Language

A few words about getting it wrong on Holiday....

It's all very well learning a bit of the local lingo, but be sure your efforts don't end up getting you in trouble by avoiding these easy-to-make (and potentially offensive) errors. 

Spanish

Vegetarians need to be particularly careful when ordering a soy burger in a restaurant. This is the first person verb form of “to be” in Spanish, so you could be telling the waiter, “I am a burger.” 

If a Spanish friend says she’s embarazada, be careful with giving her pity and comfort. This word means to be pregnant, not embarrassed. And if she complains of molestar on the tram, don’t call the police. It means to bother, not to sexually assault. 

Turkish

Though Turkish people are famously friendly, be careful with a casual hiya, as it sounds the same as the Turkish word for testicles. 

If a restaurant has Tuna in its name, don’t assume that it’s a seafood spot. This is a popular male name in Turkey, and translates to “Danube.” Don’t order a peach-flavoured drink, as “peach” sounds like Turkish slang for a person born out of wedlock. Also, know that bir is Turkish for “one,” so when ordering a pint, just saying “beer” won’t cut it. 

French

It's worth remembering if you find yourself at the zoo that you may well hear children discussing a phoque. It’s French for seal. 

When negotiating in French, don’t take offence if the opponent says demande. In French, this simply means to request, and doesn’t take the more aggressive English meaning of “demand.” Likewise if they say they are déçevoir, it means they feel disappointed, not deceived, and if they proclaim a réalisation, it means a completion or accomplishment, not an epiphany. 

Portuguese

In a Portuguese-speaking country, be careful when giving compliments – esquisito means strange, not exquisite. And don't worry if a friend tells you that she’s constipação – it means she’s feeling cold, not constipated. 

Norwegian 

When clothes shopping in Norway, remember that a dress is a man’s suit, not a women’s garment. At breakfast, if you order juice made of appelsin, you’ll receive a glass of orange juice, not apple. Don’t ask for coffee in a mugg, as this means mildew or mould. And when getting directions in Norway, bring a map. Gate means “street” in Norwegian, and port means “gate.” 

Russian 

Travelling in Russia isn't always easy, but if the hotel staff call you a Lunatik (лунатик) they're referring to your sleepwalking habit, not calling you insane. And if you need to call for service, don't ask for the Operator (Оператор), or they will put a cameraman on the line. 

Should you dine out at a restaurant, be careful when ordering Kovyor (ковёр), since it means a carpet, not roe. And if there’s a noisy child seated beside you, calling him a brat (брат) won’t help. In Russian, this means brother. 

Swedish

Be careful when paying compliments to the chef after a Smörgåsbord. Fulmeans ugly in Swedish, not full. If you really, really enjoyed it – to the point of feeling positively affectionate – know that kissa means to urinate, and lustig means humorous, not lusty. And don't be surprised if the conversation ends with the word slut – it means “end” in Swedish.

For a Full English translation of Holiday Travel Insurance, click HERE

Greek Crisis

From The Telegraph - Is my holiday at risk..?

An agreement on a new bailout has been reached, but is dependent on ratification by the Greek parliament and some European member parliaments . In the meantime capital controls for Greek nationals are still in place, and the banks remain shut. Currently the situation is still fluid and may change by the day, if not by the hour.

The threat of Greece leaving the euro has receded but not lifted completely. 

Can I cancel my trip to Greece? 

Tour operators and airlines are under no obligation to provide a refund should you decide not to travel to Greece. In theory, unless the Foreign Office advises against travel to Greece, or the areas that holidaymakers are travelling to, those who are due to depart for the country have no option but to go or lose their money. For cancellations, these conditions normally require you to forfeit your deposit - or the full balance, if you have already paid it.

Note that if the Foreign Office does issue “do not travel” advice - which at this stage seems extremely unlikely - that effectively means that those of us who do still want to travel can’t - because the vast majority of travel insurers will suspend cover as a result. 

While tour operators such as Thomson and Thomas Cook have been flexible with customers wanting to change their travel plans following the Tunisia massacre, there is no reason currently why they will be as accommodating regarding holidays to Greece. 

Travel insurance will cover the costs of cancellation for specific reasons, such as ill health, but not if you are simply nervous about travelling. 

Is my money at risk? 

When you book a package holiday, you are covered via the Civil Aviation Authority’s ATOL (Air Travel Organisers' Licensing) scheme that protects you from losing your money or being stranded abroad if your tour operator goes out of business. 

ATOL does not protect you if you book direct with a scheduled airline and arrange your accommodation independently, however. You may still be covered, if your airline or accommodation-provider goes bust for example, if pay have paid by credit card and the total cost is more than £100. But this will only apply to the service you’ve lost. Paying by Visa debit card may provide similar cover. Some travel insurance policies include cover for insolvency, while those that do will usually cover just the service you’ve lost, not the other services you have booked separately. 

Will I be able to get cash from an ATM? 

Most reports,according to Abta and our reporters on the ground, suggest that tourists have been able to withdraw the cash they need from ATMs. 

The Foreign Office said: "The Greek government is limiting withdrawals using cards issued by Greek banks to €60 per day. At this time, you can continue to withdraw cash using your card as normal, up to the daily limit imposed by the Greek banking system (usually €600), or the daily limit imposed by your card issuer - whichever is the lower amount, as long as the ATM has been replenished." 

It still seems sensible however, to follow the Chancellor, George Osborne's recent advice that travellers take sufficient euros to cover the duration of their stay, emergencies, unforeseen circumstances and any delays. 

Currency controls will limit the amount of Euros you can take in and out of Greece, but in such situations you simply declare how much currency you are bringing into the country so that you can take it out again on departure. 

Will I be able to use my credit card? 

Cards should still work, but some hotels, restaurants and shops may be unwilling to accept card payments and insist on cash. There are some reports from tourists of this already happening at smaller shops. 

The Foreign Office advises that, "Visitors to Greece should be aware of the possibility that banking services – including credit card processing and servicing of ATMs – throughout Greece could potentially become limited at short notice." 

If Greece does after all leave the euro (see below), Visa said it will adapt to this - it regularly changes, adds or deletes currencies from its systems and that when a country exits a currency, the system for processing payments is still in place while the new currency is added. 

“While there are some issues that are outside of Visa's control, we work with all relevant parties to help ensure a swift transition to a new currency with the minimum possible disruption to consumers and retailers,” said a spokesman. 

  Photo: CAVO TAGOO

Will I be insured against theft if I carry extra cash? 

Abta said: "Holidaymakers should check how much cash their travel insurance policy covers them for and should take appropriate security precautions against theft such as using their hotel safe or splitting cash up between their party." 

Post Office Travel Insurance, for example, said that its economy and standard policies cover loss of money for £250 (per person if booked by a couple). Its premier plan covers loss of cash up to £350 and its premier plus policy covers loss up to £525. The price of each policy depends on individual circumstances. 

What if there are food or medical shortages? 

Greece's tourist office has stressed that provisions of food and medical supplies in the country are fine, but Constantine Michalos, president of Athens Chamber of Commerce, made headlines by warning that there could soon be “shortages on the shelves” and tourists could be left without “basics”. 

Elena Kountoura, the deputy minister for tourism, responded to this and said: "In reference to certain media reports, we wish to stress out that food and medicine in Greece is absolutely adequate. 

"Via coordinated efforts, we have ensured the uninterrupted flow of funds to overseas suppliers, making sure imports of medical, food and other tourism or tourism-related supplies continue normally. Pharmacies, hospitals, hotels, restaurants and supermarket retailers are adequately stocked. 

"Any reports stating the opposite are unfounded, as they are not reflecting the actual situation on the ground". 

Abta did not think holidaymakers will be affected. Tour operators say they have representatives on the ground in Greece and are monitoring the situation carefully. 

What if there are petrol shortages? 

Holiday Autos, the car hire agent, said that its suppliers have their own fuel reserves on site so if customers are renting a car and are concerned about the fuel situation, they should contact the supplier for advice. 

"Customers will find the relevant contact details for their supplier on their booking paperwork," a spokesman said. "There is also the option for customers to purchase a fuel policy which will provide them with a full tank of fuel when they pick up their car on arrival.” 

Many car hire operators allow customers to select a full tank of petrol when picking up a car.

Not sure your Travel Insurance covers all possibilities?

Check our website HERE

Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors.

Cost Sample-Two days hospitalization for severe food poisoning

Do you have a friend or a family member coming to visit you in Canada?

Cost Sample-Two days hospitalization for severe food poisoning

If "YES", you may want to look for Travel Insurance for them.  "Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors"(1).
Many Canadians are unaware of real medical costs in Canada as publicly funded healthcare system covers essential care for individuals who are enroll in.
The following chart is an example of medical cost(2).
Yes, it is expensive.  If you're a visitor to Canada, total cost will be $8,769(Canada Average).  Even if you're enrolled in Provincial Health Care, you still are responsible for some costs. 
 The choice is yours.  We hope you make a good decision to protect your financial security. 
 Need more information? Contact info@biis.ca
See for visitors plan details: http://www.biis.ca/visitors-to-canada-insurance/


(1) Government of Canada
 http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=424&t=16 
(2) By courtesy of our partner RSA Travel Insurance. Based on the past industry research.
http://www.rsatravelpartners.com/article/2015-06-16/infographic-claims-profile-visitors-canada-edition

Parenting On Holiday, A Few - A Very Few - Handy Tips

Les frites, c’est chic

Despite the abundance of delicious, fresh Mediterranean food, your kids will only have eyes for one local delicacy: chips.

It’ll be a blue Monday. And Tuesday. And Wednesday …

Every day of the holiday you will get an impassioned request for a blue Slush puppy that does not conform to British Safety standards.

Drinking is acceptable when in the confines of a self-catering campsite

Parents everywhere, rejoice. On holiday, nobody bats an eyelid when you have a beer at 9am. And there’s a Kids' Club – yes!

Always feed your child before you get on the plane, even if the food is free

Your child is more likely to recite Homer’s Iliad backwards than eat microwaved chicken chasseur from a plastic tray.

Kids hate foreign food – unless it’s got 1kg of sugar in it

Despite turning down everything because it "tastes funny", they’ll develop a deep and abiding love for inedible Euro biscuits with teddy bear faces on them.

Gif: George of the Jungle / Giphy

When in Rome, don't do as the Romans do

No matter how tempted you are to be more sophisticated and European, for God’s sake don’t let the kids drink espresso. 

And don’t let them try wine, either

Not only because it's illegal, but also because NOBODY TOUCHES MUMMY’S JUICE. 

Gif: Giphy

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice-cream

And that scream will be heard on the every hour, on the hour, usually accompanied by whining, crying and flailing in the pool.

Forget your holiday fantasies and surrender to an overpriced aquapark

You might love the idea of eating fresh anchovies at a charming fishing village in the Languedoc. But instead, you’ll find yourself eating a soggy hot dog at the bottom of a water slide. Accept this.

Why you should Take The Train Instead, Part Two....

Why you should Take The Train, continued....

10. The food is no good

And that's scientifically proven. At high altitudes our taste buds simply don’t work properly. The low humidity dries out our nasal passages, and the air pressure desensitises our taste buds, which is why airlines often opt for salty stews or spicy curries. 

11. Sometimes it's really bad

12. The other passengers will drive you mad

In so many ways. They will listen to music instead of the in-flight safety annoucement. They will forget to fasten their seat belt before take-off, forcing the flight attendant to remind them. They will strike up a conversation when it's quite obvious you would rather read your Flashman novel. They will turn their phone on the moment the plane lands, to see how many 'likes' their latest innane Facebook post has received, then insist of retrieving their bags and standing in the aisle for 10 minutes, waiting for the plane door to open, instead of remaining seated. 

13. You could be sat next to this 

14. Or this 

15. Seats are getting smaller

As our Travel Truths series pointed out last year, airlines are increasingly keen to cram in as many fliers as possible. For example, the normal seating arrangement on a Boeing 777 was once nine seats per row. In 2010, just 15 per cent of the 74 Boeing aircraft delivered to airlines could seat 10 abreast. Last year, that leapt to 69 per cent. 

16. So are toilets

Last year B/E Aerospace, a Florida-based manufacturer of aircraft cabin products, revealed designs for new, smaller bathrooms on Boeing’s 737s - meaning airlines can squeeze in a handful of extra seats. Delta and Qantas are among the first airlines to show interest in the designs. 

17. It's bad for the environment

Perhaps this should be higher up the list. According to one 2010 study, published in the Environmental Science and Technology journal, air travel accounts for more global warming than all the cars on the world's roads. 

18. It's not a train

Train travel is infinitely more relaxing than flying (rush hour commutes excluded). No-one ever fell in love on a plane. Brief Encounter wouldn't have worked if it was set inside the economy class cabin of an easyJet flight to Malia.

19. The airline charges will leave you out of pocket

Several airlines charge for carry-on luggage, budget airlines charge up to £45 for a single item of hold luggage, or £20 per kilo for excess baggage. Then there's boarding card reissue fees, name change fees, fuel surcharges, credit card fees, infant fees... 

20. You'll get dumped miles from your final destination

Imagine the shock for visitors to Germany who book a flight to "Munich West Airport", only to find themselves deposited 67 miles from the bright lights of the Bavarian capital. And it is by no means the only offender - "Oslo-Torp Airport" is 75 miles from Oslo, "Stockholm Skavsta Airport" is 66 miles from Stockholm, and Barcelona Girona is 65 miles from Barcelona. 

Travelling By Train...check our Travel Insurance Rates HERE