We’ve all heard stories about friends who have planned vacations years in advance, only to have it spoiled at the last second by a child getting sick, lost reservations, or canceled flights. What’s worse is these people are out thousands of dollars in flights, hotel fees, car rental fees, etc. Travel insurance is there to protect you against such disasters. There are many different types of travel insurance with varying price points, protecting against different scenarios. Here’s a run down of the most popular choices:

1. Trip Cancellation

Definitely one of the more common stories you’ll hear, trip cancellation insurance is there to protect you in case you need to cancel your trip for whatever reason. Consider trip cancellation insurance for that once in a lifetime honeymoon. Maybe not so important for those weekend getaways in Vegas.

2. Health Care Insurance

Did you know that most personal insurance plans do not cover you if you are not in the U.S.? What’s worse, in some countries they might admit you without checking your coverage – but they won’t let you leave until you pay! Health care insurance is supposed to bridge the cap between international medical care and your personal health care plan. How it works is the insurance pays for your care until your are stable enough to be flown back to the states. Then your personal health care insurance can take over. Even if your personal insurance covers you overseas, most plans will not cover medical transport back to the states.

3. Baggage Insurance

Definitely every traverler’s worst nightmare – realizing that your luggage is nowhere to be found. Most airlines will cover a certain amount of valuables in your luggage, but after that dollar amount you’re on your own. If you’re transporting very expensive things, baggage insurance is mandatory.

Those are the most common types of travel insurance available to you. In addition, there are policies such as non-refundable insurance, golf travel insurance, and adventure insurance. While insurance isn’t right for everyone, if you’re traveling overseas or carrying around a ton of valuables, it’s a must.

It seems so long ago that the Empire State Building was the tallest in the world. Now, in comparison, the Empire State Building might as well be a hotel. Skyscraper technology has advanced to a point where it seems we are crowning a new “tallest building” every 5 years. First it was the Petronas Towers, then the Shanghai World Financial Center, and finally came Taipei 101. When the Burj Dubai is completed early next year, where will we go from there?

The Burj Dubai will undoubtedly be the tallest building in the world when it finishes completion in early 2010 after nearly 5 years of construction. Dubai is definitely loves the attention, and the Burj Dubai is the icing on the cake for a city that has experienced such explosive growth in the past decade. It is surrounded by the towering skyrises, luxury resorts, and even condos. The estimated final height of the building will be between 2,600 and 2,800 feet, beting all it’s competitors by a large margin. To put this in perspective, the Willis Building (formerly Sears Towers) stands at only 1,700 feet.

The current world tallest skyscraper is Taipei 101, located in Taiwan. Consisting of 101 floors above ground and 5 below ground, the skyscraper was the first skyscraper of this magnitude to be constructed in the 21st century, and this was evident both inside and out. The most amazing thing about the Taipei 101 is the amount of engineering that went into the building. Since Taiwan is located in a monsoon area, developers needed to design a building that could withstand the winds and earthquakes that were common in this area of the pacific. What they came up with was an ingenious solution called the tuned mass damper. It is suspended between the 92nd and 88th floor, and weighs a whopping 660 metric tons. The mass damper acts as a pendulum, and moves slightly to compensate for strong winds on the building. Tourists can easily go up to the 89th and 91st floors for the observatory, and can view the mass damper at the same time. It is definitely one of Taiwan’s proudest moments, and the observation decks are not to be missed.

Next up is the pride of China, the Shanghai World Financial Center. The SWFC boasts 62 office floors, the Grand Hyatt Shanghai (the tallest hotel in the world), and 62 floors of office space. Reaching up to 492 meters in the air, there are three observation decks for tourists. They are located on the 94th, 97th, and 100th floors, with the observation deck on the 100th floor holding the record for being the tallest such observation deck in the world. Easily the most breathtaking aspect of the center is the trapezoid located directly at the top of the building, which some have said makes the building look like a giant bottle opener. The Shanghai World Financial Center was voted best skyscraper of 2008.

The distinction of being the tallest twin buildings in the world belongs to Malaysia’s Petronas Twin Towers, which measure in at 1483 feet; 130 feet smaller than the World Financial Center. The towers, which are distinguishable by their Islam inspired exterior motif, are connected by a sky bridge on the 41st and 42nd floors. The sky bridge is unique in that it isn’t actually connected to the building; instead, the bridge is designed to sway in and out of the building, to prevent damage in times of high winds. In addition, the skyscrapers utlize a unique construction style using super strong lightweight cement instead of steel. While the cement fares far better during times of wind, it weighs much more than steel. To support such a heavy structure, the Petronas Twin Towers have some of the largest foundations in the world, digging in over 120m deep. You may remember the Petronas Towers from the movie “Entrapment”, where Catherine Zeta Jones makes her heroic escape.

However, in terms of pure use, there is no doubt that the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Towers) is the tallest building in the world. Unlike Taipei 101 or the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Willis Tower has the highest number of occupiable floors, and in addition has the tallest roof top deck in the world, called the Skydeck located on the 103rd floor. The skydeck features a number of recent innovations, including a glass cabin called “The Ledge” that extends out four feet and has a glass bottom so visitors can see the street below. However, fear not as the base of the ledge can withstand up to 4 metric tons.

As technology advances, buildings become taller and taller. While these towers are mostly designed for business, these buildings still represent destinations for travelers the world over.

A recent consumer survey has revealed that there is nearly £1 billion pounds of unused currency simply lying around the United Kingdom. As lovers of foreign trips, the Brits it would seem are not too keen on converting their unspent holiday money back into pounds.

The survey asked a number of people just how much unused foreign currency they really had, and as you can see, the results were quite startling. This was the result of a study which asked around 1,000 Brits how much they had and the average answer was around £40 or $65.

In the uncertain economic climate of today, there are certainly many families that may be better off by that extra money they have lying around doing nothing. But one also has to ask the question, what if it was all pooled together and donated to charity?

This astronomical figure just shows how much the British people like to hold onto their unused foreign currency either for posterity or for the fear of getting an inferior exchange rate!

Certainly though, now that the economic crisis is finally dampening down to a certain degree, the British are getting ready for many hard-earned winter breaks. Whilst faraway destinations such as Mexico, Thailand and Australia are off the cards for many families, many are choosing to visit closer to home holiday locations such as Spain, Italy and France.

Thanks to major reductions in hotel costs and airfare, many are finally getting the opportunity to enjoy a long overdue and much deserved holiday break just in time for Christmas.

Spain, Italy and France are all great destinations for budget holiday makers as there are a number of high quality yet affordable options available. The good thing is as well, that these countries are all under the Euro, so changing currency back is a piece of cake.

This new tourist boom is great news and there are numerous luxury hotels popping up throughout the Middle East in response  as these oil rich countries begin to spend their wealth on attracting tourism and showing the world the charm and luxury the Middle East can offer.

Perhaps one of the best recent examples is the construction of Palm Islands which is an example of the extents the UAE will go to in order to provide the ultimate experience for travelers.

Palm Jumeirah is the name given to the smallest of the three islands and each of them is shaped like a palm tree. This island may be the smallest but in saying that, it still has an area of around 25 square kilometers!

Perhaps accordingly, this island has christened itself the eighth wonder of the world. As it is surely  developing into what may very well be one of the premier luxury tourist destinations in the Middle East, with the sheer luxury offered with countless hotels and also expansive coastline of beaches and resorts.

The premier hotel on the island is known as Atlantis, the Palm and it opened in 2008. This 1539 room hotel is linked by monorail to the rest of the island and features a 160,000 square meter water park as well as a dolphin bay.

Atlantis The Palm was famous for its star studded launch with celebrities from all over the world flocking to the opening event in which Kylie Minogue performed her first concert in the UAE. Spectacularly, at the end of the event was a fifteen minute firework display which alone cost the owners around $16 million dollars.

This is just demonstrative of the lengths that the United Arab Emirates will go to in order to bring the world to its doorstep. At this rate, it is only a matter of time before the Palm Islands really become world famous.

As people are up in arms on both sides of the fence, the argument is that the proposal to allow ‘safari hunts’ of up to 25 crocodiles a year is merely a sick form of entertainment, which does nothing to help ‘limit’ populations of crocodilians.

As various groups try to push for crocodile hunting, there is an alternative which should be considered.  Instead of killing these beasts, why not simply respect them for what they are?

Australia has to be one of the best places in the world to view this magnificent and ferocious beast, which is perhaps the most dangerous animal there is, second only to man.  The crocodile is responsible for a number of human deaths each year, but one thing we do know, is that humans kill far more crocs than crocs kill humans.  Even so, the crocodile is arguably the ultimate apex predator.

With so many eco-friendly crocodile safaris happening these days, we have to ask the question, why not simply respect this beast for what it is?

Take a trip to Queensland, Australia where you can experience natural crocodile habitat and see real crocs at the Proserpine River, where you can enjoy not just the fear of being meters from a crocodile, but also the relaxing views and wildlife that surrounds you.

With so much around this area, it’s possible to experience Australia in a way that it hasn’t been seen for generations.  Unspoiled wetlands, a beautiful estuary and countless examples of indigenous life await you on your trip.

With so many crocodile safaris out there, it’s a great way to ease your fears and learn a bit more about what may be the ultimate predator.  Second only to us that is.

Why hunt these magnificent beasts for pleasure when you can watch them in their natural habitat, the same way they have lived for millions of years?  This creature is the oldest living reptile, and it should be respected like any other.

Instead however, they will be held in South America for the first time ever. Taking part in the city Rio di Janeiro, this vibrant city will now have another string on its bow when it comes to attracting even more tourists to colorful South America.

However, this decision was much to US President Barak Obama’s dismay and despite many attempts to change the IOC’s mind, they would not be swayed.  Even though President Obama appeared in person after flying to Copenhagen, Chicago was thrown out during the first round of deliberations.

Chicago’s elimination may come as a shock to many Americans, but the reality is that America has hosted the Olympics twice already with the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and also the infamous 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Both times had their fair share of problems with both a bribery scandal and also the attempted bombing during the Atlanta games.

As America fell at the first hurdle during the deliberations, Spain took a surprising lead and made it to the final vote.  This was thanks to a request by former IOC president, 89-year-old Juan Antonio Samaranch’s heartfelt plea to see the games for the last time in his life at home, in Madrid.

With the Olympics being held in Rio Di Janeiro, everyone should be excited as the games are finally coming to Brazil, a country which is famous for its passion.  We can be assured of one thing with the 2012 games, they will be as colorful as the carnival and as passionate as a samba.

Rio is in itself the ultimate tourist destination, so when 2012 comes along you aren’t just visiting a country for the Olympics, but you’re visiting a paradise destination and seeing the ultimate sporting competition.

The International Olympics Committee’s decision was absolutely fabulous. South America now gets the opportunity to host this amazing competition, and there are now only two continents in the world, which have not had the opportunity before.

Sheraton Hotel

After spending billions of dollars on renovating hotels, Sheraton hotels are now offering a free night’s accommodation to people who book on their website.  This is their latest move to boost occupancy rates at this highly affordable and comfortable hotel.

Spending $4 billion on renovations, the company has re-imagined the Sheraton brand, giving their hotels a completely new look and feel.  This latest offer of a free-nights stay, is yet another example of just how far Sheraton hotels are willing to go to prove to the world just how exceptional they really are.

Whilst in the past, Sheraton hotels have not been the first choice of celebrities and millionaires; they are actually some of the best hotels in the country. After renovating every hotel in the United States, the owner of Sheraton Hotels has just given his brand a new lease of life with this latest offer which happens on the 29th of October.

With over 2,100 rooms available for this promotion, this really is an opportunity to take advantage of. Whether you’re going to visit friends or you are escaping from family, anyone can register for their free night directly at the Sheraton hotels website.

Rooms at Sheraton Hotel

With hotels worldwide, Sheraton are focusing primarily on the U.S. market with their latest promotion, and with over 60 hotels nationwide, there are countless opportunities to take advantage of and whilst this offer is only available in America, it may be just the vacation you need before winter sets in.

Registration begins from the 6th and the 9th of October and it is strictly first-come first-served.  With only 2,100 rooms available, you will need to get to the website fast to ensure your chance of staying at the Sheraton.

To register for the offer, make sure to visit

http://ww.sheraton.com/freenight

It’s the chance of a lifetime, so don’t miss out!

Universal Theme Park, Orlando

Fans of the ever popular Harry Potter now have another opportunity to rejoice as Universal has announced that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open in Spring next year at The Universal Orlando Resort Theme Park.

This high-tech mini-theme park will fully immerse fans in everything Harry Potter.  From Hogsmeade to Hogwarts, Universal is pulling out all the stops to ensure that this is a fully immersive ride and one of the best in the country.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will consist of a number of rides and activities, at the minute only a few definite have been announced, but we know for certain that avid wizards will be able to experience Hippogriff riding and also get a taste of the famous Triwizard Tournament.

With exclusive footage rumored to be filmed for the ride, the translation from the movies seems to be going well thanks to help from acclaimed designer Stuart Craig and Alan Gilmore.

Potter author JK Rowling was not available for comment, but as the literary mother to Harry Potter she is playing an instrumental role in ensuring that everything is 100% Hogwarts.

The mini theme park will focus around the school at Hogwarts Castle as well as the nearby village of Hogsmeade. Visitors will be able to board the famous Hogwarts Express and then enter the world of Harry Potter.

Do you dream to become a wizard at Hogwarts?  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will transport you to a place where you can immerse yourself in the world that is Harry Potter.

It may sound like a gimmicky theme park attraction, but with a budget of over $200 million dollars; this new mini theme park will cut no corners to ensure that guests can enjoy a Harry Potter experience like no other, and this latest innovation from the Universal group looks set to open in spring 2010 at their premier theme park, the Universal Orlando Resort.

The Universal Orlando Resort is Florida’s largest theme park resort and it consists of both Universal Studios Florida as well as the Islands of Adventure. With on-site hotels, cinemas, and countless restaurants, a trip to Universal Florida really is the vacation of a lifetime.

The InterContinental Huizhou Resort is a luxury five star resort set in the heart of China.  Located in over 500 acres of some of the most unspoiled land in China, travelers to this luxury destination are in for a shock when they see the extents that the Intercontinental group has gone to to create a truly luxury destination right in the heart of China.

With standard rooms which are more akin to luxury suites, to say they are larger than normal certainly is an understatement, but when you visit one of the exclusive 20 private suites which more resemble villas, you start to realize that there really is no such thing as standard in this hotel.

Right next door to this luxurious hotel is some of Chinas best-kept and unspoilt countryside.  This makes for a surreal destination which acts as the perfect base for both business travelers, world tourists and anyone that wants to live the life of luxury whilst exploring undiscovered China with mountains, lakes, hot springs all as of yet untouched and unseen by foreigners.

The secret little city of Huizhou is not on many tourist maps and this gives the hotel as well as the local area an amazing sense of tranquility.  The unspoilt surroundings and the beautiful architecture of the hotel may lead you to think that you’re living in a fantasy, but things are most assuredly real.

The first international golf course is right next door and is also part of the InterContinental brand.  If you’re quick, you may even be one of the first lucky golfers to play at this 18-hole course which has been professionally designed to take advantage of both the unique design of the hotel but also the amazing countryside it sits on.

The InterContinental Huizhou Resort has extensive culinary facilities which would please even the most discerning traveler.  With 24 hour butler service available which serves a variety of local and international food, you can also be assured that the food you order is made from only the highest quality, locally produced ingredients.

But above all, the InterContinental Huizhou Resort is another example of an eco-friendly hotel. Staying at this landmark hotel in the heart of China is a breathtaking experience, with no compromise on luxury, but you can also relax knowing that your stay here is supporting the local environment and people thanks to the efforts the team behind the Huizhou resort go to in order to ensure you have an environmentally friendly stay.

The plane was broken into three pieces

A witness told bbc

“The first people were just getting off the plane and they looked confused. There was a lot a dust, but no fire.”