Bali, Indonesia

A Country in the South East of Asia, this Indonesian island provides the perfect mix of opportunities for cultural exploration and relaxation. Travelers should spend time visiting and learning about the island’s many ancient temples before heading to one of its beautiful beaches.
As far as accommodations go, Bali features dozens of villas, hotels, and resorts (at varying price points). To up the luxury factor, stay at a five-star resort like the Four Seasons or St. Regis and indulge in a relaxing and revitalizing spa treatments.

Peru

A beautiful Tropical Country in the South American Continent, The Peruvian territory was home to several ancient cultures, ranging from the Norte Chico civilization in the 32nd century BC, This Incan citadel in Peru is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Part of the fun for many travelers is conquering the four-day hike along the Inca Trail before being rewarded with the view of this sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site. If you’re not one for hiking, you can still see this impressive historical site by hopping on a train from Cusco to the mountain base.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is strategically located at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta in Southern China. Hong Kong is a destination that puts travelers’ senses into overdrive. The glittering skyline, the dynamic food scene, the historical sites, and the family-friendly attractions are just a few reasons visitors can’t get enough of this bustling metropolis.
Start your trip with a tour of the waterfront on the Star Ferry, and pencil in visits to Hong Kong Disneyland or Ocean Park amusement park if you’re traveling with kids. Meanwhile, foodies will delight in the culinary options: Dim sum, stir-fry, and pineapple buns should be a few things you surely sample.

Greece

The country is one of the most exotic locations of Europe, it is washed to the east by the Aegean Sea, to the west by the Ionian and to the south by the Mediterranean, Two-thirds of the territory is covered with mountains. The highest mountain peak is Mount Olympus, at an altitude of 2917m.
While visiting Greece you can enjoy a sunset in Santorini and you’ll know why this Greek destination is one of the world’s best places to visit. In addition to offering an exquisite evening atmosphere, Santorini boasts colorful black and red sand beaches, ancient ruins and several wineries. But the picture-perfect scenery is what draws most travelers, the whitewashed buildings that line the brilliantly blue caldera. What’s more, the luxury hotels here are some of the world’s best.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai lies on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf; it is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, one of the seven emirates that make up the country. Dubai is home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, one of the world’s largest shopping centers, the Dubai Mall, and one of the only indoor ski resorts in the world, Ski Dubai.
In addition to being a city of superlatives, Dubai embraces its Middle Eastern traditions. The best way to immerse in the beauty and enticing places of Dubai is to tour the Jumeirah Mosque and stroll through the gold and spice souks.

The Gambia

It may be the smallest country in Africa, but there are plenty of postcard-worthy beaches to be found in The Gambia. Daytime temperatures hover in the high-twenties, often tipping 30°C. Plus, the winters are dry so chances of rains and need to carry an umbrella may not be there.
You can soak up the sun and sea at the coastal resorts of Bakau, Fajara, and Kotu where you’ll be spoiled for choice with cheap and cheerful hotels after you’ve had your share of beaches, head inland to explore the namesake river at the heart of the country. Its verdant basin brims with wildlife: where you can spot hippos, manatees, monkeys and hundreds of bird species.

Rome

Delicious food (pizza, pasta, gelato, you name it), rich coffee are a few reasons why travelers love Rome. However, food and drink aren’t the only things this city has to offer. You’ll find major highlights of art and history, from the Galleria Borghese to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum all these sites are majestic and beautiful, and they provide you a vivid look into the rich history of Rome.
Rome is the capital of Italy, has been one of the few cities in the world to see the birth of democracy, beautiful architecture and also the prestige to be the birthplace of many amazing artists still remembered today.
The Pizza Novana square contains 3 fountains, and the largest and most memorable is Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers with each of the 4 statues representing a river from different continents.

Palawan, Philippines

If your winter daydreams likely involve palm-fringed beaches with sugar-soft sand, lapped by an ocean the color of a swimming pool, if that sounds like heaven?
Then you’ll love Palawan, a gorgeous cluster of islands where those kinds of views are ten-a-penny.
The Philippines isn’t as popular as neighboring Indonesia yet, so you’ll enjoy a far quieter retreat from the chilly British winter. The food is divine (think fresh tuna and coconut curries) and it’s affordable. Plus with barely any light pollution, the stargazing is magnificent.

Some important things to remember before embarking on your Journey, to enjoy your vacations to the fullest, create memories and have a once in a lifetime experience are:

Alert your credit card company

Ensure that your credit card works while you’re traveling, your credit card company needs to know your travel plans, if you plan in advance and don’t have a credit card apply for one as plastic money is a big help in an unknown territory, as carrying so much cash is not an easy task, so if you need to spend and you don’t have cash-in-hand having credit card at disposal helps in numerous situations.

Confirm all reservations

Double-check all your reservations: your flight, hotel, car rental, restaurants, attractions, and any other services or experiences you’ve planned. So there are no surprises at a check-in counter.
If you have access to a printer, it’s not a bad idea to print out confirmations. If you don’t, write down confirmation numbers (and customer service phone numbers) keep the printed paper in your wallet or with all your travel documents.

Make advance payments on bills that have due dates during your trip

Before your planned travel dates make sure that all dues are clear and we don’t get charged with late fees? Make sure all credit cards, housing expenses (e.g., rent, utilities), and other monthly bills will be paid on time.

Check the weather

This may seem like an obvious one, but “many vacationers forget to do it,” Check the forecast for your destination and your hometown when you’ll be returning, and pack appropriately according to weather conditions.

Eat or give away any perishable food

The last thing you want is to return home to a stinky fridge and a smelly home, take out the garbage and clean the sink to be sure there’s no food in the drain that could rot or attract bugs while you’re away.

Travel Documents

Getting all your documents at one place and getting their copies done is very important, your travel document s shall be your passport, visas, Tickets, itinerary and travel insurance (a requirement from many countries these days, yet an important cover against any unforeseen situations you may encounter while traveling), always leave a copy of itinerary with your friends and family so they are aware of your travel plans and also know where to reach you.

Khurram Zahid

The post 8 most Inviting International winter-sun destinations to visit this winters appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

Keeping in mind the interest of kids as well as people of all ages and the ways they can be pleased easily, here are some of the amazing destinations to explore now.

Buy schengen visa travel insurance

The London City, England

The London City is surely one of the most amazing cities in the world. London is a playful city with a large number of glorious parks and playground destinations in and around the city. It has plenty to entertain kids as well as the elders in the family thread.

A wide range of museums and sports venues are also a charm to surprise the teens with different likes and dislikes. From changing of guards to the tower of London, there is a lot of historical heritage that the city brings to life, every single day.

If any of your family members like to explore the history, London is probably the best place to visit. Most of the museums here offer free entry.

The famous English writer Samuel Johnson once said that “You find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” It has been more than 2 hundred years since he said these words, but it is true until today.

Life in London is revitalizing and worth liking. Thou one visit to London is not enough but even if you cannot go there again (as there is much more else in the world to explore as well), you must visit this place at least once in your life. And for sure it is a perfect destination for a family trip.

In this city, both past and present can be witnessed with all its charm. From the Tate Modern to the Towers of London, all are worth seeing live. The Royals are still respected there and so do is the love for the arctic monkey and the Adele.

Related Read: 5 Most Traveled Destinations from Pakistan that Require Travel Insurance

Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you have had any trip to Amsterdam all alone, you have to forget about it now. There is much more than coffee shops and the club night at the Amsterdam that is worth watching with the family. The destination is perfectly ideal to have a trip with kids and family.

Visiting the city by cycle or by boat is probably the best idea to start with. The Van Gogh museum is a place you must not miss however you will need to buy the tickets in advance to make sure that you are not standing in lines for long before you enter the amazing place.

If you have kids of mid-primary school and above that, the Anne Frank House is one of the best options to offer you an unforgettable insight into the horrors of the war.  Even if any of your family members do not like food and are not willing to eat chips or cupcake, the Dutch food will make them eat like crazy. It is also said that  Amsterdam is one of the easiest going family city destination in Europe.

Efteling would be a great place to have a side trip, in case you have got some extra time. And if you are at Amsterdam, Holland theme park is not a place to miss.  This is a city of Netherlands and you can enjoy the amazing Indonesian cuisine in the full moonlight.

You can ride a bike around the maze of canals that are built in the memory of the holocaust, described through the eyes of Anne Frank and much more that you can witness in the city.

Copenhagen, Denmark

This place might not be soothing to your fairytale imaginations that come with a happy ending. However, you can find some other fascinating turns.

Tivoli is one of the most exciting amusement parks in the Copenhagen and is there at the time of Hans Christian Andersen. The park presents a number of surprising rides, funfair booths, flower gardens and amazing dining venues for families and couples.

Another plus point for Copenhagen is that it is compact so you can easily take your family from one place to another.  Mostly tourist gets attracted towards Copenhagen for three reasons; a visit of Little Mermaid statue at the Langelinie Pier, to shop the antiques along the Stroget and to see the frolic at the Tivoli Gardens.

However, this is not the point where the fun stops. There are many museums and parks with the royal palaces and are huddled around Indre Bay. There is a gallery in the Holmen by Islands Brygge, the beer near Frederiksberg Park and the dining Michelin-style in the Pilestraede. If you are planning to visit the Copenhagen be sure that you are taking maximum time out to enjoy the city at its full.

Salzburg, Austria

You are always ready to enjoy the high beat and loud music and if you are thinking of going to Vienna, better would be to skip thinking about it and go to Salzburg.

This is might be the best place in Europe for music lovers. You can have amazing horse drawn rides with your family and can have a complete tour of old town just in 25 minutes.

Another amazing place to see with your family is the Hellbrunn Palace. The Palace has a 17th-century villa whose garden is amazingly designed by Markus Sittikus Von Hohenems and Price Archbishop.

For the kids who love to be in water or play water games, a tour of water game filled state can bring you the exciting time for soaking your siblings and enjoy the family time.

Related Read: 11 Tips for Vacation Travelling with Family

Rome, Italy

Who does not know the ancient history of Rome and what makes it the most amazing and enchanting place to visit, at least once in a lifetime. When you are planning to spend a family time, somewhere in Europe, you must plan for Rome, right now.

The place is a capital of ancient history and brings your eyes the stunning beauty of nature and some fantastic cuisine to sooth all your taste buds. The visit to Colosseum in Rome will bring some good thinking to your kids and will surely help them to witness, understand and learn the history in a better way.

Rome is the city of seven hills and has enjoyed amazing mythic beginning. Spending a day at the Colosseum, if end up with an afternoon at the café on the Piazza Navona with the big pasta plate at the Trattoria, is a pure delight.

Rome is known well for its history and structures like Pantheon and the Roman Forum with dozens of churches are the amazing historic gem that is worth watching.

It is also a perfect place for art enthusiastic people as they can visit the Vatican museum. While foodies can enjoy the splendid Italian food to surprise their taste buds.

Considering to visit one of these locations, at least once in your lifetime is a must while you are planning to spend some quality time with your family and make them enjoy the best of it.

Khurram Zahid

The post Top 5 European Destinations for Pakistanis for Family Vacation appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

You might ask: what is travel insurance and why do I need it? Travel insurance covers situations like baggage loss, cancellations, delays, medical emergencies that may arise during your trip and provides 24/7 customer service assistance, but before getting yourself travel insurance, you should know about some common misconceptions made by travellers regarding insurance policies.

Related Read: How Travel Insurance Can Help You Save Money!

1. Travel insurance is unnecessary

Some people mistake travel insurance as a luxury, rather than a necessity. Travel insurance is important because it will cover all expenses arising out of emergency. Imagine having to pay a thousand dollar hospital bill because you got into an accident abroad, and how if you had managed to get travel insurance before you took the trip, your insurance provider will cover up all of the hospital bills for you. And with less than five dollars per day, it is very cost efficient to get a travel insurance policy.

2. Travel insurance is just health insurance

Sure, travel insurance covers health emergencies that arise during your trip, but it is not restricted to health supplies and services. It can come in handy in a lot of cases. Suppose you have lost your baggage, and then it will help you to reclaim your losses. Or if you need emergency transportation, then by getting in contact with your insurance provider you will be able to resolve the problem. It also helps you in tricky situations such as rescheduling, or cancelling. But travel insurance is for problems (health and non-health) that arise during your trip, and not before or after it. For example, if you have a prevailing health condition that existed before you took the trip, or cause an accident because you got drunk then your travel insurance policy will not accept your claims.

Related Read: 6 Important Dos and Don’ts of Travel Insurance Plans

3. The airline/hotel will cover me for a cancelled booking

Unfortunately most companies are not that accommodating. If you book a flight and then cancel it because something else comes up, or miss it, then you might be looking for a reimbursement. Most airlines won’t comply with it, or they might not reschedule your flight. Similarly, if you cancel your hotel booking, or cut your trio short then you might still have to pay for the whole trip. In cases such as this, travel insurance agencies can take care of things for you and reimburse you for cancellations and delays.

4. All travel insurance policies are alike

Often people do not read the fine print of their travel policies. There are several providers based upon your area and ethnicity, and they all cater to different requirements. For example, some insurance policies might not cover recreational trips, or some might not ask you to declare pre existing health conditions. The insurance policy you choose depends upon your requirements.

5. Domestic life insurance will cover travelling too

Some domestic insurance policies do cover you for health insurance during short trips, but they are restricting. For example, they might not cover you for any cancellations you need to make, or will not reimburse you if you happen to lose your baggage during your trip. In that case, a policy specifically geared towards travelling is more suited to your needs.

6. Travel insurance can be booked after making arrangements

Suppose you have made all the arrangements, booked your flight, reserved rooms at a hotel and are now waiting earnestly for your trip to begin. You might think of getting an insurance policy but then decide to do it later, since it can always wait. In this case, if you run into an inconvenient situation and have to reschedule the dates for your flight, and your booking at the hotel, then unless you have a travel insurance policy, you will not be able to reimburse or reschedule easily.

7. There is no risk of accident during a trip

It is not probable that you will have an accident while hiking, or might lose your baggage but it is definitely possible. Do not take your good health records for granted, and refuse to get travel insurance for calamity can strike anytime. It is only wise to be prepared for it.

Related Read: DON’T Fly To These Holiday Destinations Without Travel Insurance

Conclusion

In short, a travel insurance policy is a must if you are travelling abroad. Some countries in the EU consider travel insurance mandatory if you are to apply for a visa.  It can cover you for medical emergencies, loss and theft and provide 24/7 customer support. That means, you can enjoy you carefully planned vacation to the full. If you are a citizen of Pakistan and will soon be travelling abroad, then there are a couple of trustworthy travel insurance suppliers that you can make use of. These include Adamjee Insurance, EFU General, IGI insurance, CSI and Askari General Insurance ltd. 

Khurram Zahid

The post 7 Misconceptions About Travel Insurance Every Frequent Traveler Should Know appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

Related Read: DON’T Fly To These Holiday Destinations Without Travel Insurance

The common tourist attractions are all overcrowded as visitors come swarming when the tourist seasons begin. So, we have compiled a list of five understated holiday destinations that you should consider while you plan your next trip.

1. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, also known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” has history that dates back to centuries before Christ. With the true soul of Buddhism that is still present there, this island is one of the few places in the world that can allow you to enjoy an exceptional combination of stunning landscapes and remarkable cultural heritage.  The country allows visitors to enjoy stunning palaces, temples, monasteries and ancient monuments of art and culture.

There are 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a mere area of 65,610 kilometers. Kandy, Jaffna and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte are some of the most attractive cultural destinations at Sri Lanka. The tropical weather and the 1,330 kilometers of coastline also is a major attraction for beach loves. There are 15 natural parks that let the tourists enjoy the abundance of wildlife and captivating nature in the country.

2. Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta, the massive capital of Indonesia is known as the representative of the diversity of the country. The city has a historic mix of different ethnic groups and cultures; Indian, European, Chinese, Malay, Arab and Javanese are the major contributors of the city’s stunning architecture, language and famed cuisine. It is the center of government, commerce and industry with widespread communication networks with the rest of the county. Its position is ideal to provide a gateway to the rest of Indonesia for travelers.

You can enjoy the busy city life by visiting the National Monument of Indonesia and the Ancol Dreamland. To witness the cultural diversity, you can visit the modern style Istiqal Mosque, Tama Mini Indonesia Indah and mesmerizing museums.

Jakarta offers endless tourist attractions and is the perfect city to shop at countless malls. It is known for its nightlife with amazing, exotic foods and wild nightclubs.

3. Bolivia

Bolivia is one of the two only landlocked countries in Southern America. It is surrounded by Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Paraguay on all sides, and is referred to as the ‘Tibet’ of the Americas. Due to the complete lack of beaches and coastline, it is not a popular tourist attraction but it has been attracting more and more visitors lately.

The world’s longest mountain range, the Andes also cross over to the Bolivian territory, with its ski slopes and magnificent active volcanoes. The country also boasts of red fiery lakes, salt flats and is the only country in the World to have a hotel entirely made out of salt. The highest navigable lake in the world, the Titicaca is on the Bolivian-Peru border, with a length of about 190 kilometers. Another tourist site is the Madidi National Park with its exotic flora and fauna, glacier covered mountain peaks and turquois blue lakes. You can also walk in the historical cities of Potosí and Sucre, with their old monasteries and university buildings as a tour guide navigates you through the brick walkways.

4. Philippines

Philippines is an archipelagic country made up of more than 7000 small islands, connected by bodies of water. The country is renowned for its beaches, rainforests, mountains and lakes. There is diversity as the tourist attractions include the market squares, silky white beaches, volcanoes and rice terraces. The flea markets remain an important part of the culture, even in the metropolitan cities and tourists can find little souvenirs, local foods and knick-knacks at these small markets.

Boracay is popular among the locals as a beach destination, and it has been awarded the title of the best beach island in the World by numerous travel magazines. Mindanao is known for its mountainous terrain and is a popular climbing destination. The country offers endless attractions to foreigners, and is a popular relaxation spot.

5. Galway, Ireland

Galway is a medieval city in the West of Ireland, which is the 4th highly populated urban city in the country. The city’s attraction draws from its old vibe and local culture that draws heavily upon the harbor. Being a sea town, there are scenic drives and walkways that tourists would love to explore. There is an abundance of natural wonders in areas such as the Connomara National Park.

The market square is the epicenter of activity, with its old brick pubs, and cafes where Irish music plays on bagpipes late into the night. The city is full of independent shops that reflect the local culture and taste. There are art galleries and museums that allow insight into the city’s history and cultural significance for Ireland. In the Latin Quarter of the city the medieval walls of Galway have been retained. The churches, castles and cathedrals of the city with their arches and gothic elements are places of huge interest to visitors. To top the list, fresh fish is available year round in the city that can be enjoyed outdoors as one feasts his eyes on a beautiful view over the River Corrib.

Khurram Zahid

The post Top 5 Holiday Destinations for Pakistanis You Might Have Overlooked appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

Let’s talk about the Dos first. Below we’ve listed some really important ones.

Do Plan Ahead Of Time:
This is indeed a vital aspect when it comes to travel insurance. Get a travel insurance ahead of time just like you apply for your Visa in advance and never put it off for the last minute. This will be highly beneficial in case your travel group goes bankrupt or the trip gets cancelled for any untoward reason. The insurance provider in this case will refund you your trip cost and the ticket cancellation cost. That’s a lot of money saved from going wasted.

Do Get The Right Policy:
When making your purchase, make sure that the duration of the policy is correct and covers the day of your departure till the day of your arrival back to your hometown. Additionally check that the policy you’re buying has adequate coverage for all the things you need coverage for. Also make sure that you’re buying the right type of policy for e.g if applying for a Schengen Visa then the relevant policy is mandatory or if you’re a senior citizen then make sure you buy a policy that suits your age bracket and gives you relevant insurance cover. Also compare policies by various providers to see levels of coverage against the amount of the policy. If you plan to go in a group with friends or family, buying a group insurance instead of individual ones can also prove to be economical and better choice. Bottom line is that do proper research before buying your travel policy so the purpose and coverage are as per your travel needs. You can visit our portal to search, compare and buy travel insurance policies in Pakistan by major insurance providers online.

Do Know Your Refund Policy:
It’s a good idea to know the cancellation terms and conditions on your insurance. Most travel insurance providers let you cancel the policy within 14 days of issuance if you haven’t got your Visa approved. In case you are unable to travel due to lack of a valid Visa then you can get a refund against your travel insurance policy

Now let’s talk about  few of the things you should definitely refrain from when you plan to get yourself travel insured.

Don’t Hide Any Medical Conditions:
If you have any ailment or any medical condition and you think you’ll be able to save any money by not declaring it, you’re very wrong. In case you need any medical assistance on your trip and you haven’t declared it already. It will lead to your claim being null and void and will not be honored by your insurance provider if your illness is linked to your medical conditions. This will lead to a whole lot of expensive bills being paid by you and fair caution here that medical facilities abroad can be extremely costly as we have mentioned in our article “DON’T Fly To These Holiday Destinations Without Travel Insurance”.

Don’t Lose Contact Details:
Write down or keep a list of your insurer’s foreign contact numbers handy. These will be needed whether you need to make a claim for lost baggage or medical bills etc. You’ll need to inform your insurer beforehand thus making the mistake of not carrying the numbers could lead to hassle in urgent and emergency situations.

Don’t Ignore The Fine Print:
When you plan on purchasing a policy, make sure to read all the Terms & Conditions properly to know what events and things are covered under your insurance policy and also learn of all the exclusions so there’s no confusions and disappointments when you make a claim and it ends up rejected. Really, it’s an important thing that most of us ignore thinking as unimportant but not knowing what can be claimed and what can’t could end up with you losing on the benefits you could avail or paying through your nose in certain scenarios.

That brings us to the conclusion. Following the above guidelines will surely help you make the most out of your travel insurance plan and will save you from unwanted hassle and monetary loss. For any feedback, write to us at feedback@smartchoice.pk

Khurram Zahid

The post 6 Important Dos and Don’ts of Travel Insurance Plans appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

Once we decide to travel, we often look around for the best bargains on tickets, hotels and other forms of pricing. While we find hotel prices to be on the higher side during holiday seasons and complain about air fares being too expensive, we forget that any unfortunate situation can arise during the trip  due to which you could need immediate medical assistance. Hospital beds and medical expenses can tend to be far much higher. You’d be puzzled reading this and might ask, what’s the relation of a hotel room and a hospital bed?

Well to make things clear, most of us neglect getting travel insurance while heading out to our next trip to that exotic destination planning an exciting excursion like skiing in the Swiss Alps, scuba diving, or sky diving at Dubai etc. Going to any such destination and taking part in such activities also brings the risk of running into any injury. Different weather can also tend to make you fall sick. There’s always a possibility hence skipping travel insurance is not at all a good idea.

Listed below are some of the destinations where hospital dues can be extremely costly and can break your bank hence it’s advised that you make sure to get proper travel insurance before you catch your flight. These rates were published after an australian travel insurance comparison website finder.com.au took 10,000 travel insurance quotes along with WHO department of Health Systems Financing estimates.

These prices are taken from Finder.com.au

As seen above, it’s pretty clear that getting yourself a travel insurance plan can save you from a lot of unwanted expense on your trip not just in terms of medical expenditures but other losses as well such as loss of baggage or trip cancellation etc. Smartchoice.pk has recently launched its travel insurance comparison service where you can search compare and buy your travel policy for travel purposes be it vacation, business, pilgrimage etc. Our travel policy calculator gives you real-time quotations in just a few clicks. We hope that on your next trip abroad you will get travel insurance policy and travel with your loved ones with complete peace of mind!

Khurram Zahid

The post DON’T Fly To These Holiday Destinations Without Travel Insurance appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.