Lufthansa strike sees ‘massive’ flight cancellations

Lufthansa is offering free alternative bookings

22 April 2013 Last updated at 01:38 GMT

German airline Lufthansa has cancelled the majority of its flights scheduled for Monday due to a strike over pay.

The airline said only about 20 of its flights would run as planned, out of more than 1,700 originally scheduled.

Flights to and from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow, Dublin, Aberdeen and Edinburgh will be hit. German airports affected are Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf and Hamburg.

The airline said the strike, second in the last two months, was uncalled for.

“It’s completely out of proportion,” a Lufthansa spokesman was quoted as saying by the Reuters news agency.

“Especially given that four further dates for pay talks had already been agreed upon.”

Common tactic

Ground staff have called a one-day strike amid an ongoing pay dispute with the airline.

Like many airlines, Lufthansa is looking to cut costs in the face of stiff competition from low-cost carriers and big Gulf airlines, as well as rising fuel prices.

Last week, Lufthansa rejected union demands for a 5.2% wage increase over the next 12 months.

Strikers are also looking for guarantees over job cuts.

Unions staged a similar one-day strike last month. Short “warning strikes” are a common tactic among German unions, designed to put pressure on wage negotiations.

In a statement on its website, Lufthansa said passengers should expect “massive” flight cancellations and delays that will start to affect long-haul flights from Sunday.

The airline said it was offering free alternative bookings.

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Columbus Direct customers who have purchased their policies after today 22 April 2013, 01:38 GMT will not be covered under the policy for the strike above.

Please refer to the respective sections of the policy wording and contact customer services if you have any queries.

Tel: 0845 888 8893
Email: admin@columbusdirect.com

Angolan Floods

8 April 2013 Last updated at 12:22 GMT

At least nine people have died in Angola’s capital, Luanda, after weekend floods caused by torrential rains.

Four people are also missing after a storm led to the flooding of hundreds of houses, a government official told Angola’s Angop news agency.

Landslides forced the closure of some roads, including one near the port, it was reported.

Angola, a major oil producer, is recovering from a 27-year civil war which ended in 2002.

Government official Antonio Resende told Angop the deaths were caused by flood damage to houses.

The areas affected by the flood were on the outskirts of the city, including the Kilamba Kiaxi housing development recently built by the Chinese, Reuters news agency reports.

There has been a construction boom in Luanda in recent years to build infrastructure and housing for the millions of people who sought refuge in the city during the civil war.

Correspondents say property prices are very expensive and many of the city’s residents still live in sprawling slums.

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Columbus Direct customers who have purchased their policies after 8 April 2013, 12:22 GMT will not be covered under the policy for Travel Delay, Abandonment, or Missed Departure as a direct or indirect result of the bad weather.

Please note that the airlines should make themselves responsible for offering clients alternate flights / compensation for additional accommodation and so these elements would not be covered under the policy.

Please contact customer services if you have any queries.

Tel: 0845 888 8893
Email: admin@columbusdirect.com

The great outdoors…

Head outside UK breaks Rumour has it, Spring is here…Time to head in to the sunshine for a UK break, before the inevitable Summer wash out arrives. Here are our top picks for a great weekend staycation:

Whether you’re a budding Masterchef or simply have a hankering for home baking, there are plenty of food festivals springing up all over the UK this Summer. Head off for the weekend to the Ludlow Food Festival (7th-9th September), or if you prefer not to wait, Britain’s oldest food festival now has a naughty little brother in the Ludlow Spring Festival in the grounds of the medieval castle, with an emphasis on beer, bangers and vintage cars. If you’re after something with a bit more spice, head to West Dean Chilli Fiesta – held on the Upton Cheyney Chilli Company’s farm near Chichester. It offers a party atmosphere with Mariachi bands alongside chilli infused offerings including chocolate and beer.

The Scottish Highlands are probably as warm as they’re going to get during the month of May, and midge-free to boot – so it’s a great time to head to the hills for some outdoor activities. As home to the Mountain Bike World Cup, Fort William is probably the best place to head to if you’re handy on two wheels. The Witch’s Trails in Leanachan Forest offer grades of cross country biking to suit all ages and levels. You’ll whizz through some spectacular highland scenery, and if you’re travelling light, or just want to dip your toes in to the waters of the biking world, bike hire is available locally.

Heading outdoors needn’t mean getting mucky – open air theatre is a great way to get some fresh air and sunshine whilst soaking up some culture (and possibly a Pimms or two). Regent’s Park’s Open Air Theatre in London has a season including The Sound of Music and To Kill a Mockingbird, along side comedy including Jimmy Carr. But if you want to avoid the city, why not head to the Cornish coast where the Minack Theatre, set on a dramatic rocky crag, with the sea as its backdrop. Check out their website here for the summer programme of drama and music including Wuthering Heights, The Taming of the Shrew and Babe, the Sheep Pig.

Stand in the footsteps of giants – the columnar basalt of the Giant’s Causeway is one of the must-see features of the breath taking Antrim coast. Start your journey in Belfast and you can follow this fantastic Game of Thrones themed itinerary – taking in the highlights of the coastline as well as some of the shooting locations of the series. Things to do in Belfast – don’t forget to make a stop at the Merchant Hotel for cocktails and Maggie Mays for a restorative full Irish breakfast.

Find out what the Romans did for us – and the Georgians, the Vikings, and the odd feudal lord or two. There’s dizzying number of things to do in the UK if you’re after a historic break. Wales is a great place to start – known as the ‘capital of castles’ with over 400 to its name. Cardiff Castle is ideally placed for a city break and dates from 1106. If you get the castle bug, Visit Britain has a great itinerary for you to follow here.

Where to go in May…

With the unseasonably chilly spring we’re having, we’re all in need of some sunshine here at Columbus Direct towers and our thoughts are turning to hotter climes. Why not plan an early-season Summer break to get your dose of Vitamin D? Here are our top picks for travel during May:

Bahamas

May is the best time to visit the Bahamas to avoid the summer rains and hurricane season and to take advantage of cheaper deals (peak booking season along with its inflated prices ends in April). Average temperatures are between 24 and 29°C, the sea is warm and there’s plenty to do during May, including seafood festivals, fishing tournaments and the Abaco Islands Roots Heritage Festival. If lazing on the island’s idyllic beaches gets too much for you, there’s also the Ardastra Gardensm, Zoo and Conservation Park to explore in Nassau, where you can see parrots and iguanas and flamingos, as well as the Pirates of Nassau Museum for slightly cheesy, pirate themed fun.

Paphos

With May temperatures at an average of 29°C, 10 to 11 hours of sunshine and low chance of rain, Paphos in Cyprus is a sure fire winner for a sunny Med beach break. Although the main tourist drag has the usual array of tourist-centric shops and bars, it’s also home to a UNESCO world heritage site, where you can explore archaeological remains including a ruined medieval castle, and buildings dating to Cyprus’ time as an outpost of the Roman empire – including an amphitheatre and Roman villas with intricate mosaic floors. While you’re in Paphos, why not pay a visit to the Bird and Animal park – home to monkeys, giraffes and friendly giant tortoises.

Sicily
Hotter summer temperatures start in May – it’ll be pleasantly sunny and hot at the beach but shady and cool if you’re wandering the streets of Palermo, enjoying the mish-mash of history and cultures of this historic sea port. And, if you’re flying in to Palermo, visit nearby Sigesta to see the beautifully preserved Greek temple and amphitheatre. The Italian island offers eight hours of sunshine a day, hardly any rain, and temperatures nudging in to the high twenties (°C) during May.

Istanbul – with its combination of opulent Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, boutique hotels, stylish bars and restaurants – Istanbul makes a great romantic city break during May, when you can enjoy warm temperatures without the sticky summer humidity. Whether you’re planning to come back with just some lokum (Turkish Delight) or a magic-carpet style rug, try your hand at haggling with some of the 5,500 plus sellers in the Grand Bazaar. Enjoy delicious Meze in a meyhane (tavern) and take in the sights – including Hagia Sophia with its four imposing minarets, and the the lavish Topkapi Palace where you can see the harem and imperial treasury of the old Ottoman empire.

Giverny
Home to Claude Monet for 43 years, the gardens at Giverny are a spectacle of Spring colour during May, when irises, peonies and rhododendrons are all in bloom. Inspired by tranquil scenes from Japanese art, Monet’s landscaped gardens were a subject the artist returned to throughout his life – and here and there you’ll spot familiar features from his work, including waterlilies and the famous Japanese bridge covered in wisteria, which is in blossom during May. Combine with a trip to Paris and you can enjoy another botanical excursion to the gardens at Versailles.

Hotspots to avoid during May – India, which is just entering its monsoon season.

Holiday nightmares – and how to avoid them

Main airport Pic From dealing with travel sickness to how and when to get in touch with the British Embassy – if something goes wrong on your trip, knowing what to do can save you time and stress. Have a stress free and relaxing holiday with these simple tips:

Make sure your passport hasn’t expired before you book your trip, and remember that some countries may require you to have 6 or more months left on your passport before you visit. You can renew your passport through the Post Office’s ‘Check and Send’ scheme which eliminates the problem of your form being rejected due to errors and can speed things up. Renewing can take up to three weeks or more during peak Summer months, so if you need it more urgently, visit here for all the info.
Check out any necessary vaccinations for your destination online here. From malaria tablets to immunisation for yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A, don’t take any risks – arrange your appointment with your GP or practice nurse in plenty of time.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, make sure you pack enough medication for your trip and don’t forget to declare pre-existing conditions to your travel insurer or you may find you can’t claim if you have problems related to that condition whilst abroad – Columbus cover many conditions subject to straight-forward screening online or over the phone.
Sunscreen or sun block is essential if you’re heading to the sun – as leaving skin exposed without UV protection can cause skin cancer. Sunglasses look cool and fashionable and not only protect your eyes but also your eye-lid and cornea too. Skip sunglasses that don’t offer details on UV protection, opt for larger lenses or better yet, the wrap-around variety.
Emergencies abroad can be expensive, so make sure you get insurance before you travel and ensure that you have the right insurance for things you might be doing whilst away – such as sports and activities. Ensure that your travel documents are in a safe place so the contact details and information is to hand if something goes wrong while you are away.
Know how to contact the local Embassy or Consulate service – Useful links to local embassies can be found here – simply select your destination to find one near you.
Avoid travel sickness by…
- Avoiding heavy meals and alcohol before travelling
- Keeping still with your eyes closed
- Anti-sickness medicines from the pharmacist. These should be taken before travel according to the instructions so they have time to be absorbed by the body.
- Alternative therapies can be worth a try – including ginger or peppermint remedies. Ginger can be taken as a biscuit, in tea or in crystallised form, while peppermint can be sucked as a sweet or taken as a tea. Try acupressure by pressing your finger against the middle of the inner wrist about three finger widths above the crease where the wrist joins the hand.
  8. If your flight is cancelled – don’t panic, call your airline right away – as it could get you through to the right person quicker than standing in line at the flight desk behind 50 other disgruntled travellers. Your airline should be able to tell you their procedure and reschedule your travel for you.

If all else fails, the FCO website is a good place to check for travel advice both before you go and if the worst should happen abroad – visit their website at http://www.fco.gov.uk.

US spring snow storm moves east after Midwestern havoc

A spring storm that brought as much as 17in (43 cm) of snow to parts of the US Midwest is moving east.

Up to ten inches are expected in parts of Pennsylvania, with lesser totals forecast from southern New York to the states of the mid-Atlantic region.

The storm was blamed over the weekend for a series of road crashes causing two deaths and two life-threatening injuries.

Unseasonably cold temperatures are forecast to continue.

Weather officials said such heavy snow this late into March was rare, less than a week after the official start of spring.

National Weather Service meteorologist Heather Sheffield in Virginia said most of the Washington DC area’s expected snowfall “happened at the worst time for the morning commute”, creating a slushy mix of snow, ice and rain.

North of the US capital, up to four inches are expected in Maryland and Delaware, as is some accumulation in New Jersey and New York as the storm weakens.

Devastation following Australia Tornado

22 March 2013 Last updated at 10:25 GMT

Aerial footage has shown the devastation caused after a tornado hit two Australian states.

One resident of a caravan park in Mulwala, New South Wales said, “This is just like we’re in war. Everyone’s lost everything!”

Another woman described witnessing, “bits of timber and trees and pieces of caravan” flying past.

In the state of Victoria, around 20 people were injured and had to be airlifted to a local hospital.

Columbus Direct customers who have purchased their policies after 22 March 2013, 10:25 GMT will not be covered under the policy for Travel Delay, Abandonment, or Missed Departure as a direct or indirect result of the bad weather.

Please contact customer services if you have any queries.

Tel: 0845 888 8893
Email: admin@columbusdirect.com

Giant Hailstones Batter China’s Southern Provinces

21 March 2013 Last updated at 15:39 GMT

Heavy storms and giant hailstones have left at least nine people dead and caused serious damage across China’s southern provinces.

The extreme weather is expected to last a few more days and could potentially bring more devastation to the area.

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Please note that Columbus Direct customers who have purchased their policies after 21 March 2013, 15:39 GMT will not be covered under the policy for Travel Delay, Abandonment, or Missed Departure as a direct or indirect result of the bad weather.

Please contact customer services if you have any queries.

Tel: 0845 888 8893
Email: admin@columbusdirect.com

Get a better deal for your Summer Holiday

If you’re like us and looking forward to your summer holiday already this year, it’s a good time to start planning if you want to get a good deal. A recent study* by ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) suggests that a third of us (34%) booked their holiday further in advance in 2012 compared to the previous year , and when asked, 68% said that this was because they were concerned about leaving it too late to get the best prices.

Summer Holiday sml Despite years of being told by budget airlines and hotel booking websites that DIY holidays are the cheapest way to travel, it also seems that nearly half of British travellers are still plumping for packages to make the best of special offers – 48% of us in 2012, a year which also saw a slight dent in the number of DIY holiday bookings with ABTA’s survey citing just 39% of people having said they’d paid for a DIY holiday compared to 43% the previous year.

In particular, all inclusive holidays have been through somewhat of a renaissance during the past twelve months, as families look to more carefully budget the amount they spend while they are away by paying for meals and drinks in advance. All inclusive providers are surfing this wave of success and it’s expected that there will be an even more extensive range of competitive deals out there for the forthcoming season. So the best advice if you’re after a week in the sun is – book early and go all-inclusive.

And if you’re looking for an undiscovered destination to glean even more of a bargain, take a look here.

*Statistics taken from ABTA Travel Trends Report 2013.

Great holiday ideas to get away from it all

The daily commute and demands of juggling a hectic social and family life can leave you in the doldrums at this grey old time of year. What you need is a pick-me-up – so what about planning a getaway that’s both rejuvenating and good for the soul, to set you back on track? Here are a few of our favourite ideas for a rewarding trip away:

Desert Island – The ultimate get-away-from-it-all holiday. Splash the cash and you could find yourself on a deserted beach in the Maldives, but there are desert (or at least, nearly deserted) islands closer to home. What about an early season break to sunny Croatia – home to some of the quietest islands in the Med – such as
Scedro, a protected nature reserve offering just a single rental property to stay in, some hushed monastic ruins and a scattering of idyllic sandy coves to recuperate in. Closer to home, book a cottage in Tresco in the Scilly Isles – a tiny family-owned island with unspoilt beaches just 28 miles off the coast of Land’s End. Perfect for a romantic weekend break or a get together with your closest friends.

Quality time – A holiday with your family, be it with little ones or with older relatives, is always worthwhile experience – but as most of us know, these types of holiday can easily veer off the stress scale. So to limit stress, go for a break with plenty to do to keep everyone occupied, with activities all age groups can do together. Family activity holidays based in Portugal are perfect for teens but suitable for ages 5 and up, and include surf lessons (with inflatable ‘Splizer Surf’ boards for younger kids) canoeing and jeep safaris. Further afield, if you’re looking to combine the trip of a lifetime with characters from your kids’ favourite cartoons, the options aren’t limited to Disneyland – why not wow them with the wildlife of the real Madagascar?

Indulge – There’s nothing like the indulgence of whisking yourself to a spa for serious relaxation, all in the name of health and vigor – if you want to try something different to a country house retreat, try a boutique hotel break in Marrakesh for traditional hammam spa treatments, or head further afield to Thailand for great value spa packages. If you want to go it alone, a yoga retreat in India is a great solo holiday and should leave you revitalised, ready to face the perils of daily life back in the UK.

Give something back – a volunteering abroad break needn’t be limited to gap years and lengthy career sabbaticals, there’s plenty you can do to contribute even if you just have a week or two to spare. Set a goal to raise some cash for charity with a sponsored trek up Kilimanjaro, or do your bit for science with a 1-2 week marine conservation sailing holiday in Greece (currently under £560 excluding flights though Responsible Travel). Alternatively, dedicate some time to working with children – specialist companies such as Original Volunteers will arrange for you to lend support in a school for 2-4 weeks in locations such as Cambodia and Ghana through to South American destinations.