Tips for safe driving … in France

#FRANCE is a beautiful country in which to drive but, says Swinton Insurance, be sure to remember these six tips:

1. Foot off the gas – The French take speeding very seriously and speed limits are implemented rigorously. Carrying speed detecting devices is illegal, too, so switch off your SAT NAV alerts or you could lose your licence and your car. 
2. Cruise, don’t booze – Forget having a drink if you’re intending to get behind the wheel. French laws are much stricter than those in Britain … so much so that you will be expected to carry your own breathalyzer. 
3. Be smart – Obey the rules of the road and enjoy your break in peace, but commit a traffic violation and, be warned, you could face an on-the-spot of fine of up to €375 (£268). If you are fined, make sure you get an official receipt. 
4. Calling for help – Use the bright orange telephone boxes that are dotted along the motorway and toll roads (roughly every 2KM/1.2 miles) to contact the local breakdown recovery service. 
5. Carry a hi-vis jacket – Most UK drivers will find this odd, but when in France you must carry a high visibility jacket in the car – and not in the boot – in case you need to leave your vehicle at any point. Also make sure you have a warning triangle. 
6. Right is right – It seems obvious, but remember that people drive on the right-hand side of the road in France, as they do in rest of continental Europe. Keep your eyes peeled for where traffic is coming from, and approach junctions with caution. 

What if things go wrong? Here are some phrases that might come in handy in an emergency:

• Do you speak English? – Parlez-vous Anglais? 
• I am lost! – Je suis perdu! 
• Can you send me a mechanic / breakdown van? – Pouvez-vous m’envoyez quelqu’un / une dépanneuse? 
• My engine has overheated – Le moteur a surchauffé. 
• I have lost my car keys - J’ai perdu mes clés de voiture 
• My engine doesn’t sound right – Mon moteur fait un drôle de bruit 
• I have a flat battery – Ma batterie est à plat 
• Car – voiture 
• I’m out of fuel – J’ai plus d’essence 
• My brakes aren’t working properly – J’ai un problème de freins 
• I have a flat tyre – J’ai un pneu à plat/ J’ai un pneu crevé 
• I’ve put the wrong fuel in my car – Je me suis trompé de carburant/ d’essence 

For more about the rules and regs of driving in France – and to download a guide to take with you – go to http://www.swinton.co.uk/car-insurance/guides/driving-abroad/france/

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Car hire in Spain? Beware those hidden extra €s

HOLIDAYMAKERS renting cars in #Spain this summer need to be most on their guard for ‘sneaky tactics’ used by suppliers, says car hire broker Economy Car Hire, which has identified six ways in which consumers could be caught out.

They are:

• Admin fees: Some suppliers offer what's known as a ‘full-full' policy, but slap on an admin charge. This means you when you collect the car it has a full tank and you must return it with a full tank. When you return the car, you get a refund for the tank, minus the admin charge which is typically €25-€40 (£18.40-£29.50). 

• Credit card charges: You're told to pay for extras such as a satnav or child car seat in sterling at a very poor exchange rate.

• Pre-existing damage: You're made liable for damage which was already on the car when you collected it.

• Diesel surcharge: You're hit with a €10-€15 (£7.35-£11) surcharge when you're given a diesel car, even though you didn't ask for one.

• Sealed agreements: You sign your rental agreement digitally and the printed copy is handed over in a sealed envelope, so you only spot any nasty surprises when it's too late.

• Insurance hard sell: You're pressured take out local cover, even though you bought it before travelling.

The firm also highlights tactics used in other countries, such as the UK, US, France, Turkey, Italy, and South Africa which range from charging for damage that was already on the car through to ‘out of hours’ vehicle collection fees.

Economy Car Hire managing director, Rory Sexton, said: ‘Dirty tricks are more prevalent in certain countries than others, with customers reporting fewer issues in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Switzerland. 

If you are going somewhere where sneaky tactics are often used, make sure you scrutinize the terms of their booking in advance, and read the rental contract carefully when collecting the car. It's always a good idea to book through a broker in the UK which will provide the protection of UK consumer law.’

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Vacation time? Guard your ID!

HOLIDAYMAKERS who used to worry about their homes being burglarized now face a greater threat while travelling: #identitytheft. The increased use of social media, public WiFi networks, ATM machines and mobile devices by families on holiday in the US and abroad have made them prime targets for cybercrime. A free Summer Vacation Guide to Identity Security is now available, offering safety tips for protecting devices, data, and identities.

‘Anyone – adult or child - who uses a computer, tablet or mobile device on a plane, in a hotel room or in a cyber cafe can be a victim of #cybercrime,’ says cybersecurity expert Morgan Wright.

Wright, a former law enforcement officer who has advised the US departments of Justice, Defence and Homeland Security on cybersecurity strategies created the guide in response to an internet safety threat report that reveals a dramatic rise in identity theft, digital extortion, and data corruption.

Among the guide's do's and don'ts are how to identify and avoid:

· Bluetooth and WiFi vulnerabilities

· Social media and mobile app risks

· Malware and ransomware attacks

· Credit card, online banking and ATM scams

Wright recommends that families read the guide prior to leaving on vacation in order to implement some of its recommendations from their secure home internet networks. Then, he suggests packing it along with their travel itineraries as a reminder of cyber safety precautions when on the road.

Copies of his guide can be obtained at www.scribd.com/doc/266503798/Summer-Vacation-Guide-to-Identity-Security

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Take cash, Greece-bound travellers told

PEOPLE going to Greece are being advised to take euros in notes and coins in case the country’s escalating debt crisis prompts banks to switch off their ATMs.

The country’s tourist board in London said that while it anticipated no immediate problems, visitors should avoid relying solely on credit cards or local ATMs.

Holidaymakers should take ‘enough money to cover emergencies and any unexpected delays’, advised the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office added.

Travel experts recommended taking around three to five days' worth of spending money in euro notes, alongside credit and debit cards.

Economists say that if the country is denied emergency funds to cover its summer debt repayments, Greece could opt to leave the eurozone.

Bob Atkinson, of Travelsupermarket.com, pointed to the Cyprus bailout in 2013, when banks limited withdrawals and some shops and restaurants were unable to take card payments.

‘If you're travelling to Greece in the next couple of weeks, keep an eye on the news, check the official travel advice and certainly take a mix of different payment options,’ he said.

The Greek economy edged closer to default recently (April 27) when European finance ministers ruled out an extensive bail-out similar to action taken in 2010 and 2012.

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On your marks for the Gozo Hellfire Trail

THE Gozo Hellfire 55k Ultra Trail for runners and mountain bikers takes place on May 2. 

It’s Gozo’s toughest race, and one of the Mediterranean’s most scenic. 

The course –. Which has a total elevation of 3,200ft. – circumnavigates the island, including cliff-edge single tracks, valleys, water courses, salt pans, and beaches. It has a total elevation of 3,200ft.

The organizers say bikers will need to carry their bikes over some parts of the course.

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Rules of the road … across Europe

AIRPORT PARKING & HOTELS (APH) has produced a guide for UK holidaymakers highlighting the different driving rules and regulations – including maximum speed limits and fines, and equipment and paperwork that drivers must carry – in 20 European countries.

Speed limits on European motorways was found to vary significantly, ranging from 62mph in Cyprus and Latvia to 80mph in Austria, France, and Greece.

Germany imposes no maximum speed limit on motorways, although an 80mph top speed is ‘recommended’ on some autobahns.

Denmark, Finland, and Sweden inflict varying speed limits on all roads, so drivers are urged to pay particular attention to road signs.

All 20 countries surveyed have on-the-spot fines, with countries such as Belgium, Italy, and Poland, requiring drivers to make an immediate cash deposit towards fines. 

Countries such as Cyprus, Greece, and Sweden are not allowed to collect any money from on-the-spot fines and instead ask drivers to pay their fines at a later date. It is advised that drivers carry both cash and/or a payment card when driving abroad, as some countries such as Portugal have portable ATM machines in traffic police vehicles for immediate payment of any driving infraction.

UK and American drivers should also be aware that compulsory car equipment varies according to country. Nine out of the 20 countries researched require drivers to carry a reflective jacket in the car at all times, but France is the only country in Europe that requires drivers to carry a breathalyzer kit inside their vehicle.


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Found … Ibiza’s secret beaches

WANT to know about the best five secret beaches on Ibiza? 

Many go to Bora Bora and San Antonio to party, but the island has beaches well away from the beaten tracks and the party crowds ...... 



Ibizia specialist Together Travel flags them up …

Cala Llentrisca … An old timber jetty sits in the middle of this peaceful, almost deserted strip of coast. The crescent-shaped beach offers crystal blue water and tranquillity that couldn't be further from the madness of Bora Bora. 

Cala Olivera … The clear waters of this untouched cove mean you'll just have to dive in and swim. Make a day of it and enjoy the beautiful views out to sea. You may be sharing this hidden gem with locals or the occasional naturist.

Cala Salada … This secluded beach (main picture) is perfect for snorkelling and cliff jumping (if you're brave enough).

Es Xarcu … Another beach favoured by locals. Feel at one with nature at this beach as you breathe in the scent of the pine trees and admire the scenery.

http://together.travel/ibiza

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Tunisia searches plunge after terrorist attack

SEARCHES for Tunisia made by UK travellers have fallen by 22 percent following the terrorist attack on March 18, according to the hotel search website trivago.co.uk.

While travel interest in Tunisia as a whole fell by 22 percent, searches for Hammamet (a beach resort popular among UK holidaymakers) fell by 34 percent.

Although the British government has not advised against travel to Tunis and the surrounding areas, cruise companies have removed the city from their itinerary.

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YORK, Bath, and Edinburgh ‘safest’ for short breaks

YORK, Bath, and Edinburgh head a list of British cities regarded as safe to visit on a short break, according to research published by Post Office Travel Insurance.

Almost 70 percent of those surveyed about 42 city break destinations rated the three UK cities as safe choices while Venice and Vienna achieved the highest overseas ratings.

Respondents did have concerns about a number of overseas cities. Based on their personal experience or what they knew about them, Cairo, Bangkok, Istanbul, Marrakech, Moscow, and Miami topped the poll of cities surveyed that respondents believed to be risky.

But the research revealed that people’s perceptions of risk do not always match reality. Although respondents expressed the view that Moscow and Miami were ‘risky’ cities, none of those who had actually visited the two cities experienced problems normally covered by travel insurance. By contrast, while Athens and Hong Kong emerged as the cities where visitors had most often encountered difficulties, fewer respondents rated them ‘risky’.

The research also found that more than a quarter of respondents felt they had been ‘ripped off’ on city visits. The biggest culprits across all destinations were thought to be taxi drivers.

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French strike hits post-Easter travellers

HUNDREDS of post-Easter flights have been cancelled because of a strike by French air traffic controllers in a dispute about working conditions and a proposal to lift the retirement age from 57 to 59.

Short-haul flights are expected to be worst affected. 

• Ryanair says it has had to cancel more than 250 flights, with further cancellations likely. 
• Air France says that it expects to operate almost all its long-haul flights and 60% of its medium-haul flights to and from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.

Further action is planned between April 16-18 and April 29-May 2.

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Value your passport, urges UK Foreign Office

THE UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has launched a social media campaign asking British travellers WhereDoYouKeepYours? to promote the importance of keeping passports safe.

Although most trips abroad are problem-free, tens of thousands of people last year lost their passport or had them stolen.

John Heppenstall, head of consular campaigns at the FCO said: ‘Passports are essential for travelling and it is important to take care of them. Although most holidaymakers do, a lot of consular time could be saved if more people treated their passport as something as valuable as their phone or wallet.

‘We also see people travelling who are not aware that certain countries require a UK passport holder to have six months of validity left on their passport from the date of entry, and even up to two blank pages in your passport.

More than 20,600 UK passports were reported as lost or stolen around the world last year.

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Operators monitor Tunisia and admit 'tourists will think twice'

TOUR operators are closely monitoring the situation in Tunisia following Wednesday’s terrorist attack. 

One has admitted that some tourists would now ‘think twice’ about going to Tunisia.

At least 23 people were killed in the shooting at the Bardo Museum in the capital Tunis, including at least 17 tourists. One British woman was among the dead, which also included tourists from Japan, Italy, Colombia, Australia, France, Poland, and Spain.

Thomson has cancelled excursions to Tunis for holidaymakers currently in the country, while Thomas Cook said it was monitoring the situation.

The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice has not changed following the attack.


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Booze-fuelled air rage rises sharply

ALCOHOL-RELATED incidents on board flights from the UK have almost tripled over the past four years, according to figures released by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

There were 114 incidents in 2014, compared to 85 in 2013, 47 in 2012 and 39 in 2011, the majority of which were caused by alcohol, said the CAA.

In an incident this year, a passenger punched cabin walls, forcing an emergency landing. Last year, a passenger tried to open a cabin door during a flight.

‘There is no excuse for rude or aggressive conduct by passengers towards cabin crew or fellow passengers on board aircraft,’ said a CAA spokesman. ‘It is a specific criminal offence to be drunk on board an aircraft, and also to refuse to comply with instructions from the captain.’

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How to annoy UK embassy staff!

THE UK government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has revealed some of the most unusual enquiries Brits have made while abroad.

• A caller asked for help with setting up ‘British-style’ hanging baskets at a trade show because the professional gardener hired for the purpose had stage fright.

• A British woman asked the consulate in Albania how to find out if her son’s fiancée was already married.
• A caller asked for advice on how to treat a cat’s infected paw.
• A man called requesting embassy staff in Mexico City go to the airport to check whether he had left his mobile phone on a plane.
• A woman in Italy called to enquire how she could get her TV antenna to receive English-language channels.
• An event co-ordinator in Brussels asked for the name of a Scottish chef based in the country who could make haggis for a Burns Night event.

The FCO’s contact centres received more than 365,000 calls from British nationals last year. While the vast majority were calls from people who needed genuine help, there were many bizarre requests. FCO said such enquiries stem from a lack of understanding of what FCO consular teams can do for British nationals overseas. 

Foreign & Commonwealth Office minister, David Lidington, said it was important for consular staff to be able to focus on “our most vulnerable people, such as victims of crime, those who have lost a loved one abroad or people who have been detained or hospitalized overseas”.

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Egypt targets 20% growth in tourist numbers

SECURITY problems in North Africa do not appear to be curbing the optimism of Egypt’s tourism minister, Hisham Zaazou. He is targeting a 20% growth in tourist numbers this year.

‘We have a plan to contract with major advertising companies to promote Egyptian tourist resorts,’ he says.

He conceded that a recent attack by Islamic terrorists on an Egyptian army base in North Sinai would have an impact, but added that the Egyptian government was fighting terrorism and would ‘lead Egypt to safety’.

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Fancy a bite with a great white?

IN an Australian first, Adventure Bay Charters on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula has launched an aqua submarine, perfect for observing sharks in their natural environment without getting wet. 

The six-seater underwater pod sits at the back of the eco operator's newest boat, MV Shark Warrior, and is surrounded by glass for 360 degree views. 

Passengers also have the option to enjoy drinks and a nibble whilst observing the jaw-dropping aquatic wildlife.

The trip costs from AU$395 (£206) per adult and AU$285 (£150) per child (3-15 years), plus AU$100 (£52) to step into the cage or Aqua Submarine.http://adventurebaycharters.com.au/


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When vacations just don’t to plan …

ALMOST a quarter of Americans said their travel plans were impacted by medical conditions, natural disasters – including severe weather – or mechanical or carrier-caused problems, according to a survey by the US Travel Insurance Association.

The number of Americans saying their travels had been disrupted grew from 17% – almost one in six travellers – in 2012/13 to almost one out of four in 2013/14, an increase of 35%.

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Travellers – beware when booking!

TRAVEL specialists are warning holidaymakers to watch out for six “sins” to avoid when booking their get-away. 

The tips come from holiday claims lawyers at BL Claims Solicitors, who say couples and families can often be so excited when booking their summer breaks that they forget to pay attention to vital details.

Lauren Haas, a solicitor at BL Claims Solicitors, www.blclaims.co.uk, has identified the sins that holidaymakers should try to avoid:

Not checking the details of travel insurance – We all know we need travel insurance – but are you sure you’ve picked one that covers you properly? Check your policy actually covers the country you are visiting – for example, Turkey and Egypt are not in the European Union., so you’ll need extended cover. Check what you plan to do, too: ballooning, diving or quad-biking trips may require extra insurance.

Having out-of-date documents – Ensure your passport is up-to-date and that you have all the visas you need. Don't just rely on your tour operator or booking agent telling you all is well. If you are not allowed to fly and you have out-of-date documents, it is very difficult to bring any claim for compensation.

Not being wise to scams – If you are booking a holiday home over the internet, be aware that some sites simply act as agents for the actual owners and are not liable for any fraud or anything that goes wrong. In some cases, people have fallen victim to fraudsters by booking a holiday home that simply doesn’t exist. Watch out for requests for payment to be sent by Western Union or similar companies, as they are commonly used by con artists. It may be worth taking out insurance to guard against fraud.

Not having a backup – While abroad, it pays to keep a copy of your passport and travel documentation in your hotel or holiday villa. If you are pickpocketed, it is much easier to deal with the aftermath.

Picking the wrong card – You might want to consider paying any amounts over £100 by credit card. They offer an extra layer of protection and rights over a debit card or cash payment.

Not thinking ahead – While many excursion providers abroad are legitimate, if you are booking an excursion with a local company and pay in cash, then the rights and protections you have are not going to be equivalent to booking the excursion with a UK tour operator. Book ahead if you can.

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Selfie stick bans at US museums

SELFIE STICK bans have been introduced by some of America’s leading museums, including the 

Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Getty Center in Los Angeles, and the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington DC.

‘Selfie sticks are restricted out of concern about damaging the art or people in more enclosed spaces,’ said Julie Jaskol, assistant director of media relations at the Getty Center.

‘Like tripods and monopods, the use of selfie sticks is prohibited at the Hirshhorn to preserve the safety of the artwork and the visitors who come to enjoy it,’ explained Kelly Carnes, a Hirshhorn Museum spokeswoman.

Bans have also been introduced by Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (both in Washington DC), and a ban is being considered by New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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Britain’s new-look visa rules

VISITOR visa routes are to be consolidated from the current 15 to just four as part of a streamlined system for leisure and business travellers to the UK.

The new categories – said to be easier-to-understand – offer greater flexibility for the people using them, and will be accompanied by user-friendly guidance to make the process of visiting Britain simpler. 

The changes will affect all those wishing to visit the UK from April – from business visitors and tourists to sportspeople and entertainers.

Home secretary Theresa May said: ‘These reforms to the immigration system are part of our work to demonstrate to the rest of the world that Britain remains open for business, and that visitors are always welcome in the UK, whether they come for leisure or work.’

Policy and entry requirements are not being changed – but the rules and guidance are being simplified so people do not unwittingly fall foul of the immigration visitor rules. Reducing visa categories from 15 to four will help people apply for the right visa, and it will increase the types of activities visitors can do while they are in Britain. An applicant can visit for business meetings and a holiday, and will not need to request two separate visas.

The four new visa categories will be:

· Visitor (standard).

· Visitor (to hold marriage or civil partnership).

· Visitor undertaking permitted paid engagements.

· Visitors transiting the UK.

While more flexibility is being introduced to the system, the government says it will continue to bear down on those who abuse it. From April, exit checks will enable the Home Office for the first time to determine who has complied with the length of their visa. As well as identifying individuals who have remained illegally, exit checks will provide valuable information on the sorts of immigration routes and visas that are most subject to abuse — enabling the government to target and tighten those routes.

Latest statistics show there were 2.1 million visitor visa applications received in the year ending September 2014, with just under two million visas issued.


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