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Practical information

Latest practical advice

  • Embassies and consulates

    The embassy is a diplomatic representation. Its ambassador is the representative in residence by one government or sovereign to another and is in charge of the bilateral relations from one State to another. On the other hand, the consulate has an administrative role. Its role is to defend the people and their interests in respect to the local legislation and public order. The consul's role is therefore to administrate the community under his circumscription, as a mayor would do for his commune. In the case of a lost or stolen passport, the traveller should report the incident to the local police station, and then report to your consulate in order ...read more

  • Your money on holiday

    Forget cheques. First of all because writing out a cheque is expensive: banks charge a commission fee per cheque issued abroad. It can be very high. Secondly, because shops often refuse them: they also charge a high commission on foreign cheques. How does it work?Changing pounds into another currency isn't free. This transaction has a cost, which varies according to the demanded currenciesThere are three sorts of currencies: those from the "euro" zone, also called "in", they are the eleven currencies of the European Union ; the currencies from the so-called zone "out" (the American Dollar and the Japanese Yen) and the numerous non-convertible ...read more

  • What APD tax means for you

    A family of 4 could pay £220 in taxes in 2009 and £340 in 2010 for a trip to OZ. Chancellor, Darling, announced that a harsh rise in Air Passenger Duty is due to take place this month (November 2009). This means that taxes on each fare will rise, therefore making it more expensive to travel. APD will rise further in November 2010. Mid to long haul journeys will be the most effected. See the 4 band division below to find out how much you will be paying. Band A (0 - 2000 miles from London) Includes: Europe, Algeria, Greenland, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia Economy/current tax: £10 Economy/November 09: £11 Economy/November 10: £12 Premium/current ...read more

  • Insurance and assistance

    There is a difference between insurance and assistance. The first will financially compensate the insured who has been subject to a risk provided for in the contract. Whereas the assistance will provide help and pay for the expenses linked to the encountered difficulty: medical expenses, repatriation, technical help, legal aid. Contrarily to certain insurances, an assistance contract is not compulsory. The guarantees of Insurance contracts Cancelling / modification of insurance: flight or holiday refund (totally or partially) in the case of a serious reason (death, illness, accident, loss of job) or in the case of a change of dates or of journey. Baggage ...read more

  • Couchsurfing tips

    Couchsurfing has become one of the latest ways of getting around without having to fork out too much cash for accommodation and it can be done through the site: www.couchsurfing.com. This gives you the added benefit of staying with a local, and indeed it is one of the best ways to a holistic trip as well as making new friends all around the world! Why not surf your way through Thailand on people's couches and then return the favour a few years on? Selecting a 'couch' can be a daunting experience. So here are a few tips to help potential couchsurfers overcome their fear of the unknown when trying to choose a comfortable and safe couch: Before ...read more

  • Rights and claims for the holidaymaker

    Delayed flights and overbookings. On a regular or a non-regular flight, "The carrier is liable for damages occasioned by delay in the transportation by air of passengers, baggage or cargo" (Warsaw Convention, Art.19). Furthermore, since the new European Legislation established on the 17th of February 2005, in the situation of a denied boarding (due to overbooking), the passenger has the right to: either choose a full refund of the flight's ticket, or accept another flight to the final destination in the best delays or at a later date, as well as conserving the right to legally demand a compensation for financial or moral prejudice. Namely ...read more

  • Duty-free

    While travelling, many people like to take advantage of duty free airport shops for their abundance of untaxed items such as perfumes and other beauty products, audio material, photo and video equipment, tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, etc), alcohol (wine and spirits), and clothing. However there are certain limits imposed on the amount of duty free goods you can return home with, so take a look at these guidelines before you shop. Liquor, tobacco and perfume are classed as duty free, and all other items are classed as tax free. For flights originating outside the European Union you are allowed: -tobacco products - 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, ...read more

  • Avoiding travel sickness

    To minimise the risk of travel sickness, eat lightly before and during the journey. Avoid alcohol and stimulating drinks (tea, coffee). Choose the spots where there are less oscillations, near the wings on a plane, in the centre on board a boat or a bus. In a car, avoid reading and smoking. Stay in a vertical position as much as you can, lean your head-supportbackwards, stay still and avoid any rotation of the head. During transportation, if the first signs of sickness appear, look at a steady point in the distance or try sleeping. If all these preventive measures aren't enough, your doctor can prescribe you drugs like light sleeping pills or ...read more

  • Jet-lag

    Drowsiness, confusion, insomnia, jet lag affects various biological functions, hormonal, digestive and intellectual. It is felt when you cross three or more time zones. Generally, the adaptation period is estimated at a few days. To ease jet lag, here are a few precautions: rest before leaving and avoid precipitation and anxiety before departure, avoid big meals that inflate your stomach, and alcohol which dehydrates. Drink still water or non-alcoholic beverages like fruit juice. Wear losely fitting clothing in order to travel at ease. Recuperation time depends on the individual and the number of time zones crossed, as well as the how ...read more

  • Travelling with proof of ID

    To travel to any of the European Union countries (25 countries), a valid ID card or a passport, even less than 5 years out of date, is sufficient. Outside the E.U, you will need to present your passport and and visa according to the country visited.To obtain a National Identity Card contact the Identity and Passport Service (IPS). You will not be able to apply for an ID card until 2009. To obtain a passport, contact : the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), or contact your nearest embassy, consulate or high commission. The documents you need: completed application form, signed and countersigned, two identical passport photos, ...read more

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