Yesterday I talked about hiring a car abroad, but what if you are taking your own car abroad?
First, check with your car insurance that you are covered for driving in all of the countries that you are likely to visit. They might even be able to help you with a few specifics for the countries you are visiting.
For example, if you have any form of speed trap detector in your vehicle, remove it before leaving the country. You can be fined for just posessing one in countries, including France, even models that are allowed in the UK.
Some countries require that you carry your vehicle log book, driving license and insurance details with you at all times.
It is also a good idea to carry spare light bulbs. It might not get you off a fine if a light has blown, but the fine may be reduced.
Certain countries also have requirements about hazard triangles and their use (sometimes you might need to carry 2 warning triangles) and first aid kits. Headlight convertors are generally a must if you are driving on the right as well.
Also, take note of the various warnings in yesterday's post about hiring a car about the various other laws, e.g. drink driving.
Friday, 28 September 2007
Thursday, 27 September 2007
Holiday Car Hire
When you are travelling abroad, getting a hire car can be an excellent idea. It allows you freedom to explore your destination and find those hidden gems, maybe whilst they are quieter before or after the coach loads drop off.
But if you are hiring a car be very wary of local laws, which can be very different and more sticktly applied than own own. Just because you see locals doing something, don't think you can also do the same.
For example, in certain countries it is mandatory that you carry your driving license whenever you are driving a car. It can also be required that you carry the log book or car hire agreement.
Certain countries require certain equipment to be carried - make sure that your hire company provide these.
Don't forget that some countries have a zero or near zero tollerence on drink driving and a small amount of alcohol could put you over the limit. To get the best out of your experience, check with the company you are hiring from what local laws might affect you and drive carefully.
But if you are hiring a car be very wary of local laws, which can be very different and more sticktly applied than own own. Just because you see locals doing something, don't think you can also do the same.
For example, in certain countries it is mandatory that you carry your driving license whenever you are driving a car. It can also be required that you carry the log book or car hire agreement.
Certain countries require certain equipment to be carried - make sure that your hire company provide these.
Don't forget that some countries have a zero or near zero tollerence on drink driving and a small amount of alcohol could put you over the limit. To get the best out of your experience, check with the company you are hiring from what local laws might affect you and drive carefully.
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
Protecting Your Holiday
Whenever you holiday abroad it is important that all aspects are covered by relevant travel cover. A good idea is Travel Insurance, but there are alternatives. But make sure that whatever you choose does provide cover.
Some credit cards provide cover for your holiday if you pay in full with them, but you should check exactly what this cover offers. If your baggage is lost, you are struck down with an illness or involved in an accident, are these covered? You might find that the credit card only covers you for the elements you paid for - for example if the holiday company colapses or you need to cancel, then this might be paid.
If you look through your house insurance policy you might find that also covers your possessions away from home. Then again, some cheaper policies don't.
It's always good to go knowing that if you are the victim of a theft or hospitalised or there's a freak weather storm. Travel Insurance might seem an extra unnecessary expense, but could save you long term. And don't forget that if you travel frequently, an annual insurance policy might be a lot cheaper then a single trip policy.
Some credit cards provide cover for your holiday if you pay in full with them, but you should check exactly what this cover offers. If your baggage is lost, you are struck down with an illness or involved in an accident, are these covered? You might find that the credit card only covers you for the elements you paid for - for example if the holiday company colapses or you need to cancel, then this might be paid.
If you look through your house insurance policy you might find that also covers your possessions away from home. Then again, some cheaper policies don't.
It's always good to go knowing that if you are the victim of a theft or hospitalised or there's a freak weather storm. Travel Insurance might seem an extra unnecessary expense, but could save you long term. And don't forget that if you travel frequently, an annual insurance policy might be a lot cheaper then a single trip policy.
Friday, 21 September 2007
Diving in Mallorca
My checkout dive in Mallorca was delayed due to vast numbers of small red, stinging jelly fish. These had been brought in by unusal weather conditions, forcing the local beach to be closed on some days. It was over a week before they cleared and we were able to enter the water for our first dive.
This took place in a sheltered cover near Cala D'Or. From some steps we swam around the rocks, over swaying forests of seaweed and eventually through a rock arch. To be honest, the visibility was poor and the sealife was mainly the seaweed, but at least the water was warm.
A couple of days later and the weather had settled enough and we went out to sea in the boat. Only a brief ride out, but again evidence of plenty of jellyfish, but this time much larger than the red ones that had been blown in shore. This could have been a deeper dive, but we limited to 30m, and were joined by Baracuda and Eels. Once more, plenty of rock formations and an interesting dive, which would have benefited from the torch that I'd left in my hotel room.
Not as inspiring as other holiday resorts, maybe it was just unfortunate summer weather that caused the problems.
This took place in a sheltered cover near Cala D'Or. From some steps we swam around the rocks, over swaying forests of seaweed and eventually through a rock arch. To be honest, the visibility was poor and the sealife was mainly the seaweed, but at least the water was warm.
A couple of days later and the weather had settled enough and we went out to sea in the boat. Only a brief ride out, but again evidence of plenty of jellyfish, but this time much larger than the red ones that had been blown in shore. This could have been a deeper dive, but we limited to 30m, and were joined by Baracuda and Eels. Once more, plenty of rock formations and an interesting dive, which would have benefited from the torch that I'd left in my hotel room.
Not as inspiring as other holiday resorts, maybe it was just unfortunate summer weather that caused the problems.
Sunday, 16 September 2007
Corfu -
Corfu island has so much to offer you should not spend your holiday lying on sun drenched beaches or lying by the pool! Whatever your age Corfu has something for everyone.
Corfu town: A maze of narrow streets dominated by the 16th century fortress. Look out for those shops and stalls selling local items like lace, wild honey, and fig cakes and handmade lace. there are also plenty of handmade jewelry shops to temp you. The town has a busy nightlife for all ages!
Acharavi: The main town in the north of the island, boasts something for everyone. Stay at a property like Salvanos Apartments for a good deal and a great time.
Agios Gordios: is on the west coast of Corfu. Surrounded by Olive groves it is a joy to behold. Follow the link for suggestions where to stay in Agios Gordios
Kavos: The island’s hottest party destination. Kavos rocks at night folks! However it is also a well known family holiday resort. A great place to stay for 'clubbing friends' and couples are the Hebe Apartments which has great staff, and a friendly atmosphere,
Sidari: Developed from smaller fishing villages, known for its lively tavernas, bars and nightlife, famous for the Canal D'Amour allegedly if you bathe in its waters you will find romance! Stay at one of the lovely properties in Sidari to get the most
from your holiday to the area.
The climate: Corfu island enjoys hot, dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures in July and August range from 90ºF (32ºC) during the day to 64ºF (18ºC) at night. Rainfall is unlikely during the peak summer season.
See you in Corfu!!
Corfu town: A maze of narrow streets dominated by the 16th century fortress. Look out for those shops and stalls selling local items like lace, wild honey, and fig cakes and handmade lace. there are also plenty of handmade jewelry shops to temp you. The town has a busy nightlife for all ages!
Acharavi: The main town in the north of the island, boasts something for everyone. Stay at a property like Salvanos Apartments for a good deal and a great time.
Agios Gordios: is on the west coast of Corfu. Surrounded by Olive groves it is a joy to behold. Follow the link for suggestions where to stay in Agios Gordios
Kavos: The island’s hottest party destination. Kavos rocks at night folks! However it is also a well known family holiday resort. A great place to stay for 'clubbing friends' and couples are the Hebe Apartments which has great staff, and a friendly atmosphere,
Sidari: Developed from smaller fishing villages, known for its lively tavernas, bars and nightlife, famous for the Canal D'Amour allegedly if you bathe in its waters you will find romance! Stay at one of the lovely properties in Sidari to get the most
from your holiday to the area.
The climate: Corfu island enjoys hot, dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures in July and August range from 90ºF (32ºC) during the day to 64ºF (18ºC) at night. Rainfall is unlikely during the peak summer season.
See you in Corfu!!
Diving In Tenerife
Diving in Tenerife was a lot more different to other Canary Island diving that I had experienced.
I was staying in Los Gigantes and dived with a local English run dive outfit there, who were very friendly and helpful and above all very safety conscious. I felt a lot safer diving with them than anyone else before (or since) abroad!
The water was slightly warmer than previous Canary dives, which was pleasant. The undersea landscape is very similar to Lanzarote - with black sea urchins covering rocks, ready to spike the unweary hand. There was also a good selection of other sea life - trumpet fish, octopus, baby baracuda, parrot fish and the likes.
The way Los Gigantes is situated, all the diving took place from a boat in sheltered coves. The runs out in the boat were also quite interesting, although usually only a few minutes long. One day we spotted a logger head turtle and another a flying fish.
Towards the end of my stay on the return journey we saw a fin from a well known local - Eddie, the hammerhead shark. A shy little creature, he is attracted to the area at certain times of the year to hunt under the fish farm nets for scraps that are dropped. The area is also home to dolphins and whales, but neither were about on my trips.
On later dives, going to about 25 metres, we also saw free swimming octopus, cuttlefish and pipefish. We also visited an area used by some dives operators as a feeding station (but not the people I dived with) and this was obvious by the amount of debris on the floor. But this meant that area and all around it was home to loads of rays - electric, eagle and sting. At one point I was lucky enough to see a 2 metre sting ray swim over to me and fully burry itself in the sand.
Not all dives were with the intention of seeing the sealife. Punta Teno is a lighthouse that can just be seen from Los Gigantes and a good boat ride out there. Here the diving was again about 25 metres, but this time its purpose was to see the lava formations, although that didn't mean that we had been deserted by the large fish, with an Eagle Ray and others about. I was also informed that if you are going to see a shark, then this was the most likely local dive for that experience. Pity, nothing arrived.
Diving in Tenerife was interesting and I'd be keen to go back just for that alone. Do remember on family holidays, if you are planning a trip up Mount Teide that is does count as altitude - follow your training organisation's guidelines about going to altitude / flying.
Tenerife is well worth a trip - especially if, like me, you dive on family holidays rather than going on diving holidays.
I was staying in Los Gigantes and dived with a local English run dive outfit there, who were very friendly and helpful and above all very safety conscious. I felt a lot safer diving with them than anyone else before (or since) abroad!
The water was slightly warmer than previous Canary dives, which was pleasant. The undersea landscape is very similar to Lanzarote - with black sea urchins covering rocks, ready to spike the unweary hand. There was also a good selection of other sea life - trumpet fish, octopus, baby baracuda, parrot fish and the likes.
The way Los Gigantes is situated, all the diving took place from a boat in sheltered coves. The runs out in the boat were also quite interesting, although usually only a few minutes long. One day we spotted a logger head turtle and another a flying fish.
Towards the end of my stay on the return journey we saw a fin from a well known local - Eddie, the hammerhead shark. A shy little creature, he is attracted to the area at certain times of the year to hunt under the fish farm nets for scraps that are dropped. The area is also home to dolphins and whales, but neither were about on my trips.
On later dives, going to about 25 metres, we also saw free swimming octopus, cuttlefish and pipefish. We also visited an area used by some dives operators as a feeding station (but not the people I dived with) and this was obvious by the amount of debris on the floor. But this meant that area and all around it was home to loads of rays - electric, eagle and sting. At one point I was lucky enough to see a 2 metre sting ray swim over to me and fully burry itself in the sand.
Not all dives were with the intention of seeing the sealife. Punta Teno is a lighthouse that can just be seen from Los Gigantes and a good boat ride out there. Here the diving was again about 25 metres, but this time its purpose was to see the lava formations, although that didn't mean that we had been deserted by the large fish, with an Eagle Ray and others about. I was also informed that if you are going to see a shark, then this was the most likely local dive for that experience. Pity, nothing arrived.
Diving in Tenerife was interesting and I'd be keen to go back just for that alone. Do remember on family holidays, if you are planning a trip up Mount Teide that is does count as altitude - follow your training organisation's guidelines about going to altitude / flying.
Tenerife is well worth a trip - especially if, like me, you dive on family holidays rather than going on diving holidays.
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
Orlando
Orlando, what a place! It frankly has the lot for any age group ranging from a tiny tot to a hip grandad or grandma! Orlando a fun place for all the family whether you want to laze on the beach or do the whole Disney thing. One of the most important questions when planning your trip is where to stay to get best value for money.
Some holidaymakers prefer to book a villa with a pool. There is a huge selection of villas available. A commonly used villa is known in the trade as 'generic' which are very good value where simply you book a quality and style of villa rather than a specifically named one. This provides a good saving over a named villa. Here is an example of a typical villa. This villa is known 'Platinum' quality. Others are known as 'Bronze,' 'Silver' & 'Gold' standard.
Other holiday makers prefer to stay in an executive style property like this stunning example in Vista Cay.
After a hard day at Disney some holidaymakers prefer to escape the crowds by staying at a condominium on the Gulf Coast such as Holiday Villas III. Amongst other luxuries boasts a heated beachside swimming pool, sundeck and private boat dock and fishing pier. You could always consider booking say a villa for a week and then a condo on the coast!
Whatever you holiday plans are accommodation should be a prime consideration. Our advice is to book this aspect early!
Some holidaymakers prefer to book a villa with a pool. There is a huge selection of villas available. A commonly used villa is known in the trade as 'generic' which are very good value where simply you book a quality and style of villa rather than a specifically named one. This provides a good saving over a named villa. Here is an example of a typical villa. This villa is known 'Platinum' quality. Others are known as 'Bronze,' 'Silver' & 'Gold' standard.
Other holiday makers prefer to stay in an executive style property like this stunning example in Vista Cay.
After a hard day at Disney some holidaymakers prefer to escape the crowds by staying at a condominium on the Gulf Coast such as Holiday Villas III. Amongst other luxuries boasts a heated beachside swimming pool, sundeck and private boat dock and fishing pier. You could always consider booking say a villa for a week and then a condo on the coast!
Whatever you holiday plans are accommodation should be a prime consideration. Our advice is to book this aspect early!
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