Understandably this year some people are deciding to put money away for a rainy day and although they’re reluctant to forego their annual holiday completely, many are looking at cheaper options but this doesn’t include cutting back on essential travel insurance. Over 65 years and above are generally in a stronger position to ride out the current recession but many have seen interest paid on savings plummet could be forgiven for thinking that if it isn’t doing any good in the bank, spend it!
Either way, travel is still high on the agenda of many households, as a foreign holiday is no longer considered a luxury but is viewed as an essential part of life. The opportunity to catch up with the family, unwind with no interruptions from work and without the compulsion to be putting in extra hours or if you are retired, have cash in the bank, why not take that trip of a lifetime.
Having established that you will in fact be travelling throughout 2009, the next step is to decide where you want to go, how long for and what you want to do when you get there. The plethora of information on destinations, activities and accommodation can sometimes be overwhelming, add to this the number of insurance companies advertising low cost travel insurance for over 65s when in reality, the travel insurance for over 65 provided is anything but low priced. Unfortunately, there is no short cut, the best way to establish where to go, how to get there and who offers the best value over 65s travel insurance is to do your research. Your first port of call should be to check out Staysure.co.uk a specialist provider of travel insurance for over 65s (but cover all ages from 0 – 85) for great value comprehensive policies including pre-existing medical conditions up to age 80.
At the risk of stating the obvious, money is a major deciding factor when choosing where to holiday in 2009, with particular reference to the value of the pound against other currencies. Over the last year the real cost of travel within the Euro zone rose by around 20% and 25% in the United States and other countries with currency linked to the US dollar. Here are some suggestions of where to go in 2009 to get you started.
CHINA
China isn’t the cheapest or nearest destination but it offers a truly unique holiday experience. Although renowned for its impressive history, architecture and delicious food, there is another reason to visit during 2009. Those with an interest in astronomy will already know that in July, China is set to see the longest solar eclipse of this century and what better place to witness it than in Shanghai.
ICELAND
Although it’s considered bad form to profit out of someone else’s loss, it is comes as a pleasant surprise that Iceland, already a popular destination but formerly one of the world’s most prohibitively expensive destinations is now much more affordable due to the banking fiasco and subsequent currency devaluation, allowing Iceland to be considered as more than just a short-break destination famous for its colourful nightlife. Why not take advantage of cheaper prices and experience Iceland’s unique natural surroundings ranging from frozen ice caps to hot springs and volcanoes, wildlife and of course the famed northern lights.
SOUTH AFRICA
Although located on the other side of the world, South Africa is one of the few countries with a currency that is actually losing ground to sterling, therefore providing more rands to the pound, plus Emirates airline has just added South Africa to its routes. South Africa is one of those destinations to offer something for everyone, whether looking for Safaris, beaches, culture, fine dining or just some fantastic weather, definitely one to consider.
TURKEY
As traditional beach holidays go, you can’t get much more ‘bang for buck’ than Turkey. Not only are you guaranteed pretty much all year-round sunshine but sterling is holding its own, keeping prices right down, in a destination that already offers incredible value for money. With such a diverse array of resorts located on four different coastlines (the Aegean, Mediterranean, Red Sea and Sea of Marmaris) plus the majestic Bosphoros, it’s impossible not to find a suitable destination.
FRANCE
However, if you are staunch Francophile and can’t bring yourself to forego a French trip then consider northern France. Although there is almost parity between sterling and the Euro, Family beach holidays, particularly in Normandy or Brittany shouldn’t cost more than a similar break in the UK.
To find out more about Staysure’s low cost travel insurance policies visit http://www.staysure.co.uk/
