Once you have found a company to serve your interests, make sure you check out the levels of cover and other conditions implied in the contract. Business travel insurance can guarantee laptop cover but also provide coverage for delayed business equipment. The period during which you are insured for business travel is up to you, varying between 24 and 60 days. Sometimes, you may discover that there are companies providing an additional coverage for winter sports.

The interesting thing about business travel insurance is that it can be taken both by the employer and the employee. When it comes to the employer, the travel insurance covers the following: business equipment, computer equipment and business money. The employee benefit from family travel insurance (kids are covered for free), they are provided with the winter sports coverage and even insured for adventure sports. As you can see, these specialists have really thought about everything wanting to satisfy their clients in every way. After all, it seems right to have the best possible coverage when you have to go on a business travel.

If you want to be certain that you have chosen the right policy, then you should start by checking out all the things covered. As it was already mentioned, the business travel insurance covers business equipment. What does this actually refer to? Anyone who goes on a business travel needs a computer or a laptop, thus you can certainly understand why computer equipment and additional communication devices are covered. Their owner is insured in case of loss, theft or damage that has incurred during the business travel.

Standard cover for travel insurance refers to: medical expenses, travel delay or personal liability. There is also a cover for business travel insurance, addressing the following: business equipment, computer equipment, employee replacement and business money. There are two additional covers, one reserved for winter sports and the other for golf. These are annual policies and you will have to think long and hard whether they are right for you. Do not sign any contract for business travel insurance unless it covers medical emergencies and health care expenses.

Business travel insurance is a smart thing to have, especially if you want to protect your assets during your travels. You can easily see if you need an annual policy once you determine the number of business travels you need to undertake each year. Read carefully for the fine print and choose the best one for your needs!

The American Kite Surfing Association (AKSA) is making international insurance coverage easy to secure with instant confirmations online and via email. AKSA members can receive this important coverage by visiting: http://www.eglobalhealth.com/aksa.html

The four programs being offered to AKSA members include:

• The Atlas Series: Short-term health insurance for individuals traveling outside their Home Country.
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Atlas plan is ideal. Packages are available from a minimum of 5 days up to a maximum of one year. At no additional cost, the Atlas Series adds coverage for Emergency Medical Evacuation, Acts of Terrorism and Complications of Pregnancy.
http://www.eglobalhealth.com/aksaatlas.html
• The Atlas Group Series: Short-term international health insurance for 5 or more traveling abroad.
The Atlas Group series is tailored for groups of 5 or more US and non-US Citizens traveling outside their Home Country for 5 days up to one year. The perfect plan for vacation groups, missionaries, students and business executives featuring Emergency Medical Evacuation, coverage for Acts of Terrorism and Home Country Medical Coverage.
http://www.eglobalhealth.com/aksaatlas-group.html
• The Atlas Professional: International health coverage for frequent travelers of business or pleasure, taking multiple trips throughout the year.
The Atlas Professional is available to the frequent leisure or business traveler and their families who require a 12 month comprehensive medical policy with coverage for multiple trips of 30 days duration or less. If one maintains medical coverage in their home country, the Atlas Professional is designed to take the risk out of international multi-trip business or leisure travel.
http://www.eglobalhealth.com/aksaatlas-pro.html
• MultiNational Accident Plan (MAP): The first comprehensive personal accident plan for international travelers.
MAP features high limit Accidental Death and Dismemberment and high limit Permanent and Total Disability insurance – including coverage for most acts of War and Terrorism. This plan may be purchased alone or as a supplement to any other product and is available for any country in the world. No underwriting is required!
http://www.eglobalhealth.com/aksaaccident-insurance-plan.html
These insurance plans are offered as a service to our AKSA members. All plans are underwritten by Lloyd’s of London which provides accident and health insurance to over 1,000,000 people in 100 countries. Lloyd’s currently enjoys an A rating from Standard and Poors and is highly qualified to protect AKSA members on their next international trip.
MultiNational Underwriters (MNU) is the exclusive administrator for all the insurance plans offered mentioned above.
American Kite Surfing Association is the leading organization for kite surfers in North America. The purpose of the enterprise is to bring heightened awareness to this fast-growing, dynamic, and fun sport. www.kite-surfingusa.com.

Cathi Long
Executive VP
American Kite Surfing Association
Info@kite-surfingusa.com
727-772-1202

When you’re considering what type of sports car rental to choose from, you’d do well to think over what your intents are. Do you have only two people? Consider getting a classy two-door model. Will you be traveling on any dirt or bumpy roads? If so, make sure your ground clearance is high enough to avoid the debris. If you’re an experienced driver, there’s nothing like the power and control of a manual transmission sports car.

Next, decide on your itinerary. Depending on where you’ll be you’ll probably be using different car rental services. Check out your options using the internet – competitive pricing will find you the best rate on the sports car of your dreams. Car rental companies usually charge per day or per week, sometimes with extra charges for the distance. A company might, for instance, charge $200 per day plus fifty cents for every mile over one hundred or so. Figure out beforehand what your travel plans are in order to get the best price for your situation.

Rates for sports car rentals usually range between two hundred American dollars and four to five. Most rental companies offer weekly rates, which are generally much better than the daily ones. No matter what your budget and needs are, you should be able to find a sports car rental to meet your specific needs and desire. Next time you travel, make sure you travel in style.

The following are some examples of this -

Those who are not physically or mentally fit
Those who are not aged 18 to 50
Those that are planning on engaging in any “hazardous sport”, this includes the majority of extreme sports
Those that plan on being abroad for an extended or unusually long period of time, backpacking is a good example of this

Within these situations the applicant is likely to require “specialist cover”, two of the most popular of which are outlined below.

Over 50′s

Nearly all standard policies have an “upper age limit”, which is usually 50 or over, with some providers this is 65. Travellers over this age limit will find their premiums a lot more expensive to their younger counterparts, especially in terms of medical cover.

Seniors obtaining a quote may find they have to answer more questions than usual; this is so the insurer can get a clearer picture of any pre-existing medical conditions.

Extreme Sports

With the popularity of extreme sports such as snowboarding, scuba diving, parasailing and skiing soaring in recent years, insurance policies have been adjusted to reflect these changes.

As with over 50′s, those participating in extreme sports are likely to find that the “standard” medical policy will not suffice. With most not covering any injuries incurred as a result of participating in extreme sports.

As well as providing more reasonable travel insurance premiums, a specialist provider is also likely to cover both rented and personal sporting equipment, which is often very expensive to replace.

Obtaining cheap travel insurance for the situations outlined above isn’t that difficult as the number of applicants has increased considerably over the years. A quick search online is generally the best method for comparing the travel insurance market.

South African Airways UK’s annual awards honour its top performing trade partners for their support.  Gullivers was recognised and celebrated for the high volume of flights it requires from the airline for the many tours and incentive travel it organises to South Africa every year.

In recent years, Gullivers has seen South Africa become its number one touring destination for clubs and schools, for all types of sports, and as an official licensed operator for the British & Irish Lions Tour to South Africa 2009, the company estimates that it will take 3,000 rugby supporters over next year as well.

John Hall, Chairman of Gullivers Sports Travel said: “Gullivers is delighted to be awarded the title of Best Sports Specialist by South African Airways UK – it comes from years of arranging travel to one of the most captivating destinations in the world.  We first took clients to South Africa in 1980 – our inaugural Lions tour – just 100 people!  We’ve now taken thousands and awards like these show how much the company has moved forward.”

Gullivers is well known for its involvement in major sporting events such as Rugby World Cups and Ashes Tours. Although this is an important part of their business, equally important are the smaller events and playing tours and they pride ourselves on their service and attention to detail whatever the scale of the project.

Gullivers Incentives is a specialist department organising corporate conferences and incentive trips overseas. Their operations have included chartering cruise liners in the Caribbean, flower arrangers convention in South Africa, a Welsh speaking convention to Patagonia in Argentina, zoologists to Zimbabwe and Radio Hams to Ohio for their annual “Hamvention”. They’re happy to take on any challenge that you can throw at them!

One gap year experience is to play sport. Are you passionate about sport and feel like you want to share your passion with others? How about sharing this with youngsters in an exciting overseas environment? If these two questions really grab your attention then here is another one – are you going to do something about it? With a gap year sport programme you can develop your coaching skills whilst passing on your knowledge and enthusiasm to the next generation.

Sport coaching placements can last for between 10-19 weeks, depending on the sport you coach. Participants coach sport to youngsters in local schools and community teams. On average coaches may also be able to do a part time job and, if desired, it is often possible to supplement this with additional umpiring or refereeing work for your specialist sport.

Whilst challenging and demanding (you could be responsible for a whole class of future sporting heroes!) there is no doubt that the experience of working with youngsters over the course of a school term is highly rewarding. Coaching sport is also a fantastic addition to any CV, allowing you to demonstrate initiative, leadership and communication skills.

With most programmes, you will live alongside other gap year participants that could be in 4 star city centre accommodation that provides easy access via local transport to your place of work. You would also be assigned a local mentor to be on hand to assist you throughout your programme and you will be guaranteed a minimum number of coaching hours per week.

We recommend that people interested in coaching sport obtain suitable coaching and first aid qualifications before departure, as this will assist you in not only getting a job but also giving you assurance of coaching others. It is also beneficial for you to obtain umpiring/refereeing qualifications in your chosen sport in order to take advantage of the full range of work available.

If you are unable to obtain a coaching or First Aid qualification prior to your departure then don’t worry. Some schools are happy to employ people provided they have playing and coaching experience. You can also enrol on a coaching and First Aid course upon arrival in your chosen destination.

Really keen participants can also join a local sports club should you wish to play as well as coach sport during your programme and really make the most of your time and skill.

Sport is a wonderful way to discover a new culture. By combining playing or coaching sport with a gap year, you become integrated into a local community with their sports club or academy and become a second family. Playing or coaching sport provides a framework for your time away. Supplement this with travel, work experience and a whole new group of friends and that’s gap year experience in a nutshell.

People that are passionate about sport and travel can really make the most of their time overseas. Many gap year companies can organise regular social events and excursions, which ensure a fantastic experience for all, whilst ensuring you are always in touch with peers and local people alike. Gap year mentors also assist participants in finding work, dealing with any issues that may arise and co-ordinating travel plans – a real commitment to a personal experience.

So if you are passionate about sport and travel, then why not spend your Gap Year playing and coaching sport in exotic locations around the world.

Sport Lived organise sporting Gap Year programmes in exotic locations around the world. Play or coach your favourite sports and enjoy the excitement of living overseas. www.SportLived.co.uk

Many sports benefit from Mexico’s natural beauty and unique backdrops, a fact not gone unnoticed by professional sporting event planners. Mexico has recently hosted many high-profile international sporting events, including Rip Curl’s Pro Search surfing event, part of the Association of Surfing Professionals’ Men’s World Championship Tour last June, and the PGA’s 2006 Champions Tour’s Puerto Vallarta Blue Agave Golf Classic last March. Upcoming events include the yearly Mexico City International Marathon in August.

Amateur athletes and sports lovers are also helping to spur Mexico’s sports sector growth. 2005 enjoyed robust numbers, with sports activities pumping approximately US$1.27 billion into the national economy. Several high-grossing sports activities which contributed to the impressive overall figure.

- In 2005, 600 thousand golfers traveled to Mexico, generating $400 million.

- Triathlons attracted 36 thousand travelers to Mexico, who in turn generated US$6 million in 2005.

- In 2005, diving and relating activities produced US$200 million in revenue.

- Sports fishing reeled in $500 million in 2005.

Bright future forecast for sports tourism

The increased popularity of Mexico’s sports tourism sector echoes travel developments on a global scale. The World Tourism Organization predicts that sports tourism will be the second most important travel segment by 2020.

Sports tourism’s bright future recently prompted Mexico Tourism Secretary Rodolfo Elizondo to underscore the importance of developing this segment during a national sports tourism conference.

“Sports tourism plays an important role in the evolution of Mexico’s tourism industry. As we continuously improve infrastructure and sports tourism offerings on both a local and regional level, Mexico’s position as a sports tourism destination will be solidified, more jobs will be generated and we will attract investors,” he said.

Elizondo went on to mention that Mexico’s active support of the sports tourism sector is part of Sectur’s strategy to diversify the country’s tourism offerings beyond its already-successful products like sun and beaches, nature tourism, and cultural tourism, among others.

About the Mexico Tourism Board

The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico’s tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico’s tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

FOR PRESS ONLY: For additional ideas, help with a story or general travel and tourism information about Mexico, please contact the MTB’s North American Press Room directly at 1-800-929-4555, by e-mail at northamericanpress@visitmexico.com, or visit our press Web site at www.visitmexicopress.com. To access an online warehouse of free, downloadable b-roll, visit www.thenewsmarket.com/visitmexicopress.

# # #

Erick Laseca

Mexico Tourism Board

312-228-0517 x14

erick.laseca@bm.com

If you are an individual or a family planning a yearly holiday and plan to travel within the country or visit another country for a few days, then the Single return journey package is appropriate. But you still have to analyze the options in the policy and the risks covered by the policy being offered. Most of the Single trip insurance packages include medical insurance for emergencies during travel, baggage insurance, and cancellation of flights and bookings insurance. The premium may seem a bit too much to pay for a few days travel, but it is always better to play it safe than to be sorry for not purchasing Travel Insurance.

The Annual Multi trip Travel insurance package is best for individuals who have to travel a lot, within and outside the country, either for business or visiting the company ‘s offices in different locations. This package is also good for actors who may have to travel extensively to different countries for shoots, and for travel writers who may travel extensively to different countries throughout the year. This package is also appropriate for families who go on many small trips lasting a week or more, several times in a year. The benefit of this package is that the individual businessman harried for time, or a family, which travels a lot throughout the year, does not need to purchase Travel Insurance every time they plan a trip. This is especially beneficial for businessmen, as they may have to travel at very short notice at times.

If you are an individual or family planning a Skiing and winter sports trip, then a Ski and winter sports Travel Insurance is important and necessary. Many companies offer Cheap Travel Insurance for Ski and winter sports enthusiasts and the insurance covers many of the risks associated with Skiing and winter sports. The Ski and winter sports insurance covers injury while Skiing or participating in other winter sports, providing the insured individual is not  in a prohibited area. The insurance normally covers all expenses incurred in getting the individual to hospital, including by air ambulance if required, and hospital expenses. Although most insurers and Travel Insurance packages cover many winter sports, it is better to be aware of and ask questions regarding what is covered and what is not.

An individual, student, or a couple travelling within the country or visiting or touring another country on a shoestring budget, with just a backpack, can get Cheap Travel Insurance with the most basic and minimum risks covered. Backpacker insurance packages can cover skiing and winter sports injuries, adventure sports and hazardous activities like wind surfing, scuba diving, etc. This Travel Insurance package also covers baggage insurance for lost or stolen baggage. For a student or a couple planning on a long trip overseas to Europe or backpacking in an unknown country, this insurance is essential.

However, such exhilaration could turn out to be expensive unless you are prepared for any emergencies. Because of this, it is important to arrange some insurance before you travel, if not to put your mind at ease before you take the plunge or to the skies.

Indeed, travel insurance can be a very useful element to pack as part of your trip, whether you’re heading abroad to participate in extreme sports or are embarking on a backpacking excursion. Some of the most common factors that are covered by policies are:

Flight cancellations Delayed departure or baggage Medical expenses – these can vary depending on your country of visit Repatriation as a result of an injury Theft or damage to personal possessions – including any travel documentation Legal assistance Rental car excess and personal liability

This can help to cover you in case of emergencies, but cover can differ depending on the circumstances, so it’s important to check all details of your policy before you travel. There are several factors which will affect the cost of your policy, so it’s best to make your insurer aware of these from the start, including:

Participation in high-risk activities or sports Pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes or asthma Travel to countries that are considered ‘high-risk’

There are many different travel insurance policies available, each offering varying levels of cover against a range of circumstances, and can be tailored to your travel plans. Backpackers and overseas workers often take out annual travel insurance for the duration of their excursions as it usually works out cheaper than purchasing separate policies for each leg of your trip.

Having an insurance policy in place before you travel can come in handy should you run into difficulties during your trip, and combined with other plans – such as the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – can help to put your mind at ease and allow you the chance to enjoy your holidays just that little bit more.