Eggs-Tra Long Easter

Thanks to the way Easter falls with the royal wedding, smart UK travellers can book just three days off work and get almost two weeks, making this a prime time for a trip abroad.

Mondial Assistance suggests Europe will be a hot destination this Easter. Who can fail to love Paris in April? Spring has arrived, offering some sunny days and beautiful flowerbed displays.

However, with nearly two weeks to play with, Goa, the Caribbean and Dubai are all set to be popular destinations too. But don’t cut costs by ignoring travel insurance.

Mondial’s analysis reveals that 24% of its travel insurance claims relate to medical expenses often costing in the thousands. It is not just the long haul destinations that can incur hefty claims, for example medical fees in Spain average a cost of £1,693. This highlights the importance of purchasing the right level of cover, with policies covering eventualities from cancellations, to lost luggage and valuables, through to costly medical treatment, in the event of an accident.

Mondial Assistance Top Travelling Tips
When you travel, some things are out of your control, but there are many steps you can take to stay safe and keep your trip on track.

1. Be aware of current travel alerts or warnings.
2. Take out appropriate travel insurance to cover hospital and medical treatment, and any activities, including adventure sports, in which you plan to participate.
3. Ensure your insurance policy covers cancelled trips.
4. Check if you require visas for the country you are visiting (or where you are in transit).
5. Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals.
6. Check for any recommended vaccinations and other precautions.
7. Make sure your passport has at least six months validity.
8. Familiarise yourself with the laws governing the region or country you are visiting.
9. If you do not speak the local language, learn a few key phrases in case you need assistance.
10. Use common sense: Don’t walk in unfamiliar areas at night, don’t accept rides in unmarked taxis, and don’t accept packages with unknown contents