It appears that many UK based passengers have reported problems in terms of claims for the additional costs incurred as a result of staying much longer on the continent than was originally planned.

EU air transport regulations do provide an obligation on airlines to provide a level of support for travelers as a result of delays in return travel. However, these obligations appear to be a little vague, and are based on “reasonable” expenses.

What is “reasonable” to an airline confronted with massive losses due to the recent volcanic ash events in Europe may not seem so reasonable to a stranded passenger.

Another issue that has become quite significant is that of relying upon limited forms of insurance. Many travelers make use of the travel insurance offered as part of the package for those with premium credit cards. Whilst this coverage certainly does offer a level of protection, you should still look at the fine print attached to this cover to ensure that it will meet your needs.

An example of this is that one well known credit card provider has a travel insurance policy that allows for “Travel Inconvenience Cover”, defined as cover for:  delayed flight departure, flight cancellation, denied flight boarding, missed flight connection. Unfortunately the limit for this coverage can be less than $US200.

Many travelers consider themselves to be covered if they purchase coverage that is offered at the time of purchase of a flight ticket.

Again, such policies have very limited coverage for flight disruption, since they are limited to a specific pricepoint and are primarily aimed to protect the purchaser against losses relating to the specific air travel components of the trip.

Travelers wishing to cross the English Channel did have a number of transport options available, including Eurostar, other train services and ferries. Unfortunately the options were not as great for those passengers wishing to travel to or from the Americas, Asia, Australia and other locations outside Europe.

The basic message here is that travel insurance is a matter that travelers should carefully consider the terms and conditions that are offered, and not simply jump in unprepared.

John Kumm, Author,

Discover more informative information relating to travel at http://onlinetravelconsultant.com

The ash cloud that disrupted European air traffic - (Xinhua Reuters photo)

The recent worldwide travel chaos that resulted from the volcanic eruption in Iceland emphasizes just how fragile our technology hold over the forces of nature really are.

The amazing thing about this is that Iceland is fairly remote from most of the European airspace that was closed down for many long days.

It seems that the prevailing winds were at the time traveling in an unusual direction, and this resulted in the ash cloud’s spread over much of northern Europe, and in fact across well into Russia as well.

I seem to remember that this particular volcano’s last eruption was recorded from 1821 to 1823, with substantial explosive eruptions (similar to this year’s activities) happening between late June and Early August in 1823. Had such a string of eruptions occurred this month, then the skies may have been closed off to aircraft for 6 weeks or so.

It is perhaps a good thing that we didn’t have Jumbo Jets and other similar flying objects around in those days!

The result of an event resulting from “natural causes” cost many billions of dollars to the travel sector as well as resulting in massive disruption to the travel plans of many travelers.

Of course the other side issue of all of this that escapes attention in that of freight transport. Many businesses (particularly those with contracts to supply highly perishable goods like fresh seafood and cut flowers) suffered very heavy losses as a result of being unable to deliver their produce.

The flight disruption was also a timely reminder to all of us who travel to carefully read the wording on our travel insurance policy. Many of the people who were caught out this time found out (too late) that their policies had exclusions which prevented them from making a claim.

The other aspect of this event is that the “blame game” has now begun. Passengers are complaining that their airline held up flights for longer than some others. In turn, airlines are tending to say that the national air travel regulators in many countries closed off their airspace too early and were overly cautious in the time that the airspace was re-opened. In their defence, regulators have claimed that the advice that they received from vulcanologists and meteorological bureax were not sufficiently detailed and accurate.

We can be sure that this is now an issue that has managed to come to the front of the queue for issues that need some better organized process of measurements and decision making, so that dangerous situations are avoided, whilst nevertheless reducing the level of disruption to an absolute minimum.

There will definitely be more to come on this issue. Stay tuned!

John Kumm, Author

For other interesting and informative travel related discussions, visit us at: http://www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

The new measures to are planned for introduction in April 2010, and will replace the program of screening of all passengers from a number of Muslim countries that was introduced as a result of the “Christmas Day Bomber” event in Detroit.

These new security measures will apply to US citizens as well, and will apply a level of screening that will depend on how closely their personal characteristics of travelers matches intelligence information.

The Washington Post reported that these changes come after a three-month review of security protocols.

These changes should see a significant reduction in the number of passengers who are taken aside for additional screening, whilst concentrating on individuals that seem to match particular intelligence profiles.

Characteristics such as nationality, partial names, recently visited countries and the age of the traveler  will be taken into account.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano  is reported as saying: ”These new measures utilize real-time, threat-based intelligence along with multiple, random layers of security, both seen and unseen, to more effectively mitigate evolving terrorist threats” .

Today however I’m able to relate just such a tale to you, gentle readers!

Air New Zealand, not one of the world’s largest airline conglomerates, has managed to think a long way outside the square when the company realised that there were a number of different kinds of travelers using its services, and that simply dividing up the passenger cabin into economy (or coach) class, premium economy and business class didn’t necessarily take account of each of the differences.

In a flash of inspiration, Air New Zealand decided to analyze this factor, and have turned up 5 different categories of traveler, and decided to categorize them in terms of a TV show that some of us love (and dare I say equate to).

Now it’s time for you to consider each of these in turn, and decide just which type fits you best.

	The Marge Simpsons of the flying world see everything in a positive light, and are always fidgety and excited. The “Marges” of travel see the flying experience as fun and really enjoy engaging with all of the various aspects of the trip itself. You’ll recognize a Marge by the fun that he or she is having from the moment of getting on board right through to the end of the flight. The airline believes that about 10% of us are “Marges”.
	Are you perhaps a “Lisa”? The Lisa Simpsons of flying are considered to be the “cocooners”. These travellers  tend to view flying as a necessary part of most trips and are generally specialists in simply zoning out. Cocooners are not highly involved in the flight, and tend to look after their own needs, preferably in a quiet part of the cabin, away from family groups and other distractions. According to the airline, Lisa’s account for about 17% of the traveling public.
	Bart Simpson represents the traveling socialite. Almost 1 in 3 of travelers (about 30%) fit into the Bart mould. Socialites need interaction with others – they can’t entertain themselves, and must talk to crew and other passengers to ensure that they are recognized. “Barts” will also expect the airline to offer them the amusement and experience that they need to make the flight endurable.
	Maybe you are more like Homer’s boss, Mr Burns. This style of traveler is typical of many business travelers: he wants to be left alone, and is known to aggressively claim his territory within the cabin space, including the arm rest. The “Mr Burns” travelers will become angry with issues they see as failing to meet their own requirements and needs – things such as delay in clearing their meal tray or the traveler in front laying back their seat too far (in Mr Burns’ opinion). More than 25% of the travelers on your next flight are likely to represent Mr Burns. Are you one of them?
	Those passengers who don’t fit into the categories above are probably in the “Mo the Bartender” space. “Mo’s” tend to see the travel experience as simply an unpleasant way of getting from A to B. They don’t like flying, and are very hard to please. This group is not generally very receptive towards any attempt by the airline and its staff to make their experience special in any way.

This offers you the ideal chance to visit South Africa,  enjoy the chance to travel around and enjoy the huge variety of scenery, wildlife and activities that characterize this special part of the African continent whilst also being a part of the excitement and buzz of this very special World Cup.

This of course is the first time that the World Cup will be hosted on the African continent, and South Africa is determined to make this one of the most successful World Cups ever held.

Things to do while you are visiting

South Africa has an incredible range of places that are suited to the visiting tourist.  The South African Department of Tourism lists the top 10 tourism destinations in the country.

These include:

• Cape Town & Cape Peninsula
• The Winelands
• The Garden Route
• Johannesburg
• Kruger National Park
• Durban’s beachfront
• Robben Island
• Soweto
• Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
• the Wild Coast

Future articles will describe these attractions in more detail

pleasure, planning and process.

When we plan our travels properly we are less likely to be like Alice, who after asking the Cheshire cat which way she should go was bluntly told that if she didn’t know where she wanted to get to, then the direction she decided to travel didn’t much matter.

While this comes from a children’s story, the basic message from the Cheshire cat is still true for many of us.

All too often, many of us decide to travel to a destination that we know about without any clear idea about what is available to us when we arrive.

Everybody has their own individual interests and passions, and these may or may not be the same as those of other people traveling with us.

In order to make sure that some people aren’t disappointed with the trip, you should plan to include a range of locations or activities to make sure that everyone on the trip manages to do something really special.

A typical example is that if one member of the family loves golf whilst another finds nothing better than shopping for antiques, then time shold be taken out to ensure that both of these needs can be met whilst you are away from home.

Ensuring that the correct processes are followed includes such issues as making sure that passport and visa requirements are completed well in advance of your trip and that you have obtained appropriate travel insurance to offer you the level of protection that you need.

Another important “process” element is to make certain that you haven’t forgotten to have copies of your itinerary and contact details left with family and or friends at home, and that someone has agreed to feed the cat, collect the mail, water the plants or whatever other arrangements are needed to avoid unpleasant surprises when you arrive home.

This information is based on our best selling book “Get Packing – The Ultimate Travel Guide“. To find out more about the book, and how it may help you in your travels, please visit our website:
http://www.getpackingtravelguide.com

The reason we decided to stay at The Quincy was its claim to offer Singapore’s only all-inclusive accommodation experience – and what an experience it was!

Not only is limousine pick-up from the airport or Singapore Cruise Centre included, but the genuine friendliness that is extended when you first arrive signals that this will indeed be a different experience.

We were booked in to The Quincy for 2 nights, and could only wish that our stay was longer.

The Quincy hotel should be seriously considered by both corporate and holiday visitors since it is able to offer you a range of quality accommodation and support options with friendly and helpful support and a great experience for your time spent in Singapore.

We have certainly noted this hotel as one we will be sure to visit on our next visit to Singapore and strongly recommend to others.

The long list of complimentary items on offer at The Quincy includes:

• limousine pick-up
• three lovely meals every day (with daily dinner menu changes)
• minibar selection
• wireless and wired high speed internet
• magnificently equipped gymnasium
• sauna and steam room
• 2 hour daily cocktail hour with wines, beers and mixed drinks
• glass sided swimming pool on level 12
• 2 laundry items per room per day
• Molton Brown amenities, replenished daily
• carparking
• local telephone calls
• robes and slippers

To find out more, visit the Quincy Hotel website at: http://www.quincy.com.sg

Silvershore Apartments consists of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom self-contained units.

There is a choice of water view or mountain view units, and we reckon that it’s worth paying the extra for the magnificent view out over the Broadwater.
We would also recommend that you request a room on one of the upper floors, so that you can enjoy the view out over the top of the low island that usually blocks the entrance to the Gold Coast Seaway.

This part of the Gold Coast is well away from the bustle and glitz of Surfers Paradise itself, yet is still only a short drive or bus ride away (or a good walk for those feeling energetic).

The non-smoking block boasts  the following features:

BBQ facilities, direct access to the beach, gym and fitness room, lift/elevator, onsite secure undercover parking, an outdoor heated pool, spa/hot tub/Jacuzzi, individual air conditioning, balcony / courtyard, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, full kitchen, iron & ironing board, opening windows, refrigerator, full size Shower over bath, TV and of course tea and coffee making facilities.

The pricing is currently very reasonable indeed, but be prepared for this to rise once the secret gets out!

We will definitely be returning to Silvershore in the near future.

To find out more, visit the TripAdvisor website:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Search?q=silvershore+apartments&sub-search.x=6&sub-search.y=8

As you can see, Silvershore is right on the beachfront:

The recently completed Skyrope is northern Germany’s largest rope challenge park. It is located on a 10Ha site adjacent to Bad Harzburg.

The rope challenge facility is mounted on 26 poles, each over 12 metres high, with a star-shaped layout.

Ropes courses are engineered structures which are purpose-built for humans to engage their climbing instincts. Programs typically involve small groups of participants over an intense period of hours or days
The value of ropes course use is recognized in a broad range of activities, including education, recreation, therapy, and organizational development. Ropes Challenge Courses are often used in conjunction with other forms of training or education, such as in physical education, in orientation programs, and for staff development.

The Skyrope course offers a challenge to the senses for participants. Within its structure there are simple climbs as well as much more challenging traverses. On your way over wire ropes, swings, rope bridges, and wood bars, you will be challenged to bringing your spirit into alignment with heart, mind and physical movements top an extent that has largely been overlooked in our modern ways of life.

The facility is also used to foster confidence, team interaction and responsibility, courage and initiative. It can be very effectively used as a component of team building exercises for business, sporting teams and educational groups.

Groups of five or more can book a time with Skyrope, who provides trained coaches and guides.

For further information, you should contact:

Hochseilgarten Skyrope
Nordhäuser Straße, im Kalten Tal,
38667 Bad Harzburg, Germany

Tel +49 (5583) 939034
E-Mail info@skyrope.de

Submitted by John Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com