Amazingly, Eindhoven was just a village at the beginning of the 20^th century, and has grown since then. It’s really grown off the success of the Phillips brand, and more and more houses were built every time the technology company needed more staff.

You can easily fly straight into the airport, which is just outside the city, and then get either the shuttle bus in, or rent a car. Inside the city you’ll find cars are mostly useless, as the bus network takes over and many people simply get around on bike.

What to do in Eindhoven

Once in the city, there’s plenty to do, including a huge number of Museums.

DAF Museum

The official museum of the DAF truck, you can learn about the history of the company, and their designs of truck. With the first truck rolling off the production line in 1928, you can learn about the ups and downs of the company since then, as well as seeing a 1930s ship and company offices from the same era.

Evoluon

Built as part of the celebrations for the 7^5th anniversary of Phillips, the Evoluon looks more like a UFO than a building, but that adds to its charm. The building was a technology museum until the 1980s, but after people failed to visit it’s now a conference centre which is great to look at.

National Heritage sites

Our pick of things to do was to hire a bike for the day and grab a map of the 140 different heritage sites in the town. You can make your way round most of them in a day, exploring different parts of Eindhoven from different era.

Backpackers in particular will find this stunning country a great place to visit, and will particularly enjoy the beautiful white beaches, the volcano and the people, who remain some of the friendliest and most welcoming we have ever met on our travels.

With rain forests and mountains complementing the beaches on offer you’ll find plenty to do and explore, and you could even come across an unfound tribe on your adventures.7

With a hostel costing around £5 a night, a bottle of beer costing less than a pound and just over 3 million people in the country you’ll be able to have a fantastic stay for next to nothing.

The best places to go in Panama

Panama Canal

Arguably the most famous destination in Panama, the canal is a stunning waterway, and a feat of engineering brilliance rolled into one. You’ll find that watching massive ships sneaking their way through the canal is a sight to see on its own, but add the fact the canal is lined with jungle either side and you’ll struggle to believe your eyes. With nearly 14000 boats a year making their way through the canal, there will be plenty to see, whichever day you visit.

Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo

At nearly 90 years old, the gardens were originally built to bring tropical plants from all over the world to the country, and have succeeded in their purpose. With a huge range of over 15,000 plant species, you can follow a trail and spot your favourites. With a zoo which is home to many native American animals, including harpy eagles, you’ll find plenty to do here.

Isla Bastimentos

A stunning area, located just 10 minutes by boat from Bocas del Toto, you’ll be amazed at the beaches, lines with palm trees and native jungle, and the nesting grounds for the sea turtles, making their way across the coral to lay their eggs.

If you can escape the worries about illegal logging, and go in search of the beauty of the island you’ll have a truly wonderful time. With some of the most stunning national parks anywhere in the world, some stunning beaches and some wonderful wildlife you’ll find plenty to do here.

Backpackers tend to congregate in Utila, where they can find clean and cheap places to stay and some wonderful food at affordable prices. The lake region of the country is known as being one of the best anywhere in the world for bird watching, and draws more and more people into the country.

Things to do when you visit Honduras

Parque Nacional Cusuco

When you first visit the national park, you’ll wonder whether the islands authorities actually ever wanted you to find it, and it may be more through luck than judgement that you found the park in the first place. Once there you’ll be amazed by the wildlife, waterfalls and the Cerro Jilinco peak, which is 2242m above sea level. Your best bet is to hire a guide to get you there, and to show you around.

Hacienda El Jaral

Basically Disneyland without the Disney, this water park, adventure playground, cinema, theme park amalgamation is actually great fun, although a little budget in its makeup. You’ll find plenty to do to pass the day and is great fun for kids.

Macaw Mountain Bird Reserve & Nature Park

4 hectares of the finest bird watching in the world, you’ll find that your entry costs you a bit, but does include a hour long tour, and the stunning birds you’ll see in this tropical forest will make your trip well worthwhile.

Refugio de Vida Silvestre Ojochal

A nature reserve in the Sierra de la Botija mountains is very exclusive, and very few people make their way into the nature reserve, with the trip there being so long. That all adds to the beauty, and the stunning white faced monkeys are the highlight in the reserve.

What the city does have is oodles of fantastic buildings, some really friendly people and a great transport system. Avoid the places the frequent stag and hen parties go and go off in search of the stunning architecture, including the gothic built church, the mini Eiffel Tower at the top of the city and the Castle District. You can enjoy a lazy boat ride on the river or simply jump on the tram and have a look out of the windows.

The public transport system is a little like London’s tube network, but without the overcrowding and with no barriers. You simply buy tickets based on the amount of time you spend on the system, checking in as you go through the gates. We’re not convinced it’s not just for tourists as we didn’t see a single local pay, but the tickets were cheap and the trains and trams so clean and efficient we couldn’t complain about paying.

Charles Bridge

Described by some as half a mile of fairground, and by others as one of the most beautiful bridges in Europe, the only way to decide is to make up your own mind. Commissioned in 1342 after the previous bridge was washed away in the floods, the bridge has stood for over 600 years, because says legend they added eggs to the mortar mix. You can climb the bridge towers for even better views.

Astronomical Clock

One of the most technological clock towers you’ll ever see, you can climb the tower around the clock just off the old town square and enjoy the stunning views of the city around you and the square below.

Prague Castle

The one place in Prague you won’t need a map to find, the castle sits at the top of the hill and is the largest ancient castle in the world. Dating back to the 9^th century you’ll find stunning rooms, courtyards and English speaking tours as well as the customary gift shop. It’s a steep walk up the hill to get there though.

That shouldn’t put you off though as there is so much to do, so much greenery to enjoy and despite a few concrete nightmares in the city centre, Auckland is generally one of the most happening places in New Zealand.

Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World

A stunning aquarium built in the heart of the city, this stunning attraction is housed in the old storm water and sewage holding tanks under the streets. The aquarium contains a huge glass tube through which you can walk, or stand on the slow moving conveyor belt, looking at the fish, sharks and water around you. You’ll then visit a replica of the 1911 Scott Antarctic hut, before riding a heated snow cat through a freezing environment where you’ll see penguins.

Auckland Art Gallery

Spread over two buildings, the stunning art gallery houses an extensive collecting of both Kiwi and European art. You’ll learn lot’s from the 19^th century Maori portraits and with the new gallery featuring a huge range of modern art fans of both modern and historical art will find what they like here.

Museum of Transport and Technology

Does exactly what it says on the tin and transports you through a number of huge exhibits, including a 19 hectare train spotting exhibit with trains through the ages, as well as an airport graveyard where you’ll find old commercial and military planes to look around. With plenty of childhood toys and appliances to see as well the museum makes for a fantastic day out.

Civic Theatre

One of only 7 atmospheric theatres left in the world, the civic theatre was built in 1929 and is now used for Film Festival screenings, premieres and touring musicals. Buy tickets online before you travel as shows here still sell out quickly.

Before travelling to New Zealand make sure you have your travel insurance up to date and organised.

There’s even a active volcano, should you wish to visit, although the smell of sulphur reminds most of us of rotten eggs. In the cloud forest you can enjoy high ropes courses, zip lines and so much more, or you can, like many, just lap up the sun on the stunning beaches.

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

The national park has only been so for thirty years, but was preserved with literally minutes to spare before the bulldozers came in and turned it into another tourist resort. Despite being the second smallest national park in the country, there is plenty to do and you’ll enjoy the wildlife that lives just off the back of the stunning sandy beaches.

Peninsula de Nicoya

A stunning peninsula is home to our favourite range of beaches in Costa Rica, and the entire 130km stretch is lines with rain forest and stunning bays. Inside the forests you’ll find plenty of local agriculture, especially if you venture off the path beaten by tourists.

Aventuras Bosquemar Canopy

Built in the forest, this makes Go Ape in the UK look like a toddlers play area. 600metres of stunning zip lines, based off five platforms, you’ll have to have a head for heights and high speeds to contemplate this, but if you do you’re in for a cracking afternoons entertainment.

Parque Nacional Volcan Arenal

A dormant volcano until 1968, when it suddenly burst into life again wiping out three villages, 80 people and some 45,000 cattle in the process. The park is now a safe place to see the volcano, which is still active and you can see the glowing molten rock pouring out on a good day.

The best time to visit is at night, when a night tour from the Arenal Observatory can give you stunning views of the red hot lava.

Florida has a stunning coastline, with beaches, cities and towns spread along them offering nightlife, great food, entertainment and plenty of things to see, and great weather all year round really adds to the attractiveness of this tourist Mecca.

Along the coast you’ll find nearly everything you imagined, from theme parks to the space station, water parks to the Everglades. The state itself is famous for its imagination, and it would have taken some imagination from the first dwellers here who saw such potential in the swamps that met them.

Things to do in Florida

10,000 islands

A stunning national park which is hugely popular with those who enjoy kayaking, you can explore the stunning network of rivers and sea throughout the park, with one trail running between Evergreen City and Flamingo and running a full 99 miles. The peace and tranquillity is what attracts most to the area, and you’ll be amazed at how natural the whole area is, given the culture of the rest of the state.

South Beach

The world famous beach at Key West offers a huge range of swimming, sun and just general people watching. Known for having some of the most beautiful beach goers in the world, South Beach has very calm, clear water surrounding it, and is ideal for young children.

Key West

An island located closer to Cuba than the US, Key West offers a very Caribbean way of life and is a favourite with tourists from all over the world. You can drive straight into the island using the one road that connects it to the mainland of Florida, and once you are there you’ll notice that life is very different. No nine to five jobs, barely any corporate rubbish and a unique way of life make this island a fascinating place to visit.

Universal Studios Florida

Whilst Florida may be most famous for Disneyland, we prefer Universal Studios, and the huge range of rides, shows and fun that can be had here. Check out a 4d Shrek show, the Back to the Future simulator and the various sets from Hollywood classic films you can enjoy.

If you are going abroad, outside of the UK then it is strongly advised that you take out travel insurance, or you could be liable for hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of medical bills if you needed medical treatment whilst away. If you are going on holiday in the UK then it is advised you take out travel insurance, as it will still cover your travel plans and accommodation.

How much does travel insurance cost?

The cost of travel insurance varies from customer to customer, based on the age of the customers, where they are going on holiday and how long they are going for. Typically travel insurance will cost one price for all customers in a large age bracket, i.e. those aged 18 to 65, but will vary depending on where in the world the insurance covers, and the length of the insurance policy. The quickest way to work out the cost of insurance for you and your family is to run a quick search on Travel Insurance quotes and you’ll be shown the cheapest insurance options for you.

Should I get single trip or annual cover?

We generally advise customers look at getting a quote for both options, but work by the rule that if you are only going to be going away once in the year, then single trip travel insurance is usually the cheapest option, but that if you are going away more than once, you’ll save money with an annual or multi trip policy, and will also be covered for impromptu trips across the channel.

Am I covered when I go skiing?

Travel Insurance covers you whenever you go on holiday, and ski holidays are nearly always included. It’s important to read the terms and conditions of your policy before you travel however, as some policies have exceptions relating to skiing of the piste, as well as limits on ski equipment insurance.

How do I make a claim?                                    

When you buy your travel insurance you will be sent a policy document, and a list of numbers to call if you get in trouble. Print a copy of the document and give it to someone staying in the UK, and another to take with you. You can also program the claim numbers into your phone. If you need to make a claim simply call the number you are given and a friendly team of claim advisors will walk you through your claim, whether you’re at home or stuck in a French police station at four in the morning.

What do I need to buy travel insurance?

Buying travel insurance is very simple, and you’ll simply need the name and address of the people you are buying the policy for, and a debit or credit card to pay for it with. If you want to pay via direct debit you’ll also need your bank account sort code and account number to set up the direct debit.

I’m going on holiday tomorrow; can I still buy travel insurance?

If you are going on holiday tomorrow and you still don’t have a travel insurance policy we strongly advise you buy one now. We are more than happy to allow you to buy travel insurance right up until you depart, and it’s really important to take travel insurance out whenever you go on holiday.

I’m going away travelling, can I buy travel insurance?

When you go travelling for a long period of time, you’ll find that travel insurance won’t suit you. Annual policies only allow you to go away for up to 28 days at a time, before returning to the UK. You will need to look at specialist travelling or backpackers insurance. It is a lot more expensive but a travel insurance policy will not suffice and the company will want to see evidence of flight tickets and details if you make a claim.

Why does insurance to America cost more than Europe?

When you go on holiday in America, the potential costs to the insurance company are far greater than in Europe, so they charge more for the policy. You are likely to be charged a lot more for flights home and medical costs which is why the price is often far more expensive.

The island has come on a long way from 1956 when there were only 12 cars on the entire island, and most of hippy Europe decamped on the island for a decade long party. Whilst the partying has continued in some areas, the rest of the island lives up to its Greek name of Island of Palm Trees and the stunning rocky coastline is surrounded by forests of pine trees which overlook little bays and beaches.

With four million visitors a year there is a fair amount of development still going on, but most of it is limited to the coastal areas and there are still plenty of stunning off the beaten track restaurants further inland if you really want a taste of the local flavours.

One of our favourite places to go for dinner in Ibiza is the old town, which can be found in Ibiza town, well away from the noises of the main party strips the other side of the island. Called D’Alt Vila locally, the stunning walled town is perched at the top of the hill overlooking the sea below, and you can sit out on the terraces of the restaurants and watch the planes come in as the sun sets. With stunning little shops and boutiques lining the narrow streets and the 22m high walls giving the town a really feeling of protection you’ll have a great time picking from the many great restaurants.

We also enjoyed going to Cova de Can Marca, a Cave which can be found with difficulty. Turn off on the right, just before you get into Port de Sant Michel and you’ll hopefully spot the signs to the caves. They are a series of caves which have been lit of with a variety of coloured lights, and you can take a half hour tour before emerging to the blinding sunlight, sharp cliffs and bright blue sea for a drink in the restaurant.

Ibiza is in the EU but you should always take travel insurance when you go abroad.

There are others who point to the Franco regime as being the key reason, as Mallorca joined his revolution and was thanked with a building free for all, whilst Menorca resisted his regime and had a building ban, which has now served it so well.

There are still high rise resorts, and English bars and everything you would expect from a Spanish holiday resort but they are scaled back, and the island has so much else to offer that you can just avoid them as you please.

The Island itself only has 216km of coastline, and you can drive from one end to the other in less than an hour, and from side to side in 20 minutes. What it lacks in size it makes up for in beauty however and some of the beaches simply take your breath away, particularly in the nature reserves.

Often you’ll find yourself paying 3 or 4 Euros to enter the nature reserve but don’t let that, and the often long walk from the car park to the beach put you off as when you get there you’ll be pleased you made the effort.

Even in the summer there is enough beach to go around, and if you are willing to put in a little trek, you’ll be able to have entire beaches to yourself. Expect wind in the windy season, and the temperature to be a few degrees lower than the other islands, but that should not put you off as temperature still rise above 30 degrees on the warmest days.

Our pick of things to do are the market in Mao, the monastery on the top of the hill just outside of the town of Ciatudella and any beach you can find on the rocky southern coastline, particularly those confined in the nature reserves.

We’d hire a car to get around, and you’ll find everything links of the ME1, which is as close as you’ll get to a motorway in Menorca, but is largely a one lane road with little traffic.

Menorca may be in the EU but you should always take out travel insurance when you go abroad.