What’s the Most Economic and Convenient Way of Travelling Throughout the Uk?

The cost of traveling in the UK can vary wildly, depending upon where you live. In general, if you reside in the bigger cities there tends to be more competition between rival transport operators - whether they are airline, train or coach companies - so chances are travelers will be paying a lot less per mile than their rural cousins. However, if you do live slightly out of the way, you may find traveling around the UK a lot more expensive. And if you reside in the sticks, forget public transport altogether; the infrastructure just isn’t there so a car is the only real alternative for getting around.

So, how do prices match up when it comes to differentiating between air, rail or road travel? For many years, air travel was only for the better off, with prices out of the reach of the masses. However, with the advent of low-cost airlines, competition increased and prices have dropped dramatically to the extent that an airline ticket can cost the same or less than mainline train tickets. Depending upon the carrier, a cheap return air ticket between London and Manchester can cost as little as £69 - comparing favorably against a return train trip fare of £110! However, low-cost domestic airlines only operate between major airports, which tend to be few and far between, giving the traveler less choice if they live outside the country's major conurbations.

Train operators have been subject to criticism lately, both over the cost of traveling and also their inability to consistently keep to their published timetables. Indeed, Virgin recently lost their cross-country franchise after 10 years service, mainly due to one in five trains arriving late and costing the government over £2m per week in subsidies. This move is seen by many as the start of price increases for train travelers, as the operators will now seek to recover their costs from the public rather than the government.

Coach travel is mostly a cheaper alternative to using trains or planes and in many cases can be even better value than car travel. Most coach travel in the UK operates between fixed routes on a timetable basis, but there are also many charter companies from which you can hire a coach to a destination of your choice. This is a handy solution if a group of people wish to travel to a special event, and again can prove cheaper than taking the car.

In summary, there are many options for traveling throughout the UK, but the majority of us still choose to use our own private transport. That is likely to continue until there is major investment in the rail and road infrastructure; until then traveling anywhere in the UK will continue to be frustrating, mostly expensive and largely unsatisfying.

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Holidaying in the UK: A Growing Trend this Summer

If you intend on holidaying in the UK this summer, you are amongst a growing band of Britons who have turned their back on traveling abroad – at least for now. Economic uncertainty and straightforward prudence mean that rather than shell out thousands of pounds on taking the family abroad people are opting to take their main holiday in the UK.

Let’s face it, the reason most people travel abroad isn’t because there’s nothing to see or do in the UK, but rather that the British summer weather can be a trifle unpredictable. However, now that the nation’s weather forecasters are telling us that this year’s summer is set to be fantastically sunny then that just puts the icing on the cake of holidaying in the UK.

The UK may be a small country, but there is an incredible variety in terms of what’s available for holidaymakers. Being an island helps as there is plenty of shoreline and with a plethora of coastal resorts of varying levels of sophistication. From the traditional ‘kiss me quick’ hats, Pleasure Beach theme park and Tower of Blackpool to the more refined elegance of the Dorset town of Bournemouth; there is something for any family wishing to have a seaside holiday.

Alternatively, with such fantastic spots of natural beauty throughout the UK such as the Lake District, Exmoor, Dartmoor, the Peak District, and so on, there is also plenty of choice for those seeking an activity holiday. Perhaps even a trip to London to see what the capital has to offer such as the UK’s biggest tourist attraction the London Eye, as well as the proliferation of other attractions.

A word of warning, however, if you are intending on holiday in the UK this summer - don’t let thieves or accidents ruin it. Having travel insurance UK is just as important as it would be if you jetted off abroad. The risks associated with a holiday at home are almost identical to traveling abroad and with the exception of your passport just about everything you would take abroad with you will also be packed for a holiday in the UK.

Just imagine how your holiday could soon turn into a nightmare if your wallet or purse was stolen. Away from home you would have to cancel all your cards and therefore have great difficulty in getting any cash. Travel insurance, even if staying in the UK, usually allows for the provision of emergency replacement cash, which may just save the holiday!

Of course, the majority of holidaymakers, whether in the UK or abroad, never have to claim on their travel insurance, but having it allows for peace of mind when travelling, allowing you to enjoy a fabulous holiday!

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Student Travel Insurance Uk: Buy For Risk Free Traveling

Generally parents in UK buy travel insurance for the safety of the students when they travel abroad for completing the semester of education. But the cover of travel insurance may not provide the required safety for students. Hence for complete safety it is better to take student travel insurance in UK.

Student travel insurance in UK provides extended cover for all types of possibilities which might create problems for you and can even sometimes endanger your whole journey. So with student travel insurance in UK you can keep yourself not only safe but also can carry on your journey well. Apart from study students also usually like to go on traveling for fun and adventure. Student’s life is considered as the most creative and adventurous but as traveling is not the safest when you travel abroad. So with student travel insurance in UK you can plan for the journey which will not only let you roam the whole world but also cover you if there will arise any difficult situation like medical emergency or your baggage is stolen in foreign country.

Student travel insurance provides coverage for medical treatments, accidental coverage, cancellation of flight, trip cancellation, loss of baggage and papers etc. Along with it all student travel insurance in UK will also give 24 hours consultation over phone so that in case of any emergency you can call very easily to the agency and ask for the help you needed. When you go to buy any policy of student travel insurance then there are some factors which you should always keep in mind like:
  • Before you plan for journey make sure that your travel insurance is valid for your all journey before buying insurance
  • For getting coverage for sports like scuba diving, bungee jumping, you should mention it to the insurance company before buying the policy of student travel insurance in UK
  • Before making commitment to buy the policy student travel insurance in UK you should research well about the various special offers given by different insurance companies

Online search is the most preferred mode of getting student travel insurance in UK because online you have wide options to research about the best policy. When you find after doing in depth research on the internet that the policy of student travel insurance selected by you can offer all the cover against any ill happening which you can suffer then you can decide to take it.

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HIV and AIDs 'Stop the Chain of AIDS'

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is present worldwide. It is caused by the virus known as Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV). There is not a vaccine or cure for either, and people with HIV remain infected all their lives.
HIV/ AIDS can be contracted through:
  • unprotected sex with an infected person, who may not know they are infected
  • the use of infected syringes, medical and dental instruments or anything else that punctures the skin, such as tattooing needles
  • transfusions of HIV infected blood
  • passing from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breast-feeding.

It cannot be passed on through everyday social contact, insect bites or dirty food and crockery. Nor can it be passed on through kissing, coughing and sneezing.
Protecting yourself against HIV/AIDS
  • ensure you use condoms with new sexual partners. It is advisable to pack your own as standards may differ from those in the UK or they may not readily be available
  • don't share needles and syringes
  • be aware that some countries do not have the same medical standards as the UK. Equipment may not be adequately sterilised, nor blood screened for HIV and hepatitis B or C
  • if you require self-administered injections, take an adequate supply of your own needles
  • don't have a tattoo, acupuncture treatment or body piercing unless you can be sure the equipment is sterile.

Some countries have introduced HIV antibody testing for some visitors, or require an HIV antibody test certificate. Check with the relevant Embassy (see right for a search facility) before you travel.

If you need to take HIV/ AIDS related medications with you, check it's legal in the country you're visiting. It's best to pack it in your hand luggage and take a letter from your GP with you.

The relevant embassy and your local GP will provide you with more information.

Malaria is a major health problem in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. It is spread by the bites of infected mosquitoes.

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Travel Health

Parents and young children playing in sand at beach. Travelling to different climates and environments abroad can expose you to disease and health risks. You should be aware of the dangers and how to stay healthy.

Diseases which aren't present in the UK such as yellow fever, malaria, rabies and dengue fever are common in some areas of the world.

Vaccinations and immunisations

Visit your GP as soon as possible to check if you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures (such as malaria tablets).

Remember, these treatments aren't usually available as NHS prescriptions.
General travel health tips

You should also make extra preparations if you have an existing medical condition.
  • take out adequate travel insurance or you could face a huge medical bill if you fall ill and need treatment
  • get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to entitle you to free or discounted healthcare in European countries
  • check the health section of our country travel advice before you travel
  • drink plenty of water in hot climates to avoid dehydration
  • be safe in the sun - use a high-factor sunscreen and avoid excessive sunbathing between 11am - 3pm
  • find out the local emergency services numbers and the number of the local hospital
  • practice safe sex - take condoms with you as quality varies in different countries. HIV and Aids, and other sexually transmitted diseases can be caught worldwide.

Long-distance journeys
  • don't wear tight clothing on long-distance journeys
  • do regular stretching exercises such as flexing and extending your ankles to avoid circulation problems
  • walk round at regular intervals on long flights
  • drink plenty of water on flights and avoid drinking too much alcohol.

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Use Travel Packages To Travel U K

Some very inexpensive travel packages can totally change a person's travel experience while in the United Kingdom. For one concise price, a traveler can feel very sure that they will have a magnificent trip that they have dreamed of for years. Everything a traveler needs is included in the travel packages that are offered through internet travel sites.

Some travel packages offer amenities some travelers did not think were possible for such a low price. They never expected to receive souvenirs from some of the cities that they visited or to receive travel points on the credit card they used to book the trip to the UK. To travel UK cities in this manner, many travelers expect larger fees from the travel agent and for everything else that they experienced while they were in the UK.

These all inclusive travel packages usually include lodging at some of the finest hotels in the world. A traveler might expect to get a simple room with beds for each person in the travel party. What they did not expect to find was top chefs in the dining room preparing meals that were fit for a King to consume, or tickets to shows waiting at the front desk with their names on them.

Many travel packages give travelers the choice of renting an automobile. Some travel packages also include railway tickets that will take travelers all the way up and across the border to Scotland. Some travelers might choose to travel by train because they never will get the chance to rest in a sleeper car ever again. They certainly did not expect to find bars with liquor and beer and porters to help them with all of their needs without expecting any type of gratuity.

Most travelers expect to eat some of the finest foods in the world while in the UK. They never thought in their wildest dreams that the travel package would also include three square meals a day at no additional charge. This is the type of pampering that people get when they purchase travel packages to travel UK cities and they travel very confidently too because everything they need for a great trip has been already arranged for them.

Using travel packages to travel UK destinations is a superb way to see all of the out of the way places. Travelers can use rental cars to go as far as they want to travel in one day and stop and shop at all of the towns and villages that they want to. The travel package option gives travelers peace of mind and frees there mind from travel worries. They can concentrate on enjoying the British countryside and viewing the amazing scenery that surrounds them on every side.

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How to Stay safe and healthy while you are travelling

Sometimes, it's to do with commonsense precautions – like arranging the right vaccinations and travel insurance. Sometimes, we have more specialist advice – like how to keep yourself informed about the risks of terrorism in the country you're going to. The essential travel checklist

Make sure you read our travel checklist before you go away - it's got everything you need to know for staying safe and healthy abroad! Take our number with you!

Find out why it's a good idea to always make a note of the nearest embassy's phone number when you're abroad.

Travel checklist

We've put together this travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe whilst you are there.  We've got more advice for specific types of travellers in Your trip.
Before you go:
  • check our travel advice pages for the country you are visiting.  Sign up for email alerts and you'll get the latest updates for that country
  • register with our LOCATE service so we can get in touch with you if something goes wrong
  • find out where the nearest embassy will be – check their website to find out what services they offer and their opening times
  • don't travel without insurance – make sure it covers you for any activities you are likely to undertake such as extreme or water sports
  • travelling within the EU? Then get a free European Health Insurance Card for free or reduced emergency care - you still need full travel insurance though! Also remember, you can call 112 to contact the emergency services in any EU country.
  • check with your doctor as soon as possible to find out if you need any vaccinations before you travel
  • make sure you've got correct visas for the country you are visiting and that your passport is valid.
  • All first time adult passport applicants must now attend an interview to verify their identity. It now takes up to six weeks to get a first passport.
  • for certain countries your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date you travel – check the entry requirements before you go
  • take photocopies of your passport and other important documents and keep these separate from the originals when you travel and/or store them online using a secure data storage site.
  • make sure you fill in the emergency contact details in your passport. This will make it much easier for us to contact someone if necessary
  • tell a friend or relative where you are going and for how long for - give them some idea of your itinerary if possible and an emergency contact number
  • take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds in a mix of cash and travellers cheque -  make a note of the cheques' numbers before you go
  • invest in a good travel guide to help you plan your trip
  • driving abroad? Make sure your licence is current and valid. Make sure you are aware of the driving laws in the country you are visiting
  • check HM Revenue & Customs Travel website for information on duty-free allowances, banned goods etc.

When you are away:Parents and young children playing in sand at beach.

  • think about what you are doing at all times and trust your instincts - don't take risks that you wouldn't at home!
  • don't openly display valuables such as mobile phones or digital cameras and consider using a padlock on suitcases or backpacks
  • find out about local customs and dress, behave accordingly and obey local laws -there may be serious penalties for breaking a law that might seem trivial at home
  • be careful when taking photographs, videos or using binoculars. Such activities may be misunderstood, especially near military installations
  • consider taking your mobile with you or renting one whilst you're away.  Store useful numbers such as the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate
  • check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad
  • check whether it's safe to drink local tap water- if not, stick to bottled water and avoid salads, non-peeling fruit and ice in drinks
  • use your judgement when buying and eating food you've not prepared yourself
  • respect the environment – don't buy wildlife souvenirs, conserve resources like water and don't drop litter
  • check import regulations for food and plants before you attempt to bring them back to the UK

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Earn Uk Travel Reward Points With A Travel Credit Card

Through your everyday spending, travel credit cards allow you to earn rewards points that you can use to buy airline flights, special travel products and travel holiday deals. You may receive bonus airline miles, special tickets to sporting events, football games, or other reward perks. UK Credit Card Centre offers an impressive selection of travel credit cards. Wouldn't you like to get started earning travel rewards for your everyday purchases? It's fast, easy, and convenient to apply online

Credit cards that offer travel rewards programs are reasonably flexible and might provide airline miles, points that are redeemed for hotel accommodation, or complete holiday packages. You earn reward points or airline miles whenever the credit card is used for everyday purchases. Credit cards used for travel related spending such as purchasing airline tickets or hotel reservations, a greater number of reward points are usually awarded to your account. Reward points can be redeemed for airline tickets, hotel accommodations, car rental, or special treatment or upgrades while traveling.

Many of the top credit card companies in the UK offer travel related credit cards. MBNA, a leading credit card issuser in the UK has many cards designed to offer travel rewards.

The bmi American Express® Credit Card from MBNA , the Virgin Atlantic American Express® Card from MBNA, and the the British Airways American Express Credit Card all offer travel rewards programs.

In summary travel credit cards are becoming the most popular credit card type in the UK. You can benefit greatly from you everyday spending, accumulate miles and points to get you on your way to the travel holiday of your dreams. But not all rewards program as the same, you must read the fine print, and understand the quality and value of the points earned, as well as any travel restrictions that might affect your travel destinations. Once you understand the details of each of the travel related credit cards on the market, you then can make the decision of which card is best suited for your dreams.

When evaluating travel related credit cards take the time to understand the interest rates and fees associated with with each of the car

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