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Economy Car Hire’s Wheely Helpful Guide to Driving Abroad

Going on holiday should be the least-stressful part of your year, but for many people, getting behind the wheel in unfamiliar territory is sometimes a very frightening prospect. Different rules of the road and unknown terrain coupled with the pressure to please the family, can lead to frayed tempers aplenty. Luckily, help is at hand from Dereham-based company Economy Car Hire. Their Founder and Managing Director, Rory Sexton, has compiled some top tips to ensure you and your family have a trouble-free holiday...

Stay hydrated: “If you’re driving in a hot climate, my top tip would be to carry plenty of water and snacks, such as fruit, especially if you’re going on a day trip,” says Rory. “Small children suffer in the heat, so if you want to avoid crotchety kids, make sure they’ve always got something to drink.”

Keep in the cool: “A quality windscreen sun shade is always a great idea, as cars in hot countries heat up like ovens,” Rory explains. “For anyone sitting in the back of the car, it’s a good idea to invest in some window shades, or remember to pack them in your case.”

Do your homework: The rules of the road vary from country to country, and often, the changes aren’t just which side of the road you’re driving on. “Driving in Italy is very different to driving in Gran Canaria,” Rory adds. “Before you set off, it’s best to research your destination’s lesser-known road rules. Our Guides to Driving Abroad can be very helpful.”

Know your car: “If you’re driving a car that’s very different to the one you have at home, take it easy,” says Rory. “Drive at a speed that you feel comfortable with, and get used to the feel of the car. Don’t feel self-conscious about wanting to acclimatise; your safety comes first. It’s also best to spend 5 minutes getting used to the controls before you set off, so you can find out things like where the lights are, and how to control the air con.”


Take the pressure off: Rory is keen to point out that even though you may be on holiday, it’s best to keep a level head when taking to the road. “A lot of people might drive a bit faster as they feel much freer, which is understandable,” he says. “However, it’s best to remember you’re driving in an environment you don’t know very well. Also, don’t feel pressured by kids or partners to drive faster or get somewhere on time if you’re running behind - you’re just as susceptible to speeding fines abroad as you are in the UK.”

Map it out: “If you don’t know where you’re going, plan your route carefully, and allow plenty of time to get to your destination,” Rory adds. “Don’t be worried about asking people if you get lost, either – an attempt to speak the language will normally go down quite well. If you’re really dire at map reading, perhaps you could take your sat nav away with you, or you could hire one from the car hire supplier. Also, don’t forget to ask your travel rep or locals about certain areas that tourists should avoid, whether just at night or totally. It also goes without saying that you should never, ever leave anything valuable in your car.”

Family Ski Resort Report unveils best value budget ski destination’s

What better way to get away from the winter blues and refresh the kids’ minds during their holidays than an active winter holiday on Europe’s slopes.

And with the start of December, the European Ski Season really begins to lift off. To mark this, the Post Office has released its 2011 Family Ski Report comparing costs of resorts based on equipment, lift passes, ski schools and meals.

The report selected family ski resorts in 10 countries and checked out prices for the things you just can’t do without on a winter sports holiday - ski equipment, lift passes, ski school – and added the cost of feeding and watering families too.

So, how can you and the kids benefit from a winter sports break in the snow without breaking the bank?

Listen to our podcast with Olympic Skier and anchorman for BBC TV’s Ski Sunday, Graham Bell and Sarah Munro, Head of Post Office Travel Money to find out more.

Brits Underprepared for Holiday Health

When it comes to going on holiday, most holidaymakers finish their planning once they find their passport. However, new research has revealed that we need to become savvier when it comes to thinking about our holiday health. We forfeit travel insurance for magazines at the airport and often don’t consider any health issues that could arise while we're away.

With the Autumn Half Term nearly upon us, and with people looking to head off further afield to more exotic locations in search of some winter sun, the need to think about staying healthy is even more important.

New research has shown that Brits are seriously unprepared for their holidays, especially when it comes to considering their health. Six in ten adults have admitted to falling ill whilst on holiday, which is unsurprising as health comes in at the bottom of the list of concerns after being robbed (27%) and the flight crashing (23%).

Concerns about different food, water or environment mean the top destinations Brit’s perceive as high risk are Africa (19%), India (18%) and Pakistan (14%). In reality, the top three places where holidaymakers fall ill are Spain (32%), Greece (14%) and France (9%).  Over 40% of UK travellers experience Travellers’ Diarrhoea each year making it the primary health problem encountered while abroad.

A bout of this can be costly in terms of both days lost on the sun lounger or exploring your destination of choice, but also money from associated medical costs - particularly in more severe cases. To help protect you and your family from Travellers’ Diarrhoea, Trailfinders Travel Clinic has these top tips to ensure a happy, healthy trip abroad:

• Avoid tap water unless you are 100% sure it is safe to drink. This applies to ice cubes, washed salads and when brushing teeth. If unsure, drink only bottled water with a sealed lid.

• Use antibacterial gels and wipes to clean your hands before eating.

• Take Bimuno prebiotic before you travel to build up your immune strength and digestive protection.

• Ensure you eat well cooked meat and eat it whilst it’s hot

• Avoid shellfish and other seafood if it is not properly cooked

• Only eat fruit that you can peel yourself

• Avoid food exposed to flies

In this video, Dr George Kassianos, GP and Secretary of the British Travel Health Association gives you his top tips on how we can prepare for our holidays and keep our health as a top priority.

For further information and advice on digestive health whilst travelling you can visit www.bimuno.com

Enjoy the local sights not the back of the bathroom door!

Most of us look forward eagerly to our holiday – a time of relaxation and enjoyment. And more of us are choosing to visit exotic and foreign countries in the hope of absorbing some of the local flavour. However, while the local food may look appetising, it can often lead to severe diarrhoea. Tummy troubles are definitely not on the list of ‘adventures’ abroad but research shows that over 42% of Brits have suffered from stomach upset whilst on holiday.

New research has shown that Brits are seriously unprepared for their holidays, especially when it comes to considering their health.

• Six in ten adults have admitted to falling ill whilst on holiday, which is unsurprising as health comes in at the bottom of the list of concerns after being robbed (27%) and the flight crashing (23%).
• The top destinations Brits perceive as high risk are Africa (19%), India (18%) and Pakistan (14%).
• In reality, the top three places where holidaymakers fall ill are Spain (32%), Greece (14%) and France (9%).
• Over 40% of UK travellers experience Travellers’ Diarrhoea each year, making it the primary health problem encountered while abroad. A bout of this can be costly in terms of both days lost on the sun lounger or exploring your destination of choice, but also money from associated medical costs - particularly in more severe cases.

To protect you and your family from tummy upset, Dr Felicity Nicholson, Medical Director of Trailfinders Travel Clinic has these top tips to ensure a happy, healthy trip abroad:

• Avoid tap water unless you are 100% sure it is safe to drink. This applies to ice cubes, washed salads and when brushing teeth. If unsure, drink only bottled water with a sealed lid

• Use antibacterial gels and wipes to clean your hands before eating

• Take Bimuno before you travel to build up your immune strength and digestive protection

• Ensure you eat well cooked meat and eat it whilst it’s hot

• Avoid shellfish and other seafood if it is not properly cooked

• Only eat fruit that you can peel yourself

• Avoid food exposed to flies

In this video, Dr Hilary Jones, GP gives explains the risks we face abroad and the recently developed measures we can take to help protect ourselves against Travellers’ Diarrhoea.

One in five Brits Travel Abroad Without Travel Insurance⁽¹⁾

Research from Sainsbury’s Travel Insurance⁽¹⁾ reveals that one in five Brits travelling abroad will not have travel insurance. As millions of Brits travel abroad on holiday this summer, this is a worrying statistic given that the average medical claim made in a foreign country is a staggering £1,333.41, according to analysis of 2010 claims data from Sainsbury's Travel Insurance⁽²⁾.

The research⁽²⁾ also revealed that Spain was the country where more holidaymakers had to seek medical help than any other, followed by Turkey and Greece. 

Should you fall ill or be involved in an accident in a foreign country, having peace of mind that you're covered is invaluable. Watch our video to see how important it is to have travel insurance is for you and your family.

Click here to watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/user/SainsburysFinance#p/a/u/0/GS0y-WUaO5U

www.sainsburysfinance.co.uk 

⁽¹⁾ ICM interviewed a random sample of 2008 adults aged 18+ via online between 4^th and 6^th April 2011.  Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted (grossed-up) to the profile of all adults (over 18s).  ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.  Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk

⁽²⁾ Sainsbury’s Travel Insurance analysis of FirstAssist Insurance travel claims data across 2009 and 2010

Packing for the Family

Travel writer Sarah Tucker gives her top tips to packing smart for your  family this summer

With holiday season upon us, many of us will already have booked and are now looking forward to a holiday or city break. Packing for the family can be quite a stressful time, not only do you have to pack for yourself but also for your children, which means multiples of everything from swimwear to footwear.

  There are nappies, baby milk, high SPF sun creams to think about but what do you need to take on holiday and what can you buy at the holiday resort when you get there?

If anyone knows how to pack smart, it's travel writer Sarah Tucker. In the following video, courtesy of Foster Grant Sunglasses, she offers her top tips and some handy travel knowledge from what current restrictions allow you to take in hand luggage to packing light for your family to make travelling with children stress free.

For more information visit www.fostergrant.co.uk

Daniel O’Donnell’s Donegal

Daniel O’Donnell is one of Donegal’s most famous natives. An Irish singer and television presenter,

Daniel has become a household name in Ireland and across the world. With over 10 million records sold,

Daniel’s charismatic and engaging stage presence has made him a huge success and a beloved

favourite of his native County Donegal.

Daniel considers the North West of Ireland and in particular, Co. Donegal a must-visit for any tourist. The

county’s exceptional landscape includes Europe’s highest sea-cliffs, mesmerising scenery and dozens of

deserted white sandy beaches. County Donegal prides itself with a strong sense of traditional culture

and heritage that has influenced Daniel O’Donnell and his music. Click on the video to watch Daniel talk about his music and the attractions of County Donegal.

Visit www.discoverireland.com for more information.

Click here to watch the video.

Family friendly holidays in the UK
 Web sites for Hotels, Guest House Accommodation, Holiday Parks, Holiday Cottages, Camping and Caravan Sites etc.
If you want to get your site listed here or know of a good family holiday website please Contact Us.

Hook Farm Caravan & Camping Park
Gore Lane, Uplyme
Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3UU
01297 442801
www.hookfarm-uplyme.co.uk



Upper Booth Farm Campsite - Edale, Hope Valley, Derbyshire - 01433 670250
Upper Booth Campsite and Camping Barn make an ideal base for walkers to explore the hills and moors of the High Peak in The Peak District.

Holiday Villages
Great Holiday Villages in the UK with
richardsonsholidayvillages.co.uk




South Lea Caravan Park, Yorkshire.  A Quality, family run site, 12 miles from York, with spotless facilities, children's play park, close to lots of fun local attractions and beautiful countryside. Take a look for yourself.

Monkton Wylde caravan and camping park, Dorset.  Have been awarded the prestigious David Bellamy Gold Award for the sixth consecutive year. This award recognises the outstanding contribution made by Monkton Wyld Farm to protect the wildlife and local environment within the area of the caravan park. A family run quality site set in the Beautiful Dorset countryside, spotless facilities and children's play park. Near to Lyme Regis, Charmouth and close to the Jurassic coast line.
Try something different!! stay in a MongolianYurt for your holiday.

Hope cove self catering holiday cottage in South Devon Ideal for family seaside holidays in South Devon.

Ideal for couples and families alike this holiday cottage - sleeps four - offers peace, tranquility and it's only a hop skip and jump from clean safe beaches, fascinating rock pools, restaurant and bars. ( Highly recommended to book early to avoid disappointment)