Indonesia Set for Cautious Rate Pause Amid Fragile Rupiah Gains
Indonesia’s central bank is expected to keep its benchmark interest rate steady, while staying on guard against external
2023-11-23 06:20
India Resumes Visas for Canadian Citizens as Tensions Ease
India has restored online visa services to Canadian nationals in a sign that relations are improving after the
2023-11-23 01:53
A Thanksgiving tradition returns: hectic travel in the US
By Daniel Trotta More Americans are traveling this Thanksgiving weekend than at any time since the pandemic, but
2023-11-22 21:59
Eastern US storms could disrupt year's busiest travel period
Severe weather moving across the eastern half of the United States on Tuesday appeared likely to disrupt the
2023-11-22 00:57
Thailand Economic Growth Slows Last Quarter, Boosts Stimulus Case
Thailand’s economy grew at a slower pace in the third quarter, supporting the case for the new government
2023-11-20 10:55
Rich Americans Cancel Trips to Paris Following Middle East War
Wealthy Americans are holding off on booking trips to Paris as the war in the Middle East and
2023-11-18 16:48
Czech News Crew Robbed While Filming in San Francisco for APEC Summit
San Francisco’s push to use a major international conference to reverse its image as a city in decline
2023-11-14 21:47
Storm Debi: Warning not to travel as warnings in place
Amber and yellow alerts are in place in NI, with a red alert in the Republic of Ireland.
2023-11-13 17:28
Iceland earthquakes: What are your rights if you are on holiday or are planning to go?
The earth is at its most restless in Iceland right now. The Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik, is seething with seismic activity sparking hundreds of small earthquakes. The town of Grindavík, just 10 miles south of Keflavik International Airport, has been evacuated as a precaution. Yet flights are continuing to arrive and depart as normal. These are the key questions and answers on consumer rights. I am in Iceland. Will I be able to leave? Yes, assuming the international airport remains open. So far operations have been normal. There are 14 arrivals and departures planned for Saturday from and to the UK, with no signs of disruption to flights. You may be keen to leave earlier than booked, in order to guarantee your getaway, but at present you will not be able to switch flights without paying a penalty. A spokesperson for British Airways told The Independent: “Our flights are operating as planned and we continue to monitor the situation closely. “We will be in touch with customers directly should the situation change.” The easyJet statement is very similar: “Our flying schedule is currently operating as normal however we are monitoring the situation closely and should this change we will contact customers directly to advise on their flights.” But didn’t an Icelandic volcano shut down European aviation for a week? Yes. Travellers may remember where they were March 2010, when the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted. The skies of northern Europe completely closed to passenger aviation for almost a week because of fears that volcanic ash spreading southeast from Iceland could damage aircraft engines and endanger travellers. More than 50,000 flights, with eight million passengers booked to travel, were cancelled. So far in 2023, though, ash has not been an issue in the current geological outburst. What if I am booked on a package holiday? Foreign Office advice stops well short of advising against travel to Iceland, meaning holiday companies can continue to operate as normal – with no automatic right to cancel. The Foreign Office advice to British travellers is that it is “increasingly possible” that a volcanic eruption could occur. The official warning on “volcanic eruption and earthquakes” reads: “Earthquakes and indications of volcanic activity have increased above normal levels on the Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik. “The Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely, particularly the area northwest of Mt Thorbjörn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon. On 10 November, a Civil Protection Alert was declared after an intense swarm of earthquakes. “The town of Grindavík was evacuated as a precaution. Some roads have been closed and visitors are advised to stay away from the area. “Keflavik International Airport is operating as normal. While there is no current eruption, it is increasingly possible that one could occur.” Until and unless the Foreign Office warns against travel, the assumption is that everything will go ahead as normal. The one exception is for holidaymakers who had planned to stay at the Blue Lagoon – an increasingly popular “wellness” destination, with an upmarket hotel on the site. The Blue Lagoon is currently closed. Only those booked for a stay have the chance to cancel; if you were hoping to pop in as a day visitor for a steamy stop in the volcanic rock pools, you will need to return at some time in the future. Can I claim on insurance? No, unless it is one of the vanishingly rare “cancel for any reason” policies. On standard travel insurance, “disinclination to travel” is not an acceptable reason for a claim. Would you go to Iceland at the moment? Yes, I would relish the opportunity. Late November is an excellent time to visit Iceland for good value. Conditions right now are also excellent for the prospect of a good show to the Northern Lights, which are at a peak of the usual 11-year cosmic cycle. I also know that the Icelandic authorities are expert at handling seismic events, with extremely good monitoring and emergency systems in place. I would book a package holiday, though, knowing that if the earth gets too restless for comfort in the vicinity, I would be able to cancel for a full refund. Read More Iceland earthquakes: Your rights if you are on holiday there or are planning to go Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears over volcano eruption? In the Superloop: London’s southbound express bus In the Superloop: London’s southbound express bus Airbnb rules go ‘step too far’ with guidance on how to clean up blood Passenger claims tequila in his luggage came back with ‘shot’ missing after flight
2023-11-12 17:28
Egypt holiday couple died after room sprayed for bedbugs, inquest rules
The couple died after the next-door room was sprayed with pesticide to kill bedbugs, an inquest hears.
2023-11-10 21:56
Holiday couple died of carbon monoxide poisoning, inquest hears
A pathologist says John and Susan Cooper died of carbon monoxide poisoning on holiday in Egypt.
2023-11-09 05:28
10 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know You Could Bring Through TSA Checkpoints
Most airline passengers focus on what they can’t bring through TSA checkpoints—but you'd be shocked by what can actually slip right through.
2023-11-09 03:17