Tips & Advices
Martin Lewis reveals huge holiday mistake that could ruin your trip
As we approach peak holiday season for Brits, Martin Lewis is warning holidaymakers not to make on crucial mistake that could cost you your trip.
There are several important documents to have in order when it comes to booking a holiday, most importantly your passport and your holiday insurance.
But, while many people wait until the date of their holiday to start their travel insurance, the money saving expert says this is a huge error.
For many years, Lewis has been urging people to buy their travel insurance as soon as they book their holiday for one very important reason.
“Every year, a few people contact me after something awful, such as a cancer diagnosis that needs chemo, but the airline or hotel won’t refund them (they don’t have to),” he said in his weekly money saving round up.
“I tell them, ‘that’s what insurance is for, speak to your insurer.’
Martin Lewis urges everyone to buy travel insurance at the time of booking (David M. Benett/Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
“But if they haven’t got it yet, no matter how horrid the circumstances, there’s nothing that can be done. Don’t be that person.”
And it’s true. Quality travel insurance has many benefits that go far beyond covering a trip to hospital while you’re abroad.
Travel insurance protects against:
- Having to cancel your trip or return home early for reasons outside of your control
- Missing a flight or a travel delay beyond your control
- Belongings becoming lost, getting stolen, or getting damaged, including passports, money and baggage
- Personal injury, death and medical emergencies including hospital treatment and repatriation
- Accidental damage or injury caused by you
Holidaymakers need insurance to cover pre-holiday cancellations. (Oscar Wong via Getty Stock Images)
Citizens Advice warns that people without valid insurance will have to pay for any issues that arise out of your own pocket, while on holiday or you may not receive a refund for cancellations.
Meanwhile, Brits holidaying in Spain over the summer are being warned to make sure they have valid travel insurance or risk being refused entry to the country.
New laws imposed by Spain mean that tourists travelling from the UK must have comprehensive health cover as part of their insurance as part of the tourist hotspot’s entry requirements.
If travellers are found attempting to enter Spain without the proper documentation, fines of up to €6,900 (£5,900) could be issued on the spot.
Anyone travelling to Spain in the next few months is being urged to check their insurance to ensure it meets the requirements.
(Hinterhaus Productions via Getty Stock Images)
“Not all policies will meet Spain’s new standards. While the Spanish government hasn’t specified exactly how much medical cover is now required, it’s recommended to have at least €30,000 for health-related incidents such as emergency medical treatment, hospital stays and repatriation. This figure is based on the typical minimum cover required for a Schengen visa,” Michelle Cooper, director of travel insurance at Saga, said.
“It’s also now vital for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions to check their insurance covers these conditions, as this has been stipulated in Spain’s new rules.
“They equally say the policy must have a reasonable excess, which is somewhat subjective to each individual, but it could be considered between £50 and £250.”
Tips & Advices
You really should get health insurance when travelling abroad – BusinessDesk | NZ
Budget & Luxury Travel
Perfect Stay Guide: Must-Have Tips for Effortless Travel Style
Discover how the perfect stay guide can help you choose accommodations that match your travel style, whether you’re seeking luxury indulgence or budget-friendly comfort for an unforgettable trip.
How to Choose the Perfect Stay for Your Travel Style
Choosing the perfect stay for your travel style can make or break your entire trip experience. Whether you’re planning a relaxing retreat or an adventurous getaway, where you choose to stay sets the tone for your journey. The decision often hinges on several factors, including preferences like luxury vs budget accommodations, whether you’re traveling solo vs group, or if your destination is more urban or rural—city vs countryside. Navigating these choices can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can tailor your accommodation to perfectly align with your travel style. Here’s how to approach this important aspect of travel planning.
Understanding Your Travel Priorities
Before diving into specific options, it’s crucial to identify what kind of travel experience you want. Are you aiming for rest and rejuvenation, cultural immersion, or social interaction? Your answers will reveal a lot about the kind of stay that will best suit you.
Luxury vs Budget: Finding the Right Balance
One of the most common dilemmas travelers face is choosing between luxury vs budget accommodations. Both have distinct advantages depending on your needs and style:
The Appeal of Luxury Stays
Luxury accommodations offer comfort, top-notch amenities, exclusive services, and often prime locations. These stays are perfect if relaxation and indulgence are top priorities. You’ll find five-star hotels, boutique resorts, or lavish villas equipped with spa services, gourmet dining, and concierge assistance. For travelers who value impeccable service and extra pampering—often a solo traveler looking to recharge or couples on romantic retreats—luxury stays can turn an ordinary trip into an extraordinary experience.
Why Budget Stays Are Sometimes Better
Budget options like hostels, guesthouses, or budget hotels appeal to those prioritizing cost savings without compromising on cleanliness and basic comforts. Backpackers, students, and group travelers often prefer budget stays to maximize their travel duration or spend more on experiences rather than lodging. Interestingly, budget accommodations can also foster community and social interaction, especially in dorm-style hostels that encourage mingling among solo travelers.
Striking the Balance
Sometimes, a mid-range option with boutique hotels or higher-end Airbnb units can combine comfort with affordability. Think about how much time you plan to spend in your room versus exploring the destination—this can help you decide how much to invest in your stay.
Solo vs Group: Tailoring Your Stay to Company
Your choice of accommodation should reflect whether you’re traveling solo vs group, as this can significantly influence comfort, privacy, and convenience.
Solo Travel: Emphasis on Security and Connection
Solo travelers often look for safe, comfortable places that also offer opportunities to meet others if desired. Hostels with social areas, small bed-and-breakfasts, or co-living spaces are great for creating connections. On the other hand, solo travelers seeking solitude might prefer boutique hotels or private rentals where they can enjoy peace and quiet. Importantly, solo stays require accommodations that are easy to navigate alone and offer good customer support in case of emergencies.
Group Travel: Focus on Space and Shared Experiences
Groups, whether friends or family, demand ample space and cost-effective options. Vacation rentals or serviced apartments with multiple bedrooms and communal areas work wonderfully for groups. These options often allow you to cook your meals and enjoy quality time together, enhancing the group dynamic. Hotels offering suites or adjoining rooms can also be convenient, providing individual privacy alongside shared space.
City vs Countryside: The Setting Matters
Your destination’s environment—whether city vs countryside—plays a key role in shaping your lodging preferences.
City Stays: Convenience and Connectivity
Urban destinations are typically bustling with activity, so accommodations here often prioritize proximity to transportation, nightlife, museums, and dining hotspots. Hotels or apartments in the city center or near major transit hubs make it easier for you to explore without wasting time commuting. For solo or group travelers alike, the city offers plenty of social opportunities and amenities.
Countryside Stays: Nature and Tranquility
If your aim is to disconnect and recharge, rural stays provide a serene atmosphere surrounded by nature. Farmhouses, cabins, or countryside inns often embody the essence of peace and offer authentic local experiences. These types of accommodations encourage relaxation and allow travelers to engage in outdoor activities like hiking or stargazing. However, keep in mind the potential trade-off in terms of fewer dining and entertainment options nearby.
Additional Tips for Choosing the Perfect Stay
- Read Reviews Thoroughly: Past guest experiences can offer invaluable insights into what to expect.
- Consider Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, kitchen facilities, and laundry services can significantly affect comfort.
- Check Accessibility: Make sure the accommodation suits your mobility needs and proximity to points of interest.
- Book Early: Especially in popular destinations or during peak seasons, early booking ensures availability and better rates.
Finding the ideal accommodation depends on a clear understanding of your travel style and priorities. Balancing luxury vs budget needs, choosing based on solo vs group dynamics, and factoring in the environment—city vs countryside—will guide you toward the perfect stay. Remember, your lodging isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s part of your travel adventure. Choose wisely, and your stay will enhance your journey, creating memories you’ll cherish forever.
Tips & Advices
A New Era of Travel Security, ETTravelWorld
TripJack has partnered with global cyber protection firm BOXX Insurance to launch CyberSafe, a new cyber security solution aimed at modern travellers navigating an increasingly digital-first world.
As digital transactions and connectivity become central to the travel experience, travellers are now more exposed than ever to online risks. From booking platforms to in-trip payments and remote connectivity, the threat landscape has expanded significantly.
According to recent studies, over 35% of Indian travellers have encountered cyber incidents such as phishing, identity theft, and financial fraud while abroad. Globally, more than one in four travellers report being targeted during international trips.
CyberSafe responds to this growing need with a comprehensive suite of services including identity monitoring, digital risk assessments, guided response support, and educational tools. The aim is to help travellers stay protected throughout their journey—physically and digitally.
“Travellers today face an increasingly complex digital risk landscape,” said Hussain Patel, Director, TripJack. “Through the launch of CyberSafe in collaboration with BOXX Insurance, we’re proud to offer essential tools and support to help our customers stay one step ahead of cyber threats.”
BOXX Insurance brings experience from its operations across Asia, Europe, and North America, enhancing TripJack’s consumer offering in India. The move enables customers to travel with confidence, knowing their personal data is being protected.
“Cyber protection should be as essential as travel insurance,” said Milan Naik, President, BOXX Insurance Asia Middle-East. “Together with TripJack, we’re redefining what it means to travel safely in a digital-first world.”
CyberSafe is now available to TripJack customers across India as part of their wider travel protection suite.
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