We always appreciate it whenever a bona fide money-saving expert recommends gosimply.com (by that, we mean money-saving experts that aren’t biased towards companies that “support” his website) – so we’re over the moon that the guardian.co.uk gave us their royal seal of approval in a recent travel write up.

Don't get ripped off. Book in advance to save a packet on airport parking.

In the recent article, “Where to park and not get taken for a ride”, Marc Lockley, writer of guardian.co.uk’s money-saving column, The Negotiator, recommended to his readers that they “keep checking gosimply.com” to find the best available prices for airport car parking.

Marc also noted that we had the best price for Manchester Airport parking, which was a lovely thing to announce, but won’t be a surprise to our loyal customers.

The savviest travellers know that paying standard gate prices at airport car parks is not the best idea when you’re trying to stay within budget. Pre-booking your parking at the airport will not only be easier on your wallet, but guarantee your space, too. Remember also that the sooner you book, the more you’re likely to save.

We’re dedicated to providing travellers with the very best service on all of the products we offer, so next time you want the cheapest airport parking, be sure to take an expert’s advice and book it in advance with gosimply.com.

Winter wonderland or driving nightmare?

Tweet before you leap

Avoid becoming a statistic. Last year saw thousands of travellers stranded in their cars for hours, and even days. Missing a work day isn’t great, but missing your flight for a well-deserved holiday just sucks. Keep up to date with these tools and you’ll soon be sunning yourself on the beach rather than shivering in the cold.

• Airport Twitter Feeds – Most UK airports have Twitter accounts that they update regularly informing of delays and closures.
• Airport Telephone Numbers – Unsure of airport closures? Give them a ring before you jump in the car.

Pimp your ride before you drive

On a normal day the airport may only be an hours drive away, but snow and ice can turn the simplest of journeys into a living nightmare. With a few of these simple precautions, you can be prepared for almost any situation.

Check your car's credentials before setting off

• Check your engine coolant. Ensure that your vehicle has the right amount of anti-freeze to deal with the dipping temperatures.
• Top up your windscreen fluid. If in doubt a little more windscreen cleaning fluid is better than too little – it’ll stop it freezing.
• Fill up your tank. A full fuel tank is a must – if you get stuck or stranded, the fuel in the tank is all that you have to keep the in-car heaters running.
• Stay snug as a bug in a rug. Pack a blanket and ensure you have warm clothing. It sounds extreme but many that got stuck last year for a day or more wish they had.
• Charge your phone and grab an in-car charger. There’s nothing worse than a low battery when you need it most.
• Pack some snacks and drinks. A stash of flapjacks and some non-alcoholic drinks will see you through until help arrives.
• Snow chains might help. Last year saw a boom in the sales of snow chains in the UK. If you own them or plan to buy some, do you know how to fit them?

It’s as simple as A to B – or is it?

Work out 2 or 3 alternative routes to your destination so that if you do hit a dead end, you already know what alternative options are open to you.

Oh deer!

Road closures and diversions are a common occurrence when the snow arrives. There’s always a good chance that the most direct route may become impassable for one reason or another. Before setting out, quickly check some of the near real-time traffic services to find out which routes are open and where traffic is flowing freely.

• Michelin Traffic News
• Traffic England Updates
• AA Traffic News

Driving on the slippery stuff

Driving in fresh snow isn’t great but it becomes a lot trickier as it compacts, turning to ice. You don’t have to be a world class rally driver, simply follow these simple tips and you’ll stand a better chance of reaching your destination trouble free.

Winter is not the time to drive like Lewis Hamilton

Don’t brake if the car starts sliding. Even if they’re anti-lock. Straighten your wheels then ease off the accelerator, this should help transfer the weight forward and help you to regain traction.

Don’t accelerate if you’re stuck in the snow. An ice patch will form under the tyres making it harder to get out. Try pulling out your floor mats and shove them under your tyres. Rock the car back and forth gently to get your wheels on the mats, then gently accelerate off. You may have other items in the boot that you may be able to use such as a camping blanket.

Don’t tailgate the car ahead in low visibility. Although following the brake lights of the car in front is an attractive idea – it’s a recipe for disaster. Turn on your low beam headlamps and fog lights. Dim interior lights including dashboard instruments if you can as this will help with exterior visibility. Probably the most important thing is if you can’t see the road, pull over. If you can’t see the road ahead or the road signs, it’s too dangerous. You may only need to wait for a short time before being able to resume your journey.

For more tips on driving in winter weather, check out the following websites:-

• AA Winter Driving Advice
• BBC: How to drive in snow and icy weather

Spend a little, save a lot

Protect yourself from financial losses or expensive bills by investing in some decent travel cover. No matter how well prepared you are, there’s no telling how bad the weather may get or how other vehicles around you will react.

Don't get caught out, get covered by the AA - not snow!

Get Breakdown Cover. Most cover and rescue services are well equipped to deal with roadside breakdowns and if things can’t be fixed, depending on the level of cover you have, they’ll even tow you to your destination or back to your home address, even if it is across the other side of the country.

• The AA
• RAC
• Green Flag

Grab your Travel Insurance. A good travel insurance policy is a must as these should cover you if you’re not able to reach the airport because of weather conditions or an accident. When taking out a travel insurance policy, read the small print or ask to make sure that these situations are covered.

Be wary of abandoning your car

If you get stuck in snow just a few miles from home or your destination, you might be tempted to continue your journey on foot. One word of warning – during last years heavy snow, thousands of stranded drivers found themselves with unexpected bills after their vehicles were towed away and put into storage.

And finally…

If you do get stuck in the snow don’t do this!

]]> http://www.gosimply.com/blog/driving-in-winter-is-snow-joke-find-out-why/feed/ 0 http://www.gosimply.com/blog/top-tips-for-winter-sport-holidays-part-4-of-6/ http://www.gosimply.com/blog/top-tips-for-winter-sport-holidays-part-4-of-6/#comments Fri, 12 Nov 2010 10:43:37 +0000 Nick http://www.gosimply.com/blog/?p=3454

This week’s Winter Sports blog looks at safety and what you can do to avoid accidents and any unfavourable situations whilst on the slopes. If you’re a newbie to the piste or want to brush up on your ski etiquette, don’t forget to check out last week’s post on what to do before you hit the ski slopes.

Keep cool in unfavourable situations, be safe and have fun!

From those little niggles to some of the more serious scenarios, here are some more top tips to help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable winter holiday.

1. Prevention is better than cure!

Ski within your means and be aware of other slope users to avoid a painful accident.

2. Skiing can be tiring so take time out

Tiredness and Fatigue are one of the main catalysts of accidents. Don’t wait until you feel tired, take regular rests and grab a bite to eat

Skiing can be a tiring business. Make sure you grab a break now and then

When you’re on the slopes it’s not always obvious when energy levels start to drop. Skiing and snowboarding is an exhausting activity, ensure that you have regular stops to top up on fluids and some sort of energy snack to see you safely through the day.

3. Respect other slope users

You may be on holiday, but that doesn’t mean you should leave your manners at home! Simple as it may sound, ski slopes can be busy places with fast and slow moving traffic. Basically, treat it like a motorway and don’t do silly things that are likely to endanger others.

Treat a Ski slope as you would a Motorway

• Ski within your ability. Adapt the manner and speed of your skiing to your ability and to the general conditions on the mountain. Not doing so is one of the quickest ways to an accident and injury.
• Skiers and snowboarders in front have priority. Make sure you leave enough space.
• Leave plenty of space when overtaking a slower skier/snowboarder. If they suddenly turn or stop, you’ll still have space to manoeuvre.
• If merging into a marked run, treat it like a road. Look up and down the mountain before entering to get an idea of what’s happening around you.
• If you need to stop, stop at piste’s edge. You’re less likely to be in the way and more likely to be avoided by other skiers and snowboarders.
• Take note of piste signs and markers. Like any road network, pistes have signs and markings that should be obeyed. They are there for your safety and the safety of other people on the slope.

4. Tips for Skiing or Snowboarding off-piste

Off-piste areas are NOT protected from alpine dangers, so extra care must be taken!

Be mindful of avalanche warnings when skiing off-piste

• Check that your insurance covers off-piste activities
• Look for signs around the ski area which will warn you when avalanche danger is present.
• Even when there is no warning of avalanches, there could be local snow slides.
• Unless you know an area well, only ski/board off-piste with a guide (in the USA, skiing/boarding “out of bounds” without a guide can lead to confiscation of your lift pass).
• If in doubt, stay away and stick to the main piste slopes.

5. What to do if there is an accident

The recognised sign for a piste accident is a pair of crossed skis or a snowboard planted in the snow at least 5 metres above the accident area. If necessary, post someone up the hill to give warning to others and prevent anyone from colliding and causing more damage.

Would you know how to administer first aid, like these guys?

A little bit of First Aid goes a long way
This is where a St John’s First Aid course would come in handy. If the accident is of a more serious nature use these rules to aid the injured:

• Circulation – check for a pulse
• Check that the person’s airway is clear and they are breathing
• Assess the general condition of the casualty
• Do not move them if the injury is obviously back, neck or head-related
• Try to stop any serious bleeding by covering the wound and applying firm pressure
• Provide warmth, but give nothing to eat or drink, especially alcohol
• Do not offer painkillers if you have them

If required, contact the rescue services A.S.A.P
In the event of a more serious accident it’s important to stay calm and contact the rescue services giving clear details of:

• Place of accident (piste name and nearest piste marker)
• Number of people injured
• Type of injury

Ultimately, the safety and well-being of the injured person is your priority, but if you’re able to collect these additional pieces of information it will help if there is police involvement:

• Names and addresses of people involved and of witnesses
• Place, time and circumstances of accident
• Terrain, snow conditions and visibility
• Markings and signs

By following these few simple rules, you’ll hopefully stay safe on the slopes, and if you do come across an accident, you should be able to offer some help.

6. Get the right level of Travel Insurance cover

Accidents do happen. Don’t get caught out with expensive medical bills, make sure your travel insurance caters for your Winter Sports activities.

Be prepared, don't get lumbered with hospital charges

We’ve said it before, but we’re going to say it again. Getting adequate winter sports travel insurance is probably the single most important thing to have in place. For little more than the cost of a nice meal, good insurance cover will not only help with inconvenient issues like stolen or broken equipment; it could also be a life-saver, ensuring that you get prompt and adequate medical treatment without delay, if needed.

Next week…

Join us for the penultimate post in this series where we’ll be looking at apres-ski activities around the resort and sharing some fun pastimes that will provide fun for kids, couples, groups and families.

See you next week!

Last week, we spoke about the different types of ski resorts and accommodation. This week we’ll look at some of the things you should find out and do when you arrive at the resort  before hitting the slopes.

Unwind and relax before hitting the slopes

Although every resort is different, there are some basic rules that will ensure your well-being and safety during your stay.

On arrival at the resort

Explore and familiarise yourself with the resort

Familiarise yourself with your surroundings

Take time to find out where everything is, from bars and restaurants, to some of the more important facilities and landmarks. Being familiar with your surroundings and knowing where everything is from the outset can save time and stress during your stay.

Find the nearest Pharmacy & Chemists

From headaches to hypothermia…be prepared!

From a simple headache to emergency medication and treatment – trying to find the nearest chemist or pharmacy in an unfamiliar place isn’t fun when someone’s in pain or distress.

Make time to locate the nearest pharmacy to your accommodation and ensure that at least several others in your group also know where it is, including the quickest way to get there. If the resort has more than one pharmacy, it may be worth locating the other as a back-up plan.

Arrange a meeting point

Lost someone? Hopefully not for long.

Before heading out to the slopes, it’s definitely worth getting the group around a piste map to identify and agree pre-arranged meeting points. These are invaluable if someone gets separated from the group and prevents the need for everyone to head out in different directions to find them.

Check Your Equipment

Do you have it and does it work? Check all your equipment boots and goggles to tissues and antiseptic hand wash.

Check you have all your equipment with you

A pre-ski check list is always a good idea to ensure that you have everything to hand that you may need. In true Blue Peter style, here’s one we prepared earlier:

• Spare ski socks
• Suntan cream
• Lip balm / protector
• Sunglasses
• Mobile phone
• Handy packs of tissues
• Small bottle of antiseptic hand wash
• Bottled water or other drink (not alcohol)
• Chocolate bar or other high-energy snacks
• Small emergency first aid kit with plasters and bandages
• Piste map
• Goggle and sunglasses cleaner
• A reliable watch or clock of some description

Grab Two Piste Maps

Know where you are, and take a back-up map in case one blows away!

Ski resorts usually have an extensive network of ski runs that cover miles and miles. If you get separated from a group or the weather closes in, a Piste Map can help you to regain your bearings and find your way back to a pre-specified rendezvous point.

Check the Weather and Piste Conditions

Know what’s best come snow or shine!

Weather can be a big problem when skiing. A gloriously bright, sunny warm day with perfect visibility can turn into a white-out in minutes. It’s important to check the weather in advance of setting out to get an idea of what to expect and when the conditions are likely to change. This enables you to better plan your day and stay safe.

Roger that!

For a happy and care free winter holiday communication is key!

Keeping in contact with your skiing group is extremely important

Communication is essential for any group or party heading out to the slopes, not just in terms of having a mobile phone but having all the necessary contact numbers and staying in touch with each other throughout the day. Each member of the group should have the name and phone numbers of:

• Each group member
• Emergency services
• Ski and mountain rescue
• Hotel, chalet or apartment, if it has one
• Local doctor’s surgery or hospital

In addition to having the numbers, it’s important that each person communicates their intentions with the rest of the group. If someone gets tired or isn’t feeling well and wants to go back to the apartment or hotel, they should text or call other group members to let them know.

Next week we’re on the piste!

That about wraps it up for this week. Join us next week where we’ll show you how to be safe on the piste whether you’re a skiier or snowboarder, and what can be done if things go awry on the slopes. ]]> http://www.gosimply.com/blog/top-tips-for-winter-holidays-and-ski-insurance-part-3-of-6/feed/ 0 http://www.gosimply.com/blog/top-tips-for-winter-holidays-and-ski-insurance-2-of-6/ http://www.gosimply.com/blog/top-tips-for-winter-holidays-and-ski-insurance-2-of-6/#comments Fri, 29 Oct 2010 09:52:47 +0000 Nick http://www.gosimply.com/blog/?p=3413

Last week, Part 1 of our winter sports series, we spoke about money saving tips and winter sports planning. This week, we take a look at some of the accommodation options and popular destinations.

Choose a resort best suited to you (Image by Rennet Stowe)

There is huge diversity in the different types of ski resorts, while some lay on a well balanced portfolio for all abilities, other resorts lean towards a particular market including intermediate, advanced or powder skiers (we mention these later on). For starters, here’s a quick run-down of the holiday durations available.

The Weekend Ski Break

Perfect for those who just want to give it a go.

Weekend ski breaks can be hectic to say the least, but they are the perfect answer for those that aren’t yet ready to commit to a longer holiday on the snowy peaks. Typically, prices start at £199 for coach packages with weekend flight packages available from £300.

Longer duration Ski Holidays

When any other holiday just isn’t an option.

Although some are happy to stay in one place for the entire duration of their ski break, one alternative for longer duration ski holidays is to spend half your stay in one resort before transferring to another, giving a wider variety of slopes. This plan also offers more options for shopping and après-ski, if those are an important part of your holiday.

Ski Accommodation

There is an unsurprisingly vast range of accommodation offered by ski resorts. Of course, the actual location of your hotel or apartment – both in terms of the resort you choose and its proximity to ski lifts and other facilities, may be more important to you than the type of accommodation you choose.

Apartment or Chalet? There's a few different types of accomodation to choose from

Apartments

Just the Basics – Clean and Comfy

Apartments often offer the best value, with self-catering apartments offering accommodation for groups of 2 to 12 people. In the US, this sort of ski accommodation is often referred to as ‘condominiums’ or ‘condos’. Many apartments are purpose-built close to the ski slopes, so offer maximum convenience.

Chalets

The Picture Postcard Snow-covered Chalet

Strangely enough, chalets are largely a British phenomenon and are generally run by Brits across the Alps, particularly in Switzerland, Austria and France.

Chalets generally provide a full-board experience with three good meals a day, plus high tea when the lifts close, and often with local beers and wines on offer. Staff usually get a day off each week, when you will need to plan a meal out.

Up-market chalets often provide a greater level of comfort and facilities that may include hot tubs, steam rooms, games rooms, private ski guides and tours.

Hotels

From Bed and Breakfast to 5 Star Luxury

Hotels usually offer a variety of stay options from bed and breakfast to half or full board. As with any hotel, ski hotels usually work on a star rating basis from zero to five-star. In France, the highest rating is four-star.

• Basic ski hotels are commonly offered by British tour operators in most mid-range resorts in the Alps and the Pyrenees and are ideal if you are on a budget.
• If budget isn’t an issue, there are some serious high-end ski hotels that provide everything you could possibly need, including swimming pools, gyms and health spas.
• As a compromise, traditional hotels may not be as convenient for slope access as many of the apartments and chalets, so it’s always worth investigating this if access to the slopes is a top priority.
• Also, look out for variants on the standard hotel, including Chalet and Club Hotels, which are run to a chalet style, and ApartHotels, which are apartment complexes with optional hotel facilities and services.

Match a Resort to Your Ability

As with any type of holiday, it’s all about location, location, location. Depending on what you’re looking for in the perfect winter break, you can guarantee that there will be a resort that offers everything you desire. Here are just a few of the ‘closer to home’ possibilities that might be worth checking out.

For the Beginner

Nice and easy!

Choose the right resort for your budding little skier

1. Les Arcs | France

Les Arcs has nursery slopes directly above each of the resort’s main villages, of which Arc 1800 has the most variety. It also has a free beginner’s lift, plus a good range of more advanced slopes as you progress. The best ski school is the award winning Brit-run New Generation in Vallandry. Their friendly instructors will instil confidence in the most timid of beginners.

2. Soldeu | Andorra

One of Europe’s best beginner resorts, Soldeu has two extensive nursery areas and excellent ski instructors who are native English speakers. When you progress, there’s also a good range of slightly harder runs. The weather is usually good (Soldeu translates as ‘Sun God’), the nightlife is pretty messy and, of course, Andorra is a duty-free zone so it’s cheap.

Intermediate Skiers

Ready and raring to go

Woah, that guy over there is busting out some crazy moves!

1. Chamonix | France

Avid skiers, snowboarders, and partiers flock to this popular resort, and they are not disappointed. The scenic Chamonix Valley is nestled among some of the highest mountain peaks in the Alps, including the famous Mont Blanc massif.

There are 145 trails weaving throughout the area, adding up to 140 kilometers (87.5 miles). The favorite runs in the area are Le Brevent, Vallée-Blanche, and the Grands Montets. Chamonix is known for its fantastic off-trail skiing and snowboarding opportunities, as well. Including the off-trail slopes, the area offers up to 30,000 acres of skiable terrain.

2. La Plagne | France

La Plagne is a great resort for intermediates, particularly now that the link to Les Arcs gives you more options for day tours.

As many of the connecting runs are scenic blues, even early intermediates can explore most of the mountains, but there is enough challenging and varied terrain to keep stronger skiers entertained; the wide expanse and different expositions guarantee a good sense of travelling through the mountains. The slopes of La Grande Rochette offer some of the most challenging intermediate skiing, though all the reds off the back of Les Verdons are great, particularly the wonderfully long Mont de la Guerre.

Advanced Skiers

Are you brave enough?

Are you brave enough to do this!? Check out advanced skier resorts

1. St. Anton | Austria

With intense terrain to satisfy the more experienced skier, St. Anton attracts extreme skiers looking for the ultimate challenge. Only the most advanced skiers should attempt Valluga’s notoriously difficult north face. After the breathtaking and terrifying descent, you will discover beautiful powder slopes as you head towards Zürs. As well as the 276km of groomed piste, skiers in St. Anton can enjoy miles of off-piste.

2. Verbier | Switzerland

Verbier is considered by many to be the home of extreme skiing and hosts several competitions each year, bringing in the best Big Mountain skiers in Europe. With short hikes from the cable cars you can get to legendary runs like Stairway to Heaven or Rock Garden. A tour over the back side of Mont Fort will really get the adrenaline flowing. From the top of Mont Fort you can also see the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, so be sure to take a camera.

As you can imagine, there are thousands of ski resorts all around the world including New Zealand, China, Japan, Argentina, India and, of course,  the US, Canada and Europe.

To end Part 2 of our 6-part series on everything to do with winter sports, winter holidays and travel, here is possibly one of the most remarkable ski destinations anywhere in the world.

Strange but True!

Is that a Mirage in the Desert?

It may be boiling outside, but it's nice and chilly in here! (Image by Doudlers)

Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. This amazing construction covers a massive 22,500 square meters, is open all year round and covered with real snow.

Ski Dubai has 5 runs that vary in difficulty, height and steepness. The longest run is 400 meters, with a fall of over 60 meters, making it the world’s first indoor black run. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels can enjoy the variety of slopes and practice stunts on the 90-metre long quarter pipe. There is also an interactive Snow Park for children and families, which is the largest indoor snow park in the world, covering over 3000 square meters.

In Part 3 of our Winter Sport Holiday series, we’ll look at what to do before you hit the ski slopes alongside some useful advice for when you arrive at your resort. ]]> http://www.gosimply.com/blog/top-tips-for-winter-holidays-and-ski-insurance-2-of-6/feed/ 0 http://www.gosimply.com/blog/top-tips-for-winter-holidays-and-ski-insurance-1-of-6/ http://www.gosimply.com/blog/top-tips-for-winter-holidays-and-ski-insurance-1-of-6/#comments Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:02:01 +0000 Nick http://www.gosimply.com/blog/?p=3361

Whether you’re a skier, boarder or après-ski enthusiast over the next 6 weeks, gosimply.com will be posting a series of hints and tips to help you save money and get the most out of this years winter holiday season.

Make the most of this year's Winter Sports Season

As with any journey or for that matter, almost anything in life – planning is the key. As the famous quote goes, “Fail to plan, then plan to fail”. With that in mind, we kick off Part 1 of our winter holiday and sports travel advice series with these top tips before your flight:

1. Practice Makes Perfect

Get the frustration of learning something new or brushing up on existing skills out of the way on a dry slope before you go.

Practice makes perfect! Lessons and exercise will help you get more from your ski holiday

Learning anything new can be very frustrating. If you’ve never skied or snowboarded before you’ll hardly want to spend half of your well-earned holiday frustrated and angry, while everyone else whizzes past you with apparent ease.

There are two things you can do right now to get a head start:

1. Grab some lessons. Get at least 6 dry ski slope lessons in before you head off for the real white stuff. It may add to the overall cost, but in the long run it will be worth it. It’s technically more difficult to ski on a dry slope than the real thing, although it is much slower. Learn the correct techniques on plastic before you go, and your experience on snow will be far more enjoyable.
2. Build legs like Linford Christie. Okay, so it may be a long shot, but exercising before your holiday will prepare you for the constant battering your legs will likely receive.

2. The Right Tools For The Job

If you’re a newbie, pop into a ski shop to familiarise yourself with the equipment and how it should feel. Take your time when trying on or testing equipment.

Know your shoe size, don't act it!

Equipment is personal. What is perfect for someone else may not be perfect for you. We’ve all done it: bought those much wanted must-have shoes that are half a size smaller than you would normally wear, thinking, “They’ll soon stretch”. Our advice would be to take your time when trying on the various makes and sizes of boots.

• Boots. You’ll need a pair of ski boots that will not only fit you like a glove, but will be comfortable for long periods and be able to keep with the shape of your feet as they expand and contract throughout the day. As with almost all shoe and clothing sizes, the actual size can vary between manufacturers, so a size 9 made by one brand may match a 9 and a half of another. Options available for the ultimate in comfort and control include gel and custom made boot inserts, but these come at additional cost to the standard boot.
• Socks. Make sure you buy the best socks you can afford. This is one way to improve comfort and ensure your feet are well placed in the shoe. Always pack several sets of ski socks and thermals so that you can swap while others are being washed and dried.
• Sunglasses and Goggles. Buy the right level of protection for your eyes. You’ll get alot of reflection and glare on a snowy mountain which can lead to snow blindness.
• Sun tan lotion. It’s easily overlooked, but you will get sunburnt without it. Buy a high factor cream and lip balm to protect you from the sun’s rays. The high altitude will mean the atmosphere is thinner and you’ll be susceptible to the more damaging rays.
• Clothing. Thermals and undergarments are an essential part of the kit – helping to keep you warm, whilst letting your skin “breathe”. Although things can get very hot at times, you also have to be prepared for periods of inactivity if the weather closes in resulting in a near white out, or if you find yourself unlucky enough to be suspended on a ski lift during a break down. One of the top brands are Icebreakers.

3. Carry Essentials & Know Your Limits

Make sure you take a back pack or other hold-all with you, so you can take a drink and some energy bars whilst on the slopes. Tiredness and fatigue can creep up suddenly, so be prepared.

You needn't pack as well as these guys, but some essentials help!

More than somewhere to carry your MP3 player and mobile phone, a back pack makes good sense. Use a backpack to carry an emergency supply of snacks and drinks, they could be a life saver. Skiing and snowboarding is hard work; hydration and energy levels can drop quickly, meaning that tiredness can creep up too.  A tired skier or boarder is more likely to make mistakes that could result in accident or injury.

4. Keep Photos And Video Safe

Damaged or stolen camera equipment can be easily replaced, the photos and video taken cannot. Make back-up copies or store online for safety every day.

Never point your camera at the sun, especially if it's this big!

Firstly, ensure that cameras and video equipment work before you travel, and that batteries are still holding their charge well. You don’t want to arrive having to make a trip for a new camera or battery as the first thing you do.

When away, if you have access to the internet, send yourself images via email or upload to a photo storage site such as Flickr. Your photos will then be safe and retrievable if your camera gets lost or damaged at any point. Video can also be backed up or stored online for safety.  Camera equipment can be easily replaced, the photos and video you’ve taken on your travels cannot be.

5. Adequate Winter Sports Insurance

Something that we probably wish we could do without, but will be hugely grateful for if it’s needed in an emergency.

Where'd my gloves go? Get the right equipment cover for loss and theft

Obtaining the correct Winter sports travel insurance is essential. Skiing and snowboarding is obviously a time to have fun, but accidents and mishaps do happen. Insurance policies can vary widely, so make sure you check the small print,  if something feels too cheap – question it! The cheapest ski insurance, isn’t necessarily the best. The average insurance policy comes out at around £25 a week.

Everyone is different, so make sure the insurance is customised to you. You will often get companies offering a “blanket cover” – based on some assumptions and averages. Although these might look attractive, you may be paying for cover that you don’t need (i.e. ice skating) or won’t cover what you want to do (heli-skiing). Your winter destination will also affect the cover required, breaking a leg in Switzerland can make your wallet £25,000 lighter, while the cost of flying you back from the USA with the same injury would be £70,000!

All being said, make sure you at least compare and look out for the following options:-

• No snow. It’s snow joke. In this instance, the grass should not be greener on the other side, so make sure you are covered if the worst happens.
• Piste closure. White-outs, avalanches and rain. It’s natures way of having the last laugh – but if you’re covered and compensated by your insurance policy, it might be you laughing louder.
• Equipment. Make sure your policy covers any hired equipment, or if you are taking your own skiis or board, ensure it covers loss and damage whilst in transit as well as on the slopes.

So here ends Part 1 of 6. Next week, in Part 2 of our winter holiday tips we’ll be exploring some ski resorts, giving the low down on some of the top destinations, whatever the budget. ]]> http://www.gosimply.com/blog/top-tips-for-winter-holidays-and-ski-insurance-1-of-6/feed/ 0 http://www.gosimply.com/blog/beat-airport-cancellation-stress-%e2%80%93-top-10-ideas/ http://www.gosimply.com/blog/beat-airport-cancellation-stress-%e2%80%93-top-10-ideas/#comments Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:00:23 +0000 Nick http://www.gosimply.com/blog/?p=3288 If you have ever been one of the millions stuck in an airport, you know how frustrating the wait can be and with the looming threat of more industrial action, this time by BAA staff looking to threaten millions of passengers travel arrangements in August, you might be wondering how to beat the stress.

This guide gives you 10 things for you and your family to help beat the stress!

1. Take out travel insurance before you fly. Many insurance plans cover you in the case of cancelled flights, but always read the small print and know your rights before you take it out.
2. Check your flight status BEFORE you leave for the airport. If it’s cancelled, you have already saved yourself the stress! There are plenty of online flight monitors that work in real time and teletext still works!
3. Check your flight status when you arrive and crucially, BEFORE you go through security. If it is cancelled before you go through, go and check with the airline desk when you are likely to be able to board the next flight.
4. Leave plenty of time to check in and get through security. Most airports are now suggesting a 3 hour advanced arrival for flights.
5. Use your hand luggage to pack things that will keep you busy – Bring a charged iPod or iPhone, handheld computer console. Bring a paperback book you’ve been meaning to read and ensure you have a colouring book and small pencils for the little children.
6. Make sure you have added several websites to your phone bookmarks before you set off. For example, if you are flying out of Gatwick, make sure you have a local taxi firm on your bookmarks and a list of Gatwick hotels, just in case you have to wait for an extended time. You can also add the BBC news site, your airlines contact details and their homepage to ensure you have all of the information should a problem arise.
7. Drink plenty of liquids. Don’t take any through the security with you, but ensure you have enough coins to buy water and fruit juice drinks when you are waiting. Avoid coffee and tea, it will heighten your stress levels and dehydrate you.
8. Don’t forget the internet. Most airports have wireless internet available, sometimes free, especially if you already have a mobile phone contract. Check out what you can get from your phone provider before setting off and make sure you have a credit card handy to get online at the airport lounges. This expense can sometimes be refunded if you are facing a cancellation and you can prove you needed the internet to contact loved ones, research hotels or find alternative flight.
9. Play the airport game with your children. Give them a piece of paper and a pen to write down all of the different airlines they can see through the airport lounges and award a small prize for whoever finds the most. Play Airport Snooker with them, can they find a plane with red on it and then a plane with yellow and then green and so on. It’ll keep them amused for hours.
10. Get back to the main terminal for shops and restaurants. Don’t forget this one; it is easily overlooked when you are cooped up in a lounge waiting for a flight. You do have the right to go back in to the terminal, just check with the security people the way you came in, there is usually a way to get back out. Be warned however, you will need to come back through security again so make sure you leave enough time once your flight is announced again.

Summer Travel Chaos at UK Airports

If the proposal for strike action is agreed, then we could see major disruption to flights around the BAA owned airports such as Heathrow and Glasgow to name but two. If you add in the threat of more industrial action by British Airways cabin crew, our summer getaways could be thrown in to chaos.

So what’s the solution? For some, there is no solution, for those who still have a choice, it would appear you need to fly from Gatwick and avoid British Airways. Some of the Gatwick airport hotels are much nicer than the Heathrow ones, including the Gatwick Hilton and some of the airport services seem to be much better these days too, so its not like you don’t have a valid alternative to Heathrow, even if it is a little further away from home. Even then, the Gatwick Express that runs from Victoria has you there in less than 15 minutes from central London.

It probably won’t be as simple as changing airport, as others hurry to snap up flights on alternative operators going out of alternative airports not owned by BAA. The congestion and pressure on airline seats inevitably mean more chaos as a result, even if you are proactive about it now.

Simply put, we need the government to step in and sort this constant mess out. Year after year we see the same problems arise and yet our government sits by idle, too busy collecting the cash off the increased duty on airplane fuel to do anything about it.

We could just vote with our feet and stay at home, but then we’d just moan about the British weather, right?

BBC News reports that the magazine checked prices for 7 days’ parking at major airports across the UK, and found that there were big differences in cost depending on the location.  For example, Which? found that the most expensive parking option was Heathrow’s Business Parking at £88.70, and the cheapest was Manchester Airport’s “park-and-ride” at £19.84.

Now that’s a huge difference, indeed.  Of course, not all car parks are created equal and you’ll find different levels of service offered, which also affects price.  So perhaps it’s not entirely fair to compare apples to oranges.

You also might find that you get what you pay for when you’re looking for cheap airport parking.  Sure, Farmer Giles is offering you a space for £5.00 less than an “official” car park, but the thing is, you might be leaving your vehicle in the middle of an alfalfa field with cow security guards.  (For the record, gosimply.com offer only reputable airport car parking services, and we are not affiliated with Farmer Giles or his bovine friends.)

The cheapest airport parking deals can be found with gosimply.com

Prices for Liverpool, Bristol and Belfast International were also quoted, but there may be a slight problem…

The news report doesn’t mention what dates or times were surveyed, and as anyone who regularly uses airport parking knows, prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year you need to park.

Let’s look at Manchester Airport parking, for example.  Which?’s survey found that the cheapest price was £19.84, but when you conduct a search for 7 days’ parking (7-13 June) on gosimply.com you’ll see there are two options that cost less at the time of this writing.

The survey also showed that Belfast International had deals on off-site parking that started at £21.00, but a quick search with us reveals an option for £18.00.

The bottom line is, it’s best to check all the facts before you book your airport parking.  The best way to do that is by comparing prices at all of the best car parks, using a website that is unbiased, lets you read legitimate customer reviews, and actually compares several different sellers.  A “one-stop shop”, if you will, where you know you’ll find the best deal on airport parking without having to check anywhere else on the web.

Now how convenient is this?:  You’re already here. 

The UK’s number one domestic airline have recently announced that they’re increasing the number of seats on selected flights during the disruption that’s sure to result from the upcoming industrial action planned by BA workers.

Flybe.com might be able to help you avoid scenes like this

Specifically, the routes that will benefit from the increased availability are London Gatwick to and from Aberdeen, Jersey, Newcastle and Dusseldorf.  Flybe.com have also made more seats available to purchase from Southampton, Birmingham and Manchester Airports to a range of destinations (including Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt) to try and help customers who might otherwise fly from Heathrow or Gatwick.

So, head over to Flybe.com if you’re looking to fly any time during the planned walkouts (between 18 May and 9 June) and see if they can help you out.

And once you’ve got that flight booked, visit us here at gosimply.com to get the cheapest airport parking online.  You’ll be glad you did!