Local customs to consider when travelling

Did you know?
Never pass or accept anything with your left hand when you’re in Indonesia – it is seriously rude.

When paying for items in Mexico, do not “pay the counter” as this is considered very disrespectful. Instead ensure you place the money in the hand of the person.

Don’t blow your nose in public in Japan, it is an offense.

When in Brazil, do not be tempted to circle the thumb and index finger to form the “okay sign” as it is considered vulgar.

Don’t chew gum, drop litter, spit or fail to flush the toilet in Singapore as it is illegal

If you are in Bulgaria, remember that they shake their heads from side to side to indicate yes and move their heads up and down to indicate no.

When taking items from people in Asia, use both your hands. It is a sign of respect.

Do not touch someone on the head in Thailand. The head is considered to be very sacred here.

Don’t forget your specialist backpacker or gapyear travel insurance!
If you are taking a trip in the near future, make sure you take out travel insurance before you go. Holidaysafe.co.uk travel insurance offers specialist cover for people travelling on an extended stay which is ideal for students, backpackers and gap year travellers. We offer cover for travel up to 18 months with cover starting from just 17p a day!You can get a quote and instant cover by going online to http://www.holidaysafe.co.uk/travel-insurance/backpacker-travel-insurance.html

Top ten fastest growing destinations for inclusion on a gap year

Top ten fastest growing destinations for inclusion on a gap year trip:

GOA
Explore Chennai and visit the 7th century shore temples in Mamallapuram. Stay on an island homestay in Kerala and visit the spice bazaar and beautiful Dutch palace in Kochi. End your adventure unwinding on Goa’s laid-back beaches.

Krabi and Phuket
Stay in Bangkok before taking an overnight train journey to Khao Sok National Park staying in the jungle before heading to the Krabi Province, famous for its unspoilt beaches. From here spend the days exploring the diverse sights of Malaysia including Penang, the Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumpar and Melaka.

Panama
See the best of Southern Costa Rica and Northern Panama by starting your trip at the Panama Canal, an extinct volcanic crater and explore the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. With Panama still off most travellers’ radars, it is the perfect place for a genuine discovery experience with activities ranging from fantastic bird watching to white water rafting.

Reykjavik
Enjoy a day trip taking in the best bits of Iceland from the lava fields to the warm mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. There is lots to explore to get the best of prehistoric and contemporary Iceland, visiting lighthouses, seabird colonies, fishing villages and even a multimedia exhibition.

Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro stands at an impressive 5,895m and is Africa's highest peak and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. Trek the famous Marangu Route stay in comfortable sleeping huts, equipped with beds and mattresses. You’ll need a good night’s sleep

Sandaka in Borneo
Explore the tribal villages, hot springs and the orangutans. Learn about mountain folklore on a Dusun homestay and climb Mount Kinabalu to enjoy breathtaking views.

Costa Rica
Some of Costa Rica's must-see highlights include amazing wildlife, intense volcanic landscapes and superb Pacific beaches. Enjoy an unforgettable night hike into the base of the still active Arenal Volcano or relax in lush hot springs. While you’re there try out white-water rafting, horseback riding and boogie boarding.

Nadi in Fiji
See the real Fiji with a hop on, hop off bus pass. Explore beaches, rainforest treks, boat trips and local life covering the whole of Fiji's breath-taking main island, Viti Levu.

North India
Discover Rajasthan by taking in the sights of Old Delhi and the Shekhawati havelis. Take a camel safari to Jaisalmer and bird watch at Keoladeo Sanctuary. See the royal palace of Udaipur, visit the Jain temple of Ranakpur, and shop in a Jodhpur bazaar

Sri Lanka
Combine relaxation and sightseeing as you travel from Negombo to Colombo. Cycle through the ruins of Polonnaruwa, climb the fort at Sigiriya, visit ancient Anuradhapura and experience Kandy's music scene.

Don’t forget your specialist backpacker or gapyear travel insurance!
If you are taking a trip in the near future, make sure you take out travel insurance before you go. Holidaysafe.co.uk travel insurance offers specialist cover for people travelling on an extended stay which is ideal for students, backpackers and gap year travellers. We offer cover for travel up to 18 months with cover starting from just 17p a day!
You can get a quote and instant cover by going online to http://www.holidaysafe.co.uk/travel-insurance/backpacker-travel-insurance.html

Prices are correct at time of going to press (January 2009) and are subject to change. Destination information supplied by gap year travel experts STA Travel (http://www.statravel.com/) and first published on http://www.gogapyear.com/pages/popdest.php

Could it be the stars that dictate the way people buy and claim on their annual holiday insurance?

When it comes to identifying how, when and why we buy annual holiday Insurance there are few trends these days. Could the so-called astrological traits given to the signs of the zodiac provide some clues. For instance those that fall under Taurus are supposedly grounded and practical and those of Cancer allegedly seek security and comfort could these traits urge the people who fall under these signs, not to chance going on a trip without adequate annual holiday insurance.

When we buy travel insurance the intention is to not make a claim but when insurance is claimed upon, could looking at the traits of the zodiac bear any relation to the way travellers claim on their policies.

From a recent study of annual holiday insurance claims data, Capricorns appeared to have the most problems abroad in recent times with figures showing that 50% more travellers claimed on their travel insurance than any other sign of the zodiac.

It is said that a trait of Capricorns is that they are often quick to take advantage of a situation could this be the reason why so many have made a claim?

Both Gemini’s and Aquarians had a high frequency of claims for curtailment or cutting short their trips. Does the split personality of Gemini’s or the search for perfection from those that are Aquarians cause the underlying need to claim or is it just a coincidence.

When we buy travel insurance we all look to see the cover the travel insurance will provide in the event that we need emergency medical treatment whilst on a trip. The biggest claimers under this particular section are the signs Aries, Scorpio and Pisces. Arians and Pisceans are alleged to have the traits of being Active, adventurous and having good natural intuition, are these the traits that see these signs push themselves to participate in an activity and get hurt or take for granted that they cannot get hurt or fall ill. In contradiction Scorpio’s are said to be meticulous, deliberate and cautious, you would think that these traits would see them take fewer risks and be prepared for all eventualities. In fact the signs of Libra and Virgo were the less likely to make claims on their travel insurance for medical expenses. Both of these signs are said to be very analytical and like to be in control of their surroundings and environment, could this mean they wouldn’t throw themselves into a situation that could see them get hurt.

The travel insurance industry is unlikely to conclude that the traits supposedly linked to the signs of the zodiac effect the way we claim on our annual holiday insurance, however the next time you think of making a claim just take a moment to think about whether there is something in all that astrological nonsense you have heard so much about but always dismissed!!

New Years celebrations around the world

New Year's Eve

• In Brazil, celebrations are held around the nation. Most famous is the celebration in Rio de Janeiro which occurs in Copacabana beach, drawing 1.5 to 2.5 million people.
• In Australia, celebrations are held around the nation, especially in Sydney, where one of the world's largest fireworks displays draws 1 to 1.5 million people to the harbour. Australia is one of the first countries in the world to celebrate the new year.
• In New York City, the now 11,875-pound (5,386-kg), 12-foot-diameter (3.7-m) Times Square Ball located high above Times Square is lowered starting at 11:59:00 p.m., or the last minute of the year, and reaches the bottom of its tower at the stroke of midnight with fireworks. It is sometimes referred to as "the big apple" like the city itself; the custom derives from the time signal that used to be given at noon in harbours.
• Other ball drops occur in Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro and Sydney Harbour.
• In European countries, the New Year is greeted with massive private fireworks. This day is also the occasion to make bonfires of discarded Christmas trees in some countries.
• In Russia the New Year is greeted by fireworks and drinking champagne. The New Year is considered a family celebration, with lavish dinner tables and gifts. The president of Russia normally counts down the final seconds of the "old year", as it is called in Russia. A giant clock tower chimes in the new year, and it is customary to make a wish with each chime.
• In South Korea, the most popular way of celebrating New Year's Day is to travel to Jung dong jin, the place on the peninsula where the Sun can first be seen each day.
• In Scotland, there are many special customs associated with the New Year. Known as Hogmanay, the Scots name for the New Year celebration.
• The Peach Drop in Underground Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
• In Davos, Switzerland, the final match of the Spengler Cup Ice Hockey Tournament is usually held on this day by tradition.
• In the Philippines, people light fireworks, loud firecrackers, booming sound system, bamboo canons as well as make a lot of noise. Coins are also jumbled in tin cans to make noise with the belief that this will bring more money to the revellers.

New Years Day

• In England and Scotland an extra round of football fixtures is played (unless New Year's Day falls on a Thursday, Friday or Sunday).
• In Pasadena, California, United States, the Tournament of Roses is held, with revelers viewing the parade from the streets and watching on television, followed by the Rose Bowl college football game. The game is one of several postseason bowl games played in college football in the United States
• Polar Bear Clubs: in many northern hemisphere cities near bodies of water, they will have a tradition of people plunging into the cold water on New Year's Day. The Coney Island Polar Bears Club in New York is the oldest cold-water swimming club in the United States. They have had groups of people enter the chilly surf since 1903.
• In Philadelphia, the Mummers Parade is held on Broad Street.
• Hindus celebrate the new year by paying respects to their parents and other elders and seek their blessings. They also exchange tokens of Good Wishes (Kai Vishesham).
• The New Year's Day Parade is held in London. Performers include acts from each of the city's 32 boroughs, as well as entertainment from around the world.
• In the southern United States, people traditionally prepare a meal of collard greens and black-eyed peas for a year of good luck. A dime is often placed beneath the plate as a part of the tradition.
• In Pennsylvania and Ohio, it is common to celebrate New Year's Day with a meal of pork, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes. The practice comes from a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition that dictates these foods will bring good luck in the new year.

Don’t forget your holiday insurance!
If you are taking a trip in the near future, make sure you take out holiday insurance before you go. Holidaysafe.co.uk travel insurance offers cover for a family for 7 days in Europe from just £13.70*. You can get a quote and instant cover by going online to http://www.holidaysafe.co.uk/.

* Includes Insurance Premium Tax is based on 2 adults aged under 35 and 2 children aged under 17 taking out a ‘standard’ single trip travel insurance policy for 7 days in Europe. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (December 2008) and are subject to change.

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year's_Day