I have a confession to make. I was chatting to Martin Rothwell this morning and I told him that I have a (well, two in fact) pre-existing medical conditions.

Well that’s a surprise

To be honest, I didn’t even realise the fact – I’ve been taking blood pressure pills for more than 20 years and they are just part of my life. (more…)

There’s a commonly held belief that if you get into trouble or just run out of money abroad, you can just go along to the embassy or consulate in the country where you are located and they will sort you out. Well, it has to be said that in most cases they are willing to help but are limited in what they can actually do.

If you get sick or injured

The first thing to do is contact your favourite travel insurance company who should pay most medical expenses if your cover is comprehensive. If you are admitted to hospital, contact the nearest embassy. Once you do, they will (more…)

To paraphrase LP Hartley’s famous line from The Go-Between, “Abroad is a foreign country, they do things differently there”. Recent cases of people getting into trouble have highlighted in the media the need to be very careful when travelling. It’s amazing how many people just don’t do basic research into the places they go to, or just assume either that they can do just like they do at home or, if they do get into trouble, the British Embassy will get them out of it (note: they won’t). (more…)

This is the next in a series of interviews where we ask members of the World First team about their experiences in travel. This time it’s the turn of the boss – he pays the bills so he wanted to be next!

First holiday memory

Growing up in Cornwall, we didn’t really go on foreign holidays as we had everything on our doorstep; holidays were spent surfing at the beach. Our first trips were to Guernsey to see my grandparents but I didn’t actually travel abroad with my parents and my first trip abroad on my own was at the age of 16. (more…)

So British Airways cabin crew have announced the strike action to be taken as part of its attempt to resolve a row over cost-cutting measures. They will take place for 3 days from 26th March and for 4 days from 26th March. BA are putting a brave face on things saying they will operate as many flights as possible, but assuming the strike does go ahead, there will be disruption and insurers will have work to to. (more…)

I love the expression “nomad workers”, it conjures up images of Peter O’Toole or Omar Sharif in Lawrence of Arabia, but however prosaic the images we have of them, their numbers are increasing. From the traditional sales rep on the road to virtual workers, e-workers (where so these expressions come from?) and freelancers, we’re no longer just restricted to our offices. Work is flexible and we can take it wherever we like. We can work in the coffee shop next door or the other side of the country, on a train or even on holiday (yes, I’m guilty of that).

But working on the move is not always glamorous and can sometimes be full of pitfalls if you don’t prepare things properly. So plan ahead.

1. Whatever you think, you will work less when you’re on the move. There will be distractions and interruptions on trains (even in first class). Have you never looked aimlessly out of a window? And getting on, getting off and settling down takes time. It all eats into your work time. (more…)

One of the most important social changes in the last couple of decades has been not just an ageing population, but an ageing active population. The post-war baby boomers are coming up to retirement or have already taken it. What’s more, they have the benefit of the greatest period of economic growth the world has ever seen so they not only have time and longevity on their side, they also have money.You’d think insurance companies would be opening their arms with glee to welcome them through the checkout (online or otherwise). Well, apparently not. Take Norman Bates, from Norwich for example, he’s 80 and has angina. (more…)