The EHIC does not cover ambulance rides in Spain - Photo: Pablo Roja

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives citizens throughout Europe access to emergency medical state treatment for any injuries or illnesses that are incurred whilst on holiday. There can be some confusion as to what the EHIC does and does not cover, with the question sometimes arising “is it necessary to obtain travel insurance if I have an EHIC?” The short answer is yes, however it’s useful to know what you are covered for with the EHIC and how it differs from travel insurance.

The EHIC makes sure that you can be treated for any illness or injury that you suffer whilst on holiday in the same manner as if you were a citizen of that country. The EHIC basically allows you to be treated for emergencies in local hospitals without the need to be transported back to your country of origin. What’s more, obtaining an EHIC is free.

With access to free treatment throughout the EU, many may wonder what the need for buying travel insurance is. The first major difference between travel insurance and the EHIC is that travel insurance covers you for any possessions, passports or currency that are lost or stolen. This can often be overlooked when comparing travel insurance with the EHIC, as it can be easy to only view the medical benefits and forget that travel insurance covers your luggage too. Additionally, the EHIC only covers you for medical emergency treatment that cannot wait to be carried out on your return home. This means that anything such as dental work most likely would not be covered as it is not viewed as an emergency.

Travellers relying solely on the EHIC, especially from the UK, will need to be mindful of extra charges that they may be liable for whilst in foreign countries. For example in some EU countries (such as Spain and Italy) the ambulance service is ran by private companies who will charge you for using their service – something that we take for granted in the UK. Your EHIC card would not cover the cost of an ambulance call out, whereas your travel insurance would.

There are many recommendations that travellers should have adequate travel insurance to accompany their EHIC; the NHS website (where the EHIC can be obtained for free) is one of them, as is the British Embassy. Travel insurance needn’t be expensive and there are companies that cater for older travellers, as well as travellers with pre-existing medical conditions. Obtaining travel insurance is well worth the peace of mind that it provides you and your family, leaving you to just enjoy your holiday.

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What is the best travel route around Europe? Photo: Marielle K.

Whether you’re thinking about the possibility of a trip to Europe, actively planning one, or actually setting off on your adventure, one question will be constantly lingering in the back of your mind: what is the best route to take around this great old continent?

Travelers have pondered over this ever since Europe became a feasible destination for a long, life-changing vacation. It is a nice quandary to have – not everybody can afford the time or, indeed, money to jet off to another continent – but because of the truly vast number of options available to you, it can occupy more of your time than will the actual trip itself.

Generally speaking, there is no one best route to take around Europe; each traveler has a different set of circumstances and a different set of desires. If you want a bit of sunshine, you might head south through Spain and Portugal for a while, but if you would rather spare yourself the slightly longer journey back up again, you might head east from France through Switzerland and Italy. During the summer months, most countries in southern Europe enjoy a nice hot blast from the sun anyway; it’s up to you how hot you want it to be.

Regardless of the best route around Europe, the most enjoyable, affordable way to see the continent is undoubtedly by rail. You can buy multi-country rail passes that allow you to travel around the continent, as freely as the train services allow, for however long you specify. Some passes have fixed journeys, while some are continuous, meaning that you can either travel on set days or set your travel days yourself.

Rail passes are valid in pretty much every country in Europe, so all you need to do is plan your route to suit your needs. If you’re setting off from the Americas, perhaps the best thing to do is get a return flight to Dublin. This will give you a great place to start and finish your trip. From there, you can get a cheap return flight to London, sample a bit of British culture and get into Europe by train from there. For travelers who take this option, the beautiful city of Paris is usually next on the agenda after London. If you can bring yourself to leave, then Paris becomes the springboard for the rest of your trip. You will have the liberating feeling of choosing whether to head south for the sun in Madrid and Barcelona or north east for the beers of Belgium. If you opt for the latter and go clockwise around Europe, though, you can still cut through the south of France from Italy and dip into north eastern Spain for a flying visit to Barcelona.

Belgium naturally leads onto the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany, which are some of the most friendly and cultured countries on the continent. Enrich your experience further by heading south east via the German capital of Berlin and into Poland and the Czech Republic – the homes of yet more beer capitals of the world.

Austria is directly south of the Czech Republic, but the captivating cities of Zagreb and Budapest – among many people’s favorites – are within reaching distance. Head around the northern coast of the Adriatic Sea from either of those places to feast your senses on Italy, where you will find some of the most beautiful food, wine, art and people in the world.

When you’re full of Italian culture, you can either hit the said beaches of Barcelona in sunny Spain, or take the short journey north to Switzerland, which could quite possibly be the best move of your trip. No matter how much pizza you indulged yourself on in Italy, you will always find room for some Swiss chocolate.

The penultimate stop on your journey can then be a return to the City of Lights, for one last wander in the Parisian moonlight. You’ll no doubt already be starting to feel nostalgic on the Eurostar back to London, but you can really make sure you go out with a bang there: a night in Soho is a must. Then, for the perfect way to say farewell to Europe, have a pint of Guinness and an Irish stew in Dublin before you jump on that return flight. Like I mentioned, this isn’t necessarily the best route for everyone, but it is a brilliant one. Maybe next time, you can do the trip in reverse and enjoy a whole different experience of one of the most diverse continents on the planet.

By the end of it all, you’ll appreciate the significance of the phrase ‘journey of a lifetime’ just a little more pertinently. If only it was possible to do a continuous loop of Europe.

A European tour is something that everybody should do once in their life, even if it’s only for a week. So, if you’re not on your way already, order your rail pass, book your travel insurance from moneysupermarket.com and get ready to have your outlook on life changed forever.

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Europe is a fantastic place to visit but holidaying in Europe can be extremely expensive. In order to still have a great visit and not spend your entire bank account you should be prepared to see Europe a little differently. Sticking to a budget and utilizing some different forms of entertainment and accommodation can make your European holiday both enjoyable and cheap. The upside is that you will get a different and more personal experience of a new place. Here are 15 tips to help you save money when holidaying in Europe.

1. Book Ahead

Book ahead of time and know exactly where you want to stay and where you want to go. This will save you money and help you create a budget to stick to while you are on vacation. It will let you choose cheaper places to visit and will help you to find the best low cost options accommodation, food and activities.

2. Travel With a Partner

Travelling alone can cost a lot more money than if you travel with a partner. A partner can help you to cut the costs of travel, food, entertainment and accommodations. If you are alone you may be able to find someone to meet you there or who is on a similar trip looking for a friend.

3. Lease a Car

Depending on where you are going and how long you plan to spend there, leasing a car may be a cost cutting option. Many companies will allow you to lease a car for a cheap day price and you can travel throughout Europe for a lesser price. Especially if you split the costs with a partner, leasing a car will give you the freedom to see more of Europe without paying for planes or trains. You can also save money by using a car to find more out of the way spots that offer cheaper services.

4. Travel By Bus or Train

Europe is a large place. Travelling by airplane to different European destinations can be expensive. Buses and trains offer more savings on transport, especially if leasing a car is not a viable option. In some cases you can purchase passes and deals before you even leave for more savings. Buses and trains also give you a personal travel experience and will give you a chance to see more of a country.

5. Stay With Relatives, Friends or Trade Houses

Accommodation costs will represent the bulk of what you spend money on your European holiday. If you can stay with friends or relatives you could save money. If you don’t have friends or relatives you may be able to trade houses with a European family for free. There are lots of websites for trading houses and doing so can save you a lot of money.

6. Go Camping

Camping is a very economical way to stay in Europe. There are places to camp off the beaten track or you can stay at any number of campsites open to the public. Many of these campsites are located within major cities. These campsites can also offer lots of amenities like showers for cheap. Pitching a tent is fun and can save you lots of money on hostels and hotels.

7. Rent a Mobile Home

Another great way to save money on accommodations is to rent a mobile home. These will give you freedom to travel and a place to stay. If you have a large family or are travelling with another family this may be the way to go. Renting a mobile home may not be as expensive as you think.

8. Bring Stuff From Home

You can save money by bringing certain things from home like medicines, vitamins or other health food objects. These things may end up costing a lot more in Europe than if you simply packed them from home. This is also true of food and drinks. Save money by bringing snacks and drinks from home if you can.

9. Visit Free Attractions

Europe has a ton of free attractions to see. By planning ahead you can also figure out when famous places offer free entry. For example the Louvre offers free admission days. Free tours are another great way to see places for free. A little planning before you leave on your trip and you will be sightseeing for free.

10. Know About Events Before You Go

If you know about any scheduled events or festivals before you go you could end up saving money. Many times large festivals or big events in Europe will cause prices to skyrocket. You also may not be able to get a room or find cheap food. Knowing in advance about these things could save both money and worry.

11. Cook Your Own Meals

Restaurants are expensive. If you are camping, staying in a mobile home or even in a hostel you could save money by shopping at the local market and cooking your own meals. This is especially true for breakfast. Eating breakfast in your room rather than going down to the restaurant will save you money. During the day you can save money by packing yourself a picnic. Shopping at the local market will also give you a more personalised experience and will let you try different local flavours as well.

12. Be Aware of Drinks

While European food may be cheap, very often their drinks are not. Alcohol and even soft drinks can cost a lot more than you would think. Being aware of how much drinks cost could save you from unexpected high bills.

13. Use Prepaid Phone Cards or Internet Communication

Hotels often charge a king’s ransom for using the phone. A prepaid phone card or signing up for free Internet communication services like Skype could save you when you talk to the folks at home.

14. Get Off the Beaten Path

Tourist locations are usually expensive. By getting off of the beaten path and discovering different locals you will save money and see some different sights. A good way to do this is to follow the locals.

15. Be Nice to the Locals

You may be surprised to find out how being friendly with the locals can help save you money. The locals may give you deals or may just not rip you off if you are nice to them.

This guest post was written by Timothy Ng. Timothy is an experienced personal finance writer, specialising in credit card comparison. Check out his guide to best credit cards where he will step you through the process of finding the best credit card.

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Skiing in Chamonix, France - Photo: Frederic L.

For skiers and snowboarders, Europe is a mecca of sorts as it has some of the best mountain resorts in the world. You can find incredible skiing here as well as fun nightlife and great restaurants: this combination makes Europe the best place to go for some snowbound fun. The problem is that there is such a wide variety of choice that it can be very difficult to select which country to venture to. So how can you possibly choose between ski holidays in Italy, France, Switzerland and many other great places? Here are the top five skiing countries in Europe to help you make your choice.

France

If you have never been skiing in Europe before, it’s probably best to start in France, as this country does it best. Great, sprawling resorts such as Val D’Isere, Chamonix and Alpe d’Huez provide amazing skiing and vast swathes of terrain that will accommodate all skill levels. The chalets and restaurants offer a quintessentially European experience, while the nightlife goes until the break of dawn. France is exactly what you expect a European ski holiday to be.

Italy

For people that truly love to ski, it’s best to venture to Italy as it has some of the most challenging slopes around. Resorts like Arabba have some incredible runs that will delight and challenge expert and advanced skiers. Italian resorts also have the added benefit of the local cuisine: Italian food is absolutely delicious and a nice pasta meal is well suited for recovering after a day on the slopes.

Austria

Austria has a very good selection of wide-open mountains which, like France, will suit anyone. What really stands out here though is the nightlife: resorts like Mayrhofen have amazing bars and clubs which are a great deal of fun – come here for the skiing and the incredible après ski. Other great resorts in Austria include Alpbach and Kitzbühel.

Andorra

Andorra is one of the least well known countries in Europe: nestled in the Pyrenees between France and Spain it is a tiny place that has hidden away from the world for centuries. This destination will truly surprise skiers, especially those with families, as resorts like Arinsal and Soldeu have great wide open terrain and excellent crèches and ski schools: if you have a family and want a quiet ski holiday in a beautiful place, then Andorra may be for you. In the summertime it is also a beautiful place to kick off walking holidays in Europe, so don’t forget about this hidden gem.

Lapland

Finally, it’s worth venturing off the chart and heading up north to Lapland in Finland. There are a number of great resorts up there such as Levi and Saariselkä, which have easy slopes and good facilities for children. You can also find a wide variety of family-friendly activities such as husky rides and visits to reindeer farms which will keep anyone well entertained.

If you are lucky enough to be heading to Europe for a ski holiday, a trip to one of these five countries should work out just perfectly. Just be sure to choose a ski resort and country which suits you and your group – with so much choice out there, there’s no reason you can’t find the perfect place for your time in the snow.

Have you skied or snowboarded in Europe? What ski resort or country would you recommend? Make a comment and let everybody know!

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Using a credit card is second nature to most people, so you may not think twice about using your card as you travel around Europe. However, while credit cards make a lot of sense in terms of affordability and security, you may need to make a few adjustments to your account before you leave. These are usually simple things like memorising your credit card PIN as transactions processed in the UK and Europe primarily require a PIN rather than a signature.

So check out this comprehensive guide to preparing your credit card for travel, keeping your details safe overseas, and how to manage your account upon your return.

Why credit cards?

Credit cards are just one form of payment you can use when travelling but their many benefits may endear them to you and your spending and travelling style. For example, credit cards:

• Often include free travel insurance. If you purchase your flights or book your accommodation using your credit card, some providers will cover you and your family with free travel insurance. Typically a feature of gold credit cards travel insurance usually covers you for cancelled flights, lost or stolen bags or luggage and emergency care.
• Offer cheap and easy payments. The currency conversion fee you pay each time you use your credit card is generally less than the fee charged when you use travellers’ cheques so you can save money, as well as time in exchanging travellers’ cheques and providing identification. You are also protected from losing all of your cash if your bag or wallet is stolen.
• Provide ATM access. If your credit card is linked to the PLUS or Cirrus networks then you can withdraw cash from your credit card at an ATM in over 200 countries.
• Include purchase protection. Some credit cards will offer purchase protection on items you buy so that if the item is lost, stolen or broken within 30 or 60 days you can have the item replaced or be refunded the money.
• Purchases and usage can be tracked. Not only can you see on your itemised credit card bills how much has been spent, your provider will also have sophisticated systems to check for fraudulent use of the card, and will contact you if they notice anything strange.

Prepare your credit card before you leave

To make your overseas credit card usage a smooth and easy transition, there are a few things you will need to organise before you leave. First make sure you have the right card by taking some time to compare the fees and charges for overseas transactions on your card, with other cards on the market. Look for a card with a low annual fee, a low interest rate and low exchange fees to make sure you really are saving money, and weigh the true benefits of a credit card rewards program against the higher interest charges and fees.

Also make sure to choose a universal card type to travel with, and both Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted around the UK and Europe. To prepare your credit card for the trip:

• Tell your credit card provider you’re leaving. Often overseas transactions on a credit card can flag a provider’s fraud department so be sure to tell them where you are going and for how long. You will also be able to check for any restrictions on your account or card type, and make sure that overseas usage is activated.
• Confirm the fees for overseas transactions. Ask your bank for a schedule of fees for overseas credit card transactions so you can be prepared and organise your card use to be the most economical.
• Set and memorise your PIN. In Europe many merchants do not offer you the option to sign for a credit transaction so it is important that you activate the PIN on your card and you can remember it without writing it down. Your PIN also allows you to make cash advances at an ATM and offers a second layer of security for your money if your card is lost or stolen.
• Check the expiry date. Make sure your credit card is not going to expire while you are travelling, and if the expiration date falls within your holiday, ask your provider to reissue the card before you leave.
• Budget for your credit limit. When you are planning to use your credit card as your primary payment method you’ll need to make sure you have enough available credit. It is much easier to have your provider increase your credit limit before you leave, rather than trying to prove your income while you’re in another country.

Using your credit card during the trip

To keep your holiday and your credit card spending on track, make sure you know which transactions will be charged the most fees. For example, using an overseas ATM usually incurs a fee of around $5 or 1.5% of the withdrawal amount, plus the currency exchange fee which is at least 2% of the transaction. Plus, when you use your credit card for a cash advance, the interest will begin to be applied straight away and usually at a much higher rate.

Also make sure to track your spending while you are away by keeping all of your credit card receipts. This not only helps you see whether you are staying within budget, but if you find you are overcharged for an item you will be able to show proof.

Just in case

Avoiding credit card emergencies when travelling is about being prepared and you should follow these few precautions to protect your credit:

• Record your card numbers. This means writing down your credit card number and the contact number for your provider on a hard copy piece of paper and keeping it on your person – not in your wallet or bag. Visa and Mastercard both have 24 hour assistance for emergencies.
• Pay off your card. Make sure that you have a low or zero balance on your credit card before you leave to give you maximum spending room, and also set up a direct payment to your credit card so that you can keep using your card while overseas, and you don’t have to worry about logging into internet banking from a shared computer to make a payment.
• Take a second card. If your credit card is lost, stolen, damaged or just gives up from too many swipes it is much easier to carry a back up credit card than have another one issued while you are overseas. Keep this card separate from your active card in case you need it.
• Protect your credit. When you are on holiday it is easy to forget the common sense security measures you take every day at home. This means only using your card with a reputable vendor, and using an ATM to withdraw cash if you are unsure about the store or seller. Also make sure to cover your PIN when you use your card.

When you return you will need to make sure you call your credit card provider to let them know you are back, and have them remove any additional overseas features. This will also help your provider alert you if your credit card begins being used fraudulently overseas.

This guest post was written by Timothy Ng. You can read more of his work at Credit Card Finder, where he has a number of comprehensive guides to all types of credit cards.

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