Websites We Like & Travelling Ideas/Strategies
This year's holiday season is about to start so this month's list of 'Websites We Like' will be devoted to travel sites and other related ideas.
FREE (or reduced cost) European Health Insurance
This one is a must for all European citizens.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment when necessary while you're in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland.
I've got my card but cannot remember how long it took to process so it most probably pays to get organised and order it at least a month before you expect to travel.
Travel Insurance Tip - Could Be A Lifesaver
What's the point in having travel insurance if nobody knows you've got it when in real trouble?
In the worst case example it could be the difference between life-and-death. You might be unconscious and so an ambulance crew assuming you cannot pay delivers you to the lousy local hospital instead of the good one reserved for paying patients.
This is why when on holiday I always keep a business card on me (or even a slip of paper) with the following details -
- Name
- Hotel name and number (or address if staying in an apartment)
- And then in big capital letters - MEDICAL INSURANCE DOCUMENTS IN ROOM
- Plus my policy number, name of insurance company and emergency UK number (of the insurance company)
- Then, if I have an accident and am unconscious they should find the information and I'll be properly taken care of.
Tips like this might seem somewhat pedantic but as I've said before they could be a real life saver.
Need To Take A Ferry Trip
This is a price comparison website for all European Ferry Services. Not only can you use the site to check on routes and prices from/to the UK but also from say Sardinia to Italy or Sweden to Poland.
Need To Take A European Train Trip
This site is a must for those who plan to travel through Europe by train. It covers ALL the different countries and routes, as well as some useful articles and comments.
Like To Fly To/From Strange Parts Of The World
We know the main airline companies and routes around the world. But what about if you want to visit a far-flung country and then fly onto another destination (Mongolia to Vietnam for example). Chances are the Easyjet or BA website won't help that much.
But www.alternativeairlines.com will.
It lists many small and regional airlines, their routes and how to book flights with them. For the active traveller this site is a must to bookmark.
Like Adventure Sports - This Could Be A Lifesaver
Hand gliding, sub-aqua, motor biking, they all come with some risk attached, especially for those with medical conditions, such as a rare blood type or an allergy to certain drugs like Penicillin.
Pictured below is a USB data bracelet which will hold any important medical information. Should you get into trouble and need medical aid the hospital can simply and quickly download your medical details or other important information that you've loaded up.
http://www.zaptag.com
Simple Travel Safe - Looks Good For Those Heading Off On a Gap Year
Travellers who go on Gap years are not known for staying in the best hotels which provide in-room safes Therefore this simple safe looks a great tool for locking up Passports, Credit Cards, other important documents and maybe even cash.
The website has it priced at $40 but if you use the 'Find a Store' link on the top right of the Home Page you'll find plenty of UK outlets where you can buy one.
The site also has plenty of other security products for the traveller.
Good Websites For Ultra Cheap Travellers
If you're a traveller on a real budget, or just really like saving money when abroad, then check out www.couchsurfing.com.
- The site has over 200,000 members from 200+ countries
- Each member has a profile page which lists info about themselves as well as offering a few nights of free accommodation in their flat/house
- Whenever one member meets with another they can add a comment to their profile page
- If you do stay with someone it's usually the form to offer to pay for your food or a meal out
- Also, guests usually like to replicate the offer to their home
Another couple of cheap accommodation sites are -
Long Haul Flights - How To Chose The Best Seats & Avoid The Worst
If you travel anywhere in Europe it doesn't matter that much if you get a lousy seat. But get stuck in a bad seat on a long-haul flight and it could be a nightmare.
Seatguru.com shows the seating plans of all the major long-haul flights. It then highlights the best and worse seats available on the plane (check with your travel agent which type and model you'll be flying in).
As most (if not all) airlines allow you to pre-book your seat (both the away and home leg) in advance using this site can give you a head start of the best seating arrangements.
How To Get A Great Long Haul Seat
This trick is a good one but it doesn't always work because first the plane needs to be 30%-50% empty and second it's better to be travelling alone.
- Book in as usual, get your seat assigned (use seatguru.com as listed above)
- Before you board the plane everyone will be waiting in the boarding lounge, regardless of your seat number and when it's called, BE THE LAST TO BOARD THE PLANE
- If they try to rush you explain that you are 'very nervous about flying'
- As you are the last person to board you'll see ALL the empty seats and if there's a free 4 seater (or 3 seater) just sit down and make it your own
- If the flight attendant then asks you to move (or asks if this is your seat) just say that you can't move as you're petrified of takeoff and landing! Say that with the right facial expression and there's a 95% chance that they'll leave you alone
- As soon as the plane takes off and the seat belt lights go out lie down over the whole row to let everyone know the seats are all taken
I and others have used this trick countless times and it rarely fails. But again it only works when the plane isn't full and preferably half empty. This means that during high season long-haul flights there's little point trying it.
Need To Learn A Language?
The BBC's website has a good section on languages from beginner level to advanced. Well worth checking out.
Like The Theatre In London?
This websites looks good for information on all the London Theatres. One feature that looks useful is the seating guide which enables you to check where you'll be sitting before you buy your tickets.
Planning A Day Trip Or Weekend To Cambridge
If you're planning to visit Cambridge then this site is excellent. All sorts of history and information about the town.
If You Need To Go To The Loo When Travelling In The UK!
Unfortunately there are considerably fewer public loos in Britain than there used to be. This can be a real problem for some people when they are away from their own homes. But this website, which at first sounds slightly amusing, will be of real benefit to some.
It lists all the publicly accessible loos (including disabled ones) in the UK. It's simple to use and the built in maps make it great when planning a trip.
We hope you enjoyed this month's newsletter.
