Travel Insurance: Is It Necessary?

So you want to leave the homeland for a while, see the sights, take the pictures, or perhaps, do some business. You’ve packed the swimming trunks, the extra layers, the hiking boots, the sun screen, but the question remains: is your medical insurance traveling with you? What happens if you get to Brazil like you always wanted to, and then, in a freak spilled mojito accident, you break your ankle? What if the escargot from that charming Parisian restaurant reacts badly with your American digestive system, and you are suddenly in the throes of the worst food poisoning you’ve experienced in your life? It is no small matter; according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one half of US travelers heading to another country will experience some sort of health problem while abroad.
Ever since the Michael Moore film, “Sicko,” came out, we all know that many other countries (well, specifically France, Canada, and Cuba) provide affordable, sometimes free, healthcare to their citizens, but how does it work for us, Americans, abroad? Well, the truth is, unless you make special preparations, the outlook is not good. According to www.worldwidemedical.com, “most US insurance companies, HMOs, PPOs or Medicare [plans] do not provide adequate medical insurance.” There may be exceptions, and you should look into the fine print of your plan, but every major US health insurance providers suggests getting some form of traveler’s insurance. Unfortunately, there is no foreign country that provides free health care for travelers.
Travel insurance plans provide three types of coverage: for medical care when abroad, the cost of emergency medical evacuation, and reimbursement for sudden trip cancellations and lost luggage.
Should you require medical attention while abroad, most insurance companies provide support in the form of emergency hotlines. They will advise you on the best hospitals in the area, as well as the ins and outs of the local systems. It is strongly advised that, if possible, you consult your provider before seeking medical attention in a foreign land. Also, insurance providers warn that most third world countries’ hospital systems require payment upfront for services rendered. This fee would be reimbursed by the plan.
The most pressing concern is the case of an emergency medical evacuation from a foreign country back to the US. Evacuations are necessary when a very serious medical condition arises, and the traveler/patient must be transported back to the care of his/her primary care physician or a home-based expert. This can cost upwards of $10,000 as it is a coordinated effort between several hospitals and at least one airline. Most travel insurance plans provide the option for specific coverage for this contingency.
Another aspect to consider when traveling abroad, is the cost of sudden cancellations, or changes in travel plans as a result of medical or other emergencies. In an era when airline companies are logging record numbers of lost luggage, this aspect of travelers insurance provides reimbursement for the purchase of clothes and other necessities. In this sense, you could come out a winner: imagine an ‘emergency’ shopping trip at the fabulous designer stores of Milan.
So, whether you are planning a road trip to Canada, or a fourteen day hike in Machu Pichu, pack some warm socks, swim trunks, and your new friend, Mr. Traveler’s Insurance.

On Location August 2007 â?? India (2)

I begrudgingly left the family home after a sumptuous breakfast – I hope to return again soon – and headed further south to a change in scenery. What had been stark and flat, now turned into hills rising out of the plains. After travelling for 2 ½ hours, climbing 2,100 feet above sea level the imposing property of Deogarh Mahal appeared, surrounding the small eponymous town. The palace dating back to 1670 AD was recently renovated by the current royal family, Rawat and Rani Saheb, and ten years later it has become a well established heritage hotel. I was delighted to stay in a Royal Suite – what a treat – with outdoor jacuzzi, complete with my own Sheesh Mahal mirrored room. The furnishings are all traditional, including an original solid silver bed previous owned by the Maharaja. The real jewel in the crown for me was the recent addition of four villa rooms at Fort Seengh Sagar. These were added in 2006, and recently winning the Tatler Hideaway Award this year. In the evening before sunset I drove through the picture postcard village and climbed up to Fort Seengh Sagar. From here with beautifully chilled wine and exquisite canapés I watched the sun set. The serenity of this truly magical hideaway would persuade anybody to stay at least for dinner, if not for a few nights. After a perfect evening watching the setting sun, I returned to the palace for a delectable palette of traditional Mewari cuisine and dined in the company of a prince! Halfway through dinner, I was told that until the late 70s the meals were first tasted by the palace monkeys to safeguard against poisoning the royal family! On hearing this my appetite waned a little!

The following morning, feeling pleased to be alive after my evening meal, my driver and I descended down from the Aravalli range, and travelled west for three hours to the village of Rohet. Winding our way through the narrow and somewhat dishevelled streets of Rohet, I was pleasantly surprised to arrive at the gates of a somewhat grand fortified desert home.

The owners of this ancestral home, Sidhar and Rasmi Singh, opened their doors to guests in 1990, and the original wing, dating back to 1622 AD , has seen the likes of William Dalrymple residing here for five months, writing his novel ‘City of Djinns’. Instantly I was at peace within the walls of Rohetgarh – it holds an aura of calm. The simplicity and local décor of this property is appealing, and further enhanced by the staff who deliver a gentle and humble greeting on arrival. The most fabulous aspect was the view of a thousand changing images of the lakeside in front of me: cows slowly meandering to the banks of the water to drink, the lily pads a vibrant green, the movements of the birds and animals, and the dancing of the peacocks on the manicured lawns. The descendants of the Rathores, the family are successful breeders of the Marwar horses, the indigenous horse of the Thar Desert. Its spirit is bold and fearless and you have to be a competent rider to ride in the desert. I was sorely tempted not least to ride out to and overnight at the wilderness lodge.

In the afternoon, I headed off on a village safari. Off-roading across this arid land, watching deer and blue bull roaming in the distance, we reached a local settlement of the Bishnoi tribal family. The Bishnoi are the premier ecologists of the world and have protected their lands for centuries and are responsible for the survival of species like the Black Buck Antelope. On entering the fenced compound I was required to take off my shoes to enter the mud huts – made in the traditional methods of mixing animal dung and mud together. It was a lovely experience to meet the children and sit with them in their kitchen, the sense of being transported back in time was incredible, until the ringing of a mobile phone shattered the illusion. Even the Bishnoi need their mobiles! From Rohetgarh I travelled through scenic countryside to Jodhpur airport, where there are frequent flights back to Delhi and whose streets seemed crazy after the calm of rural Rajasthan!

Canada Top Travel Destination Cities

After the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) collapsed, Canada became the world’s second largest country by land mass after Russia and despite a considerably territory area within these countries are tundra land, Canada is a popular tourist destination for both visitors from its neighbor country (USA) and anyone around the world.Canada is situates in northern North America bordering with the United States in the south, the Atlantic Ocean in the east, the Pacific Ocean in the West and the Artic Ocean in the north. Historically Canada’s the first settlements took place thousand years ago, time at which researchers believe the Bering Strait was connect to Asia.However, after its historical timeline, Canada is a parliamentary democracy of the British Crown that preserves the French culture and language of the early French Expeditions arriving to the country along with British surveying the region, providing to modern Canada multicultural settings that can be observed throughout different cities and towns.When it comes to visit Canada, keep in mind the following cities that are considered among the top tourist Canadian destinations to enjoy unforgettable vacations time:Niagara FallsBordering with the city of New York in the United States, the Niagara Falls, in the province of Ontario, are a natural phenomenon attracting visitors from around the world. Best known as a honeymoon destination, Niagara Falls is a top-notch destination with an exciting nightlife, sightseeing and adventure opportunities.Besides the waterfall, Niagara Falls has a popular Fallsview Casino and long-time running traditional tours including Marineland and the Maid of the Mist tour. At Niagara Falls, expect to find word-class resorts and small bed and breakfast facilities that invite to adopt this place like a dreaming retreat.Montreal Situated in the province of Quebec, Montréal is perhaps the most French city in Canada. The city of Montreal is a busy place where dinning, shopping and enjoying the French heritage of the city in every street are just a few of those delightful activities that visitors can find at this place.Montreal is located between the St. Laurent River (St. Lawrence) and Rivière des Prairies, home to the Olympic Games of 1976, the city keeps the memories of the event in many building including the Olympic Stadium, although there are many other attractions such as the Underground City complex downtown and its main festivals.Vancouver Vancouver is the largest city in the province of British Columbia, facing the Pacific Ocean. This coastal city offers a wide array of outdoor activities thanks to its privileged location surrounded by Mountains and water streams that amalgamated with climate are the idea setting for skiing at the famous Whistler/Blackcomb ski resort.However, there are countless opportunities for shopping, dinning and dancing at nightclubs along Granville Street, or visiting the Commodore Ballroom, a live classic music venue established in 1920. Otherwise, Vancouver invites visitors to hiking trails, take a guided museums tour, or enjoy the events and festivals taking place all year long.

Organizing a Ski Vacation in Austria

Have you always been fascinated by alpine landscapes with transparent lakes and peaks that are constantly carpeted with snow? Do you want a holiday that suggests nature, culture, history and recreation? Austria is the perfect place where you will discover this rare environment.Austria is small country situated in the center of Europe, comfortably explored, which proposes enjoyable and stunning attractions for adventurers. It is also famous for its various educational activities: opera, concerts, theater and classical music festivals; entertainment and night life will also discover here a priceless media: stores, cafes, classic restaurants and beer stores.Austria is the promised land of winter sports, offering accommodation for each pocket. On skis or snowboard, amateur or expert skier – a skiing trip in Austria embodies everything you’ve ever desired and wished for.Skiing is one of the most prominent sports and it’s notorious since ancient times. Because there are a handful of towns at high altitudes in the Austrian Alps, all slopes are natural, of incredible quality and benefiting from the up-to-the-minute technology. Salzburg and Tyrol regions are the two most endorsed “lands” for a ski trip in Austria. They offer superlative conditions for ski resorts and are equipped with everything that is fundamental for a majestic ski vacation with your family or your buddies.The Tyrol region is certainly the fantasy of every tourist who wants the flawless winter holiday in Austria. Thousands of km of ski slopes for both beginners and aces, skiing on the glaciers and booking at some of the most well-known resorts in the world – a real oasis of leisure, the ideal destination for your next skiing holiday. Along with Aurach and Reith, Kitzbuhel is one of the most distinguished destinations in Tyrol (and even in Austria) due to its breathtaking landscapes, holiday atmosphere, the great ski conditions and accommodation to some of the most advantageously hotels and hostels in Austria. Kitzbuhel Ski Area is perfect for practicing skiing, with its 704 km of slopes, but you should also take a look at the diverse leisure offers and sporting and social events; they will surely change your vacation into an exclusive experience. Mostly, the unique apres-ski offers represent an excellent conclusion to a day of skiing and / or snowboard. Kitzbuhel – Ski Welt has appeal, the atmosphere is warm, traditions are kept with devotion but above all you gain access to large areas for skiing in exceptional conditions. Both walking and skiing are an authentic satisfaction here and the ski holiday in Austria will be a dream with more than 250 km of slopes that you can access in areas well connected by the cable transport system of the Ski Welt. Placed at 800 m altitude in Kitzbuheler Alpen and very close to Kitzbuhel, Reith is a holiday village that welcomes you with very profitable accommodation offers in an excellent location for families with children. During the cold season you will have access to plenty arranged mountain trails and opportunities to ski and ice skate on Schwarzsee Lake.

Naxos â?? Best Travel Tip for Greek Island Beach Vacations

Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades â?? the group of islands in the center of the Aegean. The island is eighteen miles in length and 12 miles wide and is oval in shape.

It is also the most fertile, and this makes it one of the most beautiful. But it is the miles of unbroken golden sandy beaches that attracts the majority of the thousands of summer tourists that flock to Naxos every year.

For the holidaymakers who can drag themselves away from the glorious beaches, Naxos provides a wealth of ancient Greek remains as well as plenty of Byzantine and Venetian history. The islandâ??s capital, also called Naxos, has a Venetian fortress as well as an ancient Greek temple to Apollo.

This temple is usually the first thing that a tourist sees when visiting Naxos by ferry because it stands proudly on the tip of the island, marking the way into the busy ferry port. The temple dates back to 522 BC but its ruinous appearance is not because much of it has been lost to the passage of time, but rather because the ancients never finished building it.

Naxos town is very picturesque port with a maze of whitewashed streets and alleyways, designed with the frequent invasions from Aegean pirates in mind. Its typically Cycladic architecture blends with the Venetian and every turning invites the visitor to explore.

With such romantic charm and mystique, it is little wonder that Naxos has long been popular with writers and artists. Lord Byron visited in his youth and never forgot the experience, referring to it in his writings as the â??Dream Islandâ?? and often saying that he would love to return some day.

Naxos has 41 villages and most are worth exploring. They are found in the green fertile, valleys that are sandwiched between the rugged, arid mountains. Many of these are over 2000 feet high and the highest, Mount Zeus is 3,200 feet.

Naxos enjoys the economic rewards of being a tourist island but it does not depend on them for its prosperity. A great deal of farming takes place in its rich valleys and the cultivation of lemons is especially successful. In addition to lemons, Naxos produces cherries, pomegranates and other fresh fruit. It also produces olives, nuts and potatoes whilst its grapes make some of the best of Greek wines.

Naxos is deservedly popular with discerning tourists but unlike nearby Mykonos, it is not in danger of being turned into a mass tourism resort. What has saved it from doing so is its lack of an international airport. There is however an excellent airport providing domestic flights and some tourists, mainly Greek holidaymakers, arrive in Naxos this way, flying from Athens. The majority of tourists arrive by ferry however, and there is no better way to start a Greek island holiday than this. You can sail all the way from Athens but it will take at least six hours. Or you can fly to Mykonos and get on a ferry that takes only two hours. Both options have their pros and cons. We flew to Mykonos one year only to find all the ferries were booked. Another travel tip, whichever route you choose, is to be careful that you get off at the right island. The first time we visited Naxos, we misheard a landing announcement and got off the ferry only to see a sign that read â??Welcome to Parosâ??. Luckily, we had enough time to re-board and complete the remaining minutes of the journey to neighboring Naxos.

Discover the Amazing Florence – One of Italy’s Most Beautiful Towns

Being a frequent visitor of Italy I can say with some level of authority that if you are planning to take vacations in Italy, then you might want to add a trip to Florence to your itinerary. I’m a big fan of Italy, and indeed Florence is the pride of that country. Three things come to my mind when I think of Florence. These are the beautiful museum complexes, the Duomo and of course the Italian wines, especially the Tuscany wine.

Florence is situated on the banks of Arno river and is walled in by hills in the south and the foothills of the Apennines in the north. These natural boundaries are key determinants of its climate. Florence is a gastronomical paradise for travelers of all budget ranges – low to high. Having visited and traveled deep down into Italy (and Florence by extension) more than a dozen times, I can confidently guide you through Florence with ease and efficiency. The best time to visit Florence is in what they call the low season, April to June and in September to October, when the climate is generally pleasant and would cost lower to travel. Also early winter in December can also be surprisingly pleasant.

Once in Florence, there are some places that you cannot afford to miss.

The first one is the Palazza Pitti, a 32,000 square meters of artistic splendor is a must visit for every museum lover and others alike. It is also the entrance to the Boboli Gardens, which is a relaxing place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is filled with many beautiful fountains and statues and if you can make it all the way to the top of the hill, you could get some wonderful views of city of Florence.

Then there is Palazzo della Signoria – a lively square that has lots of restaurants, bars and ice cream parlors and is a great place to grab a bite as you take a stop from your travel for the day. History has it that this square has been the political epicenter of Florence for many centuries and is dominated by the Palazzo Vecchio with a copy of the statue of David by Michelangelo in front of the palace. Right next to the Piazza della Signoria is the promenade Via dei Calzaiuoli, a lively shopping street, connecting with the Duomo of Florence – a popular place in the evenings with locals and visitors alike. If you are smitten with Italian food and have planned for some space in bags with Italian cookbooks, save some more room for the goodies that you could buy in here: everything you need for that Italian kitchen of yours, from polenta-stirring spoons to artisan ceramics.

Also do go for a carriage ride through Florence starting from Piazza della Signoria. It is absolutely romantic during the summer. The Duomo – Florence’s cathedral is easy to spot with its huge terracotta colored dome. It is one of Florence’s most distinctive sights and is the result of years of work spanning six centuries. Arrive early to miss the crowds and if you have the energy you can climb the 463 steps to the top of the cupola, you would be rewarded by a fantastic view of the city. Alternatively climb the 414 steps up to the top of the bell tower for a slightly different view.

And finally taking a stroll along the Arno River is a great way to end your day of sightseeing. The Ponte Vecchio crosses the River Arno and the area houses many goldsmiths, jeweler’s shops and medieval workshops that overhang the bridge. The sunset is the best time to view the bridge. Take a walk along the bridge after dusk, when the lights on the bridge reflect on the Arno River and everything there seems absolutely magical.

Don’t Blame Canada for your Vacation Doldrums

Have you ever wondered about that mystery land up North? You know, the one where people talk a little differently, are supposedly nicer, and are inexplicably cheerful in the face of months and months of unbelievably cold weather? If Canada has ever caught your eye or captured your imagination, perhaps its time to pay this northern neighbor a visit.

It is the second largest country in the world, so not even the most hard-core travelers have seen very much of this maple-leafed land. You probably find the idea of a visit overwhelming, considering that you don’t know where to start or which way to go from there. It’s best to take a moment to examine your vacation goals, and everything will surely begin to fall into place from there.

In spite of the fact that this country is pretty rough and rugged across most of its acres, city lovers will find plenty of intriguing options here. Ignore the uppermost reaches of the nation and think cosmopolitan; Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver all have well over a million people and will give you a taste of urban life that’s part European, part American, mostly Je ne sais quoi.

Toronto is the busiest bee of Canada, filled with businesses, residential areas, sports arenas, and anything else that “regular” cities have. What’s different about Toronto is that it is a melting pot of nationalities and historic settlements that have come together brilliantly. A large number of people who live here weren’t born here, making for a fascinating and exciting cultural atmosphere.

Visitors to Toronto will thus feel at home, as you’re sure to run into a familiar influence somewhere in the city no matter where you’ve come from. Check out the skyline, relax on the beach, walk or bike through downtown, or take in a hockey game or a play. This worldly city offers countless world-class entertainments, so be sure to keep your eyes open and your itinerary flexible. You never know what you’ll end up doing, but it’s sure to be an adventure.

If you’d like to get a feel for an older side of Canada, make a stop in Montreal. Quebec’s largest city and considered to be one of the most cultured and attractive in the world, this heaven for francophones will wow you with its constant delights. If you come in the summer, take advantage of the pleasant weather and make walking your primary means of getting around. Old Montreal is made up of cobblestone streets and buildings erected hundreds of years ago. Wandering this area will be like traveling back in time, and you’ll truly feel like you’ve crossed the ocean to a lost European town.

To truly immerse yourself in the culture of either of these cities, or one of Canada’s other metropolitan hotspots, then consider renting a loft located in the heart of all the action. Blend into the diverse crowds and live like a Canadian for a few days, enjoying the view from your trendy apartment and stocking your kitchen with local fare. There’s no better way to forget your current stresses than by living incognito for an extended break, so assume a new identity and head for the big city.

Another aspect of Canada that begs to be enjoyed is its untamed wilderness and incomparable scenery. Regions like Mont Tremblant in Quebec and the coastal islands of British Colombia are simply incomparable. Ski vacations in the winter or languid summer sessions by the sea will surely meet anyone’s expectations for what a vacation should be, so if you’ve always thought of Canada’s terrain as mostly hostile or boring, think again.

You might see a moose or two, thus reinforcing a persistent stereotype, but nothing else will allow this to happen. Lush gardens, whale sightings, farmer’s markets, and fine restaurants will all beg to fill your days, so plan to stay a while to properly appreciate everything.

Do this by settling into a quaint cottage in view of the water, with the sandy beach as your backyard and rooms filled with every comfort you can imagine. Or perhaps, if you are brave enough for a winter visit, claim a slope side cabin that will make skiing seem the most natural thing in the world. Choices abound, so do a little research and start planning the kind of vacation that other people dream about but never take.

There are plenty of Canada vacation rentals to ponder, so go online and take a look. You’ll be breaking the mold by heading to this welcoming and possibility-filled land, so be sure to do it in style.

On Location August 2007 â?? India (1)

India has always struck me as a unique melting pot of class, religion, language, scenery and culture, within a single country, which makes it incomparable to any other destination one may visit and continues to enchant me.

I was delighted to revisit Rajasthan to see for myself what changes had occurred since I was last there. The main highlights on this route for the first time traveller are the sites of Delhi, the breathtaking and mesmerising view of the Taj Mahal, and the fortressed cities of Jaipur and Jodphur.

This time around, the real highlight for me was the painstakingly renovated fortressed palaces, fabulous scenery and fascinating historical anecdotes of the bygone era found deep in the heart of Rural Rajasthan.

My journey started in New Delhi, the international gateway to Rajasthan. A five hour journey south by car brought me to the “pink city” of Jaipur. Renowned for its gems, artworks and textiles it is an artisan’s city. With the assistance from the government and the King, artisans are invited from all over to keep their art and teaching alive, passing on their fine brush painting to younger generations. You can witness them in the grounds of the city palace. It is said that the buyers of Bulgari are hid away in this city buying up the best diamonds. Unfortunately my budget only stretched to some high quality saffron that day. The Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, dating back to 1835 and the first palace in India to be converted to a hotel in 1957, allows you to truly experience the nostalgia of the British Raj and the lifestyle associated with this bygone era. An extensive renovation programme has seen the addition of a sumptuous tented spa facility, complete with love swings and sitar players – set in the beautifully private gardens. I hope to return when I have more time on my hands for this pampering!

On leaving the city of 3 million inhabitants, I travelled to Shapura Bagh, located midway between Jaipur and Udaipur, escaping the city into the countryside. My driver informed me that the drive from Jaipur was four hours, but I hadn’t been asleep that long when we turned off the National Highway, at Gulabpura. From here it is a further 40 km of single track asphalt, slowing the journey down in order to allow passing herds of cattle, local buses bulging with colourful people and precariously loaded trucks carrying twice the height and width of itself again in hay! Eyes wide open now, I had arrived in rural Rajasthan – raw life – and it was flooding my senses.

Shapura is a small bustling market town with a fabulous old bazaar, famed for its local Rajasthani slipper, the Mojaris. Although brimming with life, nobody appeared to be rushing. My driver continued to use his horn in the fashion of a city dweller, but nobody took the blindest notice! I knew instantly I would love it here.

Shapura bagh is a slice of heaven, offering a comfortable haven, allowing me to take a deep breath of fresh air and to hear the sounds of nature, instead of the sound of the persistent beeping of horns. Once the summer palace of the rulers of Shapura, it is now run as a boutique homestay and my hosts, Maya and Sat Singh gave me the warmest of welcomes and embraced me into their home as if I was a long lost relative. Active conservationists, they provide an eco friendly environment – solar heating, organic vegetable gardens, and fresh milk from their herd of cows. All meals are taken at the house and Maya proved to be the most excellent cook – ask for the home made Mango ice-cream! I was lucky to spend two nights here, and it proved to be the ideal spot to recharge the batteries – no mini bar, no TV, barefooted servants with a quiet gracefulness and no airs and graces required on your behalf!

A highlight of the stay at Shapura is visiting the partly ruined and utterly romantic Dhikola Fort, which is still owned by the Singh family. Travelling by 1952 Willys jeep, up close and personal to the sights and smells of India, Sat and I drove out to the Fort for sunset. From the top of the turret the fort commands a view of the numerous lakes that extends as far as the eye can see – an unforgettable view.