Happy Holidays Corfu Magazine
Articles and Features (published quarterly) about Corfu and its many attractions
Northern Exposure
Vol. 2, No. 1; September 15, 2006
© 2005-2006 Happy Holidays Corfu
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The Happy Holidays Corfu Directory, and Happy Holidays Corfu Magaine is happy to announce the expansion of both venues to the Northern resorts of Corfu. Below are reviews of various resorts written by HHC Forum members.
Corfu-- Traveller's Guide
BEFORE YOU GO
Holidays should be about fun and relaxation, so avoid last minute panics and
stress by making your preparations well in advance.
PASSPORTS
Make sure that your passports are up to date and have at least three months left to run(to be safe 6 months is even better). All children (new born babies up wards)need their own passport now, unless they are already included on the passport of the person they are traveling with.(you need to check this out , on a ten year passport once its run out, they must have their own passport) once they are 16years of age.
It can take up to three weeks if not longer to renew your passport. Obtaining a new passport for the first times also includes having an interview with the passport office.
MONEY
You will need some currency before you go, especially if your flight gets you to your destination at the weekend or late in the day after the banks have closed. Travelers cheques are the safest way to carry to carry money because the money will be refunded if the cheques are lost or stolen. To buy travelers cheques or exchange money at a bank you may need to give a weeks notice (usually post offices and travel agents can give them the same day) depending on the quantity of foreign currency you require.....If its euros there is plenty about, so you wont have a problem with them.
You can exchange money at the airport before you depart, you should also make sure that your credit,charge and debit cards are up to date- you do not want them to expire while on holiday- and that your credit limit is sufficient to allow you to make those purchases. Don't forget, too, to check your PIN numbers , in case you have not used them for a while - you may want to to draw money from cash dispensers while you are away.
INSURANCE
Have you got sufficient cover for your holiday?. Check that your policy covers you adequately for loss of possessions and valuables, for activities that you might want to try - such as scuba diving, horse riding or water-sports- and for emergency medical and dental treatment, including flights home if required.
Don't forget your European Health Insurance card - this can be obtained from the INTERNET on - www.nhs.uk
SECURITY
Take sensible precautions to prevent your house from being burgled while you are away:
* Cancel milk, newspapers and other regular deliveries.
*Let the postman know where to leave parcels and bulky mail that will not go through the letter box - ideally with a next door neighbor.
* If possible arrange for some one to visit regularly, to open and close the curtains evening and morning and switch the lights on and off to give the impression someone is at home.
* If you have a burglar alarm, make sure that it is serviced and working properly and is switched on when you leave(you may find that your insurance policy requires this). Ensure that a neighbor is able to gain access to the alarm to switch it off if it is set off accidentally.
* If you are leaving car's unattended put them in a garage ,if possible or leave them with someone who can keep an eye on them while your away.
AIRPORT PARKING AND ACCOMMODATION
If you intend to leave your car in an airport car park while you are away, or stay the night at an airport hotel before or after your flight, you should book well ahead to take advantage of discounts or cheap off airport parking. Airport parking gets booked up several weeks in advance, especially during the height of the holiday season. Check whether the hotel offers free parking for the duration of the holiday - often the savings made on parking costs can significantly reduce the accommodation price.
PACKING TIPS
Baggage allowance varies according to each airline, it will tell you the what the weight of baggage allowance is on your travel tickets. You can usually carry your duty - free purchases, umbrella (hopefully you won't need one)handbag, coat and camera as hand baggage. large items - surfboards pushchairs golf-clubs and collapsible wheelchairs are- usually charged as extras, and it is a good idea to let the airline know in advance ,that you want to bring these.
CHECK-IN, PASSPORT CONTROL AND CUSTOMS
First time travelers can often find airport security intimidating, but it is all very easy really.
* check-in desks usually open 2-3 hours before the flight is due to depart. Arrive early for the best choice of seats.
*Look at the flight monitors for your flight number in the check in area, and find the relevant check-in desk. Your luggage will be checked and taken . Take your boarding card and go to the departure gate. Here your hand luggage will be x-rayed and your passport checked. *New procedures may apply after July 2006.
*Once inside the departure area, you can shop and relax, but keep your eye on the monitors that tell you when to board - usually about 30 minutes before take off.
