The annual San Fermin Festival (the running of the bulls) in Pamplona is scheduled for July 6-14 2009.
The Running of the Bulls, obviously, can be a very dangerous activity. Those who choose to participate often receive serious injuries and there have been many fatalities. Be warned, this video is fairly graphic but amazingly no lives were lost!
If you still think this looks like fun and are tempted to join in, it might be worthwhile remembering that travel insurance is unlikely to cover claims related to ‘unnecessaryexposureto peril’ – or similar wording in the policy. If you plan to see this spectacle stay well away from the bulls!
Be prepared to cough up for the cost of treating any injuries if you get on the wrong side of a bull – and to pay for medical repatriation back to the UK if required (which can be very expensive!) If you are not sure whether your particular travel insurance policy will cover you it is best to call and find out beforehand!
Other hazards during the festival (which cannot be blamed on the bulls) include pickpocketing and passport theft. It is wise to make a photocopy of the information page of your passport to keep with you for identification purposes – and in case of theft of the original. It may seem a bit of a contradiction but a ‘lost and found’ office will nevertheless be set up at the Pamplona Municipal Police Station. In the event of loss of personal property a report should be filed with the police for the missing items. This is a requirement for filing claims under most travel insurance.
Don’t forget to take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to Spain. However, this should not be used as a substitute for travel insurance. Although emergency medical care may be provided under the EHIC in a state-run facility it does not cover medical repatriation, lost luggage, or many other common travel-related mishaps! (Note: there is no guarantee you would be taken to a state facility in an emergency (or have a choice if conscious) and the EHIC does not normally cover treatment in a private hospital). Visitors planning to participate in the run are advised to read the information provided by the Foreign Office under ‘UKinSpain‘,
Posted on
July 3rd, 2009,
Jean. Filed under
Travel News,
A new visa requirement for travellers coming to the UK for short visits from South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho went into force yesterday, July 1 2009. Before being granted a visa the applicants are subject to checks against watch lists as well as fingerprinting. This completes the implementation of process which began earlier in the year
In a continuing effort to tighten border control for visitors coming to the United Kingdom, the UK Border Agency is enforcing new visa rules for many additional countres in an ongoing effort to combat illegal immigration, crime, security concerns, and passport and identity fraud. Visas are now required by nationals from more than one hundred countries outside the EU. The new visa rules have already gone into force for visitors coming from Venezuela and Bolivia.
Phil Woolas, the Border and Immigration Minister was quoted as saying
“’Already our shake-up of border security is delivering results, with fingerprint visas helping us catch thousands of people trying to hide their true identity or a criminal past…”
For more information on this report, visit the UK Border Agency website.
Effective July 1, 2009 a European Commission ruling to reduce and cap rates for overseas roaming has gone into force. Travellers within Europe will be able to make calls, plus text and use the internet and download movies and videos on their mobile phones without being subjected to the former outrageous rates.
EU Telecoms Commissioner, Viviane Reding made the following statement:
“From today, all Europeans making calls or sending texts with their mobiles can experience the EU’s single market without borders. The roaming-rip off is now coming to an end thanks to the determined action of the European Commission, the European Parliament and all 27 EU Member States.
I expect the new EU roaming rules to make it much cheaper to surf the web on your mobile while abroad in the EU. For now, EU rules are limited to reducing inter-operator charges. I call on the mobile industry to pass these savings on to data roaming customers swiftly. The Commission and national regulators will monitor data roaming charges very carefully and assess next year whether the roaming market is finally becoming competitive.”
To read more about this long-awaited development as well as review the new rates and caps click here.
This year America’s 4th of July Independence Day celebration falls on a Saturday. The 4th is a federal holiday so government offices and many businesses will be closed on Friday the 3rd instead.
If you will be in the U.S. for the 4th be sure to find a place to join in the celebrations. This year will be special because the Statue of Liberty’s crown re-opens to visitors. What better way to celebrate Independence Day than with a giant firework display in New York City, singing the patriotic Star Spangled Banner! This video was taken during the 2008 Independence Day celebrations:
Note that new rules are in place for those travelling to the U.S. under the Visa-Waiver program. As of January 12, 2009 it became mandatory for visitors to register online with ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) at least 72 hours prior to travel. This is very important especially as it appears from media reports that many travellers are still unaware of the new requirement and some have been denied entry into the U.S. for failing to register. Also, be aware that travel insurance does not normally cover any claims or financial losses related to failure to obtain the necessary visas!
Visit our Travel Guide for the United States and follow the FCO link for updated country advice for the USA provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office - which also includes more information about the ESTA program.
We posted a report about this back in March, so just a reminder that the VAT cut in France goes into effect tomorrow, July 1, 2009. From tomorrow saying, “L’addition, s’il vous plait” should not be quite so painful!
If you have been considering a trip across the Channel to Europe this summer perhaps this good news will help seal the deal. Obviously the French restaurant trade is hoping the tax cut will help lure visitors back to France, despite the euro exchange rate. The tax is being cut from 19.6 percent to 5.5 percent so it should make a noticeable difference to the final bill for meals in cafes and restaurants, although the cut does not extend to alcohol.
This good news should also help boost interest in skiing at French resorts in the Alps for next season, along with the availability of cheap ski insurance.
Visit our Travel Guide for France and, if going by car through the tunnel or by ferry, be sure to read upon the current laws for driving in France and other countries in Europe, as there have been some changes. Look on the page for the link for the FCO ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign for important and updated advice from the Foreign Office.
Don’t forget to apply for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you don’t have one, or check the date to make sure it is still valid. However, remember that the EHIC is not a substitute for full travel insurance.
Don’t take a chance and drive across to Europe without the protection of European vehicle breakdown cover, or motorcycle travel insurance – check out our cheap rates. What else can we add but Bon voyage et bon chance!
This year marks the 96th prestigious Tour de France cycle race, which runs from July 4-26 following the opening time-trial test in glamorous Monaco. Let’s hope they have cleaned the rubber off the roads from the recent F1 Grand Prix. 2009 also sees the return of seven-time Tour winner Lance Armstrong. Fans can follow Lance and the Tour on Twitter.
The race comprises 21 stages (mountain, flat, time-trial) and covers a total distance of 3,500 km (2,200 miles) which normally takes 23 days. Although the course varies from year to year, it has in recent years traditionally finished along the Champs-Élysées (Elysian fields) in Paris.
This year the riders will follow a route which takes them through six countries. Following the start in Monaco, they continue along the south of France to Barcelona, Andorra, back into France, and into Switzerland and Italy before the 20th gruelling Ventoux mountain stage leading to what promises to be a dramatic finish in Paris. Prize money for the winning team totals over three million euros, with 450,000 euros going to the overall winning rider. Looking ahead, the Tour moves to Rotterdam in 2010.
Most visitors to Monaco arrive at the Nice Cote d’Azur International Airport and travel the short distance to Monaco (approx. 40 minutes by public bus, 25 mins by train). Visitors are reminded that although the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid throughout many countries in Europe, it is not valid in Monaco. If you plan to visit Europe it is highly recommended that you take out separate travel insurance. (Note the EHIC is not a substitute for full travel insurance).
Visit our Travel Guide to Europe for more information and click on FCO Country Advice for Europe, or individual countries, for important and updated travel advice from the Foreign Office. If taking the car or motorcycle across to Europe be sure to take out vehicle breakdown cover or motorcycle travel insurance and read up on any changes to the rules of the road.
Well, it is decided! Reigning champions Brazil will meet the U.S. to do battle in the Confederations Cup Final.
The match is scheduled for this Sunday, June 28 at Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg, South Africa. This eighth Confederations Cup final holds promise of an exciting year ahead for fans as tension builds towards the eagerly anticipated 2010 FIFA World Cup final.
Sunday’s final will be featured as Match of the Day on BBC3 in the UK, with live coverage starting at 7pm. Visit the official FIFA website for all the latest news.
For information about South Africa visit our Travel Guide and follow the link for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) ‘Know Before You Go‘ Campaign for updated and important travel advice.
Posted on
June 25th, 2009,
Jean. Filed under
Travel News,
This Saturday marks the first Armed Forces Day (formerly Veteran’s Day). It is a day to remember and show support for all the men and women serving our country. The national event is being hosted at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham.
Dozens of events are taking place throughout the UK, so to find an event near you visit the official website.
The Telegraph published an article about the risks of catching malaria, which we thought well worth passing along.
It seems that an increasing number of Brits are not bothering to protect themselves when travelling to areas of the world where malaria is present - and often returning home with the disease. The risk of contracting malaria should not be taken lightly as it can be fatal!
The article details some surprising survey statistics provided by Lloydspharmacy. They have launched a new service to prescribe and dispense antimalarial medicine online without the need to visit a GP. Click on the Travel Clinic link for more information at Lloydspharmacy Online doctor.
Saturday brings more exciting rugby action with the 2nd Test of the British and Irish Lions Tour of South Africa in Pretoria. Fans will be hoping for a better result after a disappointing 26-21 defeat for the Lions at the 1st Test in Durban. Good news for the Lions… It appears hopeful that James Hook will be back on the bench for Saturday’s game. Fingers crossed.
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 local time (2pm UK time) at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. The 3rd Test is scheduled for July 4 at the Coca Cola Park in Johannesberg.
For more information visit the Lions website or Springboks website. Fans have been warned to beware of purchasing tickets anywhere other than an official source!
If you are planning a trip to South Africa pay a visit our Travel Guide for South Africa and follow the link for the Foreign Office (FCO) ‘Know Before You Go’ Campaign for updated travel advice and useful information. Why not check out our great rates for travel insurance too!
(Note for Rugger widows: If your men go missing on Saturday you’ll find them parked in front of a TV or at a local pub showing the match live!)
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