Super Travel Insurance  

Whether planning a trip to Europe or a cruise to the Caribbean, there are few things you should know before booking your vacation. Global travel and vacations are somewhat different than the average three-hour drive from your home. If you don’t plan in advance, you might find yourself stuck in an undesirable hotel with no money left for fun! Here’s a quick guide to make your vacation planning experience easier and more enjoyable.

Choose a Travel Destination

Don’t settle for the norm! Choose a global travel destination that will make a lasting impression. Consider the following before making your decision.

1. What leisure activities do you enjoy while on vacation? Golf, amusement parks, nightlife, fun on the beach, skiing, hiking, biking, or some other activity?

2. Climate of the destination. Will it be cold, hot, or mild for the time of year you will travel?

3. Do you want seclusion from the hustle and bustle of the city or do you want to stay where the action is?

4. What is your travel budget and available vacation time frame?

These four things should be carefully considered before booking a trip. Choose a destination that features the activities you and your family will enjoy. If it’s a beautiful beach resort you want, try an Asian beach in Indonesia, Thailand, or Singapore. If it is art and culture you enjoy, try a destination in Europe such as Rome, Venice or France. If you’re an avid shopper while on vacation, choose Hong Kong, where open-air markets, shops, boutiques and malls are at every turn!

Research Your Destination

Once you choose a destination, narrow it down to a city and hotel or resort within that city. Use online resources to research the area and find the best deals. But, be sure a “good deal” doesn’t mean sacrificing service or quality of the hotel. With global travel and vacations, you should research in detail so you’ll know what you’re getting beforehand.

If you want huge savings on luxury resorts, consider joining a travel group that offers membership discounts for booking. This will save you both time and money. They will research and book your vacation for you. Some travel groups will even allow you to sell memberships or travel packages to others as a “work at home” business. You can save money and make money at the same time, all while traveling to the places you love!

Plan for Legalities

Give yourself plenty of time to get your passport and other important documents you may need while traveling internationally. Different countries require different things, so check with the country’s government offices to find out what is needed. If you don’t know where to begin, ask a travel agent for help in this area, or use the Internet for research. Be sure to ask about car rentals or car hire, driver’s license compatibility, airport luggage regulations, and travel insurance.

Plan Activities before You Travel

Once you know your destination, use the Internet to find activities you’d like to do while there. This will save you time when you arrive and will give you a general idea of what’s available in the area. Find out where the best spot at the ocean shore is for swimming or sunbathing. Get directions to local golf courses. Find holiday coupons online for amusement parks, museums, aquariums, and other sites.

Planning ahead has many advantages for long hotel stays or cruises, and you can enjoy your vacation without worry when you arrive at your destination. Start planning for your global travel and vacations today!

The time has come to buy a house. Questions buzz around in your head like a swarm of angry bees: How much can I borrow? How much do I have to put down? How much will my payments be? Well, let me suggest starting with the How much can I borrow? question. I know you should never answer a question with a question, but in this case we need to ask a few more questions in order to figure out the answer to our first question.

There are many factors you need to take into consideration when purchasing a home. First and foremost, ask yourself what size monthly payment you can afford. When determining how large a mortgage you can afford, be sure to factor in all your current expenses such as car payments, credit card bills, student loans, utilities, and the like. You may also want to factor in how much you spend on things like entertainment, eating out, and traveling. You don’t want to add a mortgage payment and say goodbye to your social life. Instead, you want to make sure that you’re not overextending yourself financially and thus ensuring the survival of your social life.

At the present time, most lenders will allow for a whopping debt-to-income ratio of 45% – 50%. Your debt-to-income ratio is the sum of your mortgage payment and any other credit card or loan payments, divided by your monthly gross income. Lenders use this ratio to help determine your credit worthiness. So, all of your revolving debts along with your mortgage payment divided by your monthly gross income should not exceed the 36% – 45% debt-to-income ratio. So, heres a quick little formula to help you figure out how much you can afford to put toward your monthly house payment:

–Multiply your gross monthly income by 0.45
–Subtract your non-mortgage debt payments from the result
–What’s left is your allowable mortgage payment
So, if we have a couple with a combined monthly gross income of $5000 and they pay $700 a month toward two auto loans and one credit card, they would qualify for a monthly payment of $1550. Also, be aware that not all of your monthly housing payment goes toward your principal and interest. A portion must go toward homeowner’s insurance and property taxes. I mention this because on most mortgage calculators thatll you use, youll need to enter these figures to get an accurate idea of what your real monthly mortgage payment will look like.

Property taxes are typically a percentage of your home’s assessed value. To calculate property taxes, local jurisdictions generally multiply the tax rate by a home’s assessed value. For example, if you pay 0.5% in property taxes of the assessed value, a home assessed at $250,000 would have a yearly property tax bill of $1,250. In order to find out the tax rate, you will need to contact your county tax assessor, or a local mortgage broker or bank may be able to assist you. As for the homeowners insurance, your best bet is talking to a local broker or bank to get a general idea of what it is for your area. Mortgage calculators will ask you for a percentage rate sometimes and others will ask for a yearly figure. It can be confusing for a new buyer, so don’t be afraid to seek a little assistance.

Figuring out how much you can afford to put toward your monthly house payment is a start. Now, you want to know how much house you can afford. There are mortgage calculators galore that will help you do this, but, as I mentioned above, they will require you to enter real estate taxes, homeowners insurance, and interest rates. Some calculators will provide you with figures, but they arent necessarily correct, so I would suggest a little leg work. Once you know how much you can comfortably spend a month toward a home, and youve gathered your tax and insurance rates, you only need an idea of what kind of interest rate youll get (Oh, did I forget to mention that you can call your local bank or mortgage broker to get pre-qualified, and they usually dont charge anything?). Once you have an idea of what your interest rate may be, you can plug in all your numbers on any of the numerous mortgage calculators on the internet. Once you have a good idea of what you think you can afford, call a local bank or broker and get pre-qualified to see if youre in the ballpark, and soon youll be on your way to owning a home.

Here are my top ten travel tips for students traveling overseas

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport! Make color copies of your passport and visa information and carry a copy with you at all times. This way you can secure your passport in your hotel room safe.

2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit. You can easily find them at the U.S. state department travel web site. Register your trip online at the same web site.

3. Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Keep your host program informed of your whereabouts.

4. Make sure you have insurance that will cover your emergency medical needs (including medical evacuation) while you are overseas. If you bring any medication with you, ensure that you have copies of your prescriptions.

5. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws! You will not be in Kansas anymore. What is legal in one country may not be in another. Do your homework before you go.

6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers. Thieves and possible drug smugglers may target you. Be observant and report anything suspicious.

7. While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do. Possession of small amounts of marijuana may be a misdemeanor in your home town, but may be a Class I felony in another country. Instead of a small fine, you may be looking at 10 20 years in a foreign prison. Dont even consider doing drugs in a foreign country.

8. Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards. Dress plain and simple with nondescript shirts and jeans.

9. Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money to avoid violating local laws. Currency exchanges and banks are your best choices. Money changers on the streets or back alleys may be illegal.

10. When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed. Avoid government buildings and embassies unless you absolutely have to go. Registering with the state department travel website will provide the embassy a way to contact you in country either by phone or email.

Use common sense and have a great trip.

If you’re planning a trip abroad, you’re probably concerned about travel safety. Global travel and vacations do pose a risk whether you’re traveling alone or with your family. Here are some simple travel safety tips you can follow without adding a lot of stress during your trip.

Resort or Hotel Safety

Be sure the area where you plan to stay is not a high-crime area. Check with several hotels in the area and ask what the crime level is in the neighborhood. When staying at a remote luxury resort, be sure you know how to phone the local medical dispatchers or police in case of an emergency. You might be 20 miles out of town and a desk clerk might not be available to assist you when needed, so prepare in advance just in case.

When exiting your hotel room or the hotel lobby into the parking lot, check your surroundings for suspicious persons. Keep your money, credit cards and traveler checks hidden away in a safe place. Avoid carrying a purse or handbag openly. If the hotel provides a safe in your room, use it for valuables and money as well.

If traveling with children, never leave them alone or allow them to wander around the hotel. Predators look for children who are alone and can easily capture them and drag them into a room without your knowledge.

Make Copies

It’s important to make copies of all important documents before leaving. In global travel and vacations, there are usually many papers to keep up with such as licenses, passports, birth certificates, and insurance documents. You should even copy your credit cards (front and back). Leave these copies with someone you trust.

Health Safety

When traveling to Europe, Asia, Africa, India, or any other country, there may be health issues you should know about in advance. Some countries require vaccination shots before crossing the border. Check with your local health department as well as the country’s regulations to find out what (if any) health risks exist.

It’s also a good idea to take out a travel insurance policy in case you need hospital or doctor treatment while away.

Understand the Laws

When traveling to another country, it’s good to understand the local laws before you arrive. Ignorance is no excuse. If you plan to rent a vehicle while away, learn the road laws and what the signs mean so you’ll be prepared to drive.

Create an Itinerary

Before you leave, create an itinerary of your travel plans and give a copy to a loved one so someone will know your travel schedule in case of emergencies.

Avoid Travel Scams

If seeking travel information online, beware of scams. If you’re new to travel booking, you can sign on with an experienced travel company that knows the ins and outs of travel. These companies can often get better rates for you on luxury beach resorts, golf resorts and hotels, holiday cruises, and so forth. Whether you’re skiing in the Swiss Alps or visiting the sandy beaches of Greece, you’ll save time and money. Some companies will even allow you to sell their services and earn an extra income. If you love global travel and vacations, it can be an exciting “work at home” business!

Plan ahead for safety, but don’t forget to have fun on your vacation!

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport! Copy or scan your passport and email it to yourself, leave a copy with family, and stick a copy in your wallet.

2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit. Spend some time on the Internet doing a little research. Keep a binder with important information, phone numbers, maps, and anything else that will make your trip smoother.

3. Register your trip with the embassy either online or upon arrival. Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Keep your host program informed of your whereabouts.

4. Check with the CDC website and make sure your immunizations are current for the country you are going to. Make sure you have insurance that will cover your emergency medical needs (including medical evacuation) while you are overseas.

5. Keep out of jail! Study up on the local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws! You dont want to spend one minute in a Thai jail.

6. Be responsible for your belongings. Travel light and do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers. You dont want to be the innocent mule carrying drugs.

7. Again, study the laws of the country you will be visiting. While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do. The ACLU doesnt exist anywhere but America.

8. Dress casually and dont flaunt it even if you got it. Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.

9. Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money to avoid violating local laws. ATMs, official currency exchanges abound. Debit cards are better than using credit cards.

10. When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed. Keep away from the embassy at these times.

11. Dont be a target for terrorists. Avoid the red, white, and blue T-shirt. Be on the look out for suspicious packages or people. Be alert at all times.

12. Check the latest travel rules and restrictions. Ensure you carry copies of your prescriptions for any medications.

If youre having a retired life and are looking out for a holiday package then, dont overlook your insurance cover. Its indispensable to get yourself insured while you travel so

that if you happen to fall sick or break down due to some illness you dont have to incur a huge medical expense in a foreign country. Avert any astronomical medical

expenses. Enjoy your vacation. Look out for your options under Senior Citizen Travel Insurance cover.

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Such Insurance covers any illness or accident whilst traveling? Youre at the right place; special insurance policy such as a Senior Citizen Travels offers a good insurance

cover for senior citizens in the age 65 to 89 years.

Other Travel Insurance covers available are:

Single Trip Insurance:
Cheap holiday insurance is available as and when you need it. Single trip cover is simple to arrange and offered at fantastic prices online.

Annual Travel Insurance:
Ideal for families, annual cover can often be cheaper than arranging single trip insurance every time. Best of all, it means you only have to think about it once and every time

you go away you can relax in the knowledge that you’re protected.

Backpackers Insurance:
The longer the trip, the higher the risk of mishap and the more you’ll need to be backed by excellent cover in the event of an emergency.
Online backpackers travel insurance won’t blow your budget and covers a wide range of trips – from a month’s jaunt around Europe to your next global adventure.

Business Travel Insurance:
Business travel can be stressful, infinitely worse if something goes wrong. Stay stress-free with our cost effective and tailor made business travel insurance packages.

Golf Insurance:
Golf insurance is vital, and not only for the reasons you may imagine. In addition to the risk to themselves, golfers can accidentally cause injury to others and even damage

to property. An excellent insurance deal may make your next game less expensive!

With Senior Citizen Travel Insurance avail annual multi-trip policies for people up to the age of 79. Over 65 tour insurance policies are designed for mature and retired people

in UK looking for good all round holiday cover at a competitive price. Try your online route for more options.

Yes!

If youre on a tight budget and want to try something different, consider a hostelling getaway. Nowadays many older adults are joining the ranks of students and backpackers who stay in hostels all over the world.

There are some important details to consider, however.

Although the quality and comfort varies widely from hostel to hostel, you can expect rather sparse accommodations compared to an inn or hotel. You will probably be sharing sleeping quarters with several people, usually of the same gender. Private bathrooms are rare. You may have to walk down a hall to reach the bathroom – which may have only a toilet.

You may be required to provide your own bedding and towels. Sometimes linen is included in the nightly rate. Other times it will be provided for an extra charge. Laundry facilities may be available – usually coin-operated.

Sometimes breakfast will be included with your hostel package. Some hostels have kitchens where guests can prepare simple meals.

You may be fortunate enough to locate accommodations with free amenities such as:

* Complimentary in-city shuttle service

* Airport/rail terminal pickup

* Common area with satellite or cable TV

* DVD library

* Internet access and/or guest computer

* Safety deposit boxes

* Guided tours

* Access doors with computer-coded key cards

Some lodgings require an advance deposit via credit card. However, the balance of your stay and any extra charges may be payable in cash. If you object to carrying cash, make sure that you have a recognized ATM card. You will get the most favorable exchange rates from ATM machines, with no extra commission charges.

Always reserve a room ahead of time. Do not expect to find a last-minute vacancy, no matter how many times you have stayed at your favorite hostel.

Before you charge the room deposit to your credit card do some research!

* Are there guest reviews available online?

* Does the hostel impose a ‘locked door’ curfew?

* Do they have maid service?

* How often are rooms cleaned?

* What is the policy for early check-out?

* Does the hostel belong to an organization like Hostelling International?

* Will you be required to leave your passport at the front desk?

* What is the lights out policy?

* Is there a 24-hour staff member on premises?

* Is the hostel near downtown and tourist attractions?

* How close are public transit and police facilities?

* Is there a medical clinic in the neighborhood?

* Can you purchase groceries nearby?

Always be prepared for emergencies. That means having some extra cash in reserve for unexpected contingencies. Photocopy your important documents before you leave – and make sure that the copies are accessible if you need them.

Somebody back home should have a copy of your itinerary, especially if you are making a trip abroad. If possible, establish some checkpoint times where you can call home to let everyone know where (and how) you are. Leaving a message via e-mail is also an excellent option.

Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance. Does it cover hospital expenses and transport in case of serious injury?

If you like meeting people, and youre not afraid of a little adventure, hostelling can be a great getaway.

Happy Travels!

If you’re looking for an exciting way to spend your holiday, an exotic African safari might be the answer. There’s plenty to see and do for all ages, and it’s now easier than ever to book a trip.

Believe it or not, there’s more to an African safari tour than what you see in pictures or on the television. For instance, on a Kenya safari you’ll enjoy breathtaking scenery highlighted with mountainous backdrops, glistening lakes, savanna grasslands, mist highlands, beautiful rivers, and abundant wildlife. If you take a Kenya holiday during July or August, you might even get to witness an amazing phenomenon – the annual wildebeest caravan. This is a time when millions of wildebeests make their way north to search for lush grass.

Amazing Animals and More

Also on a Kenya tour, activities will often include trips to medicinal springs and the inside of a crater where the black-manned lion, rhino and buffalo roam. You might travel to a nearby lake to see a variety of game and scenery. Many Kenyan safari tours also include nighttime entertainment with music and dance. It’s not all wilderness and forests!

Combine Your Kenya Holiday and Tanzania Safari in One

You can now book a “two-in-one” Tanzania and Kenya holiday to make your African safari vacation even more interesting. These two places are filled with wonder and have much to offer visitors. There are lodge safaris, game viewing safaris, and even mountain-climbing safaris – whatever you prefer!

How to Book Your Africa Safari

You can contact a travel agency to book an African safari or you can find a tour company on the Web that specializes in African travel and tours to get the assistance you need. There are many services that you’ll need to consider before securing your Africa vacation such as a rental car (or car hire), reserving hotels, obtaining a Visa, getting the necessary vaccines for disease prevention, and booking a flight.

Find a dependable company on the Web that is actually based in Africa for the best possible service. It’s great if you can travel to Kenya where the company is located and acquire assistance from them when you need it. Try to find an all-in-one African safari tour package to be sure all your needs will be covered. They can help you get a car rental, hotel room and everything you need. The last thing you want is to arrive in Kenya and realize you missed some important steps!

Quick African Safari Travel Tips

As with traveling to any foreign land, there are a few things you should take along for safety, pleasure, and comfort. A safari can be fun if you take time to prepare.

1. Take a good, dependable digital camera with plenty of photo memory. There will be many, many “photo moments.”

2. Keep plenty of mosquito repellent with you at all times. Also, wear long sleeves and long pants to keep mosquitoes from biting and to protect from severe sunburn.

3. Pack several bottles of sunscreen for exposed areas of your skin.

4. Take your own pair of binoculars even if the Africa tour company provides them. You might be required to share theirs with others on the tour, but you can use your own whenever you want.

5. Take along some medicines to prevent headaches or fever, pain, and diarrhea.

6. Secure health insurance coverage, just in case of an emergency. The tour company may provide options for you.

Ask your travel booking agents about other items you might need. They may provide a list for you.

You can enjoy days of excitement on your African safari tour once you’ve taken these important steps. With online resources, you can now learn all about it before you go!

Have you always dreamed of owning your own business, having the time and money to visit exotic locations and being able to fly first class?

If you love traveling, live in or near a city with a large national or international airport, and you have the kind of lifestyle that lets you pick up and go on a moment’s notice, then you might want to think about starting your own business as an “air courier”.

What is an air courier? It’s a person who is hired to transport a specific item from one destination to another, within a specified deadline.

And, before you start imagining sinister men in trench coats carrying guns with silencers, and beautiful foreign women transporting secret microchips, let me reassure you that traveling as an air courier is 100% legal and aboveboard!

What you are asked to transport varies tremendously — it can be almost anything — legal documents such as letters or business contracts, children going from one country to another, medicine that was forgotten during a vacation, reports, computer disks, product prototypes — the list is endless.

In fact, because of the “instant gratification” mindset today where we are used to information and communication that travels faster than the speed of light, air courier companies have seen their businesses grow tremendously over the last ten years. What that means for you is increased opportunities for free travel.

Who can become an air travel courier? Anyone who is over 18, holds a valid passport and who is in good health. It also helps if you’re flexible and can pick up and travel on very short notice.

Why is this a wonderful opportunity?

When sending a package by air, the shipper has two options — the first is to send the package as “cargo.” Cargo travels alone (especially since the tragedy of 9/11), is shipped in bulk in large containers that usually aren’t sent until the container is full, in order to maximize revenues for the airlines.

In addition, especially when cargo is sent overseas, there are sometimes long delays getting the package through customs, there are endless regulations that must be followed, inspections that must be passed, etc.

For the air courier companies, who have to make sure the package is not only delivered, but reaches the intended recipient as quickly as possible, these delays are unthinkable. (If they don’t make their deadlines, then their competitors will. Think of the slogan from one such company…”when it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight…”)

On the other hand, if the same item is considered “personal baggage” and is carried with a ticketed passenger, it arrives with the passenger, and generally passes through customs quickly, without all the delays.

Plus, a person can book a ticket for a specific flight arriving at their destination at a specific time — not so for cargo. Which means that a shipment that could take days or weeks if it’s classified as cargo, can take hours instead because it’s classified as baggage.

Because very few of the air courier companies have the resources to employ full-time couriers, the industry itself has come to rely on freelance air couriers, which, even when having to pay someone to travel, and covering the cost of their airfare, is still a better ROI when compared against the paying full-time wages, holiday and sick pay, insurance and all of the other costs involved with having employees.

This is where you come in.

As an air courier, you are providing a valuable service in a growing market. And from the traveler’s point of view, you might find yourself flying to Paris one day, and Hong Kong a week later!

Once you’ve been hired, the process is pretty simple: the company contacts you, to check your availability. When you confirm, they book the flight and let you know when to be at the airport. You’re met at the airport by a representative, who gives you your ticket, a list of item or items you’re transporting, and your baggage claim tickets. They’ll usually even have checked you in, saving you many hassles. You get to sit in first class, and enjoy the flight. That’s it. You don’t have to contact the recipient in the city you’re flying to, actually pick up the package on your way to the airport, or do anything other than be responsible for it going from one airport to another.

At your destination, you’ll be met by another company representative, who will take the baggage claim tickets, and give you your return ticket.

How long do you get to stay? That depends on you and the air courier company. Sometimes your schedule will be tight — you may only get hours between flights. Other times, you’ll have a day or two. Obviously, as your reputation increases and the companies you work for know that they can rely on you, you have more room for negotiating.

There are several ways to get started. There are actually companies who recruit air couriers, and the fees for joining are usually nominal. The benefits of going through a certified company can be many. For example, they often provide information that it could take you a long time to figure out on your own. They also offer forums, newsletters and other resources to help you succeed. Because they have built a reputation, you might find it easier to get started in the business by working for one of them at first.

But, you can also find the information completely on your own, and start off freelancing. Look in the yellow pages for air couriers that are located near your local airport. Figure out where you’d like to travel to, and make a list of the locations they serve. Because there are companies who transport items both internationally or just within the states, where you travel is largely going to be a matter of personal choice.

Also, make sure that you investigate each company before applying with them. You want to make sure that they are a solid business, with a good reputation. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, get on the phone, and find out what their application process is. Many companies today prefer that you apply online. Whatever the process is, make sure that you provide them with all the information they request.

Timely tip: After submitting your application, follow up with a thank-you letter, on your new “company” letterhead. Remind them of your availability, that you can accept short or no notice flights. Find a way to position yourself above that of the other couriers.

Once you’ve gone through the process the first time, you’ll have a much better idea about which other companies you want to apply to and how to hone your interview skills. (So don’t make your first application with the biggest company that you want to work for the most.) Obviously, if you limit yourself to one or two companies, you’ll also be limiting the amount of work you’ll get and the locations you can travel to.

Timely Tip: Put together a database of the companies you’ve applied to, the date you applied, and contact information. Follow up with the company regularly, but don’t be a pest.

Once you’ve been hired, don’t be surprised if you start getting calls within the first couple of weeks. There is a growing need for professional, responsible air couriers.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you start working:

1. Be professional. Remember that while shorts and flip flops may be comfortable for vacationers, you’re working and representing the air courier company.

2. Often the only baggage you get to take with you is hand carried. Invest in microfiber clothing in basic colors, and learn to pack essentials only. If you do get to stay for longer than a few days, you can always pick up some essentials once you’re there.

3. Give your own business card to the company representative in the country you travel to, and make sure that your email and voice mail information is included.

4. Apply to all the companies you’ve decided you want to work for, and then follow up with the ones that haven’t contacted you regularly — perhaps a polite letter or even a one-page newsletter that lists the latest on industry related news.

5. Stay organized. Don’t over commit yourself, and try never to have to cancel a trip.

Being an air courier is a great way to make money and see the world. Bon Voyage!

Travel Insurance Do I Really Need To Buy Cover For A Holiday In Britain?

Last week my wife and I booked a seven day holiday in Tobermory on the wonderful Isle of Mull. All that grand scenery with brightly painted houses clustered around the harbour. Hands up who knows Tobermory as Balamory!

You could have knocked me down with a feather when the travel agent assumed that I wanted travel insurance for an additional 27.50. Not on your Nellie the Lock Ness monster, I thought. I can spot a rip off when I see one! Who needs insurance for a trip to another destination in Britain? The NHS is free and in an emergency, my daughter could drive up and take us home.

Later in the comfortable setting of my lounge I got to thinking .

Holiday disasters don’t only happen abroad. So I made a list of the risks:

One of us could be taken ill before we depart and we’d be forced to cancel. As the ferries and the hotel were non-cancellable, we’d lose everything we’d paid.

My parents are getting on. God forbid, but I’d have to cancel the holiday if something happened to them just before we’re due to go.

My wife or I might be called up for jury service.

There may be a major delay at the ferry. Besides the inconvenience, we have to arrange an overnight stay in Oban.

Someone might steal our luggage

I’ve just bought an all singing and dancing camera especially for the trip. I might lose it.

If either of us were hospitalised we wouldn’t want to be stuck on Mull. We’d want to be transferred to our local hospital in Cheshire.

Then it struck me that my Home & Contents insurance would probably cover me for loss of luggage or my camera if I was travelling in the UK. I dug out the policy. Lucky I checked. I was only insured for personal possessions if the items were listed and as I’d only bought my camera last week I hadn’t got round to getting it documented on my policy as a valuable item.

Another point struck me. If I made a holiday related claim on my Home & Contents policy I’d lose my no claims discount. That didn’t appeal one little bit. I’ve a ten years claim free record on my H&C policy and it still cost me 305 a year. I jotted down a note to self when that policy comes up for renewal, check out the Internet to see if I could get it any cheaper.

By now 27.50 for a travel policy was beginning to look worthwhile.

But you’ll realise I’m a bit of an old skin flint at least my wife says so! I know, get online and check out whether the travel agents’ policy at 27.50 was competitive.

Not all the sites I visited could offer me single holiday insurance within the UK but within ten minutes I’d found what I wanted – a travel policy and a saving of over 10!

Time to read the small print to make sure I truly had the cover I needed. Great, all the risks I had jotted down were covered. They’d even pay me 30 if my ferry was delayed for up to 12 hours and then give me the option to cancel my trip and get a refund.

Now check out the exclusions – what wouldn’t they pay for? I wasn’t covered if my holiday was for less than two nights or if my holiday destination was less than 25 miles from home. I also had to pay the first 30 of any claim. All seemed fair to me.

The decision was made. Key in my credit card details and CLICK I was insured. Peace of mind restored!