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