Traveling and Living

If you have had an accident on holiday abroad or suffer an illness whilst abroad, which was not your fault you could be entitled to claim compensation although a solicitor would need to review the circumstances in more detail before a definite decision could be made.

Examples of accidents whilst on holiday:

• Slips on wet surfaces within the hotel or trips on raised/defective surfaces.
• Accidents whilst on day trip excursions.
• Injuries whilst taking part in sporting activities.
• Vehicle incidents causing injury.

Travel agents have a responsibility to ensure that accommodation is safe and hygienic, meaning non slip flooring throughout hotels, safety glass windows, and no trip hazards in direct path of customers, safe play areas for children, and swimming pools to have lifeguards.

Examples of claims resulting from Accidents Abroad

For example, if your accident was caused due to a badly maintained section of walkway in the hotel grounds you would be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim against your travel agent. You would also be able to make a personal injury compensation claim against your travel agent if you contracted a form of food poisoning from the hotel restaurant; however, you would not be able to make a personal injury compensation claim against your travel agent if your accident was caused due to a badly maintained pavement in a local town centre.

Equally, if an accident occurred whilst you were engaged in sports or activities that were arranged by you with independent operators in the holiday resort or location, there may be no liability under the Package Tour regulations regime. Potentially dangerous activities on the beach such as paragliding, banana boat rides, waterskiing or snorkeling and diving may not be covered under these regulations as they would not be part of the holiday package deal. One could try and sue the companies in the country they are based but separate detailed local legal advice would then need to be considered and this can be a difficult and costly process.

Even if you have made your travel and accommodation arrangements personally without a tour or travel agent, it is still worth seeking specialist legal advice as to the options that may be available to you.

Even if you are traveling by plane, ship or trains abroad and have not reached your destination, there may be legal remedies available and again you should contact us so that you can be put in touch with specialist solicitors.

If you are involved in road traffic accidents abroad whether as a driver or passenger or whether in a car, taxi, coach or bus, it is possible that you may have a right to seek compensation if another party was to blame and is identifiable.  Read the rest of this entry »

Amsterdam is defined by its canals.

Built 400 years ago in concentric horseshoes, they are the rib cage of the city. Coasting their waters on a canal boat opens windows onto a history of vast wealth and global power. The cobbled streets alongside the canals are scenic urban pathways for walking or biking. And they are anchors for funky shops, and cafes.

The inner city of the Dutch capital is a compact warren of heritage buildings, of museums both grand and odd, of hidden gardens and outdoor markets – all within easy reach by any mode of transport except the unwelcome car.

No longer is the bargain city of Europe, Amsterdam still a town of wonders that can be had for a discount, and sometimes for free.

WALKING AND BIKING

Seeing 17th century Amsterdam, with its proud past and sometimes quirky culture on display, from a bike or on foot is a happy cost-free experience. Among its 2,000 or so bridges, the Bridge of 15 Bridges at the intersection of two canals is among the most spectacular, with a view of a series of stone spans whose arches are gracefully lit at night.

The city also has hidden gems that require guidance or tips to find: Some gardens, tucked away in courtyards or behind stately apartments, are open to the public any time, while others open on a special day of the year. The Rijksmuseum, with its Rembrandts and Vermeers, costs 11 euro ($A18.86) entry, but its garden is open year-round for free.

The Begijnhof is a grassy courtyard surrounded by 14th century cottages – an oasis of quiet at one of the busiest sections of town where a small chapel often stages musical recitals. Near the Begijnhof is a covered passageway known as the Civics Guard Gallery, with 15 huge group portraits – from the same time as Rembrandt’s Night Watch – of leading citizens from the Dutch Golden Age.

Outside the well-trod shopping lanes are the lesser known sections, like the Nine Lanes, lined with tiny specialty establishments like the handmade soap shop, the spectacles museum and a store dedicated to toothbrushes. The Jordaan, once the working class district, has been revived with boutiques, tapas bars, ethnic restaurants and Amsterdam Hotels. Advertorial info: sharing files over the internet Read the rest of this entry »

The face of travel is changing. Security at airports has made it necessary to be there two hours in advance and luggage restrictions have brought new meaning to the term ‘traveling light’ as more passengers than ever before choose, if at all possible, to travel with one piece of carry-on. However, it isn’t only air travel that has changed. The price of gasoline has altered the feasibility of touring the country in a 60 foot motor home with a compact car in tow; nevertheless millions of people will take to the road for a vacation at least once this year.

Gas prices may alter the distance people choose to travel, but the bottom line is people love to travel and most are willing to pay the price. AAA (American Automobile Association) states that 75% of Americans will travel by car, truck or RV, while only 22% will travel by plane and 2% by bus or other form of transportation. While retirees have the option of traveling during non-peak seasons, they too like to travel during the summer, as that is the best weather for vacations. No matter where or when you travel, there are some safety preparations that can ensure your trip will be safe and enjoyable.

Advertorial info: change password in sharepoint Read the rest of this entry »