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If you were to ask the majority of people in the United Kingdom what they thought about insurance, they would probably conjure up images of 80 page policy documents, with lots of words which confuse them. Caravan insurance is actually a relatively simple policy in the real world and in this article we look through the general covers available in the market.

The most basic insured perils (this meaning what the insurers cover under each policy) are fire, lightning, explosion and earthquake. Whilst this sounds quite scary, in reality the most important aspect here is fire, which can cover a multitude of areas, such as fire resulting from an accident or malicious acts by others. Certain restrictions do apply, such as damage if the caravan is not roadworthy and any damage caused by faulty workmanship and design etc.

The second important caravan insurance cover type to note is storm and flood cover, the same exclusions apply amongst others but these are clearly explained in the wordings. Accidental damage is another important type of cover as, with the best will in the world, things do happen to caravans on the road and on sites. It is worth noting here that the caravan insurers are liable for damage caused on the road and not your car insurer, though the latter are responsible for public liability when towing as you are the law states that you must have car insurance. The responsibility for covering public liability other than towing lies with your caravan insurer, with a typical limit of 2 million GBP.

In another caravan insurance article we touched on the issue of malicious damage and acts of vandalism earlier, and this is an important aspect of cover particularly at the present time. Caravan insurers offer this cover as a standard part of their policies, as well as theft and attempted theft. The exclusions here are that forcible or violent entry or exit must have occurred in order to trigger this clause.

Most insurance companies will also offer protection for members of your close family, it is important to check the extensions of this cover so that you have no issues in the event of a claim. Usually adding members of your immediate family has no additional charges, and they are covered for exactly the same terms as you but it is imperative that they are named on the schedule of insurance.

It should also be noted that no cover is in place for any caravan that is being used in any way for business or in connection with any trade or profession. This is uninsurable on a caravan policy as is the van being used as a permanent residence.

Another important point to be stressed is to notify your insurance company of any changes in storage, and to get documentation noting this for your records. The insurer will not need you to notify them when you go on holiday, just if the caravan is left and you return home. They will typically ask for storage information such as security, number of caravans, is the area locked and gated etc. Remember more information is better than none!

For many holidaymakers, the airport transfer can be one of the most tedious aspects of their trip. You’ve been cooped-up in a plane for three hours and, thanks to several screaming infants and lack of sufficient leg-room, you couldn’t take that nap you so desperately needed; then, when you’re finally off the plane, the kids begin whining about the size of the passport control queue; next, your luggage takes forever to reclaim, and, overall, you’re sweaty, bothered and impatient to just get to the hotel and unpack. Sound familiar? Then fear not! If you’re landing at Venice airport – water taxi transfers might have the answer to all your woes: it’s a stress-free, painless and simple way of navigating between your hotel and the airport and vice versa.

Savour the romance

Venice airport water taxi is, without doubt, the most romantic form of airport transfer in the world. You can recline in a luxurious speedboat – decked with vintage woodwork, leather upholstery and comfortable cushions – and enjoy the resplendent sights of Grand Canal. The experience is often marketed as an alternative to limousine travel, and you certainly feel special when travelling in a Venice airport water taxi. Having a special chauffeur also adds to the majesty of the experience, and you are made to feel like royalty – not like an object on an assembly line as is often the case with airport transfers.

Room for the whole family

Despite what you might think, a Venice airport water taxi can be really spacious. As such, you won’t encounter any extra charge for bringing additional bags – a frequent issue with the regular, road-bound taxi firms in Venice. In most cases, they can hold up to 10 passengers, which is plenty of room for a large family or a group of friends – or the wife’s four shoe-filled suitcases! Although they can sometimes seem quite expensive, sharing makes the water transfer a cost-effective solution.

Speed

When you’re transferring between your hotel and Venice airport, water taxi is a much faster option than public transport. There is no need to transfer to a Vaporetto, or walk a long way to your hotel lugging your heavy bags in the process. When you take to the water for your transfer option, journeys between the airport and a regular city centre hotel cantake as little as 20 minutes.

Tread carefully

When the Venice airport water taxi drops you off, be careful as there is sometimes a large gap between the boat and the pier, so this will require a short jump or a bit of a stretch. Similarly, if you arrive during high tide, there might be a drop between the boat and the pier; if you arrive at low tide, you will have to climb some steps, which are often very slippery and covered with moss.

If you’re thinking about taking a trip to Peru, you should seriously considering an Amazon and Machu Picchu tour. This travel combination allows you to see two distinctly different parts of Peru and is one of the most value oriented tour package in South America. Here are some of the things you’ll experience if you decide to visit both the Amazon Rainforest and the famous site of Machu Picchu during your next South America vacation.

History. Peru is full of history, but by far its most famous and most visited site is Machu Picchu. Although the Incan Empire built many cities and structures, many were demolished or damaged by the invading Spaniards. This site is unique because its mountaintop located kept it safe from destruction because the Spaniards never knew it was there. A visit to Machu Picchu gives an enlightening glimpse into the past of Peru.

Animals. If you head into the Amazon, you’re bound to see some remarkable wildlife. Rather than the llamas you’re likely to see at Machu Picchu, the Amazon has a diverse and colorful assortment of creatures, ranging from macaws to caiman. The best time to see the animals is early in the morning, which is why many Amazon excursions start at the crack of dawn, so don’t expect to be sleeping in! Night time is another common way to spot animals. Usually by motorized canoe, you’ll creep down the river with a guide and massive spotlight. The animals are found by the reflection of the light in their eyes.

Diversity. Peru is truly a country of geographic diversity, and seeing both the highlands and the Amazon jungle is a great way to experience this firsthand. From the foothills of the Andes to the deep rivers of the Amazon, an Amazon and Machu Picchu tour takes you to two very different environments where you’ll experience changes in weather, cultures, and even types of food.

Convenience. One of the reasons seeing both the Inca ruins and the Amazon Rainforest in one trip makes for such a great vacation is that from Cuzco (the launching point for most Machu Picchu tours) the Amazon town of Puerto Maldonado is only a 45 minute flight away. This short transfer times makes the tour combination extremely efficient, allowing you experience both places even with a limited amount of time. You can book a combination tour through a travel company or plan it by yourself, but be sure to remember that planes are often delayed in Peru, so give yourself some leeway time to avoid ruining any of your travel plans.

For many tourists who arrive at Venice airport, water taxi is their first port of call and, often, the most popular method of getting them to their hotel. After their bags are loaded, the vessel will start its breezy journey across the Grand Canal to one of the city’s many hotels. As well as being one of the main water-traffic corridors in the city, this scenic stretch of water, due to its extensive history and breathtakingly beautiful visuals, is itself a focal point of tourist interest.

So, next time you find yourself skimming across the foam of the Grand Canal in a plush Venice airport water taxi, here are five interesting facts about that ancient body of water swelling beneath you. Use these tit-bits to surprise and wow your fellow passengers, and, who knows, maybe even teach the learned driver something he didn’t previously know!

1. The Grand Canal, known to the locals as Canalazzo, is the city’s largest canal. It is roughly 2.7 miles long and, in places, reaches depths of around 16 feet. So if you’re onboard a Venice airport water taxi, be careful not to fall overboard – it’s a long way down to the bottom!

2. There are four bridges across the canal. Until the 19th century, there was only one bridge – the Rialto Bridge, then two more were erected in the ensuing century. Finally, the most recent addition is the Ponte della Costituzione, which was erected in 2007 despite desperate protestations from prominent politicians and the general public. Many hold the belief that its modernist-minimalist style does not fit it with the old architecture of the city. When you’re whizzing across the Grand Canal, why don’t you make your own mind up?

3. On the first Sunday of every September the Historical Regatta, or Regata Storica, takes place on the canal. If you are planning on booking a Venice airport water taxi around this date, make sure you make allowances for this prestigious race between Venetian boats. It is watched by thousands of spectators, and is preceded by a special procession which commemorates the entrance of the Queen of Cyprus, Catherine Cornaro, after her abdication in 1489.

4. The banks of the Grand Canal are lined by approximately 170 buildings. These tightly clustered buildings, which were built by wealthy venetians, date from between the 13th and 18th centuries and include various restaurants, cafes, galleries and hotels, in fine examples of Baroque and Gothic architecture.

5. Many believe that the Grand Canal follows the snaking course of an ancient river. The first ever Venetian settlement sprung up on this old river where the Rialto Bridge now stands, and, by the 10th century, this settlement had become a trade hub. Some of Venice’s oldest buildings date back to this nascent commercial period.