The volcanic eruption in Iceland was almost four months ago, however it has changed some of the british consumer’s minds as we now pay more attention to travel insurance and what it covers. The ash cloud caused a chaos all over Europe and we do not want it to be repeated: some had to travel by car, some others had to take ferries or the train back home. This situation has changed people’s mind and although most of us still prefer to go for the cheap option, a percentage of Brits say now that they prefer paying more and having everything covered.

In the same line, most holidaymakers hope travel insurance will cover them if they fall ill abroad. It is a very good idea to check before leaving what is covered and what is not so there are no surprises back home.

If you were thinking about staying in the UK this year you could end up spending more money than tho…se who decide to visit the outside world. Some British resorts impose such high prices that it is better to get a plane to places like Turkey, Cyprus or Grecee, where the sun is an attraction for thousands of UK families every year. Stop doubting! This year, going abroad is cheaper! And with Hotelopia even better, the best prices for the best hotel, book your accomodation easily from our website

Morocco is a world apart from European holidays. However lying just to the south of Spain this new world is easily accessible and with a number of budget airlines beginning to fly to these exotic shores there has never been a better time to plan your trip.

If visiting Morocco, the ancient imperial city of Marrakech is a must! Lying at the foot of the stunning Atlas Mountains (also well worth a visit) this ancient city is full of wonderful bazaars where you may haggle for the most intricately hand crafted lanterns, wonderful infusions of spice and herbs and palm oil, a new hit in the kitchen.

Marrakech also boasts impressive palaces and tombs which, twinned with their stunning gradens, are said to embody ‘peace and tranquillity.’ Alternatively head to the old town or ‘medina’ where the bustling squares and bazaars will be filled with salesmen, fire eaters, jugglers and noisy souqs.

After a full day spend the night in a traditional Riad (Old Moroccan Guesthouse.) With their peaceful internal courtyards usually filled with fountains, flowing water and jasmine flowers you can’t help but relax and soak up your day.

However you chose to spend your time here it will most certainly be an assault on the senses like you have never before experienced! Hotelopia would love to introduce you to this part of the world and with our wonderful offers including a number of excellent Riad’s in the old town there has never been a better time to step in to the exotic.

The National Trust is famous for taking care of some of the nation’s most visually stunning locations: castles, gardens, swathes of coast and countryside… all synonyms of tranquillity.

Now, it has realeased a music album, something completely different with which you will be able to hear the sounds of places. Does it sound interesting? Keep reading…

This new album ‘Holidays for the ears’ gathers together the very sounds of  eleven of these special places across England, Wales and the North of Ireland. A great way of enjoying these places, just with the sounds- to hear them for real, you will still have to visit!

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has put together a Travel checklist of things you should do for your safety before going abroad, we have brought out the most important ones. Have a look, it will make you enjoy your holidays even more!

• Find out where the nearest EMBASSY will be; check their website to find out what services they offer and their opening times.
• Don’t travel without INSURANCE; make sure it covers you for any activities you are likely to undertake such as extreme or water sports
• If you are travelling within the EU, get a free EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD for free or reduced emergency care. Even if you do, you still need full travel insurance!
• Remember, you can call 112 to contact the emergency services in any EU country.
• Check with your doctor to find out if you need any VACCINATIONS before you travel.
• Make sure you’ve got correct VISAS for the country you are visiting and that your passport is valid.
• Take PHOTOCOPIES of your passport and other important documents and keep these separate from the originals when you travel and/or store them online using a secure data storage site.
• TELL a friend or relative where you are going and for how long for – give them some idea of your itinerary if possible and an emergency contact number
• Take enough MONEY for your trip and some back-up funds in a mix of cash and travellers cheque –  make a note of the cheques’ numbers before you go.

Mobile phones have been very possitive in our lives,the fact of being able to call anyone from anywhere in the world and now internet, camera, music… However, there are some secrets very well kept about these devices, want to find out?

- Mobile phones do not provoke plane crashes. Probably more than one of us has left the mobile on during a flight by accident and nothing happens, there are no proves of plane problems related to mobile phones. However, we do not want our readers to leave their phones on! We just thought it was a secret we might share with you!
- Mobile phones can give you away. It is very easy to find your location if you have your mobile phone switched on, the only thing needed is the coordinate of the last tower to which your phone connected, that will give you a very precise clue of the area you are in! Moreover, the geolocation information of your mobilphone is not private, which means mobilephone companies can sell it to thirds.

Our conclusion: Mobile phones do have benefits but also have secrets, some we have said today, some others we don’t know, be aware!

Good travellers are those who know exactly what to put inside their bags, not extra clothes or less than the necessary, just what is strictly needed. Today we will list some of the basic things that you should never forget when packing:

Toothbrush and other toiletries. If you are travelling with a lowcost flight and you are only going to bring hand luggage, toiletries should be in a transparent plastic bag and you will have to take them out for the security control.

Pyjamas or whatever you sleep in. An essential item of clothing.

Underwear. It may sound obvious but some people forget about it when packing fast.

Phone and camera charger. They are also basics but, as they are small and they are normally plugged in there is a possibility we might forget to bring them with us.

Bathing suit. It doesn’t matter if you are travelling north or south, it takes no space and you never know where you will end up (a pool, a spa…a bet to see who is the bravest getting in the sea in December…)

Passport or Identity Card-

Moreover if you want to be one of those perfect travellers you should plan ahead what you will be wearing each day of the trip (and maybe even list it). This way you will be certain of having the exact amount of clothes for the holiday!

The experience of travelling, either abroad or inside the country, has changed dramatically in very small amount of time, nobody can deny it. Gone are the days of packing tour guides and there is space for something else where we use to have big road maps (the car’s back seat). You don’t need to have a special device to listen to your favourite songs and your music will not occupy any space, no CDs or Walkman or Discman: new mobile phones have it all!

There are so many applications for this new generation of phones that you can do an astonishing variety of things: from listening to the last hits or a classic you love ( Pandora app), to knowing exactly where you are and how to go to that museum your best friend recommended (poynt). You can even have a tourist information guide with audio in your iphone with just one click (London or York pocket) or book a restaurant through Internet.

Some of us still prefer the old ways, the rest of us have already adapted to this new method of travelling with a great deal of advantages: technology saves you money, space and time when travelling.

The passengers from the flight that just landed wait at the baggage claim belt, watching one sad and lonely (yes, its looks like it’s sad and lonely) suitcase go round and round, and although everyone watches it closely as it pushes through the wide straps hanging in front of the door and circles by, it doesn’t seem belong to anyone. What flight did it come in on? What is its destination? A voice on the loud speaker announces what everyone is waiting for: “your luggage is coming out.” The passengers straighten up and get in position to leap like tigers towards the belt as soon as they catch a glimpse of the bags they checked in. You always end up asking the question: “Is that one mine? “No, that one’s mine. Excuse me, I need to get through please, that suitcase is mine.” You examine every one: big ones, small ones, canvas ones, hardback ones, backpacks, bags; black, red, pink, with Mickey Mouse smiling back at you.” The minutes tick by and the other passengers from the plane seem to all find their bags and head off. When they finally get their hands on it, something inside them relaxes and they start to breathe easier: “Phew, it didn’t get lost.” The remaining passengers still have to suffer a few minutes more, thinking: “please don’t let this be the start of a bad day…” Some suitcases look similar and some are even identical. That’s why everyone has their own little trick to recognise their own bags: maybe a small scratch on the side, a sticker or a ribbon on the handle. Finally, all the passengers from the flight that just landed head off in different directions, toting along their luggage behind them. One sad and lonely (yes, it looks sad and lonely) suitcase carries on going round in circles on the belt. Then suddenly it occurred to me: Has anyone ever seen a suitcase on one of these belts in some airport around the world, like the ones that were auctioned off a few days ago in London? They were exclusive models from the luxury brand, Louis Vuitton, designed by celebrities such as the chef Ferran Adriá, the photographer Anne Leibovitz or the artist Damien Hirts. The 495,000 pounds (549,450 euros) that were paid for then will be donated to a Red Cross aid programme in the fight against malnutrition. What will those suitcases get used for? Will their owners take them on a trip with them? Will they go round in circles on a baggage claim belt at some airport? Will a ribbon get tied to them so that they can be identified easier?

On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, we have compiled a few recommendations for diabetes sufferers who are planning on taking a trip. There is no reason why a person with diabetes should not be able to travel anywhere in the world. That said, it is a good idea to visit your doctor before setting off on your trip. It is important to take with you everything you need for every day that you will be away, along with an extra prescription just in case. In order to avoid any misunderstandings at airports, we recommend taking a medical report with you, explaining why you need to take the required material onboard. In the United States, for example, you can simply show the labelled product, as it can only be sold at the chemist with a doctor’s prescription. Keep time differences in mind, due to the fact that, depending on whether you are travelling east or west, you may need to inject an extra dose or avoid taking one. Insulin will withstand travel, but keep an eye out if your destination is a place with high temperatures. In this case, you could take a small cooler or a special case for insulin to keep it cool. We recommend taking a small amount of food with you in case you need it, as well as wearing a bracelet or medallion that indicates that you are diabetic. In the event that you will be walking considerable distances, be sure to examine your feet everyday. Lastly, go to a doctor if you have any problems. And above all, have a wonderful trip!