Is the Fairmont Battery Wharf hotel, located at Three Battery Wharf, in a safe area of Boston?

February 22, 2010 Posted by admin

I am planning a visit to Boston with my wife and I have a huge discount at the Fairmont Battery Wharf hotel. My only concern is to know if it is located in a safe area of Boston as, most probably, we will be getting back late at night and we like to walk. Any input will be mostly appreciated. Thank you!

It’s in the North End, a pretty safe part of the city. (Well, it’s on the Waterfront, which runs along the edge of the North End. But you walk through the North End to get there.) It’s always a bustling part of town, very pedestrian-oriented. Be careful in any city late at night though.

If you are here in the non-winter, take the water taxi from the Airport to the Fairmont. It’s a fantastic trip, about $10-$15. The bellhops come down to the boat.

Rental car in Vancouver B.C Canada?

February 22, 2010 Posted by admin

Hello, I will be travelling to Vancouver B.C
I need to rent a car for a month.
Can anyone tell me which rental company is the best to go for?
and please quote the price including tax(apprx.)
Thanks.

There are many car rental companies in Vancouver. At different times of the year, different companies offer different specials. The best thing to do is go on Yahoo and check the rates.
I find Enterprise usually has the best rates. I used them the last two times I went to Vancouver.

We are planning to go to Vancouver via Jasper, what is the must see on these places?

February 22, 2010 Posted by admin

Is Whistler mountain, Athabasca Falls, and Miette Hotsprings on the same way? since we are just planning to stop at least 1/2 day in Jasper?

Any accomodation near it? or we can just camp to Jasper National Park?

Note: There are 3 ways to travel and all have unique things and a beautiful drive.
1. To Vancouver via the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 5), through Blue River, Clearwater to Kamloops, then via the Coquihalla Highway to Hope and then Highway 1 to Vancouver
2. From Jasper to Banff, then Highway 1 to Vancouver (or you can divert through the okanagan (Vernon, Kelowna then to the Coquihalla).
3. From Jasper to Banff and then travel South to Radium Hot Springs and then Cranbrook – then Highway 3 West all the way to Hope and then along Highway #1 to Vancouver.
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The following is a narrative I had sent to someone else asking a similar question but it was how to travel Vancouver to Jasper and back:
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I have both travelled this route and spoke to people from all over the world (especially Europe) who said the highway between Jasper and Bamff is the most beautiful & breath taking they ever saw.

Here is the route:
1. Depart Vancouver Eastbound on Highway #1.
2. Hope BC is a hub of 4 highways. Continue on Highway #1 up the Fraser Canyon. There is lots of scenery especially Hell’s Gate.
3. At Cache Creek there is another Hub. Stay on Highway #1 and travel to Kamloops, B.C.
4. Kamloops is another Hub. Take Highway #5 North (Yellowhead highway) to Jasper.
5. Clearwater is about 150 Km North of Kamloops and there is a lot of camping and beautiful scenery. The Wells Grey National Park is near here. A good place to stop and see things.
6. Continue North on Highway #5 and you will pass through Blue River.
This community is small and the hub of the best heli skiing and heli hiking in the world. During the winter everyone from Royalty to famous movie stars come here to heli ski.
7 Continue North on Highway #5 and follow the signs to Jasper.
8. When you are finished with Jasper travel South on Highway 93. This is the highway everyone says is the most beautiful in the world. It has ice fields you can stop to explore and go for a snowmobile ride. You will want to stop around every new curve to take a picture. This Highway stops (T intersection) at Highway #1 almost at Lake Louise. Go East and follow the signs to Lake Louise.
9. Once you are finished with Lake Louise, Travel East on HIghway #1 to Banff.
10. When you are finished with Banff travel West on Highway #1 back to BC.
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At this point you have two ways to return to Vancouver pending on your time & money. You can go via Southern BC, or more faster and direct back on Highway #1
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Southern BC
11.Travel West from Banff and take Highway #93 to Radium. These are famous hot springs and you can have a good time here.
12. From Radium, continue South to Cranbrook. You can side step to Kimberly which is a tourist town decked out like a small German/Swiss village.
13. From Cranbrook travel West on Highway #3 to Hope. You will travel through three mountain passes and see beautiful country. Thre are mountains between Princeton and Hope that are very steep and you will see an old mountain slide (Hope Princeton Slide).
14. At Hope, you will automatically meet up with Highway #1 and continue to Vancouver. Hope is a beautiful small town in the mountains and is the location for the Selvester Stalone movie "First Blood".
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The faster more direct Route:
11. Travel East on Highway #1 to Kamloops.
12. Take the Highway #5 (Coquihalla HIghway) exit on the West side of Kamloops and go South.
13. This will take you to Hope. You will automatically blend into Highway #3 and then a few kilometers away into Highway #1.
14. Continue on to Vancouver.
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Note: you can also go Highway #1 West from Banff and then at Sicamous take Highway 97A. This will take you into the Okanagan which is a high tourist spot. Hot in the summer and our fruit belt. You will travel through Armstrong, Vernon and then Kelowna. On the other side of Kelowna, you can take Highway #97 to Merritt and get on to Highway #5, go South to Hope, then Highway #1 to Vancouver.
OR, Instead of taking Highway 97, continue South to Penticton, through Penticton to Highway #3, then West. See notes about about Highway #3.
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Have a great holiday and enjoy Beautiful BC.
Note: there is a small toll ($$) to enter the National Parks at Jasper and Banff.

Your Health Insurance and your Vacation: What to Know Before you Go

February 21, 2010 Posted by admin

Whenever one reads any reading matter likehealth insurance, it is vital that the person enjoys reading it. One should grasp the meaning of the matter, only then can it be considered that its reading is complete.

Nothing ruins a fabulous vacation faster than an unanticipated medical emergency—except, that is, experiencing such an emergency and knowing you are unprepared to handle it. Buying travel insurance before you leave for your trip won’t guard against emergencies, but it may ease some of the difficulty of dealing with whatever problem has interrupted your vacation.

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, you never know when something might happen. You could miss a flight and be stranded somewhere, your partner might have a heart attack, or you might be caught up in a natural disaster. Whatever the case may be, having additional options available will make the situation much more bearable.

Travel or vacation insurance is available in many formats. You can buy a basic package that protects you from logistical issues such as being bumped from a flight and not making your cruise departure, to more complex packages that incorporate logistical issues, health care, and loss or theft. You can also purchase limited policies that guard against specific risks or events either on or before your trip. For example, you may want an ‘out’ to cancel your walking tour of England if you broke your leg three days before your departure. Or you may want to purchase health coverage so that if you break you leg while on the walking tour, you can receive proper medical attention without having to deal with the possibility your provider won’t pay for care administered in another country. This is a super way to protect against loss of deposits and pre-paid expenses.

After many hopeless endeavors to produce something worthwhile on health insurance, this is what we have come up with. We are very hopeful about this!

Trip insurance can be purchased from a number of sources including your travel agent and insurance agent. In addition to the different kinds of travel or vacation insurance that are available, you can also find a plan that is flexible in terms of length. Policies may be obtained to cover a specific period such as two weeks, on a price-per-day open-ended basis, or, particularly in the case of organized vacations, for a flat rate covering your vacation getaway.

Vacation or travel health care insurance is a valuable tool, especially if you purchase a comprehensive policy that includes coverage death or injury to yourself or your family/travel companions; accidents or illness requiring hospitalization while at your vacation destination; emergency dental work; ambulance fees, medi-coptor, or transport back to the United States while you are abroad; and, medical evacuation to a safe location if necessary. You may have comprehensive domestic health care insurance in the United States, but many plans provided by insurance, HMO or governmental organizations are not honored if you require medical attention while abroad.

Long before you leave home, while you are still in the planning stages of your vacation or business trip, it is wise to review your existing health care insurance package to see what, if any, coverage you may have while in transit or once you have reached your destination. Pay special attention to the exclusions section of your agreement, and if you are confused or unclear about any of the language, contact your provider for a more understandable explanation. In fact, have your provider review the entire policy with you so you can take note of what coverage you have, what documentation you need to carry in order to access insurance-sponsored health care while you are away, and any particular accommodations you may need to make, such as whether family members have to be named individually on your agreement in order to be protected.

It is only because that we are rather fluent on the subject of health insurance that we have ventured on writing something so influential on health insurance like this!

We can proudly say that there is no competition to the meaning of health insurance, when comparing this article with other articles on health insurance found on the net.

By figuring out what coverage you have, you can avoid the cost of purchasing duplicate coverage. You may think you are doubling your protection by buying a redundant policy, but almost all plans exclude coverage of claims that can be made under an already existing policy.

So should you buy Travel Health Insurance? Probably. Hopefully you will never need it, but you will have to make a personal decision about whether you are willing to take a chance to save a couple hundred dollars or less. Your destination and the nature of your trip should be considered when making a decision. For example, an authentic African safari or wilderness white water rafting trip has a higher probably of medical implications than a seniors’ train tour, but life isn’t predictable. Assess your risk, financial capability to handle possible emergencies and your comfort level, and work from there.

Jimmy Chuang
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/your-health-insurance-and-your-vacation-what-to-know-before-you-go-103200.html

Holiday Travel Insurance – Why You Need It!

February 14, 2010 Posted by admin

We have all faced the question, would you like to purchase holiday travel insurance? Many of us, myself included, are thinking well why would I want to spend more money on that? I know that I am travelling on this particular date, my vacation time is booked and there is nothing that is going to stop me.

Let’s think about this…

The thing about travel is that many times, no matter how far ahead we have booked or how well planned, there are many unexpected things that can occur, some may be minor things and some may not. Maybe you’ve experienced setbacks yourself.

Have you ever considered what would happen if;

1) My travel supplier just declared bankruptcy

Considering all the new travel companies that are popping up every day, not all of them are as financially stable as we think. Having trip cancellation travel insurance and trip interruption insurance can protect you and your vacation investment.

2) I’ve become ill and I’m too sick to travel

Many tickets and vacations are non-refundable. If you or another family member suddenly becomes ill, having trip cancellation travel insurance and trip interruption insurance allows you to be fully reimbursed should such a situation occur.

3) You’ve missed your flight connection due to flight delays

There are times (don’t I know it!) that you arrive at your connecting city but your connecting flight is long gone. You may need a hotel and meals for the night, or you’ve booked a cruise but your cruise ship has left, what do you do?! Having travel delay protection will cover the costs relating to your delay.

4) My wallet or purse has just been stolen!

Here is a very real fear that most of us don’t like to think about but unfortunately, even in the best of places, theft can occur. Knowing that there are 24 hr emergency services on hand to assist with reporting lost cards and having emergency funds ready to transfer ensures that help is always just a phone call away.

5) Holiday Travel Insurance covers you where your Health Insurance may not. Medical emergencies can occur when you are visiting a foreign destination. Without Travel Health Insurance coverage, you would be responsible for footing the bill, and chances are, it’s not going to be a small amount!

These are just some of the many reasons you may want to consider before declining that offer for holiday travel insurance. If you are booking online as many people are doing these days, take a look for an online travel insurance company that can offer you a solution. Make sure to look for travel insurance comparisons, you will be able to find cheap holiday travel insurance.

Always remember that travelling is one of the best things in the world, but as with all good things, there are always unexpected circumstances that can arise. Holiday travel insurance may be one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family. For a small fee and the right insurance travel plan products, you can be rest assured that you are completely covered to fully enjoy that vacation!

Sarah White
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/holiday-travel-insurance-why-you-need-it-93051.html

International Travel Medical Insurance – Why You Need It

February 10, 2010 Posted by admin

International travel for the retired is here and booming! As a consequence so is the need for International Travel Medical Insurance. But whether you are 6 or 60
the need for international travel medical insurance is true for everyone, regardless of age or length of time abroad. Suppose you fall ill just a few hours after arriving at your destination. Or you make a trip to another country and you are injured in an accident? Or one of your children is part of a group making a visit abroad, gets food poisoning and requires hospitalization. In all cases, without adequate travel health insurance, you will be responsible for the costs above and beyond the limitations of your existing medical plan.

International travel insurance is normally used by short-term travellers, mostly on holidays and pleasure cruises. Apart from covering medical expenses for a short travel time, it also covers emergency medical evacuations and trip cancellation refunds.

Travel medical insurance is meant for international travellers who have to go abroad quite often. There are a number of travel medical insurance companies that give support to thousands of travelling people on travel medical programs. These programs are meant to provide medical protection and assistance services in cases where people develop medical problems outside the country.

To avoid any potential medical disasters, wise travellers are prepared by carrying health insurance coverage. Check to see whether your regular health insurance takes care of medical costs in other countries. If it does, what is the extent of your coverage?

On a sombre note, have you thought about repatriation of mortal remains? In case of death the Travel Health Insurance company will bear the cost of returning the mortal remains of the insured.

Before you leave check your policy document or contact the insurer to confirm what precise steps your insurance company requires you to take in a medical emergency. If you have to buy any treatments or medicines, again keep receipts and original prescriptions if possible.

Always read the fine print. Accidental coverage is not provided in case of drunken driving, driving under the influence of narcotic substances etc. Exclusions are also provided for accidents during risky sports, that means in case of accidents in these situations the insurance company is not liable to pay any amount to the insured.

Many travel insurance companies also feature discounts for owning multiple policies with them or for maintaining a good driving record. A group package is intended to cover school travels, such as sporting events, group travel, or any travel that carries ten or more individuals. Since the family packages are restricted, covering only the immediate members, the extended polices may be needed to cover additional parties. Thus, few insurance companies may offer up to 10% discounts, while others may offer more or less.

You can determine which insurance is best for you and your situation by learning about the different kinds of coverage offered by the insurance companies your familiar with. By simply phoning to get more information you’ll learn and discover the options available for your particular type of trip and destination.

Be completely open and honest about your medical history and any activities you are likely to take part in, whether you think they’re risky or not. As with any insurance policy; if in doubt declare it anyway. One of the most common defences made by insurers when declining a claim is that information was not disclosed or not correctly disclosed. Declare everything and document it.

So, if you are planning to travel, whether it is for business or for pleasure, you should definitely think about getting a single trip insurance policy. The comfort, peace of mind and assurance you will enjoy while travelling far outweigh the premiums you will pay. In case something goes wrong, you know that you will receive the best compensation and benefits.

Finally, check your existing insurance policies for possible coverage. There is no sense in paying more for what you already have in your homeowner or tenant policy, such as theft and loss coverage.

Allen Jesson
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/international-travel-medical-insurance-why-you-need-it-121225.html

Guide to skiing 101

February 2, 2010 Posted by admin

For all those who cherish skiing, this sport has everything to offer from fun, adventure, excitement, to some of the exotic skiing resorts and quite a few thrilling contests. This archaic sport has thus been able to garner worldwide acclaim. Now there are wonderful skiing resorts almost all across the globe to cater to the skiing enthusiasm of people especially visitors. Let us take a look at a few globally recognized or eminent skiing resorts in the world today.

• When we talk about skiing, the foremost spot that figures is Aspen. Aspen Highlands as well as Aspen Mountain cuddled in Colorado, United States, offer around 1400 acres of slopes for all the skiing lovers. These slopes are not just meant for the professionals but even the beginners, young and old, snowboarders and skiers can have a lifetime experience skiing here. But skiing is not the only sport to relish in the breathtaking ambience. Well there are other activities such as hot air balloon tours, snowshoe walks and snowmobile rides. All in all the 7495 feet high Aspen Mountains together with Aspen Highlands leave no stone unturned to gratify the skiing passion of people. You can make your stay comfortable at the accommodations offered by Aspen Alps, Ajax Condominiums and Aspen Meadows Resort.

• Another skiing destination that is swarming with people during the months of November to April is the Big Mountain. Big Mountain standing firm in whitefish, Montana is America’s everlasting attraction. On this approximately 3000 acres of real estate you can enjoy on incredible 91 runs. The proficient ones can ski at a set of 15 separate runs and bask in the glory of wonderful aura and the pleasant game. Other games such as sledding, tubing, sleigh riding, dog sledding tours etc. can even be enjoyed here. But this isn’t all…there are nine different restaurants too! The average low temperature of this place is around 44 degrees but winters at 17 degrees can be icy cold. Once Big Mountain is another big destination on your mind, you can get your reservations done at the beautiful Alpenglow Inn or the Grouse Mountain Lodge.

• Big Sky welcomes all the skiing aficionados. The resort is a construction of the former NBC broadcaster Chet Huntley. This area as later on purchased by Boyne Resorts in USA. The contemporary attraction of Big Sky is its being recognized as one amongst greatest skiing resorts and its amazing accommodations.

• Another big name associated with skiing is that of Deer Valley. Deer Valley, a ground to four mountains is situated in Park City, Utah. These huge mountains- Bald Mountain, Flagstaff Mountain, Empire Canyon and Bald Eagle Mountain together make Deer Valley an ideal skiing destination. Horseback riding, swimming, golfing, river rafting are other activities to delight in.

• Colorado presents another great skiing spot- Copper Mountain. Copper Mountain has gained immense recognition because of its incredible 12,313 feet elevation and the huge area 2433 acres of land it conceals, thereby making a perfect skiing spot. Along with these characteristics there are other delightful features too. For instance the West Lake District a home for skating, shopping and bars. The Lazy Lizard and Endo’s Adrenaline Café serve as excellent eating joints to all the visitors.

Besides these for the skiing devotees there are timeless other hot destinations to hit like Whistler Blackcomb, Valle Nevado and Snowmass.

Mansi Gupta
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/guide-to-skiing-101-10438.html

Travel Insurance, Tips, Advice & Resources for Seniors

February 2, 2010 Posted by admin

RIDDLE! What is it?

They spend thousands encouraging us to buy it.

We are advised never to go on holiday without it.

But when we want to buy it, they don’t want to sell it to us.

Read on ………..

So after much deliberation we have chosen the holiday destination, sorted out the flights, and already we are picturing ourselves languishing on warm sands with the inviting blue sea stretching before us, and we just have the minor formality of the holiday travel insurance and then all the arrangements will be complete. Did I say MINOR? Well, yes, holiday insurance was once just a minor formality, but now for retired folk or senior citizens it has become a MAJOR, MAJOR problem. (In fact, when talking to friends it appears that holiday insurance has replaced house prices as the after dinner discussion). The problem is not just about how health affects the cost of insurance but it’s about how age affects the cost of insurance. Isn’t it amazing how an insurance company can take your annual holiday insurance payments for years, you have never made a claim, and suddenly because you have just passed a certain birthday you are too risky to consider. Your medical history may be fine, in fact you may be fitter than the 30 year old couch potato on the end of the telephone, but that doesn’t count – the only thing that counts is the date on your birth certificate. And when you do find an insurance company who will cover you, you find that the premium costs more than the holiday.

However, one thing is certain, WE MUST HAVE HOLIDAY TRAVEL INSURANCE (you realize how essential it is when you consider that an air ambulance from the USA will set you back approx £35,000), and another important point is to be honest when declaring your medical history, because Insurance Companies are not charities and will possibly look into your medical history hoping to find some information (however slight you may have considered it at the time it was recorded) to avoid paying for example that air ambulance cost from the USA.

A timely reminder that the E111 was discontinued on 31 December 05 and was replaced by the EHIC (the European Health Insurance Card), which you can obtain from the Post Office or www.dh.gov.uk. It is useful to take this, but it is definitely not a substitute for personal holiday insurance.

And whilst on the subject of European holidays; a couple of years back we met a group of Spanish pensioners having a great time on the Costa del Sol. We found out why it was such a joyous occasion, it came courtesy of the Spanish Government – the Government treats senior citizens to a week’s free holiday. On reflection, it could possibly work out cheaper for the National Health if our senior citizens were sent to warmer climes during the winter when bronchitis and respiratory problems abound. Mr Brown, it’s food for thought. After all, he informs us that in 2008 we shall be receiving free bus travel throughout the country, so perhaps we can but dream that the boundaries be extended somewhat. However, there is still the problem of the necessary holiday travel insurance.

A recent survey found that 9 out of 10 annual travel policies impose an upper age limit. It is slightly easier to obtain single trip policies: but this can work out expensive is you plan to take more than a couple of holidays a year. Here are a few worth contacting, but do shop around as prices vary enormously -

All Clear of Brentwood – www.allcleartravel.co.uk

Citybond – www.citybond.co.uk

Churchill – www.churchill.com)

Age Concern ) will insure the over 80s

Help the Aged ) will insure the over 80s

Saga ) will insure the over 80s

Norwich & Peterborough – www.npbs.co.uk

Flexicover – www.flexicover.co.uk

Visit Mabels…Maintaining Bygone Times, containing numerous articles thoughtfully researched mainly for the older person. You may access these articles by visiting http://www.mabels.org.uk/ – You will learn about the best tips to improve your health, fitness, finances, & helpful organisations to make the most out of life.

Jo Godden
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/travel-insurance-tips-advice-resources-for-seniors-222504.html

What will the Vancouver 2010 Olympics do to the economy?

January 26, 2010 Posted by admin

I live in Vancouver, and I’m wondering about what the Olympics are going to do to our economy. Is it true, that they will be spending immense amounts of money for this? Are British Colombians going to have to pay for it with raised taxes?

See, I’ve only just turned 14 in September, and when I attempt to ask teachers they say, "The Olympics are great! Be proud of the Olympics! Be a proud Canadian!"

But I’d like some honest answers that I would understand.

Thank you :].

Vanoc has already been assured (by the IOC) at least breaking even for the games budget. That’s one big risk factor taken out since the governement was required to cover any losses from actually operating the games. The immense amounts of money spent are talking about mainly infrastructure costs. Depending on your opinion, those should have been done anyways. Such as the upgrades to the Sea to Sky highway which gets a lot of traffic and has a lot of accidents. The upgrade was needed anyways, but that $600 million is counted by some as an expense related to the games. Same for the Canada Line for the Skytrain. A similar amount was spent on that. We had no good way to get from the airport to downtown so it was needed, but many have considered it a games related expense. Same again for the close to $1 Billion convention center upgrade that may or may not have happened if not for the Olympics. Lastly is the Olympic village. The city has a huge amount that it spent on the village. It’s yet to be seen how much of that they can recoup when they sell off the units there but speculation at this point is that they will lose money.

Hopefully the above shows that losing money on the Olympics is not a straight forward question. Two completely honest people will give opposite answers just based on their opinion of what is an "Olympic Expense" and what was needed regardless of the Olympics. My opinion is that these projects were all long overdue and so if it took an Olympics to get them done – great!

As for the economic benefit, the predictions vary widely but it will be very substantial. A lot of entra money will be coming in over the years due to the new infrastructure and the new exposure that the Olympics brings. Definitely in the hundreds of millions over time.

Compare Whistler/Blackcomb,Canada to Lech am Arlberg, Austria?

January 26, 2010 Posted by admin

How does Whistler/Blackcomb compare to a top European ski resort like Lech am Arlberg in Austria or Verbier in Switzerland?

Has anyone skied both?

I haven’t skiied both – but the fact that the IOC endorsed Whistler for the 2010 Winter Olympics should tell you something about it. You could google up Whistler and compare it with your own knowledge of Lech am Arlberg, Austria.