Pack Your Bags For A Winter Sports Holiday

Winter holidays can be just as much fun as summer ones if you pick the right destination to head to. Instead of lying on a beach somewhere, why not pick a more active holiday instead?

Winter sports are taken up by lots of different people each year. Whether you are new to them or you are a seasoned pro, there is a lot to look forward to on this kind of holiday.

Firstly you can have a go at skiing. This is the most popular reason why so many people go on a winter holiday. You can navigate your way down the side of a mountain and you’ve always got lots of stunning scenery to look at as you go. Don’t worry if you are new – there are plenty of lessons you can take to make the most of any skills you might have.

Next up there is snowboarding. This is more difficult than skiing because you have no poles to help keep you upright and your feet are strapped to a single board. However if you get the hang of it there’s no denying the thrill it gives you.

Even though your focus will be on the sports themselves, winter holidays have plenty more in store too. Most ski resorts are known for what is called après-ski as well. This is the name given to all the entertainment that you can take part in during the evenings.

Most of the time there will be bars, restaurants and other similar venues you can visit, so if you like the idea of this make sure the resort you choose is a well rounded one.

Of course when it comes to packing your bags you need to pack them with the right things. For example some items will be the kind of things you would need on a summer holiday too. A classic case is sun lotion. The sun can bounce off the snow and burn you just as easily as it would during the summer, so make sure you cover up.

You also need to pack the right clothing. Layers are always a good idea as they will keep the heat in far more effectively than wearing just one thick jumper. In addition to this you should have a hat, scarf and gloves that are suitable for wearing on the slopes if you intend to go skiing. A certain amount of waterproofing is a good idea since you will get very wet if you keep falling over!

Finally make sure you have the right degree of winter sports travel insurance to cover you while you are away. It should cover you for the sports you are going to try, and if you have the right policy you’ll know you’re securely covered for all eventualities.

Things to be avoided while filing for Schengen visa application

It is quite probable that if you are applying for Schengen visa for visit to any of the Schengen nations, then your application gets rejected. On an average one is forced to apply for about three times on an average before one's application gets approved. The rejection rates of the Schengen visa application are high.

The basic reason behind this rejection is that the applicants do not submit all the necessary documents. Another reason may be that you have not done your paperwork as per the standards of the embassy of Schengen country. Many a times your application gets rejected owing to very silly errors done by you.

Now if your Schengen visa gets rejected, then it may be due to any of the reasons. First reason may be that the Schengen consulate is not convinced about the validity of the documents which you have provided. Another reason may be that you are not allowed in the Schengen country as you may be believed to be as a threat to that country or its security or public. If you have got Schengen visa issued in the last six months, then also you will not be granted visa before the period of six moths get over and you will need to apply again only after that. Moreover, it has been prescribed as one of the requirements of Schengen Visa Code that you as the applicant must provide the proof of the purpose of visit to the Schengen member state. So if you are unable to furnish a satisfactory reason for which you are planning your trip, then it may result in your visa for Schengen country getting rejected. If you are not able to establish that you have sufficient funds for subsistence and for return journey, then this could also be the reason of the rejection. Your visa may also be refused on the grounds of submission of a forged or invalid passport or the passport having shorter validity than what is enlisted in the Schengen visa requirements.

A major reason behind the refusal of Schengen visa is that you are not able to prove that you possess valid Schengen travel insurance plan covering your tour to the Schengen area. Even if you have travel insurancecover but if it has been acquired from an insurance company which is not registered or which does not have a single representative office in Europe, then your Schengen visa will not be approved. Most of the times, the applicants fail to meet up to the requirements specified by the Schengen Visa Code in relation to the travel insurance Schengen cover and, thereby face rejection. Hence, keep in mind all the above mentioned aspects so that in future when you apply for Schengen visa, it gets accorded.

7 Tips For Planning a Trip to USA

Planning a long vacation to USA can be a daunting task. Where to begin? What should be step one? What to pack? When to visit? Where to stay? So many questions! So much confusion! Hope the following trip planning tips guide you and help you out in planning your dream holiday:

1. Check the visa requirements: Visitors going to the United States must have a valid passport, visa, or other accepted documentation. Having said this however, in an effort to attract more tourists, the US has initiated a ‘Visa Waiver' program for people going on a vacation for a maximum of 90 days. There are 36 countries already participating in this program. Check whether yours is one of them.

2. Rein in the dreamer!: While planning a trip, one tends to get over excited! You want to see it all, experience it all. But, you have to get practical and sit down to work on your budget and think about how much time you can afford to spend away from your job. USA is so huge, one trip will any which way not be enough to cover the entire nation.

3. Asses your personality: Are you a beach bum? Or would you rather hike across the Grand Canyon? Do you love skiing? Or would you rather go bargain hunting? Or are you a party animal? With USA housing every type of topography known to mankind, assess your personality and chose a vacation destination accordingly.

4. Research: Research well on your chosen destination. Check the official website of the U.S. Department of State for any travel tips and warnings. The website also issue warnings about cities facing natural calamities.

5. Use the power of the internet!: Once you decide your trip duration and budget, go to your favourite trip planning website and check out travel itineraries created by users or create your own customized one. This way, you can enjoy your trip at your own pace. Unlike tour operators who rush you around a city to show you maximum number of tourist attractions in minimum number of days!

6. Put your ‘smartphone' to good use: With wi-fi being available everywhere in USA, download a good trip planner and plan your trip on the go! Also, prep up your phone with applications such as Skype, Whatsapp, Facebook and Google Hangout so that you can stay connected with your loved ones while travelling.

7. Don't forget to buy travel insurance: Not just while travelling to USA, but for any international trip you intend on taking up, travel insurance is always a good thing to invest in.

Apart from these travel tips, do keep in mind the following:

No vaccinations are required to travel to the US. However, you should make sure you are up to date with your health checkups and medicine doses. Health-care provision in USA is good but it doesn't come cheap.

The US currency (dollar) is divided into 100 cents. Coins consist of 1 (penny), 5 (nickel), 10 (dime), 25 (quarter), 50 (half-dollar) and $1. Notes/Bill consist of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.If you are carrying currency exceeding a total of $10,000, you need to declare it at the airport.

Practices That Can Help Passengers To Ensure A Healthy Air Travel

Most often, people who travel by air are worried about their health and well being after they are airborne. There is no defined strategy to ensure the perfect health of an individual during air travel or one that can guarantee a problem free flight. However, passengers, in general, can adhere to the following wellness practices to enjoy a healthy travel by airlines in South Africa or any other part of the world.

Even before booking their tickets for air travel, passengers suffering from any chronic ailment should seek the advice of the doctors about the same. The doctors might advise the passengers against flying depending on their condition and symptoms or might prescribe some additional medicine to ensure that they travel in a comfortable manner.

Passengers with a weak immune system should try to get seated at a safe distance from people who are visibly suffering from contagious diseases like flue or clod etc. In case they cannot get an alternate seat, putting on a mask can be the next best option. Even though it might be a bit restrictive and even uncomfortable, it will ensure a healthy journey on SA airways or any other carrier.

The atmosphere inside most commercial airplanes tends to be extremely dry and this might cause dehydration in some passengers. As such it advisable for people to drink plenty of water before, during and even some time after the flight to keep hydrated and healthy. Drinking green tea can also prove helpful in curbing illness.

It is also important for passengers not to travel on empty stomach. Even though most SA airlines offer in-flight snacks, it is advisable for the passengers to bring along some munchies in their carry bag. It will not only help them curb the feeling of nausea that might be caused due to hunger, but will also compensate for the low nutrient and energy levels in the body.

The passengers should make sure that they pack all the necessary medicines that might be required during the journey. These should not only include the medicines that they take regularly but also those that are rarely used as well as the ones used for curing everyday ailments. It is also a good idea to pack a bottle of water with the medicine kit.

Opting for travel insurance is a good idea, especially for people who suffer from some chronic ailments. This proves beneficial not only in case the passengers catch some ailment during the journey but also, if they need to make changes in the travel plan due to various health issues.

It is also important for the travelers having a prior medical condition to avoid travelling alone. Travelling with come one they know and trust helps in enhancing the confidence level of the passengers and helps keep health troubles at bay. The decision also proves beneficial in case of an emergency as the passengers can rely on someone, who is well aware of their condition, to seek the right kind of medical assistance.

Top 5 things you must do before an International Travel

When there is no course for salvaging the situation, moods change, blame games become a common occurrence and the pointing of fingers rules the actions at the moment.

This is not healthy, it should not be happening and it should not be given a chance to happen. However if the way we prepare for such international travels is not going to change then we are bound to make the same mistakes. There is a mantra that goes like this- you cannot do things the same way and then expect different results. There ought to be a paradigm shift in the way we handle our international travel arrangements and preparations. Avoid buying things you can carry from home. Here are top 5 things you must do before you travel.

Pack all Essential Documents

If you are travelling abroad, you must have all the essential documents to be allowed in the country. Some of the documents that you must have are passport, visa and valid identification card. It is worth mentioning that all these documentations should be original copies and not duplicates. It is a brilliant idea to scan all your documents and send them in your email so that you can access them from any location as long as there is internet connectivity.

Book Your Ticket on Time

If you are planning to travel abroad, you should pay your air ticket on time. This will ensure that you are not frustrated last minute. When you pay for your ticket early, you will get better prices since the fares increase and available tickets decreases as the travel date approaches. You can book online in a reputable online travel booking site or you can book through a reliable and trustworthy travel agent. If it is your first time you are booking a ticket through travel agencies, it is important you employ the services of highly trained and experienced professionals. This is so because these professionals will be able to give you sound and comprehensive advice on matters related to your travel. In addition, they will book you in reliable airlines and not shadowy travel providers.

Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance is extremely important for any type of travel. When you have an appropriate travel insurance coverage, you will have peace of mind knowing that you are covered against unexpected situations. Ensure that you spare adequate time to make arrangements for an insurance cover with your insurance company. Ensure that all important information is included in the cover so that you can get full compensation in case of any eventuality.

Pack Your Luggage

Whether you are going for a business trip or for a vacation with your family, ensure that you pack all the essentials that you may need in the trip. This will save you a lot of cash since you will not have to buy things simply because you forgot them back home. Have a checklist and ensure that you have packed all the necessary and important items. It is also good to check the baggage requirements since you might be charged an extra fee if you exceed the allowed luggage weight. It is crucial that you comply with the set regulations and conditions of the airline. Things like firearms, flammable items, weapons, hazardous items and other prohibited items by local and international laws are not allowed at all.

Organize an International SIM

It is important that you will keep in touch even when you are away from home. Instead of using your local mobile SIM card to call and pay huge amounts for roaming services, it is advisable that you get an international SIM card. An international SIM card will enable you hundreds of dollars in calling expense as compared to global roaming costs.

To conclude, it is advisable that you always take every travel opportunity that you have seriously in terms of arrangements as this is a habit that can easily work to your benefit even in more complex and tight scheduled travels.

When Travelling Abroad, Expect the Unexpected

As one who has had her luggage delayed and sent elsewhere, her husband break his patella (kneecap), missed connecting flights because of problems in customs, been taken aside by the Canadian border patrol (yes Canadian) for questioning, and had a pilot abandon a landing in France because of foggy weather, I have learned to expect the unexpected when travelling abroad (either that, or I have the luck of John Candy and Steve Martin in "Planes, Trains and Automobiles.")

Because of the above-named problems, here are some things I have learned to prepare for while travelling abroad:

Budget for More Than You Think Your Trip Will Cost

Many unexpected expenses can come up during a vacation—medical problems, injuries, inclement weather (the airlines will not pay for a hotel room if the weather is not conducive to flying), flight delays, extra hotel expenses, or something you want to purchase that you simply must have. I have learned to budget for more than I think my vacation will cost. As my father says, "Bring twice the money and half the clothes" you think will you need on holiday.

Bring Essentials with You on the Plane In Case Your Luggage Gets Delayed or Lost

I still see myself, pitiful, face-down on my featherbed after arriving in Germany from a long journey from the United States. My luggage had somehow been diverted to Sweden. I had practically nothing to prepare for my deep, jet-lagged sleep. I didn't even have a toothbrush. It took over 24 hours to receive my luggage. I now carry most essentials with me on the plane—at least a toothbrush and some comfortable loungewear in case of some unforeseen problem with my luggage.

Invest in Travel Insurance

When my husband "Deke" and I took a dream vacation to Greece, we were fortunate that we invested in travel insurance; after a glorious time in Santorini and Mykonos, Deke slipped and fell on some wet marble in Athens (fellow travelers, heed this advice: wear rubber-soled shoes on wet marble!). The travel insurance company expected us to pay for his medical care in Athens and they later reimbursed us; as noted above, this is a great reason to have more financial resources than you think you will need.

Have the Number and Address of the Embassy or Consulate of Your Home Country Readily Available in Every Country to Which You Will Be Travelling in Case of Problems

I was travelling peacefully to my peaceful neighbors to the North—Canada, when there was some kind of mix-up with my passport. I was taken aside and asked to visit with the immigration people. While I tried to see myself as superior to my fellow folk pulled aside to be interrogated regarding their citizenship status, I had a hard time doing so when I was roughly asked what I was doing in Canada, where I worked in the United States, if I had been to Canada before, etc., etc. I was without my husband and a little afraid.

Walking over the border from Mexico, I was with my entire family of origin when the Mexican/American border patrol took me aside and asked if I was an American citizen; they also asked where I lived because this border patrol person surmised that I did not look or sound American. As I looked to my brother and father for help, who were laughing hysterically, I realized just how vulnerable one can be in another land.

My late friend of Middle-eastern descent was travelling in what I had thought of as a mild-mannered, European country. While he was at the train station minding his own business, he was seized by police and taken to a location for questioning. As they put on their rubber gloves for a strip search, my friend declared, "I'm an American citizen," to which the authorities replied, "This isn't America." My friend had never wanted an American Embassy more in his life.

If you think that this can't happen to you, you are wrong. You never know what you may encounter while on holiday in a foreign land. In both Mexico and Canada I felt vulnerable, even if it was only for seconds, and wished that I had the contact information for the American embassies there.

Give Yourself One to Four More Days upon Return before Going Back to Work

Unforeseen delays are sometimes inevitable. I have missed a couple of days of work thinking that I could go back to work the next day after returning home. I have learned to give myself one to two days leeway, not only to readjust from jetlag, but to give myself a cushion in case I am delayed coming home—or even if it is just to adjust to the idea of going back to work again!

Consider a Vacation Home Exchange

In a foreign land, reliable, comfortable accommodations can really put your mind at ease. Consider a luxury home exchange. It's a great option if you like saving money on travel, want flexibility as an option, and desire better than average amenities. One of the great things about a luxury home exchange is communication and arrangements with the homeowner BEFORE your journey. International Vacation Home Exchange is a great company with which to work. Not only do you have access to communication with the owner, but also International Vacation Home Exchange employees while you are abroad. See how this works, and read testimonials.

If something happens when you are on holiday, and you need to linger at your luxury home exchange, chances are you will be able to do so if you communicate with the IVHE.com team and the owner. What a great way to travel!

Keep a List of Affordable Hotels in Each City You Will Land in Case Your Journey Is Delayed

In these times of terrorist attacks, cramped planes, weather problems, and other unforeseen disasters, it's prudent to keep a list of affordable hotels in each city you will land in case your journey is delayed. By doing so, you will at least have a plan of some sort. Sometimes your journey is delayed for pleasant reasons, like you fall in love with a place or a person and want to linger. When this happens, it's great to know that there are other places you can go if you're hotel is booked and you cannot linger longer there.

Consider Getting a "Throw-Away" Cell Phone While Travelling

For some of us, changing our cell phone plan for an overseas journey is simply not economical. However, communication with the person or people with whom you are travelling is critical, especially if something unexpected comes up. Why not consider throw-away cell phones? They can often be purchased in your country of origin or in your destination country.

Whether they are pleasant or unpleasant reasons, the unexpected is bound to come up while travelling abroad; it is best to have some measure of preparedness when the inevitable, unforeseen occurs.

Winter Sports Travel Cover - Insurance for Skiers and Snowboarders

Though a lot of individuals think about travel insurance to be an unnecessary expense for a summer holiday, in terms of a winter 1 involving sports, this is far from the case. Even the most beneficial skiers or snowboarders risk accident or injury, and in foreign countries the expenses of acquiring therapy might be enormous.

A common purpose travel policy is unlikely to pay out for claims produced as a result of indulging in winter sports, and so you might want to get a specialist policy particularly covering these activities. What need to you be on the lookout for?

Accident and Injury

Regardless of how skilled you will be, a skiing trip is constantly going to carry a higher risk of accidents than a typical beach holiday. Not getting certain protection against the expenses of therapy could leave you facing hefty hospital bills for even minor injuries, and if your accident is far more severe and wants mountain rescure, then the fees could be stratospheric.

Repatriation

Just after an accident, you may discover you could no longer make use of one's return tickets to obtain dwelling. Perhaps a hospital remain indicates you'll miss your flight, or perhaps becoming placed into a cast indicates you will need further space on the plane household. An excellent winter sports insurance policy will cover any extra fees in this region.

Sports Equipment

Winter sports equipment does not come low-priced, and you will desire to cover your own gear against loss, theft, or harm. Even when you program to employ equipment when on holiday, getting insurance already in spot can make this a less costly choice as quite a few hirers call for insurance and will charge additional in case you haven't got any.

Public Liability

It is normally feasible that you simply could possibly trigger injury to a person else by way of carelessness or misfortune on the slopes. The expenses of somebody else's therapy could fall on you in this case, not to mention damages claims. Insurance will cover this.

Piste Closure

You go on a skiing holiday to ski, and if the piste is closed because of poor weather, it is possible to generally claim compensation for lost skiing days.

Off-Piste

Lastly, ensure that in case you intend to go off-piste that your policy covers this, as standard level winter sports insurance usually does not cover this much more hazardous activity.

10 Travel Tips for Seniors

With people living longer and healthier lives, more seniors than ever are travelling and seeing the world. This enriches both the sojourner and the fortunate countries receiving a more mature and affluent tourist—one who can more fully appreciate what the destination has to offer. There are, however, a few things for the senior vacationer to consider. Following, are 10 travel trips for seniors:

1. Take Advantage of Senior Discounts

You have lived a long time, worked hard, and contributed to society. Many times the public will actually try and reward you for this. For instance, in the United States the National Parks offer a discount to senior citizens. Before you go to a museum, park, or elsewhere, check to see if there is a senior discount offered. This will help you save money on travel, and allow you to treat yourself in other ways.

2. If You Have Health or Mobility Issues, Consider A Younger Travelling Companion

One of the unfortunate things that can happen with aging is the decline in mobility; this, however, does not need to stop you from seeing the world! If mobility is an issue for you, and you are single, consider a younger travelling companion. There are many younger people longing to see more of the world, and let's face it, it's normally the crowd over 50 who has more cash. Consider offering to pay for most of your companion's way in exchange for her help. Be sure, however, to make the terms of your companion's responsibilitiesclear. For instance, you may require that your companion help you to and from museums, restaurants, etc. Are you comfortable being alone, or would you like your companion with you at all times?Are there certain hours in the day which you would like your companion to be available? (Young people often like to stay up late, and may wake up late). Define these terms before the journey. If you don't have a trusted child, grandchild, or friend with whom you feel comfortable, get a referral from someone. The chances are that the younger person will be thrilled, and it will be a mutually beneficial relationship and experience.

3. Travel to Your Destinations Slightly Off-Season

One of the enviable things about being retired or on a pension is that you no longer have to "punch a timeclock." You can come and go much more easily when you please. Why not beat the crowds, and travel somewhere slightly off-season? For instance, travel to the Greek Islands in September rather than mid-summer when most of the tourists are there. Most people over 50 want a more relaxed journey and don't care as much about the "see and be seen" mentality during peak season (one of the advantages of maturity). Rates are usually lower slightly off-season, and it's a great way to cut costs.

4. Enjoy Senior Rewards – You Have Earned It!

Most younger folk have respect for the older crowd, and want to show that respect in various ways. For instance, a young man may offer that you take the first cab coming down the street. Thank him warmly, and then take the cab! You have paid your dues to society by working hard, and contributing to the overall good. If an airline employee or someone else offers you the option of going to the front of the line, go, and don't feel guilty about it. You have taken your turn at waiting in line like everyone else for years.

5. Look at Travel Options of Over 50s Only

Are you looking for more luxurious and exclusive travel options? Why not consider an over 50s only home swap through IVHE. You can swap your home or vacation home with a more mature crowd. This is a great opportunity and can help you save money. Find out more about luxury home exchange options.

6. Be Spontaneous – You Are Not as Tied to A Schedule

Even if you're normally a very regimented person, why not consider travelling spontaneously? Surprise someone you love with an impromptu getaway. Interestingly, creating a spur-of-the-moment travel adventure can actually save you money, in some cases up to 50% off your accommodations.

7. Consider a Luxury Home Exchange Option

Remember when six persons sharing a hotel room seemed like fun? If you're like most people, this was probably when you were young. As we mature, so does our need for more space and finer accommodations. A luxury home exchange option with IVHE.com is a great way to give you and your loved ones the space and amenities you have grown to expect; additionally, it lets you use one of your biggest assets, your home or your vacation home to your advantage.

8. Invest in Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can cover the cost of everything from an unused airline ticket to medical services while traveling. The good news is that seniors can more easily afford to pay for travel insurance; the bad news is that they are more likely to need it due to underlying health conditions. Not only are the elderly more likely not to be able to leave on holiday because of ailments, but seniors take longer to recover once injured or sick. If you are hurtor ill on vacation, make sure that you call your travel insurance company to file a claim and ask them to define what will and will not be covered. And remember, you can appeal a decision with a travel insurance company just like a regular health insurance company.

9. Call the Airline In Advance If You Have Special Needs

The airline industry is well-acquainted with travelers who have special needs. Make sure you call ahead well in advance of your travel date, and call again close to your travel date to confirm wheelchair use or other special requests. If an employee assigned to help you does an especially good job of taking care of you, don't forget to tip; this encourages good service in the future, and will help to make the journey of others with distinctive needs more pleasant.

10. Fly First Class On An Overseas Flight If You Can

We all know how much more expensive a first-class ticket is, but the older you are, the more you should consider giving yourself this gift. Most of us have been in coach and longed for a chance to stretch out our legs and lie flat. Many airlines now offer beds during overseas flights, and the difference is astounding! Not only can you arrive at your destination less jetlagged, but it is simply easier on your body. But whether you are flying coach or first class, make sure you get up to stretch your legs! According to the American Society of Hematology, seniors are more likely to develop a blood clot during flight ; getting up and walking around can help to alleviate this risk.

While there are factors for seniors to consider when travelling, don't let it stop you. The blessings of a pleasant journey are hard to quantify, and will engender many happy memories. Enjoy your golden years and bon voyage!