After the rigours of the festive season, what better January detox than to head off for some winter sun on a well-deserved holiday? Golden rays on your face, warm sand between your toes, it’s very tempting … but where to go?
The experts at Direct Travel Insurance have put together five hot tips for this year’s winter sun destinations with help from the new ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) Travel Trends Report 2012.
Book cheap travel insurance from Direct Travel Insurance and you benefit from excellent cover and superb customer service. Here we’ve also included some useful local know-how for each winter sun holiday spot:
Dominican Republic
Why go? For the miles of shimmering white sands, brilliant street scenes,
wonderful plant and bird life in easy-to-visit eco parks, the tropical idyll of
Samana, surf heaven and a gamut of high-excitement water sports.Good to know:
Most local firms providing quad biking, jeep rental, water sports, horse riding
and excursions do not offer travel insurance cover so make sure
your holiday insurance covers such activities.
Mexico
Why go? Stunning Caribbean beaches, gorgeous food, family-friendly activities
and a cultural bonanza marking the fact that 2012 sees the end of the Mayan calendar’s
5,125-year cycle and the start of a whole new era.Good to know: Cars are
banned from certain areas on certain days under anti-pollution rules, depending
on their number plate. Tourist rental cars are included, so be sure to check the
situation.
Egypt
Why go? Some excellent deals are around to lure holidaymakers put off by
political unrest, while Red Sea resorts are far from Cairo protests and remain safe
for tourists. Snorkelling or Tutankhamen’s tomb? You decide!Good to know:
The Egyptian Chamber of Diving and Water Sports website (www.cdws.travel/) has a
wealth of information about conditions in Sharm el Sheikh and other resorts.
Cape Verde
Why go? These ten little islands dubbed the African Caribbean boast beautiful
beaches, multi-coloured towns, whale watching, funky nightlife and an evocative
mix of African, Portuguese and Brazilian cultures.Good to know: Although
crime rates are low, there have been reports of holidaymakers being mugged so don’t
brandish valuables in public, take care and ensure you have adequate travel
insurance.
Sri Lanka
Why go? For adventurous activity holidays or pure beach relaxation, tea
plantations or sunset cocktails, Buddhist temples and good value for money, all
wrapped up with a wonderful welcome.Good to know: Some coasts have dangerous
riptides or undercurrents so always take advice locally (ask at your hotel, for
example) before racing into the sea. .
Notes For Editors
Established in late 1992 and trading since 1993, Direct Travel Insurance specialises in travel insurance for individual travellers, couples and families up to the age of 75. Direct Travel Insurance offers a range of cover options and added benefits including cover for over 100 sports and activities enabling customers to tailor their policies for single trip, annual multi trip, backpacking and winter sports. All travel insurance policies are underwritten by Chartis Europe Limited. Direct Travel Insurance is a trading name of UNAT Direct Insurance Management Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA Number 312350). Chartis Europe Limited is also authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA Number 202628).
