Travel Insurance for Peace of Mind

Often overlooked as an essential when travelling, having a good travel insurance policy that meets all your needs will really come into its own if something were to wrong, especially if you consider the relatively cheap cost of a policy compared to what you could be paying out if you don’t have any.

When you come to purchase a travel insurance policy the first decision you’re going to have to make is the type of policy that will best suit your requirements. A single trip policy will be suitable if you’re not a frequent traveller and just need cover for a short one off trip. If you’re lucky enough to be travelling a number of times in a year, then you’ll want to look into an annual multi-trip policy which will usually work out cheaper if you plan on travelling more than 3 times a year.

There are numerous specialist policies that cover everything outside the norm. These policies are aimed at those who don’t fit in with the requirements of a single or annual multi-trip policy. Travellers looking for a more adventurous or active trip can get cover which is very specific to their needs with policies for backpackers or winter sports cover.

Remember that travel insurance is there to give you peace of mind so you can relax on your trip and not have to worry about all the ‘what-ifs’. A specialist policy doesn’t always mean an expensive policy and by shopping around you’ll give yourself the best chance getting the best travel insurance for your needs at a good price. It’s certainly worth spending a few minutes getting to grips with the basics of travel insurance after all there is little point in purchasing a policy if it’s not going to cover you for what you need.

There are many things you can do yourself to minimise any hassle or stress and enjoy your trip. Be sure you declare any pre-existing medical conditions you may have as providers may not pay out if you come to make a claim. It’s a given but don’t do anything illegal as your guaranteed to void your policy. It also may not be a good idea to partake in any dangerous activities you may not be covered for.

If you have to make a claim the process will go a lot smoother if you report and obtain documentation for any losses or thefts to the local authorities as providers are likely to ask for this if your claim is for lost possessions. It’s also a good idea to keep a log of your conversations with your insurance provider noting time, dates and who you’ve spoken with.

The delights of the Spanish Paradores

Road trippers and nature lovers shouldn’t leave the Spanish Paradores off their must-see travel list. The Paradores are important historic buildings across the country and are cultural and architectural remnants of the Roman Empire, Arab, and Germanic rule. Once the location of great battles and home to some of the greatest kings, today these great palaces, hospitals, and monasteries have been transformed into comfortable, even luxurious hotels for visitors from all over the world. For a feel of Spain through the ages, live in history and sleep in style in one of these fascinating and awe-inspiring structures. Here’s our pick of seven of the best!

Parador de Zafra, Extremadura

Housed in a huge castle which belonged to the Duchess of Feria in 1437 is today a flourishing 4-star hotel called Parador de Zafra. The hotel is located in the province of Badajoy, in the town center of Zafra. Near the Parador de Zafra lies the famous Santa Maria church. The luxurious interior of this huge hotel is guarded by nine crenels. The hotel still sports iron mounting, coffered ceilings, and other small decorative items which have survived the centuries.

Parador de Lerma, Castle Leon

Originally the Ducal Palace, it was built on the foundations of an old castle which dated back to the 15th century. Today this Palace, designed by Francisco de Mora and built in the early half of the 17th century by King Philipp III is the Parador de Lerma. This 4-star hotel has 70 guestrooms, of which no two rooms are alike, differing depending on their location within the castle. The stone floors, antiques and slanted wood still feel as they did five centuries ago.

Parador de Santo Estevo, Galicia

The Parador de Santo Estevo was originally called the Benedictine Monastery located in the north of Ourense in Galicia. It can be found near the Spanish town of Nogueira de Ramuín almost close to the edge of a canyon which is surrounded by lush green and wooded mountains which look like a scene out of the history books. This hotel has a total of 77 rooms of different sizes both with and without private living rooms. The rooms have been remodeled and designed to a more contemporary yet luxurious style.

Parador de Plasencia, Extremadura

The Parador de Plasencia is located in the middle of the ancient Spanish town of Plasencia. Architecturally rich, this building can be found near the Portuguese border. This 15th century monastery houses a four-star hotel with countless halls, gothic type façade, open air pool and 66 beautiful guestrooms. Each of the rooms features high ceilings and natural stone walls which create a romantic and comfortable atmosphere. Oriental carpets, baldachins and baroque sofas add to the feeling of comfort and luxury of staying here.

Parador de Jarandilla de la Vera, Extremadura

Located in the Cáceres province in an old village named Jarandilla de la Vera – which is 230 km away from the Spanish capital of Madrid – the Parador de Jarandilla de la Vera was once home to the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V and the king of the Spanish Empire. This castle – dating from the 15th century – has lost none of its charm and superior presence over the centuries. Still guarded by fortified towers, wooden rafters, and huge open fireplaces, it’s a must visit for every tourist. The comfortable, beautiful and open rooms give visitors a feeling of freedom.

Parador de Oropesa, Castile La Mancha

The Parador de Oropesa was once a 14th century castle and housed nobles, dukes of Oropesa and many clergymen over the centuries. The 4 star hotel can be found in the fertile valley near the Tagus River. Today it features a romantic atmosphere with pool, stylish interior and 14th century charm. The large and impressive mosaic floors, watch tower and an underground arched cellar just adds to the unique experience. Each room has been furnished with upholstered furniture, decorative lamps, comfortable and spacious rooms. This Parador still maintains an atmosphere that resembles Castilian aristocratic tradition.

Parador de Monforte de Lemos, Galicia

Located in Galicia, the Parador Monforte de Lemos is a huge monument and consists of San Vicente del Pino monastery, fortified tower, and the Duke’s palace. This impressive piece of architecture embodies various styles of epochs from the time of the Middle Ages right down to the 18th century. Each guestroom here is unique and has a special charm which is a mix of both old and new lifestyles. The huge, bright and well decorated rooms are comfortable and inviting.

Guest contribution from Escapio.com where these historic hotels in Spain are just a handful of the luxury, boutique and design hotels perfect for a long holiday or a weekend break.

Travel Photo of the Week: Grafton, New South Wales, Australia

Grafton, also known as the Jacaranda City due to its many Jacaranda tree-lined streets. The town folk celebrate the Annual Jacaranda Festival which is held from the last weekend in October to the first weekend in November. The Festival has been running since 29 October 1935 and attracts visitors from all over the country and globe.

Photos courtesy of Katrina Murray

Where is Sydney?

Photo by pareeerica

Sydney is an incredible place. There’s nothing quite like Sydney anywhere on Earth. It’s also a great place to live, and the lifestyle is the true Australian lifestyle, the real deal. Sydneysiders love the place as a big, sprawling, beautiful place with a lot of charm, and endless things to do and see. This isn’t like the mega cities of the northern hemisphere, or American cities with their huge populations. It’s a city of about 4 million people, spread over an area of about 50 x 50 miles. It’s a beach city, a bush city, and an international city. Grab some travel insurance and come and check it out.

Sydney as a place to live

Everyone has their favorite places in Sydney. This is a very diverse city, with cultures from all over the world. Sydney picks things up very quickly, and if you want to find anything from anywhere, particularly China, you can just stroll down to Chinatown. These are cultural assets, and most Australians have rapidly developed a real taste for the cosmopolitan side of Sydney.

The famous places in Sydney are places where people live and love. In the city itself, you can see a huge range of human situations which can make you laugh like a horse. Sydney is a hedonistic place, and the combination of the climate, the social environment and a fairly typical Australian liking for the best of the good life does the rest.

Sydney is the New York of Australia, its biggest, oldest city, and a combination of the Australian cultural traditions and the huge energies of a big city with its own inner life is unique. Every region is rather houseproud, and prefers its area to the other areas.

The regions are like worlds. Exploring Sydney, you could be forgiven for thinking that you were travelling around the world, seeing a range of people from literally everywhere on Earth. If you want Tibetan food, African music, or German beer, you’ll find it. The different areas of Sydney all have their own natures:

The Northern Beaches: The coastal north, expensive but beautiful.

The North Shore: The older northern suburbs. The “silvertails” according to the rest of Sydney.

The City: The CBD is the place where it all converges, several miles of a strange menagerie of architecture from the ultra modern to the almost colonial. Includes Chinatown, Darling Harbour, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Australia’s best and arguably most eclectic shopping.

Darlinghurst and Paddington: The Oxford Street scene, famous for the Gay Mardi Gras.

Eastern Sydney: A wealthy older zone, with beautiful homes and many famous Australian places.

Bondi: The famous beach area, and a great example of the endless Australian fascination with being on the water.

The South: The southern beaches area, a distinct region with a beach and surfing culture of its own.

The Inner West: The trendy zone, also the student area, a fun place by any standards.

The South West and West: A big inland part of the city, from the incredible Blue Mountains to the multicultural south western suburbs.

All these areas have their own special places. Take your time, get some cheap travel insurance online, and have fun!

Sydney (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

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One Great Reason to Visit Sydney

One great reason to visit this travel destination is most certainly to view its claim to fame, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Sydney, Australia

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