Top 5 gap year destinations in 2010

According to recent research by the Year Out Group the Top 5 most popular gap year destinations have changed over the past few months. A higher number of people are now taking a gap year later in life and looking for a little more from their time off. People taking a year out, or a career break, are heading to countries which offer more value for their money and time.

According to the group’s UK focused research the five most popular gap year countries are now India, Peru, Tanzania, South Africa and China. All offer an experience unlike any to be found in Europe while still being safe. They also offer semi-reliable transport and healthcare systems.

Endsleigh, a leading provider of gap year travel insurance in the UK, provides a brief outline of each country on the list:

India

Intense, noisy, spiritual – and cheap. The bustle and beauty of the Indian subcontinent attracts thousands of visitors every year. The country is a Mecca for celebrities, spiritual pilgrims and yoga fanatics alike. Whether you choose to attend a silent retreat or volunteer at local hospitals, orphanages or old age homes, India holds a rewarding experience for young and old. From the cold Himalayas in the north east to the vibrant party beaches of Goa in the south, India has something for everyone.

Peru

Peru is home to a number of the world's greatest archaeological treasures. No visit to the country would be complete without a trip to Machu Picchu. Trek the Inca Trail to reach the most famous ‘lost city’ in South America, or take an easier route to the city of Cusco, the former capital city of the Incan Empire.  Learn Spanish, volunteer on a river turtle conservation project based in the Amazon or volunteer on any one of the available social welfare programmes; you are sure to leave with the most amazing memories.

Tanzania

This East African country offers visitors the opportunity to climb Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, or sail across the continent's largest lake, Lake Victoria. Travellers can immerse themselves in the culture of the Maasai tribe and observe wild animals in the world famous Serengeti. If it’s sea, sun and sand you are after, head to the Indian Ocean coastline and the exotic islands of Zanzibar. Volunteers can join a number of local projects geared towards the preservation and rehabilitation of wildlife, or get involved in volunteer teaching programmes.

South Africa

South Africa has a memorable experience in store for every traveller. The ‘rainbow nation' is hosting the World Cup this year and is now more ready than ever to provide a warm welcome to international visitors. Climb the iconic Table Mountain, visit the popular Kruger Park or dive with sharks off the warm coast of Durban. Help out while you travel by joining a volunteer group to teach disadvantaged children to surf, or why rehabilitate rescued lion cubs?

China

China is undeniably huge. The country boasts areas of remote and wild beauty, bustling cities and an expansive coastline. From the ancient city of Beijing to the modern mayhem of Shanghai, China offers the famous Great Wall, iconic rice paddies and internationally popular cuisine as draw cards. Visitors can volunteer to teach English, get firsthand experience in Chinese traditional medicine or get involved in Panda bear conservation. In fact, it will be hard enough to choose which city to fly to, let alone define an itinerary.  

 For more information of these top destinations, search online or speak to your local travel agent. For more information about gap year travel insurance, visit www.endsleigh.co.uk today.

Direct Line Travel Insurance offers further travel advice for customers affected by the volcanic ash

Jennifer Thomas, spokesperson for Direct Line Travel Insurance, comments: “The volcanic ash is still causing major disruption for those people trying to leave and return to the UK. As such, we want to remind our customers that they will be covered for travel delay and missed departure to the limits set out in their policy terms and conditions.*

“We will also be automatically extending cover for single trip travel policies for customers that are stranded abroad until they are able to return to the UK. Customers that are unable to use their existing policies will also be able to change the travel dates on their policy to reflect their new travel arrangements at no additional cost as long as they have not submitted a claim.

“If a customer has a flight cancelled and is refunded from the airline, but still has accommodation that they can't cancel or use, these claims can be considered under travel delay leading to trip abandonment. If a customer has a package holiday and it is delayed or cancelled, they should re-book or seek a refund from their tour operator.

“Whilst we appreciate that this event has caused mass disruption and inconvenience for travellers, customers wishing to buy travel insurance after the 15th April 2010 will not be covered for travel delay or missed departure arising from the volcanic ash, as they are buying cover in the knowledge that there is a problem. As you are unable to insure for an event or incident after it has happened, this highlights the importance of buying travel insurance as soon as a holiday or flight is booked.”

Direct Line advice for travellers:

• In the first instance, customers are advised to check with their airline or tour operator about the status of their flight.
• If an airline cancels a flight, then customers should claim for a new flight or refund from their airline.
• If a customer is stranded abroad, because of a cancelled or delayed flight, the airline has an obligation to provide support, including refreshments or accommodation.
• If customers have booked the flight on their credit card, the Consumer Credit Act (CCA) could also help with any claims made.
• Direct Line is considering claims for unused accommodation for customers who are unable to commence their trip, but they will need to provide evidence that they are unable to travel. In this case, information from official airline websites is acceptable as evidence.
• Although Direct Line customers stranded abroad are covered for incidental expenses for delay to the limits set out in their policy terms and conditions, they should make every effort to check-in as per the policy terms and conditions, however we will consider claims if the airport /carrier is not accepting check-ins.
• Customers should ensure any expenditure they incur is supported by receipts.

For further information please contact:
Claire Foster
claire.foster@rbs.co.uk
020 8285 8682

Erica Nelson
Erica.nelson@rbs.co.uk
020 8313 5830

*According to the usual policy terms and conditions. Please note, all customers should contact their airline before they contact their insurer.

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or online.

Direct Line is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer in the UK and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3564 or visiting www.directline.com Direct Line Insurance plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1AG. Registered in England and Wales no. 01810801. The Financial Services Authority's Register can be accessed through http://www.fsa.gov.uk.

Direct Travel Insurance recommends five unique festivals not to be missed

As spring approaches, and winter draws to an end, no doubt everyone will be starting to think about holidays and weekends away. If you are someone who prefers to discover new cultures and experiences, then there are plenty of events taking place around the world to choose from.

To help promote unique festivals and events you are unlikely to have heard of, Direct Travel Insurance, providers of travel insurance, have highlighted five festivals offering truly unique experiences in 2010.

Songkran Festival – Thailand – 13 to 15 April 2010

Songkran is the most important of all the Thai festivals, and falls on or around April 13, when the sun moves into Aries, and lasts for three days or longer. The Sanskrit meaning of the word Songkran is 'beginning of the solar year', which the festival celebrates. This is a water themed festival, and traditionally Thais visit temples and take part in bathing ceremonies and release small fish into rivers. These days, Songkran is a water-throwing free-for-all, in which anyone and everyone is liable to get thoroughly drenched!

The First Day of Summer - Iceland – 19 – 25 April

In years gone by the Icelandic population divided the year into only two seasons, winter and summer. As winter loosens its grip on Iceland the entire country celebrates the First Day of Summer and where better to take in all of these festivities (that include parades, sporting events and other forms of entertainment) than the capital Reykjavik?

Cheung Chau’s Bun Festival - Hong Kong - 21 May  

The Bun Festival is held to mark the Eighth day of the Fourth Moon, in the Chinese calendar - usually in early May - and it coincides with the local celebration of Buddha's birthday, which means all the more reason to have a party! The celebration has its roots in a traditional religious festival where fishing communities prayed for safety from pirates, but today it is mostly a showcase for traditional Chinese culture. The festival lasts for seven days, and for three of these days the entire community goes vegetarian: even the local McDonald's takes meat off the menu!

The Anastenaria - Northern Greece – 21 to 23 May

The Anastenaria, or the feast of Saint Constantine and Saint Helena, celebrates a traditional ritual which takes place every May in parts of Greece. The festival sees the locals dance barefoot around a fire pit, but when the saint moves them, they are known to run backwards and forwards across the burning coals, some carrying icons of the saints.  Generally, the dancing continues until the ashes are cool, then everyone returns home and enjoys a communal meal, with music and singing.

Naadam Festival (The Three Games of Man) – Mongolia – 11 – 13 July

Each year Mongolia comes to a standstill because of the Nadaam festival, it is a great time of celebration and competition for the Mongolian citizens. It consists of a myriad of competitions in each city (at the same time) in which participants race horses, wrestle each other and see who is the best shot in the archery competition. It might not be the most conventional of festivals, but it’s colourful and celebrated in great spirits. If you prefer your festivals “off the beaten track” then this is the festival for you!

If you are tempted to visit one of these amazing countries, come to us for your holiday insurance  – we have single and annual trip insurance options, as well as backpacker’s insurance policies going cheap. Visit www.direct-travel.co.uk for more information today.

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Direct Travel Insurance has been providing travellers with excellent travel insurance since 1993. Having insured over 800,000 travellers in the last 12 months, there is no doubt that Direct Travel is a leading player in the holiday insurance market. Visit www.direct-travel.co.uk for a cheap travel insurance quote today.