Don’t let your holiday dream become a nightmare!

The definitive guide to ensuring a safe and happy trip in 2001

Whether it’s sun and sand, adventure and adversity, or luxury and laziness we look for, particularly at this cold and rainy time of year, our annual holiday is a much discussed topic.

Every year an increasing number of UK residents plan holidays overseas and with the strength of the pound, travelling abroad in 2001 is likely to be a very appealing holiday option. But what happens when we head off on these much welcomed breaks and things don’t quite work out as planned? How often, when we are planning our holiday, do we think of the real risks – sickness, theft, political instability and natural disasters that have the potential to ruin our trip - not to mention our finances!

Whilst no one can guarantee you a completely problem free vacation, 1st Quote has put together this series of recommendations, designed to help avoid the majority of pitfalls or at the very least ensure you have the necessary insurance cover.
A little medical advice

Ensure you take prescriptions as well as extra supplies of any medication you regularly take. Pack some in your hand luggage, and some in your suitcase. That way, you’ll be prepared when you arrive at your destination – even if your suitcase doesn’t quite make it at the same time!

Medical insurance is an absolute must. A bump on the head can turn into a major financial fiasco if medical treatment is required in a country with exorbitant costs. Ensure your travel insurance covers all emergency health care, as well as complete repatriation costs.
Don’t let someone else make off with your hard earnt holiday budget  

One of the most common problems encountered by travellers is theft. Avoid this nasty experience by not taking any valuable possessions, such as jewellery or other personal effects with you. Leave these at home in a safe place. Avoid displaying or counting large amounts of cash in public places, and always beware of pickpockets, particularly in large crowds or tourist areas. Also, ensure that your travel insurance policy covers you against theft, both from your accommodation and whilst you are travelling around.
Bricks and clicks  
If you purchase a policy online, look for someone with ‘bricks and clicks’, and make sure the company has something more to offer you than just a website – no matter how ‘flash’ it might be! A good insurer has years of experience and is backed up by a call centre operation so that you can always phone an operator if you need help and advice.
Don’t get marooned on an undeserted island  
The pictures look fantastic, but perhaps that gorgeous little island’s deserted beaches are deserted for a reason! Check out the latest warnings on vacation destinations best avoided by visiting the British Government Foreign Office website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel/countryadvice.asp.
Although this is an unlikely scenario, make sure that the travel agent is reputable and affiliated with Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). Each year Britons lose millions of pounds as a result of holiday scams.
Action Man  
Whilst on holiday we are often tempted to try things we would never dream of doing at home. Ask anyone who has visited somewhere with the opportunity to go bungee jumping, sky diving or hang-gliding. Jumping off a bridge attached only by a rope around your ankle may sound ridiculous right now, but may seem like the unmissable adventure of a lifetime when you’re in an exotic location!
Before embarking on any adventurous holiday activities, remember to check out the tour operator’s reputation. Other tourists, and staff at your hotel are great sources of information. Check whether the company has safety accreditation, or even government approval to run their activity. If not, don’t go. The last thing you need to do in a foreign country is jump off a 200 metre high bridge on a dodgy rope!
Insurance policies are very specific about which adventure sports you are covered for. Always remember that if you undertaking some of the more adventurous activities you’re probably not covered. Check before you jump!
Don’t let your tummy bug you on holiday  
One of the greatest delights of travelling is sampling different and interesting cuisine. However, always remember the golden rules of eating and drinking whilst travelling. Never drink the local water if advised not too. If you can’t drink the local water, chances are you won’t be able to eat salads, unless they are washed in purified water, or fruit, unless it can be peeled. A tummy bug can be one of the most annoying aspects of a holiday, and one that with a little care can easily be avoided.
Try and eat cooked foods, and look where the locals eat – any restaurant that regularly fills with locals is usually a safe bet. Don’t eat anywhere that looks suspect or unhygienic, and remember that in some countries certain foods are best avoided altogether.
Travel around to find the best policy  
When booking your holiday this year, the easy option will be to purchase insurance directly from your travel agent. However, remember that you may be paying up to six times more than you need to. If you look at the alternatives, such as insurance brokers that offer a range of quotes to match your needs, you’ll save a considerable amount of money.
What’s happening at home?
Even if you manage to avoid all the pitfalls and have a fabulous trip, the memory will quickly disappear if you arrive home to discover you’ve had unexpected and unwelcome visitors. Before leaving on any trip, ask neighbours to keep an eye on your house, and remember to cancel milk and newspaper deliveries. Installing timing devices to turn lights on and off at regular intervals, to make it look as though someone is home, is also a good idea.
For complete peace of mind, ensure your household and contents policies are up to date and adequately cover all your belongings prior to leaving on your trip.
About 1st Quote  
1st Quote offers instant quotes and insurance cover across a variety of products including care, bike, home, travel, caravan and even provides cover for pets. The company has over 30 years experience as an insurance broker and is backed by a substantial call centre operation. 1st Quote also offers a money back guarantee, which ensures its customers are receiving some of the cheapest insurance quotes on the market.