Airport parking from as little as 99p per day

Greater London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/29/2012 -- Leading travel add-ons provider, EssentialTravel.co.uk is currently offering customers a 10% discount when booking airport parking via its Facebook page.

Its user friendly website allows customers to compare multiple car parks, offers three types of parking with best prices guaranteed and has no booking or credit card costs.

Stuart Bensusan, Director at EssentialTravel.co.uk says: "There are some incredible pre-booking offers up for grabs at the moment with Airparks Parking available at Cardiff from as little as 99p a day. However, all these deals are subject to availability so consumers should book soon to avoid disappointment.

We are offering an additional exclusive 10% discount to all of our customers booking via our Facebook page, and customers can pre-book until one hour before they arrive at the car park so there is no excuse for paying over the odds on car parking costs this Easter.

Other savings from popular airport car parks - bold indicates inclusive of EssentialTravel.co.uk's Facebook discount:

Airport

Airport Gate Rate

(8 Days)

Pre-booked Price

(8 Days)

Percentage Saving

London Heathrow

£137.50

£43.95 £39.55

68% 71%

London Gatwick

£104.00

£32.99 £26.69

68% 74%

London Stansted

£100.00

£46.51 £41.85

54% 58%

Manchester

£100.00

£23.50 £21.15

77% 78%

Essential Travel work with many Park Mark awarded operators to ensure cars are properly looked after but also have thousands of customer reviews on site so customers know they are picking the most convenient and best priced parking facilities to set their holidays off on the right foot.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Don't be caught short - diarrhoea claim tops £23,000. Essential Travel reveals some of its weirder claims from UK holidaymakers

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/29/2012 -- Leading travel insurance, airport parking and hotels provider Essential Travel reveals some of its weirder claims from UK holidaymakers:

- A bill of £23,000 medical expenses for a bad bout of Delhi Belly would have been more than a pain in the bum for one unlucky traveller had he not invested in insurance.

- The poor gent struck by lightening in South Africa luckily won't be struck twice as fortunately his insurance covered his medical costs of over £5,000

- Who said Americans are greedy? It was a Brit caught gobbling down his steak. Luckily he won't be choking on his medical bill of over £5,000 as his Essential Travel insurance meant that he didn't bite off more than he could chew...

- They say local grappa tastes like rocket fuel but one traveller in Turkey took that a bit too literally when they accidentally drank gasoline resulting in a hangover to the tune of over a £1,000

- A real life slip of the tongue almost ended in disaster in Turkey when one lady swallowed her tongue after an almighty sneeze. The £1,000 bill covered by her insurance wasn't to be sniffed at...

- A plucky young traveller in Mexico suffering from chicken pox managed to avoid the seven-year itch - probably the length of time it would have taken her to repay the £20,400 in medical fees had been without cover

- Getting a sun tan is one thing, but oiling up a medical bill for £2,550 to treat sunburn in the US would certainly have left this traveller with scars if she'd forgotten to take out her travel insurance

- Having insurance certainly took the sting out of the £4,800 medical bill one gent in the Dominican Republic suffered after receiving a nasty insect bite. Another traveller in Indonesia saved himself going ape at a medical bill of over £1,000 for a monkey bite

- The bill could have been worse than the bite for the individual suffering from a nasty dog attack in South Africa which luckily didn't set him back the £6,000 it cost to get him fixed up as he'd invested in travel insurance

Stuart Bensusan from Essential Travel said: "I think many people looking at some of our highest claim costs - and some of the reasons for them - will be extremely surprised.

Some of the cases may raise a smile, but there's a serious side too. In addition to the £23,000 Delhi Belly case mentioned above we've also seen payouts of £89,359 on bleeding lesions, £69,699 spent on Cellulitis in Canada and £59,135 on a bank injury in the USA. These were serious medical conditions not just requiring financial help but also the support and logistical assistance that our insurance provided for.

When you put this in to the context of a single trip policy costing from as little as £6.94 it really does highlight the unnecessary risk that people travelling uninsured may be subjecting themselves to."

Notes to editors

About EssentialTravel.co.uk
Established in 2001, EssentialTravel.co.uk is one of the UK's leading online travel essentials companies. The core products offered include competitively priced, fully comprehensive travel insurance; airport car parking; airport lounge access; airport hotels; car hire; and car hire excess insurance.

Essential Travel is now part of Thomas Cook UK & Ireland.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Use your head, wear a helmet and claim a minimum of 10% off 2012 holiday.

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/29/2012 -- Neilson Holidays, the active holiday experts, has joined the Use Your Head initiative to encourage skiers and snowboarders to wear a helmet. To mark joining the campaign, Neilson Holidays is offering savings of 10%-25% on Neilson Ski & Snowboard, Sailing or Beachclub holidays booked in 2012, including during peak season. Insurance provider Essential Travel launched Use Your Head in 2010 when 40% of its ski and snowboard customers admitted they would not be wearing a helmet despite 75% claiming to have suffered an accident serious enough to warrant medical assistance. Mountain sports kit retailer Ellis Brigham, expert ski equipment provider Facewest, Tail-Wags helmet covers and the brain injury association Headway subsequently joined the campaign.

18.2% of those surveyed after the Use Your Head initiative launched said they wore helmets for the first time.

Paul Deadman from Neilson Holidays said: "We take slope safety seriously and we wholeheartedly support the Use Your Head campaign, particularly for kids. We include helmet hire in the rental price of children's equipment in virtually all of our resorts, and when they see heroes like Seth Morrison and Shaun White wearing a helmet it's hard to get them to take it off! Everyone, no matter what age or experience level, should wear a helmet when they take to the slopes."

Stuart Bensusan from Essential Travel said: "We welcome Neilson Holidays to Use Your Head as it goes from strength to strength in its second year. We were the first insurance specialist to offer discounts to skiers and snowboarders willing to wear helmets, but too many people are still intent on not wearing helmets and the reality is they save lives. Our initial survey showed over 65% of those in a ski related accident believed that wearing a helmet lessened the severity of their injuries. We continue to urge skiers and snowboarders to wear a helmet and to place the same value on helmets for winter sports as they would for cycling or rock climbing."

Customers are eligible to save 10%-25% discount on 2012 holidays simply by purchasing an Essential Travel Winter Sports insurance policy. Customers receive an email with a link to the Neilson Holidays' website (www.neilson.co.uk) where the discount can be redeemed with an exclusive code. Alternatively, call Neilson Holidays on 0844 879 8155 and quote 'Use Your Head' and the Essential Travel Winter Sports insurance policy number to book. Travel companies interested in supporting the Use Your Head campaign can earn commission on the Winter Sports Travel Insurance policies and should e-mail: affiliates@essentialtravel.co.uk

Notes to editors

About EssentialTravel.co.uk
Established in 2001, EssentialTravel.co.uk is one of the UK's leading online travel essentials companies. The core products offered include competitively priced, fully comprehensive travel insurance; airport car parking; airport lounge access; airport hotels; car hire; and car hire excess insurance.

Essential Travel is now part of Thomas Cook UK & Ireland.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Holiday makers to take precautions against forecast snowfall and colder than average temperatures

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/13/2012 -- In light of this week's severe weather warnings issued by the Met Office EssentialTravel.co.uk looks at precautions UK holiday-makers can take to protect them and their holidays against potential disruption.

After reviewing claim information at the end of 2010, the leading travel essentials provider found that a significant 91 per cent of their travel insurance customers still went on holiday despite the reported effects of the snowstorms at the end of last year.

Claim information indicated that only nine per cent of Essential Travel customers abandoned their holidays. Stuart Bensusan comments:

"Any traveller whose flight is cancelled or delayed more than 24 hours should be fully protected by their travel insurance. Any reputable policy should include provisions for both flight delay and cancellation although it's important to note that people can't cancel trips due to a disinclination to travel".

Colder-than-average temperatures are forecast to hit throughout the weekend with the Met Office issuing warnings of icy weather for the whole of the country for Saturday and Sunday.

Holidaymakers should not be entirely disheartened by the latest snow fall reports explains EssentialTravel.co.uk, but any travellers expecting to fly through the snowy weather should take the following precautions:

Phone the airline or check their website before you set off to the airport

Make sure you have all important phone numbers - such as your hotel and car hire company in our phone so you can advise them of any delays

Make sure you mobile phone is fully charged and you take the cable in case you need to charge it en route

Check the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy: booking yourself into a five-star hotel to wait out the delay only to find you're not entitled to that money back, quickly makes a bad situation worse

Take snacks to the airport, to save forking out for airport food. If you find yourself delayed for more than a couple of hours you may be entitled to a food voucher from the airline - check at the flight desk (or ring your insurance help line to check your rights)

Think about buying an airport lounge pass for both legs of the journey - if you are delayed for hours you could be thankful to escape the crowds, make the most of complimentary food and entertainment

It's worth booking in to an airport hotel the night before you fly to avoid missing your flight and rush on perilous roads

If travelling with children be sure to take something to keep them amused

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

To promote safety whilst skiing, Essential Travel has launched the Use Your Head campaign that includes discounts on ski policies.

London, England -- (SBWIRE) --11/25/2011 -- EssentialTravel.co.uk is pioneering a new policy discount to encourage skiers and snowboarders to wear helmets on the slopes to launch as of 21 November 2011.

As part of its "Use Your Head" campaign EssentialTravel.co.uk will be working with mountain sports retailer Ellis Brigham and brain injury association Headway to educate skiers and snowboarders about the importance of head protection this season by offering a 15% discount to those willing to wear helmets.

EssentialTravel.co.uk is also offering a 10 per cent discount on helmets in store or online at Ellis Brigham to every customer who buys winter sports cover. These discounts were prompted after 75% of EssentialTravel.co.uk's customer base admitting they would wear a helmet if a discount was levied against policies.

The leading travel insurance provider has also enhanced its winter policy this year to ensure better cover for ski equipment, piste closure and ski packs.

The Use Your Head campaign was originally launched last year after 40% of Essential Travel's ski and snowboard customers said they would not be wearing a helmet despite 75% admitting to suffering an accident on the slopes that was serious enough to warrant medical assistance.

18.2% surveyed after the Use Your Head initiative last year said they wore helmets for the first time last year.

Stuart Bensusan from Essential Travel commented:"Following the initial success of our inaugural campaign last year we've decided to take serious action and lead from the front by being the first insurance specialist to offer discounts to skiers and snowboarders willing to wear helmets.

"An alarmingly high percentage of people are still intent on not wearing helmets and the reality is they save lives."

"Our survey showed over 65% of those individuals in a ski related accident believed that wearing a helmet lessened the severity of their injuries. We are urging skiers to recognise the importance of wearing a helmet for protection and to start placing the same value on helmets for winter sports as they would for cycling."

Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, said: "We are delighted to see the number of skiers and snowboarders wearing helmets increasing year-on-year."

"Even a minor blow to the head can have major consequences, and even the most experienced of skiers are at risk of falling at some point during their holiday."

"By offering reduced premiums, EssentialTravel.co.uk is providing an incentive to its customers to wear a helmet, but the ultimate incentive should be protecting your delicate brain from injury."

Mark Brigham, Founder of Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports says: "Ellis Brigham are delighted to be involved with the Use Your Head campaign for a second year. Helmets have become the norm on skiers large and small in recent year, they are now lighter, better ventilated and much more comfortable and we encourage their use."

EssentialTravel.co.uk has launched a dedicated "Use Your Head" micro-site which features full details of the Ellis Brigham discount and Headway charity donation as well as snow injury facts and testimonies from customers who've been injured on the slopes.

About EssentialTravel.co.uk
Established in 2001, EssentialTravel.co.uk is one of the UK's leading online travel essentials companies. The core products offered include competitively priced, fully comprehensive travel insurance; airport car parking; airport lounge access; airport hotels; car hire; and car hire excess insurance.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Comment From Essential Travel Director: Stuart Bensusan

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/07/2011 -- Purchasing travel insurance can seem unappealing compared to buying those new travel speakers you've always wanted, but it pays to have travel insurance in the long run.

None of us can predict when or where an accident is going to happen and insurance is there to cover you for the unexpected.

Deciding to take the risk and travel without insurance may seem an easy way to economise, but it's an expensive risk to take. Our single trip policies start from as little as symbol(pound)6.94 compared to an average claim cost of symbol(pound)419 in Spain this summer.

Having travel insurance helps with medical assistance, replacing lost luggage and the cost of flights and accommodation and should be an integral part of any trip.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Essential Travel Campaign Aims To Boost Water Safety

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/29/2011 -- Today, Perranporth saw British World Champion kite surfer Kirsty Jones tackle some of Cornwall's most impressive waves - and win. As ambassador for Sea Sense, the water safety campaign launched by leading online travel insurance provider, Essential Travel, Kirsty explained how simple steps can help reduce the risk of watersport accidents.

Commenting on her commitment to the campaign, Kirsty said: "Sea Sense is about having respect for the ocean, other water users and your own limitations. This means pausing to observe and acknowledge when the conditions seem too dangerous for you."

Herself the victim of an accident in Mauritius last year that required reconstructive knee surgery, Kirsty said: "Having the right insurance is just part of ensuring your water safety. I was able to concentrate on recovering from my injury rather than worrying about paying for treatment, but of course a lot of Sea Sense is about reducing risk in the first place."

Enjoying the surf with Kirsty were Andy Heath, and his girlfriend both from Stevenage, who won a weekend of kite surfing with Kirsty courtesy of Essential Travel through a national newspaper competition.

Stuart Bensusan of Essential Travel said: "People often don't think to invest in specialist water sports cover when holidaying somewhere like Cornwall. It's really important to ensure you're covered for water sports wherever in the world you go, just in case the holiday spirit inspires you to try something new."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

“Sea Sense” and save 10% on travel insurance

Greater London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/22/2011 -- Leading online travel essentials provider, Essential Travel has launched a summer water sports safety campaign after research revealed that 40% of holidaymakers indulge in water sports activities abroad without checking if they have adequate insurance first.

Essential Travel's "Sea Sense" campaign, which is being fronted by British Kite Surfing Champion, Kirsty Jones, encourages sun-seekers to plan ahead by offering 10% off all travel insurance policies.

Every year there are numerous reports of water related accidents from jet ski, and para-sailing to scuba accidents. Stuart Bensusan of Essential Travel comments: "Often people on holiday throw caution to the wind when actually it's the time to be most vigilant."

In a recent in-house survey conducted by the travel insurance specialist, 40% of customers admitted to embarking on dangerous water sports activities while abroad without knowing if they had sufficient insurance.

In addition 56% confessed that they had been caught up in the holiday spirit and taken part in an unplanned water sports activity, demonstrating that it's not just those who go on pre-planned water sports holidays who need to think about cover.

Bensusan, continued: "This is an incredible risk to take if you consider that the accident rate to UK citizens traveling abroad has doubled in the past 4 years with water sports being one of the main culprits.

"We are trying to encourage consumers to really think about the risks involved in undertaking water activities abroad.

"Many policies are invalidated if the correct equipment isn't worn or when alcohol has been consumed. Many also don't realize that if they are taking part in a sporting activity numerous times during their holiday they may need to increase their sports cover level."

Even experts aren't immune from accidents. Last year saw Britain's Kite Surfing Champion, Kirsty Jones, save thousands of pounds after a serious kite surfing accident in Mauritius which rendered her with an operation for reconstructive surgery on her knee.

Jones comments "As a professional athlete one of my greatest fears has always been injury. Whether a beginner or an experienced water sports enthusiast, Sea Sense is about having respect for the ocean, elements, other water users and your own limitations. This means pausing to observe, think and acknowledge when the conditions seem too dangerous for you. Sometimes courage is about having the strength and sense to hold back, respecting the ocean instead of trying to fight with it."

Lynda St Cooke from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "Check the small print of your travel insurance policy to be sure that it covers all water sports activities. It's all too easy to make a spur of the moment decision to hop on a jet-ski or hire a boat for the day, and realise too late that you're not covered. Then you risk extortionate medical bills if something goes wrong. We see many cases of British nationals who have ended up saddled with a massive debt at the end of their holiday because their policy didn't cover them for the activities they took part in. Visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel for more information on travel insurance and preparing for a holiday abroad."

Essential Travel has launched a Sea Sense microsite in a bid to educate consumers about the potential risks involved. The site includes interviews with water sporting professionals such as Will Hayler, founder of the Ticket to Ride Group and championship Kite Surfer, Kirsty Jones. There is also the opportunity to win free kite surfing lessons with Kirsty Jones which will be hosted at the Ticket to Ride Surf Academy in Perranporth.

Customers can save 10% on insurance policies by accessing them via this educational site.

Notes to Editors

10% discount is available off policies booked via the educational microsite

A case study is available of a scuba accident without insurance

Interviews with Kirsty Jones are available and can be scheduled via Cass Helstrip at White Tiger PR.

For media enquiries please contact
Cass.Helstrip@whitetigerpr.com, 07968 255 464

About EssentialTravel.co.uk
Established in 2001, EssentialTravel.co.uk is one of the UK's leading online travel essentials companies. The core products offered include competitively priced, fully comprehensive travel insurance; airport car parking; airport lounge access; airport hotels; car hire; and car hire excess insurance.

Essential Travel is now part of Thomas Cook UK & Ireland.

For further information visit http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk or call 0845 803 5434

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Essential Travel sees students heading straight to University to avoid fee hikes

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/25/2011 -- Recent statistics unveiled by leading travel essentials provider Essential Travel shows less backpackers are set to travel following last year's announcement of impending student fees.

Director of Essential Travel Stuart Bensusan comments: "Students who take a gap year will not be exempt from escalating university fees and all indications are that backpackers are certainly travelling less, with those that can still afford to travel perhaps skipping insurance as a way to save money."

"Deciding to take the risk and travel without insurance may seem an easy way to economise and we've seen fewer backpackers take out policies, but it's an expensive business should they need to claim."

"Backpackers tend to embark on activities such as bungee jumping, diving and sky diving which are obviously higher risk than your average package holiday so if anyone ought to have a decent insurance policy its independent travellers.

"Having insurance helps with medical assistance, replacing lost luggage - even more important when your whole life is on your back.

"When creating a travel budget, young people should always include travel insurance so they can truly enjoy their experience and ensure they select a policy that covers all activities they intend to embark on."

About EssentialTravel.co
EssentialTravel.co.uk's Backpacker Travel Insurance starts from £110.89 per person for twelve months and is, on average, 44% per cent cheaper than the company's competitors.

For further information visit http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk or call 0845 803 5434.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Online travel extras provider teams up with Manchester Airport to offer travel insurance

London, England-- (SBWIRE) -- 04/05/2011 -- EssentialTravel.co.uk, a leading holiday add-ons company, has teamed up with Manchester Airport to offer travel insurance through the airport's online Travel Extras Store at www.manchesterairport.co.uk.

The new partnership will allow holidaymakers to purchase fully comprehensive travel insurance quickly and easily with policies ranging from single and multi trip to winter sports and backpacker cover. Consumers can also purchase the insurance on the day of travel, which is perfect for the last-minute jet-setter.

Beth Brewster, Commercial Director at Manchester Airport, said: "We are extremely delighted to announce our partnership with EssentialTravel.co.uk. We believe that the company's product and high levels of customer service are a suitable match for our operation and our passengers but we also want to keep extending the service that's available from "The Travel Extras Store". It will enable us to strengthen the already strong commitment we make to our customers and to provide them with the best possible service and an unbeatable travelling experience."

Manchester Airport launched "The Travel Extras Store" in April 2010, which included extras such as access to the airport's Escape lounges, car parking, private jet hire, luggage tracking, overseas assistance in an emergency, car rental, hotel booking, flights, holidays and a park, stay & fly option that included a hotel stay and car parking the night before travel.

Brewster continued: "Our online Travel Extras Store has been broadened with the addition of Essential Travel's insurance, allowing us to give our customers a full range of holiday add-ons that many may not have thought about or forgotten to buy prior to going away."

Commenting on the partnership, Stuart Bensusan, Director of EssentialTravel.co.uk, said: "Manchester Airport is a very popular and respected gateway so we are privileged to be working with such a famous name. The airport is known for delivering high standards and our product will enhance that experience.

"More than 60 airlines operate from the airport and nearly 20 million passengers pass through it every year so it has a huge amount of traffic. We are expecting to see a significant rise in revenue throughout our partnership with the airport as a result of these statistics," he continued.

EssentialTravel.co.uk is one of the UK's leading online travel essentials companies, providing everything from fully comprehensive travel insurance to airport car parking.

The company currently offers a travel extras hub to Monarch Airlines, AXA, Swiftcover and Towergate. Looking forward, EssentialTravel.co.uk intends to expand further and will be offering a white label solution to any businesses hoping to offer ancillary travel insurance products.

For further information visit http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk or call 0845 803 5434

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Online travel extras specialist explains how to actually get more for less money

London, England-- (SBWIRE) -- 03/14/2011 -- Holiday makers can save more than 50 per cent on their airport car parking costs AND enjoy the benefits of a luxury chauffer simply by thinking ahead, reveals online holiday extras provider, EssentialTravel.co.uk.

Booking in advance can save holiday makers almost £65* on 'meet and greet' parking versus turning up at the airport and parking on the day of travel. Vehicles are collected and delivered to the airport terminal by a chauffeur and are kept safe and secure in a Park Mark accredited car park while the guests are on holiday.

Steve Smith, Head of Commercials at Essential Travel says, "Most holiday makers assume costs of a meet and greet service will be prohibitive so they don't even investigate it as a possibility. The reality is it can work out cheaper than ordinary parking if you are able to book in advance. It is also an ideal option for elderly and disabled people as well as those travelling with children, heavy suitcases or sport equipment because they drive straight to the airport."

At London Heathrow, guests can save almost £65 by booking the meet and greet parking. At Manchester they can save more than £33 and at Liverpool, the saving is almost £27.*

"Holiday makers have enough to worry about when jetting off on holiday. Our meet and greet service means airport parking won't be one of them, There is no hassle of finding a car parking space, lugging heavy suitcases and transferring to the airport; holidaymakers simply turn up and our chauffeurs do the rest." continues Smith.

Essential Travel's meet and greet service, which must be pre-booked, is available in a selection of airports across the UK – from Exeter to Edinburgh, Luton to Liverpool. It is also available at larger airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.

Essential Travel is one of the UK's leading online travel essentials company providing everything from fully comprehensive travel insurance to airport car parking.

For further information visit http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk or call 0845 803 5434

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Online travel essentials provider pairs with Swiftcover to offer brand new booking platform

Greater London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/02/2011 -- Leading holiday add ons company, Essentialtravel.co.uk, is proud to announce that it has teamed up with renowned motor insurance provider, swiftcover.com.  The partnership has been formed in order to launch a unique, online travel extras hub for Swiftcover customers.

The new booking platform went live in December 2010 and allows consumers to purchase a range of Essential Travel products through the Swiftcover website, including airport hotels, airport parking and airport lounges.

Roman Bryl, Travel Underwriting Manager at swiftcover.com, said: "We are delighted to announce our partnership with Essential Travel.  After reviewing the market, we decided to choose Essential Travel due to their superior levels of product and service.

Bryl continued: "This partnership and online hub further strengthens the commitment we make to our customers as it provides them with the best possible tools for planning and booking independent travel.  The holiday extras that we're offering through Essential Travel broaden our product significantly and allow us to give our customers a full package of travel add ons."

Commenting on the partnership, Stuart Bensusan, Director of Essential Travel, said: "We feel privileged to be working with Swiftcover – a household name.  We're delighted to have been selected and feel pleased to have been recognised for delivering such high standards, something which will continue throughout the partnership.

"At the moment, the contract is set to last three years and we expect to see significant revenue impact for both businesses within a year. Looking forward, Essential Travel intends to expand by winning further contracts with new partners and will be offering a white label solution to any businesses hoping to offer ancillary travel insurance products."

Essential Travel is one of the UK's leading online travel essentials company providing everything from fully comprehensive travel insurance to airport car parking. Currently Essential Travel offers its hub to Monarch Airlines, AXA and Towergate.

For further information visit http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk or call 0845 803 5434

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

70% of travel insurance policies deemed worthless

Greater London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/27/2010 -- Guerilla marketing by price comparison websites has conditioned UK consumers to believe they save money by searching the entire market to find the cheapest prices. Leading travel essentials provider EssentialTravel.co.uk warns holiday makers this is not always the case and travellers should take care when searching for holiday insurance.

Stuart Bensusan explains "Companies on these so called 'money saving' websites are operating under several trading names, so whilst a top ten search gives consumers the impression that they are viewing a range of prices from ten different providers, in reality the ten insurance "brands" on display are actually owned by a small pool of three or four companies. In some cases it's as few as two separate providers. Where's the comparison in that?"

A quick search for the cheapest travel insurance policies on Go-Compare reveals its top ten policies are supplied by just two different companies and CompareTheMarket shows only three.

This means if consumers were to purchase a policy from inside the top ten results on Go-Compare there is an eighty percent chance that they will have purchased a policy from the insurance provider Drakefield, and a twenty percent chance they would have purchased a policy supplied by Citybond insurance. On CompareTheMarket.com there is a sixty percent chance of purchasing a Rock Insurance policy and a thirty percent chance of purchasing a Blue Insurance policy.

Furthermore, the emphasis on price on comparison websites is leading holidaymakers to select the cheapest option rather than the insurance policy that best suits their needs.

"Insurers can only offer the exorbitantly low prices appearing on these sites by levying extremely high excesses on policies." discloses Bensusan.

"Consumers aren't always aware of the level of cover afforded by these cheaper policies; for example, whilst Moneysupermarket.com offers the lowest priced policy at £27, it has the highest excess at £300. A review of our recent claims showed 70% of them were for amounts totaling less than £300, which means that had those customers purchased this particular low cost policy they would have had to stump up the entire cost of the claim themselves.  By spending just £28.35 more on their annual travel insurance policy, customers can reduce the excess to only £90 on items such as baggage, where claims tend to be for lower amounts." 

Bensusan concludes "Consumers need to be wary of websites claiming to offer an overview of prices across the whole market. The cheap policies displayed on these sites are inexpensive for a reason and don't represent value for those that need to claim. We strongly urge holidaymakers to speak with a travel insurance expert rather than relying on misleading price comparison websites."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Greater London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/30/2010 -- Travel insurance specialist, EssentialTravel.co.uk, has reacted with concern to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office's news that a third of Brits fail to buy travel insurance before hitting the slopes.

"It's deeply worrying that so many Brits are still not buying travel insurance before they go on a skiing holiday," says Stuart Bensusan, EssentialTravel.co.uk.

"Skiers and snowboarders who don't take out insurance run the risk of huge medical bills, in some cases reaching £10,000 plus, if they have an accident on the slopes.

"Even a basic policy costing just £15.50 will cover them for medical bills of up to £10 million, including ambulance, surgery, transport assistance, accommodation if they need to stay on longer in their ski resort and repatriation costs.

"We would also urge skiers to check that they have the right travel insurance for their holiday. They must have "winter sports" or equivalent term attached to their policy if they are going skiing and they should also check that the cover level of their insurance matches the value of the holiday. It's no good buying a policy that covers you for the cancellation of a holiday up to the value of £2,000 when the trip has cost you £4,000.1"

For further information visit http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk or call 0845 803 5434

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Travel insurance specialist partners with Ellis Brigham and Headway to launch ski safety campaign, following customer poll

Greater London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/30/2010 -- Research by travel insurance specialist, EssentialTravel.co.uk has revealed that almost 40 per cent1 of its ski and snowboard customers will not be wearing a helmet this season. This is despite a staggering 75 per cent of them admitting to suffering an accident on the slopes in the past that was serious enough to require medical assistance.

In response to the customer poll, EssentialTravel.co.uk has teamed up with mountain sports retailer, Ellis Brigham and charity, Headway - the brain injury association, to launch a ski safety campaign to encourage skiers and snowboarders to wear a helmet this season.

As part of the "Use Your Head" campaign, which launches on 1 December 2010, EssentialTravel.co.uk is offering a 10 per cent discount on helmets in store at Ellis Brigham to every customer who buys winter sports cover this season.2 In addition, the leading travel essentials provider will donate £1 to Headway for every winter sports policy sold.3

"On first glimpsing the poll results, we were relieved to see that the majority (62 per cent) of skiers and snowboarders do plan to wear a helmet this season but an alarmingly high percentage of people are still intent on not wearing one," says Stuart Bensusan, EssentialTravel.co.uk.

"What's more, when we probed our customers further we found that only 25 per cent of the customers who had sustained serious injuries whilst skiing or snowboarding in the past, were wearing helmets at the time.4 Of those who were wearing a helmet when they had their accident, 67 per cent felt that it saved them from a more serious injury.

"Together with Ellis Brigham and Headway we're urging skiers to recognise the importance of wearing a helmet for protection and to start placing the same value on helmets for winter sports as they would for cycling."

Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, says: "Encouraging skiers and boarders to wear helmets is hugely important to us. There is a general misconception that only a major impact will lead to death or disability from a head injury. However, the truth of the matter is that even minor bangs to the head can have serious consequences.

"With this in mind, we urge all skiers and snowboarders to use their heads this season and wear helmets – they might just save your life."

Steve Wells, equipment buyer at Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports says: "Campaigns like this one are definitely helping to drive awareness of the importance of wearing a helmet when skiing or snowboarding. We believe that such campaigns, coupled with the fact that there were several high profile accidents last season, have lead to the 10 per cent increase in sales of helmets that we have seen so far this year."

"Helmets are no longer big, heavy uncomfortable lumps, squeezing your head and restricting your movement. They're now light weight, well fitted and well sized. Helmets aren't just for athletes, experts and professional skiers any more. They are a normal item to use, accepted by all sections of the skiing and snowboarding community and viewed as an essential piece of kit."

EssentialTravel.co.uk has launched a dedicated "Use Your Head" micro-site (http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk/travelinsurance/use-your-head-this-ski-season.asp - link will be live from 1 December 2010), which features full details of the Ellis Brigham discount and Headway charity donation as well as snow injury facts and testimonies from customers who've been injured on the slopes.

For further information about Essential Travel visit http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk or call 0845 803 5434.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Essential Travel tackles confusion over carbon offsetting

Greater London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/06/2010 -- In the wake of Thai Airways' newly launched carbon offset scheme, leading travel essentials provider, EssentialTravel.co.uk is demystifying the subject for its customers.

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) became the latest airline to launch a carbon offset programme when it joined the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) scheme recently as its first Asia-Pacific partner.

Essential Travel, prompted by confusion among its customers about carbon offsetting, has created an online Q&A to help them understand how the offset levy is calculated and where the money goes.

"Most of the big airlines now offer their passengers the chance to pay extra to reduce their carbon footprint but the information available when you come to book your flight is often limited or confusing," says Stuart Bensusan, EssentialTravel.co.uk.

"The message we are getting from our own customers is that they are happy to offset their carbon footprint when they fly but are unsure about how it all works and, in some cases, are sceptical about where the money raised is being invested. Our Q&A aims to give travellers a better understanding of the schemes, which we hope will help increase the uptake of carbon offsetting programmes in general."

The comprehensive Q&A covers the basics, such as the principles behind carbon offsetting and how it is calculated, through to the various environmental programmes that the payments fund. It also addresses the pros and cons of the different projects, why airport taxes don't count towards the offset, why the prices vary and the wider issue of how carbon levels are impacting global warming.

To view EssentialTravel.co.uk's carbon offsetting Q&A in full, go to http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk/magazine/q-and-a/what-is-carbon-offsetting.asp

For further information about Essential Travel visit http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk or call 0845 803 5434.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

With APD on the rise, Essential Travel reveals top 10 money saving tips

Greater London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/01/2010 -- 1st November 2010 will see Air Passenger Duty (APD) rise yet again, representing a total hike of 325 per cent in just four years. The tax on flights may be on the increase but leading travel essentials provider, EssentialTravel.co.uk can help travellers shrink the cost of all the other expenses surrounding their holiday with its Top 10 Ways to Save Money on Your Holiday guide.

"Holidaymakers rarely count the cost of all the extras they spend on their holiday and few spend time researching ways to minimise those additional expenses", says Stuart Bensusan, EssentialTravel.co.uk

"But all those little extras can add up and with the rise in APD it's important to find ways to save money elsewhere. Our guide reveals some interesting and valuable tips, for example if you book airport parking in advance you can save as much as 60 per cent on the pay-on-the-day price and if you book an airport hotel and parking package together it can actually work out cheaper than booking airport parking alone!

"Holidaymakers can make huge savings on their holiday essentials, provided they do their homework."

To view EssentialTravel.co.uk's "Top 10 Ways to Save Money on Your Holiday" guide, go to http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk/magazine/top-10/ways-to-save-money-on-holiday.asp

For further information about Essential Travel visit http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk or call 0845 803 5434.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Travel insurance specialist sees alarming increase in claims from backpackers

Greater London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/27/2010 -- As thousands of British students set off on their post A-level, pre-university gap years, leading travel essentials provider, http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk, is urging young backpackers to get the right insurance before they leave and to stay safe as they travel the world.

Recent analysis of claims from customers who have purchased the insurance specialist's "Backpacker Travel Insurance" policy revealed that, year on year, the number of claims has risen by a staggering 64.1 per cent.

Medical expenses generated the most claims followed by personal effects, which includes personal property taken or purchased on the trip which is accidentally lost, stolen or damaged.

The average value per claim also rose dramatically in the space of a year, from £77 per claim to almost £600 per claim and in the same period there was a 33 per cent increase in claims for personal effects.

"It's logical that medical expenses would account for a high proportion of claims from backpackers when you consider the growth in popularity of adventure sports activities among gappers, such as bungee jumping, sky diving, skiing and white-water rafting. Backpackers are also becoming flashier and we attribute the spike the number of claims for personal effects and the hike in the average value per claim to the fact that they are travelling with substantially higher value items nowadays, for example laptops, iPods and smart phones," says Stuart Bensusan, http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk.

"It is unnerving, particularly for parents, to hear that claims from backpackers encountering mishaps abroad are on the rise but it goes to show how important it is for them to take out adequate insurance before they leave.

"Preparing for a gap year abroad is arguably the most exciting time in a young person's life and nobody wants to think about the potential pitfalls. However, it's crucial that backpackers spend time making sure that they have the right travel insurance for the type of work and leisure activities they plan to undertake in their year out. As long gappers do their homework and are vigilant when they travel, their trip of a lifetime will be exactly that."

EssentialTravel.co.uk's Backpacker Travel Insurance starts from £108.58 per person and is, on average, 34 per cent cheaper than the company's competitors.

For further information visit http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk or call 0845 803 5434

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

EssentialTravel.co.uk sees a post exam-results boom in backpacker enquiries but warns young travellers to beware the Gap Year trap

Greater London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/03/2010 -- In response to a surge in enquiries about its gap year insurance policy in the week since the A-level exam results were announced, EssentialTravel.co.uk has blogged advice to help gappers make their "working holiday" work for them.

Heightened competition for university places has meant that many students haven't made the grade and will opt to take a year out and re-apply for 2011.

"Missing out on university this time round could actually provide young people with a golden opportunity, as long as they avoid the gap year trap," says Stuart Bensusan of EssentialTravel.co.uk.

"With the post-graduation job race becoming ever more cut-throat, a well-spent gap year could be the key to putting new graduates ahead of their peers, once the university chapter has closed. However, the gap year trap of spending their year out in vain is an easy one to fall into, which is why we are using our blog to advise students on the sorts of gap years that will help bolster their CVs and show them the time of their lives.

"We're also urging gappers to stay safe and ensure that they have the right travel insurance for the type of work and leisure activities they plan to undertake in their year out. Most gap year insurance policies will cover travellers for work such as fruit-picking, teaching, au pairing, non-manual volunteering and bar work but not for construction work or any job that requires them to operate machinery or power tools," continues Bensusan.

EssentialTravel.co.uk advises that the key to getting gap year travel right is to fill the year with something active and something that young adults will be able to speak about with passion and insight.

EssentialTravel.co.uk's top tips for a valuable gap year include:

Work on a cruise ship – the perfect way to see the world and still earn a crust.

Teach scuba diving on an island – Travellers can get certified as a dive instructor and head over to the world's best islands and coastal destinations!

Work at an animal sanctuary in Africa – Gappers with a passion for animals will relish the chance to rear injured or lost animals back to health, restore damaged habitats and generally maintain the sanctuary.

Teach English as a foreign language in Asia – This opportunity brings the chance to teach and learn at the same time. Many travellers make amazing friends doing the same thing and also earn some money to fund further travels.

Volunteer abroad – Young adults will reap the benefits of rebuilding damaged eco systems in the Philippines, helping at orphanage projects in Brazil or looking after sick children in hospitals in South Africa.

For more information on EssentialTravel.co.uk's advice on gap year travel, please go the company's dedicated blog page at http://blog.essentialtravel.co.uk/getting-the-gap-year-right.html

EssentialTravel.co.uk's gap year insurance starts from £108.58 per person and is, on average, 34 per cent cheaper than the company's competitors.

For further information on the range of holiday essentials EssentialTravel.co.uk provide, please visit http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk or call 0845 803 5434.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm