Alabama is serious about requiring every driver on a public road in Alabama to buy car insurance. That’s why so many drivers are looking for ways to save money and get discount car insurance in Alabama.

So how can you save money on your car insurance here in Alabama? Start by driving legally and safely at all times. Nothing drives up the cost of car insurance like a speeding ticket or other moving violation – unless it’s a DUI or DWI conviction.

If you are convicted of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or if you are convicted of a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) you’ll be out of luck as far as getting discount car insurance for at least 3 years. If you receive a second DUI or DWI conviction you may never see cheap car insurance again in your lifetime.

If you have a garage and you can keep your car in a garage at night let your agent know – it could save you money every month on your policy.

Add safety features to your car. Ask your agent if you could save money by purchasing and using a steering wheel lock. Ask about a simple electronic device that disables your fuel pump unless you enter a secret code or press a hidden button; such devices are inexpensive and easy-to-install and can save you money on your insurance every month.

If you’re in school and under age 25 stay where you are and work hard. If you can maintain at least a “B” grade point average you can save as much as 5% each month with your Good Student Discount.

Are you recently retired? If so, let your agent know. If your car is no longer being driven to work and back every day there is a rather nice discount on your insurance.

And speaking about not driving your car so much, many people are now starting to use public transportation for as many of their traveling needs as possible, only using their cars for emergencies and special occasions. If you can knock your monthly driving down to under 500 miles let your agent know – you will be entitled to a Low Mileage Discount.

What about your deductible? Think about it carefully because this is cash you’ll have to come up with out of your own pocket if you ever have a claim, but the larger your deductible the smaller your monthly premium payment.

If you’re over age 55 ask your agent if your company offers a driver’s refresher course. If so, and if you pass it, you could save as much as 10% each and every month on your car insurance.

Using the information in this article see if you can put together a car insurance policy on paper which will save you as much money as possible – and then get online and see what you can find on at least 3 of the websites that allow you to compare prices at various insurance companies.

Compare the policy you just created on at least 3 of those websites and then simply choose the lowest price you can find. That’s it. Now you have saved money and gotten discount car insurance in Alabama! Good job!

For most people, the fun part of moving their life and family to Greece is definitely in the early days of the decision. When long weekends are still being filled by impromptu trips to idyllic Greek islands in search of the perfect new home, it’s hard to put a damper on things by thinking of the practical planning that such a move will require.

Practical planning though, is the key to a smooth move from the UK to Greece, so as soon as the decision has been made, the search should begin to find a home removals company that can safely transport your belongings to your new home in Greece. Unlike many other European countries, Greek geography is complex because almost one sixth of the country is made up of its 2,000 or so islands. It makes sense therefore, to use a removals company that know the country inside out, not only the mainland areas but also the many islands, as their local knowledge will be invaluable at the Greek end of your move. When talking to removals companies, do discuss in detail the location of the property to which you are moving and ensure that they are equipped to access the it, particularly if it is located at the top of a steep hill or in a remote village. A reputable company such as K & A International, who are specialists in UK to Greece removals, will be able to offer the support and guidance that you need at this stage of your planning.

The next essential step is to evaluate your current home contents, to decide exactly what will be making the move with you. If this is a permanent move, you will need to be more ruthless in your evaluation than you will if your relocation is temporary. If there are items that you don’t want to take, decide whether it is practical to have them stored in the UK and if not, now may be the right time to have a clear out.

At this point, you should also give some thought to customs and immigration requirements. It is usual for most countries to permit the duty free entry of household goods that are more than one year old, but most will not permit duty free entry of items that are less than one year old. Certain items are also restricted and it is important to get up to date advice and guidance from the appropriate Greek authorities well before your move.

Once you have decided what items need to be shipped to Greece, the best plan of action is to get a survey carried out by a professional haulage company. Only then will you get an accurate quote for your move, as your own estimates of ‘a few crates’ will probably be wildly inaccurate. Many removals companies offer a packing service, to help ease the pressure of moving abroad, so if this is of interest to you, discuss it with them during the survey. Selecting a reputable company will give your precious home contents the best protection during the move, but insurance in transit is essential. It’s quite likely that your home contents insurance won’t cover your property during a move abroad, so it is prudent to check with your insurers in good time so that you can take additional cover if required.

The date of your move to Greece may well be dictated by the start of a new job, which will give you less flexibility in your choice of removal date, but if you can be flexible, try to avoid choosing a date towards the end of a month, as this tends to be the most popular time of the month for most people making a move overseas, so it is also the busiest for all organisations involved in the removals process. The local holiday calendar in Greece should also be taken into account, as national holidays are often different to UK holidays and avoiding them can help to reduce unnecessary delays at the Greek end of your move.

When you are planning the shipment of your home contents, it’s easy to forget about personal travel plans for you and other family members, but don’t leave it too late to book your own flights and other travel arrangements, particularly if your move will be during the peak summer months, as flights often get booked up quickly in advance by holiday makers. If your family members include pets, they will need a Pet Passport and you will have to arrange for their shipment. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs can provide you with up to date advice and information on moving your pets abroad.

Official documents such as marriage and birth certificates, drivers license and financial papers should really be packed with your personal hand luggage so that you have everything to hand if required when you arrive in Greece. As you will probably arrive before your shipment, having all your paperwork with you will mean that you can use the time wisely, to sort out the essentials such as a bank account, car hire and medical registrations if they haven’t been arranged before you move.

Careful planning will help you to keep control of your move, which in turn helps to reduce the anxieties of moving abroad, leaving you free to start enjoying your new life in the sun.

Note that the games you must look out for are those where the house edge is very low. If these are hard to find at the casino you have entered, look for those games that depend more on skill than on luck. Some of these include blackjack and poker. The games to avoid because they depend solely on luck are any of the slot machine games such as Caribbean Stud or the regular or progressive slot jackpots. These rely only on luck and the house edge there is against you.

What is a House Edge?
Since the casinos and betting establishments are in it for making money, they have created an artificial method to gain leverage over the players. This is what they have termed house edge. What it means is that over and above what you win, the casinos deduct a certain amount for themselves. It is something like insurance but only for them and not for you. But the casinos do not actually do this. Instead, they have inserted these odds into the game winnings so that you do not notice it. When you win, you are paid according to the newly calculated odds and you are no wiser.

For instance, if you walk over to a casino and place a bet of ten dollars on a roulette table. (For arguments sake, let us also suppose it was an American roulette table.) If you win, you should be given three hundred and seventy dollars because the true odds is thirty-seven to one. Instead, you will only get three hundred and fifty dollars according to the odds of thirty-five to one. This is what I was referring to in the previous paragraph. What has happened is that you have lost twenty dollars to the casino as part of the house edge.

Playing Poker:
Pick and play this exceptional game because ,here, you are not competing against the house at all. It is other players like you who you are up against. Do battle against them and defeat them for cash. No house edge comes in the way here, but you do pay a small part of the money you win to the casino as a commission. This winning commission is called rake, and its so minute that you do not feel it pinch your pocket.

In addition, this is one of the best games to play if you are good at it and if you have razor-sharp skills. You will be able to mint money like crazy if you can read other expressions and count the cards well. You can also pick from a variety of game variations such as Red Dog Poker and Texas Holdem.

Playing Blackjack:
This is one of those games that the casino does not like you playing. If it was up to the betting establishments, they would remove these tables altogether. Why? Because the edge for them is only a half percent! Thus, is you play well by remembering that you have to beat the dealer and not reach 21, you stand a big chance of accumulating a large sum. I also suggest you brush up on your mathematical skills.

If you wish, learn how to count cards, but be careful. Because card counting works, casinos have banned it. All you have to do is count the colored cards (the cards that are ten and above). Then, it will be easier to decide which bet to make and which not to make. Practice again and again at home because you not only have to master this skill but you also have to learn to do it silently so that the casinos do not catch on.

Video Poker:
This is a game very much like one of the many regular and progressive slot machines games you will run into at a casino, but it is different. Unlike slots, skill plays a big part in the results, and thus you have a bigger chance of winning than at one of the slot machines.

But, before you begin, glance at the payment structure pasted on the machine. You should make your gaming decisions based on the house odds and payment structures of the machine.

I wont pretend this article will answer all questions for everybody, but Ill be giving as much background as I can with more, detailed information backing it up from the website in the text or by links to the appropriate authority. Ill start with one of the biggest headaches the house sale (if you own) and packing up for the move.

Packing Up

When it comes to moving house there are several theories as when to put the house up for sale. Basically, we were told to wait until called for medicals as at least then you are over half way through the process. We were lucky in that we had somewhere to go, so we put the house on the market as we just wanted to have it sold and out of our hair! Even then, as “Our Story” shows, we had trouble. If you own your house you need to asses the local housing market and though its always a gamble, plan your house sale and know at what stage in the immigration process you will put it up for sale.

Everyones circumstances are different, but once the visa is issued, you only have 12 months from the date of your MEDICALS to physically land in Canada. One big worry I had was that we wouldnt be able to sell the house quickly which in turn would delay our landing. If you miss the 12 month deadline, you will probably have to redo the medicals at a fair cost and then resubmit form there. Or you could land in Canada with your house unsold back in your native country with all the problems that entails. With many peoples houses being their main source of settling funds, youll need to have that money in the bank as soon as you can after landing.

If there is anyway you can find temporary accommodation then to have the house sold is one less headache you need when you are moving countries. You may pay rent for a while but at least you know what is in the bank when you arrive in Canada and this allows you to budget properly for your new life.

We used the whole exercise to get rid of all our old or unwanted things and start again. It comes down to economics if it costs more to insure, store and ship something than its worth. The decision on whether to insure or not is a personal choice and depends upon the value of the items you are shipping and don’t forget to take into account any excess fees you have to pay in the event of damage or losses. You will need to build a list of all the items you are bringing into Canada and give their values in Canadian dollars.

This is probably easiest to take it from the inventory drawn up by the packing company give as accurate assessment of value as you can but dont spend weeks on it. If you have a box of kids toys for example put your best guess at the value on the list as follows:

1. Box of assorted used kids toys C$100.00
2. Box of photographs No commercial value
3. Queen size bedC$850.00

And so on. You will be expected to have several copies of your packing list and a form B4 (Goods to follow) with it upon your arrival so make sure you have at least 3 copies in your hand luggage. Its ok to have too many but a pain if you dont have enough!!

You will also need a similar list for any items you bring with you on the day of arrival and also any other subsequent shipments (we had an extra large box of things couriered in a totally separate shipment just before we left).

The chances are you will be using a specialist international moving company to move your possessions to Canada. Depending upon where you are moving from, you may have a long wait for your things to arrive at their final destination. You may also decide to store the property in your home country while you find the home of your dreams so make sure you allow for storage charges and extra insurance. These charges soon mount up and can give you a nasty surprise.

One thing Ill say about the moving companies is that you are paying them for a service, if they are a good company they will be able to advise on the correct paperwork etc and formalities that will ensure a smooth arrival and customs clearance in Canada. You dont need your shipment to be turned away from the port of entry (very expensive when they order its return to the original port of departure) or you end up liable for extra taxes etc. because of incorrect paperwork. You may well be able to have it repaid once you prove it is legitimate but you will still be out of pocket in the short term.

Most shipping agencies charge by the cubic foot and have several schemes offering different rates – “share a container” or “Full container”. The Full container service will have the container packed and sealed at your residence. The shared container service will see your possessions packed at your residence and then transported to the companies depot. Once there it is packed with other items to complete a container.

Pets

As with everything, your circumstances depend on whether you’ll bring any pets over with you. There are strict rules to be adhered to for the Importation Of Animals – as with most countries – so please ensure you fully understand what is required.

There are a few things to consider – if you are going into rented accommodation on your arrival having a pet will seriously restrict your choice of home. The local bylaws concerning pets are fairly strictly enforced leading to large fines if broken so make sure you understand them!
Make sure any inoculations are in date and you have the records. Also, it isn’t cheap to transport animals so bear that in mind too. Its worth delaying the arrival of your pet if possible to give you time to settle in and complete all the arriving formalities with one less thing to worry about. After a long and stressful journey do you really need to stay at the airport for several hours while the vet inspects your pet and completes all the necessary paperwork? Then you have to organise the transport to your accommodation (if they take pets) with a stressed out animal!

At the end of the day, moving countries is enough of an upheaval without leaving the family pet behind. That was the case for us so we brought our 3 year old Golden Retriever “Boris” over about 2 weeks after us. Boris was in kennels for 2 weeks prior to his departure during which time he had a custom travel kennel made for him and time to get used to it. All the necessary paperwork and vets examinations were handled by the shipper and he was booked on a scheduled flight. On the day of the flight he wasn’t put in the kennel until the last minute before loading which kept the time in the kennel restricted.

When we collected him all the paperwork was in order and all we had to do was go to the customs hall in the Calgary Terminal (pay a C$30.00 import duty) and then return to the cargo terminal with the release paperwork to collect one seriously excited dog!

Arrival Day

I guess it would be the worst nightmare if you landed without the correct documentation so hopefully we can help avoid that! It is essential that these items are carried in your HAND LUGGAGE and not packed away in a suitcase. All the Immigration processing takes place before you reclaim your baggage.
Your Canadian Immigrant visa and confirmation of Permanent Residence for each family member with you.

A valid Passport or other official travel document for each family member (normally must have a minimum of 6 months left before expiry).

Sufficient funds to cover your living expenses for 6 months.
Two copies of a detailed list of ALL the personal or Household items you are bringing with you. These lists must state how much the items are worth in Canadian Dollars.

Two copies of a list of items to follow – if you are shipping things later. Again, the values in Canadian Dollars must be shown.

For the goods to follow we used the insurance values we had stated to make it easier (as described above) and had made detailed lists of everything to come and in what shipment they were in. The Canadian Customs and Border Crossing Agency (CBSA) are responsible for enforcing the laws and provide the form B4 for personal effects accounting. You should receive a checklist and detailed instruction on what is required for your arrival in Canada when you receive your immigration visas I know when we had our visa’s issued they were accompanied by a checklist of documents.

If you have any questions please contact your nearest High Commission or the CBSA BEFORE you leave your home country one good tip is to ensure any important documents or transcripts are translated into English or French as required (if they arent already) before you arrive . For a more detailed overview go to our Customs and Immigration page.

It may be advisable to carry any other personal documents in your hand luggage as well. The Citizenship and Immigration Canada E-Book A Newcomers Introduction to Canada gives excellent advice on this matter.

As with most countries around the world, Canada takes its security extremely seriously and will not bend the rules for anybody. The guidelines are quite straight forward and to ensure a problem free arrival its imperative you stick to them. There are two main pamphlets available to assist you depending upon your circumstances.

RC4151 – Settling in Canada is the document to guide you if you are settling in Canada for the first time or after being abroad for over 3 years (For Canadians)
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Also, for those who are moving to Canada to study or work temporarily the pamphlet RC4220 Entering Canada to Study or to Work will be your guide.

Ensure all your possessions you bring with you are listed with values in Canadian Dollar have two copies ready – one to keep and one for the officials. To speed things up when you land you can download and print the forms B4 and B4A from the CBSA website. Its best to have all your lists typed out to make life easier for the officials. Also, you will need the same forms for the goods to follow (if any). No import tax or duties are payable on settlers personal and household effects as long as you have owned, possessed and used them prior to arrival in Canada. If possible try and find any receipts and/or registration documents to support this.

There is also a scheme for wedding gifts if you are newly married or about to be married within 3 months of your arrival in Canada. It is worth noting that any items you will be using for commercial purposes will be subject to regular duties at the current rates.

With the recent international clamp downs on terrorism and money laundering it is essential that if you physically carry on your person, over C$10,000 or foreign equivalent in cash, bonds or securities you report it to the customs official. There isn’t any limit on settlers funds but failure to follow the rules may result in the seizure of the cash and/or big fines. See the pamphlet RC 4321.

Good Luck!

With no travel insurance such as a huge amount could mean having to re-mortgage or worse sell a house to cover the costs. Just a broken leg or some sickness abroad can cost a huge amount as medical expense. Roughly around 10,000 for a broken leg expense abroad. If youre a traveller taking time out for a Gap Year or extended time abroad, either travelling or working or even visiting distant relatives, Gap Year Travel Insurance helps you.

If you are a young traveller, looking out for a long vacation gap travel is the apt one for you. You can cover around 80 sporting activities such as scuba diving, winter sports and bungee jumping, some at additional cost. Go skiing, bungee jumping or any other sports activity with gap year travel package. Get insured at the most favourable rate, insurance for gap year travelling helps you choose the best travel insurance.

Also consider how you’ll keep in contact with family and friends back home; most countries have internet cafes and phone cards to help you. Or you may decide to take a laptop and use wireless internet points which are usually available in hostels and guesthouses.

Be aware that some insurers may not cover for certain countries so it’s worth doing a quote first, to get an idea of countries you will be covered for. A policy covering personal belongings and medical expenses is the bare minimum you should take out; one which will reimburse you for any further cancelled flights or other modes of transport is also a good idea.

Few tips when you travel abroad carry copies of visas, passports and medical records in a different place to the originals. Send such copies to family and friends before you leave, and even email them to yourself. Carry contact numbers and addresses of the British Embassies of each country you visit, so that in case you need it on an emergency you have it handy.

Get special cover on your backpacker insurance, these specialist policies can offer incentives that regular policies cant, including cover from three to eighteen months. Such backpacker travel insurance uk policies, also cover working overseas, which is usually necessary for an extended trip.

Accommodation

The greatest expense on holiday is likely to be the accommodation and travel. Accommodation at home and abroad can now often be booked direct with the owner. Thanks to the internet, owners do not have to rely on advertising through large companies, so prices are not inflated by agents fees. Of course some owners do not want to deal direct with customers and still use agents. You can often find small companies local to your chosen destination. They have fewer overheads so prices are lower and you can also benefit from their detailed knowledge of their properties and the area.

Travel

The increasing number of no frills budget airlines have, of course, made a big difference to many travel plans. Look out for offers online and in the media, particularly for off peak periods. If you are travelling to Europe then you may want to take your own car. Ferry crossings can seem expensive at first sight but remember the price quoted usually includes several passengers and you wont have to think about a hire car. Short crossings and the Channel Tunnel are cheaper but may involve more driving, depending on your holiday destination.

Travel insurance costs

Never try and save money by ignoring travel insurance completely. This could end up becoming a costly mistake if you have to cancel, need medical attention abroad, or a breakdown service. However, you do not have to use the policy offered by the travel company. Shop around for an independent deal from another source. Online comparison sites make this an easy process. If you are a frequent traveller you can save money by buying an extended travel insurance package. This works like a season ticket so you will be covered however often you travel during the agreed period.

Try to be flexible

If you are flexible with dates and locations it is possible to find very good last minute deals. There are websites which specialise in assisting with this. However, if you have to, or wish to, plan ahead then if at all possible avoid peak holiday periods. This will immediately give you huge savings.

Of course many people are tied to school holidays when prices are inflated but there are still things you can do to cut costs. Try to find accommodation with flexible change over days so that you can choose a ferry or flight mid week rather than the more expensive weekend options. Look out for reduced rates for children and book direct with the owner if possible.

How about trying something completely different? You may be used to all inclusive hotel holidays but self-catering does not have to be a chore. If you stay in a cottage, gite or apartment you do not have to produce elaborate meals. Take the opportunity to browse at local markets for fresh produce or make the most of the weather and barbecue. Shopping and preparing simple food can easily become part of the fun. Most children love the freedom of camping and many sites now have excellent facilities. Luxury ready erected tents and mobile homes are available and if you book direct with the campsite it will be cheaper than using a large company.

When you are on holiday

So what about once you have arrived at you destination? Although you may wish to have the freedom to travel around, it is worth booking at least some accommodation ahead. It is likely to be cheaper this way and will save you having to accept an overpriced hotel simply because you cannot find anything else when you arrive. Similarly if you know you want to hire a car dont wait until you arrive at the airport to organise a deal. There are many guide books available which are aimed at particular groups such as students. However, these can be useful information sources for anyone on a budget as they offer advice on good value accommodation, restaurants, and places to visit.

Choose a destination where you know the cost of living is reasonable and check the exchange rate is favourable. Beware of high commission rates and make sure you are not paying more than necessary. Make sure you dont become a victim of fraud by keeping your credit cards safe. Take necessary telephone contacts with you in case they should get lost or stolen and need to be cancelled.

And finally .

Whether you take an annual fortnight, opt for a number of short breaks, or you are looking forward to the long haul trip of a lifetime, holiday planning should be fun. The end result will be well worth the time invested in planning.

If you are going on holiday or even having a mini break somewhere – travel insurance is a must. Many people dont even bother taking out travel insurance, thinking they wont need to claim on it. However, if something goes wrong when you are away from home and you need medical treatment, you could spend out literally thousands of pounds in overseas hospital costs and repatriation. So, rule number one is – get travel insurance! That in itself could save you thousands of pounds!

The second rule is to shop around for it. Many people buy their travel insurance as part of their holiday package, not realising that they can probably get a cheaper policy with the same or even better level of cover elsewhere.

You are not obliged to buy travel insurance from your travel company there are many online specialist sites (such as www.protection-insurance.com or www.uk-travel-insurance-online.co.uk) that have quick and easy access to online quotes and can save you up to 50% on premiums!

Holidaymakers should also be aware that you are not fully protected by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) when buying standalone travel insurance cover from High Street travel agents such as Thomas Cook and Thomson. Therefore, using one of the many FSA registered online facilities will give you peace of mind that the policy is valid.

The third and final rule of buying travel insurance is to understand different levels of travel cover that are available for example, gold, silver and bronze. When comparing the cost of travel insurance, it is imperative you compare like with like to ensure you get the right level of cover at the right price.

.And if you are still not sure of the importance of travel insurance .. then read on

Bernie P (40), an avid skier from London never really valued the importance of travel insurance, seeing it as a formality when arranging holidays. However, a near fatal skiing accident in March last year brought it home to him, with hospital and repatriation bills totalling over 45,000.

His travel insurance policy covered all the medical and transportation costs both in Austria (which included being airlifted off the Alps, two weeks spent in a coma in hospital and treatment for 10 broken ribs, a ruptured spleen, a collapsed lung and a smashed hip joint). The policy also continued paying for further operations once he was back in the UK, including a hip re-build operation.

Over a year on, Bernie is 99% fit and has just returned from a skiing holiday. He says: “Without the travel insurance policy, I wouldnt be as fit and well as I am today. I got the best in medical treatment without the worry of paying the bills.

Polar Loans is a marketing and a trading style of Speedie Consultants Limited. In conjunction with our partners, we have created a Loans broking service which not only provides you with great rates and exceptional customer service but also gives back to the environment.

An Overview of a Bareboat Charter

Once you have decided on a destination, you will need to choose a boat. The charter company or broker will send you brochures, pictures and descriptions of boats. Once you have chosen a boat, you sign a contract and pay a deposit to reserve your trip. Read the contract carefully. It will contain information on:

o Liability insurance
o Cancellation policy
o What is included in your charter
o Security deposit
o What to do if you experience a problem with the boat

Read the information carefully and ask questions about anything that isnt clear or that you dont understand.

In most cases, you are paying only for the boat. You and your crew will be responsible for sailing the boat on your voyage. If you arent qualified, you will need to hire a skipper. The charter company can help you with this. You will be responsible for fuel, taxes and port fees. In addition, you will need to provide food and other supplies. You will need to arrange travel and hotel reservations. Some companies work with a travel agent that can help you with this and often get you a better rate.

The size and age of the boat determine the cost. If you are travelling with several friends, family members or other couples, you can split the cost. This is a great way to enjoy a luxury vacation at a reasonable cost. With your co travellers, you will need to set an itinerary for your trip. Decide what activities you are interested in, and the sights you want to see. The charter company will help you set an itinerary that will include something for everyone in your group.

Requirements

You will need to prove that you are qualified to handle the ship you intend to rent. You will be asked for your sailing resume, which details your experience. Some companies require a Bareboat Sailing Certificate. Prior to departure, a skipper will take you out on a short cruise for you to demonstrate your skills. This allows them to be sure of your ability and gives you a chance to get comfortable with the sailboat or motor yacht. If the skipper is not convinced of your skill, you will need to hire a skipper for the voyage. This can cost up to $200 per day.

Choosing a Charter Company

You can charter either directly with the charter company or work with a charter broker. A broker works with several charter companies worldwide. The fee is paid by the charter company. The benefit of a broker is they have access to more boats and may be better able to find the perfect boat for your needs, and to fit your budget.

Good brokers are familiar with all the boats they broker. You will be sent pictures, brochures and descriptions of each boat to help you make a decision. Ask about the age and condition of each boat. The newer the boat, the higher the price you will pay for your vacation. A five year old boat will be less expensive, but if it is well maintained, can give you a great trip at a lower cost.

Whether you are using a broker or a charter company, choose an organization that has been in business for a long time. Check with the Better Business Bureau for information on companies operating in the United States. Ask for references from people who have used the company or broker in the past. Your trip is a big investment and you want to be sure you are making the best choice.

Common wisdom tells us that a death of a loved one and moving house are the two most stressful events a person can go through in the modern world. Not being an estate agent or a funeral director, I cant really comment on either of these but I do feel qualified to discuss another stressful area planning a trip and preparing to go on holiday.

Its ironic that a period of the year designed to promote rest and relaxation can actually be the cause of the most stress and strain present for the entire year. Things are usually completed in a rush, there is a lot to organise and theres packing time to consider and thats not even taking into account the stress families will go through looking after the kids during all of this! For this reason, Ive written a useful holiday check list to ensure you dont miss any of the small things which have a tendency to turn into bigger problems while youre away.

Simply work through my holiday check list and travel with peace of mind:

Before you go (planning your trip)

Always make sure you have full travel insurance, fit for the purpose of your trip and if you have an annual policy – check that it is still valid. Sometimes people who have purchased annual travel insurance forget to renew it, and assume they are covered whenever they wish to leave the country. Checking your travel insurance is right for the task can save you a lot of stress and tears in the long run, should the worst happen. It is also essential that you make your travel insurance company aware of any pre existing medical condition you have before you travel although it may increase your costs in the short term, you may find yourself without cover if you later need to claim on such an illness without having warned them of it!

If youre traveling within the European economic region, or in Switzerland, you should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Its a common misconception that this is as good as travel insurance for giving you free health care, but it can entitle you to reduced costs, meaning you are not left out of pocket while you wait to be reimbursed on your policy.

When planning a trip, make sure the vaccinations for both you and your family are up to date especially if youre travelling outside of Europe. Your health care provider can advise you of any additional vaccinations youll need depending on where youre going.

Fill in the contact details at the back of your passport for the next of kin, or the details of someone who can be contacted in case of an emergency.

Make sure you are aware of the immigration and custom laws of the country you are traveling to when planning a trip. A visa may take a little time to come through, so be prepared and allow enough time to complete this procedure. Also you should note that in many countries your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after the date you travel, so check this in advance.

Tell someone where you are going and when they should expect you back. Try to leave an itinerary and details of where you may be able to be contacted during your time abroad, in case of emergency.

If you are planning on driving in foreign climes, take your full driving license with you. Make sure you are aware of the driving laws, license requirements and driving conditions of your destination before you set off.

When you are there

Be aware of security and take sensible precautions. If an area is advised against travelling to, the chances are theres a good reason for it!

Keep a note of the local embassy, high commission or consulate number. Although the chances are you will not need it, its always worth holding on to in the case of emergency.

Stay in regular contact with your family and friends, especially if you are travelling alone. This will ensure theyre always aware of where you are and should be, and can ensure they can contact you in the case of emergency.

Respect local customs and behave and dress appropriately. Although unlikely to cause disastrous problems, as a guest in a foreign culture, its only polite to try and fit in.

On return

Inform family and friends of your safe return, to end their worries and ensure no bogus emergency calls are made.

If you need to make any claims against your travel insurance make sure this is done at the earliest opportunity, for maximum chance of getting a positive result.

I hope this travel check list has been helpful. Although planning a trip in this much detail may seem like a lot of hassle, dotting all the Is and crossing all the Ts, it really is worth doing. In the end, following this holiday check list to the letter will ensure you are more relaxed and prepared to enjoy your holiday, and should the worst happen youll be well equipped to deal with it.

The area, which includes the N16 postcode in England, surpassed 20 different UK postcodes to the number one hotspot for home insurance claims. The investigation indicated that areas which are the least likely to submit a claim are Bodelwyddan in Denbighshire in Wales; Elgin in Moray in Scotland; Peterlee in County Durham, and Helston in Cornwall.

In addition, the UK-wide burglary hotspots study said that in Apperley Bridge in Bradford, and West Bromwich in the West Midlands, closely followed Stoke Newington with 32 claims made per 1,000 enquiries.

It was London and Yorkshire that showed the greatest proportion of burglary claims, particularly the capital areas Streatham, Wood Green and Mill Hill; as well as Leeds, Doncaster and Sheffield. The study found out that approximately 30 claims were made in Wood Green in London whilst 20 were made in Bramley, Rodley and Swinnow in Leeds in Yorkshire.

The figures were obtained between 1st December 2010 and 30th November 2011. Living in a ‘high risk’ area can affect the price of your home insurance policy and it can ultimately affect whether or not your fire, flood or burglary claim is accepted or not. MoneySupermarket recommends Brits to deter thieves by installing security lighting and fixing old locks. In contrast, Salmon Assessors advises homeowners to get in touch with them to find out the important difference between loss assessors and adjusters to see how they can help fight for your claim should one occur.