Backpacker Travel Insurance

Archive for June, 2009

Backpacking through Europe would not be complete without a visit to France. This is a good place to base yourself because of the country’s central location. France is bordered by 6 countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain.

Most people do not know the wide range of activities France has to offer. People often associate France with wine and of course activities such as grape picking and pressing are available. For backpackers with a more adventurous streak there are sports like scuba diving and base jumping.

Of course with risky sports I highly recommend travelers take out backpacker travel insurance. This will cover personal injury, while it may seem like an unnecessary expense it is worth the cost for peace of mind and at the end of the day you never know when you trip and fall crossing the street and need medical attention. Backpacker travel insurance will also cover the cost of any lost wallets, mobile phones, or other personal possessions.

There are several factors involved in choosing a backpacking route through France. If you are interested in art and history then you may want to base your route around all the famous museums and chapels such as The Lourve, Mussee Rodin, the Musee d O’rsaythe, and the Sistine Chapel. If you are more into lounging on a beautiful beach without a care in the world then a route down the coast of the French Riviera would be perfect. With the recent success of both the book and the movie “The Da Vinci Code” backpackers may want to plan their trip around all the places described in Dan Brown’s book.

One of the most important things to consider when backpacking across Europe is accommodation. French hostels are generally clean and well maintained however nowadays there are so many deals on hotel rooms that if there is more than just yourself traveling it is worth looking into booking a low cost hotel. This way in a hotel at least you will have the luxury of an ensuite bathroom and television.

Food is one of the many luxuries France has to offer. Local produce, meats, bread, and cheese make for a truly delicious dining experience. Backpackers will have to take note that unlike most other countries where dinner is served in the early evening the French prefer to eat later around 8 or 9 o clock at night. Just make sure that you arrive at restaurants early to avoid the crowds and long waits. Of course a meal wouldn’t be complete without a glass of wine and France is definitely the place to get the most bang for your buck.

For those backpacking through Europe France is an absolute must. Backpacking across Europe would not be the same if you missed out on visiting France.

When backpacking through Europe, it’s often difficult to decide where to go. There’s so much history and cultural diversity it’s hard to know where to start. You could spend a few weeks or years exploring all the places on offer! On average, I’d estimate spending 3-5 days in any one place. It gives you just enough time to see the local sights and of course start planning your next stop. If however you’re in Rome or Barcelona you may want to stay just a little bit longer…

So how can you decide where to go? First things first, get a map! Then fire up your favorite spreadsheet application. A spreadsheet is great for planning out your trip. It also lets you budget each day. List the places you want to stay and verify this with a map. Try and work out a logical path to take rather than hopping from place to place. Do some research on each place before you go. You don’t want to miss that once a year festival by a day!

Don’t try and visit too many places in the one trip. Budget accordingly. You have to make the most out of each place you visit as it’s really not worth overstretching to visit that one extra place when there’s so much more to do in your current location. One idea is to cover a few cities in each region that spread over Europe for a flavor of both east and west. Or simply just split it down the middle – you could do all of Western Europe while saving Eastern Europe for another trip.

Doing research beforehand is so beneficial and it will save you time in the long run. This is the key for a successful and enjoyable trip backpacking through Europe. It also really depends on what you’re looking for. Some tastes and hobbies will be better catered to in certain countries. For example, if you’re planning to do any winter sports don’t look to the South of France…oh and the UK is fantastic for music festivals. No one seems to mind the bad weather for these events! If you have a list of absolute must see attractions, add them to your spreadsheet and start mapping out your path.

The final thing to say is of course…get your travel insurance before you go!

There are the usual backpacking survival kit ideas that have stood the test of time. Almost everyone agrees that some way to start a fire, some medical supplies and some kind of blade are necessary. Other items, ranging from saws to signal whistles can be very useful, but their necessity in a basic kit are argued.

The following are the usual things that survival kits may have. After that you’ll find a few new ideas. The usual survival kit items: Fire starter (like a magnesium stick), waterproof matches, signal mirror, sewing kit, foil blanket, water purification tablets, fishing line and hooks, compass, fire tinder, plastic bags, duct tape, knife, bandana, nylon cord, paper, pencil or pen, dental floss, and a condom (the latter for carrying water in a wilderness emergency).

First aid items usually include bandages, aspirin or other pain killers, gauze pads, tweezers, and antibiotic ointment. More extensive first aid kits might also have splints, medical tape, sun block, safety pins, and a snake bite kit. Of course, any crucial medications you need are a good addition as well.

New Survival Kit Ideas

Here are some ideas you may not have heard of. First, why not have two survival kits? Make one for all-around use on easy hikes and when using a vehicle (ATV) or bicycle. These are the times when it is easier to carry a little extra weight. Of course, the problem is that we tend to leave a kit behind – or even leave a whole backpack behind – when we want to avoid the weight, like when you see a summit you want to climb up to. That is where the second kit comes in.

The second survival kit can be kept inside the first, so there is no unnecessary repetition of items. The point of this one is to have the most crucial items in the smallest lightest package. It can include bandages, a razor blade or small knife, aspirin, water purification, duct tape, pencil stub and paper. It should comfortably fit in the pocket of your pants or jacket. An altoids container can hold all of this, and has a mirrored surface inside as well, for signaling rescuers in the case of getting lost.

Another good idea for a survival kit is a couple small photos of those who are important to you. Survivors of wilderness disasters often report that thinking of their loved ones kept them alive. A photo or two to look at makes this even more of an inspiration.

Notes are a good survival kit idea too. First aid kits have tiny guides to help you in medical situations, but you might also want a reminder of survival techniques. My own notes have the most common edible and useful wild plants listed, so I’ll remember what to look for and why. You can fit a lot of information on one piece of paper.

Then there is your “mental survival kit,” meaning the knowledge and practiced attitudes of your mind. Practice thinking of how to survive, for example, rather than about how bad a situation is. Read and recall a few good true survival stories, too. You’ll feel more confident in your abilities and chances, and telling such stories to others in your group might lift everyone’s spirits.

Apply these new survival kit ideas – they’re cheap wilderness emergency insurance for your next backpacking trip.

By: Steve Gillman

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Copyright Steve Gillman. Visit the Wilderness Survival Guide and get the free ebook version of Ultralight Backpacking Secrets, as well as gear recommendations, and true adventure stories, at: www.The-Ultralight-Site.com/wilderness-survival-guide.html

For the fortunate few, life isn’t complete without a backpacking trip through Europe. This right of passage is believed to further the maturation process of college students, according to sociologists. Of course, others have opined that copious amounts of alcohol, sun and Amsterdam have something to do with it. Regardless of your purpose, you still have to figure out what to take.

Backpack – Getting In Touch With Your Inner Mule

Obviously, the first critical item is your backpack. While one doesn’t need to buy the $10,000 Himalaya Turbo Pack, you should also avoid the $12 blue light special. So, how do you pick a happy middle ground?

The best method for picking a backpack involves three phone books. Select/swipe/borrow three yellow page books from neighbors/friends/enemies and hit your local sporting goods store. With the books, head to the backpackapalozza section of the store and pick out a few sturdy/cool/outrageous rigs. Stuff the phone books in, adjust the straps and go for a walk. Now break out into a run to simulate future dashes for trains/ ferries/ toilets and make the sales people nervous. These steps should quickly reveal the perfect pack.

Now, you may have read other publications suggesting highly technical ways to select a backpack. Trust me, until you have run for the last ferry from Italy to Greece, you have no idea how to pick a pack. The three phone book test solves this nicely.

What To Take

There are a few mantras that every person should chant before packing for Europe. These chants were developed originally by the little known, Oh-My-Back Monks of Southeast Asia. The “OMB” Monks were known for traveling half way to far off cities, turning around, returning home and then traveling the full way to said cities. Religious experts opined as to the deep metaphysical meaning of such trips. They were later embarrassed when the monks revealed the back and forth nature of the trips was due to forgetting something, often whether they had turned off the iron. Nonetheless, such chants have become the guiding light of experienced backpackers.

Let us slowly and clearly chant together,

“I will pack only that which will not result in me being hunched over like a Sherpa.”

“Remember, I can pick it [(lower voice) toothpaste, book, soap] up over there.”

“I will not stuff thy pack to the point of bursting, for thy damn zippers always break/get snagged/refuse to work.”

“I will learn humility through wearing incredibly wrinkled clothes and shall not bring an iron.”

“I shall bring only one guide book, not one for each country that I MIGHT see.”

“I accept that I will come home wearing something I didn’t take and will have lost/traded/burned much of what I did take.”

For female travelers and, okay, the occasional male,

“I will not bring high heels or a gaggle of make-up.”

Admittedly, chanting these mantras will not bringing you immediate enlightenment. Fret, not. You can always throw items away or send them home in a box to your parents/friends/parole officer. For the resourceful backpacker, it is not unheard of to send particularly smelly/discolored/toxic clothing to an ex-girlfriend/ex-boyfriend/little brother. Follow these practical guidelines and you will soon happily be speaking in a loud voice to make foreigners understand you.

The Evidence

This is the hard part for most travelers to wrap their minds around. You will forget those special moments of your trip when you met the hunk Sven or babe Svenetta from Sweden and had a romantic evening/danced the night away/got arrested in Ios/Ibiza/the airport. Maybe not immediately, but you will eventually forget.

You will also forget or lose the contact information of people you meet, despite meticulously writing it down on the back of a coaster/napkin/your hand in a bar/poetry reading/jail at three in the morning. Surprisingly, said coaster/napkin/hand often survive the night/day/weekend and get deposited in your already trashed backpack. Of course, their presence is often forgotten when you later put a Oktoberfest mug/wet towel/toothbrush in. The extra padding at the bottom of your pack is specifically designed to deal with the decomposing result. Still, the information is gone and so is your future with Sven/Svenetta.

To properly record the magical moments of your trip, you must take a diary or journal. Don’t worry, you can burn it later before you get married/your parents get nosey/you have kids. You want a journal in a water/beer/sweat resistant case. Of course, I prefer a Nomad Travel Journal, but just make sure you take something. When you have some extra time in the bus/train/jail cell, you can record how you got there and the people you met.

Trust me, when you, Sven/Svenetta and your nine children are sitting on the porch, you will greatly enjoy reading your journal.

Of course, that assumes you didn’t burn it.

By: Nomad Rick

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Rick Chapo is with www.nomadjournals.com – Preserve the experience with Nomad Adventure Journals. Read more journal stories and articles at www.nomadjournaltrips.com on the net.

There’s many respectable retailers online that will provide you with a suitable backpack for your travels. However, I can offer you this exclusive online offer of 50% off your purchase. The Eagle Creek Day Travelers Travel Bag is well worth a look! You’ll also get free shipping on any orders over $100.

Planning to go on a low budget, independent, off-beaten-track-traveling— which is the backpacking traveling? Then insure yourself with a cheap travel insurance policy for backpackers.

The name backpacking itself implies that, this travel is for all the youthful travelers who want to explore the whole planet at a limited budget. They are different from all the normal travelers because instead of traveling to a specific and conventional destination, they prefer going to unusual and unconventional places. They may go hiking and camping, seek out low cost options such as sharing lifts, youth hostels, buying food from the super markets abroad instead of going to restaurants.

This unconventional way of traveling can affect your health to a great extent. The food you take, the places you visit etc can make you fall ill. Apart from that traveling on a budget inevitably means that backpackers are at greater risk for accidents and injury when abroad. Again your scuba driving or trekking can also put you in great risks. You may even need medical attention in that foreign country. All this might need large amounts of money; but since you are on a limited budget, you might not be able to pay the required amount for these treatments.

Apart from the risks involved in backpacking travel, you might face other problem that happen with a normal travel plan; like lose of documents, lose of baggage, flight cancellation, flight delays, emergency evacuation etc. Thus, to ensure that you stay safe while on your backpacking spree, it is essential that you purchase a cheap travel insurance policy for backpacker before you leave. Cheap travel insurances for backpackers are specially designed to meet all your needs.

Locating a suitable but a cheap travel insurance policy for backpacker will require lot of research and study. This will involve; visiting various companies that will provide you with travel insurance for backpackers, comparing various policies and finally choosing the best from all these policies. With internet facilities, you can now easily locate one. You can compare different cheap travel insurance policies for backpackers just by sitting in your home and later, when fully satisfied; you can buy a travel insurance policy for backpackers.

By: HenryBell

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Henry Bell is an author who can certainly identify the kind of insurance that you will need. He is proficient in the insurance world; he is an MBA from University of Oxford. Insuranceb endeavors to find the best possible deals for its customers. To find Cheap travel insurances, Home owner insurance, Van insurance, Motorcycle insurance, Holiday insurance visit www.insuranceb.co.uk

Preparations for a backpacking trip

Vaccinations

Make sure you have seen a travel doctor at least 3-6months before your trip as with a lot of vaccinations you need them over three courses with a month’s gap in-between.
Remember to take your vaccination book with you traveling as it may be needed as there are different types of vaccines for different diseases so if the worst was to happen the doctors will know what you have had.
Backpack
You will need a good quality backpack for your trip. About 60 litres should be sufficient as you do not want your pack to be too large as you do have to have this with you constantly and if it is too big you will have problems when getting on buses and trains etc.
Along with your backpack you will also need to take a day pack. This is a very useful piece of equipment. If you have any valuables you can keep them in your daypack whilst on bus/train journeys and know that they are safer with you than hidden away with your backpack.
They are also very handy when out for the day to put any purchases in and for general items you always like to have to hand.

Clothing

T-Shirts – 2/3 will be enough. You will get bored of wearing these very quickly if you’re on a long trip but these will wear out but you can always find cheap replacements wherever you are in the world.
Shorts – Shorts are essential if you’re going to warmer climates. Again only around 2 pairs will be fine as you do not want to overload your backpack. Boy’s the best thing for you is just to have swimming shorts then you’re always ready to take a dip wherever you are.
Trousers – 1 or 2 pairs of lightweight trousers is recommended. They are good for the evenings to protect yourself from mosquitoes and if it does get a little chilly outside. Jeans are a good idea if you’re going to go to colder climates as they keep you warm and are hard wearing.
Swim wear – A couple of pairs of swimming shorts for the boys will be fine and a couple of bikinis for the girls – but remember where you are girls. Touristy areas of South East Asia are fine for bikinis but only on the beach; cover up when going into town.
Waterproof jacket – A lightweight waterproof jacket is always recommended. When you get caught in a monsoon you will soon realise why.
Sandals/Flip Flops/Thongs – I find that this is all I wear when I’m away as it’s usually so hot. Take a couple pairs incase of breakages or if they get stolen which they tend to do in SE Asia.
Trainers – Take a good pair of trainers, if you’ve got a day of walking round a city or temples a nice pair of comfy trainers will be of great help.
Hiking boots – If you are going to go hiking then taking your own pair maybe beneficial. A good pair which will last in the tropical forests and monsoons will be ideal.
Towels – I also think to take 2 towels. One for the Beach and one for showers. You can never rely on your hostel/guesthouse to supply a towel so it’s best to have your own. Try to get lightweight ones that should dry quickly. You don’t want a wet towel in your backpack with all your other clothes.

Essentials

First aid Kit – A good well stocked first aid kit is essential for any trip. You never know when you may need this. Also some needles and syringes would be good to have as you know that in case you need an injection that the needles will be clean.
Deet/Mosquito Spray – Keep them mozzies away with some repellent.
Mosquito net – You may not use it very often but trust me when you do need it you will be happy as Larry that you brought one.
Toiletries – Shampoo, deodorant etc, you can by these when you are travelling but it’s good to bring some with you to start.

Recommended

Passport sized photos – when crossing borders and obtaining visas you usually always need at least 2 passport photos. Take a good supply with you as it will save you searching around to try and find somewhere last minute.
Camera – Obviously a camera is great to take along so you can keep a memory of your trip forever. Also put them on your fave social website to show off and make your friends and family jealous.
Money belt – For security its best to wear a money belt to keep your money, bank cards and passport safe and away from sneaky hands.
Alarm Clock – You will need one of these to help you get up for your bus or train as well as if you need to go on a tour and meet at a certain time.
MP3 Player – Always good on long journeys. Good to get a lot of music on it before you go as you will get bored of your music quite quickly.
Playing Cards – Good at all times, for passing time of long journeys or rainy days. Also good for drinking games with your new found friends.
Torch – Depending where you go electricity might be a commodity that is in short supply. Also good for finding your way back to you hostel or to the toilet in the dead of night.
Reading books – Like with the MP3 player a book is a good way to pass time on long journeys and relaxing down the beach. Once you’re finished with it you can swap it with other backpackers you meet.

By: TravelMatty

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Backpacker who loves to travel. Wikidtravel – Independent travel site for backpackers

There’s quite a few sites out there dedicated to backpacker travel insurance. I found this article to be quite comprehensive in breaking it down.

Most backpacker travel insurance policies contain a clause relating to failed examinations. This is a very important matter for students to consider. If exams are failed they may be required by the college or university to sit them again. If the student is already off travelling the world the cost to return quickly for a re-sit could be high. However, be warned that claims on the insurance may be denied if travel insurance is not taken out prior to the sitting of all exams which lead up to the final result.

Insurance terms like curtailment and repatriation do not even enter the equation for most young people when planning a gap year. It is surprising how many don’t know, or care, what the words mean – or might entail. These are just two of the words to be concerned about. Cancellation, of course, refers to insurance cover for an emergency situation arising before the departure date, causing cancellation of travel plans.

Imagine you are a student well into a gap-year backpacking adventure round the world. You’ve had a trouble-free trip so far and are in the last month of your travels in an African country. You fall sick with a fever and violent vomiting and diarrhea. You and your traveling companion both have backpacker insurance. You have some over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies with you and try everything, but nothing seems to work. Your condition deteriorates and you have to seek help from the nearest medical clinic. The doctor finds that you are severely dehydrated and rushes you by air ambulance to the nearest major hospital.

Your companion gets in contact with the claims handler for your travel insurance and alerts them to the problem. A week later your condition has stabilized, but you are still very weak. The doctors advise you to return home (curtail your trip) to continue with your recovery. The claims handler approves the arrangements for the new return flights for you and your companion.

Now imagine all the above happened and you had decided to save money and not bother with purchasing travel insurance. Who would pay for the air ambulance, hospital care, the curtailment of your trip (change of flights), and repatriation?

It is surprising how many young people take the risk of traveling without travel insurance. The statistics are something like one in five, which means there are thousands of young and vulnerable adults wandering about the world with no help at hand and exposed to all manner of risks. Many think it’s not necessary because they are just backpacking and using hostels. However, their unsuspecting parents would probably end up footing the bill if the worst should happen.

Who would help if you were involved in a traffic accident, terrorist attack, had your backpack and travel documents stolen, or were the victim of a mugging? Most people have no clue how much it would cost for emergency repatriation from the other side of the world – from places like Australia, Africa, and South America.

Backpacker insurance policies vary but are normally heavy on the medical cover and liability and light on baggage cover. Many cover participation in adventure sports (on a limited basis) for activities like scuba diving, wind surfing and bungee jumping. Winter sports cover can be added to the policy for an extra premium. If the USA is on your travel itinerary, expect to pay a bit more for the insurance because of the high cost of medical care. Most backpacker policies do not cover risks relating to work (paid or volunteer) so you will need to shop around for the appropriate type of cover.

Remember the words ‘repatriation’ and ‘curtailment’ and don’t let them come back to haunt you. Repatriation means that in the event of some type of emergency situation your insurance will cover expenses to return you back to your country of origin.Curtailment means cover for expenses incurred as a result of your trip being cut short due to an emergency after you have already left home. Don’t wait until it’s too late to find out what they mean!

Travelling the world before starting university – or after university and before putting your foot on the career ladder – can be a valuable, worthwhile, and fantastic experience. It is false economy, and frankly plain dumb, to save a bit of money by skipping the travel insurance. Why risk spoiling all those wonderful memories – and getting your career off to such a bad start?

By:

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Jean Andrews is a freelance writer living in the UK. She regularly contributes articles for TIA Ltd who offer backpackers travel insurance.