Local Currency

It is a good idea  if you take a small amount of local currency with you whenever you travel.  Enough to last you for your first few hours. You will probably need to arrange travel from the airport to your hotel for example. A local currency is the easiest way for you to pay for these initial expenses. The exchange rates charged at airports are notoriously expensive. You better buy some currency before you leave and you will get a much better deal.

I believe the drawback to carrying currency is that if it gets lost or stolen, it can’t be replaced. For this reason, it’s best to use another form of money for most of your funds.

Travellers Cheques

These are the traditional way of carrying money abroad. When you buy the cheques, which can be in Sterling, Euros or US Dollars, you have to sign the stub of each cheque in the presence of the teller. Once abroad, you can convert the cheques into local currency. You can do so by signing the other half of the cheque at a currency exchange. Then the teller will compare the two signatures and also inspect your passport.

This system is more secure than cash as each cheque is uniquely numbered. So if a cheque goes missing it can be quickly cancelled and replaced by the cheque issuer. There is a drawback in that you have to cash the cheques at a currency exchange, and you might not find one offering a good exchange rate.

Prepaid Cards

These are used in much the same way as credit or debit cards. The big difference is that you have to “load” the card with funds before you can spend with it. They are a secure way of carrying money, as the card is replaceable if lost. And as the card can only be used in conjunction with a PIN number then even if stolen it’s difficult for a thief to make use of it. There will, however, still be exchange commission’s payable when you use the card. And also usually a flat fee for cash withdrawals.

Debit and Credit Cards

Debit and credit cards are accepted virtually all over the world. They may seem a good way of paying your way while abroad. They can be used for shopping, to pay restaurant bills and even to withdraw cash. Before choosing this as your money option though, check your card’s small print to see what interest rate is charged on overseas use. It will probably be higher than the standard rate of your card, and you will probably have to pay exchange charges too.

There are now several international cash machine networks in operation. For example the Cirrus network, and it’s likely that your cash card can be used internationally, especially in Europe and the USA. This is a good way of financing your holiday spending, as you can draw out what you need while keeping the rest of your money safe in your normal bank account. The downside is that you may have to pay a fee for each withdrawal. The exchange rate you’re charged may not be the best available.

The main thing you need to bear in mind with travel money is that while each of the above options is useful, not all are suitable for use everywhere in the world. The best advice: don’t rely on a single kind of travel money. Take a sensible mixture of cash, local currency, and debit/credit cards, to make sure you can always get local currency when you need it. Enjoy your holiday!

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Health insurance in the UK often refers to Private Medical Insurance, which offers paid-for healthcare treatment, as opposed to the NHS, which is free at the point of use. What’s more, you can access breakthrough treatments, including new cancer drugs, as soon as they’re licensed and proven to work (subject to medical history and cover options chosen. Out-patient drugs are not covered).

The health insurance has been designed to help people when they face major health issues like cancer, heart disease or stroke – as well as other medical conditions that can stop them getting on with their lives, such as joint pain and other musculoskeletal issues (subject to the cover chosen and medical history).

Pros:

• Speedy access to treatments – you can see a doctor more quickly instead of the long wait through NHS.
• Better privacy – you can often get a private room on a ward.
• Additional treatments – while most treatments and drugs are available on the NHS, if you have a particular need you may have to pay for private healthcare.
• Extras – firstly, some insurers offer a travel and/or income protection insurance free of charge as an addition to the policy. Secondly, you can get access to various health and wellness discounts and promotions, gym membership at low cost etc.

Cons:

• The insurance can be quite expensive and most likely the cost will increase as you get older.
• The pre-existing conditions and some chronic ones are not covered.

Is health insurance taxable?

Yes, if your employer pays for it. It is classified as benefit in kind and tax is paid on the taxable value of the benefit. HMRC defines this as the cash equivalent value. This is usually the amount it costs your employer to provide you with the benefit. However, if you personally cover the cost of the private health insurance, then it is a tax-free benefit to you.

What is income protection?

Income Protection is designed to pay a monthly benefit if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, which can be used to keep up to date with your rent / mortgage and other monthly costs.

However, given the very low level of state incapacity benefit, the first port of call is usually Income Protection so at least all your essential bills are paid for each month. After all, we’re fortunate in the UK to have the NHS which provides healthcare free at the point of use and so there’s generally less need for Private Medical Insurance than for Income Protection.

Pros:

• It will cover you if you are too injured or ill to work.
• If you are made unemployed without prior warning.

Cons:

• There is a deferred period – also known as an excess period or waiting period – is a length of time you need to wait while out of work before you are able to claim. These periods can range from the first day of absence to 60 days or more.
• In some cases, the insurance may cover only very small amount of your costs. Please make sure you read carefully the Terms & Conditions of the policy.

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Hong Kong – one of the most cosmopolitan, technology driven and cultural city in 21st -century’s East Asia.

Attractions and Landmarks

One of the first places you will want to go in Hong Kong when you arrive is Victoria Peak.  There are multiple ways to get there, but I recommend the Peak Tram if you want to go the scenic route.  Of course, if you are the adventurous type, a hike along the Morning Trail will give you the views, lots of exercise, and an excellent introduction to this part of the world!

The Man Mo Temple may not look like much from the outside, but the inside will capture your attention and potentially even mesmerise you for what will seem like eternity.  Upon entering, you will see an uncountable number of smoking spires complete with incense, as well as students who are studying for their next test.

If your journey to Hong Kong has you seeking out a Buddha, the Tian Tan Buddha must be on your list.  This is the biggest Buddha in Hong Kong and you will find it near the Po Lin Monastery.  However, if one Buddha is not enough, the ten thousand plus Buddhas at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery will have you covered.  You will find this non-monastery high up in Sha Tin, and you must walk up more than four hundred stairs to reach the top.

Must try: Symphony of Lights Chinese Cruise Tour with Drink

Shopping is popular in Hong Kong, and while you can visit any of the markets, you may prefer the prices you can bargain down to at the Temple Street Night Market.  This market opens when all the others close and it is easy to grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants in between all your shopping adventures.

Entertainment and Food

There are so many different entertainment options in Hong Kong, and you could truly do something fun and exciting every day and never run out of things to experience!  First on your list should be a Cantonese Opera Show and that can be followed with smashing lots of items up at Ikari Area or visiting the Crazy Car Café for a little go-carting.  You may even want to fall asleep outside, as you gaze up at the stars, at the Mingle Farm.

When it comes to the delicious food in Hong Kong, there are so many dishes you will want to try.  Start with the wontons and sweet and sour pork before digging into delicacies that include Phoenix talons, snake soup, pineapple bread, and fish balls.  Hong Kong-style milk tea is the afternoon drink of choice, so make sure you take a little time one day to indulge in a few sips.

You will love every moment of your time in Hong Kong, as long as you plan your itinerary carefully.  Everything mentioned above must be on your list of things to do and see, but the other items you find along the way will be equally important. Just don’t try to do too much during your trip or you won’t enjoy it like you should!

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With its delightful Dutch colonial architecture, thriving art and culinary scenes and excellent history museums, go-go Curaçao feels like a little piece of Europe at the edge of the Caribbean.

Attractions and Landmarks

Curaçao has a sightseeing oceanside that anybody is bound to visit when they go to the island.

The Aquafari takes you underwater to see the beautiful blue underwater ocean. They give you an eco friendly scooter that supplies you oxygen, and allows you to fully navigate the ocean depths.

The Shete Boka national park is a guide around cliffs and crashing waves. You get to walk the trails and see the incredible mountains and oceanside. Uniquely, Curaçao is home to above ground caves called the Hato caves. You can take a tour and go through the historical Indian trail or go visit other parts of the cave.

Fort Amsterdam is a military fort in Willemstad built in 1634. It was the headquarters of the Dutch West India Company, but now the governor of Curaçao sits there.

If you’d like to see the largest floating bridge in the world, visit Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. It was constructed in 1888, and is a swing bridge that still let’s ships pass by today.

Curaçao has spectacular architecture that dates back to 2900 BC, and a lot of buildings today are still standing. Tourists are attracted to these rich pieces of history because they allow us to experience history as if we were there.

Must try: Tugboat Reef Snorkel and Fort Beekenburg or West Coast Beach Hopping

Entertainment and Food

The number one music venue in Curaçao is the 27 Bar & Terrance. They play live rock, blues, funk, soul, country, reggae, Latin and local music. The local artists are creative and you can really get a feel for the artists and type of music they play.

The Christoffel Sunset Lounge is a great spot for sport events since there are comfortable areas for seating, TVs, food, and drinks. It’s right next to the beach, so you can relax next to the view at sunset, or watch your favourite game inside.

When ordering food here, the blend of cultures comes out in the taste. Dutch, Spanish, English, Portuguese, Jewish and Caribbean food traditions are all mixed together to give a one-of-a-kind flavor.

Hofi Cast Cora is a rustic, country restaurant. It was once a farm, but now they serve Caribbean foods on wooden tables. Fort Nassau is a historical military fort, but now you may go inside and order dutch style foods. The old stone setting is what makes this fine dining experience so amazing.

What is Free?

Just taking a stroll in Willemstad will please you as you take in the rich culture embedded within the streets and buildings. You can take a look at the floating market, which is a market made up of vendors on boats that sell fruits and vegetables. If you love fresh produce, you are guaranteed to find fresh, ripe foods at the floating market.

Grout Knip is a turquoise beach that gives off tranquillity. Relax on the beach and be next to the rocky green hills watching the waves. You can have the chance to see flamingos at the flamingo sanctuary in Sint Willibrordus. Although, you do have to get there at the right time to catch the flamingos.

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Follow the below tips to get the best and the most suitable for you travel insurance with the best 5 star insurance company.

In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, making sure you have travel insurance is more important than ever. For more answers to your questions, read the insurers’ guide to coronavirus.

Why do I need travel insurance?

A travel insurance policy can provide the security you need while on holiday. It offers you peace of mind, knowing that, should you need it, you’ll be well looked after, have your belongings replaced, or have alternative accommodation and travel arrangements if required.

Falling ill abroad can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, and travel insurance needn’t break the bank.

The costs of these are more expensive than you’d think. Medical costs abroad can easily run into the tens of thousands. Or even hundreds of thousands, if you need specialist treatment or an emergency evacuation.

Something as small as a lost passport can have huge consequences. You’ll need to arrange a replacement, or emergency passport, you might have to make alternative travel arrangements and you may need additional accommodation while you wait for your replacement to be issued. All of this can add up fast, over something that can happen in an instant.

Understand what travel insurance you need

The only way to make sure you are covered properly is to take account of your circumstances.

Calculate the cost of your holiday and the items you’re taking with you. If you’re only taking £1,000-worth of items with you and your holiday cost £5,000, you don’t need baggage cover of £5,000 and cancellation cover of £10,000.

The most common types of policy are:

• Single trip: This insurance will cover you for one short trip.
• Annual multi-trip: If you’re taking more than one trip a year, then a multi-trip policy will likely be the most cost-effective. There may be a limit on the total number of days abroad you’re covered for.
• Worldwide: Generally, travel insurance for trips within Europe are cheaper. This is largely because medical costs in countries outside the EU can be much higher.
• Winter sports: You’ll need this for skiing, snowboarding or other winter activities that are generally a bit more dangerous and might require special provisions. They can also involve expensive specialist equipment, which this policy should cover.
• Cruise: Covers the specific risks and activities associated with this type of holiday.
• Couples: This is for two adults, who live at the same address and are in a relationship.
• Family: This covers members of a family in one simple policy. Some insurance providers will also offer free cover to anyone under 18 in the family.
• Group: This could suit you if you’re travelling with up to 10 friends or family members, if you’re all travelling from the same country.
• Business travel: If you’re travelling for work, then business travel is tailored for your needs.

Don’t buy cover at the last minute! Leaving insurance to the last minute means you’re not making the most of your cancellation protection, and you could be out of pocket if you no longer go.

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