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Things You Need to Know About Future Travel to the UK & Europe

Europe, United Kingdom - Ross French - February 10, 2021

Travel to the UK

There have been some big changes in Europe and the UK recently. If you happen to live anywhere on that continent, you will know exactly what we’re talking about. But for everyone else, here’s a quick catch up, in case you missed the news.

As of January 2021, the UK is officially no longer part of the European Union or EU. You might have heard the term ‘Brexit’ being thrown around, as in ‘Britain’s Exit’ from the EU. Not Europe – the UK is still geographically part of the European continent. But politically, it has left a union made up of 26 other nations.

This change in the relationship between the UK and this big gang of other European nations has all sorts of practical implications for people wanting to travel, work and do business between Britain and the EU – some big, some minor. Mostly, these changes affect British and EU citizens. But there are also a few knock-on effects worth raising for anyone from the rest of the world planning on doing any traveling around Europe (post-COVID pandemic, of course).

From a traveler’s point of view, one of the great things about the EU is the relaxed or open borders that exist between member states. So if you land in, say, France, you have complete freedom to go explore Spain, Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic and every other EU country without being stopped and quizzed at every border.

This is particularly beneficial if you are planning to hang around in Europe long enough to need a visa – especially if you plan to work while you are there – or if you happen to be from a country that requires a visa to enter the EU full stop. It’s a case of presenting all of your paperwork once on entry, and that’s it. No more long waits to have your credentials checked as you move from country to country.

Now, it should be pointed out that the UK never signed up to the full ‘open borders’ policy, known as the Schengen Area, that the other 26 states agreed to. That means you’ve always had to go through border control traveling back and forth between the UK and the rest of the EU.

But even so, because of the shared visa arrangements, it was very easy (and common) to use the UK as a hub for some long-term travel across the rest of Europe. That is still going to be possible, of course. But there are likely to be added complications.

New visa rules

We’re still in the early stages of what travel to a non-EU Britain looks like (and no one is doing much traveling right now, anyway). But the UK will start to roll out its own visa rules and arrangements at some point and you will need to be up to speed with both to travel between the UK and Europe.

For example, from 2022 the EU is launching a paid-for electronic entry authorization system similar to the ESTA in the United States. This will not grant you permission to travel to the UK. Another important change for long-term travelers is that an EU work visa will not give you the right to pick up a job in the UK. You might have to think more carefully about where you want to base yourself for the majority of the trip.

Other possible changes are to things like travel insurance. Instead of buying a single policy for travel anywhere in Europe, you might find certain providers start to make exemptions and require you to purchase UK-only policies if you want to head there.

This is because the EU, for example, has very clear and consumer-friendly rules on things like flight and package holiday refunds that no longer apply to UK companies, which changes the game for insurance companies in terms of paying out for cancellations.

Given the risk of having your travel plans trashed by COVID-19 lockdowns and ever-changing rules from one place to the next, it’s definitely a good idea to get the right type of cancellation cover wherever you are traveling to.

To find out more, visit Avanti Travel Insurance.

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6 Super Ideas for a Pet Friendly Holiday

Travel Tips - Ross French - September 28, 2017

Holiday

Cornwall, UK

Cornwall is a country that is located on the stunning Southwest coast of England and it is known for being very pet-friendly. You and your dog can travel along the South West Path that goes along the cliffs above the beaches and towns and has trails that take you down into the villages or through forests.

Many of the pubs, cafes, and restaurants will also allow you and your pet. There are many campgrounds, hotels, and other affordable options that are also quite pet-friendly.

Relax in Umbria’s Countryside

Umbria is a region in Italy known as “the green heart” and it is famous for its medieval towns, exquisite cuisine and tasty wines. In terms of accommodation, the best option is probably to stay in a dog-friendly villa, and there are plenty in Umbria.

Perugia is a pretty dog friendly place and there are several cafes, wine shops and even bars that allow them. Assisi has places that you can visit with your dog. The Abbey of Monte Casino is a rock terrain hilltop sanctuary where dogs are not allowed inside but the natural surroundings of the sanctuary are dog friendly.

You can take your dog anywhere in the town of Assisi including the Basilica of San Francesco. Don’t forget if you’re planning on taking your dog abroad that your four-legged friend needs to have a pet insurance policy which covers travel, the correct vaccinations and an up-to-date pet passport.

Explore the Channel Islands

The Channel Islands are comprised of five islands: Jersey, Guernsey, Sark, Herm and Alderney. There are dog friendly beaches and accommodations available so that your dog can be a part of your vacation. These islands are a walker’s paradise and there are many sandy beaches or open fields for your dog to play.

Trek In Yorkshire

Yorkshire is a pet friendly county in northern England that is filled with amazing scenery, small villages and it is filled with historical sites. You can take your dog to the Yorkshire Dales National Park on a leash as you explore the lush green meadows, plunging valleys, Viking heritage sites, Roman ruins, historic family estates and fortifications. There are plenty of accommodations that are pet friendly and you can easily rent cottages and villas with your pet.

Go on a Canal Journey

Canal Boating is a great way to travel with your dog and you can easily find boat rentals that allow pets. There are three thousand miles of waterways to explore in England. You could start in Cambridgeshire on the River Cam and then branch off into the smaller canals.

You can stop in historic towns like Bath, Avon or anywhere else that you can tie your boat up to. The boats come equipped with toilets, showers, sleeping cabins and you can even get kitchens on some of them.

Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Aberdeenshire, Scotland is the home of Castle Trail where there are plenty of pet friendly castles to visit. If you do not have your own vehicle you can rent a car and easily follow the trail which is about 500km long. You can also find lots of accommodation and restaurants that are pet friendly.

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Top Honeymoon Destinations for Couples on a Budget

Travel Blog - Ross French - April 26, 2017

Wedding is one big affair which also tends to be very expensive. Right from invitation cards to the honeymoon, there is not one single thing that doesn’t require spending good money on it. And if you are being honest, most people usually take huge loans and are indebted for most of their early married lives just because they wanted a grand wedding. Statistics show that on an average, a UK wedding including honeymoon costs somewhere around £24000 which is really high and may not be affordable for everyone. But just because everything is so costly, it does not mean that you cannot have a great honeymoon in your budget. All that is needed is a little research to make this miracle happen. Of course, you may not be able to book a private yacht or a private jet but in comparison to these amazing places, such luxurious things will definitely seem miniscule.

Here are some of the places you can visit which will be very cheap:

1. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, the capital city of Czech Republic, has a history of survival and was for too long overshadowed by the flashy cities of the west. But today, it stands for its glory and is one of the most affordable tourist destinations in Europe.There is no admission fee for top attractions like Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. The hotel pricing is very nominal when compared to other hotel in Europe providing similar services. The places to visit include Old Town Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, National Theatre, Jewish Quarter and the St. Nicholas Church.

2. Bali, Indonesia

The island of Bali in Indonesia is famous for its clean waters and forested volcanic mountains. Coral reefs here harbour 500 different species of corals that are involved in reef building. Diving and snorkelling experiences at Bali are one of a kind. Places to visit in Bali include Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, Bali Bird Park and Bali Safari and Marine Park. Puru Bratan is a very scenic water temple here and has geographic importance as the water temples here serve the irrigation requirements of the region in which they are located.

3. Cotswolds, UK

If you are on a very tight budget and cannot afford flying abroad, don’t you worry. There are plenty of places within the UK that you can visit for a great honeymoon. Cotswolds is one such place. It is quiet and serene, a typical English countryside painted in hues of green, gold and amber. The climate is mild making it a good place for exploration trips. You can also visit local markets and enjoy homemade cakes as these are the specialty of this region. You can book tickets via nationalexpress.com and save more on travelling through discount vouchers.

4. Mauritius

Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius has a mountainous interior surrounded by beaches, lagoons and reefs making it a dream haven. There won’t be a single boring day thanks to the amazing rainforests, hiking paths, various waterfalls and the flora and fauna of this region. Grand Baie, a northern village, is famous for snorkelling and game fishing. Surfing and coral diving are also popular attractions amongst the tourists. Or you can just get lost in the serenity of the beaches with your special someone.

5. Cape town, South Africa

The city of Cape Town boasts a spectacular view as it has the backing of the famous Table Mountains. While reaching Cape Town can be a little costly, honeymooning there is relatively cheaper. There are multiple places to visit in Africa and it will be better to decide your own itinerary rather than taking a pre-decided package as it will give to time to explore better and will be infinitely cheaper. Things to do include visiting beaches and fishing villages as well as trekking across the mountainous regions and exploring the hidden places. Points of interest include Table Mountains, Cape Point, Table Mountain National Park, Helderberg, Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope amongst others.

6. Florence, Italy

For any art lover, this city is heaven. Florence is home to renaissance art and architecture that saw it flourishing in the days of Leonardo da Vinci and Michel Angelo. You can spend days admiring the amazing architecture of Florence, roam around the streets or spend time in its famous galleries. Galleria Degli Uffizi is one of the most prominent galleries housing Greek sculptures and Venetian paintings and many other collections. The rich history and culture of this city make it a perfect destination to visit with your spouse. Bell tower, Giardino Delle Rose, Piazzale Michelangelo are some places you must definitely visit. This city is also home to Gelato, the famous ice-cream and you must enjoy it right there.

Money does not make a great trip. It is the people we travel with that make great memories. These places let you enjoy the nature at the cheapest rates possible. Honeymoon is one of the most important phases of a married life as it gives two people time to know each other and a great honeymoon will go a long way in ensuring that. After all, as they say, well begun is half done. Go out and get the best for you and your partner without fussing over money. Wishing you a happy honeymoon.?

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Some of the Great Horse Racing Festivals in the UK

Destinations, Europe, Travel Blog, Travel Tips - Ross French - April 23, 2017

Thousands of horse racing events take place in UK every year. Some of them are, however, more important than others. Here are a few of the best and biggest racing festivals in UK. Continue Reading

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Going to Bedfordshire

Travel Blog - Ross French - June 22, 2016

Bedfordshire

At the point when going to Bedfordshire, UK, there are numerous fun spots to visit and things to do in the region. The accompanying are five suggestions for things to do on a weekend outing to Bedfordshire.

Woburn Safari Park in Woburn highlights 300 sections of land of lovely parkland where guests can experience more than 80 types of creatures including bears, lions and tigers. A day at the Woburn Safari Park incorporates boundless excursions through the Road Safari drive-through creature stores and every day programs of keeper talks, as well as a series of demonstrations.

The Stondon Transport Museum in Henlow contains a captivating accumulation of memorable vehicles and cutting edge works of art. The gallery has more than 380 displays which are always being upgraded with new increments. Each exhibit has a posted document which explains the history of that particular vehicle.

The Birds of Prey Center in Wilstead is one of the biggest of its sort in the UK and components more than 200 fowls from around the globe, including numerous types of hawks, hawks, falcons, owls and vultures. Also, guests can appreciate 30 minute flying showcases and also the chance to handle owls. For a little additional charge, visitors can likewise agree to a one hour bird of prey experience.

Woburn Abbey and Gardens is an authentic sixteenth century monastery arranged on 28 excellent sections of land. Visitors may investigate 22 rooms all through the abbey, as well as the various exhibitions in the gardens. The site also contains a 3,000 acre deer park with public footpaths where visitors can view nine species of deer.

Preston Manor in Brighton is a authentic and enchanting Edwardian mansion with more than 20 rooms accessible to people in general for investigation. Visitors can view such components as the exquisite upstairs rooms and the ground floor territory with the workers’ rooms.

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