The following information concerns the grounding of Tiger Airlines flights by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) commencing Saturday 2 July 2011.This advice applies to policies issued on or before Friday 1 July 2011. Click here for more information.
The following information concerns the earthquake in Japan and subsequent tsunami on Friday 11 March 2011 and applies to travel insurance policies issued prior to 12 March 2011. Click here to find out more.
The following information concerns the civil unrest in Egypt and applies to travel insurance policies issued before Saturday 29 January 2011. Click here to find out more.
The following information concerns the recent volcanic eruption in Bali and the associated airport closures due to ash clouds. This advice applies to travel insurance policies issued prior to Thursday 27 January 2011. Click here to find out more.
Lights, camera… vacation! Make the most of your holiday overseas with our guide to the top 5 movie locations. We’ll help you experience the best the world has to offer.
1. Harry Potter (Alnwick Castle, England)
A striking stately home and castle in Northumberland, England, Alnwick Castle has featured prominently (as Hogwarts) in the series of Harry Potter films since 2001. It also appears in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and Elizabeth.
2. Last Tango in Paris(Pont de Bir-Hakeim, France)
It may not be everyone’s idea of a fun movie, but Last Tango certainly makes the most of some wonderful Parisian locations. Most famous of them all is this double-decker road and rail bridge, where the two main characters meet.
3. The Lord of the Rings (Matamata, New Zealand)
Locations for this epic trilogy were spread across both New Zealand islands, so perhaps the best place to start is where the story starts – Matamata. The rolling greenery of ‘the shire’ was actually filmed on private land nearby, but you can still enjoy guided tours of the Hobbiton set.
4. Thelma and Louise (Gooseneck State Park, USA)
So the Grand Canyon’s most famous movie appearance was actually filmed hundreds of miles away! In fact, very little of Thelma and Louise was filmed at the story’s locations, and the dramatic climax really took place just off Route 163, in the south east corner of Utah.
5. Monty Python’s Life of Brian (Monastir, Tunisia)
Most of this famous satire, where Brian gets mistaken for the Messiah, was filmed at the ribat (a small fortification) in Monastir, a major tourist resort on the central coast of Tunisia. The ribat’s winding passages are open to the public, and a fascinating visit in their own right.
For some, a holiday is an adventure– a chance to explore the world. Make the most of your holiday overseas with our guide to travelling off the beaten track. We’ll help you enjoy the best the world has to offer.
The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Croatia’s 300-mile stretch of islands and fantastic beaches, on its eastern coast on the Adriatic, lies between the island of Rab in the northwest and Montenegro in the southeast. There are endless secluded coves and idyllic islands, plus great scenic views and watersport activities. And because it’s a well-kept secret, it’s quiet and ‘un-touristy’, giving you a real sense of escapism.
Indian Peninsula
Forget Goa, Agra’s Taj Mahal and Delhi for the moment. Kerala, on the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula really gives you a taste of India’s tranquil beauty. Charming placid lakes, stunning unspoilt scenery and unassuming, friendly locals are a million miles from package holidays, crowded beaches and loud hotel pools.
Trekking in Belize
Experience the depths of the tropical rainforest; explore the ruins of ancient Mayan civilizations or the sacred caves on the riverbanks. Hear the howler monkeys and marvel at the tropical birds nesting in the forest canopy. Holidays don’t get much more remote than this, and the range of activities is staggering, considering this landscape hasn’t changed for thousands of years. No theme parks here…
Yunnan, South West China
With classic temples, stone buildings and arched bridges, Yunnan is one of China’s most beautiful and intriguing regions. Why not combine walking, driving and boat trips with an experienced guide, and witness the Yangtze River tumbling into the narrow Tiger-leaping Gorge, or the breathtaking and unique Stone Forest near Kunming?
Icelandic adventures
The unique landscape of Iceland offers a wide range of opportunities to step off the well-trodden path for a bit more exploration and excitement. You can go glacier trekking, kayak the serene lakes amid volcanic landscapes, even quad-bike through the lava fields for days on end. But remember to look where you’re going – the scenery here can be very distracting.
Make sure your travel insurance covers you for a holiday that takes you off the beaten track, especially if it involves climbing, trekking, boat trips or off-road vehicles. You may need to buy specialist insurance, or alter your existing policy to cover you at an extra premium.
Does the idea of hot, sandy beaches leave you cold? If year-round snow action is more your thing, we have the ultimate winter itinerary. Check out our best holiday tips for catching an endless winter in all corners of the world .
January
The melting hotel.
Every year, a team of architects, designers and artists from all over the world descend on the little town of Jukkasjärvi in northern Sweden to create the Icehotel. Built in phases, the hotel is complete by January 7. Guests sleep on beds made of snow and ice, but stay warm thanks to thermal sleeping bags, soft reindeer skins and mugs of hot lingonberry juice! Book early, but if you miss out, an Icehotel is open in Quebec, Canada, until it drips away at the end of March.
January to April
Aspen or Vail?
Fancy some celebrity spotting from the T-bar? Colorado’s once sleepy mountain towns are now the playground of the seriously rich and famous, their streets lined with designer boutiques and hip restaurants. Beyond the glitz, you’ll still find some of the world’s best ski runs where the fun is free (if you don’t count the cost of the ski lift ticket!).
May to October
Ski New Zealand
On the other side of the globe, New Zealand’s scenic slopes are perfect for first timers and risk taking heli-skiiers – don’t forget your comprehensive ski/winter sports insurance! Holiday destinations stretch from the middle of the North Island right down to Wanaka in the southern alps, where the mountains are still growing – at a rate of seven millimetres a year.
November to March
Cruise to Antarctica
The great frozen continent is one of the world’s most mysterious and breathtaking places. The best way to see it is by boat, giving you time to take in its vast landscapes and unique wildlife. Cruises leave from Australia, New Zealand and Argentina.
December
Christmas with Saint Nick
As the year closes, head for Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland, the real home of Santa. This pristine Arctic landscape is the perfect place to see the northern lights in all their glorious action, and to hit some of the best low cost ski slopes in Europe.
If winter is not for you, check out our travelling by season guide.
© 2012 1Cover Pty Ltd.
1Cover Pty Ltd ABN 91 105 954 265 is an authorised representative of ETI Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFSL 245631 trading as Mondial Assistance (Mondial). Travel insurance is underwritten by Allianz and arranged and managed by Mondial. 1Cover Pty Ltd act as an agent of Mondial not as your agent. Any advice here does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs, which you should consider before acting on our recommendations. You should read and consider the Product Disclosure Statement before deciding whether to acquire any product mentioned here. Available at www.1cover.com.au