Don’t Visit Las Vegas Until You’ve Read 1Cover’s Vegas Travel & Insurance Guide

With an overload of neon, glitz and Elvis impersonators, there’s nowhere quite like Las Vegas.

So get packing – don’t forget your travel insurance – and make the most of your holiday overseas with our guide to the top five things to do in Las Vegas. We’ll help you experience the best the world has to offer.

Take a gamble

You won’t have any trouble finding the casinos, as most hotels in Las Vegas are designed so you have to walk through them to get anywhere. If you try your luck, you might want to take a few gaming lessons; some of the hotels including Excalibur and New York, New York offer them for free.

See a show

A trip to Las Vegas isn’t complete without seeing at least one show. Book ahead for big production shows like Cirque du Soleil, major sporting events or headline acts. If your budget won’t stretch that far, there are plenty of long-running shows featuring magicians, comedians and impersonators.

Dine out in style

Cheap restaurants and all-you-can-eat buffets are in abundance here, but fine dining has become a part of the Las Vegas experience as well. In recent years, celebrity chefs have opened a slew of restaurants, boasting incredible fusion cuisine, unusual ambience, or both.

Shop around

What better way to recover from a night in the casinos than by spending more money in the shops? High flyers will head for Via Bellagio and the Fashion Show Mall, while European style overflows from the Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. You’ll find amazing bargains at Belz Factory Outlet World, and for truly tacky souvenirs, head for the stores along the Strip, the six-kilometre main drag of the city.

Fake it for free

Some of the best entertainment to be had in Las Vegas is free. Visit the lion enclosure at the MGM Grand Hotel, the white tiger habitat at the Mirage and the dancing fountains show at the Bellagio. And for a surreal experience, you can’t beat a trip to the city’s incredible ‘fakes’, including downscaled versions of the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and an eerily exact replica of St Mark’s Square in Venice that will have you wondering whether you’re still in the Nevada desert.

Don’t forget to purchase USA travel insurance for your overseas holiday.

Experience The Best Denmark Has To Offer With Our Guide – 1Cover Travel Insurance

Discover a country where the lifestyle is as refreshing as the landscape… Make the most of your holiday overseas with our guide to the top 5 things to do in Denmark. We’ll help you experience the best the world has to offer.

1. Take to the water

With more than 500 yachting harbours along the coast, and anchorage at 500 islands, Denmark is designed for sailing. And if you enjoy sea-fishing, local fishermen run angling tours from many of the harbours. What better location for landing your dream catch?

2. Travel way back in time

At the Geocenter Møns Klint on Sjælland Island, you can trace Denmark’s geological history to learn how the modern land and seascape were formed. Opened in 2007, this is a fascinating interactive experience – about as far away from the classroom as you can get.

3. See the sights carbon-free

Denmark is a great place to get around without a car. The terrain is ideal for cycling – and it’s easy to hire a bike and get pedalling. Or perhaps try your hand at horse riding. There are riding schools and centres all over the country, many offering tailor-made riding holidays.

4. Experience the original Legoland

Treat the kids or relive your own childhood at this amazing theme park, at Billund, Jutland. Attractions include Pirate Land, Knights’ Kingdom – and Imagination Zone, where you can ‘dive’ to the underwater world of Atlantis. Go to www.legoland.dk for the full story.

5. Enjoy the contrasts of Tivoli Gardens

In the heart of Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks – and much more. Three-quarters of its area is dedicated to open space, offering a colourful mix of plant displays and live, free entertainment such as circus acts, clown shows and live music. Then there’s the funfair – more than 20 rides, including the fastest roller coaster in Denmark.

Wherever your Danish adventures take you, make sure you have the right travel insurance – then you can just relax and enjoy yourself.

Top Cycling Destinations & Cheap Travel Insurance For Your Cycling Holiday

What better way to have some time away and stay in good shape than with a cycling holiday? But there’s almost too many options to choose from. So here’s our guide to the top 5 cycling destinations . We’ll help you experience the best the world has to offer.

The Alps

It might sound daunting (and it’s certainly spectacular), but as long as you’re reasonably fit, the Alps can be a great destination for cycling. Meribel, near Moutiers in France, boasts more than 370 miles of trails, and offers a range of accommodation and biking options.

( www.meribel.net )

Bhutan

If you really want to see how adventurous cycling can be, why not join a group trip, covering rugged off-road trails across the Asian wilderness? Organised group trips usually include accommodation arrangements, and with the physical demands of the cycling, it’s nice to know you don’t have to worry about logistics.

( www.cazenoveandloyd.com )

Czech Republic

Prague is popular for all types of tourists, from party goers to history buffs. It’s also great for cycling – not just the city itself, but the surrounding area, too. How about a 40-km cycle along the famous Vltava River, bringing you to the lovely but little-known town of Melnik?

Denmark (great for kids!)

Safe, flat and offering more than 6,000 miles of cycle routes, Denmark is perfect for family cycling holidays. It’s also far less tourist intensive than many parts of Europe, so you’ll get that extra sense of adventure!

Australian cities

Keen to get on your bike, but can’t afford to go too far? There might be more to see in Australian cities than you think, and guided bike tours can be a really wonderful way to explore the grandeur of Sydney, or Melbourne’s quirkiness.

( www.austravel.com )

Whether you’ll be tackling mountains or gently peddling along a quaint boulevard, cycling always has a small element of risk, so don’t forget to sort out travel insurance before you go…

Accommodation Booking Tips – Holiday Accommodation & Travel Insurance Advice

There’s a lot more to booking accommodation than finding somewhere with vacancies. Choosing the right hotel or hostel can make all the difference to your holiday. So why not follow our top 5 tips for booking accommodation ? We’ll help you experience the best the world has to offer.

1. Make sure you’ve got somewhere to stay on your first night

Even if you’re planning a ‘caution-to-the-wind’ trip, and are reluctant to book anything more than a day in advance, still make sure you’ve got somewhere to stay on your first night away. You’ll probably be tired (and slightly confused!), and certainly not in the mood for room hunting…

2. Research the location

Are you planning your accommodation in advance? If so, don’t just focus on the room and facilities, because you’ll probably spend most of your time out and about anyway. Is it within easy reach of things you want to see and do? Is it in a less-than-savoury part of town? In short, does the location suit you?

3. Don’t get tied down by long-term bookings

It’s obviously quite common to find that booking accommodation for longer periods seems to offer much better value. That’s great if you know you’ll definitely be spending a week or two somewhere, but don’t do it for the sake of saving a few dollars. Staying somewhere longer than you really want to just isn’t worth it.

4. Tight budget? Travel at night.

If you’re really looking to stretch your dollars, and are moving from place to place, remember that travelling at night can save you accommodation costs – assuming you were going to make the journey anyway. Trains, coaches and ferries are all quite conducive to sleeping, although don’t expect to feel refreshed in the morning!

5. What about activities?

This won’t really be a factor if you’re just looking for a week away on the beach, but if you’re keen on getting out and about a bit, why not look for a hotel or hostel that helps you do that? There are plenty around which organise trips and activities. It’s also a great way to meet people.

Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, don’t travel without Holiday Travel Insurance or Business Travel Insurance

Cruises – World Cruise Experiences, 1Cover Cruise Travel Insurance

When it comes to cruises, there’s something out there for everyone – whatever floats your boat! Get the most out of your holiday overseas with our guide to the top 5 cruises . We’ll help you experience the best the world has to offer.

1. The party cruise (Greece)

As a collection of dozens of islands, Greece is perfect for cruises, and this one’s livelier than most. You’ll get dropped off at a different port each evening, before the ship departs again sometime after 2am. It docks again at 11am the next morning, so you can spend the day on the beach, recovering, before starting again!

( www.easycruise.com )

2. The epic river cruise (China)

Most tourists visiting China head for the cities, so why not do something different and explore the magnificent Yangzi River? Marvel at the incredible mountain gorges and beautiful freshwater dolphins from the comfort of your own private balcony.

( www.abercrombiekent.co.uk )

3. The classic cruise (Florida and the Bahamas)

Everything you always thought a cruise should have – spas, casinos, nightclubs, restaurants… and stunning scenery. Whether you’ll want to kick back on the boat, or take the opportunity to explore the beautiful locations (such as Key West), you can’t beat a classic cruise.

( www.cruisecheap.com )

4. The adventure cruise (Fiji)

For many holidaymakers, a cruise trip is all about relaxing and unwinding – but you can make it as active as you want to. How about touring Fijian islands, with opportunities for snorkelling, kayaking, mountain biking and diving?

( www.tuitai.com )

5. The quaint, English cruise (UK)

If plush opulence and the vast ocean don’t appeal, how about driving your own (hired) traditional canal boat through the heart of England? It’s a bit like mixing the cosiness of camping with the variety of a normal cruise. And if you get seasick, you’ll only be a few metres from land!

( www.canaljunction.com )

Whichever type of trip suits you best, don’t forget to make sure you’ve got cruise travel insurance. So you can unwind properly, and enjoy your cruise…

Canada’s Top Backpacker Holiday Destinations – Cheap Travel Insurance For Canada

With its natural beauty, Canada is one of the world’s best destinations for outdoor adventures. It’s also equally enjoyable as a luxury holiday or a backpacker experience. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, and read on for our top 5 things to do in Canada .

Catch a train from coast to coast

The best way to see Canada in all its glory is by rail, from one coast to the other. Journeys from Toronto to Vancouver take in the sweeping prairies and ranch-lands of the east, the stunning Rocky Mountains and dramatic canyon ranges. You can make the journey in a few days, or a few weeks, stopping off to explore glaciers and national parks along the way.

Go fly fishing in the Yukon

Fancy fishing somewhere so remote you have to fly in by seaplane? The stunning Ruby Ranges in Canada’s westernmost territory are incredibly peaceful and awe inspiring, with luxury accommodation and cheap camping sites on offer. Fish next to a herd of moose in the morning then cook your own catch as you watch the sun disappear behind the mountains.

Kayak with whales off Vancouver Island

You may have experienced whale watching from a large vessel packed with fellow tourists, but have you seen them up close, one on one?

The best time to launch a kayak off Vancouver Island is between May and October, when about 200 Orcas, or killer whales, come close to the coast to feed. You can idle close enough to taste the salty spray as they dive and play. It’s also a great way to see dolphins, sea lions, minke whales and black bears – all from the safety of the kayak!

Stroll through old Montreal

Founded in 1642 when the area was known as New France, the once walled ‘old’ Montreal is a fascinating and well-preserved living museum. Filled with 350 years of architecture, cathedrals, galleries and restaurants, wandering the narrow cobbled streets and down to the Vieux Port will give you a good view into Canada’s earliest colonial days.

Visit Niagara Falls

One Sunday morning in 1848, Niagara Falls stopped flowing, causing an ‘end of the world’ panic. In fact, an ice jam was the culprit, but the reaction was understandable when six million cubic litres normally thunder over the falls every minute. The world’s most famous falls are beautiful in winter or summer, by day or by night – when they are lit up by an array of coloured lights.

And don’t forget your travel insurance before you head out into the wild – or the city. Then you can relax and enjoy your experience.

Visitors Guide To Belgium – holiday to Europe with 1Cover travel insurance

World-famous chocolate, beer and diamonds, and an intriguing role in changing recent European history. Make the most of your holiday overseas with our guide to the top 5 things to do in Belgium . We’ll help you enjoy the best the world has to offer.

1. Brussels’ Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate

The Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate, is near the main market square in central Brussels. Chocoholics can marvel and drool over the history of Belgian chocolate, from the arrival of the cocoa bean in Europe right through to live demonstrations of today’s special techniques and processes that make Belgian chocolate so popular worldwide.

2. Belgian beer tours

A trip to Belgium isn’t complete without sampling at least some of its huge range of specialist beers. From the distinctive Lambic beers, brewed in the Pajottenland region, to Flanders Red Ale, a fruity, sour beer with red malt, the Belgians claim to have the widest range of high-quality beers in the world. And there are numerous guided tours of breweries throughout the country. Informative, provided you don’t get carried away.

3. Antwerp Diamond Museum

Antwerp has been the diamond capital of the world for centuries, so it’s not surprising to find the world’s largest diamond museum here. It’s an impressive audio-visual tour, with interactive displays and headphones that guide you through the whole process and how it’s changed through history, from mining techniques through to the creation of beautiful jewellery. Going with your girlfriend? Leave your wallet at the hotel…

4. Bastogne

Many say the ‘Battle of the Bulge’ at Bastogne in 1944 turned the tide against Hitler’s advance in World War II. Despite having almost no ammunition, food or shelter, and being exposed to heavy fire from German artillery, the American 101^st Airborne division held out in the woods near Bastogne and eventually secured this strategic position for the Allied war effort. A remarkable place for history buffs and WWII enthusiasts to visit.

5. Ypres’ WWI battlefields

Ypres stood in Germany’s path through Belgium into Northern France during the First World War. The town was heavily bombarded, but rebuilt after the war – so well it’s hard to imagine the devastation it suffered. Original battle trench networks and bullet-ridden trees remain in the countryside around Ypres, particularly near Passchendaele, where you’ll find the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world.

No matter where your Belgian adventure takes you, make sure you have travel insurance. Then you can relax and enjoy your journey.

Top 5 Guide for Barcelona – Attractions in Barcelona. 1Cover Travel Insurance

Architecture, culture, laid-back nightlife… and football? Make the most of your holiday overseas with our guide to the top 5 things to do in Barcelona . We’ll help you enjoy the best the world has to offer.

1. Park Guell

This really is a park like no other. Designed by famous Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi, Park Guell is stunning at every turn, with intricately tiled walkways and dragon sculptures, strange but soothing angles and gently swaying palms. And its great location gives panoramic views of Barcelona’s impressive skyline.

2. Sagrada Familia

Also designed by Gaudi – who devoted the last 15 years of his life to the project – is the magnificent Sagrada Familia cathedral. Construction of this still unfinished architectural masterpiece began in 1882, and is expected to be complete in 2026 – marking 100 years since Gaudi passed away.

3. The Nou Camp

FC Barcelona’s home ground has a 98,772 capacity, making it the largest football stadium in Europe – and one of the most impressive. The atmosphere inside the Nou Camp is electric when FC Barcelona plays a big home game. Even if you’re not a keen follower of football, it’s a great experience.

4. The Fountains of Montjuic

Designed by engineer Carles Buígas, this remarkable water display, just off the Placa Espanya, first took place in May 1929 as part of the World Fair, and has been a tourist magnet ever since. It was built in just one year, involving over 3,000 people working round the clock to complete it in time. The original technology is still used to create a kaleidoscope of colours throughout the displays.

5. La Rambla

To soak up the evening atmosphere of this great European centre of culture, you simply have to take a leisurely stroll up and down La Rambla, Barcelona’s main pedestrian street. A wide avenue, lined with cafés, bars and restaurants, street art, musicians and stalls, La Rambla has a thriving yet laid-back atmosphere that slowly comes to life as the sun goes down.

Top 5 Things To Do On Your Holiday To Amsterdam, The Netherlands – 1Cover Travel

Culture, history and a vibrant lifestyle… for a small city, Amsterdam has something for everyone. Make the most of your holiday overseas with our guide to the top 5 things to do in Amsterdam. We’ll help you experience the best the world has to offer.

1. Explore the canals

With more canals than Venice, it’s easy to explore the historic heart of the city by canal boat. You can choose from short and simple tours to elegant five-star candlelit dinners on board. Yes, it’s touristy – but it offers a unique perspective of Amsterdam. And you can even rent a guided canal boat for your own private tour.

2. Walk the streets

A self-guided walking tour lets you cover the cobblestone streets and 1000-plus bridges at your own pace. Just pick up a map at one of the Amsterdam Tourist Offices and choose your area: eclectic Jordaan, the ‘nine streets’ of the central canal ring, or Oude Zijde, with many of the oldest buildings in the city.

3. Or rent a bike

To experience life as a true Amsterdammer, you need to hop on a bike. Guided and self-guided tours are available throughout the city, and you’ll pay just €10 a day (plus a deposit) to pedal your away around the flat city streets. Just watch out for those trams!

4. Discover artistic treasures

Don’t miss the Van Gogh museum and the Rijksmuseum, to experience the best the Dutch masters and most famous artists have produced. Or, take some surprisingly affordable Dutch art home with you after visiting the Spui Art Market.

5. Anne Frankhuis (Anne Frank House)

Even if you haven’t read The Diary of Anne Frank, visiting this restored canal house is an incredibly moving experience. You can visit the secret annex, as well as a museum dedicated to the persecution of Jews in WWII. Arrive early in the day (or late) to avoid the long queues.

Information on insurance for international travel

DFAT advice for Netherlands

Heading to the snow for your next holiday? Take out travel insurance with 1Cover

So you like the white stuff? For some, a ski trip is as much about the social scene as it is a day on the slopes. Make the most of your holiday overseas with our guide to winter sports holidays . We’ll help you enjoy the best snow the world has to offer.

Slovenia

Surprisingly, this is a fairly recent addition to the skiers and snowboarders’ list of places to visit. If you’re looking for uncrowded, family-friendly resorts with slopes and snowboarding runs for all abilities, plus expert tuition, Slovenia is ideal. Kranska Gora, near the Swiss and Italian borders is a fantastic resort with a cosmopolitan feel, offering great value for money.

Sweden

As well as many great ski and snowboarding resorts, Sweden’s landscapes host a range of other winter sports activities, including snowmobile safaris, husky sledding, ice climbing and ice fishing. Vemdalen, for example, is recommended for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. And being a little off the beaten track, it has a remote, relaxed atmosphere without being sleepy.

British Columbia, Canada

Anyone who’s been there will tell you Canada has some of the best terrain in the world for skiers and snowboarders. And it offers the adventurous and experienced winter sportsperson enough thrills to last a lifetime. Whistler, in southern British Columbia, simply ticks all the boxes, whether you’re a beginner or a veteran of the slopes – and the scenery is second to none.

Andorra

If you like to party after a day on the slopes, Andorra’s Pas de la Casa resort has the nightlife to keep you going. It’s a popular destination for this reason alone, yet it’s surrounded by slopes to suit all abilities, and there are plenty of off-piste opportunities for the more adventurous. A great all-round destination for any skill level, and there’s lots going on if you fancy a day’s rest from the hat and goggles!

Beaver Creek, Colorado, USA

Perfect for families, beginners, even non-skiers, Beaver Creek in Colorado, is ideally located for easy access to slopes for all abilities, and has awesome panoramic scenery. Resort facilities are extensive, modern and luxurious. It’s not all about the slopes, though – spend all day honing your snowboarding freestyle skills or relax in a resort spa and pamper yourself.

In most cases, you’ll need to take out special winter sports travel insurance for your ski or snowboarding holiday. If you have annual, multi-trip cover, make sure there’s winter sports cover included. Many standard policies won’t cover you for off-piste skiing or other more dangerous activities, so you might need a specialist policy. Always check before you set off.