Those who can’t make the trip over to B.C. can at least look forward to many happy hours on the couch watching the great TV coverage!

The Olympic Torch Relay began in sunny Greece but is a long way from there today as the torch is carried across the Northwest Territories by dog sled to Kugluktuk.  Once it reaches Vancouver the Olympic Cauldron will be lit at the Opening Ceremony on 12 February.  The closing ceremony will take place on 28 February 2010. 

For more information about the 2010 Winter Olympics visit the official website.

If you are already busy planning your ski trip, why not get a quote for your ski insurance here.

Why not put some fun into your Christmas shopping with a trip to a European Christmas market?  It’s a sure way to warm the spirit and get in the festive mood. 

There are plenty of destinations to choose from, as well as deals to be found on cheap flights and accommodation.  The Eurostar is a fast and easy way to reach many of the famous markets, including Paris, Brussels, Lille and Bruges, with connections to reach many other destinations.

To get you started, visit our guide to some of the best Christmas Markets and follow the links for futher information on dates and times, as they vary from place to place and year to year.

In the Christmas shopping frenzy it’s easy to forget the important things, so here are a few tips and reminders about the boring stuff:  

• If you decide to take your car via the Channel Tunnel, check that your European Breakdown Cover is current
• Don’t forget to take along (or apply for) your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) just in case of any mishaps, but remember that the EHIC should never be used as a substitute for travel insurance  

Travel with peace of mind and don’t risk letting anything dampen your festive spirit!

Flickr Image: joaoa 

Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt (Frankfurt Christmas Market)

Officially known as the ‘Gran Premio Generali de la Comunitat Valencia’ this final round of the season promises plenty of pulse-racing action.  For more information about the race, visit the official MotoGP website.

Fans travelling out to Spain for the race can find useful information in our Travel Guide for Spain and by following the link for the Foreign Office (FCO) ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign for updated travel advice for Spain.  Also included is local advice and emergency contact information for the consular offices in the Alicante area (which includes Valencia).

Don’t forget to take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) but remember that it is not a substitute for travel insurance.  Why not take a minute and get a quote for your UK Motorcycle Travel Insurance and Motorcycle Breakdown Cover.

Image Credit:  Jessica Rabbit’s Flickr

The ban has been in force since 1987, when HIV/AIDS was added to the list of diseases which meant that those affected were excluded from entering the U.S.  

According to the latest reports it will take another month or two before it is all finalised, so the New Year looks set to bring good news to the many who will, at last, be able to enter the U.S.

Those travelling from the UK under the Visa-Waiver Programme should start reading up on the visa requirements under the new Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) rules.  The Foreign and Commonwealth office website provides excellent information and links – click here.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has provided some travel information and tips especially for fans – click here.  Their advice is very important. 

Note that you may be required to fill out a questionnaire about Swine Flu upon arrival – and this request should be complied with unless you want to risk a £100 fine!  The FCO has also provided tips on getting to the stadium, what to expect when you get there, and street scams to watch out for.

For more travel information visit our Travel Guide for Romania and click on the FCO link for their ‘Know Before You Go’ information and the latest, updated travel advice.  Be sure to take along your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which is valid in Romania, but remember that it is not a substitute for travel insurance.   Good luck!

Flickr Image: terrygil999

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has provided some useful information and advice especially for Liverpool fans, click here.

Reds’ fans travelling out for the match should check that passports are valid for the stay. Also, don’t forget to take along your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) but remember that it is not a substitute for proper travel insurance.

Visit our Travel Guide for France and click on the ‘FCO’ link for their ‘Know Before You Go‘ country information and updated travel advice.  If you plan to drive over to France, it is especially important to read up on the rules of the road and laws for driving in France.  Also make sure that your car breakdown cover is up-to-date - Click here for a quote for European Breakdown Cover.

Reminder:  It is against the law to drink alcohol on the streets in France.  Good luck boys!

Flickr Image: Ben Sutherland

Fans travelling out to support their team can find useful information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office here.  The important advice includes tips on the best way to get to the stadium and what to expect when you get there.

Before leaving home, check that your passport is valid.  Take along your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) but be aware that this should not be used as a substitute for travel insurance.  You might be glad of the assistance of your travel insurance policy if you experience any problems.

A reminder:  It is illegal to drink in the streets in Spain – and violating this law could land you in jail!   Any displays of drunkenness or other bad behaviour could also cause you to be banned from the stadium.

For additional travel information visit our Travel Guide for Spain and follow the link for the Foreign Office (FCO) Country Advice for Spain and their ‘Know Before You Go’ section for updated and important travel advice.   Good luck!

Flickr Image Credit: Free-ers

The Berlin Wall, which divided East and West Germany, was constructed in 1961.  In 1987 the American President, Ronald Reagan, made his famous speech at the Brandenburg Gate, demanding that Mr. Gorbachev “Tear down this wall”.  Two years later it became a reality: 

A Festival of Freedom, basically a huge party, is planned at the Brandenburg Gate during the evening of November 9, 2009.  A row of large dominoes, designed and created by young people, will form a 2km line close to the site of the former Wall between the Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz and Reichstagsufer.  At 5pm the dominoes will be toppled in an emotional and symbolic ceremony.   

Other events include a street festival, open-air concert by the Berlin State Orchestra, an open-air exhibition at Alexanderplatz and many special exhibitions throughout the city. Many of the famous museums throughout the city will be holding special exhibitions and events, including the Museum at the former Checkpoint Charlie.  For more information click here.  

Before you go, pay a visit to our Travel Guide for Germany and click on the link for the Foreign Office (FCO) ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign for Country information and important and updated travel advice.  Don’t forget to take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) but remember that it is not a substitute for Travel Insurance.  Why not check out our Backpacker policies which start from just 20p per day!

The inaugural race from Abu Dhabi, capital city of the United Arab Emirates, promises to provide an unforgettable spectacle.  The brand new Yas Marina circuit runs beside the harbour and even underneath part of the new 5* Yas Marina hotel.   The circuit facilities boast the first track in the world to have grandstands that are all covered.  

Drivers have been using a simulator to learn the nuances of the new circuit, but it is sure to be a challenge for them in this final race of the season. In this video AT&T driver Nico Rosberg discusses the Yas Marina circuit:

Whatever happens in Abu Dhabi, the 2009 Formula 1 World Drivers Champion belongs to Brawn’s (and Britain’s) Jenson Button.  British F1 fans are no doubt concerned about the shadow hanging over the 2010 British F1 Grand Prix and the planned move from Silvertstone to Donington Park.

Abu Dhabi is reported to be the richest city in the world.  It has been going through an amazing transformation, with the addition of a number of top class hotels and attractions. The ‘Ferrari World’ theme park is located close to the circuit and is scheduled to open next year.  The Abu Dhabi International Airport, which is located close to the circuit, has also undergone a dramatic facelift.  Fans lucky enough to be travelling out to the UAE for the race should have an amazing experience. 

Visit our Travel Guide to the United Arab Emirates and click on the link for the Foreign Office (FCO) ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign for updated and very important travel advice and information.  For example, many visitors to the UAE end up in trouble with the law for avoidable offences.  The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy towards the use or possession of illegal substances.  Many visitors also find themselves in trouble because of innocently having packed prescription or over-the-counter medicines which are commonly used in the UK and other countries, but illegal there.  Public displays of affection could also land you in serious trouble, so be sure to do your homework before you leave home.  It is also highly recommended that visitors take out comprehensive travel insurance before leaving home.

In the meantime, we hope these whacky Halloween pets cheer you up.  You might pick up some ideas for your own spooky Halloween party costume.  Enjoy!

The cost of our travel insurance won’t give you a fright or make your eyes bug out, so don’t risk travelling without it.  There’s no Trick involved, so why not get a free quote and see for yourself? 

If you decide on Europe, don’t forget to take along your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).  The EHIC is free, but remember that it is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance!

Happy Halloween from the TIA team!