travel insurance for city break

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9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of April 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

HTH Travel Insurance »

Tin Leg »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Seven Corners »

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation when unexpected issues arise. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
• HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
• Tin Leg: Best Cost
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
• Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

• 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
• $750 in missed connection coverage
• $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

• Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
• Up to $1,600 for travel delays
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
• Epidemic coverage

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
• $500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

• 100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
• $500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
• Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
• $100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
• Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage
• $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
• Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
• $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost 
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
• Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

• 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
• $2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
• $1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
• $250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
• $500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
• Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong June 2024 trip to Spain for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express . 

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

• TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
• InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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Single trip travel insurance is designed to cover one specific holiday or trip. If you plan to travel more than 2 times per year, our annual multi trip policy may be better value.

We can only cover people up to the age of 85, if you are over this age, you can get cover from our partner Goodtogoinsurance.com. To buy a policy from them online click here , or call them on 0330 024 4478.

An annual multi trip policy can save you money if you travel 2 or more times per year. It also means you won't have to set up a new policy every time you go.

We can only cover people up to the age of 74. If you are over this age you could try our single trip policy which has an age limit of 85. Alternatively, you may get cover from our partner Goodtogoinsurance.com. To buy a policy from them online click here , or call them on 0330 024 4478.

We offer our Globetrotter policy to those looking to travel for between 60 and 365 days on one journey.

We can only cover people up to the age of 65. If you are over this age you could try our single trip policy which has an age limit of 85. Alternatively, you may get cover from our partner Goodtogoinsurance.com. To buy a policy from them online click here , or call them on 0330 024 4478.

Our winter sports policy covers you for a range of activities, on or off-piste (within resort boundaries), whether you are a skier or a snowboarder. Check the policy wording for a full list of the winter sports covered. Adding this cover to annual multi trip policies will cover you for up to 17 days per year.

This includes cover for travel to: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the Isle of Man.

This includes cover for travel to: Aland Islands, Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Channel Islands (including Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, Sark and Herm), Chechnya, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark (including Faroe Islands), Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France (including Corsica), Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece (including Greek Isles), Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Italy (including Aeolian Islands, Sardinia, Sicily), Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway (including Jan Mayen, Svalbard Is), Poland, Portugal (including Azores, Madeira Islands), Romania, Russia (West of the Urals), San Marino, Serbia/Montenegro (including Kosovo), Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain (including Balearic Islands, Canary Islands), Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia , Turkey, Ukraine, UK Area (Great Britain and Northern Ireland), The Republic of Ireland and Vatican City.

Please note: This policy excludes travel to countries or regions which the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have advised against travelling to. It is recommended that, before travelling, you check the foreign travel advice area provided by the FCDO which can be found at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice .

Travel anywhere in the world. Please note: This policy excludes travel to countries or regions which the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have advised against travelling to. It is recommended that, before travelling, you check the foreign travel advice area provided by the FCDO which can be found at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice .

Travel anywhere in the world, except USA, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean. Please note: This policy excludes travel to countries or regions which the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have advised against travelling to. It is recommended that, before travelling, you check the foreign travel advice area provided by the FCDO which can be found at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice .

For annual multi trip policies, cancellation cover is provided from the selected policy start date. If you require cancellation cover to begin immediately, please select today as the policy start date.

For single trip policies, cancellation cover is provided from when you purchase your policy.

Please select the traveller who you wish to book insurance for. If there is a group of you, please select the Group type of policy.

A couple who are legally married, common-law partners or living at the same address. All limits and excesses are per person irrespective of one or both travelling on the same trip.

A family is considered to be a legally married couple, a common law husband and wife, a single parent or adult couple who have lived at the same address for at least one year and up to 4 children aged under 18 (or up to 22 if in full time education). Under 2s travel free on an Adult or Couple Policy (please select Family, under Type of policy to set this up).

If your group has more than 8 people, please call us at 0800 068 0060.

Please note: All limits and excesses are per person (unless otherwise stated) irrespective of whether travelling on the same trip or individually.

Heading For A City Break This Spring?

Cover yourself with our travel insurance.

Gone are the days of booking your trips via teletext, and visiting the travel agent is much less common to find the best deal for your holiday. Instead, we find ourselves scouring the internet for the best prices and getting the most for our money.

So when you’re looking for your spring holiday, why not consider a city break ? Short breaks away means you can visit cities that you would usually never think to visit.

So which European cities are hot on the list for a spring break?

Spain  - Is extremely popular for city breaks in Spring especially, with the number of holidays made by UK residents shooting up 87% in 20 years. Popular TV shows such as “The Only Way is Essex” and “Benidorm” could have influenced travel to the seaside resorts of Marbella and Benidorm, while other popular cities include Barcelona and Madrid with visiting the football stadiums being a significant draw for sports tours and fans from the UK.

France - But more specifically, Paris is an obvious inclusion. From the art galleries to the tourist hot spots of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, there are also plenty of chic boutiques to meander around and many cute restaurants to grab a bite to eat. The easy transport links to visit just about any French city from the UK make it a popular destination.

Germany - Spring is a beautiful time to explore the world, when the trees begin to leaf and flowers bloom. There are 16 national parks in Germany so you can take in all the sights and smells of the regrowth, with three located in Germany’s number-one tourist location, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (86 miles from the capital of Berlin) which will provide a great setting for a spring break stroll around the beautiful white cliffs of the Jasmund National Park , or hire a boat or canoe to explore one of the many lakes in Müritz National Park if you’re looking to avoid the city for a day.

Sweden - A second city, but not one to be overlooked, Gothenburg can be considered a hub for creativity due to its industrial background – so if you’re a fan of the “hipster” scene, Gothenburg should be high on the list for your spring break. The city itself is nicknamed “Little London” , which is helped by the amount of quirky bars and craft beers on offer, but it was actually due to the amount of trade with Great Britain over the North Sea, and donations received from wealthy businessmen who contributed to the city Library, Hospital and University.

Why should we make the most of Easter week?

Not only is it half-term, so travel options for families are increased, it’s also the first 4-day Bank Holiday weekend of the calendar year in the UK. Families, Couples and Friends all over the UK are looking for their first taste of milder climbs, meaning destinations in some parts of southern Europe are high up on the list.

Easter week is a great time to visit any city or town in Spain, the celebration of “Holy Week” brings together the townspeople for processions, marching bands and celebrations. Different parts of the country have their unique ways of celebrating however, in Valladolid, the Good Friday processions are considered an exquisite and rich display of Castilian religious sculpture, with Easter being one of the most emotional fiestas, but in Malaga, Easter celebrations are full of happiness and cheer, with people applauding the tronos (floats) as they pass by in the procession.

Things to think about before you travel

1. While your EHIC ( European Health Insurance ) card will give you access to any medically-necessary (state) healthcare, it should never be considered as an alternative to travel insurance. Your insurance policy will cover return flights and lost/stolen items as stated on the policy wording – so ensure you have selected appropriate cover for your trip.

2. For EU Citizens, you do not need to (currently) apply for any additional visa if you are visiting a country within the EU ( European Union ). However, if your travelling legs want to wander further abroad, you will need to do your research on tourist visas for your destination. Non-EU Citizens will need to apply for visas for the countries you wish to visit. For full details, contact the consulate or embassy for the country you are visiting 

3. The Easter week is going to be busy, especially around Europe – so be sure that you’ve pre-booked any excursions or favourite restaurants that you’d like to visit during your city break. The last thing you want when you arrive is to find that everything you researched before your trip is fully-booked.

So now you’re ready to take a break and explore the cities of the world, safe in the knowledge that with our travel insurance, we’ll be by your side every step of the way .

 Terms and Conditions apply

(2) The policyholder can register both themselves and up to four additional travelling companions for Columbus Direct’s Airport Delay service. They will then be eligible to receive free airport lounge access in the event a delay of one or more hours is announced for your flight. Qualifying delays must be notified in a single announcement, not as a series of shorter delays. View terms and conditions here . 

Why Columbus Direct?

• 24/7 Emergency medical assistance
• FREE Airport lounge access for you and 4 travellers when your flight is delayed by one or more hours  (2)
• Award-winning service
• Specialist provider for over 25 years
• Over 15 million customers insured since 1988
• Many pre-existing medical conditions covered
• Option to add cover for gadgets and winter sports

Policy Documents

View our Policy Wording and Policy Summary here .

• Home     City Breaks

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City Breaks

Whether you're going solo, heading for a romantic weekend away or taking the whole family, a city break is the perfect opportunity to get away from it all and discover what the world has to offer..

Europe, in particular, is bursting with vibrant, cosmopolitan cities and with so many to choose from where do you start? Thankfully, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to city breaks to help you narrow down the list…

How to plan a city break

A city break is usually spread out over a long weekend, therefore it is a good idea to book flights that will allow you to make the most of your time. We suggest you book early morning flights that land around 9/10am local time and book a return journey to depart at 10/11pm – that way you will have enough time to catch the flight and not lose a day to the airport lounge.

Choosing accommodation is slightly trickier; you may want easy access to the city centre but be unwilling to pay the city centre hotel prices! You’ll find that accommodation on the outskirts will be cheaper but always check the transport links; it may be more cost effective to pay the extra money to stay in the centre than to pay for transport every day.

Pulling together an itinerary before you travel will save you having to wake up each morning and spend an hour or so deciding what to do first and where to eat. With sites such as Trip Advisor and Pinterest on hand to give advice about the best places to go, eat and drink, you’ll have a plan together in no time. Deciding on your ‘must dos’ and researching where they are will allow you to plan which route to take or train to catch.

It’s always a good idea to pre-book if possible as there’s nothing worse than travelling to a destination to find the excursion you have your heart set on is fully booked. The majority of popular tourist excursions and landmarks have an online booking service where you can purchase entry tickets in advance – and you may even find, there’s a day where entry is free of charge!

Finally, be prepared for the weather, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities. We all know how unpredictable rain showers can be, so always allow for flexibility in your itinerary and pack suitable clothing – just in case.

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The Best Cities for...

It goes without saying, if you are looking for romance Paris is the destination for you. With its glorious architecture, stunning museums and fine cuisine it’s no wonder Paris is the most popular city break destination.

Enjoy the spectacular views of Paris from the top of the Eiffel tower, discover hidden treasures in The Louvre or explore the ancient culture in the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris. If you have time, head to Champs-Élysées a spot of shopping and a bite to eat – and before you leave don’t forget to leave a lock on the bridge.

For the ultimate shopping spree, head to the bustling streets of New York City. Famed for its extensive choice of restaurants, stunning landmarks and huge department stores, New York has everything to offer the city break fanatic.

Whether you’re exploring what Macy’s has to offer, enjoying a horse and carriage ride around central park or snapping selfies with the Statue of Liberty herself, New York is certain to amaze. Whilst you’re there be sure to try a true New York Bagel… a rainbow one of course!

Italy’s capital is a hub of culture with ancient ruins, inspiring art and an impressive history. Spend the weekend discovering the ancient masterpieces Rome has to offer and soak up the picturesque scenery, sip coffee in quaint cafes and of course, indulge in pizza and gelato!

Visit the largest church in the world, St Peter’s Basilica or wander around the gladiatorial arena of The Colosseum. Stop by the Sistine Chapel to see the infamous artwork by Michelangelo and after a day’s exploring, unwind in one of Rome’s many eateries and sample cuisine that is to die for, washed down with a chilled glass of Italian Wine – perfetto!

Pack your knife, fork and evening frock when heading to Copenhagen – home to one of the top restaurants in the world, Noma. In fact, the city of cuisine boasts a total of 15 Michelin-starred restaurants offering a range of the finest international foods.

For those foodies on a budget Copenhagen has ample eateries, with many offering organic produce sourced locally – sometimes as local as their own homes. Don’t miss the chance to try an infamous Smørrebrød which is an open rye bread sandwich stuffed with a range of meats and greens or for the sweet tooth; a traditional Danish pastry.

Nowhere says nightlife quite like Las Vegas, right? An array of flashing lights, glitz and glamour, Las Vegas is the place to be if you want to party the night away. If you do have some energy left, head away from the strip to discover the spectacular mountains, vast canyons and delightful nature that surrounds this unique city.

Feeling lucky? Head for the stylish casinos and try your hand at blackjack or enjoy the views of the strip whilst sipping a cocktail, or two, at one of many rooftop bars. Just remember, there is no such thing as a bed time in Vegas…

Travel Insurance for City Breaks

It’s that time… now you have decided on your destination you need to arrange your travel insurance – this way, if you do need to unexpectedly cancel your getaway you will be covered to do so.

As you are only likely to be travelling for two to four days, a single trip policy would be appropriate. When buying a policy, it is important to read the wording carefully to make sure the cover levels for cancellation, medical expenses and personal possessions are suitable. If you are travelling in a group, it may be a good idea to all be insured on the same policy – this way if something happens to one of you, everyone else will be covered.

Perhaps you have caught the city break bug and plan to travel to several destinations in a year? If this is the case, we recommend looking into a multi-trip policy as this will allow you to take several holidays throughout a 12-month period for a total of at least 24 days per trip. It is also worth noting, on most multi trip policies over 18s can travel independently meaning if you decide to take a solo trip to Berlin, you will be covered.

If you are booking and paying for excursions and activities for your city break, check your travel insurance policy will cover these costs should you need to cancel your trip. Not all travel insurance policies offer this cover, so it is worth checking.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your case, sunglasses and passport and start exploring… have fun!

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Up to £2.5K cover for loss, theft or damage of your belongings

5 Star rated cover

Our Platinum cover has Defaqto's highest rating

What's travel insurance?

Travel insurance, also known as holiday insurance, protects you and your family against unexpected costs while you're travelling or on holiday.

While it isn't a legal requirement, it covers the cost of things like medical expenses if you get ill or injured abroad, trip cancellation, stolen personal belongings and lost luggage.

What's covered

Here are some key features of our travel insurance. As with any insurance, policy limits and exclusions apply, so always read your policy book.

Emergency medical expenses

We cover reasonable and necessary emergency medical treatment costs if you get ill or injured in an accident abroad.

Delayed or missed departure

If you're delayed or miss your transport due to unforeseen circumstances, we'll cover reasonable costs for accommodation and travel.

Lost or stolen personal belongings

You can claim up to your policy limits if your personal belongings or luggage are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged during your trip.

Cancelling or cutting your trip short

We'll cover costs up to your policy limit for things like deposits or parking fees if you have to unexpectedly cancel or cut short your trip.

Personal liability and legal assistance

We'll support you with legal costs to help you claim damages or compensation for injury, illness or death during your trip.

Specific COVID-19 related events

Read about how COVID-19 affects your travel insurance on our dedicated FAQ page .

What isn’t covered by travel insurance?

This list isn’t exhaustive and doesn’t include exclusions for our specialist travel insurance like adventurous sport and winter sport.

• flights cancelled or delayed for any reason other than severe weather conditions, strike, or mechanical breakdown
• claims related to flights that don't start or end in the UK (connected flights)
• trip cancellation because you’ve changed your mind
• pre-existing conditions you've not declared
• claims related to death or illness of someone not on the policy linked to pre-existing conditions they had at any time before you bought your policy
• lost or stolen items you've left unattended
• claims where you can't give us evidence, for example, a police report or receipts
• being denied entry because you don't have passports or the correct visas
• extreme sports, winter sports or cruise trips unless you've paid for the additional cover
• circumstances that aren’t specified in your policy

However, check your policy book for all exclusions.

Travel Insurance policy book

Choose from three levels of cover.

We have three cover levels for you to choose from, depending on the level of protection you want for your next trip.

Good to know

The table below shows the standard benefits and “up to” limits of each tier. Individual benefits may have different internal limits depending on what you need to claim for.

Why do I need Travel Insurance?

Choosing a travel insurance policy that suits your needs offers financial protection against travel-related emergencies. In particular, getting ill abroad can be very expensive as most countries don't provide free medical care in the same way as in the UK.

For example, in the US, you're charged for an ambulance call out, meaning a trip to the hospital could cost tens of thousands of pounds.

If you're travelling to an EU country or Switzerland, a GHIC card can reduce the cost of medical expenses or make them free of charge, but it won’t fully cover you for medical treatment or repatriation. Read more about getting a GHIC card here .

What type of travel insurance is best for me?

Whether you're flying solo or travelling with your friends and family, we cover the UK, Europe and worldwide.

Single Trip Insurance

Cover for one trip lasting up to 365 days for travellers aged 18 up to 85 years, depending on the destination.

Annual Travel Insurance

Cover for 12 months on an unlimited number of trips lasting up to 31 days each. This is for travellers aged 18 up to 75, depending on region of cover

If you need cover for trips longer than 31 days, you can select the required trip length when completing your quote (subject to eligibility).

Travelling with pre-existing conditions

If you have a pre-existing condition , you must tell us about it when getting a quote to see if we can offer cover and to avoid invalidating your policy. We can't cover your pre-existing conditions unless you've:

• declared them all on your policy
• had written confirmation that we'll cover your medical condition
• paid any additional premium in full

If you're unsure what to declare or unable to find your condition on the medical conditions list, please call  0333 234 9913 .

Please note, if you've tested positive for COVID-19 and been prescribed medication, received treatment, or had a consultation with a doctor or hospital specialist for any medical condition in the past two years, this must be declared on your policy.

Unfortunately, we can't offer cover for all medical conditions. If you have a serious health condition, we recommend using MoneyHelper's travel insurance directory or calling 0800 138 7777 (open Monday to Friday 8:00-18:00 excl. bank holidays).

How to get cheaper travel insurance

There are a few things you can do to lower your travel insurance costs:

How to claim on your travel insurance

We may ask for original receipts, invoices or medical records to support your claim.

Read your policy book

Check that we cover the event you want to claim for

Prepare your information

You'll need documents to support your claim

Visit our make a claim page for our contact details or log into  MyAccount

Your questions answered

Is coronavirus covered by my travel insurance.

To find out how Covid-19 affects your travel insurance, take a look at our dedicated FAQ page . 

Is it illegal to travel without holiday insurance?

No, it's not a legal requirement but it gives you cover against things like cancelled holidays, missed transports, missing luggage and injury while abroad.

Does travel insurance cover natural disasters?

Cover for catastrophes including fire, storm, lightning, avalanche, landslide, explosion, hurricane, earthquake, volcanic activity including ash cloud, flood, tidal wave, tsunami, medical epidemic or pandemic are all included as standard on our Gold and Platinum policies. This cover is not included in our Admiral level policy. 

My partner and I live at separate addresses, can we still buy a couple policy?

You have to buy a group policy if you don't live at the same address as your partner.

Our definitions are:

• Individual policy – one adult aged 18 or over.
• Couple policy - two adults aged 18 or over who live at the same address and are in a relationship.
• Family policy – two adults aged 18 or over who live at the same address plus at least one child (maximum 5).
• Family one adult policy – one adult plus at least one child (maximum 5).
• Group policy - between two and ten individuals, who don't need to live at the same address. Each adult is covered to travel individually as well as together.

What is your definition of Europe?

When we refer to Europe , we are referring to the following countries and territories: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark (including Faroe Islands, excluding Greenland), Egypt, Estonia, Finland (including Aland), France (including Corsica), Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy (including Sardinia and Sicily), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway (including Svalbard), Poland, Portugal (including Azores and Madeira), Republic of Ireland, Romania, Russia (West of Urals), San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain (including the Balearic and Canary Islands), Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, The United Kingdom (including Channel Islands and Isle of Man), Vatican City.

Am I covered for private medical treatment?

No, you will need to have any private treatment pre-authorised by the Emergency Assistance Service. If you are travelling in Europe , Australia or New Zealand you can access public health services, free of charge and you won’t be required to pay any excesses on the Medical Expenses section of your policy.

What happens if I'm the victim of a terrorist attack while I'm abroad?

First of all, we hope that this is never the case. But, if you do need emergency assistance, please call +44 (0)29 2010 7777 at any time and we'll do everything we can to help.

Are there any destinations I can't travel to under my policy?

Yes, no matter which destination you select when you buy your policy, you aren't covered if you travel somewhere the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises not to go to. For more information see the FCDO's foreign travel advice page or call  020 7008 1500 .

What cover is there for dental treatment?

With new policies, you’re covered for up to £400 for “emergency dental treatment for the immediate relief of pain to your natural teeth incurred outside of your home area” under the Emergency Medical and Repatriation section of your cover (subject to your excess).

Can I upgrade my travel policy cover level after I’ve taken it out?

No, sorry. Currently, this isn’t possible.

Is terrorism covered?

Terrorism is excluded from all sections of the policy except for the Emergency Medical and Repatriation, Personal Belongings, Personal Accident and Hijack sections (where cover is provided as part of the platinum tier only).

Terrorism is any act or threat of action by a person or group intended to influence a government or to frighten the public or any section of it.

Acts of terrorism can include:

• violence against a person
• damage to property
• putting life in danger
• creating a health risk to the public
• interfering with or seriously disrupting computer systems or transport services including cyber terrorism
• biological, chemical or nuclear force or contamination

Can I get cover in the event of scheduled airline failure?

We will not pay any claim due to the actions or failure of any company providing or organising your transport or accommodation, to provide those services (whether caused by error, insolvency, bankruptcy, liquidation, omission, default or other reason).

Do I need to declare existing medical conditions to get Admiral cover?

Declaring your medical conditions will ensure you are purchasing a policy which meets your needs. It’s important you supply accurate and complete answers to all questions as failure to do so could mean your policy is invalid and/or your claim is not paid in full or refused.

I have an Annual Multi-Trip policy. What is the longest I can go on holiday for?

You can take as many trips as you want within 365 days (as per the dates shown on your policy schedule), providing each trip lasts no more than 31 days. If you need cover for trips longer than 31 days, let us know when you get a quote (subject to eligibility).

Take a look at our Annual Travel Insurance page to learn more.

Will my holiday insurance cover me if the travel agent/tour operator/airline company goes into administration?

No it doesn't cover this. If the company is an ABTA member, you can submit a claim to them for the cost of your holiday.

Do you cover children under 18?

Cover can’t be bought for a child under the age of 18 alone. A child under 18 can be added to our family policies where at least one adult over the age of 18 is also going on the trip (single trip policies).

A child can be added to annual multi trip family policies where the insured adult will travel later in the policy term. Each insured child under the age of 18 will only be covered if they’re travelling with a responsible adult. This adult doesn’t need to be insured with us.

What happens if I can't return from my trip on my planned date because of illness or injury; am I still covered?

Yes, we extend your policy and continue to provide cover in those circumstances where the delay is completely outside of your control.

I don't live in the UK – can I get travel cover?

Unfortunately not. It's only available to permanent residents of the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man).

What happens if strike/industrial action disrupts my trip?

Provided you weren’t aware of the strike/industrial action at the time you booked your policy, and it wasn’t public knowledge, we’ll pay up to the limits shown in your policy schedule for irrecoverable costs you've paid.

What happens if my baggage is delayed, lost or stolen?

If your baggage is delayed or lost in transit, you should tell the company transporting your baggage within 24 hours of discovery. Ask them to complete a Property Irregularity Report or give you with a baggage loss receipt. If your baggage is delayed for more than 12 hours from when you arrive at your destination, your policy provides cover to buy necessary items (up to £50, £100 or £150 depending on your tier of cover).

If your baggage is stolen, you should report this to the local police within 24 hours of discovering the theft and get a written report. You can claim (up to £1,000, £2,000 or £2,500 depending on your tier) for stolen or lost items. There's a single item limit and total valuables limit (up to £200, £300 or £400 depending on your tier).

Are there any charges to change my policy?

No, we don’t charge any admin fees.

What should I do if I or someone travelling with me becomes ill during my holiday?

If you or someone covered by your policy becomes ill or is injured during your trip and needs emergency medical treatment, please go to a public medical facility and contact our 24 hour emergency assistance line on +44 (0)29 2010 7777 as soon as you can.

Please call this number if you're unsure where to get treatment, you think costs may go over £500, or you think you'll need to cut your trip short.

For minor ailments while abroad, pharmacies and public health facilities are often able to give advice and provide treatment. If costs are more than the policy excess and you want to make a claim, please keep all receipts and call our claims line on  0333 234 9914 .

Does my policy allow someone to travel out to be with me if I am ill abroad?

Yes. If you've been given medical advice that someone should stay with you and that requires someone travelling from the UK to be with you, we'll cover the reasonable extra transport and accommodation costs (up to the policy limit) for that person.

How long can I travel for?

The maximum length of a Single Trip policy is 12 months, making it ideal for backpackers and students taking a gap year.

If you choose an Annual Multi-Trip policy you can take as many trips as you want within 365 days (as per the dates shown on your policy schedule), providing each trip lasts no more than 31 days. If you need cover for trips longer than 31 days, let us know when you get a quote (subject to eligibility).

How to extend travel insurance due to illness or injury

If you have to extend your trip for medical reasons our policies will automatically provide cover until you return home.

If you have a single trip policy and need to change your travel dates, you must contact us before you go on your trip.

If you have annual multi-trip cover, the maximum length per trip on the policy is 31 days as standard unless we've agreed to cover you for a longer trip and this is stated in your policy schedule.

If your annual policy is due to end while you're on holiday and your policy is not set up to automatically renew, please contact us before you travel so we can arrange for your policy to continue while you're away.

What should I do if my travel is disrupted by severe weather?

We’ll pay £25 for each 12 hours you are delayed (up to a maximum of £250 or £300 depending on your cover tier) from starting your journey due to severe weather.

If your transport is delayed for more than 24 hours or cancelled and cannot be rearranged for over 24 hours, cover is provided (for costs up to £1,000 on Admiral, £3,000 on Admiral Gold and £5,000 on Admiral Platinum) if you decide to cancel or abandon your trip.

Additional transport and accommodation cover

We can reimburse you for additional transport and accommodation costs if you decide to continue with your trip after:

• your prebooked transport was delayed for more than 24 hours
• your transport was cancelled, and no alternative could be found within 24 hours of your original departure time

We can only reimburse you these costs if they are less than the cost of abandoning the trip. 

We won't make any payments if they aren’t additional to costs you were already expecting to pay - for example if you get a refund and the cost of alternative transport or accommodation is less than the refund. Check your policy book for full details.

Do you cover my car if it breaks down when I'm driving in Europe?

No, your holiday insurance doesn't cover car breakdown. However, if you have Admiral Car Insurance , you can extend this to provide European Breakdown Cover . This covers you and your car in case it breaks down while abroad in Europe.

What does excess mean in travel insurance?

The policy excess is the amount you must pay towards any claim. The excess applies to each insured person and each event that leads to a claim. Multiple excesses may apply for claims under each section.

Can I get one-way travel insurance?

No, Admiral doesn't offer one way travel insurance. To buy our cover, you'll need to be travelling from and returning to the UK.

Do you cover travellers over the age of 70 for Annual Multi-Trip policies?

Yes, we can provide worldwide cover for customers up to the age of 75 years for annual multi trip policies – and up to 85 years for single trip policies.

However, the age limit and level of cover we can offer will depend on your personal information and details of your holiday.

Please get a quote or contact us to find out more.

Do you cover travellers over the age of 70 for Single Trip policies?

Am i covered if my flights are disrupted because of brexit.

You’ll be covered if there’s any disruption to your flights (in line with current cover and exclusions) if you already have travel cover or have booked a trip on your annual policy.

If there’s an official warning from the Government or airlines that suggests flights are likely to be disrupted, customers buying new policies may not be covered.

I don’t want to travel because of Brexit – can I cancel my trip?

If you decide you don’t want to travel because of Brexit and end up cancelling your trip, you won’t be able to claim. Not wanting to travel isn’t a valid cancellation reason for claiming.

Will I need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit?

In the future, it's possible UK citizens will need a travel permit as part of the European Travel Information and Authorisation Scheme (ETIAS). 

If you can’t go on your trip because you don’t have the correct visa or permit, you won’t be able to claim on your cover.

How long will I need on my passport after Brexit?

The Government recommends UK travellers have at least six months left on their passports from the date they arrive in an EU country when travelling after 29 March 2019. Check the validity of your passport online with this handy tool .

If you can’t go on your trip as you don’t have enough time left on your passport (or you didn’t renew it in time), you won’t be able to make a claim.

Can I still use my EHIC card after Brexit?

If your EHIC is still in date, you can use it when you travel. Otherwise you’ll need to apply for the new Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ).

If you have a medical emergency while you're abroad, you're injured, fall ill, or have to cut your trip short please call our 24-hour Emergency Assistance Helpline on +44 (0)292 010 7777.

Read more about our customer's experiences

We care what our customers have to say about us.

Useful guides

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Holiday cancellation cover and travel insurance

The best time to book your holiday or flight

How we calculate your travel insurance premium.

We use multiple factors to calculate travel insurance prices. We constantly check the prices we charge to offer you the best travel insurance premium, but prices also fluctuate depending on the market. Here are a few factors:

• Where you’re going — where you’re going heavily influences how much you’ll pay for travel insurance. The destination tells us how expensive medical treatment is and how much it’d cost to fly you home in an emergency.
• How long you’re going for — simply put, the longer you’re away from home, the higher the risk of you having an accident or losing your things.
• Who you’re travelling with — the age and medical history of everyone travelling impacts your premium price.
• Any medical conditions — depending on the severity of the condition (and, therefore, the potential cost and likelihood of treatment), your premium is likely to be higher.
• The cost of medical treatments — on average, the cost of medical treatment is higher outside of Europe. Plus UK citizens can use a GHIC card in the EU to access treatment and, in some cases, reduce the cost.
• What you’ll do on your trip — you increase your risk of injury on winter sports trips, meaning it’ll cost more to insure. But, without specialist cover, any related claims will be rejected.
• What’s going on in the world — currency fluctuations can make it more expensive for us to settle claims with companies or services based abroad. Increased risk of terrorism, airline strikes or natural disasters will also impact your premium.
• Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) — by law, we add a 20% tax to your travel insurance premium. Read more about why we do this.

How to get a travel insurance quote

We need to know a few things to get your quote

What type of travel insurance you need

Do you have one trip planned or multiple trips for the year?

About your trip

• Your destination or region
• How long you're going for
• Who you're travelling with

Traveller details

• Date of Birth
• Contact information

Any medical conditions

Let us know if you have any medical conditions we need to know about.

View other travel insurance options

Going anywhere nice.

Off to one of the destinations below? Take a look at our guides for some hints and tips on what you need to remember.

Travel insurance that suits you

Whether you're travelling solo, with your family, or with a little one on the way, read our guides to make sure our cover is right for you.

Family Travel Insurance

Student travel insurance, travelling while pregnant, travel insurance over 65, travelling with medical conditions, travel insurance upgrades.

Whether you want the adrenaline rush of a skiing holiday, or fancy taking to the seas on a cruise, you'll need to add extra cover to your policy.

Cruise Travel Insurance

Ski travel insurance, gadget travel insurance, adventurous sports insurance, choose the pdf relevant to your policy start date....

Accessibility Links

How to save money on a city break

Desperate for a hefty dose of culture and hedonism but don’t have cash to splurge here’s how to do it on a budget.

I f your holidays have been mostly coast or countryside of late, you might not remember how expensive a city break can be. From the tiny hotel rooms with sky-high rates to expensive tourist sights taking a bite out of your budget, you can easily spend more money on a city break weekend than on a week at the beach.

Before you book your next weekend break, take a look at these travel hacks which will help save you money on flight prices, hotels, sightseeing and getting around.

Main photo: visitors at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin (Getty Images)

1. Travel midweek

City breaks might be synonymous with Friday-Sunday getaways, but in most cases everything will be more affordable — and more enjoyable — if you can travel midweek. Both flight prices and hotels tend to be less expensive between Tuesday and Thursday. You’ll also find that the bars, restaurants and sights are nicely buzzy without being too packed.

A word of caution: for rock-bottom airfares and hotel rates, you could opt to stay over on the cheapest nights of the week — Sundays and Mondays — but it’s rarely worth it for city breaks. Most cities are dead as a dodo on these two days, with many restaurants, bars and sights closed on one or both, which can turn your whirlwind weekend into a damp squib.

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2. Use a flight comparison site

Always start your flight searches by browsing at least two of the major flight-comparison websites: Skyscanner* , Kayak* , Momondo and Google Flights . They scour thousands of airlines and travel agents to find you all of the available prices in a single screen. Before hitting “book”, check Ryanair , as it constantly tries (but often fails) to keep the comparison sites from accessing its rates.

Note that the comparison sites don’t take bookings themselves so your contract is never with them. They will show you prices, followed by a link to the website of an airline or travel agent to book. Once you’ve found a fare, date and time you like, click the link, which will take you directly to the airline or travel agent that has the deal. That means it’s important to do a little due diligence.

Before handing over your credit card details, if the agency you intend to book with is one you don’t know, check their reviews online on Trustpilot and other review sites, and see if they have a UK phone number for any problems — and give the number a quick call. This is to check that the company is legitimate and that their customer service is decent when dealing with problems, such as flight delays or cancellations. And never pay for any part of the trip by bank transfer.

3. Check the hand luggage limit

Many of us think we can get away with taking hand luggage only for a couple of nights. But airlines are making the free carry-on allowance smaller and smaller.

Even if you flew hand luggage only with a particular airline on your last trip, you might find that this time their inclusive allowance is now so tiny that it won’t hold two days’ worth of clothes, toiletries and tech essentials. Once you’ve found the three cheapest fares on the flight comparison sites, take a quick look at each airline’s cabin bag allowances to get an idea of the real cost.

EasyJet, for example, used to have a generous free carry-on allowance, but that’s recently changed to a much smaller bag. So if British Airways is only a few pounds more, it might be worth booking with them — their carry-on allowance is currently still large enough for a weekend’s worth of stuff.

• Hand luggage: Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways policies explained

A popular travel hack is to wear a jacket with lots of pockets, so that you can pack T-shirts, socks and all sorts in there without it being counted as a bag. Some passengers even go as far as to board a flight wearing two or three full sets of clothes, then peel off the extra layers in the plane’s loo after the flight has departed.

And for reasons known only to the gods of the airlines, almost anything you buy at the airport after going through security is typically allowed into the plane without being charged as extra. No guarantees, and airlines are within their rights to take this off you and ask you to pay to check it, but they almost never do unless you’ve bought an entirely new suitcase and filled it with stuff. So buy bottles of water, toiletries, sunscreen and booze in the airport shops — if it’s in an airport carrier bag, you will nearly always be allowed to board with it in addition to your carry-on.

The best cabin bags for summer travel

4. Save on hotels

Stay in the business district.

You’ll already know it’s cheaper to stay outside the city centre. But time is money on a city break, so one of our top tips to stay in the centre for less is to book a hotel in the city’s business district. Many excellent hotels that cater to businesspeople during the week slash their rates Friday to Sundays, when their usual clientele has gone home.

You might not be right in the middle of the action, but you’ll usually be close enough to get there in a few stops using public transport, rather than the hour-long train journey you’d need if you’d stayed in the suburbs. This trick works best in major cities with significant business districts, such as London* , Frankfurt* , Milan* and Brussels* .

Choose a ‘posh hostel’

If you don’t mind more basic sleeping arrangements, another option is to stay in a “posh hostel”. They have a bit more design flair than trad youth hostels, tend to come with decent bedding and towels, and have affordable private bedrooms, but you’ll usually have to share a bathroom.

To find the best hotel and hostel deals, check comparison sites. Most of the airline comparison sites offer hotel comparisons, but also look at Trivago . Before you book, and once you have the best price and your preferred accommodation, go to the hotel or hostel’s own website, then call or email them to see if they’ll beat the price you found online if you book directly with them.

5. Skip the city pass

Tourist offices are always very keen to sell you their official city passes, but in most cases they aren’t worth it. They might tout their free and discounted access to 100 sites for £50 over two days, for example, but when you look carefully at the sites on offer, apart from one or two headline grabbers, they’re almost always second-tier sites or have lame discounts — ten per cent or £1 off — that you could easily find elsewhere online.

Do some quick calculations in your head before paying for a city pass. Many people will only end up visiting one to two paid sights, at most, each day. Cities themselves are free open-air attractions, and you’ll want to soak up the scenery, try out the cafés and rest your weary legs, so try not to overestimate it.

6. Don’t fall for the ‘free’ tour

Ask gap year students how to save money on a city break, and many will tell you about free walking tours from sites such as FreeTour , Sandemans New Europe , City Free Tour and Discover Walks .

Of course, they aren’t free. You’ll be expected to tip at the end, and while you can walk away without doing so, very few people do. But the bigger question is the value you place on your time.

Anyone can set themselves up as a tour guide on most of these “free tour” sites, and it’s a common way for students to earn extra cash. So while you could luck out with a brilliant guide, there’s no quality control and you can just as easily waste several hours of your two-day break being shown around a city with no greater insight than you could get from your own guidebook.

When it comes to value for money, you’re usually far better off paying for a tour by a qualified guide, such as those you can find at Context Travel or the British Guild of Tourist Guides .

The exception to the above is the official volunteer guiding system offered by some cities, such as San Francisco , Tokyo and Kyoto , and Lausanne . If you go to a city’s official tourist office website that offers free volunteer guides, these are often professionals and retired people who have been vetted to ensure they have genuine historical knowledge and insights. Tips are rarely allowed, although a small donation to the association running the volunteer programme is often suggested.

7. City break travel insurance

You might not think it’s worth bothering with travel insurance for a city break. But if you add up all of the costs if something goes wrong — lost luggage, illness requiring you to cancel, medical emergency on your trip, missed flight connections — then you will realise how important travel insurance is.

Before you start your search, don’t forget to check your packaged bank accounts, credit cards and other financial products in case they include annual travel insurance. People often forget about these bundled account benefits and end up paying for travel insurance they don’t need.

Then decide if you want annual or single-trip cover. The rule of thumb tends to be that if you’re likely to take three or more holidays in a year, annual travel insurance is better value. But that varies a lot depending on your age and circumstances, so if you’re closer to 70 than 30, or have pre-existing medical conditions, single-trip policies for each trip can often work out best.

Although it might seem an easy option, the add-on policy offered by your airline or travel agent is often the worst-value choice. Before you hit “buy”, read their key policy info carefully, then compare the price and coverage to external insurers.

You can compare travel insurance prices on the major insurance websites: TravelSupermarket* , Compare The Market , GoCompare , Confused and, for anyone with pre-existing medical conditions or aged over 60, Medical Travel Compared .

Travel insurance: everything you need to know

8. Get your GHIC

Whether you buy travel insurance or not, don’t forget to apply for your free NHS Global Health Insurance Card — known as a GHIC. This replaced the EHIC after Brexit. It gives you access to emergency healthcare in the EU and Switzerland at the same rate paid by the locals. Note that GHICs are not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, the Vatican and the Channel Islands.

You will usually still have to pay something towards your medical bill — unless you have separate travel insurance with medical cover, which typically pays that part for you. Note, however, that many travel insurers will only cover you for medical emergencies in the EU and Switzerland if you use your GHIC, so without it you could be invalidating the medical part of your travel insurance policy.

You never have to pay to apply for your GHIC, nor to receive it, so avoid the dodgy websites that offer to arrange it for you for a fee. It’s easy to apply online from the official website and your card, which should arrive a couple of weeks after your application, is usually valid for five years.

For more money-saving tips, read our sister publication Times Money Mentor .

Travelling to Europe after Brexit: how will it affect holidays?

Take me there

Inspired to go on a city break but yet to book your trip? Here are the best deals from Tui* and British Airways* .

Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here .

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Best Annual Travel Insurance in 2024

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If you’re a frequent traveler, annual travel insurance may be something you’ve been considering. Unlike single-trip insurance, annual travel insurance plans can cover you for an entire year, no matter how often you’re on the road.

Let’s look at the best yearly travel insurance companies, why we choose them and the coverage you can expect.

Factors we considered when picking travel insurance companies

We used the following criteria when choosing which companies we thought were best:

Cost . Annual plans can be expensive — depending on the type of coverage you choose — so we wanted ensure that they stayed affordable. 

Types of coverage . Travel insurance for annual travelers can be limited in its coverage. We picked the ones with the broadest range of coverage for possible travel disruptions.

Coverage amounts . Annual trip insurance isn’t worth much if your limits are too low. Instead, we wanted plans with reasonable coverage amounts. 

Customizability . If your travels take you to different places, you’ll want the ability to customize your plan. The best annual travel insurance plans can provide this. 

» Learn more: What does travel insurance cover?

An overview of the best annual travel insurance

We gathered quotes from various travel insurance companies to determine the best annual travel insurance policies. In these examples, we used a year-long trip by a 22-year-old from Alabama. We indicated the main countries of travel as France and Malaysia, and when asked, put the total trip costs at $6,000.

The average cost for an annual travel insurance plan came out to $220. The plans ranged from $138-$386.

Let’s take a closer look at our top recommendations for annual travel insurance.

1. Allianz Travel

What makes Allianz travel insurance great:

Lower than average cost.

Provides health care and travel insurance benefits.

Includes rental car insurance up to $45,000. 

Here’s a snippet from our Allianz Travel insurance review :

“AllTrips Basic (annual plan) is suitable for those who would like emergency medical coverage while abroad but don't need trip cancellation and interruption benefits. The AllTrips Prime, Executive and Premier plans provide an entire year of comprehensive travel insurance benefits.

The Executive and Premier plans offer various levels of trip cancellation and interruption benefits. The Executive plan is specifically designed for business travelers since it offers protection for business equipment.”

2. Seven Corners

What makes Seven Corners great:

Offers up to $20,000 for acute coverage of pre-existing conditions. 

Includes up to $1 million for emergency medical evacuation. 

Optional add-on for adventure sport activities.

$0 deductible available. 

Here’s a snippet from our Seven Corners review :

“Seven Corners offers one annual policy called Travel Medical Annual Multi-Trip. The policy can be customized depending on how long you plan to be away from home for any one trip. You can travel as much as you like during the 364 days, so long as any one trip doesn’t exceed the option selected — 30, 45 or 60 days.”

What makes IMG great:

Good customizability with medical evacuations and sports coverage. 

Low $250 deductible.

Includes coverage for semi-private hospital rooms. 

Here’s a snippet from our IMG review:

“Some policies provide emergency medical evacuation coverage, while others skip this benefit entirely. This benefit may be more important to you if you travel to a remote location or engage in physical activity such as trekking.

More comprehensive plans may include other benefits such as assistance with acquiring a new passport, reimbursing reward mile redeposit fees or coverage for pre-existing conditions. If these are something you’re interested in, be sure to check that your policy includes these options.”

4. Trawick International

What makes Trawick International great:

100% coverage for trip cancellation and trip interruption. 

Emergency medical evacuation included. 

Trip delay reimbursement coverage. 

Here’s a snippet from our Trawick International review :

“Trawick International is a comprehensive travel insurance provider that offers trip delay and cancellation insurance, baggage delay coverage, medical coverage and medical evacuation, rental car damage protection, and even COVID-19 coverage among its various policies.

Trawick covers trips for worldwide destinations, including for foreign nationals coming to the U.S.”

What does travel insurance cover?

You’ll find a wide variety of coverage types offered by travel insurance policies. This is true whether you're purchasing a single-trip or annual travel insurance plan. Here are some common types you can expect to find:

Accidental death insurance .

Baggage delay and lost luggage insurance .

Cancel for Any Reason insurance .

Emergency evacuation insurance .

Medical insurance .

Rental car insurance .

Trip cancellation insurance .

Trip interruption insurance .

How to choose the best annual travel insurance policy

While we’ve highlighted some of the best annual travel insurance companies, the truth is that the best plan for you isn’t going to be the best plan for someone else. If you’re interested in buying annual travel insurance, you’ll want to collect a variety of quotes to see which policy best fits your needs.

This may mean opting for a plan that covers pre-existing conditions or one that specifically includes high-risk activities. Or, if you’re in a country where health care is notoriously expensive, you may want to choose a policy with higher maximums.

Many credit cards come with complimentary travel insurance .

Whatever the case, do your research first and review all the plan details before making your purchase.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

If you want to buy annual travel insurance

Annual travel insurance can be a great option if you’re often out of town. With such a wide range of policies available, selecting a plan that fits your needs is easy. We’ve done some of the work for you by choosing the best annual travel insurance companies, all of which made the top of the list for their cost, customizability, types of coverage and plan maximums.

Like any travel insurance policy, the cost of your plan is going to vary. Factors that may affect the cost of your annual travel insurance include your age, where you’re going, how long you’ll be traveling, your policy maximums and whether preexisting conditions are included.

Although not all travel insurance providers offer annual travel insurance, many of them do. We’ve gathered together the five best, including Allianz Travel, World Nomads, Seven Corners, IMG and Trawick International.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

• Best overall
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for trip interruption
• Best for family coverage
• Best for long trips

How we reviewed international travel insurance companies

Best international travel insurance for may 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

If you're planning your next vacation or trip out of the country, be sure to factor in travel insurance. Unexpected medical emergencies when traveling can drain your bank account, especially when you're traveling internationally. The best travel insurance companies for international travel can step in to provide you with peace of mind and financial protection while you're abroad.

Our top picks for the best international travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic travel: World Nomads Travel Insurance
• Best for trip interruption coverage: C&F Travel Insured
• Best for families: Travelex Travel Insurance
• Best for long-term travel: Seven Corners Travel Insurance

How we rate the best international travel insurance »

Compare the top international travel insurance

As a general rule, the most important coverage to have in a foreign country is travel medical insurance , as most US health insurance policies don't cover you while you're abroad. Without travel medical coverage, a medical emergency in a foreign country can cost you. You'll want trip cancellation and interruption coverage if your trip is particularly expensive. And if you're traveling for an extended period of time, you'll want to ensure that your policy is extendable. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance companies for international travel.

Best overall: Allianz

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Allianz Travel Insurance  offers the ultimate customizable coverage for international trips, whether you're a frequent jetsetter or an occasional traveler. You can choose from an a la carte of single or multi-trip plans, as well as add-ons, including rental car damage, cancel for any reason (CFAR) , adventure sport, and business travel coverage. And with affordable pricing compared to competitors, Allianz is a budget-friendly choice for your international travel insurance needs. 

The icing on the cake is Allyz TravelSmart, Allainz's highly-rated mobile app, which has an average rating of 4.4 out of five stars on the Google Play store across over 2,600 reviews and 4.8 out of five stars from over 22,000 reviews on the Apple app store. So, you can rest easy knowing that you can access your policy and file claims anywhere in the world without a hassle.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance  offers coverage for over 150 specific activities, so you can focus on the adventure without worrying about gaps in your coverage. 

You can select its budget-friendly standard plan, starting at $79. Or if you're an adrenaline junkie seeking more thrills, you can opt for the World Nomads' Explorer plan for $120, which includes extra sports like skydiving, scuba diving, and heli-skiing. And World Nomads offers 24/7 assistance, so you can confidently travel abroad, knowing that help is just a phone call away. 

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Best for trip interruption: C&F Travel Insured

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
• C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

C&F Travel Insured offers 100% coverage for trip cancellation, up to 150% for trip interruption, and reimbursement for up to 75% of your non-refundable travel costs with select plans. This means you don't have to worry about losing your hard-earned money on non-refundable travel costs if your trip ends prematurely. 

Travel Insured also stands out for its extensive "reasons for cancellation" coverage. Unlike many insurers, the company covers hurricane warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Read our C&F Travel Insured review here.

Best for family coverage: Travelex

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Travelex Travel Insurance offers coverage for your whole crew, perfect for when you're planning a family trip. Its family plan insures all your children 17 and under at no additional cost. The travel insurance provider also offers add-ons like adventure sports and car rental collision coverage to protect your family under any circumstance. Got pets? With Travelex's Travel Select plan, you can also get coverage for your furry friend's emergency medical and transportation expenses. 

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review here.

Best for long trips: Seven Corners

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices are higher than many competitors
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews around claims processing are mixed
• Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available

Seven Corners Travel Insurance offers specialized coverage that the standard short-term travel insurance policy won't provide, which is helpful if you're embarking on a long-term trip. You can choose from several plans, including the Annual Multi-Trip plan, which provides medical coverage for multiple international trips for up to 364 days. This policy also offers COVID-19 medical and evacuation coverage up to $1 million. 

You also get the added benefit of incidental expense coverage. This policy will cover remote health-related services and information, treatment of injury or illness, and live consultations via telecommunication. 

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here.

How to find the right international travel insurance company 

Different travelers and trips require different types of insurance coverage. So, consider these tips if you're in the market to insure your trip. 

Determine your needs 

• Consider the nature of your travel (leisure, business, or adventure) and the associated risks (medical emergencies, trip cancellations, etc.).
• Determine your budget and the amount of coverage you require. 
• Consider the duration of your trip and the countries you'll be visiting, as some policies won't cover specific destinations. 

Research the reputation of the company 

• Look for the company's reviews and ratings from reputable sources like consumer advocacy groups and independent website reviews. 
• Check the provider's financial stability and credit ratings to ensure it can pay out claims reliably. 
• Investigate the company's claims process to ensure it can provide timely support if you need to file a claim.

Compare prices

• Get quotes from multiple providers to compare rates and coverage options.
• See if the company provides discounts or special offers to lower your cost. 
• Look at the deductible or any out-of-pocket expenses you may have to pay if you file a claim to determine if you can afford it. 

Understanding international travel insurance coverage options 

Travel insurance can be confusing, but we're here to simplify it for you. We'll break down the industry's jargon to help you understand what travel insurance covers to help you decide what your policy needs. Bear in mind that exclusions and limitations for your age and destination may apply. 

Finding the best price for international travel insurance

Your policy cost will depend on several factors, such as the length of your trip, destination, coverage limits, and age. Typically, a comprehensive policy includes travel cancellation coverage costs between 5% and 10% of your total trip cost.

If you're planning an international trip that costs $4,500, you can expect to pay anywhere from $225 to $450 for your policy. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find a budget-friendly travel insurance policy that meets your needs.

We ranked and assigned superlatives to the best travel insurance companies based on our insurance rating methodology . It focuses on several key factors, including: 

• Policy types: We analyzed company offerings such as coverage levels, exclusions, and policy upgrades, taking note of providers that offer a range of travel-related issues beyond the standard coverages. 
• Affordability: We recognize that cheap premiums don't necessarily equate to sufficient coverage. So, we seek providers that offer competitive rates with comprehensive policies and quality customer service. We also call out any discounts or special offers available. 
• Flexibility: Travel insurance isn't one-size-fits-all. We highlight providers that offer a wide array of coverage options, including single-trip, multi-trip, and long-term policies.
• Claims handling: The claims process should be pain-free for policyholders. We seek providers that offer a streamlined process via online claims filing and a track record of handling claims fairly and efficiently. 
• Quality customer service: Good customer service is as important as affordability and flexibility. We highlight companies that offer 24/7 assistance and have a strong record of customer service responsiveness. 

We consult user feedback and reviews to determine how each company fares in each category. We also check the provider's financial rating and volume of complaints via third-party rating agencies. 

International travel insurance FAQs

The best insurance policy depends on your individual situation, including your destination and budget. However, popular options include Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, and Travel Guard. 

You should pay attention to any limitations regarding covered cancellations, pre-existing conditions, and adventure activities. For example, if you're worried you may have to cancel a trip for work reasons, ensure that you've worked at your company long enough to qualify for cancellation coverage, as that is a condition with some insurers. You should also see if your destination has any travel advisories, as that can affect your policy. 

Typically, your regular health insurance won't cover you out of the country, so you'll want to make sure your travel insurance has adequate medical emergency coverage. Depending on your travel plans, you may want to purchase add-ons, such as adventure sports coverage, if you're planning on doing anything adventurous like bungee jumping.

Travel insurance is worth the price for international travel because they're generally more expensive, so you have more to lose. Additionally, your regular health insurance won't cover you in other countries, so without travel insurance, you'll end up paying out of pocket for any emergency medical care you receive out of the US.

You should purchase travel insurance as soon as possible after making payment on your trip. This makes you eligible for add-ons like coverage for pre-existing conditions and CFAR. It also mitigates the chance of any losses in the days leading up to your trip. 

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Worried about COVID 19? Travel with COVID confidence with our coronavirus cover. Read more here

Coronavirus Update & FAQs

• 100+ Sporting Activities Covered
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team
• Cover Available Up To 18 months
• Up To £7,500 Cancellation Cover

City Break Travel Insurance

City breaks.

There is nothing better than a weekend away or short mid-week break, to forget about the daily grind of the office or writing that dreaded dissertation and to recharge your batteries with a breath of fresh cultural air.

Get together with your loved ones, friends or family and enjoy a well-deserved getaway full of laughs, sightseeing and maybe the odd cocktail.

And remember, you can enjoy all of this with the peace of mind that you are covered for any mishaps that may happen along the way with one of TopDog’s Travel Insurance policies.

Key Benefits Of Top Dog Travel Insurance Policies 

Our range of travel insurance policies cover the following as standard:

• Fancy acting like a local and cycling around Amsterdam to see the sights, then not to worry as all TopDog’s policies will automatically cover you for over 100 sports and activities for free including cycling .
• We cover you for unforeseen expenses, ranging from medical emergencies, lost luggage to delays and cancellations.
• Up to £10 million emergency medical cover is available, including air ambulance and repatriation, providing you with full peace of mind regarding expenses related to any accidents or illnesses you may have while you’re away from home.
• All our policies offer the option to include pre-existing medical conditions on your policy. Remember this is IMPORTANT as if you fall ill while you’re away, and it’s linked to an undeclared condition, any subsequent claim may be declined.
• You’ll be pleased to know our Single Trip policy has no upper age limit and TopDog’s Multi-trip policy covers ages up to 85.
• A 14-day cooling-off period is available if you change your mind and decide the policy does not meet your specific requirements.

Which Policy Is Best For A City Break?

When it comes to choosing the right policy for you, it all depends on your personal circumstances and holiday plans for the year.

If the city break you’ve booked is the only holiday you have planned in the next 12 months, then Top Dog’s Single Trip Travel Insurance will suit you perfectly! Or if you have a few other trips planned then why not take a look at our Annual Multi-Trip policy .

TopDog’s Single Trip Travel Insurance will cover you for a trip up to 100 days, whilst our Annual Multi-trip policy covers you for up to 50 days per holiday.

Rated 4.4/5 on Trustpilot

From over 1,344 customer reviews

Why A City Break? 

With many budget airlines offering flights for as cheap as a train fare, it’s no wonder so many Brits are going away on city breaks to get away from reality, relax and take in the culture.

Living in the UK, we’re lucky to have a huge number of European city destinations right on our doorstep. And with most being less than three hours away it makes travelling quick and efficient for everyone. With a direct high-speed train connecting London to Paris, and a flight to Barcelona or Prague taking around two hours, you would be missing out not to join in with the city break bug.

Visiting new European cities that are so close to home allows you to embrace new cultures and cuisines; opening your eyes to the world of travel in an exciting way. Cities give you the opportunity to explore and immerse yourself by visiting historical landmarks, monuments, churches, parks, theatres, museums, galleries and much more; the list really can go on and on.

Amazingly some city breaks can work out cheaper than staying in the UK. A lot of the time return flights can be picked up cheaply and the food and drink in a number of cities comes in at a fraction of the price in some cases. For instance, the average price in Prague for an inexpensive restaurant meal is €4.44, with a beer coming in at an affordable €1.30!

Plus it’s such a flexible holiday as taking a city break can be done at any time of the year!

City Break Destination Ideas

Culture and city breaks go together like fish and chips, so if you love shopping, food, art, history or music, you will be spoilt for choice when deciding on the ideal destination.

Below TopDog has provided a list of obvious, and not so obvious, destinations. Have a read, grab some inspiration and take your pick!

Romantic City Break: 

Did you know that it’s estimated that an astonishing one in 679 proposals takes place at the Eiffel Tower?…… so, what better city to visit on a romantic city break! The French are known for their interesting cuisine, with snails and frog legs on the menu – do you think you could stomach this on a romantic dinner for two? Paris oozes a sense of richness with the cloud-piercing Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Seine river and many more iconic monument’s lining Paris’s boulevards.

Did you know 3,000 Euros are collected from the bottom of the Trevi Fountain every night? …… that’s more than we estimated here at TopDog! Rome is also known as the world’s most romantic city, making it the perfect city break for a couple. Explore a number of ancient icons such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, St Peter’s Basilica and of course the Vatican City. And with eating out one of Rome’s greatest pleasures, combining romantic outside dining with carb filling food is a guarantee for an excellent time.

Casual City Break:

Did you know that Brussels has 138 restaurants per square mile?……. sounds impressive right, from cheap eats, healthy options, must-visit foodie spots and special dining experiences, Brussels really does have it all. And I am sure you haven’t forgotten about the chocolate. Brussels International Airport is actually the largest chocolate selling point in the world so you will not be leaving without a chocolate bar or ten!

Did you know that Amsterdam has 165 canals? ….. No wonder a canal is a backdrop to basically every tourist picture from the city. The cities canal woven core is drenched with history, providing you with some of the best museums and galleries in Europe, including the famous Van Goth Museum which houses over 200 paintings and 500 drawings and letters from Van Goth himself, making it the largest collection of the artist’s work in the world.

Family City Break: 

Did you know that Copenhagen is ranked as one of the happiest and best cities in the world to live in? ….. making it the ideal location to visit with your family, stress-free! The city is one of the globe’s greenest, cleanest, most sustainable urban centres. A place where bikes are the main form of transport, buses and metro’s run frequently, making it very easy to navigate. Why not impress the children and take them to Tivoli Park – a quaint theme park packed with impressive, historic rides – recharge on some delicious street food at Paper Island and take a boat tour from the iconic Nyhavn Harbour, allowing you to see the city from a completely different point of view.        

Porto, Portugal

Did you know that Porto is the world-renowned port wine capital?  …… if you didn’t, well you do now. Porto is a historic, hilly city built along the Danube River and is the ideal holiday to get a taste of a new culture, architecture, and history as well as food and wine all in one. However, port has put the city in the spotlight for many years as a result of its unique sweetness. And to please the children why not explore the Crystal Palace Gardens; an expansive park with wide walkways and perfectly maintained gardens, sure to tire them out.

Why Choose TopDog Insurance?

24/7 Emergency Helpline

100+ activities covered free, up to £10m medical cover per person, up to £7,500 cancellation cover per person.

From, over 1,344 customer reviews

• Single Trip
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• What's Covered
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• Insurance Glossary
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Alternative European city breaks you've not considered

We love a city break; and with Europe on our doorstep we have fantastic history, culture, food and architecture within a stone’s throw of our coast.

The share of UK travellers heading for city breaks has  declined a little each year since 2016 , perhaps driven by uncertainty of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the uncertainty of the past few years travelling to Europe is simple and straightforward so we hope to see the resurgence of the long weekend away.

Nobody needs to be told about the wonders of Rome, Paris or Barcelona as popular cities for romantic getaways – but we would like to take a look at the places a little less well travelled where you can escape for a romantic long weekend and return to home to the envy of your friends and family.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia and first indications are that it was settled and stated to grow from 1219. In the 800 years since then Estonia has seen much change. Thanks to its unique location the country has been either invaded, occupied or fought over by the Danes, Germans, Swedes, Polish and Russians. These impacts can be seen in the mix of history and culture seen in Tallinn today.

Tallinn has two areas, the modern outer section of the city and the absolutely beautiful Medieval walled city. The old stone buildings, cobbled streets, beautiful squares and ancient city walls contain castle towers – such as the popular Kiek in de Kok, churches including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St Olav’s Church and St Mary’s Cathedral (the oldest church in Estonia) and the Town hall square which is a great place to relax, eat and drink.

The old town is easily walkable and you can probably get most things covered in 2 or 3 days.

Trips to Tallinn are equally as beautiful in the summer or the winter, snow covered church spires give the city a real magical quality but just beware it does get very cold in winter, so pack appropriately.

Got more time than a weekend? If you have more time then Tallinn and Helsinki are closely linked, a 2.5 hour ferry connects these two capitals so try to explore Helsinki too if you have time to do so. 

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Slovenia is a real hidden gem of Europe. A small country nestled between Austria to the north, Hungary to the east, Croatia to the south and Italy to the west  it is home to some of the most beautiful and undiscovered Alpine landscapes and glistening lakes (Lake Bled).

Ljubljana is Slovenia’s capital and welcomes around 160,000 British traveller per year. It’s history dates from 1144 and became an administrative capital under the Hapsburgs of Austria. If you prefer the mythological story then Ljubljana is said to have been founded by Jason and his Argonauts.

Arriving in Ljubljana, one of the first things you’ll see is the castle overlooking and protecting the city. A short, but steep walk up the castle (there’s also a funicular if you prefer to ascend gracefully) allows you to see the city in its full glory.

If you head to the castle for sunset you can get some wonderful photos, they also have fantastic restaurants inside the castle walls and at times they also have open air cinema showings.  

On the whole, Ljubljana is a very relaxing city and nothing can be nicer than taking a stroll beside the river that bisects the city, along the way you’ll pass the Dragon Bridge and many of the city’s beautiful churches. As a reward for your walk you can treat yourself to a drink in one of the many quaint cafes and bars that span the river bank.

Got more time? Being so small Slovenia is very easy to travel across (about 6 hour drive end to end) but there’s a lot to see beyond Ljubljana. Rent a car and head to Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Vintgar Gorge, Triglav National Park, Piran and Maribor to cover off as much of this beautiful country as possible.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Ok so we accept that Iceland has become more popular so maybe its capital Reykjavik cannot be considered a hidden gem, but nevertheless it’s well worth a visit.

There are number of excursions from Reykjavik that will give you the opportunity to visit the Thingvellir National Park, seeing the eruption of Geysir hot spring, visiting the continental divide and Gullfoss waterfall.

No trip would be complete without an attempt to see the Northern Lights, whilst there are many factors that will impact whether or not you see them you can improve your chances by reading our guide to seeing the Northern Lights in Europe .

Before you head home, consider a relaxing trip to the Blue Lagoon – which is handily between the city and the airport – serves as a great place to unwind before you head home. The Blue Lagoon is man-made so if you are looking for a genuine geothermic pool to bathe in there are many other options available.

Got more time? Take a trip outside of Reykjavik into Iceland’s fjordlands or glaciers. Try to reach Jokulsarlon’s glacial lagoon and if you can go further East to the town of Seydisfjordur you won’t regret it.

Verona, Italy

Romantic weekends and Italy are a match made in heaven. But if you look beyond the typical destinations of Rome, Florence and Venice you might just find Verona.

The city was the setting for the most famous work of literature – Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet – so it’s romantic credentials already take some beating.

A long weekend in Verona will likely see you explore its historic centre including Juliet’s house and balcony, churches, piazzas, cobbled streets and cafes.

Soak in the views across the city from the Castel San Pietro or if you prefer instead the Torre Dei Lamberti before exploring the markets in the Piazza Delle Erbe which is just beneath you. Then take a trip back to the Roman Empire by visiting the Roman Theatre which you can get to via a walk across the Ponte Pietra, one of the prettiest bridges in the city. Speaking of bridges, the medieval ponte scaligero provides fantastic photos to cherish.

The main Roman attraction, however, is the Verona Arena – one of the best preserved amphitheatres and a venue that is still used to stage events today – thankfully of a less gory nature these days.

There is a tradition in Verona called Passeggiata which is where local get dressed up and take a leisurely stroll around the city in the evening, what a wonderful way to wrap up your adventure through this historical city.

 Got more time? If you’re happy driving in Italy then you can combine a trip to Verona with Milan or Bologna. Or if you prefer to take things a little easier, then the stunning Lake Garda is a mere 30-60 mins away.

Porto, Portugal

Porto in northwest Portugal is the country’s second largest city and dates back to 275BCE and was latterly used as a Roman outpost. The city is one of the oldest in Europe.

With so much history comes a long list of things to see and do a long weekend in Porto will be fairly action packed.

Some must do’s include exploring the religious history of the city with the Church of Sao Francisco dating from 1425, Church of Santa Clara from 1457 and the imposing Clerigos Church which can be seen from across the city.

Don’t forget the more modern features either such as Luis I Bridge leading to Porto’s historic city walls, the Foz do Douro for an amble along the coast and the Casa de Musica concert hall for a some modern culture.

With so much going on, you will want to reward yourself after a long day exploring and heading to Cais da Ribeira to unwind with some of Porto’s finest food and drink.

Got more time? If you’re a wine lover then the Douro Valley is a short trip from Porto, an area that produces more than 80 grape varieties, with popular ones including Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cao and Touriga Franca.

Annecy, France

One of the hidden gems of France, Annecy is a medieval town set in the foothills of the Alps. The town itself set on the western side of the lake that bares its name.

The town has a quaint atmosphere with cobbled stone streets, and hidden alleyways that navigate you around the city and cafes waiting to refresh you all with the gleaming water of the river Thiou by your side. It is very similar to Bruges in Belgium.

Much of what you can do in Annecy revolves around the lake itself, whether you fancy a pedalo ride, hiring a motorboat, paddleboard or just fancy a swim there’s plenty to do. However, if you’d rather be on dry land then the walk around the lake is well worth doing, and if you fancy a tougher hike then you can try the tough ascent to La Tournette – the highest peak in Annecy – whilst tough you’ll be rewarded with the most spectacular views.

For romantic city breaks a visit to Pont des Amours is a must do, rumour has it that if you kiss your partner here then it is guaranteed that you will stay together forever.

Got more time? Depending on which way you plan to travel you can head towards Lyon – France’s food capital. Or if you prefer to head towards the mountains then the Swiss border is not too far so you can head towards Mont-Blanc (Europe’s highest mountain) for Geneva and Lausanne.

Pula, Croatia

Croatia’s probably most famous for the walled city of Dubrovnik or party towns of Split and Hvar, but nestled in the northwest corner near the border with Italy is the beautiful city of Pula.

Given its proximity to Italy, it only natural to find Roman ruins in the city and the Pula Colosseum is the biggest example in the city. Built at the same time as the Colosseum in Rome but remarkably Pula’s is more intact and you can even stand in the tunnels where gladiators would have once been. Now, the Pula Colosseum plays host to several music concerts each year.

Away from the historical side of Pula, there are the beautiful beaches, modern art galleries, plenty of wineries as well as the opportunity to sample the Croatian nightlife. There really is something for everyone.

Got more time? A short trip from Pula brings you to the equally beautiful fishing port of Rovinj and coastal town of Perc. If you have longer in your itinerary you could head further south into Croatia towards Zadar and Split.

Bari, Italy

Italy has so many wonderful towns and cities to explore that it is difficult to narrow down the possibilities, but we’ve chosen the capital of Puglia, Bari.

Situated on the Adriatic coast is has a fabulous one kilometre promenade where you can take a romantic stroll and really get to appreciate the sun and sea.

The Old Town is the heart of the city and you’ll no doubt wander and get lost in the narrow streets here. The key landmarks that you should come to on your wander will be the San Nicola Basilica, San Sabino Cathedral, Via Sparano da Bari shopping street and the vibrant Petruzzelli Theatre.

The San Nicola Basilica is a particular highlight as it is a key pilgrimage site in Europe for Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians.

Got more time? If you plan on renting a car, then a short 2hr drive further south will take you to Lecce, another beautiful city in the heel of Italy. If you have longer (and don’t mind a long ferry journey) you can sail the Adriatic and arrive in Dubrovnik, Croatia which is a wonderful walled city. 

Kotor, Montenegro

Croatia has really embraced tourism over the past few years, but the other Balkan nations are certainly less well travelled meaning you have an opportunities to be a visit before it starts getting overcrowded.

Kotor is a fortified Montenegrin city close to the border with Croatia and sits in the Bay of Kotor surrounded by mountains on all sides.

The city is a great quieter alternative to Dubrovnik. Its Old Town, Stari Grad, was built by Venetians and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It can be accessed by an easy walk along the bay. Once inside, you can enjoy hidden courtyards and a labyrinth of cobbled streets as well as walking the city walls.

If you’re feeling energetic then you can head up to Kotor fortress to get an unforgettable view of the city from on high.

Heading out of the bay from Kotor and you’ll reach Prerast – an beautiful little town where you can catch a short boat ride out on to the lake and across to Our Lady of the Rocks – an island in the bay where you can visit the island church, view incredible frescoes and a museum.

Equally, if you just want to sit and watch the bay from the many hotel balconies that’s also a fantastic option for relaxation.

Got more time? From Kotor you can head into the mountains and get an entirely different experience of Montenegro, whilst if you have more time a 3hr drive from Kotor is Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina which is famous for its Old Bridge which was reconstructed in 2004 after being destroyed during the war, it’s a sobering but wonderful place to see.

Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg is a city in the region of Baden-Wuttemberg in southwest Germany. Sitting on the banks of the River Neckar - itself a tributary of the river Rhine – Heidelberg is famous for its Renaissance style castle and world-renowned university.

In fact, you can follow in the footsteps of the city's most famous academics by walking the Philosophers’ Way. It winds its way along the north side of the river and reveals some of the best views over the river and the city beyond – it is one of the most romantic walks the city can offer.

Heading down into the city itself, can explore the Old Town and Hauptstrasse which are full of squares and shopping streets with cobbled roads leading off them allowing you to find some hidden highlights.

As you wander through the city, you’ll no doubt come across The Church of the Holy Spirit from the 1400s. Don’t forget to take in the bridges that lead you into the Old Town either which are great landmarks in themselves. 

Got more time? Just a short trip east from Heidelberg is the ‘King’s Seat’ which is a hill revealing fantastic views across the Rhine valley. If you continue to travel east you’ll get to what has been voted the most beautiful town in Germany, Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The whole region is well worth some more time visiting.  

Bergen, Norway

On the Norwegian west coast in the heart of the fjords is the historic city of Bergen. Once an integral port to the Hanseatic League – Bergen along with other cities shaped the politics, trade and economies of northern Europe until the 1600s.

A weekend in Bergen today allows its visitors to explore both on the water and off it. Sognefjord - the longest and deepest fjord in Norway – provides opportunities for visitors to cruise the fjord itself, visitingnatural wonders of Bøyabreen glacier and Vøring waterfall plus much more. Whilst the nearby Hardangerfjord – the second biggest fjord- will allow you to see Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue) a well-known and popular vista.

Once you are back on dry land, the city itself has so much to offer. Depending on the type of experience you wish to have you can spend time slowly discovering the city itself taking in the colourful builings of Bryggen – the old harbour. There are also a number of churches (St Mary’s Church and Fantoft Stave Church), fortresses and museums which give a good insight into this medieval city. 

Bergen also has an interesting art and music scene, with modern art galleries and installations like KODE(1-4) to the house of world renown composer Edvard Grieg – who lived out his life overlooking Bergen.

Or if you prefer an active holiday then you can hike one of Bergen’s seven nearby mountains or join one of the many cycling or horse riding experiences that the city has to offer. For those less energetic, there is a cable car or funicular to the top of the mountain offering fantastic views over the city and the fjord beyond.

Got more time? There are some wonderful small villages close to Bergen, two particular favourites are Skudeneshavn and Flam which both have a beautiful serenity about them. You could also venture further in land to the capital Oslo. A scenic train ride connects the two cities, and whilst it takes 6.30hrs you can sit back and take in the picturesque Norwegian landscape on the way.

Utrecht, Netherlands

Utrecht is a culturally interesting city, like many of the other places on this list it has a medieval city centre but is known for its renowned university with celebrated alumni including Rene Descartes.

The city is a fantastic alternative to Amsterdam for those heading to the Netherlands. It is a very walkable city, most of the key landmarks from the Gothic tower which overlooks the city, to St Martin’s Cathedral and Molen Rijn en Zon - a rather peculiarly situated windmill in the middle of the street! - are all easily walkable within around 20 minutes

Its main canal, Oudegracht, meanders its way through the city whilst other waterways encircle it meaning your ever too far away from a riverside walk. Plus in Utrecht, you can walk at canal level, not just up above them.

Other sights of note include Castle de Haar, St Catherin’s Convent museum, Utrecht’s botanical garden and the Janskerkhof flower market. Utrecht is perfect to explore for a weekend break and anyone looking for a more relaxed and less touristy version of Amsterdam.

Got more time? The Netherlands is so much more than Amsterdam but Amsterdam should be on your travel list anyway. It is possible to reach the city within just 40 minutes from Utrecht so if you want to compare them it’s easily done. Other cities and towns that are easily reached from Utrecht include Rotterdam, Den Haag, Delft and our favourites Leiden and Haarlem.

Travel insurance for city breaks

If you are planning a romantic trip away, or just looking for some alternatives to the classic city break destinations then we hope you find some inspiration here.

Don’t forget that no matter what type of trip you’re planning or where you intend to go, make sure to get yourself protected with travel insurance  which can protect against unforeseen travel issues.

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Spring break faqs

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We are a student tour operator, specializing in spring, summer, and winter trips for college students nationwide. In business for over 30 years, we are committed to providing the ultimate travel experience to over 20,000 students each year. Not only do we make your flight and hotel arrangements, but we also plan special events, parties, and even book the biggest names in talent to headline at the hottest venues in specific destinations. There is never a dull moment when you’re traveling with StudentCity! We are committed to going beyond the role of a traditional travel agent, allowing us to ensure that you will have the best experience possible.

Spring Break is a recess from college classes during the spring semester. Each school typically has one week off between the last weeks in February through the end of April. It is estimated that over 3.7 million students travel during this period, making it one of the biggest travel periods of the year.

StudentCity organizes tons of events in the most popular travel locations, combining local flavor with our own high-energy party style. We organize themed nights at local clubs, open bar specials, beach parties, and contests. We also line up more celebrity hosts and entertainers than any other tour operator. Like us on Facebook to get updates on the locations, events, and celebrities and where they will be for Spring Break.

In Cancun, we run our own music festival. Inception Music Festival features 30 days and 30 nights of the world’s top DJs and other artists performing at Cancun’s hottest clubs, such as The City, Dady’O, Palazzo, Mandala, Mandala Beach, and more! Past talent has included Hardwell, Tiesto, Afrojack, Nicky Romero, Snoop Dogg, Lil Jon, Fedde Le Grand, and dozens more.

In Nassau, StudentCity hosts the ONLY open bar events on the island, which are exclusive to StudentCity travelers, and feature top-notch talent.

In Panama City Beach, Florida, StudentCity offers the only Party Package Bundle, which offers free pregame parties, VIP access to the hottest clubs, and tickets to Sharky’s Beach Bash Music Festival, which takes place every Wednesday afternoon during Spring Break and has featured artists as big as Steve Aoki in the past.

For access to the best parties and events with headlining talent, StudentCity travelers have the ability to purchase a Party Package that will get you into the most popular and exclusive parties. This is available at our most popular Spring Break destinations. You can either buy at the time of booking (which is the easiest), or at any time before you leave, both online or by calling 1-888-777-4642. You can also purchase the StudentCity Party Package on location at your Welcome Orientation; however, as packages do sell out, we strongly recommend buying before you leave.

Airport Fees:

If you are traveling internationally, you’ll be charged U.S. and foreign departure taxes and fees in addition to your package price. These taxes and fees vary depending on your departure city and destination, and may change if the government changes the fees between the time you book and the time you travel. Passengers are responsible for any changes in taxes and fees. Tours may also include a processing fee that varies by destination. When you price your trip, all airport fees and processing fees will be included in your final price.

Change Fees:

Changes are no problem as long as our suppliers can accommodate the request. We can’t make any guarantees, but we do promise to make every effort on your behalf. There is a per person fee for changing a reservation in any way once StudentCity has received your deposit. Adding customers to an existing reservation is NOT considered a change. Change fees will be applied for, but are not limited to, the following situations: name changes, hotel changes, and destination changes. These additional fees will appear on your final price after the change has been made.

Cancellation Fees:

Once your deposit is received, all cancellations must be written and sent to our office via email. There is a cancellation fee that will be assessed to your account based on time of cancellation. If your package is paid in full and includes the Comprehensive Travel Insurance, you may be entitled to a refund through the insurance company. Please contact our Customer Service department at [email protected] with any cancellation requests or questions.

The Comprehensive Travel Insurance can cover a range of unforeseen instances that affect travel, such as medical expenses, trip cancelation, trip delay or baggage delay, just to name a few. Please note your travel insurance does not cover your account until your trip is paid in full.

Please note that many airlines now charge a fee for checked baggage, which is not included in your price. Please see your airline’s website or call their toll-free number for their current baggage allowance and schedule. If a fee should apply, it will be paid by you directly to the airline upon your physical check in on your day of departure.

Hotels reserve the right to charge a refundable damage/security deposit that is collected at check-in and returned if there is no damage to your room. In many hotels, this can be provided at the time of check-in with a credit card, but be prepared to pay cash if the hotel requires it. This will range from $50 to $150 per person. In rare instances, hotels may charge additional gratuities, non-refundable usages fees, etc. either in advance or at check-in. These hotel-specific fees will show up on your invoice if they are collected in advance, or in your trip documents and on our website if you need to pay at the hotel. The Oasis in Cancun, Mexico charges a non-refundable damage fee of $20-$50 per person that will be collected by the hotel upon your arrival.

Some international hotels may have an all-inclusive room option, a standard room option, or a combination of both. With an all-inclusive room option, the cost of your trip includes your meals and drinks at your hotel; you simply show your all-inclusive wristband provided to you when you check in. The standard room option means that you are only booking a hotel room at that hotel and you will need to purchase your meals and drinks separately while you are traveling. If the hotel offers both room types they will be able to distinguish between guests by assigning different color wristbands which will identify which room type you purchased.

Random travelers from other groups will not be put into your room unless we receive permission to do so.

You are responsible for finding your own roommates and notifying your Group Organizer accordingly. Should any or all of your roommate(s) cancel, you will be responsible for the increased price due to occupancy changes prior to departure. Please review your account/invoice for occupancy surcharge rates. If you and/or your Group Organizer fail to provide a rooming list, StudentCity may assign your groups’ rooming list at our discretion, which may include co-ed rooms.

StudentCity accepts checks and money orders, as well as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. You may make credit card payments on our secure website via your online account, or by calling our office at 1-888-777-4642 to pay by phone.

For checks and money orders please send them to:

StudentCity Customer Service Department

8 Essex Center Drive

Peabody, MA 01960.

Please write your Customer ID on your check or money order before mailing it in.

Failure to make timely payments may result in cancellation of your reservation, loss of first-choice hotel, flight, cruise and/or other transportation, assessment of a late fee or a reinstatement fee, and/or removal of all price discounts/adjustments and booking incentives previously applied to your account.

StudentCity will accommodate any changes as long as our suppliers can accommodate the request. We can’t make any guarantees, but we do promise to make every effort on your behalf. There is a per person fee for changing a reservation once StudentCity had received your deposit. Adding new travelers to an existing reservation is not considered a change. Change fees will be applied for, but are not limited to, the following situations: name changes, hotel changes, airport change, and destination changes. These additional fees will appear on your final price after the change.

Once your deposit has been made, and you decide cancel, your must submit your cancellation in writing to [email protected] . Please read your Tour Participation Agreement for more details on the Cancellation Policy or refer to the “What fees should I know about?” section of the FAQs.

In most cases, yes, you may transfer your reservation to someone else, free of charge, if you have not yet placed your initial deposit. There will be a name change fee, a minimum of $35, added to the new reservation for this transfer once the initial deposit has been made. If flights have already been purchased, you may be assessed an additional fee from the airline or not be able to transfer your booking to someone else. Please contact us at 1-888-777-4642 if you are looking to do a name change on your trip, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. All name change requests will need to be submitted in writing to [email protected] .

The Departments of State and Homeland Security require US citizens to have a passport for international travel. So, if you are traveling to any of our Mexico or Caribbean destinations, you will need to obtain a passport prior to departure. Click here for more information.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, it is your responsibility to contact your local consulate and secure the necessary documents needed to travel to your chosen destination. If you don’t bring the correct documentation to the airport, you won’t be allowed to board the plane and unfortunately, you’ll have to forfeit your entire trip.

According the Center for Disease Control (CDC,) you will not need shots for travel to any of our current destinations. For more information, visit the CDC website here.

We do not guarantee a non-stop or direct flight. However, sometimes that option is available for an additional fee. If it is available, it will be included as an available option when you choose your flight during the booking process.

This depends on which flight option you choose. You may choose a preferred airline when you book your trip, usually for a fee in addition to our standard package price. Otherwise, we utilize many different charter and scheduled airlines, including, but not limited to, American, US Air, Jet Blue, AirTran, United, Miami Air International, and Spirit Airlines. All charter airlines are subject to the same maintenance rules and inspections put forth by the FAA. In some cases you will be flown on a scheduled airline or in seats that we have purchased through a charter airline not listed above. All flight info will be posted to your online account no later than 3 weeks prior to departure.

We do not accept frequent flyer miles, but if you wish to use them, you have the option to reserve your hotel and party packages through us and book your own flight. Please call us at 1-888-777-4642 so we can help you set up these options.

Yes, StudentCity does offer a hotel-only option if you would like to book only your hotel accommodations with us and then purchase your own flight.

Travel documents will not be made available until passengers have made a full payment and accepted the customer agreement online (simply click I Accept online when prompted). All travelers MUST print and bring their travel vouchers by accessing their account on our website; NOTHING WILL BE MAILED TO YOU. An email notification will be sent to you and/or your StudentCity Group Organizer/Campus Representative when your travel documents are ready. In most cases, the travel documents are available to print 5-14 days prior to departure. StudentCity is not responsible for undelivered or misdirected email, so please be sure to continue to check your online account for updates.

Please note that many airlines charge a fee for checked baggage, which is not included in your price. Please see your airline carrier’s website or call their toll-free number for their current baggage allowance and schedule. If a fee should apply, it will be paid by you directly to the airline upon your physical check in on your day of departure.

If you miss your flight on a commercial carrier (regardless of the reason) on the inbound route, you will need to contact the airline immediately and try to fly standby on another flight. Also, you will need to check the status of your outbound (returning) flight. In almost all circumstances, the airline will automatically cancel your return ticket, however, it is best you work directly with the airline ticket agent to secure a flight to your destination and back.

You will be responsible for paying all fees that may apply. In order to be provided an updated airport transfer, you must also notify StudentCity of any airline changes you have made. If you miss your return flight, you must go to the airport immediately and contact the carrier to find the next available flight. You will be responsible for paying all fees that may apply.

If you miss your inbound flight on a charter flight, you will almost always have to buy a brand new one-way ticket to your destination on a commercial carrier and notify StudentCity of these changes for the appropriate transfer to be provided. Note: it’s usually possible to retain the return portion of the ticket. You should check with StudentCity Customer Service in the event that this occurs.

In the event of a flight delay, please be patient and understand that everyone involved is working to get each traveler to his or her destination as quickly and safely as possible. If you leave the tour, make long distance phone calls, or incur expenses, regardless of reason, you will not be reimbursed. Flight delays are unfortunate, but are an inherent risk in air travel. As a result of recent changes in US D.O.T. regulations, air carriers/tour companies are no longer required to provide any compensation (i.e. meals, accommodations, missed vacation time and features) unless a delay is more than 48 hours. If you have purchased Comprehensive Travel Insurance, which has provisions for flight delays, please contact Travel Guard for reimbursement options.

No, StudentCity does not supply chaperones, but we do provide 24-hour on site professional staff to assist you.*

StudentCity views its student travelers as responsible adults. Staff will provide all travelers with a complete Welcome Orientation upon arrival. We’ll tell you what to do in case of an emergency, how to find our staff, and other important information to ensure maximum safety, as well as fun. In some locations StudentCity partners with other tour operators who will provide you with various types of orientations and assistance. You should check with a Customer Service representative at 1-888-777-4642 to find out exactly what is available at your location, or check the destination page on the website.

*For most destinations. Exceptions do apply.

If a hotel is listed as “on request,” you are your roommates must pay your required deposit and StudentCity will send your reservation request to the hotel for confirmation.

In the unlikely event that the hotel is unable to confirm your reservation, we will offer you an alternative hotel or a full refund.

Spring break is a period of time when classes are not in session and students are on vacation. The exact dates for spring break vary from school to school, but they are generally a one-week period in March or April. It is the period when students are given approximately one week to relax after their school exams.

Spring break in Florida is usually from mid-March to early April depending on the individual school’s academic calendar.

Some of the most popular locations for Spring Break in Florida are Panama City Beach , Fort Lauderdale, and Daytona Beach.

During a spring break vacation from college, many students travel to different places to enjoy themselves. Students can choose to travel to a tourist destination on their own or with the help of a travel agent. StudenCity can help individuals or groups of students with planning a trip to celebrate their spring break.

Popular spring break destinations include Florida, Texas or Mexico due to the mild weather conditions during spring break.

There are many destination options for spring break trips available to students in the United States. Some of the most popular destinations for spring break among college students are Cancun, Nassau, South Padre Island, Cabo San Lucas, and Panama City Beach. Miami and Fort Lauderdale tend to see large spring break crowds as well, but can be very expensive.

The best advice for a fun, successful, and safe spring break trip is to plan ahead. Getting an early start can help you get the most out of your spring break. A reputable travel agent, like StudentCity.com , can help you book flights and hotels if you plan to spend your spring break with a large group of friends.

You can find hotel deals, flights, and vacation packages by going to StudentCity.com . StudentCity is committed to providing you with the greatest value during your travels.

Resorts and hotels in the U.S. are available at a wide range of prices. Prices vary depending on your destination, number of travelers, the season, and the amenities offered. For more information on travel prices, please contact StudentCity .

If you are on a budget, an experienced and reputable travel agent is the best resource to plan a spring break trip within your means. They will help you find the best deals and travel packages in your price range. StudentCity has been an industry leader in spring break trips for over 30 years. They help to match your budget with the experience you’re looking for. They offer the best rates available and exclusive Party Packages.

A good spring break all-inclusive college package can be found with a travel agent like StudentCity . They can help you find the perfect fit for your needs and budget. A good spring break all-inclusive college package includes hotel accommodations, meals & drinks, an on-site team, and roundtrip airfare.

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Trump trial schedule: Latest on the trial and what you should expect this week

Former President Donald Trump 's hush money trial is on break Monday, but court will reconvene Tuesday morning .

Although the jurors and lawyers typically gather on Monday mornings, Judge Juan Merchan ruled last week that there would be no proceedings Monday, April 29.

Monday is part of the last two days of the Jewish holiday of Passover . Court also let out early on April 22 and April 23 to allow people to travel for religious gatherings.

Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records to disguise the hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels that allegedly constituted an illegal campaign contribution.

Here is what to know as Trump's trial continues into Week 3:

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Trump trial live updates: Michael Cohen's banker to testify on payment to Stormy Daniels

Trump trial schedule

The tria is expected to last six to eight weeks, according to a media advisory .

Proceedings typically start at 9:30 a.m. local time and run through the business day. Court is on break on Wednesdays .

Trial is not televised, but you can read transcripts

New York City Criminal Court is publishing the trial transcripts and copies of evidence shown to the jury.

Transcripts of proceedings aren't always available, but officials decided to make them available because of "unparalleled public interest."

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday's transcripts are available now on the New York State Unified Court System's media website. Evidence shown to the jury, including texts, emails and photos , also are available from last week's proceedings.

Week 2 ended during third witness testimony

Jurors heard from three witnesses last week.

First, David Pecker, former head of the National Enquirer’s parent company, testified about how he used the publication to write positive stories about Trump and prevent negative stories about him from coming out during his 2016 presidential campaign.

His testimony and cross-examination spanned three days. He also said his editor-in-chief believed Stormy Daniels' story about an alleged sexual encounter in 2006, which Trump denies.

Trump's former executive assistant Rhona Graff made a brief appearance on the witness stand Friday. When court wrapped for the week, the prosecution was questioning Gary Farro, former senior managing director at First Republic Bank. Farro, who was former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen's banker in 2016, could be used to bring in email evidence about the payment to Daniels. CNN reported Cohen used money from his home equity line to cover Daniels' payment, and an email from a First Republic Bank employee confirmed the transfer.

Leaving the courthouse Friday, Trump challenged President Joe Biden to a debate.

“We’ll do it at the White House,” Trump said. “That would be very comfortable, actually.”

Contributing: Bart Jansen and Aysha Bagchi