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Travel Insurance – Take It, or Leave It?

September 21, 2013 by Samantha 1 Comment

Most people buy their travel insurance as soon as they’ve booked their flights / hotel / holiday, as they will usually be covered for cancellations, but there are some people who prefer to leave buying their insurance until the last minute so they can get the cheapest possible premium. What do you think is best, and why bother with Travel Insurance at all? Let’s chat with Beth Macer, Travel Insurance Expert.

Samantha- What made you become so interested in travel insurance?

Beth Macer- I’ve always been interested in travel, different countries and cultures and I spent a gap year traveling and working abroad. The type of cover offered by Payingtoomuch.com is specifically designed to cover those people in the UK with pre-existing medical conditions and I have always been interested in the medical side of things, having previously worked for a medical supply company, so when I had a chance to put the two together, it seemed like the perfect job opportunity to interest me.

S- What is the most common reason people need travel insurance?

B- Travel insurance is designed to protect you against a variety of eventualities, such as loss / theft of personal possessions, holiday cancellation and public liability costs amongst other things, however the most common reason people need insurance is for medical expenses and repatriation. A travel insurance policy is most commonly designed to cover the cost of emergency medical treatment abroad in the event of something unexpected occurring – something which can be very costly!

S- Is travel insurance like homeowners insurance, where they pay only a fraction of what it will actually cost to replace/cancel, or does it fully cover losses and accidents?

B- All travel insurers have different cover levels / policy limits for each section of cover, for example a standard UK insurer will cover £2000 baggage / personal possessions and £5000 cancellation / curtailment. The level of cover is designed to pay you back fully, for any losses or cancellation costs (that are irrecoverable elsewhere), provided that the value you have paid for you holiday etc. is within the limits set by the insurer. With travel insurance there are different levels of cover available, so it is important to make sure you purchase a policy with enough cover to protect your needs.

S- Are there different types of insurance? If so, what do you recommend purchasing?

B-There are different policies available, depending on what it is exactly that you want to insure. Some policies will only cover emergency medical expenses, with no baggage or cancellation cover, which is great for people traveling last minute to a family holiday home, as they are then not paying for something they may not need. However this type of policy may not be suitable for people taking a 3 week cruise or all inclusive holiday packages which have been booked in advance – in this instance they may need cancellation cover in case they can’t travel, or a policy to cover travel delays if they miss a flight.
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Filed Under: interview, lifestyle, travel Tagged With: or Leave It?, should i buy travel insurance, travel, travel insurance, Travel Insurance - Take It, what does travel insurance cover, why buy travel insurance

Travel Adventures – Share Your Photos

September 17, 2013 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Have you guys seen the new United Sharing Adventure yet? I contributed to it, my photos represent the State of New Jersey. From the Land of Make Believe (geared for kids under twelve) to the teenage stomping grounds at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier & Boardwalk in Ocean City, to adult-sized entertainments at Jersey Shore’s dazzling casinos, award-winning restaurants and theaters – New Jersey has something fun for everyone.

Even visiting their historic sites is fun, with scenic ferry rides to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or guided tours up Lucy the Elephant, a six-story structure standing since 1881 with spectacular views of Atlantic City’s skyline. Once a Hoboken neighborhood secret, when Carlo’s Bakery was dubbed “the Cake Boss” on a popular cooking show, visitors started lining up to score their delicious Grab & Go meals featuring Italian cannoli and lobster tails topped off with luscious gourmet cupcakes. The homemade ice creams at Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionery in Bloomfield draws locals but Sopranos’ fans come for the onion rings.
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Filed Under: technology, travel Tagged With: family travel, HostelBookers.com, NJ, NJ photos, share photos, travel, Travel Adventures - Share Your Photos, Travel in NJ, trips to NJ, United Sharing Adventure, vacation in NJ

Family Travel in Upstate NY

September 17, 2013 by Samantha 8 Comments

Fall foliage will soon be at its height in many Northeastern states, making this the perfect time for a quick getaway. These family friendly destinations in upstate New York will rival any in beauty for those in search of the perfect photo, and will provide the kids with endless fun.

Fall Foliage Train Excursion in Shortsville, N.Y., is a 90 minute nostalgic train ride where riders can not only enjoy the trip, but also the view of the changing colors and landscape from your own window. The slow, rolling ride allows ample time for photography, reflection and enjoying time with the family as you make your way to Phelps and back. Upon your return, visitors can also view the Lehigh Valley Historical Society’s museum in the Old New York Central Freight Station, open during excursions.

Find out more at http://www.lvrrhs.org/

Phone: 585-289-9149

The Seneca Park Zoo is open year round. Home to roughly 300 animals and aquatic life, the zoo will be a treat for kids of all ages. During the month of October, bring the kids in costume for a trick-or-treat event called “Zoo Boo,” where your children can take photos with costumed mascots and larger-than-life lions, watch sea lions play with pumpkins, and ask for treats at assigned locations. Collect all the stamps from every location, and your child will receive a special prize to remember the visit by.

Complete with a playground in the center of the zoo, snacks and lunch areas (where you can bring a picnic or purchase food at the zoo), the Seneca Park Zoo is a great way to spend an autumn day.

Find out more at http://www.senecaparkzoo.org/

Phone: 585-336-7200

The National Museum of Play at the Strong is a museum not to be missed by any family – or any kid at heart. While it is most certainly a museum, it is like none other. Fully hands on – and sometimes feet, head, or voice – your child will not have an amazing time playing, but will learn about the toys they love while doing so. Home to extensive collections of historic toys, as well as the Toy Hall of Fame (soon to induct another toy in November), the museum also features a Butterfly Garden, outdoor Discovery Garden, Comic Book Heroes interactive superhero center (where kids can not only dress up, but become part of their favorite comic books and shows), a carousel and more. Schedule this as an all-day activity – it cannot be covered in two or three hours, and will be a day the whole family will thoroughly enjoy.
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Filed Under: travel Tagged With: fall colors travel, fall foliage, fall travel, Family Travel in Upstate NY, family travel with kids, famiy travel, kids travel, roadtrips with kids, travel, travel with kids

Where to Stay in Cape Cod/Provincetown

September 4, 2013 by Samantha 9 Comments

Thinking about running away? I suggest you do it. Why not, you only live once. If you are looking for a fun getaway with charm, good food, and something a little out of the ordinary- why not visit Massachusetts? There is so much to do there, and this time of year is perfect for a trip. Great weather, less crowds, and everything is still open.

We recently took a trip up North, and stayed at the very family friendly Harbor Hotel Provincetown, just a short walk from the center of town, famous food and attractions, and right across the street from the beach. This hotel has a restaurant right on site (a real one, not a dive that you get stuck eating at because it’s there) as well as a poolside cabana offering good eats, drinks, and desserts poolside. Don’t feel like leaving the pool? Don’t. It’s a real getaway, you make what you want of it. Explore, don’t explore, be a hotel-body and lounge about by the pool all day- it’s your trip. Do what you want! They even have a fire pit, which as you can see my family very much enjoyed.

Delsey Garment Bag – Great Travel Suitcase

September 3, 2013 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Delsey offers garment bags in three styles- covers, rolling bags, and non rolling bags. If you need to take along outfits for the family and keep them as neat as they were in the closet, they are great options.

The non rolling bags are framed bags are slung over your shoulder or held by the top handle, and and have several pockets that hold your shoes, accessories, toiletries and items like socks or undergarmets. They are ususally more compact and lightweight than wheeled bags, and are perfect for talking along to a wedding or trip when you know you will need to keep the family looking their best.
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Filed Under: review, travel Tagged With: Delsey Garment Bag - Great Travel Suitcase, garment bag, lightweight travel bag, suitcase, travel

Switzerland – Fun Family Travel at an Affordable Price

August 21, 2013 by Samantha 6 Comments

Switzerland is a wonderful place to take the family on holiday. With majestic mountains that are constantly in view, lovely lakes, and train rides that are visually stunning as you tcrusie through the country en route to your destination, you and your family are in for a treat as soon as you set foot in this friendly and hospitable country.

Switzerland is also an affordable option for Americans wanting to travel in Europe, with family friendly options such as the Swiss Pass to make saving money easier as you traverse. It offers unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System, which includes trains, boats, buses, local urban transportation systems, and free entry to over 450 museums. You also get free WiFi, and access to the Fast Baggage service, which provides same-day luggage delivery between 46 cities in Switzerland. (According to the Switzerland Tourism Department)

One must see spot in the country is Mt. Pilatus, a 7,000-foot mountaintop that you reach via train, aerial cable way, gondola, and the worlds steepest cogwheel rail. If you decide to take the “Golden Round Trip”, you and your family can see some of the best scenery in Switzerland all in one day. From the boat tour beginning in Lake Lucerne, which you ride in comfort either in the inside or outside of the boat on crystal clear waters with mountains surrounding you. Some passengers may choose to get off at one of several stops, such as restaurants or the Swiss Museum of Transport (the most popular museum in Switzerland). You will take the boat to Aspnachstad (which is the aforementioned steepest cog in the world) and then to Pilatus Klum’s peak, at nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, viewing amazing sights and scenery all along the way.

The cog up to the top is both exhilarating and a little frightening- it is very, very steep, and those lovely views will make some hold onto their seat a little tighter. From the top, one can view more then 70- peaks and five lakes. You can also visit several restaurants, spend some time at one of Mt. Piliatus’ adventure parks, go tobogganing or head over to the rope park. These are weather permitting. These are in operation from May to November.

If you head back to Lucerne, stop by Chapel Bridge. The most photographed place in Switzerland, and for good reason. This old bridge and tower spans the river, the ceiling and beams of which have paintings dating back to the 1300’s. Chapel Bridge has become somewhat of a symbol for Lucerne, and something you don’t want to miss. If you would like to indulge in a traditional Swiss meal while you are in the area, the Fondue House is just a few blocks away. You can enjoy traditional cheese fondue with a variety of foods to dip in it, as well as a chocolate fondue with fruit to dip for dessert. This was a cozy spot in a convenient location to experience a local favorite dish.
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Filed Under: travel Tagged With: european travel, famiy travel, Swiss travel, Switzerland - Fun Family Travel at an Affordable Price, Switzerland travel, travel, travel in Europe, travel in Europe with kids, travel in switzerland

Family Fun in Frankfurt, Germany

August 13, 2013 by Samantha 6 Comments

Frankfurt Zoo

Frankfurt Zoo is located in the middle of the Main area, and there you can visit with more than 4,500 animals in over 450 species. You and your children can also venture into a goat “petting zoo” area, where you kids can actually enter the pen and play with these gentle creatures who are very used to small children. (Note- please watch your kids carefully so that they are not poking the animals in some rough manner.) Open every day of the year from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (summer) or to 5:00 pm (winter), the ticket booth and animal house both close a half hour prior to closing.

These animals are housed by social species specific groups, as they would in the wild, with habitats painstakingly created to make them as close to their natural, wild homes as possible, and to keep the animals comfortable. There are several animal houses, where you can meander through and find related species. My son loved the Grzimek House (the largest nocturnal animal house in Europe and darkened to keep the animals happy) and the rare finds there such as the Aye-Aye’s, Coendus, Kiwis, and bushbabies.
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Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, frankfurt germany, Frankfurt river cruise, Frankfurt zoo, More Family Fun in Frankfurt Germany, primus river cruise, river cruise in Germany, travel

Camping with Kids – What to Bring

August 11, 2013 by Samantha 7 Comments

With summer winding down, and fall nipping at our heels, it’s the perfect time to look at great camping gear. My personal favorite times to camp are fall and spring- great weather, less crowds, and plenty of fun to be had. So what to pack? Here are some fun and easy ideas for a perfect family camping trip.

You can’t go camping without the perfect tent. For a small family, I love this Carbon River 3 Person Tent from Eddie Bauer. It fits 3 (including large adults) comfortably, with room to spare for gear and supplies. “55 inch height makes for more room when moving about the tent, and it comes with a full rain fly and two vestibules for lots of weather protection, but is still easy to get in and out of the openings.

Color-coded poles make this oversized tent easy to pitch and easy to see and put together even when it’s getting dark and you might be getting tired. Bright yellow stakes keep the tent planted in the ground and easy to see (no one needs to be tripping over stakes when you get out to use the bathroom or stubbing toes on them).

For more, visit http://www.eddiebauer.com

Sleeping bags would be the next necessity on a camping trip. For the taller camper, or one who desires extra room, check out the Snowline. An honest to goodness 3-season performer (this saving you money and room having to buy multiples), this bag comes in regular size or a long option. Goose Down insulation covered by a ripstop nylon shell, this mummy style bag is tough and will keep you warm on cool nights without overheating on warmer ones. It comes with it’s own stuff sack and storage bag, and is machine washable (although I hung it to dry, and think you will want to as well). Weighing in at only 3 pounds, it’s easy to take along for those sites you need to hike to, or the glamping trips you still want to be comfortable on.
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