Hen Parties.....come on girls take it seriously

Getting married? Got the ring? Booked your dates? Contemplated throwing venue brochures at or indeed down the throat of your soon to be mother-in-law, mother, sister, friend or anyone else who even mentions your wedding?

Planning a wedding is considered one of the most stress generating events you will encounter in your life and no wonder there’s so much to do. There’s the wedding itself, including venue, transport, dress (will it still fit???) hair, make-up, bridesmaids dresses, bridesmaid gifts, cake, flowers, food (taking into account veggies, vegans, fruitarians, yeast intolerant, dairy etc...), drinks, chair covers, favors, disco, speeches, who to invite, who not to invite, table plans (with up to date info on who likes who) and of making sure the groom knows when it is!

You have planned it all, sorted out all the fine details, and what on earth has your groom done? Picked his suit up, put the date in his diary and got time off work.
On the theory that your only getting married the once, you deserve a reward for all your hard work planning the wedding of the century to put Wayne and Coleen to shame!

You may be surprised to learn that grooms-to-be are spending nearly £200 a head on lengthy stag parties abroad, despite the financial gloom, while their brides-to-be are cutting back???
According to research 74 per cent of men hold pre-wedding celebrations lasting more than one day, and 32 per cent hold them abroad. In comparison two thirds of hen parties now last just one day, costing £118 a head and by huge contrast, only 4 per cent of brides plan to celebrate outside of the UK.

So ladies, it’s your hen party, why should you compromise? There are fantastic cheap deals to be had for what could be a final holiday/weekend with the girls.
Let the world be your oyster!

New York
For those with cash to splash why not head a little further from home to New York is a fantastic holiday destination. Think glam and go for a Sex and the City style holiday, enjoy a few days of shopping, exploring and hitting the best bars in town. Don’t forget to buy travel insurance especially in the states where medical bills can often exceed the value of your house (which means less money to spend on shoes!)

Paris
For more of a short break, cheap deal, get yourself on the Eurostar and head to Paris the fashion capital of the world. Accommodation is plentiful and can be very cheap, so won’t break the bank. Have champagne at the top of the Eiffel tower, stroll around the Louvre, enjoy some seriously naughty food and shop Paris style.

Barcelona
Considered one of the top 10 hen destinations in the world. A super-cool city for you and your friends to enjoy. Everyone’s a winner with eight kilometres of sandy beaches for the sun lovers, late opening bars for the drinkers and great shopping for all!

Ibiza
The ultimate party destination! Not too far from home, cheap flights and holiday deals can be easily found. Pack your heels, bikini, some adventurous clothes, plenty of painkillers and head to the clubbers’ paradise of San Antonio where you will find world class DJ’s and some of the best night clubs in history! There are quieter areas of the island ideal for recovering from mad partying including Ibiza Town oozing with style and glamour with fashion boutiques all over, a marina holding an array of super pricey yachts (& their owners if you have time to change the name of your groom!) and of course plenty of beaches to get the ultimate pre-wedding tan.

Las Vegas
Sin City is not just for the boys! The entertainment capital of the world famous for gambling, shopping and fine dining. Ladies can expect to be overwhelmed by the shopping possibilities ranging from super bargains in the discount malls to high class designer goods. Las Vegas has 15 of the world’s biggest hotels each boasting their own shopping malls, restaurants, bars, clubs and theatres producing some of the best shows in the world. Get dressed up and head out to 15 of the 20 biggest hotels in the world where films such as Oceans 11, 12 & 13, Leaving Las Vegas, The Hangover, The Godfather and James Bond have been set. You will feel like you’re in a glamorous film as you shop, dine, drink and saunter through bustling casinos like a star where once stepped Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, The Ratpack and more recently Paris Hilton, Snoop Dog, Pamela Anderson, Madonna and like her or loathe her Katie Reid/Price/Andre aka Jordan!

So if you decide that you do deserve a reward for all your hard work wedding planning then have a chat with your girlies, work out budgets, time of year etc... and get on the web to search around for the best deals. Don’t forget to buy travel insurance, where there are definitely deals to be had, Holidaysafe offers competitive travel insurance where you can choose different levels of cover depending on your requirements, cover starts from as little as £3.00 and takes that less than 5 minutes to get a quote.

LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY BARGAIN

School holidays are over, our short lived glorious weather is dwindling and as a result of the coalition government and its emergency budget, cabin crew strikes, travel firms financial failure and volcanic ash the travel industry has suffered poor sales in the first half of this year.

In addition to ash clouds, Clegg/Cameron, strikes and travel firms dropping like flies there has been civil unrest in Thailand, Greece's well-publicised woes, the World Cup and recent good weather at home. This fortunately for the consumer (finally) has now produced a late summer bonanza of bargain basement holidays as tour operators slash prices to offload unsold flights and hotels.

Which means if you are not restricted to jetting off during school holidays then you may well be able to get your hands on some serious bargains! Booking holidays within 12 weeks of departure does mean you are able to grab late deals at reasonable prices. If you are really flexible then you can be looking at saving significantly more, as 3-4 days prior to departure date agents slash the prices in a bid to get some money rather than lose it for accommodation & flights they have paid for!

It seems that the best bargains are in the Balearic Islands of Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza, and Greece, where there are discounts of up to 60%, according to experts.

If you have plenty of holiday to take before the end of the year get one week off (or even two if you can) pack a suitcase and get yourself down to your travel agent or on the web a few days before you would like to leave and see where you could go!

Then all you need to do is arrange which ever currency it is you’ll be spending buy some last minute travel insurance and get yourself to the airport ready for your exciting, spontaneous, last minute, cheap holiday which could end up changing the way you book future holidays forever!

If you are looking at a last minute holiday, you can also make savings on your travel insurance. Holidaysafe offers a special last minute travel insurance policy which is as much as 40% cheaper than our premier travel insurance policy. This is because there is no cancellation cover offered on the policy, but rest assured that the rest of the policy is exactly the same as the premier travel insurance policy. It takes less than 5 minutes to get a quote or to buy travel insurance, so don't delay.

Millions planning a bank holiday trip this weekend

The final bank holiday weekend of the summer will see millions of Britons taking to the roads from tonight.
Despite a dreary weather forecast, huge numbers will brave traffic jams and roadworks to escape to the country or coast.
Almost 29 million Britons are expected to take a car journey of more than an hour over the long weekend, with one in five travelling for more than four hours.
Seventeen music festivals will add to the congestion. Reading and Leeds festivals are each likely to attract 70,000 music fans while Creamfields in Daresbury, Cheshire, is expected to be attended by 40,000.
Likely congestion hotspots include all the motorways encircling London, the M6 in the Midlands and north-west, the M1 in the East Midlands and the A1 in Yorkshire. Routes to the West Country, Dorset, the Lake District and Blackpool are all expected to be deluged with traffic
Up to 25% of intending travellers will take today off work to avoid the queues.
The RAC said that major routes were likely to start getting particularly busy early this afternoon, with Monday evening and Tuesday morning also expected to be busy.
In London, tube travellers also face disruption, with upgrading work causing a shutdown of the Victoria line on Saturday and Sunday.
Weather forecasters say the weekend will feature outbreaks of rain across much of England and Wales – but slightly drier conditions are expected by the middle of next week.
But with many schools not returning until the week beginning 6 September, the more staggered return should ease the pressure on the roads.
Many people are planning to escape the UK's gloom, with Heathrow set to handle 840,000 passengers. Among the most popular destinations are New York, Dubai, Paris and Dublin.
About 285,000 travellers are expected to pass through Manchester airport during the same period.
Wherever you travel buy the best travel insurance

Holiday Checklist

• Prescription drugs packed in original containers (and a photocopy of your prescription)
• Photocopies of your important travel documentation (example: passport) stored in a separate location from the originals
• List of important phone numbers you might need in case of an emergency
• Travel health insurance
• Translation/phrase book if traveling to a country with a language different from yours - or a multi-language electronic translator
• Shortwave AM/FM travel radio if traveling off the beaten track
• Vitamins
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Natural insect repellent and anti-itch remedies
• Earplugs
• Natural sleep aid products
• Inflatable pillow (handy for train, bus or car travel)
• Camera
• Film (if not taking a digital camera)
• Pen and paper
• Wipes
• Guidebook(s) or city maps for your destination
• Book(s) for pleasure reading or audio books
• First aid supplies or mini first aid kit (should include tea tree oil or anitbotic ointment, plasters, etc.)
• Bathing suit (plus an extra one if you'll be swimming more than once a day)
• Beach coverup or sarong
• Waterproof tote sack
• Moneybelt/pouch
• Plastic bags
• Toiletry bag (with your essential toiletries)
• Small locks for luggage
• Travel umbrella
• Travel raincoat or poncho for men or women's rainwear
• Compact travel binoculars
• Small flashlight using AA batteries
• Shortwave radio
• Travel clock with alarm
• Travellers cheques

Last but not least buy travel insurance

Top Ten places to Rock Climb in the world

1 Meteora, Greece
The name of this elevated region sums up to “suspended rock”. Located between the Peneios River and Pindus Mountains, these monasteries have a spectacular series of natural sandstone rock pillars in their background.
2 Dead Horse Point
You must have seen this magnificent rocky peak in the opening scene of the movie Mission Impossible where Tom Cruise is shown climbing it. Situated next to the Colorado River this mountain has some of the most interesting topographical features.
3 Spider Rock
This is an amazing tall red sandstone monolith found in the National Park of Arizona. It derives its name from the Navajo legend of the Spider Woman who supposedly made it her home. She is given the position of a savior and revered by the Dine as a deity.
4 Shiprock New Mexico
Shiprock was formed by a volcanic eruption that dates back to 30 million years and now remains as a matchless basalt exhibit of the central feeder pipe of a volcano. Rock climbers making it to the top can see a series of volcanic vents and small pinnacles specking the main peak.
5 Las Torres de Vajolet, Italian Alps
It is best not to judge this peak by its gross photographs but to see it yourself to dispel all doubts about its beauty. The Delago arête route remains the most convenient climbing route to score this mountain.
6 El Capitan, Yosemite National Park California
Situated in the northern side of Yosemite National Park, this 900 m granite monolith has baffled cliff climbers of the world. Its altitude is not as challenging as is its vertical ascent. It is said that the constituting granite of this cliff is over 100 million years old and has almost no joints
7 Mount Roraima
It is situated in the Canaima National Park of Venezuela and is one of the most ancient geological formations you will find. Sir Everard im Thurn was the first to climb this steep plateau in 1884.
8 Bugaboo Spire, Columbia-Kootenay, Canada
This is one of the famous Alpine rock climbing spots of Canada. The word Bugaboo means ‘an object of obsessive, usually exaggerated fear or anxiety.
9 Las Torres, Patagnia
You will find the Torres del Paine National Park of Chile full of the natural wonders like mountains, glaciers, rivers and lakes that makes it a spot of tourist interest. The climbers certainly enjoy the sight of the myriad interlacing valleys that separate the various granite spires and mountains of the massif.
10 Nameless Tower
This is the other name of the majestic Trango Towers located on the Baltoro Glacier in Baltistan, Northern Pakistan. Its large size and vast ridgeline expanding up to 1000 m has fascinated rock climbers over years.

If you are climbing any of these fabulous mountains, remember to buy activity travel insurance.

Ten ways to reduce the weight of your backpack

1. Look at your current items
Write down what you have and the corresponding weight. You need to weigh your gear to find the actual weight. You may find that the actual weight is not the same as what the manufacturer states. This will help you calculate the weight cost of your gear selection.
2. The minimalist approach
Luxuries are allowed but don't carry unnecessary stuff that you will never use which are not related to safety. Books, camping mats, fishing poles, binoculars and camping chairs are some of the popular luxury items backpackers frequently carry. Use lighter alternatives if you can or go without them.
3. Base your gear on the season and weather
A zero degree sleeping bag won't be suitable in the summer. Carefully choose clothing, shelter, and sleeping bag that are appropriate for the season.
4. Buy lightweight equipment
Lighter alternatives are usually available as long as you can afford them. Put priority in finding lighter alternatives for your sleeping bag, backpack and tent. When choosing an ultralight backpack, make sure it can handle the whole weight of your gear.
5. Find items that have multiple uses.
Your overall gear should be able to work together. Multi-functional gear and the ability to recognize the synergistic relationships between your gear is one of the key skills to reduce your pack weight. For example, a poncho can be used as a shelter as well as raingear.
6. Choose sleeping bags and jackets made of down insulation.
For the same amount of warmth, down is far lighter than the best synthetics. The main disadvantage with down is that you need to be careful not to get it wet because they don't provide insulation when they do. Using down sleeping bags can save you up to 2.5 pounds compared to synthetic alternatives.
7. Windbreaker as an alternative to heavy coats
Windbreakers weigh less than 3 ounces. Wearing a windbreaker allows you to comfortably wear base layers underneath providing you withimproved warmth and comfort. This bottom line is that a windbreaker extends the comfort range of your clothing system.
8. Sharing your camping gear
If you hike with a friend are many things you can share to reduce your overall pack weight. There are also other things you can share in a group that can keep the groups overall pack weight down.
9. Improve your outdoor skills
If you have good outdoor skills you can get by easily with minimal camping gear. Acquiring outdoor skills can help you to comfortably reduce the weight of your safety kit, food, clothing and other gear. You can also attend backpacking clinics, survival programs and first aid courses to aid you.
10. Go travel-size
Travel-sized versions of soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc are lighter and smaller than full-sized versions. If you can't find these smaller-sized versions or refuse to buy them, transfer everything into smaller packages.

Also purchase backpacking travel insurance

Top Ten white water rafting rivers

1 Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers, Alaska/Canada
Glaciers and icebergs are among the attractions on these two rivers flowing through an astonishing northern wilderness of mountains and tundra on the borders of Alaska and Canada. As well as superb white water, the trip offers you an unforgettable experience of wildlife, from grizzlies and moose to spawning salmon and luscious blueberries.
2 Magpie River, Canada
A float plane takes you to Magpie Lake, the start of this eight-day trip through the remote pine forests of eastern Quebec province. Your first rapids come as you leave the lake for the Magpie River, and from then on they grow in difficulty until you reach the challenge of Class V rapids downriver from the spectacular Magpie Falls. You camp at night on river islands, and to the north you see the pulsating glory of the aurora borealis
3 Middle Fork, Salmon River, Idaho
This is one of the world’s most popular whitewater rivers, with everything to offer you—rapids up to Class IV and glorious alpine and forest scenery as it flows through America’s largest roadless wilderness area outside Alaska. Wildlife can include the enchanting sight of a mother bear swimming across the river with her cubs.
4 Río Upano, Ecuador
Around you spreads rain forest, where toucans and iridescent butterflies flit from tree to tree. You glimpse a palm-thatched village of the local Shuar people and may stop to visit it. Starting in the remote town of Macas on the far western fringes of the Amazon Basin, you embark on a journey where the pace varies from gentle rapids to tumultuous rides through narrow canyons. The highlight is the Namangosa Gorge, with Class IV rapids and the sight of countless waterfalls plunging down the gorge’s sides.
5 North Johnstone River, Australia
This stunning trip in the tropical far north of Queensland offers Class IV and V white water amidst volcanic gorges and the ancient rain forests of Palmerston National Park. At night luminous fungi glow surreally on the rocks and fireflies dance shimmering arabesques through the forest canopy. A bonus thrill is the helicopter ride taking you to the start of the course, which is accessible only by air.
6 Sun Kosi River, Nepal
Rising near the border with Tibet, among the world’s highest peaks, the Sun Kosi offers a trip of Himalayan majesty on its way to join the Ganges on the plains below. Class V rapids abound as it thunders through narrow gorges and forested canyons. The final stretch takes you through dense tropical jungle where monkeys chatter from the trees.
7 Sun Kosi River, Nepal
Rising near the border with Tibet, among the world’s highest peaks, the Sun Kosi offers a trip of Himalayan majesty on its way to join the Ganges on the plains below. Class V rapids abound as it thunders through narrow gorges and forested canyons. The final stretch takes you through dense tropical jungle where monkeys chatter from the trees.
8 Çoruh River, Turkey
The Çoruh is one of the world’s fastest-flowing rivers, cutting through breathtaking gorges in the remote and dramatically beautiful Kaçkar Mountains of far northeastern Turkey. Wildlife abounds, from bears to mountain goats to wild boar—as well as fascinating historical ruins, including castles dating from the time of the Byzantine Empire.
9 Noce River, Italy
Fed by melting Alpine glaciers, the Noce tumbles through the wild, remote Val di Sole (Sun Valley) in the Dolomites of northern Italy. It offers some of the most exciting whitewater rafting in Europe, including a spectacular series of Class V rapids as it roars through the gorges of Mostizzolo
10 Zambezi River, Zimbabwe/Zambia
The Batoka Gorge, where the Zambezi boils and churns its way over 23 rapids in a 15-mile (24-kilometer) stretch below the Victoria Falls, gives Africa’s most thrilling whitewater experience against one of the most dramatic river backdrops in the world.

For all holiday sporting activities buy activity travel insurance