Bitten by a Crazy cat in Thailand

Former Glamour model Samantha Fox had been dining out whilst on holiday in Thailand,and was bitten by a cat, the bite reached down to the bone.
Sam was advised by the owner of the restaurant to seek immediate medical attention,
She was given the all clear but feared she could have contracted rabies.
Her regret was not seeking medical advice before her trip.
Sam has now teamed up with 8 weeks to go , a campaign which advices people to see a health care professional 6-8 weeks before travelling, to make sure you have the correct preventative injections, for the Country you are travelling to.
Rabies is one of many vaccine-preventable diseases, yet more than 55,000 people die from the disease each year , a rate of one person every 10 minutes.The rabies virus causes swelling of the brain, with symptoms including fevers, severe headaches and a fear of water. It is almost always fatal if untreated straight away. it is so important to make sure you get medical advice from a GP, practice nurse or from a travel health clinic before travelling overseas.

As well as visiting your GP before travelling, remember to Buy travel insurance

Festive breaks and Christmas Markets

Don’t panic, but it is now only 3 paydays until Christmas!
It won’t be long until shops are promoting their Christmas offers and products, every celebrity under the sun will release a book or album, adverts featuring jingly carols and snow-capped sofas will adorn our screens along with the obligatory Christmas ‘specials’ or our favourite shows.
Love or hate Christmas it would be hard not to get into the spirit of festivity at one of the many European Christmas markets.

Here are what are considered the top 5 Christmas Markets you can whisk yourself off to:

1. Cologne Christmas Markets, Germany
Over 2 million people visit every December to wander the six delightful markets with over 160 stalls offering something for everyone. Here Santa makes a daily visit aboard the floating market of MS Wappen. Markets are open from 25 November to 23 December.

2. Nuremberg Christmas Market, Germany
This IS Christmas. Think snow, mulled wine, local stollen and other festive local delicacies as well as ample live music, over 200 stalls and plenty to do for the kids. Nuremberg is one of the best known Christmas markets in Germany dating back to 1628, many couple choose to leave our half hearted ‘budget’ Christmas and head for festive romance and one of the most charming places to visit at this time of year. Open between 1-24 December.

3. Vienna Christmas Market, Austria
Not for those wishing to budget, these markets are set amongst the imperious surroundings of the magnificent former home of the Habsburg Empire. Vienna's markets welcome millions of visitors each year eager to soak up the atmosphere as well as sample the delights of the spiced mulled wine and Christmas treats. The market in front of the Town Hall with its intricately decorated trees is a photo must have, especially at night, there is also the Christmas Village of the market at Schoenbrunn Castle, or the historical market at Spittelberg. Wherever you decide chic Vienna will make sure you get the best start to the Yuletide festivities. The market is open from 16 November to 24 December.

4. Prague Christmas Markets, Czech Republic
Prague, famous for stag weekends of boozy men. At Christmas it is famous for one thing...it;s markets. Christmas in Prague is an exciting time, markets throughout the city host to concerts, theatres and even a petting zoo. The most popular market is on the cobbles of the Old Town square and here that you can stroll past the brightly coloured stalls with gifts including handicrafts, jewellery, clothes and plenty of hot food and warm drinks (the stronger the drink the warmer your body!) . This is a magical place to visit at Christmas and if you are lucky there may even be snow adding to the true Christmas feel. Open from 27 November through to the beginning of January.

5. Budapest Christmas Market, Hungary
This market has only been running for the last 6 years but has very quickly gained a reputation as a festive delight. A Mecca for arts and crafts fans as there are many handmade local arts and crafts on display. In the heart of Pest, Vörösmarty Square is transformed into a sea of colourful stalls to wander through until your feet tire when you can then take a seat and watch the central stage with a selection of shows, acts and concerts for you and the kids. Despite only being in existence for 6 years it is reckoned to be one of the most traditional markets to visit!

If you are thinking of taking a short or long break to visit Santa, drink mulled wine or just get downright festive, there are plenty of winter deals about as agents recover from a nightmare summer season of losses, delay, cancelations and ash cloud delays! Don’t’ forget to buy travel insurance especially if you are thinking of Christmas shopping-you don’t want all your hard earned cash and time lost in your suitcase by some baggage handler! So make sure your possessions and newly purchased gifts are insured and visit www.holidaysafe.co.uk where you can get cover for European mini-break for as little as £4.00.

What can you do with the family this weekend

Here are several inspirational ideas on how to spend your weeekend:
The Zoo
Take the whole family on a trip to the local zoo. Visit each creature's exhibit and test your kids' animal knowledge. Little kids love to stop by the petting zoo to mingle with a variety of friendly, furry animals. Older kids will enjoy sitting in on a lecture by a professional zoologist, to learn about the various environments and eating habits of wild animals.
Science Museum
If you live in a large city, or close to one, chances are you have a science museum nearby. Satisfy your child's inquisitive side by exploring the array of exhibits, ranging from marine life to astrology and everything in between. Be sure to catch a lecture, live performance, or an IMAX showing for an in-depth look at fascinating subjects on the revolving schedule of shows.
Live Sporting Event
Take me out to the ball game! Who doesn't love a live sporting event? Don your player's jersey and support your favorite professional team with a family outing to the ballpark or stadium. Grab a hot dog and some peanuts, settle into your seat, and root your team on to a win. You can even make the game a math lesson for your kids!
Concert/Show
The next time your child's favorite band is in town, take her to a show for a special treat. Tickets may be hard to come by, especially for sensations like Hannah Montana or the Jonas Brothers, but you're guaranteed to be the Parent of the Year if you are able to score some. If you're unable to get tickets to a popular show that's coming to town, check the local theater for old favorites such as Annie, Sesame Street, or a Disney movie on ice.
Amusement Park
Whether you seek thrills from hair-raising roller coasters, or prefer to glide on an old-fashioned carousel, amusement parks have something for every member of the family. When you've had enough of the rides, don't forget to try some friendly family competition at the arcade!
Camping
Become one with nature. Grab the bug spray, pitch a tent, and tell ghost stories while sitting around the campfire roasting marshmallows. If a weekend getaway to a campground isn't possible, have your own family camping night in the backyard. Ask your children to identify the different animal and insect noises, or collect backyard materials for a special project. Although building a fire may not be recommended, you can grill hot dogs and tell spooky stories by the glow of a flashlight or portable lantern. At bedtime, hunker down in sleeping bags under the stars, or set up a tent. It's amazing how your own yard can be transformed into a nature wonderland at night
Movies
Make this perfect rainy day activity a family affair. G-rated movies can be entertaining and enjoyable, even for adults! Your child will love seeing her favorite characters on the big screen, and you can kick back, relax, and enjoy some quiet time. Besides, who can resist the popcorn?
Park/Hiking Trail
Enjoy the great outdoors and get some exercise, with a leisurely stroll or hike along a nature trail or scenic road. Read up on the different flowers, trees, and birds native to your area, and give your children an informal nature lesson. If hiking isn't your thing, pack a picnic lunch and head to the local park to feed the birds, pick some flowers, and soak up the sunshine.
Outdoor Sports
Whether you live somewhere that stays warm all year, or in an area that is subjected to snow and ice during the winter months, there is always an outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Biking is the perfect outdoor activity for nice weather, and you don't need to own any equipment to enjoy it. Many local bike shops rent bikes and safety gear and they will even fit you with a helmet and pads to ensure you are wearing them correctly. If snow is in the forecast, bundle up and head to the closest ski area. Again, you can rent the equipment, and a lesson from a professional ski instructor will have you gliding down the slopes in no time. Look for packages that include kids' lessons, as well.
Bowling
Don't forget the local bowling alley when you're looking for something different to do on a rainy day. Throw on the goofy shoes and partake in a little competition with your kids. If your children are young, ask the bowling alley to supply bumpers for the lanes to avoid any gutter balls. And if you just don't feel like leaving the house, try this at-home version for the little ones!

Lots of acticivies, buy activity travel insurance

Top Ten Christmas Destinations

Yes we are now nearly half way through September, and already many of us are talking about Christmas. Here are ten top destinations you may wish to be this christmas
Caribbean Islands
Caribbean Islands is undoubtedly one of the best places to go for Christmas. The destination boasts of having 2500 mile-long chain of islands, in the crystal blue Caribbean Sea and some of the best beaches of the world. Celebrating Christmas in Caribbean will surely be an experience for the lifetime.
Goa -India
Do you want the best of sun, sand, sea and sumptuous sea food? You get all this and more at one of the hottest destinations in India - the state of Goa. The small state is a mesmerizing blend of modern life and historical legacy that is sure to give you a high on Christmas. Go to Goa and let loose all your tensions of everyday life!
Holland
Situated in Netherlands, Holland is a beautiful place that boasts of rustic lifestyle, which is blended with the chic urban living of the local people. Large fields of colorful tulips, picturesque countryside, huge farm lands, etc. make Holland very peaceful and ideal to spend a cozy Christmas with your family.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas offers its tourists the best of everything that is needed to have a memorable Christmas vacation. With almost everything being larger than life, your Christmas is sure to be an event in itself, if you spend the vacation in Las Vegas. This trait makes it one of the top ten destinations for Christmas.
New York
The Times Square at New York is one of the favorite places of tourists, to be on the wonderful occasion of Christmas. You would get to party literally every minute of life, when you are in New York. In fact, touring the busy streets of New York is one of the best ways to spend Christmas and do a lot of shopping.
New Zealand
The beautiful country of New Zealand is located in the Pacific Ocean. The country comprises several small islands, thereby offering its tourists entirely a different experience during the holiday season of Christmas. It is the best place to relax and welcome Christmas with a relaxed attitude.
Paris
The city of lights, Paris, is the ultimate destination to be with your beloved, for Christmas. Sip French wine as you relax under the night sky lit with fireworks and city lights and have a memorable time in Paris! You can shop for almost anything under the sun, in the markets of Paris. The destination would be a visual treat for the urbane lot.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is beautifully decorated on the festive occasion of Christmas. The celebrations of Christmas are marked by extravagant fairs and parades along the streets of this ethnic place. Women, men and children actively participate in the celebrations of the festival, which makes it one of the best destinations to celebrate the festival.
Rome
Rome offers traditional Christmas celebrations to its visitors. The churches are beautifully decorated during the festive season. Special prayers are offered at the churches, to mark the birth of Lord Jesus Christ. If you want to celebrate Christmas in genuinely religious way, then set your trail towards Rome, the capital city of the European nation of Italy.
Sydney
During the festive season of Christmas, Sydney, the largest city in Australia, offers its visitors, superb beaches, amazing countryside, beautiful Christmas decorations and delicious food. It is a great place to be, if you want to a rocking and pulsating Christmas.

Buy the best travel insurance for all you holiday's

Top tips for airline travel

Arrive early.
This may be obvious, but it's often undervalued. As your stress level rises your tolerance levels often decrease.
If your delayed stay calm.
Losing your temper won't get you there faster, and it may lose you the sympathy of the one person who could possibly pull some strings.
Pack with security in mind.
Do your homework on current screening procedures and airline policies for checked and carry-on luggage. There are still clueless passengers who pack large bottles of liquids in their carry-on luggage-a nuisance to everyone behind them. Wear shoes that are easy to take on and off, and keep items you may have to remove from your luggage for screening, such as laptops, readily accessible. This keeps the line moving, which keeps tempers calm. If you're a frequent traveler who knows the drill, be patient with those who are new at this-they may be nervous.
On the plane.
Take an eye shade for napping, and use headphones to listen to music or movies (whether in the terminal or on the plane), or earplugs to block out unwanted conversations.
The middle seat arm rests are shared property.
That said, it's generous for the aisle and window seat holders to give the middle passenger a chance to claim them first.
Travelling is trying for adults with children
Crying babies are part of the air travel package, so it's a good idea to stash some earplugs in your carry on. However, if a child is kicking the back of your seat, it's okay to ask their parent to have them stop.
Reading over someone's shoulder is nosy and intrusive.
Avoid the temptation and come prepared with books, magazines, or a laptop of your own. Privacy filters for computers and smart phones will bar wandering eyes. If 25F is taking an unhealthy interest in your screen, meet his gaze briefly.
In flight meal?
With airlines cutting back on complimentary in-flight meals and snacks, the smart traveller packs his own. Avoid foods with strong odors that may bother your neighbors though, such as tuna fish, egg salad, or a garlicky meatball sub-enjoy these in the terminal instead
You can't always choose your neighbours
on the plane or in the boarding area, but you can take responsibility for your own comfort and come as prepared as possible.

Buy travel insurance at www.holidaysafe.co.uk

Studying abroad...

...New York, Paris, Lisbon, Munich... everyone’s talking about what to pick!

With British universities looking set to reduce their numbers and raise their fees, as well as tighten up their entry requirements, a scramble for UK university places has resulted leaving many students stuck as to what to do next. A gap year maybe or travelling and backpacking, employment, working abroad, volunteering, alternative study or of course and much to their parents annoyance...nothing.

In light of this, the prospect of studying abroad is suddenly looking more attractive as the savings on education costs in comparison to many parts of the UK can be significant.

But where do you begin — and what’s the cost? The most obvious option is to study in English speaking countries such as America, Canada and Australia. This is not the cheapest option, with fees ranging from £11,000 to £25,000 per year in America, while colleges in Canada and Australia come out cheaper, at around £9,000 to £11,000.

What people don’t realise is the huge amount of universities within the EU offering English taught degrees. And the figures that will leap out at UK parents for European universities, is that some charge as little as £160 per year for tuition. Quite some discount compared to the £3,000 (soon to increase) that we pay here.

According to research last year America had 650,000 foreign students, Australia 300,000 and Germany and France 250,000. Foreign universities are keen to increase these numbers so what are you waiting for??? You can still study your chosen discipline as well as travel, explore and embrace a new culture, meet new people, experience culturally different foods, drinks and hopefully pick up some of the language. Who wouldn’t love the opportunity to study whilst sipping limoncella (maybe not in lectures), eating Italian pizza and generally feeling very cosmopolitan and elite?

If you are considering studying abroad and are looking to buy travel insurance you can purchase longstay travel insurance at www.holidaysafe.co.uk where you will find policies with return home extensions enabling you to visit family and friends in your holidays as well as offering competitive prices and levels of cover to suit you.

Top 5 backpacking destinations

1. Thailand
Backpackers Mecca! Every year thousands of Brits head off to Thailand which has recently become the ultimate ‘travellers’ paradise. The flight isn’t cheap but that is outweighed by the ridiculously cheap prices when you get there. It’s beautiful, dirty, hot, wet, tranquil, busy, relaxing and wild all at the same time! Depending where you go you will experience many different sides to Thailand and Thai people, and you’d be pushed not to love every bit of it! It’s cheap and whatever you want, you can have...for a price.....Thai price! Be prepared to haggle, be respectful of their culture, be open minded, make sure you can handle a bit of spice if not -‘ped nid noy’ (little bit of spice). Be mindful; don’t forget to pack some common sense along with some backpacker or longstay travel insurance.

2. Australia
Long, long flight but worth it when you get there, hugely popular with British backpackers with no language barrier and amazing places to visit. Sydney, Melbourne, Bondi Beach, Ayres Rock, Darwin and Perth, the list is endless. Why not hire a VW Campervan and have yourself a road trip! Sort out a ‘road trip soundtrack’ and drive freely in the sun on their huge roads stretching for miles and miles. There is a feel of home in Australia and despite their possible bitterness towards us winning the Ashes they love a bit of banter with us poms!!!!

3. Amsterdam, Holland
Amsterdam is very famous for its ‘liberal’ views and laws on certain products which may be a contributing factor as to why so many people visit the ‘Jamaica of Europe’ so very well depicted in the film Deuce Bigalo! However aside from its enlightening cafes, the capital of the Netherlands is one of the coolest cities you’ll get to visit. With amazing architecture, museums and generally cosmopolitan feel, this is a place well worth a visit. The city is in the shape of a horseshoe so careful what and how much you consume as you may end up walking around in circles all day! The red light district is worth a visit, but for the less prudish of travellers it’s a fun, busy, bustling place at night with some great bars and beautiful night time canal trips to be had, of course the Euro makes it a little pricey but if you are travelling around Europe and can afford to go, then go!

4. Morocco
Since the recent Sex and the City film Morocco has become trendy (again) with night markets, fire eaters, beautiful palaces, lakes, beaches and busy lively cities. Definitely learn how to haggle if you’re planning on buying something, although many people return with all sorts of paraphernalia they would never had intended to buy, but have. Remember, it will be very difficult to carry a carpet in a backpack! Another country associated with hashish connoisseurs, for those old enough to remember think of the film Midnight Express (those not old enough-rent it out) and that should discourage any wild thoughts about running off with a total stranger to "experience the culture" in the Rif Mountains. Oozing with culture and Aladdin style streets if you fancy some Arabian Nights drinking mint tea in the sunset over the mountains do it. As trendy and cosmopolitan as Morocco can be, you are in a foreign country with very different cultural differences so be aware of behaviour that could cause offence and of course take care of your possessions. Make sure you buy travel insurance - just in case, and be vigilant; Marrakesh does have a bit of a reputation for pick pockets, the same as any large, busy city.

5. South America
Not for the faint hearted! Brazil, Argentina, Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands is definitely backpacking for the adventurous. Start in Brazil and enjoy a few nights reveling in Rio de Janeiro, party against the city's skyline toward Corcovado Mountain and the iconic, looming concrete statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’. Laze all day on the beach with some of the most attractive people on the face of the Earth, and hardest partiers south of the equator. Just try and keep up with them after the sun drops out of sight. It's no easy task, there is an endless number of bars and clubs that come to life every evening in nearly every town. If you can make there is one event that always seems to eclipse all else: Carnival.

Argentina
As you head south through the continent, your next must-stop destination is Buenos Aires –this is a vegetarian free zone as we all know know there's only one place to get sirloin: Argentina. With an abundance of bars and restaurants you can eat the best steak in the world for next to nothing before you head out to Samba bars and get your groove on. As morbid as it sounds why not visit some of the eternal residents of Recoleta Cemetery. Recoleta isn't your average spooky cemetery, here you will find that shrines, sarcophagi and structures that are truly works of art, housing some of the most influential and famous Argentineans in history including Eva Peron, Argentina's famed former first lady – more famously known as ‘Evita’.

Machu Picchu, Galapagos
After mad partying and roaming around in the craziest towns in the world you can head north for some well-deserved relaxation and a chance to witness a few of the world's most awe-inspiring sights. Here you can explore the mystical Incan ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, the Galapagos Islands and its stunning array of wildlife, flora and fauna off the coast of Ecuador, depending how much time you have there is 7 million square miles of the Amazon rainforest to explore! Make sure you have had all the relevant injections, vaccinations well before your travel date and an absolute must is to buy travel insurance.

If you are considering a round the world trip, European exploration or Asian adventure and are looking for some longstay or backpackers travel insurance visit www.holidaysafe.co.uk where you can buy travel insurance specifically designed for these sort of trips at very competitive prices.

Summer’s over....time to book your ski holiday!!!

It’s all over, the kids are back at school the sun is back everywhere else except the UK!
This means one thing- it must be time to get a winter holiday booked! If you’ve not managed to get away this summer due to ash clouds, strikes and the general chaos of the travel market, then it’s time to think about booking a ski holiday. Last minute deals are not as available for ski holidays so it’s best to book early and make the most of early booking discounts.

Here are some tips for a budget ski holiday without leaving it last minute.

If there’s a fairly large group of you going then a ski chalet is going to be ideal. You have exclusive use of a chalet allowing you and your friends/family to spread out, make as much noise and mess as you like! This is best for groups of 8 or more, you can choose a catered chalet where you have a cook and a cleaner... however this obviously costs extra and a self catered chalet is a much more budget conscious choice and can be more fun if the work is shared. Big starchy meals is what you need after a day on the slopes and buying big bags of pasta and some tasty sauces is not only cheap but ideal cuisine for hungry skiers! You can take turns in cooking, buy some boxes of local wine and you have your own private bar with just you and your friends, its enormous fun.

Another way at cutting the cost of your skiing holiday is to look at self-travel. There are plenty of resorts which are less than a 10hour drive from Calais, this can work out much cheaper and in terms of overall travel time and whn you factor everything not that much difference to over all travel time when flying. If you think about travel time to the airport, parking, check-in time 2 hours before, flying time, waiting at baggage reclaim, coach transfer time not to mention waiting for the driver to load bags onto the coach and finish that all important debate with the over drivers in the car park. Not to mention the convenience and relative luxury of your own car rather than a transfer with no leg room on a coach full off vomiting (and usually smelly) strangers! You can arrive in resort in around the same amount of time in your own comfy car with as much luggage as you like having enjoyed spectacular views on the way (as well as the obligatory game of eye spy!).

Here are some ski resorts that take less than 10 hours to get to from Calais:
Calais to Megeve - (7hrs 52mins) 884KM
Calais to Chamonix - (7hrs 53mins) 897KM
Calais to Flaine - (7hrs 56mins) 884KM
Calais to Morzine - (8hrs 1min) 884KM
Calais to Avoriaz - (8hrs 17mins) 896KM
Calais to Meribel - (8hrs 39mins) 957KM
Calais to Courchevel - (8hrs 43mins) 963KM
Calais to Tignes - (9hrs 13mins) 996KM
Calais to Les Arcs - (9hrs 22mins) 997KM
Calais to Serre Chevalier - (9hrs 36mins) 987KM
Calais to Risoul - (9hrs 55mins) 1056KM

(Journey duration is approximate and depends on how fast you drive and how many convenience breaks you take!)

Whether you decide to ski or board, drive or fly, chalet or hotel remember to get yourself some travel insurance to suit your arrangements. Not all travel insurance policies will cover winter sports, fewer still with actually give you the cover you need and allow the actual things you are likely to be doing - off piste as an example. Visiting http://www.holidaysafe.co.uk/ could not only save you time but probably a few pounds as well. With Winter sports travel insurance from as little as £4.81 for a single trip or £26.19 for an annual multi-trip including winter sports, why not get a quote or buy travel insurance.

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.