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Up and coming destinations for 2013

Up and coming destinations for 2013…

We’re taking a look at the up and coming destinations that have set the travel industry abuzz for 2013 – get in before the tourist hoards for unspoilt beaches and a more authentic travel experience – you could bag a bargain too…

Myanmar

British travellers have been trickling back into Myanmar (formerly Burma) since the release of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2010, and the country is now opening up to tourism from pro-democracy countries. Off the tourism radar for years, Myanmar has an air of being preserved in time, and the main cities of Yangon (Rangoon) and Mandalay have preserved pockets of colonial architecture. But most visit Myanmar for the chance to immerse themselves in Buddhist culture with its many templates and tranquil pagodas. Visit the gilded spires of the Shwedagon Pagoda, or head to Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery where troupes of cats have been trained to jump through hoops (you’ll know this is impressive if you’ve ever tried to ‘train’ a cat). You can also hire bikes and explore on a bicycle tour or swap two wheels for four legs and try elephant trekking at Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park.

Travel to Myanmar still presents an ethical decision for many, and it is worth keeping up to date with Foreign and Commonwealth office advice available on their website here.

Hidden Greece
In the trail of its financial crisis, Greece is keen to show European travellers that it can offer high quality resorts and great value. New destinations are opening up for the summer season in 2013, including the unsung islands of Kalymnos and Telendos. While island getaways remain popular, travel to mainland destinations is on the increase and well worth considering, including such destinations as the picturesque Peloponnese town of Napflion, and Greece’s second city Thessaloniki – renowned for its fashionable boutiques, buzzing nightlife and beautiful Byzantine architecture.

Russia
With twice daily budget flights now running from Gatwick, visiting the Russian city of Moscow has never been easier. With cultural highlights including world-class museums and galleries, opera and the Bolshoi Ballet, it is well worth considering as a city break destination this year. Although you’ll still need to apply for a Visa a few weeks in advance, your airline will recommend a visa service to make things simple – you just need to remember to do this a few weeks in advance (the cost is around £50).

Ethiopia
Say ‘Ethiopia’ and it is hard not to associate it with heart-breaking images of famine. However, this welcoming and beautiful country is emerging as a top destination for travellers seeking culture and adventure. It offers a wealth of natural environments – from lush moorland vistas to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Simien Mountains – home of the Bleeding Heart Baboons. Visit the Great Rift Valley and you’ll see huge, lakes and savannah grassland – home to Africa’s most famous mega-fauna such as lions and zebras. Ethiopia is also one of the oldest Christian civilisations in the world, with a rich archaeological, cultural and architectural history, with the churches at Lalibela and the medieval castle at Gondar being unmissable highlights.

Travel warning: Strikes in Germany, India and Spain

People travelling to Germany, India and Spain are strongly recommended to check with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before setting off on their journey.

Germany

Strike action at Frankfurt Airport is expected to cause severe delays and cancellations until Thursday, 1^st March, as up to quarter of the flights are cancelled. Travellers are advised to check with their airline before setting off.

India

Transport and public services may severely be disrupted in India today (28 February) as trade unions call for a countrywide strike to demand better working conditions, an end to selling off state firms and against high inflation. States of West Bengal, Tripura and Kerala are expected to be most affected by the industrial action. However, according to the BBC, services on India’s rail network are not expected to be disrupted. FCO has advised travellers monitor local media and avoid public gathering.

Spain

SEPLA pilots union in Iberia (union representing pilots at Iberia Airlines) has called for strike on 29^th February and is expected to cancel a large number of its flights. Passengers travelling with Iberia are advised to check with the airlines before they travel. For latest information on the strikes and affected flights visit Iberia’s website.

Please note that any customers purchasing policies after 10.00am on Monday 27th Feb will not be covered under the policy for these strikes for Travel Delay, Abandonment and Missed Departure claims.

Any existing policyholders will have full policy cover and claims considered under Travel Delay, Abandonment and Missed Departure sections of the policy. However there is no cover within the policy due to Hostilities or Violence as a result of the strikes.

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.

Be safe on the slopes

Columbus Direct is one of over 500 travel industry partners that supports of the FCO’s – Know Before You Go campaign – whose aim is to help Brits to stay safe and healthy abroad.

And with the ski season in full flow, the Know Before You Go team has sent us the results of a recent survey of winter sports holiday makers.

The survey revealed that:
• 22% admitted they don’t always read the small print of their travel insurance policy
• 36% had previously injured themselves on a winter sports holiday
• 40% are considering going off-piste on their next holiday
• 18% admit to taking to the slopes while under the influence of alcohol
• 65% also wished they’d been in better shape during a previous winter sports holiday

Unfortunately every year the FCO see numerous incidents where families are faced with huge medical bills following an accident on the slopes. This is often because people have not taken out travel insurance, or have not read the small print of their policy. The costs of an accident on the slopes can be significant – for example a fractured leg in the United States could land you with a medical bill of up to £40,000 and a knee injury in Austria could set you back £8,000.

Lynda St Cooke from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said:

“We strongly advise anyone hitting the slopes this winter to take out comprehensive travel insurance and make sure you have an up to date EHIC card. Don’t forget to check the small print – most insurance policies will not cover you if you’re under the influence of alcohol or venture off-piste. If you’re unlucky enough to have an accident and you’re not covered, you could find yourself thousands of pounds out of pocket.”

And in regards to getting in shape for you head off to the slopes, Aidan Harington, Head of Snow School at SNO!zone in Castleford, advises:

“Winter sports holidays can be great fun, but of course like with any sport there can be risks involved. But with the right tuition, from qualified instructors, and if the sport is carried out in a safe and responsible manner you can reduce your chances of running into trouble. Not getting the correct instruction beforehand is just not worth the risk…taking a few lessons and getting some sessions in at the gym can be the difference between the holiday of a life-time and a holiday from hell.”

There are plenty of other things to consider before you go, so make sure you check out www.fco.gov.uk/wintersports and stay safe on the slopes.

Delayed in a manger: six travel insurance tips for Christmas from the Nativity Story

Overcrowded hotels, unsuitable transportation, marauding soldiers, a pregnant backpacker going into labour: we might think that Christmas travel chaos is a relatively new phenomenon, but a brief analysis of the Nativity Story reveals that all the signs were there 2,000 years ago. Just as the three kings journeyed across the Middle East bearing expensive gifts, so millions of Britons set off to visit loved ones in present-packed cars or fly abroad in search of festive sunshine making Christmas one of the busiest travel times of the year.

With so many travellers heading for their trains, planes and automobiles, travel insurance specialist Columbus Direct is offering Britons a seasonal reminder to check their travel insurance and make sure any shopping trips, Christmas getaways and winter sports activities are covered.

Travel delays can also be a major problem during Christmas and New Year: Columbus Direct recorded over 1,000 travel delay claims in January 2011 due to unexpectedly harsh weather conditions and wide-spread snow in the UK which shut airports including Heathrow. During the Easter holiday break in April 2010, Columbus Direct recorded almost 4,000 claims due to the volcanic ash cloud that halted flights across Europe.

Greg Lawson, spokesperson for Columbus Direct said: “The past couple of years have really demonstrated the sheer power and unpredictability of Mother Nature at this time of year. Having your travel plans cancelled or delayed is upsetting enough, but if you don’t have the right type of insurance cover, your money won’t be making the return journey to you!”

Based on the Nativity Story, the Columbus Direct travel insurance team offer these six tips…

Travelling with valuables

While today it’s more likely to be iPods, tablet PCs and games consoles, rather than gold, frankincense and myrrh, many people travel across the Christmas period taking gifts with them.

Your policy should cover the loss and theft of, and damage to, valuables although there is often a limit of £200-£300 so you need to check that this will cover what you’re taking on your travels.

Mix up at the hotel

There was no room at the inn for Mary and Joseph and there may be none for you. In the event of a being stuck with no accommodation, it is important to note that the holiday company used to make the booking, or the hotel themselves, would be liable to find you alternative accommodation. Travel insurance policies would not cover this.

Civil unrest

Mary and Joseph were travelling as part of a census to pay taxes. Just as they had to be careful of any conflicts in the area with Roman guards or marauding peasants, modern day travellers need to be vigilant when holidaying abroad.

In the event of civil unrest while travelling, we recommend you contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). In fact we recommend that holiday makers always check with FCO before travelling as they provide checklists, country information, Embassy details, passport and visa requirements and more. For more information, please visit the FCO website: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/

Emergency medical assistance

As the story goes, Mary gave birth while travelling to Bethlehem. Today the majority of insurance companies will only provide limited cover up to about 7 months of any pregnancy. Generally, travelling overseas after 30 weeks carries a higher risk of a both premature birth and complications of pregnancy and needs to be considered carefully with advice from a medical consultant.

If you are travelling by air, it is also important to check with the carrier to see what their rules specify regarding a safe travel timeframe for pregnant women – don’t assume it’s the same for all as it varies from airline to airline.

It is essential to have a policy that covers you for emergency medical expenses while holidaying overseas, in case of sustaining unexpected injury or illness. Your policy should cover you for both emergency in-patient and out-patient treatment, which includes treatment costs, consultations and even emergency dental treatment. However, you are recommended to take out the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) although this only covers state-provided treatment and not private clinics or repatriation costs.

If it becomes medically necessary to repatriate you back to your home country, then this should be covered too. Should you require emergency medical treatment or repatriation, Columbus policies provide you with access to a 24-hour multilingual staffed medical emergency company.

Strange goings on in the sky

The three wise men navigated their way to Bethlehem guided by an unusually bright star where they discovered Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. These days we experience other atmospheric acts of God such as volcanic ash, hurricanes and fog.

It is important to check your travel policy as most will not cover ‘acts of god’. Having covered customers in the 2009/10 Iceland volcano incidents, Columbus Direct continues to offer cover for Travel Delay, Abandonment and Missed Departure as a result of volcanic ash.

Visiting foreign cities

Shepherds came from all over the land to visit baby Jesus and deliver gifts. With Christmas markets across Europe open, thousands of Brits will travel to cities such as Bruges, Munich and Prague in the annual quest for fabulous Christmas gifts. Most policies cover a limited amount of money for items bought abroad. If you are spending big bucks on your Christmas shopping and bringing your gifts back, make sure your policy has cover for loss, damage and theft of baggage.

It should also provide you an allowance to purchase essential items in the event that your baggage is delayed for a certain period of time.

As with all good stories, past and present, we wish you a safe and happy ending to your travels this Christmas!

British Consulate say: We’re not directory enquiries!

Recent enquiries received by Foreign Office staff in Spain include a request for Phil Collins’ telephone number, whilst a man asked staff to contact his dominatrix after she had left him stranded at the airport.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is today reminding British travellers of the role of its global network of Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates as staff continue to be approached for weather forecasts and ticket bookings.

Other enquiries received by Foreign Office staff include:

A man rang the Consulate in Sydney to find out what clothes he should pack for his holiday
A Brit in Sofia asked the Consulate if they could sell his house for him
A man called the Consulate in Florida to report that there were ants in his holiday villa and asked for advice on what he should do
- A lady complained to the Embassy in Moscow about a loud buzzing noise in her apartment – she wanted someone to visit her flat and advise the authorities to stop the noise
- A caller in Spain wondered what shoe size Prince Charles wears so they could send him a pair of shoes as a present
- A man asked a Consulate in Greece for information on how to go about putting a chicken coop in his garden
- A man asked Consular staff in Dubai to meet his dog on arrival at customs and help the dog through the customs process, as he would be on holiday when the dog arrived
  - A caller asked staff in Malaga in mid-September where she could get a Christmas lunch as everywhere she had phoned was already booked up
  - Staff in Greece were asked for tips on the best fishing spots and where to purchase good bait

Jeremy Browne, Minister for Consular Affairs, said: “We will always try to help where we can but there are limits to the support that we can provide. It is important that people understand the level of help we can offer. Our priority is to help people in real difficulty abroad and we cannot do this if our time is diverted by people trying to use us as a concierge service. We need to be able to focus primarily on helping victims of serious crimes, supporting people who have been detained or assisting people who have lost a loved one abroad.”

The FCO set up the Iberia Contact Centre in Malaga earlier this year to cope with the volume of non-consular enquiries received by British Embassies and Consulates in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Andorra. The centre filters calls so that Consular staff can focus their resources on situations where they can provide assistance.

Maria Leng, Consular official in Tenerife, said: “A lot of our time was being taken up with queries that we could not assist with but now the Malaga call centre is making a big difference by filtering enquiries. We can issue emergency travel documents or visit you in hospital but we can’t pick you up from the airport or make private arrangements.”

How the FCO can help you when you’re abroad:

The FCO can:

Issue you with replacement travel documents
Provide information about transferring money
Provide help if you have suffered rape or serious sexual or physical assault, are a victim of crime, are ill or in hospital
Give you a list of local lawyers, interpreters, doctors or funeral directors
Contact you if you are detained abroad
Contact friends and family back home for you if you wish
Provide help in cases of forced marriage
Assist people affected by parental child abduction

The FCO can’t:

Help you enter a country if you don’t have a valid passport or necessary visas
Give you legal advice or translate documents
Investigate crimes or get you out of prison
Get you better treatment in hospital or prison than is given to local people
Pay any bills or give you money
Make travel arrangements for you

For insight into the range of Consular incidents across the globe over a real 24 hour period visit: http://www.youtube.com/embed/nbO-k0zJkqE

Full details of how the Foreign Office can provide support to British nationals when things go wrong abroad are outlined in the publication, Support for British nationals abroad: A guide: www.fco.gov.uk/travel

20% of Britons fail to take out travel insurance

According to the 2011 ABTA Consumer Trends survey, nearly 20% of travellers and 37% of all trips taken in 2011 were uninsured.

According to the 2011 ABTA Consumer Trends survey, nearly 20% of travellers and 37% of all trips taken in 2011 were uninsured, with Britons deciding that 56% of domestic holidays did not need any insurance protection.

The survey goes on to say that 26% of travellers in Europe believe the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will cover costs to get them home if they fall ill. A further 21% believed that the UK government will cover their bills if something goes wrong.

37% of all trips in 2011 were uninsured
17% believe travel insurance is unnecessary with EHIC card
26% believe that EHIC will pay to get you home if you fall ill

Greg Lawson, spokesperson for Columbus Direct said: “It is worrying to see that so many people do not understand exactly how the EHIC card works. Each country’s healthcare system is different and therefore will not cover everything that would be free on the NHS.”

“Many countries rely on private clinics in tourist resorts to provide medical treatment to overseas visitors and, if they are not covered by travel insurance, the EHIC will not apply and they will need to pay for their treatment. The EHIC will also not cover the costs to get you home, unlike travel insurance.”

The UK government is also no replacement for travel insurance if you fall ill. If British travellers do get into trouble while overseas, the British Embassy would help them contact family or friends but will not fly them home or pay for hospital bills.

Lawson continues: “No-one wants an unexpected bill and certainly not on holiday. We would join with ABTA and the Foreign Office to recommend that, as well as an EHIC for travel in Europe, travellers take out insurance whenever they travel overseas or in the UK.”

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) also provide further information via their website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel .

Videos from the FCO – Know Before You Go!

Columbus Direct supports the FCO’s “Know Before You Go” campaign. The campaign was launched in 2001 to help Brits to stay safe and healthy abroad.

The FCO has produced a number of informative (and humorous) videos that can be view on their youtube channel, here’s a selection of our favourites:

Friends and Family

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTPdr4aGDb4&feature=player_detailpage

“Danny”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY677XvyQwA&feature=player_profilepage

Being British Abroad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCAiqo_GAsA&feature=player_detailpage

Options

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KMMU-tADFA&feature=player_profilepage

Wasted

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-XO98ZM6Yc&feature=player_detailpage

Up to 3500 tourists could have been affected by Christchurch Earthquake

Following the devastating earthquake in New Zealand’s second largest city Christchurch, the Queen and British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, have sent messages of support and sympathy to the New Zealand Prime Minister.

The Queen sent the following message to New Zealand Prime Minister John Key:

“I have been utterly shocked by the news of another earthquake in Christchurch. Please convey my deep sympathy to the families and friends of those who have been killed; my thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this dreadful event. My thoughts are also with the emergency services and everyone who is assisting in the rescue efforts.”

Foreign Secretary William Hague, said:

“I was shocked and saddened to hear of the devastating earthquake that struck Christchurch earlier today killing so many people. The ties that bind the UK with New Zealand are very close and my thoughts are with the friends and families of all those who have lost their lives and been affected by the earthquake.

“Many people in the UK with links to New Zealand will be watching anxiously as the situation develops. Our High Commissioner in New Zealand is on her way to Christchurch and we stand ready to provide any assistance that we can to the authorities and to any British Nationals who have been caught up in the earthquake.”

According to the New Zealand Tourism International Visitor Survey in Feb 2010 there were 267,855 International visitors. The two biggest groups comprised of 91,275 from Australia and 43,375 from the UK. Figures were expected to go up 1% this year – so a rough estimate of tourists in NZ this February would be:

Total: 270,533
Australian: 92,187
British: 43,800

While its impossible to get an exact figure for Christchurch, research suggests that 35% of all tourists visiting NZ stay overnight in Christchurch. That figure drops to 31% for Aussie tourists but jumps to 45% for British visitors. That would equate to up to 94,686 tourists staying overnight in Christchurch during February, or on average 3,381 visitors per night. With an estimated 1,020 Australians and 700 Brits affected.

For local information, advice and to keep up to date with the latest events visit TVNZ: http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/quake-advice-hotline-set-up-4038303

Columbus Direct Customers affected by the disaster should contact:

UK customers:
Columbus Assistance on Tel: +44 (0) 208 865 1640
Customer Service on Tel: 0870 033 9988

Australian customers:
24/7 Emergency Assistance on Tel: +44 20 7939 9645
Customer Service on Tel: 1300 669 999 or from outside Australia on +61 2 9463 3399

Contact Details for British High Commission in New Zealand:
If you are in New Zealand, you can telephone: 04 924 2898 for assistance.
You can also telephone the Global Response Centre in the UK on: 0044 207 008 8765.

Or visit: http://ukinnewzealand.fco.gov.uk/en/

LOCATE – An FCO Crisis Management Service for British Nationals

If you are a British national, and travelling or living abroad, or planning to do so, Columbus Direct recommends that you register for the free FCO service called “LOCATE”.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office embassy and crisis staff can then give you better assistance in an emergency such as a tsunami or terrorist attack. The FCO encourages all British nationals travelling and living abroad to register with LOCATE, even for short trips.

The benefits of registering with LOCATE

If a major catastrophe occurs the FCO will have an instant record of your details so they can contact you to make sure you’re OK and provide advice.
If family and friends need to get in touch with you they can help them to find you.
It only takes a few minutes to register your travel or residence information online and the local British Embassy will know you are coming. You do not need to contact them directly.
You only need to register for the service once and then update your account when you make a new trip abroad or change your country of residence. You can even add planned trips abroad up to a year ahead
LOCATE improves the FCO’s ability to provide help in an emergency and reduce delay and worry in times of stress for family and friends at home.

ABTA STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO EGYPT PROTESTS

ABTA have released the following statement in response to the continuing protests and disruption in Egypt.

The vast majority of British holidaymakers in Egypt are based in resorts in the Red Sea area (for example Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada). This is a very considerable distance from the affected areas and these resorts remain unaffected. Any tourists based in Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor or Suez should liaise with their tour operator or airline regarding their holiday arrangements. There have been no reports of British nationals being affected by the unrest and foreigners are unlikely to be targeted. Tourists should also follow Foreign Office advice, avoiding political gatherings and demonstrations and respecting any advice or instruction from the local security authorities.

Notes:

1. All but essential travel means that customers of ABTA Members who have booked package holidays to the affected areas of Egypt but have not yet travelled will be entitled to receive suitable alternative arrangements, rebook for a later date or, where these aren’t available, a full refund. These arrangements apply to immediate departures only, and for the period the advice is in force. Customers with future departure dates should discuss arrangements with their tour operators. Customers whose travel arrangements aren’t a package holiday should refer to the terms and conditions of the services they have bought to determine what their rights are.

2. We estimate that approximately one million British holidaymakers visit Egypt each year with the vast majority of these based in resorts in the Red Sea area.

Read the full FCO advice on travel to Egypt at: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/middle-east-north-africa/egypt