Author Archives: Louise Hempton-Smith
EHIC and Kids
If there’s one group of people who are more likely to need to see the doctor on holiday than anyone else, it’s probably kids. Children can fall ill very quickly, have falls, get sunburned or eat something they shouldn’t. Not all illnesses will be bad enough to need hospital treatment, but it can often set parents’ minds at ease to see the doctor or have a quick trip to A&E. When it comes to children, some of the same EHIC rules apply as with adults, but there are some differences too.
Read moreWhere Can I Use My EHIC?
Applying for a EHIC is a wise move. Most of us have heard of EHIC and are aware that it is something to do with healthcare in Europe. Every year there are surveys highlighting the misconceptions about EHIC and where it is valid, so read on as we run through the basics of EHIC, starting with where it can be used.
Read moreWho Can Get the EHIC?
We all love a bargain and the EHIC is one of the best things about being part of the EU. EHIC is an agreement between the countries of the EU to look after each other’s citizens if they ned healthcare while on holiday or business overseas.
Read moreMental Health and EHIC
Around 1 in every 4 people living in the UK will suffer some sort of mental health issue each year, ranging from a mild depression which passes in a few days, to a much more serious problem requiring hospital admission and treatment.
Read moreBulgaria – Europe’s Best Value Destination
A combination of economic factors has led to a weakening of the pound, and this means that our annual summer holiday is costing more than ever. Don’t resign yourself to having to pay more though, there are still some very good value for money destinations in Europe and the one country which consistently tops the “best value” lists is Bulgaria. So should we all be looking further east to stretch our holiday cash?
Read moreFamily Holiday Essentials
Heading off for your first family holiday with your toddlers or children can be stressful. There’s so much more to remember than when you’re travelling as a couple, but with a bit of preparation you can breeze through your break in the sun without too much hassle.
Read moreTaking the Car to France this Summer?
Millions of us head over the English Channel to enjoy French holidays every summer. Using the Eurotunnel or the regular ferry services means you can take the family car too, allowing you to take more luggage and avoid the hassle and expense of hiring a car once you cross the Channel.
Read moreBrussels Top 10
Best known in the UK as home to the European parliament, Brussels isn’t perhaps the first city which springs to mind for a city break. Brussels has a lot to offer, so here are the top 10 things to see and do in the city.
Read moreInterrailing
Train travel is a thing of the past, right? Killed off by budget airlines and the Channel Tunnel, nobody travels by train any more, do they? Not quite. The student and gap year favourite of interrailing has never been so popular, with thousands heading off on a European adventure each year. The range of different interrail tickets available means it’s not just for under 21s either.
Read moreConsular Assistance
Nobody wants to fly off on holiday thinking about the bad things which could possibly happen when away from home. The UK government has a network of embassies and consulates around the world, and part of the embassy staff’s job is to help British citizens who get themselves into trouble when abroad. But what exactly can you expect them to do in a crisis?
Read moreProfile
- Louise Hempton-Smith
- I’m Louise Hempton-Smith, a real lover of different cultures, languages and food. Writing about European travel is one of my passions. Journalist & European travel expert