Traveling With Children: Essential Vaccinations For Young Adventurers

BY  Arnab Sep 22, 2022

A UK cancer charity has been raising awareness about what it calls the ‘scandal’ of cancer patients being quoted travel insurance premiums so high they cannot afford to go on holiday.  Hampshire-based PLANETS, which supports people with neuroendocrine, pancreatic, liver, colorectal, abdominal, and pancreatic cancer, has accused travel insurance providers of applying a ‘one-size-fits-all’ policy to cancer patients which often penalizes people even when they are in remission and have been in good health for a number of years.  As well as pointing out that many insurers simply refuse to cover anyone with a history of cancer, making their search for cover more difficult, PLANETS also highlights some of the exorbitant prices cancer patients are sometimes quoted - as if to purposefully put them off. There Are Alternatives For Cancer Patients It points to two cases it came across of patients it worked with, both of whom had neuroendocrine tumors. One was quoted for a two-week trip to Canada requiring £7,000. The other was told to enjoy a week in Spain, it would cost £1,000 for them. PLANETS co-founder Jo Green also has neuroendocrine cancer. The condition is incurable, but with treatment can be managed successfully for many years. She has been living with it for 11 years, has no symptoms, and is in good health. But she too faces obstructive practices whenever she tries to get insurance to go abroad.  The reason why PLANETS has taken up the cause of travel insurance for cancer patients is that, as Jo puts it, going on holiday is an “essential” coping mechanism for many people living with the realities of a long-term medical condition.  “You’ve already been dealt a pretty bad card if you’ve had cancer,” she says. “It is a shame insurance companies can’t be more helpful and realistic in order to allow patients to seek respite through holidays which are important to health and wellbeing.”  Her thoughts are echoed by her fellow co-founder Neil Pearce, a specialist in pancreas, liver, and neuroendocrine tumor surgery. “For many people, the respite and morale boost a holiday away with family or friends brings is invaluable to their life, yet we are in the perverse situation where very little effort [by travel insurers] is even put in to establish the condition a person is in.” Fair Prices And Bespoke Policies After cancer travel insurance reviews, most mainstream travel insurance providers simply aren’t set up to deal with the nuances of people’s health on a case-by-case basis. To them, someone with a pre-existing medical condition represents heightened risk - the risk of falling ill while they are abroad and claiming medical expenses, the risk of requiring more expensive specialist interventions.  Those risks are simply categorized by the condition. Whatever the condition, that’s the additional charge (if they even agree to offer cover for it at all). And everyone with that condition has to pay that same price.  It’s also the case that certain medical conditions attract much higher premiums than others. Cancer is right at the top of that list.  This is all commonplace in the travel insurance sector, but it’s by no means universal. There are providers who specialize in medical travel insurance, i.e. policies specifically geared for people with long-term medical conditions.  The Difference Between The Travel Insurance And Medical Insurance The big difference in how these niche providers operate is that they do take the health of the individual into consideration. This is usually done by means of a simple medical questionnaire. Prospective customers will be asked about their medical history, what condition (or conditions) they are currently living with, how it is managed, what medication they are on, their current state of health, etc.  From this information, medical travel insurance providers are the best insurance for cancer patients and are able to do two things. One, they can make a fairer evaluation of the risk an individual actually poses. So for cancer patients, if they are in remission or if their symptoms are well managed and they are in good health, they can be offered a policy at a fair price.  The insurer understands it isn’t simply cancer that poses the risk - it’s the individual circumstances of the patient. Second, knowing something about the medical background of the individual means specialist insurers can offer policies tailored to their needs.  Although all travel insurance includes cover for medical costs, this is generally only for generic emergency treatments, not interventions specific to a particular condition.  What If You’re Diagnosed With Cancer After You Purchase Travel Insurance? Imagine you and your spouse decide to take a Paris trip to commemorate your 25th wedding anniversary. To safeguard the vacation, you also buy travel insurance. Six months later, a regular mammogram finds a lump in your breast, and stage 2 breast cancer is the result of this discovery. You have to have radiation and surgery, so your eagerly anticipated cruise will have to wait. When you're dealing with a cancer diagnosis, travel insurance with trip cancellation benefits might be really helpful. Travel insurance after breast cancer cancellation benefits can pay you back for your paid, non-refundable trip expenses if your symptoms (or the side effects of treatment) are incapacitating enough to force you to cancel your trip and if your doctor recommends it. In this matter, you can reschedule your Paris trip after your wife has recovered.  Final Words As a cancer patient or anyone else with a long-term medical condition, you want the reassurance that if you do fall ill on your holidays, you will get the care and attention that you need - and that the cost of it will be covered by your insurance. Please remember that travel insurance can't pay for planned medical expenses. Plus, travel insurance will not pay for elective care, non-emergency care,  experimental treatment, and long-term care in your insurance policy.  Apart from this, if you have any more questions, you can ask by commenting below. Please share your opinions, if I missed any points to mention here.  Read Also: Does Traveling Affect Your Life Insurance? Dos And Don’ts Of Travelling With A Campervan Top 10 Scenic Snowflake Cities In The U.S. To Travel To This Winter

BY  Arnab Oct 28, 2022

A lot of developments have again brought Italy tourism into the limelight. One of the best places to visit in Italy, Lake Como, now allows visitors to take home the most unique souvenirs. You can now carry back 100% pure canned air from this beautiful lake.  ItalyComunica, a communication company, has started this initiative. Their Lake Como Air Cans have 400 ml of pure air from Lake Como and are now available at $11.  "A luxurious souvenir, perfect for those who wish to rediscover the peace and elegance of this heavenly corner, sealed in a tin.." - ItalyComunica Further, as you take this can of pure air home, you can open it and experience the tranquility of Lake Como.  Along with Lake Como, there are many other places to visit in Italy. Of course, everyone knows about the capital city of Rome and the beautiful Venice. However, this time, I have curated some other hotspots in the country.  Here Are The Four Best Places To Visit In Italy A lot of people like to take themselves on Italy tours to try and see it all, but with so much to see, it’s not always possible in one trip.  But if you’re planning a trip to Italy, keep reading and discover all the best places that you should visit!  1. Florence Florence is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, and it is often said to be the home of some of the greatest art and architecture in the world. It’s often thought to be the birthplace of the Renaissance, so you can imagine just how glorious the art is. Florence proves this by having one of the most famous art galleries ever, housing the Uffizi Gallery which contains pieces from classic artists like da Vinci, Raphael, and even Michelangelo! Florence is also a little bit slower-paced than other historical cities like Rome, allowing you to really soak in your surroundings without all the hustle and bustle. If architecture is something you love to gaze at when visiting other countries, then Florence could be the answer to your dreams. With beautiful structures like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, you’ll be blown away by just how beautiful this city really is. So, if you want to visit a place with just as much historical significance as Rome but without the tourists, head down to Florence.  2. Verona Fans of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” will have of course heard of the city of Verona, as it’s the setting for one of the greatest tragedies of all time. Verona itself may not be at the top of everyone’s list, but it definitely should be. It’s big enough that you can spend a whole day exploring, but it’s also small enough to feel like a walkable city. Verona may be a modern city with lots of stunning restaurants to visit, but it also pays homage to the star-crossed lovers with a museum in a building named “Juliet’s House”. There you’ll find different outfits from movies and plays that have been performed throughout history and all sorts of historical artefacts from the time period of the play. You can even get the perfect photo op on Juliet’s balcony and look longingly out onto the view of Verona and ask the question “Wherefore art thou Romeo?”. A little way down the road, there’s a small tomb that’s said to belong to Juliet as well, so you can pay your respects to the ill-fated lady. Travel-wise, Verona’s train station is right in the centre and has links to all the surrounding cities, allowing you to make it a simple day trip on your itinerary.  3. Praiano If you’re wanting that picturesque Italian experience, then Praiano could be your dream vacation. A small town situated on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, you can enjoy gorgeous beach views and breathtaking architecture. There’s the 15th-century church in the middle of the town called the Church of San Gennaro which showcases the best of the baroque architecture. The beach itself is absolutely amazing, with crystal blue waters and surrounded by rocky cliffs, you’ll be able to enjoy the sun and relax in the shade at the same time. If you like an active vacation, then you might want to check out the Sentiero Degli Dei, or the Footpath of the Gods. This trail is 7km long and goes all the way from Praiano and up to Nocelle near Positano city. However, you’ll need to be prepared for the staircase that awaits you at the start, as you’ll need to climb 1,900 steps! Praiano is one of the lesser-known areas of the Amalfi Coast, but that doesn’t mean it’s lesser than any of the other areas. So, make sure you add it to your holiday plans!  4. Padua  Finally, if you want to go somewhere that’s steeped in history and gives you a truly authentic Italian experience but without all the tourists of Venice, then Padua is the place for you. Padua, or Padova in Italian, is a small city that’s just outside of Venice. Padua has a train station right in the centre that has a direct line to Venice, and all sorts of other places like Florence and Rome. This makes it a great place to stay without having to fall into the tourist traps of Venice and enjoy some tranquillity at the same time. Padua has the second oldest university in the whole of Italy, which was founded in 1222! There’s also the Basilica of Saint Anthony who was a Portuguese Catholic Priest that passed away in 1231. The Basilica is visually stunning and has a museum that you can visit inside which is dedicated to the saint as well. There’s also a gorgeous outdoor area that’s brimming is history too.  The Prato Della Valle which is the biggest square in the whole of Italy and has statues of Italy’s most renowned intellectuals. If you’re an avid foodie, then you want to head on over to Piazza Dei Signori. There you’ll find all sorts of authentic restaurants and proper Italian gelato too. It’s also home to the Torre dell’Orologio or in English, the astronomical clock. This clock tower was built in 1430 and the clock face shows the different zodiac signs. It really is a magnificent sight to see, and it looks even better when you’re enjoying a plate of good food in the beautiful afternoon sun.   Italy has some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only place with beauty. In fact, there are plenty of other cities and towns within Italy that could offer you even more than places like Venice! This list just goes to show that you don’t have to only visit the tourist areas to get a real view of Italy. So, why not add some of these places to your list of places to visit? You’ll be blown away at how wonderful they all are, and you’ll find yourself wishing you were back there time and time again. 5. Lake Como Located in the Lombardy region of Italy, Lake Como is one of the deepest lakes in Europe. It looks heavenly with the Bergamo Alps surrounding it, and you can see the reflections of snow-capped peaks in the water.  Further, Lake Como looks different with changing seasons. In summer, you will find the lake surrounded by greens. In winter, of course, it’s all snowy and white as far as you can see.  6. Pompeii, A UNESCO World Heritage Site The Roman architectural site Pompeii is one of the most interesting places to visit in Italy. Such is its appeal that now managing tourism here is a challenge for the management. The first Sunday of October in 2024 had around 36000 visitors to the park. However, from 15th November, the park authority is planning to limit the number of visitors to the park on a daily basis.  Now, only 20000 people can visit Pompeii in a day. Further, you will need to pay an entry fee of €18 to visit Pompeii.  Read Also: Japan Is Now Accepting Travelers: So Why Aren’t Tourists Going Back This Year? Common Pitfalls Of Destination Wedding In Italy And How To Avoid Them Which Is The Best Time To Visit Ladakh? – Travel Guide

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 30, 2023

Paris, the City of Lights, becomes even more enchanting during the holiday season. With its iconic landmarks adorned in dazzling lights and festive decorations, Paris offers visitors a truly magical experience. From charming Christmas markets to ice-skating rinks and culinary delights, here's why a visit to Paris during the holidays is an unforgettable adventure. Here Are Top Five Reasons To Visit Paris During The Holiday Season 1. Festive Illuminations and Decorations As the winter chill settles over the city, Paris transforms into a breathtaking wonderland of lights and decorations. The iconic Champs-Élysées, Notre Dame Cathedral, and many other buildings all come alive with sparkling displays, creating an atmosphere of sheer enchantment. Take a leisurely stroll along the streets and be captivated by the mesmerizing decorations, while sipping on a warm cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate. 2. The Iconic Eiffel Tower Everyone knows that the Eiffel Tower, thanks to its height and location, offers a breathtaking view of Paris and is considered one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. During the holidays, the Eiffel Tower is beautifully illuminated with a myriad of twinkling lights, creating a mesmerizing spectacle against the night sky. The tower's intricate lighting design often changes colors, adding to its magical ambiance. In addition to the stunning light display, the Eiffel Tower also features festive decorations that enhance its charm, like giant Christmas ornaments, garlands, and wreaths, that create a joyful and celebratory atmosphere. 3. Charming Christmas Markets Parisian Christmas markets are a must-visit during the holiday season. These markets, such as the market at the Champs de Mars near the Eiffel Tower or the market at the Notre Dame Cathedral, are filled with quaint stalls selling a variety of artisanal crafts, festive decorations, and delectable treats. Immerse yourself in the joyful ambiance, listen to carol singers, and indulge in a delightful shopping experience. Don't forget to try traditional French delicacies like roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and spiced wine. Related: Moving To Paris – How To Start 4. Ice-Skating Rinks For a slice of winter fun, lace up your skates and hit the ice at one of Paris's picturesque ice-skating rinks. The Grand Palais, located in the heart of the city, transforms into a magnificent ice-skating wonderland during the holidays. Glide gracefully across the ice while marveling at the stunning architecture surrounding you. Other popular skating rinks include the Eiffel Tower Ice Rink and the Trocadéro Gardens Ice Rink, offering a unique and unforgettable way to experience the city's iconic landmarks. 5. Culinary Delights Paris is renowned for its culinary prowess, and the holiday season offers a myriad of gastronomic delights. Indulge in traditional French holiday treats such as bûche de Noël (Yule log cake), galette des rois (Epiphany cake), and foie gras. Warm your soul with hearty winter dishes like boeuf bourguignon or raclette. Don't forget to savor the delicate flavors of French patisseries offering seasonal pastries in festive shapes and colors. Experience the joy of Parisian cuisine and take delight in the city's culinary treasures. Visiting Paris during the holiday season is a truly magical experience. From the sparkling lights and festive decorations to the charming Christmas markets, Paris offers a perfect blend of holiday joy and French charm. Read Also: Main Reasons To Travel As A Student Best Places To Visit In South West France Where Is The Most Popular Spot In The World To Take A Selfie?