US aims to boost Aussie visitors

An American tourism promotion team has descended on Australia in hopes of increasing tourism to the country, the Sydney Morning Herald has reported.

Representatives from many iconic US destinations, including New York City, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, are among those visiting Australia, with events taking place across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

The visit is well-timed as, according to Mark Latham of Visit USA Australia, February is the time when most Australians decide on a visit to the US.

Figures from the US Department of Commerce show New York and California as the most popular states for Australian visitors, while the most popular holiday activities were said to be city sightseeing and watching plays and concerts.

A one-off trip to the States can be covered by a one-trip travel insurance policy from InsureandGo.

UK flight searches increase ahead of Royal Wedding

Australians are second only to Germans in their eagerness to head to the UK for the upcoming Royal Wedding, The Independent has reported.

According to the most recent figures from flight comparison site Skyscanner, Germany and Australia have now overtaken the United States and the Netherlands as the countries seeing the biggest search increases for flights to Britain.

Previously second in the same list last month, the US now stands at number three, while former top spot holder the Netherlands has now slipped out of the top ten entirely.

The wedding will see Prince William marry Kate Middleton on April 29th at Westminster Abbey, and tourism agency Visit London has already warned prospective tourists that hotels in the British capital are filling up fast.

Those planning a one off trip to the UK for the royal nuptials can cover themselves with One-trip travel insurance from InsureandGo.

Travel agent bookings rise

The number of Australians booking their overseas trips through travel agents has risen for the first time in four years, News.com.au has reported.

According to figures from Roy Morgan Research, in the year to March 55 per cent of Aussies used a travel agent to book their last international trip, compared to 53 per cent in December.

However, the number is still significantly down on June 2007’s figure, which was 71 per cent.

Recent catastrophic events like the Christchurch earthquake and Japanese tsunami are thought to be behind the recent uplift in travel agent bookings.

Colin Bowman, Flight Centre executive general manager, commented, “The uncertainty of it all has highlighted the importance of having someone like a travel agent back at home to call on in a time of need.”

A comprehensive travel insurance policy, such as those offered by InsureandGo, can provide holidaymakers with valuable assistance, however they’ve booked their holiday.

Top summer hotspots revealed

National Geographic has published a list of what it believes are the top 10 destinations to visit this summer.

According to The Telegraph, the US periodical is recommending that its readers head to Canada to visit Muskoka Cottage Country, a historic area of Ontario.

The Patagonia region of Argentina was named as the runner-up, followed by three US destinations – the San Juan Islands, Washington, Minneapolis, Minnesota and Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.

Welsh capital Cardiff came next at number six, receiving praise for its “iconic” castle and for being a “modern sports-entertainment destination”.

Making up the rest of the top ten were the Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden, the Azores, Portunal, Roatan, Honduras and Istria, Croatia.

For those wanting to explore the world’s best destinations this summer, InsureandGo offers cheap travel insurance¹.

Tips on tipping

A report by The Sydney Morning Herald has addressed a common issue faced by Australian travellers today – how much to tip.

While tipping 10 per cent for good service is often regarded as the standard in Australian restaurants, in other parts of the world, such as New York City, 20 per cent is closer to the norm.

In contrast, some countries frown on any kind of tipping and travellers making such a gesture are likely to have their tip swiftly returned to them.

Many other nations that have previously been seen as ‘non-tipping’ nations are now changing with the times, causing even more confusion for overseas visitors.

Prime examples are New Zealand and Japan, where whilst guidebooks may advise not to tip and tips may not necessarily be expected, they are likely to be well received.

Asking a local or a hotel concierge is a good way of finding out up-to-date information on tipping customs in a particular destination.

While tipping may be a confusing issue for Australian travellers, travel insurance doesn’t have to be, thanks to InsureandGo’s straightforward cover.

Sydney to welcome new cruise ship

The world’s largest cruise line is to base one of its ships in Australia full time, Breaking Travel News has reported.

Carnival Cruise Lines has announced that the 88,500 tonne Carnival Spirit is scheduled to arrive in Sydney in October 2012, and between operate 8-12 day voyages to the Pacific Islands.

At 53 metres above the waterline, the ship is three metres above the specified height for sailing under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and will be the first ship to be based in the city year-round that cannot sail under the bridge.

The ship will be able to carry 2,667 passengers, and around two-thirds of its cabins will feature private balconies – more than any other Australian ship.

Carnival Australia chief executive Ann Sherry commented, “Cruising is booming in this country because it offers passengers a great value holiday that includes accommodation, top quality food and loads of entertainment that appeal to all age groups.”

One-trip travel insurance from InsureandGo can cover Australian residents for all types of holiday.

Royal couple praise magical Seychelles

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have returned from their honeymoon in the Seychelles, Breaking Travel News has reported.

Clarence House confirmed that the couple spent 10 days staying on the North Island, which was named as the Indian Ocean’s ‘Leading Green Resort’ at the 2010 World Travel Awards.

The honeymoon is said to have been described by Prince William as “magical and amazing”, and the couple are also believed to have been presented with a Coco de Mer, a coconut regarded as a powerful aphrodisiac and fertility symbol, at the end of their stay.

Seychelles Foreign Minister John-Paul Adam commented, “We are truly honoured that Prince William and his wife chose to return to Seychelles for this special holiday and we are proud to have been able to offer them a peaceful and private getaway.”

Holidays to the Seychelles can be covered by InsureandGo’s great value travel insurance – ideal for those wanting to follow in the footsteps of the Royal couple.