Hidden treasures

Thinking about planning your next break away? If you're looking for inspiration, the ultimate retreat, exciting adventure or exotic culture, forget the same old boring package holiday. The world is your oyster as long as you do it safely and sympathetically, and have adequate Direct Line Travel Insurance of course. Also, venturing off the beaten track could give you that essential peace of mind in more ways than one...

Expanding your horizons

Some of the world's most fantastic 'undiscovered destinations' are just waiting to be found. And with the recent boom in the travel market offering such a vast choice of destinations, the chances are someone can get you to wherever you want to go. However, if you want to improve your chances of ultimate relaxation, a little research can go a long way to helping you avoid the crowds, especially the kind who may disturb your tranquillity.

Dip in and discover

Lonely planet is a good place to start your research and, if you don't want to go it alone, The Association of Independent Tour Operators can help you find a reputable agent or excursion company. Secondly, if you don't want to help turn this year’s beach paradise into next year’s Blackpool, or compromise on your personal security while away, your research needs to include how you can travel responsibly and safely too.

Planning your trip

Once you've chosen your destination, your first port of call should be the online travel section of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Click onto the 'Travel Advice by Country' area and you’ll find helpful country descriptions to help you plan your trip. This includes a list of 'Countries the FCO advises against all travel to' and 'A list of countries the FCO advises against all but essential travel to'. This vital information is designed to help protect British nationals from politically and medically unsound situations. Bear in mind that your Direct Line Single, Annual or Discoverer travel insurance policy will not cover you if you decide to travel to a destination where the FCO is advising people not to travel to - and as case studies show, travelling without valid insurance can cost the unprepared traveller hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Tourism Concern and Responsible Travel are two of the best ways to help you plan your trip in a politically and environmentally friendly fashion too.

Staying safe while you're away

If you've always travelled to tourist hotspots before, then chances are you may be a little unsure of the great unknown. It's not uncommon to be wary about travelling to undiscovered destinations, even for the most intrepid traveller. However, if it's petty crime you're worried about, research shows some of the UK’s most popular holiday resorts, such as Spain, top the list as the ones to watch – basically, the more people who visit, the richer the pickings for thieves. In contrast, the more remote the destination, the fewer tourists, and often the friendlier your reception and security can be. In all cases, wherever you travel, you need to exercise a good level of common sense and vigilance, adhere to the terms of your Direct Line Travel Policy – no leaving bags unattended on the beach or in unsecured backpacks, for example – and check out the FCO's advice for travelling overseas campaign. At the end of the day, all destinations – near and far – have their own particular personality, their pros and cons and their charming or not so charming idiosyncrasies. As any seasoned traveller can tell you, the better you observe them, the more fantastic your trip will be!

Armchair traveller

Itching to explore? Check out and check into some more amazing destinations today…
www.explore.co.uk
www.inntravel.co.uk
www.guardian.co.uk/travel

For more details on getting the best from your Direct Line Single, Annual or Discoverer policies, view the travel insurance policy documents.