The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

Travel Tips

Travelling on a Budget: What You Need to Know

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No matter where you’re going to in the world, or how long your trip is, it’s important that you’re financially prepared. If money is tight and you need to watch every penny, creating a travel budget before heading out the door is important. Whether you’re heading on a solo adventure, a trip away with friends, or a family holiday, here are a few pieces of advice that can help you stay within your means.

Come Up with a Plan

While travelling can be great for those who have money to spare and the luxury of time, others need to be more careful with their finances. If you’re travelling on a tight budget, coming up with a plan should be your first port of call. You don’t need to create an hour-by-hour itinerary, but having a good idea of what sorts of attractions and events you want to check out will give you clarity on entry fees and any other costs involved.

Travel Out of Season

To get excellent value for money, it’s best to avoid travelling during the school holidays. Travel companies are known to hike their prices up and take advantage of families who are only able to travel during this time. Once you’ve found a destination that catches your eye, you can do your research into what months are best to visit. Even if the sun isn’t shining as brightly, you could save a fortune on your trip by going a little out of season.

Be Accommodation-Savvy

While many of us would love nothing more to stay in an expensive hotel suite, having the finances to do so is another story. Before booking your trip away, there are lots of great websites that you can use such as Trivago and TripAdvisor which enable you to compare a variety of hotels in the destination you’re heading to. We all like a bargain, so getting the best deal possible on your room can free up some cash, which you can use to spend on other things.

Pack Properly

The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination and find that you have left something important behind. Before you head to the airport, make sure that you create a checklist to ensure all essentials are packed and ready to go. Remember, many airlines have weight restrictions in place on luggage. There are lots of packing tips that you can use to your advantage, helping to avoid paying fees that can eat into your travel budget.

Prepare for Emergencies

Even if you’ve purchased travel insurance for your trip, there are various things that can go wrong when away from home. If you find that your flight has been cancelled, or you have splashed too much cash, running out of funds half way through your trip is never a nice experience. To ensure you have plenty of cash behind you, check out websites like SimplePersonalLoans where you can take out a loan that can provide a comfort blanket for when you need it most.

Before you head off on your travels, there are lots of handy tips that you can use to ensure you stay on budget and avoid overspending. While we all like to let loose on our holidays, it’s best to keep track of your finances to ensure your trip runs smoothly.

Elderly travel: The extra considerations

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One of the great benefits about traveling is that it isn’t defined by age. You could be parents travelling the world with a newborn baby, or you could be in your 90s and just enjoying your retirement.

Of course, different age brackets have different considerations. While child friendly activities might be on the cards for the younger generations, it goes without saying that this is of no importance to the elderly.

If you, or an elderly relative, is planning a trip in the near future, it’s a good idea to keep on top of some extra considerations. Today’s post will now take a look at three of them.

It’s all about the Coronavirus

With the global spread of the Coronavirus disease over the past few months, this should be number one on your list of considerations as an elderly person travelling.  The risks are higher compared to younger travelers, particularly if you already have an underlying medical condition. This is why we would point you in the direction of this page from Staysure which contains useful information around what insurance covers during the Coronavirus outbreak, which can help you plan for your upcoming trip.

Under no circumstances should you approach one of these trips without adequate insurance, especially with the current state of play with the Coronavirus. Depending on the country, you might be advised by the government not to travel at all.

Be wary of the temperature (and it goes both ways)

If we were to roll back the years, we may have once absolutely reveled in heatwaves in tropical locations. Now, a greater degree of caution needs to be taken.

Should you be avoiding these sorts of places, in peak season, at all costs? Absolutely not. All we are saying is that you do need to be careful, as the repercussions of succumbing to something like heatstroke are far more severe for the elderly. A lot of people will mitigate this by staying indoors during the peak daylight hours – but you must question whether or not this is the way in which you want to spend your getaway.

It doesn’t just work with hot weather either. Cold weather can be just as treacherous for the opposite reasons. Wrapping up warm is one way to get around this, but also consider other points like the risk of slipping. This is something that can be common if you are heading to somewhere like a ski resort, so exercise further caution here.

Your choice of accommodation matters as well

You may have followed all of the above advice, but you should also be wary about what sort of accommodation you will be staying in as well.

Like we alluded to at the start of today’s article, it’s not all equal. No, we’re not talking about playgrounds this time, but more related to the fact that some hotels and resorts are more accessible than others. For example, the last thing you want is to be stranded on the top floor of an apartment block, with a lift that is out of action for half of your holiday. This is where research into your stay is crucial and you need to make sure that all of these points are covered long before you book your break.

4 Most Popular Services You Can Get Abroad Without Breaking the Bank

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In the past several years, an increasing number of people are looking to get different services outside of their country or even continent. Whether you are thinking of taking an exciting vacation, or medical tourism, there are many options to consider.

The main reason why people are going abroad to procure different services is the price difference. Lower prices offered by local companies allow you to get the service you need, while also saving some money and spending it elsewhere. Not to mention the prospect of traveling to a country you have never visited before.

If you are willing to give it a shot, below are some of the most popular reasons to look for services beyond the borders of your country:

Bachelor Parties

Vegas is exciting and all, but, on the other hand, why not opt for a unique bachelor experience abroad? There are many cities in Europe that have a lot to offer when it comes to stag weekends, and you may even find the total expenses of your vacation are a lot lower than what you would have expected.

So the next time one of the guys takes an arrow to the knee, make sure you consider turning the bachelor party into a wild and memorable weekend abroad. Although there are many possibilities when it comes to destinations, if you do some research, you can hardly go wrong with any of them.

This way, while having a great time, you also get to experience a different country and a new city, making sure your bachelor party is one of a kind. And who knows, you might even find yourself returning for a second visit.

Dental Health Services

With the prices of healthcare services, it is really no surprise that medical tourism has been gaining in popularity, especially when it comes to dental healthcare. If you find yourself in need of a dental procedure, whether it is corrective or cosmetic, make sure you consider all of your options.

Instead of paying a fortune for a dental procedure in their home town, many people decide to find a reputable dentist abroad and go on a medical vacation. In doing so, they either simply save some money, or treat themselves to a nice holiday abroad. This opportunity to combine their healthcare needs with the pleasure of a vacation is simply too good to pass on.

Adventure Tourism

Whether you are a thrill-seeker or not, you have probably already tried adventure tourism, or at least heard about it. There is nothing quite as exciting as adding some physical activity and a little adrenalin rush to your vacation. If you are looking for a more exciting vacation experience, adventure tourism could be right up your alley.

While there are probably several different adventure tourism sites near you, there is more than one reason to consider going abroad for this type of holiday. First of all, it can save you some money, depending on the country you choose to go to, and secondly, you can add to the excitement of the experience by connecting with a new culture and a new landscape.

Whatever type of thrill you are looking for, there are many options on the international level and it’s up to you to do your research and choose the best deal, instead of simply opting for the nearest or the most popular site near you.

University Education

Studying abroad can be beneficial for any student. If you have the opportunity to take your studies across the border, there are several reasons you should do so. Apart from obtaining a degree in your field of preference, you will also have the opportunity to experience a different culture, meet new people, and engage in their customs and way of life.

Further, the life experience you can gain while living and studying abroad will change you, not only as a student, and help you become a better person. While it may be hard in the beginning, studying abroad will teach you responsibility and organizational skills which will last you for a lifetime.

Finally, pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone will help you grow and return home with a lot more than some souvenirs and a couple of new friends. And the best thing is – the prospect of moving to a different country to study may be much more affordable than you may think.

Conclusion

There you have it: these are the four most popular services people look for abroad. However, whether you are planning on throwing a bachelor party or applying for a student visa, you should do your research on the things you need to know about your destination country and what you can expect when you get there, in order to avoid any unpleasantries.

3 Ways a Student Travel Insurance can Help while You are Studying Abroad

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According to a recent Reserve Bank of India report, approx. 4 lakh Indian students will be studying internationally by the year 2024. If you are planning to study abroad, let us tell you well in advance that it is not a walk in the park.

Studying abroad is a unique experience. You get to explore a new place, culture and meet interesting people. However, you should also be prepared for uncertainties that may come your way during your time abroad. 

Here are a few things that you should be aware of and how a student travel insurance can come in handy.

 

  • Financial Protection In Case Of Medical Emergencies

 

It would be best if you took care of your health when studying away from home, especially when studying abroad. However, sickness comes uninvited and medical treatments, and hospitalization is expensive in a foreign country. For this purpose, you need to be financially protected in case of any medical emergency, and this can be done with an adequate student travel insurance plan.

 

  • Coverage For Treating Big Diseases And Unavoidable Medical Procedures

 

Not only the basic medical treatments are expensive in a foreign country, but the expenses incurred for the treatment of big diseases can burn a hole in your finances. A student travel insurance plan, in this situation, will help you seek necessary treatments without having to worry about the expenses incurred.

 

  • Also Provides Basic Coverage

 

Apart from providing financial protection to you when studying abroad, the student travel insurance also covers you in case of lost baggage, lost passport, delay in baggage, or missing connecting flights. 

Also, personal liability coverage in case you break the law when living abroad without being aware of it or cause damage/loss to the third person or property is covered under the student travel insurance plan. 

Other Important Things Covered Under Student Travel Insurance Are As Follows –

  • Accidents causing bodily injuries when living abroad
  • Dental treatment
  • Emergency expenses for medical evacuation to India
  • Total loss of baggage
  • Cost of obtaining a fresh/duplicate passport in case you lose one when traveling
  • Reimbursement of semester/tuition fees in case of interrupted studies due to medical reasons
  • Payment of bail amount to the necessary officials in case you are arrested or detained by any judicial authority for bailable offense when in a foreign country
  • Expenses incurred when transporting your remains back to your hometown in case of your sudden death

Over To You

Not only student travel insurance is a mandatory document when planning your studies abroad, but it is also financial protection that provides much-needed peace of mind to you and your parents back home. So, ensure that you choose a plan that offers you extensive coverage in the time of need.

Don’t let the car rental ruin your vacation

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Mileage, access to the airport, insurance and the model of the car are variants that determine the payment you will make; do not sign without first understanding everything related to the rental.

When it comes to vacationing, the concept may vary from person to person, as there are those who prefer to stay in a place with many services to avoid leaving it and there are those who prefer to venture to know several places in the area; if you prefer the latter option may be more convenient to rent a car. In order not to ruin your vacation, you should know key points about this service, find out.

When traveling, it can be more practical and economical to rent a car than to take several taxis or use some public transportation, especially if you want to visit places that are in remote locations; however, if you do not compare properly, it can be counterproductive, because monitoring the offer allows you to save up to 50 percent.

The type of car you want to rent, the levels of fares at the time of hire and the additional charges that may be applied, such as insurance or airport access fees, make a big difference between what the service can cost from one establishment to another, the agency said.

As for which car to rent, it is not very accurate to look for a particular model, since companies usually offer different brands; it is more convenient to base it on the type of car you need (sub-compact or economic, compact, medium or minivan), this will depend on how many people are traveling and the amount of luggage you will carry.

Special sections

The car rental Cancun City Car Rental emphasized that almost all companies have special sections for their online promotions, if the company is serious and prestigious, the promotions will be real and very convenient for you, so it advised to exploit this tool, with which you can book in advance.

The car rental companies generally include in the total payment the cost of some type of insurance that covers the vehicle in eventualities or accidents derived from its circulation. These insurances are differentiated by the degree of coverage they offer; the most common are: limited coverage, which covers some risks, such as total theft, civil liability for damages to third parties and medical expenses to occupants; wide coverage, which in addition to contemplating the three previous risks, covers material damages to the vehicle caused by natural causes and collisions, and additional coverage, which are risks covered independently, such as theft or damage to special equipment, accidental death of the driver or legal assistance.

Avis explained that each company in the sector handles its own terminology and conditions, so he advised you to ask if the rental rate includes insurance against damage to third parties; if in case of accident you will have to pay for something and how much it would be, and if the insurance you hired includes rear-view mirrors, windshield or tires.

He clarified that no insurance is valid if the car is driven on unpaved ground and that such policies do not cover fines or towing costs if needed.

Profeco reminded the importance of booking your rental before, since, in general, rates increase significantly on holidays; furthermore, she highlighted that car rentals in Cancun show an important difference if the vehicle is rented on weekdays and not on weekends.

He pointed out that there are extra charges that companies can handle, such as access to the airport, leaving the car at another dealership different from where you took it, extra mileage, etc.; however, beyond these additional charges, it is important to compare the total payment in several rental companies in the town you visit, because the differences for the same type of car in all cities are significant.

Avis explained that small car rental companies usually offer cheaper rates because they don’t have to cover the operating costs that airports charge, which is why companies at airports usually have higher costs, but offer the benefit of saving time.

What the law requires of them

It’s a good idea to book, as car rental rates work very much like those of airlines: the longer you wait for your trip, the cheaper they are.

When you use a cancun airport car rental with City Car Rental, you may incur charges that are not contemplated, such as additional or underage drivers, airport access fees, etc. Ask for them.

Be careful and verify the existence or reliability of any company that offers rates that are too low.

Always check all requirements, these vary between companies.

You may want to pre-pay online. Some companies offer discounts if you pre-pay; this also allows you to control your spending and insure your car; it is advisable in high season, as rates may be higher when you arrive at your destination.

Most companies do not include the cost of gas in their rates. Preferably, return the car with a full tank of gas (or as delivered); otherwise, the company will charge you the difference at a price that may be higher than at a gas station.

Check that the car is in perfect condition; any anomaly must be indicated in the contract before leaving the lot. Also make sure the vehicle has a spare tire and tools.

Do not hire a company that refuses to provide you with insurance information or any other specific information.

Find out if the company has emergency roadside service and if they have a phone number in case you need help.

Make sure you understand the contract and what the insurance coverage is. If you rent a car abroad, use a reputable company that has a Spanish-speaking customer service department, someone who understands your language and can support you if you need it.