The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Revealed [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you’re planning to go on holiday to Europe soon, you may already know about the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). However, for those who have no idea what it is, here’s an explanation of what it does and why you need one.

Sample French EHIC published under Creative Commons license

What it is

When you go on holiday, it’s always recommended that you have travel insurance. If anything were to happen to you while you’re away, the insurance usually covers most eventualities and emergencies. If you are traveling to Europe, you can also get the EHIC. Back in 206, the E111 form was scrapped and the EHIC was introduced to replace it. The card gives you access to state medical care in all of the European Union (EU) countries, as well as in the European Free Trade Area. This area is made up of Lichtenstein, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland. The NHS website will tell you exactly which countries are covered with the EHIC so it’s worth checking before you go anywhere. People have been caught out in the past by thinking their card covered them in a country that wasn’t part of the scheme.

All members of the family can be covered by the card, but each of them will need their own individual card, including small children and babies. It’s useful to apply for the entire family in one go and to do it a few weeks in advance of travel. This gives you the time to ensure you have all the necessary documentation before you travel.

What it does

The card gives you access to state medical care. While in a lot of countries this is comparable to the NHS, don’t automatically expect this to be the case. Be aware that standards can vary greatly from country to country. The EHIC won’t cover you for the costs if you need to be flown home in an air ambulance for long-term or specialist treatment in the UK. This can cost tens of thousands of pounds so having additional travel insurance is essential to cover these charges. Even if you have the EHIC, you may still be expected to pay for certain services such as bedding or food. This is the standard in some countries, with the citizens paying it, so don’t be surprised if you are left with a bill at the end. Obviously, nobody wants to have to use travel insurance, but it’s not worth the risk if something does happen and you aren’t covered.

This blog post and infographic by Holidaysafe shows you what the EHIC covers in each country, as well as what countries charge for care. Some EU countries have charges for ambulances, whereas this is a free service in the UK. Similarly, dental care incurs a charge in several countries so having additional insurance is going to be extremely helpful if you need either of these services.

Applying for an EHIC takes only a few minutes and there is no charge for it. Be aware that when searching for the application form online, you will come across companies offering to help you apply for the card, but also including a charge for the service. The service is free of charge if you apply directly through the NHS website, rather than using one of the official-looking chargeable sites. Just make sure you also have additional travel insurance. You don’t want your holiday to be ruined by a bill of thousands of pounds for medical care, because you didn’t bother with insurance.

Featured images:

•  License: Image author owned

Holidaysafe travel blogger Lauren Sutton is from the UK and therefore is automatically entitled to a European Health Insurance Card. However, she never leaves for her holidays without insurance.

Epic Chalets Around The Globe

When you think of a chalet, you might think of a log cabin in the woods. That’s only partially correct. Chalets are romantic cottage enclaves. They are beautiful and rustic hideaways to which you can retreat for a skiing weekend, a restorative vacation, or a romantic getaway.

Chalets can be everything from rustic and cozy to extravagant and elegant. You can find an amazing chalet in which to spend an unforgettable week or to settle down and make your dream home. Here are some of the most epic chalets from around the globe to get you inspired:

Chalet Brickell in the Rhone-Alpes, France

In the French Alps lies this beautiful chalet on the southeastern edge of France. The chalet prides itself on offering a luxury experience while also providing access to some of the best skiing in the region. The décor is created to appear rustic like a traditional skiing chalet, but it is accented with elegant details. There are wood-planked walls, floors and ceilings, but there are also furnishings and other design elements made of the finest fabrics and of marble. It is the perfect marriage of modern and traditional elements.

The Chalet Zermatt Peak in Switzerland

This luxury chalet is one of the most famous in the Alps. The entrance to the chalet is tunneled into rock in the side of the mountain, so you know that you will enjoy peace and quiet. Inside, the chalet is decorated with top-of-the-line furnishings and amenities, including walnut floors, surround sound, Italian marble, crystal chandeliers, an indoor/outdoor Jacuzzi, and a steam room. The chalet offers some of the most beautiful views over the Zermatt all the way to the Matterhorn.

Bighorn Revelstoke, British Columbia

Billed as “Canada’s premier mountain home,” this chalet is located at the base of Revelstoke Mountain in heliski terrain. You can fly into the space using a private helipad to get access to some great skiing. The chalet itself is a full-service private retreat that has a European chef and delicious cuisine. You can enjoy a fire in the great room or a formal dinner in the luxury dining room. The property also features a hi-tech cinema, massage rooms, spa and outdoor hot tub, among other amenities.

Chalet Des Drus, Chamonix France

Designed for luxury holiday rentals, the Chalet des Drus is one of the finest chalets in Chamonix. You can rent the chalet by the week in the summer or the winter. The 5-star accommodations feature an indoor swimming pool and spa, cinema room, massage tables, and more. There are beautiful panoramic views of the mountains surrounding the chalet, and the décor features a blend of modern design (such as a glass stairway) with traditional materials (including the wooden structure and walls).

Le Kilimanjaro in Val d’lsere, France

This chalet in Val d’lsere, France features 200-year-old reclaimed wood alongside Travetino marble steps and Italian tiles. It is a gorgeous luxury chalet that offers all the modern amenities with a focus on privacy and coziness. There are many nooks in which to kick back and enjoy a glass of champagne or a delicious meal while also enjoying beautiful views of the mountains or the warmth of a fire.

Staying at a chalet is a great way to enjoy your skiing vacation, no matter where in the world you plan to hit the slopes. These are some of the most well-known and amazing chalets because of their beautiful design and their attention to detail in providing the very best experiences for their guests. Even if you can’t afford to stay in one for your next ski vacation, you can learn about them and become inspired for building or buying your own cozy chalet closer to home.

Featured images:

•  License: Image author owned
•  License: Image author owned
•  License: Image author owned
•  License: Image author owned
•  License: Image author owned

This is a guest post by Lilly Sheperd. She’s a freelance writer, netball player, gamer girl. In her freetime she likes to read and travel a lot to discover hidden places around the globe.

Losing Your Luggage: Three Ways To Avoid This Travel Nightmare

Scared of losing your luggage?

Here are some helpful hints on how to avoid that.

The aviation industry has come a long way in the 110 years since the Wright brothers made history by successfully completing the world’s first flight with a powered and controlled aircraft. Today, airplane travel is so common that we often take for granted just how amazing the technology is that allows us to soar through the clouds with such safety and ease. Unfortunately, not everything about flying is fun. While the people on planes usually don’t run into any problems getting from point A to point B, the same can’t be said for the bags they bring with them. Airlines have practically mastered the art of flying, but something as simple as transporting luggage can cause countless complications. According to the New York Times, “roughly two million pieces of luggage that disappear, arrive late, become damaged, or experience theft every year.”

Below are three ways you can prevent the headache of lost luggage on your next trip.

1. Carry On.

Image by MLProject from Fotolia.com

The absolute best way to make sure an airline doesn’t lose your bag is not to give it to them in the first place! If your trip or packing list is short enough that you can squeeze everything you need into a smaller carry-on sized bag, you can keep an eye on your luggage from start to finish. That’s the biggest benefit of a carry on, but unfortunately, airlines have strict guidelines on how big a carry-on bag can be. In many cases, travelers end up having to check a larger bag.

2. Tag Your Bag.

It seems simple, but surprisingly, a significant number of travelers fail to properly mark their luggage with their names and contact information. Something as simple as using luggage ID tags can be the difference between the miserable mishap of a lost bag and the regular routine of retrieving your bag from the luggage carousel upon your arrival at the airport. When you affix a luggage tag to your bag, include your full name, mailing address, and phone number. It’s also a good idea to include this identifying information in multiple places: on the hanging luggage tag itself, slid into any built-in tag windows or ID card pockets on the bag, and also inside the bag itself. The more places your bag is marked, the greater the chance it will find its way back to you if something does go wrong.

3. Stand Out from the Crowd.

In addition to tagging your baggage with a luggage tag, try to buy bags that stand out from the crowd. When shopping for your next suitcase, look for one with a unique pattern or vibrant colors. Millions of travelers use standard black, brown, and blue bags, making it easy for yours to get lost in the shuffle. With a bright bag, not only will you be able to identify it more quickly and easily on the carousel when you land, but it will be hard to miss when airline employees are loading or emptying the plane, helping to ensure it actually makes it to the carousel for you to pick up.

By following these three simple travel tips, you can reduce the chances of a lost luggage mishap, which is a huge headache for millions of travelers every year.

Kay Kissinger is big on travel but not on losing her luggage. She loves to give a proper travel advice to all her readers.

New York’s Best Rooftop Bars – Enjoy Your Drink and City Views

The New York skyline is famous throughout the world, and there’s a good reason why. With the tall skyscrapers and flatiron buildings of Manhattan and the industrial factories and red bricked buildings of Brooklyn in particular, the views of the city are simply awe inspiring.

And with numerous flights to New York crossing the Atlantic every day, more and more people are getting to experience the delights of this great city. When visiting the Big Apple, there really is no better way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city than from an open air rooftop bar, with a cocktail in hand. Here is a small selection of the best outdoor venues in New York.

AVA Lounge, DREAM Hotel

Located in Midtown, the experience of the AVA Lounge in the daytime is equally as fascinating as it is during the evening, making it the ideal place for both an afternoon apéritif and a night out in the city. While the main bar area is modern and contemporary, catering to a young, hip crowd, the outdoor stylings reminiscent of the quiet and serene New England beachfront destinations attracts an older, sophisticated group who feel at home relaxing on patio furniture with a glass of Prosecco in hand. Prices are average for a popular Midtown location, with cocktails around $15, and the views over the Hudson are spectacular whatever the time of day.

230 Fifth

Situated right on 5th Avenue, 230 Fifth is the perfect spot for refreshments after a day of NYC shopping. This penthouse bar can proudly boast that it is Manhattan’s largest rooftop venue, with a very laid back, almost picnic-like atmosphere, with long benches and garden chairs for patrons to relax on and socialise. With such a light, airy space, anything goes here, and it’s not unusual to see a true mix of ages and styles hanging out. Due to its location, the views of the city are amazing, but perhaps most impressive is the unobscured image of the Empire State Building. The only downside is that drinks are pricey, at around $12 for a single measure plus mixer.

Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Located at Metropolitan Museum of Art, this rooftop bar is almost as important a part of the museum as the exhibitions themselves. The style and decor are incredibly down to earth and welcoming of everyone, right through from families with young children to adults looking for a relaxing beverage or snack. The signature artwork here changes each year, so there is always something new to see, though the astonishing view of Central Park remains the same. For an extra special bonus, visit over the weekend for access to the dedicated martini bar. Prices are remarkably reasonable for such a high profile premises.

Sky Room, Fairfield Inn & Suites

Right in the heart of Times Square, this rooftop venue couldn’t be any trendier if it tried. Expect a loud, crowded, and energetic atmosphere, and a relatively young crowd. What really makes this bar stand out are the five different themed areas all on the one roof, ranging from the bustling Times Square Lounge to the quieter, and pricier, South Terrace complete with private cabanas and table service. Cocktails are popular here, and only the best ingredients are used, such as Bacardi, Ketel One, and Bombay Sapphire. The 360 degree views are unrivalled, but there’s no beating the bright lights of Times Square itself. Amazingly, the prices are low, at just $5 for a beer and $7 for a glass of wine.

Berry Park

Both the main bar and the rooftop bar at this establishment echo their up and coming Brooklyn neighbourhood, with huge variety and contemporary features coupled with traditional red brickwork typical of the area. There’s no pretension here, it’s just a low key place to have a beer or two with friends in the warm New York summer. There are 14 beers on tap for a refreshing pint. But, for something different, why not try a ‘Pickleback’, a shot of whisky with a pickle juice chaser. This is definitely a place for those on a budget, with drinks starting at just $8, and there’s a free view of the famous Manhattan skyline in the distance.

The Ides, Wythe Hotel

Converted into a super cool bar from an old Williamsburg factory, The Ides, situated on the 6th floor of the Wythe Hotel, attracts the young hipsters of Brooklyn. Drinks are reasonable priced for this trendy area at around $10 for a shot plus mixer, although the quality of the views is often debated. Whilst some guests enjoy watching the transformation of the old industrial area, others aren’t so keen. It’s really a matter of personal preference. This is a popular joint, and is renowned for having long queues for the rooftop area, especially in the middle of summer, so be sure to turn up early to grab a seat.

Night of Joy

Brooklyn’s Night of Joy is unlike many other bars in New York. Rather than being modern, hip, and trendy, it has an air of an old, traditional British pub, with chintz-style chairs, large fabric rugs, and bar stools adorning the interior, whilst the rooftop patio is equally as relaxed, with metal garden furniture and drinks served from a wooden hut. Despite the old school stylings, there’s still a relatively young crowd here, although it’s also popular with the older generations. Unusual ingredients are used to create the cocktails here, such as dill & beetroot vodka and basil & lime gin, so it’s good for something a bit different and unique. The patio is only open during the spring and summer, so timing is everything.

There’s a host of great places to enjoy a drink with a view in NYC – just remember to do it responsibly!

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Wikimedia Commons image source

Jon Piggins is a travel writer. He visits New York every year and loves to pass on his tips for enjoying the city.