Friday 23 May 2014

Top Tips On Party Destinations



With holiday season fast approaching we have compiled together a list of our top 5 must hit party destinations. With a look at what's on offer at each there's sure to be something that takes your fancy.

1.                   San Antonio, Ibiza – A regular on the party front for numerous years now Ibiza is still going strong. With some of the most famous night-life in the world, you can dance the night away in some of Ibiza hot spots such as Pasha, Space, Amnesia and Eden who play host to a congregation of the world’s finest DJs.

As well as the night-life there's the warm summer days where you can soak up the sun on one of San Antonio Bay's beaches, and partake in water activities from banana boats to boat parties out in the ocean. If Ibiza is to be your chosen destination however bear in mind that although it can prove as a cheap holiday buy once out there entry to clubs can range between £25-50 and bottles of water alone priced between £6 and £9.

2.                   Cancun, Mexico – If you’re looking to go a little further afield then Cancun could be the summer party destination for you! With its season running the year through here the party never stops, from Spring Break through to the Inception Music Festival there is something here to suit everyone. With plenty of Tequila to go around and lots of fun-filled resorts Cancun could be your perfect destination.

The partying is just restricted to the night time either with antics to be had the whole day through on the sizzling hot beaches or resort parties you’re sure to be entertained. With turquoise waters to relax by there is also the opportunity to top up your tan whilst recovering from the night before. Again however Cancun can be seen as an expensive place to visit, but with most resorts all-inclusive you can select your chosen place to stay wisely.

3.                   Navalja, Croatia – Still fairly new within the party holiday scene Navalja is an up and coming destination. It does however offer to you something a little different, with plenty of culture to be absorbed around the city by day you can then head off to one their infamous night-life hot spots. Zcre Beach is a must hit destination if you’re looking for the ultimate beach party.

Being an up and coming destination it can prove cheaper on the drink front and with entry to bars and clubs nearly always free unless there is a special event being hosted, you can be seen to get more for your money

4.                   Ayia Napa, Cyprus – A thing to mention here is the numerous amounts of beaches that are found at this party resort from the likes of Nissi beach and Makronissos beach which leads the way on the water sport front. With beaches comes beach parties and a must hit spot is the candy beach party which is popular among revellers.

Come night time Ayia Napa goes all out from drinks promotions to Foam parties there is something going on to suit all musical and party tastes.


5.                   Marbella, Spain – Marbella is located in the heart of the Costa Del Sol and is viewed as the new ultra-cool and chic party place to go. If partying until 7am is one of the things on your to do list then head on over to the restaurant and nightclub Olivia Valare which is seen as one of the most exclusive party spots, so be sure to dress to impress with A-Listers having made appearances here.

If you’re looking for more than just the night-life then you can spend the days browsing round chic boutique shops or enjoy a cocktail at Marbella's marina. Again Marbella can come with expensive drink prices, but if you are looking to get a little more for you money venturing up into the town away from the sea front can see the prices reduce.

For a party holiday a discount centre could prove useful to find you numerous cheap holidays that matches your criteria, from budgets to accommodation types and desired departure airports.



(Photo courtesy of Inspire Pattaya)

Thursday 22 May 2014

Don't Forget To Pack – Your Summer Holiday Check-List



Below you’ll find the essential list of your must pack items and holiday check list, to ensure you get your holiday off to the best start and set you off on your way to an unforgettable time.

Travel Essentials

Passport – Not only do you need to remember this item of course to get yourself on the flight to your intended destination, but at the moment of booking your holiday, check in advance that your passport is valid and in date for at least 6 months from the date of your travel.

Travel Insurance – Ensure you are protected financially if anything was to happen.

Do you require a visa? - Be sure to check local travel regulations of your destination to ensure that a visa is not required in advance for entry into the country. It may also be required upon arrival, so be sure to have the money at hand ready to purchase.

Flight Tickets – Do you need to print off your e-tickets before arrival at the airport, or confirm check in? You may be required to add in your passport and personal details online, to make the check in process at the airport speedier. So be sure to check with your airline provider and do this in advance if required.

Currency – Local currency of you chosen destination.

EHIC Card – (European Health Insurance Card) Ensure that you get NHS standard treatment for free or at a reduced cost; if your are travelling within the EEA (European Economic Area)

Driving Licence – In case you wish to make a car rental whilst away on your holiday.

Useful contact numbers – You may wish to make note of any contact numbers that could potentially be required such as your bank, insurance provider and any contacts you may need from home like family members.

Personal Possessions

Camera – To capture those special moments to create memories that last a life time.

Sun glasses – There to protect the eyes from the sun’s rays but also act as a stylish summer accessory.

Mobile phone and charger – In case you need to get into contact with anyone either back home or a member within your holiday group.

Medical

Any required medication – Do you have any medication that you require daily? Check in advance with your holiday provider and the destination regulations as a doctor’s note may be required to travel with them.  Remember you may also want to take your prescription along with you.

Sun cream – If you’re heading off into the sunshine be sure to pack this holiday essential to protect you against sun burn and potential health factors related to such. In case of an instance where you are to be burn, be sure to pack after sun along with it to help soothe.

Do you require any vaccinations? - Some destinations require vaccinations for various diseases; so be sure to check and read up about these after booking.

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Shampoo & conditioner
  • Small first aid kit

Whenever you book, whether your hunting last minute cheap holidays or plan ahead months in advance be sure check you have all your essential items prepared and ready for you departure date. If you are still in search of a cheap holiday a discount centre may be a good place to check out.


(Image courtesy of Event-traveller)

Wednesday 21 May 2014

Jetting Off Somewhere Hot This Year? Make Sure Your Covered With Insurance!



Jetting off somewhere hot this year? Whether it is a holiday with friends, family or a loved one, travel insurance is imperative. Below, we have come up with the top tips to bagging the best deal, making your search for cheap holidays, is actually possible!

Stay away from airlines

After searching through cheap holidays and picking a deal, the next step is sorting insurance. Under no circumstances at all must you buy insurance from airlines, as it will almost definitely cost you more. Instead, use comparison websites, as this is the best way to find a great deal.

What cover do you require?

Before embarking on travel comparison websites, you need to know the type of cover you require. For example, if you plan to take expensive goods with you such as a tablet, you will soon learn; that cheap £10 week cover is useless when you need to claim. As there is a £250 excess and a single item limit of £150 – you will sadly end up out of pocket.

When it comes to other areas, you should aim to be covered for medical expenses up to the value of £2m (Europe) and £5m (worldwide). Other cover should include cancellation (£3, 000) and damage to or lost personal belongings (£1,500).

Getting to grips with excess

As the policyholder, the excess is how much you will have to pay out, if you have to make a claim. So for instance if the cover is for £1,000 and there is an excess of £250, the insurer will pay £750. Bear in mind that the higher the excess the cheaper the policy will be, however, be realistic, make sure you can afford the excess. If not, there is no point having the policy in the first place. 

In some cases, you will be charged an excess per ‘benefit section’. So, for example, if you were mugged and you became injured, you could end up paying two lots of excess. This is because there will be an excess to pay for medical costs and for the loss of personal belongings. However, there are policies out there which will only charge per claim. They may cost more but end up cheaper in the long run.

Are you covered with home insurance?

Before opting for a particular policy, it is worth checking what you are covered with your home insurance. Some personal belongings are still covered with home policies if taken away from home. So needn’t bother taking out baggage cover, as you will only be paying twice. Sometimes, a credit or debit card can have free travel insurance. However, the word to be careful of is free, as it will undoubtedly be very basic, so check to see what you are actually covered for.

Annual cover

If you go on holiday more than three times a year, it is highly advisable looking into annual cover. This will cover you for the whole year no matter how many holidays you go on and so, in the long run end up cheaper compared with separate policies each time. 

Do you require worldwide cover?

You can get some great cheap holidays to Egypt, Morocco and Turkey. However, some travellers get confused and think that they will need worldwide cover for visiting such places. This is not the case, as even though they are north of Africa, they come under Europe in most insurance deals. 

Limits

Know the limits of you travel insurance. For example, in most cases, insurers will refuse to offer medical cover for anyone over the age of 65. Regardless of the fact if they are very healthy and fit individuals. Also, check the fine print, as some policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions. For example, asthma sufferers, if you were to have an attack whilst on holiday and require medical treatment, the insurer will refuse to pay out. Be honest with your insurer. Who knows, they may be able to offer a small extra premium, to make sure you are covered. Depending on the condition, a specialist insurer may be required.

Risky activities

Cheap holidays can soon end up costing a fortune, if you decide to take part in activities deemed as risky by your insurer and need to claim for medical expenses. Activities include everything from scuba diving to horse riding, so make sure you know what you are covered for, before going on that bungee jump.

EHIC card

Many of us will be looking into Europe for cheap holidays in the sun! If this is you, make sure you get your hands on an EHIC card. EHIC stands for European Health Insurance Card and guess what, it’s free! This card is handy, as it allows you to received state-provided healthcare at a reduce cost, or in best case scenarios, it will cost you nothing, whilst you are on holiday there. Some insurers will waive medical insurance excess if you have one of these cards. Once you have got this card, it remains valid for 5 years.
So there you have our top tips on travel insurance. Booked your summer holiday yet? What are you waiting for? Now is the best time to grab cheap holidays. For a great value holiday a discount centre is probably your best bet.


(Photo courtesy Jet Lag Manifesto)

Tuesday 20 May 2014

Must See Destinations When Visiting Naples, Italy



When jetting off to the sunny, romantic destination of Naples, there are some must see destinations and attractions. Being the largest city in southern Italy, Naples boasts spectacular opera houses, monuments and historic statues.

National Archaeological Museum of Naples

Here you can view ancient finds and artefacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum that were destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in A.D 79. As well as these permanent fixtures throughout the year there are temporary exhibitions which come in from other cities.

Be sure to check ahead if there are certain areas of the museum you specifically want to see as some areas have closures for restoration purposes. Closures can be anything from a couple of days to weeks or in some cases even years.

Museo Cappella Sansevero

Having been built in the late 1500's the Museo Cappella Sansevero design was heavily influenced by Raimondo de Sangro VII, Prince of Sansevero. Highlighting the world's artistic heritage the Museo Cappella Sansevero offers a unique and timeless atmosphere. It houses master pieces like the Veiled Christ and enigmatic creations such as the Anatomical machines and the Sansevero Chapel. Receiving astounding reviews from visitors it is a must see site in the old historic city of Naples.

Teatro di San Carlo

The theatre was designed by architects Giovanni Antonio Medrano and Angelo Carasale, but in 1816 was destroyed by fire that tore through the building. As a result the theatre was redesigned by architect Antonio Niccolini and promptly rebuilt upon the order of King Ferdinand IV. In 1854 there was further refurbishment to the interior to show the now traditional design of red and gold. Having been restored to its former glory the Teatro di San Carlo is now the oldest working theatre in Europe. Tourists often describe the Teatro di San Carlo as spectacular, breath-taking and a wonderful night out.

The Bourbon Tunnel

The tunnel was built in 1853 by Ferdinand II of Bourbon, when he became concerned about the rebellion outbreak and asked for an escape passage from the Royal Palace to what is now known as Via Morelli. The work here, however, did not get completed and was used for various other reasons, for example during the second world war it was used as a military hospital. From this period during the war aspects can still be seen such as writing on the walls and folding beds allowing the tunnel to retain this historic memory.

Taking visitors to the underground of Naples, the Bourbon Tunnel offers an enchanting and emotional journey as they progress beneath the ground.

Rome

Located just 2 hours south of Rome, a stay at Naples is the perfect opportunity to take a day trip to explore this historic city. Why not take this chance to go and see some of the historic wonders of this spectacular city, such as the Colosseum, the Trevi fountain and the Spanish Steps.

With rail services operating between the two cities, with some express services reducing the travel time to close to an hour.


With cheap holidays available to Naples this is the perfect time to be jetting off to the beautiful city, for the best deals available on these holidays a discount centre may be of use.


(Image courtesy of Lonely Planet)