Travel Insurance

Soon you'll be on your way, taking that trip you've looked forward to for ages--but suppose something happens. If you get sick, lose your suitcase, or have to cut your trip short, will any of your existing insurance policies cover your expenses or reimburse you for your losses? If not, you might want to purchase travel insurance, which is available from insurance companies, travel agents, tour operators, and cruise lines.

If you can't make it after all or have to cut it short--trip cancellation/interruption insurance

You're ready to go, but the cruise line has gone under financially. Or perhaps you've arrived at your hotel only to be handed a telegram informing you that Uncle George is seriously ill and you must return home immediately. If your trip is canceled or cut short, will you be able to get any of your money back?

Trip cancellation/interruption insurance protects you if you must cancel your travel plans before you leave or cut your trip short due to an unforeseen event.

Covered contingencies can include bad weather, the financial failure of a service provider such as a cruise line or a travel agency, your illness or that of a family member while on the trip, or an illness or death at home. But coverage varies widely from policy to policy, so check the exclusion section carefully. Your definition of an unforeseen event may differ from that of the insurance provider. For example, some companies don't recognize a recurrence of your pre-existing medical condition as unforeseeable.

Under the policy, you'll be reimbursed for your nonrefundable prepaid expenses, such as tour deposits, airline tickets, or hotel rooms. To determine what the insurance covers, you may need to check the terms of your travel agreements and find out what guarantees are offered by the carrier, travel agent, or tour operator. Cruise lines, for instance, may refund most of your money if you cancel several weeks before your scheduled departure, but they'll give you less or none back if you cancel a few days before you're supposed to leave. In that case, you'd get nothing back unless you purchased trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

Trip cancellation/interruption insurance is different from cancellation waivers offered by cruise lines and tour operators. These waivers are not insurance; they're simply company guarantees that your money will be refunded under certain circumstances. They usually won't cover your last-minute cancellation and they won't protect you if the company goes out of business.

If that fever isn't just excitement--short-term supplemental health insurance

Your individual or group health insurance policy typically covers you if you're traveling within the United States. Still, it's a good idea to check with your insurance provider before you travel so that you fully understand the coverage conditions. If you're traveling overseas, beware--your health insurance policy may not cover you at all. Even if it does, it may not provide the same benefits overseas that it does in the United States. Check the limitations of your policy carefully, and call your insurer's customer service department if you have questions.

If your health insurance doesn't provide you with adequate coverage while you're traveling, consider purchasing a short-term supplemental health insurance policy from an insurance company, travel agent, tour operator, or cruise line. These policies often combine accident and/or sickness coverage with medical evacuation coverage, which pays all or part of the cost of getting you back to the United States if you're traveling overseas (something most basic health insurance polices won't cover).

The terms of supplemental health policies vary widely, so before purchasing this insurance, ask to see a copy of the policy and get the answers to the following questions:

Does the plan pay the cost of medical care needed for sickness, accidents, or both?
What procedures must you follow to see a doctor or go to the hospital?
Will you have to get approval before you receive care?
Does the policy pay for care upfront, or will you have to pay and wait to be reimbursed?
What are the deductible, co-payments, and/or coinsurance costs?
What exclusions and restrictions apply?
What is the maximum amount of coverage under the policy?
Are translator services available?

If you lose your shirt--baggage insurance

Baggage insurance reimburses you if your personal belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged while you're traveling. Before you purchase it, however, find out if you already have adequate protection. For instance, airlines may be liable for damage caused by their negligence, and they're liable for lost or stolen baggage after check-in, up to their stated limit per passenger. Some credit card companies and travel agents also provide supplemental baggage insurance at no charge to you. Your homeowners or renters policy may protect your personal belongings against theft when you travel, as well.

Purchasing baggage insurance may be appropriate when you want 24-hour protection, not just protection after your bags are checked in with an airline. Baggage insurance may also offer higher liability limits than those offered by an airline. However, check the policy's fine print. If you carry expensive items, you may not be fully reimbursed if they're lost or stolen, and benefit limits may apply to certain items like electronics (e.g., laptop computers) or jewelry. You also may not be reimbursed for anything covered under another policy; if your bags are lost or damaged by an airline, you may need to seek reimbursement from the airline first.

If you lose more than that--accidental death and dismemberment insurance

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance (AD & D) is inexpensive coverage that compensates you if you lose a limb or an eye, or that compensates your beneficiary if you die in an accident. You can purchase this coverage as a separate policy, as a rider to an existing policy, or as part of a travel insurance policy. You may also receive this coverage as a "free" benefit when you purchase airline, train, or bus tickets using your credit card. AD & D policies usually cover, up to certain limits, medical expenses associated with an accident.

Before you purchase this coverage, make sure you don't have duplicate coverage elsewhere. You may already have AD & D coverage if you have adequate life insurance, or through a group insurance plan sponsored by your employer or credit card company.

 

Budget Traveling

There are many things to keep in mind when traveling, whether you are a budget traveler or not. You obviously want to preserve what you have money to travel and not lose it or it was stolen. You also want to keep yourself and traveling companions safe from harm. Here are some tips to follow to make your trip safe and enjoyable in a foreign country.

1. Have a valid passport and visas necessary to travel. Make two copies of your passport. Store in a separate part of your travel luggage and the other with whom to leave the house.

2. Be aware of any travel warnings for the country you are. Learn about security and safety, to your destination.

3. Safe travel insurance!

4. Make sure that you have been vaccinated against any infectious disease figures prominently in the area you are traveling with.

5. To make sure that we can contact you in case of an emergency, make a copy of your itinerary and leave it with someone at home.

6.

Travel light and not Pack the values that you do not want to lose. Leave your jewelry at home, but take the extra points if you can not live without them.

7. Remember, you are a foreigner, when you are traveling. You are a guest in their country, and therefore should comply with its laws, and to some extent, their customs. For example, if you're a woman traveling in an Islamic state, be careful of your clothes.

8. Try not to bring too much attention to themselves while traveling. Do not go out like a tourist with a camera, showy and expensive clothing. Try a combination of scenery.

9. Travel in a group, where possible, and in known areas. There will be times you want to get from the tourist routes, so make sure you always have a traveling companion with you.

10. Only the transport of small amounts of cash from you. Your credit cards and travelers checks to pay for many things.

11. Beware of pickpockets! Wear the money belt and keep your purse / wallet in the front part of the body. Report any loss or theft immediately to local authorities.

12. Do not leave your luggage unattended. Along with it, or items that were stolen from it taken, you could also become an unsuspecting drug courier.

13. If you travel with your partner, pack half your clothes in their luggage, and vice versa. Thus, if one of you loses your luggage, you still have clothes.

14. Lock your luggage, and all labels.

15. Lock your room. Keep money and valuables with you, will not be left unattended in your room.

16. When using public transport to be aware of possible theft. If you are traveling at night, secure your luggage and sleep in the upper part, if possible. It is not uncommon for tourists to be drugged, and in trains and buses do not accept gifts of food or drink from strangers in public transport.

Khajuraho Travel

Kahjuraho popularly known as the land of architectural delight is an indistinguishable part of India Tourism. Large numbers of tourists prefer Khajuraho Tour to see the marvel sculpted in temples by the Chandela Rajput kings of Central India. Khajuraho is an UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in a small hamlet of Madhya Pradesh State.

Temples in Khajuraho are the prime attractions of this place because of its exceptional sculptures of sensual and erotic aspects of human life. There are only 20 temples are left out of 85, which utters the glory of Chandela Dynasty. Though historians and philosophers give several interpretations of these sculptures yet the popular believe is that one cant get enlighten without leaving his or her worldly desires. Some of the popular temples in Khajuraho are:

Adinath Temple:
This is a Jain temple dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara Adinath. It was a built in 11th century during the reign of Kirtivarman and renowned for its marvelous decorations, intricate design and beautiful sculptures. The beauty of this temple lies in its architecture in the form of sapta-ratha and the single tower shikhara that provides it a charming look. Along with this the wall is sculptured with images of a court scene, celestial nymph and daily life chorus, which give a graceful look to this marvelous structure. The sculptured beauty and intricate design enthrall tourists during their visit to this place.

Parsvanath Temple:
It is one of the most famous temples of Eastern Group known across the globe for its graceful design and intricate sculptures. This is another Jain Temple, which was built during the reign of Chandela King Yasovarman and his predecessors. A couple of axial projections at the two ends give an elegant look to this temple. On the east there is the ardh mandap (hall) and on the west, there is a garba griha with a small shrine for deity. Apart from these the sculptures of celestial maidens in various sensuous postures captivate tourist attentions during their visit to this temple.

Ghantai Temple:
This is another famous temple of this region situated on the southeast of Khajuraho. It was built in the late 10th century, based on the theme of 16 dreams of Lord Mahavira mother Tishala and Jain deities on the celestial vehicle Garuda. The mythological depiction of this temple provides rich insight of Jain's religion to tourists who come here from across the globe.

Some of the other well-known temples of this region are Chattarbhuj, Chitragupta, Kandariya Mahadeo, Chaunsat Yogini, Chaunsat Yogini, Brahma and many more.

India ? A Traveler?s Paradise

Ross Brook worked as a creative director at a high profile advertising firm in the US. After working continuously for 7 years creating innovative advertisements for innumerable products he was exhausted. Mentally. He needed a break real bad and applied for an extended leave from work, which was luckily approved. Ross stayed at home and spent his days watching multiple movies, but after a while even that turned out monotonous for him. He needed to get away somewhere that would give him the peace of mind and rejuvenate his soul.

He opened his laptop and typed “idyllic places for a vacation” into the Google search box. As usual thousands of results came up. Italy, Greece, Egypt, Scotland, Switzerland, New Zealand and many more. Usual places. Nothing appealed to him. He wanted to visit a place with an out worldly charm.

On the fourth page of the results, tucked away in some corner of the page was a place called Sohna, India. Intrigued, he clicked on it, and was routed to a page with the most scenic landscapes he has ever seen. Landscapes which called out to him almost instantly. That’s when he knew Sohna was the exact place where he wanted to go.

He made all necessary arrangements, and when he informed his family they looked at him and whispered, “ he has really lost it, hasn’t he?” but Ross did not really care. He knew Sohna was the place where he can relax and enjoy.

Ross later described his visit to India as magical.

Many similar stories can be narrated, where people from all over the world have travelled to India, for a completely “India tour”. Luxury India tours are also available to tourists who want a truly royal experience.

Packages are available for tourists who want a complete tour of the country in a limited time period. Custom made tours are also available for clients under which one can choose the places to be visited. Family vacations, honeymoon packages etc are provided by experienced and professional tour operators.  A comprehensive itinerary is provided before the tour starts, and is followed religiously.

For tourists who prefer to travel on their on own and visit places they wish to, tours can be planned then and there.  Travel agents provide complete information about the place and the various means to get there. Also, information about where to stay and local places to visit is given to the tourist.

Time to feed your soul. Travel to India.

Brisbane Travel

Brisbane is a destination full of tourist sights and historical places that entice visitors from all backgrounds with popular local pubs for relaxing and sporting grounds to support the famous Brisbane based teams. You can support the Brisbane Lions at their home ground based at The Gabba, or the Brisbane Broncos who base themselves at Suncorp Stadium. It also has an extensive Public Transportation system with railroads and bus networks. If you want to save yourself from the hustle and bustle of the city traffic, it would be to your benefit to rather look for Brisbane car rentals whenever visiting this city.

When planning your Brisbane trip, search Google to grab your car hire, or if arriving at the Brisbane Airport check the airport advertising boards. You could also search for Brisbane car rental reviews placed by people who have already rented a car there. You may also find some great traveling hints from visitors that have used the Brisbane roads for the first time.

Make sure you obtain an updated street directory or Satellite Navigation System (GPS) when making your reservation. This will ensure you have a current map to make your travels around the Brisbane area, easier. Of course the GPS system may come at an additional cost and are sometimes based on availability.
Brisbane can be enjoyed in any size car, depending on the amount traveling in your party. You can obtain economical 3 door runarounds, 4 door mid size sedans, 4 door family size sedans and people movers for 8 - 12 passengers as well as SUV's. When booking your car rental make sure that the rates shown include taxes and surcharges that may apply. Anyway, upon the reservation process, the agency would give you a quotation before you finalize the deal.

Cheap car rentals could be acquired through different websites. Most car rentals in Brisbane offer online discounts. They also give priority to members for online discounts and refunds. They even throw in free upgrades like unlimited kilometers and vehicle upgrade.

You could accept the cheap rates, but be aware that some car hire agencies that claim unbelievable low rates maybe disguising a scam. On the other hand, the expensive rates do not guarantee stress-free car rental. What you need is a site that compares all the leading brands and offers them to you with the minimum of effort. So what would be the best way to rent a car in Brisbane or any other location? Look out for referrals and reviews by real people who have already experienced renting a car in a particular city.
When you have looked at all of the above the next step is to book your vehicle and start your Brisbane experience. You will be glad you did.

Travelers Checklist

DOCUMENTS:

o Flight Tickets
o Accommodation Vouchers
o Transfer Vouchers
o Prepaid Attraction Tickets
o Passport (If traveling overseas)
o Visa (Check with Travel Agent if needed)
o Travel Insurance
o Phone numbers for home
o Health Documentation
o Emergency Information
o Currency
o Currency calculations sheet
o Credit Cards x 2/Travelers Cheques,
o Make copies of all documentation keep one copy with you and leave a copy of your passport, credit cards, travel insurance with a friend or family member

CLOTHES:
Before you pack ensure to find what kind of weather you will be getting and pack accordingly, always remember weather can change quickly so ensure to pack for the unexpected changes.

o Underwear
o Socks/Hosiery
o Belts
o Casual Day Wear

o Sleepwear
o Cold weather gear (jumper, coat, warm hat, gloves, scarf)
o Warm weather gear (swimsuit, shorts, sandals
o Comfortable walking shoes (must be worn in)
o Sun Hat

TOILETRIES:

o Comb and/or brush
o Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss etc
o Deodorant
o Soap
o Shampoo & conditioner
o Skin-care lotion
o Razor & shaving cream
o Personal hygiene items
o Vitamins
o Bath / beach towel
o Inspect repellent
o Sunscreen
o Nail clippers
o Aspirin
o Antiseptic wipes
o Antibiotic cream
o Band-Aids
o Upset stomach / Diarrhea medication
o Regular medication, plus a letter from your doctor for anything unusual.

MISCELLANEOUS
o Luggage (Check any weight restrictions)
o Back pack
o Wallet
o Money belt
o Organizer bags (mesh or different colours)
o Ipod/MP3 Player
o Camera & memory cards
o Guide book and maps
o Travel journal & pens
o Games / playing cards
o Small padlocks for suitcase
o Luggage ID tags
o Alarm Clock
o Sunglasses and case
o Travel clothesline & pegs
o Sink plug - (multi size)
o Laundry bag
o Zip lock plastic bags
o Large plastic garbage bag - to use as rain protection for your main bag
o Electrical converter / adapter if you have AC appliances
o Earplugs / eyeshades

o Your favourite book from The Book Brothers www.thebookbrothers.com.au

HANDY TIPS:
o Keep extra cash - 0 in a safe place
o Drink plenty of water and little alcohol on the plane
o Stick to a bland diet
o Always read up on the city before you get there.
o Always take an extra pair of underwear in your hand luggage
o Check luggage weight limits for all modes of transport you are taking your luggage on and purchase luggage accordingly
o Check to see if any vaccinations are required for the country you are visiting
o Set up a worldwide email account if wanting to correspond back home via email

AT HOME BEFORE YOU GO:
o Stop deliveries and have Australia Post hold mail
o Arrange for care of pets, lawn, house plants, garden, swimming pool
o Arrange for home security if you're worried
o Empty refrigerator and garbage
o Turn off hot water cylinder
o Pre-pay bills (or ask close friend to collect mail and pay bills for you)
o Lock all doors and windows
o Triple check that you have Passport / Tickets / Money

Kerala Travel, A Dream Travel

The best place travelled is the most memorable one; it is the journey that counts along with the destination, Kerala Travel is one such journey that always leaves a mark in the heart and mind of the traveler. It’s a fun filled travel to the exotic beaches, Holy temples, unique wildlife, mesmerizing hill stations and tranquilizing backwaters. Kerala since years has been one of the most famous tourists hub, this place best known as The God’s own Country ‘’ is well known for its temples and beaches, the beauty it holds beckons the tourists to come and visit this place.

Beaches in Kerala

What can be more mesmerizing than the view of the crystal clear gleaming water with the clear blue sky in the backdrop? This view is totally enthralling, taking a trip to the Beaches in Kerala is the ultimate thing to do, as it just seems like the topping on the cake of a trip to Kerala.

On a trip to this ever engaging place, one should never forget visiting the numerous beaches cuddled around each other. The most popular being the Alleppey which is well known as the ‘’Venice of the East’’ is surly a place worth visiting, there are other numerous beaches as well that add to the beauty to this place. A brief travel to the beaches in Kerala is a thing just not to be missed.

Kerala tour packages

Planning out a dream travel to your favorite place is something that one should not mess with, as an unplanned travel will never be a fruitful one as compared to a planned travel. The best way to let your worries go is to leave the job of planning on Kerala tour packages, the best way to make your travel the most cherished and long lasting trips of all. The tour package will offer you with the best itineraries, a well preplanned schedule covering the most famous and well known attractions of Kerala. The real fun will be travelling all over with a head clear off worries, as planning and initiating a trip is not that feasible for a layman. All you need to do is to make best use of all the resources offered to you by Kerala Tours.

Kerala Holidays Tour

Kerala Holidays Tour are the most popular among the global travelers, crowds of tourists throng the State of Kerala as it is best known tourist holiday spot. This gifted land is blessed with captivating charms like the limitless beaches, tranquilizing backwaters, magnificent temples and the list goes on. A Holiday trip to Kerala will always be worthwhile as it gives you a golden chance to explore the real essence that lies in this beautiful place.