The most amazing road in the world

Follow in the footsteps of the Top Gear team, and travel the Transfagarasanul in Romania. Hire a 4x4 or sporty car from Tipoa Car Hire from either of the two Bucharest airports Baneasa Airport or Otopeni Airport and head North West for 85 miles / 137 km

The Transfagarasan road starts in Bascov, Romania, a village near the town Pitesti.

The road was built between 1970-1974 by Nicolae Ceausescu, he wanted to provide a strategic road over the mountains.

Building the road over the Transfagarasan in Romania required considerable material efforts, and came at a large human cost as many soldiers lost their lives. 

This romanian mountain road (or national road 7 C) is one of the most spectacular and challenging roads in the world to drive, it rises to a height of 3013 meter.

The maximum speed you can achieve on Transagarasan is 40 km/h (25 miles/h).

The road is closed between October until June because of snow.

If you make the trip to Romania, to drive the Transfaragarsan you should also visit the Vidraru Lake, this reservoir created by the dam in 1966.

The fresh air from there, and the silence is inspirational.

The Transfagarasan at 2034 meters, and is the second highest road in Romania. The highest being the Transalpina, with 2145 meters.

Zero Excess Car Hire Insurance does not mean no deposit

When renting a car, many people confuse Zero Excess Insurance and it's effect on the Security Deposit.

This is understandable given that the rental car industry, do their best to confuse two seperate elements when renting a car, by linking them together.

It is common now for online car hire brokers such as Tipoa, to team up with a third party insurance company.

Tipoa work with Allianz and offer the Allianz Global Assistance as an optional extra. (details below)

However whilst this is a very sensible extra to include in your rental car reservation, it does not avoid, the car supplier on arrival, authorising your credit card for the security deposit, which happens to be normally based upon the amount of excess you have.

Therefore people understandably think that by purchasing the "zero excess insurance" they will not have to pay (have held against your card) the security deposit. This is not the case.

Zero Excess Insurance Tipoa Car Hire

ALLIANZ GLOBAL ASSISTANCE

Excess Cover Insurance:

Vehicle Hire Excess & Security Deposit protection Insurance

Avoid ALL Excess Charges for just EUR 6.74 a day! Allianz Excess Insurance gives you complete peace of mind. Most companies charge an Excess, if you have a claim - typically you pay the first EUR 1,000

Our Policy covers:

• Excess up to EUR 3000.00

• Windows

• Tyres

• Undercarriage

• Roof

• Rental car key cover up to EUR 550.00

• Personal Possessions up to EUR 300.00

Allianz Global Assistance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA)

A link to the typical terms and conditions of the Allianz Global Assistance policy, in this example for the UK:- https://www.magroup-online.com/CTW/IE/EN/CTW_IE_en_TCs.html

SECURITY DEPOSIT

Each car supplier will "hold" a deposit on the drivers credit card, as a security deposit. Although this does not directly relate to insurance, the deposit amount is often based upon the Insurance Excess amount. For example if the insurance excess amount is 300 EURO then the security deposit will be that figure/sum. 

You can view each car's excess amount and terms and conditions by clicking on the link entitled " rate details " displayed to the right of each car photo at STEP2 of the tipoa.com online booking process.

If you reduce the excess insurance to zero then it WILL NOT mean that you will not have a security deposit to pay, but the security deposit amount may be reduced as a result.

Each supplier will put a "hold" on the credit card for the security deposit amount, for the duration of the hire, and this "hold" will be released when the car is returned and assuming there are no losses or damages.

You should ensure that you have enough "credit" on your card to enable the security deposit pre-authorisation to to take place successfully.

There is an increase of incidences where hire cars are never returned, and the security deposit assists the car supplier to establish the identity of the hirer, whereas a debit card or cash do not.

Goldcar Check-in Online new service

Rental car supplier Goldcar are now offering the option of advance Checking-in On-line when booking at the Tipoa Car Hire website.

We assume that the extremely long queues experienced at the Goldcar desks in the Spanish Airports this year in particular, prompted them to create this new service.

Tipoa welcomes any innovations that may save its customers time.

But it is unclear to us how precisely this saves our clients time and, more importantly, avoids long queues.

Strangely, Goldcar themselves seem unable to explain how using their new online check in facility saves the customer time.

Of course, entering your identity document, driving license, credit card details in advance saves Goldcar staff time from having to 

manually enter this information in the system at the desk when you arrive.

However, it is our understanding that these documents still have to be produced at the counter.

Goldcar already operate an "Express Service" so unless completing the new online check-in forms allows you to use their "Express Service", we do not see its benefits.

If you have already used this new Goldcar service, perhaps you would be kind enough to share your thoughts with us.

You can either email our travel writer Uxía Olsson at uxiaolsson@gmail.com personally, or share your experiences on our Travel Blog so that other travellers can benefit from

your comments.

Did you really save time?, were you asked to show the same documentation again?, would you recommend it to others?

Reunion Island Madagascar Shark Attack

Reunion Island The victim is understood to have been just three to five metres from the shore at the bay of Saint-Paul, northwest of the island, when she was attacked at around 2.30pm local time. "Part of her body was carried away by the shark," said Gina Hoarau, director of public safety in Saint-Paul. "The conditions of the attack are surprising. You wouldn't think that a shark would get this close to the shore," she added. The teenager, who lives in mainland France with her mother, was on holiday visiting her father who works at a yacht club in the area. She was snorkelling in an unsupervised area where bathing is forbidden due to high shark numbers, officials said. A friend who was with her at the time of the attack managed swim back to shore and emergency services including lifeguards, firefighters and a police helicopter were called to the scene. It is the second deadly shark attack this year off the French island, situated east of Madagascar, and brings the total of shark-related deaths there since 2011 to five. And it is the first time in at least three decades that a swimmer, rather than a surfer, was killed by a shark off the island. Local authorities this month renewed safety warnings after an increase in shark numbers. A mayor and French politician, Thierry Robert, last year described a marine reserve near the bay of Saint-Paul set up six years ago to safeguard coral reefs as "a shark's larder". In May, a 36-year-old French man on his honeymoon was killed off the popular beach of Brisants de Saint-Gilles on the west of the island while surfing. Shark fishing is not forbidden off the island but there has been little fishing since 2009 because of a toxin currently found in their flesh that causes food poisoning. Locals claim tiger and bull shark populations have multiplied as a result. A spate of shark attacks last year off Reunion Island prompted France to hire a team of professional fishermen to kill around 20 of them but Paris has refused to mount a more widespread cull.

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MUSE in Porto

Estádio do Dragão I discovered the British music band MUSE when I was living in Cardiff, 8 years ago and since I truly wanted to see them playing live. I missed the chance to do so last October when they came to Madrid and I was determinate to fly wherever they played next. So I booked the tickets for Porto the first day they went available and reserve my flights the same day.

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Muse at Estadio do Dragao ticket

Born in Galicia As a Galician, I have been in Portugal several times because the proximity of my mother land to this country but my only visit to Porto was that short I thought it would be fair to go there again and make sure I discover the little secrets this World Heritage Town has to offer.

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Independence square

Car Hire The trip was planned so I departed from Valencia Airport and landed in Porto 70 minutes later. Although the rental car desks are very conveniently placed at the arrivals building, and the fleet also just outside the terminal building, Porto is a very tricky labyrinth of up and down old and narrow streets, so I didn't feel confident enough to drive a hired car from Tipoa Francisco Sá Carneiro Porto Airport but walking and using public transport this time.

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Car rental desks at Porto Airport

Downtown My modest hotel was located very close to the Praça da Batlha, downtown. So I took the metro's line E (violet) at the airport and switch in Trindade station to line D (yellow) to San Bento train station. This station has been named as the most beautiful in the world.

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Blue and white mosaics at San Bento

Shopping From there, just a 5 minutes walk there is located Santa Catalina St, the most popular shopping area in town, that I didn't mean to avoid having a look inside the shops but as it was Sunday, most of them were closed. International brands as Zara, Benetton, Fnac,... share the pedestrian street that someone says it reminds them to Florianápolis town, in Brazil, known as the  prettiest island in the country and where Tipoa Florianápolis Airport office can provide you with any type of car you wish to discover the landscapes on the isle. Via Catarina shopping centre hosts dozens of shops and also a whole floor of bars. Very useful to shelter ourselves in this erratic atlantic weather.

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Staying The Porto Novo Hostal is located in 185 Alexandre Herculano and it consists in a four floor completely refurbished building, providing bathroom in suit in all bedrooms, , 24 hours reception and a small area with t.v., sofas and kitchen. I got a double room for 25 euros/night. Be aware that even the price includes a free wifi connection, at the top floors the signal is too weak.  I suggested the staff to place a second access point so the signal can be reachable from all levels... In the meanwhile, if you stay there, you will have to sit with your mobile device close to reception... :)

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Views from my hotel window

Popping around Some of the buildings I could visit were, i.e. the Santo Ildefonso Church presides the Praça da Batalha, covered in blue and white tiles as many other monuments in Porto. I spent the rest of the day walking up and down the old streets of the ancient Porto...

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Saint Ildefonso church

                         
 

...to end at the popular Ribeira, where the traditional cuisine bars and restaurants are located by the Douro (Golden) River. Ravelo boats visitors from one river to the other, and on board some of them also they can even try a Port wine. For just €1.50 I could taste one of the most known soups in Portugal, the "Caldo Verde" (Green Broth) or, if you happen to be there in June as I was, then grilled sardines are a must.  Bigger and tastier than the ones from the Mediterranean Sea, the sardines caught in Atlantic waters are simply delicious. Don Luiz Bridge O Morro ao longe Sitting by the Ribeira side of the Douro River, on 87 Muro Dos Bacalhoeiros Streey, I enjoyed an "açorda" , made of rustic bread, lovely seafood and poached egg, all accompanied with a bottle of the region's Vinho Verde (Green Wine) at Restaurant O Muro, a friendly family run business which you will leave satisfyingly full. After crossing the Don Luiz bridge I arrived in the town of Vila Nova de Gaia, where I could sit outdoors in one of the terraces of the many bars and cellars (Caves) on Cândido dos Reis Street. The Garden at Santa Marinha Parish is partiality seen from the bottom of the hill (Morro) where the funicular departs from. Chestnut Stew A typical ingredient in Portugal's cuisine is the chestnut. I tried a kid's stew cooked in red wine sauce and chestnuts puree at the Adega e Presuntaria Transmontana, a very popular place for locals, with a full range of self service bar of desserts. I was offered three different boards: cured meats, ham, cheeses. Also rustic bread, herrings and olives.  Be aware of the huge portions bars and restaurants serve: I highly recommend to share the dishes rather than ending wasting a lot of food.  Pastelarias The busiest cafe in town is the Café Majestic, on Santa Catalina Street. Visitors and clients queue to sit at its terrace or to get inside and enjoy a homemade iced tea (chã gelado) or just take a few photos of the old fashion mirrored walls.  The Coliseum, offering lots of shows and concerts during this summer season, also can be found in its surroundings.

Portuguese love their sweets and there are plenty of Pastelarias all around town. Also cafe shops offer a wide choice of typical desserts and pastries.

Try a typical "bolo de arroz" (cake made of rice) and be sure you will try to bake back home!

Transportes Intermodais do Porto

Cartão do metro

The night of the concert (Monday 10th) I took the metro from Trindade station, one of the three lines (blue A; red B; and violet E) that end at the Estádio do Dragão

Make sure you get a proper ticket wherever you go by metro. Although there are not barriers to go down to the platforms, you might be fined if asked by a Transportes Intermodais do Porto employee and you cannot present a valid one. 

New €5 note

I knew Portuguese are kind and smiley friendly people and they proved so once again when the metro employeeshelped me to top up the travel voucher I got from the airport.

They also warned me that the new 5 euro note is not yet recognised by the automatic ticket machine.

By the time the concert was over, the latest trains of the day waited for those concert attendants who wanted to get back home or enjoy a drink in the popular "Bares" (pubs) area.  What a great organisation! 

Renfe

Cercanías de Madrid

Coming back to Valencia was tricky as no flights were available on Tuesday with Ryanair. So I flew to Madrid, where I took the free bus from Terminal 1 to Terminal 4 building and I was able to get a Renfe cercanías train to Atocha railway station, where I got the AVE (High Speed) to Valencia Joaquín Sorolla

Portugal Day

45000 souls singing

This MUSE concert became the best live show I have ever been. 

Their amazing sound lasted for two hours. The shortest two hours of the 45,000 fans from Spain and Portugal congregate in Porto on the Portugal National Day

New 20 baht note and it's green !

The new 20 baht note is green !

Anyone familiar with Thailand currency will know that the 20 baht note has always been blue, so be careful especially in badly lit places.

Of course the Thailand government recently added a new 50 baht note that is Blue....

Deadly floods hit Mauritius capital Port Louis

At least 11 people have died after sudden rains caused flooding in the Mauritian capital Port Louis on Saturday, officials have said.

Read More at the BBC News website :-

Travelling to Thailand

If you intend to travel to Thailand then I would suggest this list may be helpful, irrespective of whether you are staying in first class or budget accommodation:-

1. Before you even depart, put your suitcases on your bed and throw out at least half of the clothes you intended to take. In Thailand there is nowhere to wear formal or quality clothing or high heels. Thailand does not have any chic entertainment establishments, so you will never get the chance to wear any of it. This applies to male and female. In addition, the temperatures are so hot day & night, that you will remain as casual as possible, with as little clothing as is possible.

2. Not absolutely necessary but given the above, don't bring with you any unnecessary valuables, especially expensive / designer jewellery or cameras. Suffice with your phone or tablet to take your photos. Large cameras take up valuable space in any in room safes that may be supplied.

3. If you intend to hire a car and drive, beware of your surroundings at all times, as motorbikes rule ok !  Motorbikes will travel either side of the road, often driving against the flow of traffic. Young babies, children and animals can
all be aboard a typical scooter. If you plan to hire a motor cycle then always wear a crash helmet, as police checkpoints day and night are very frequent and it is an instant fine.

4. There are very few petrol stations, and they tend to close very early indeed. Most 18:30-19:30 hrs. There are always a few 24 hr gas stations, normally near airports, but these are rare.

5. Buy a cheap pay as you go phone. Your friends and family can call you on this phone, so you don't incur roaming charges for your normal telephone operator. You can get a samsung phone and SIM card for 50 baht.

6. Eat local Thai food if you can, as this is so much cheaper and great source of goodness.

7. Do not tip too much. There is no need and it is not expected to tip the traditional 10%. 20-30 baht is ample.

8. Do not buy anything in the tourist areas. Find nearby local markets for the best bargains. Start by at least halving any price that is being asked.

9. Be mindful that the typical daily pay for a Thai is around 300 baht.

10. Always check your bill carefully.

Superb blog Phuket101, congratulations !

A very useful blog indeed on all things Phuket

If you intend to travel to Phuket and possibly stay for a longer period, make sure you read this blog.

Arrivals Hall Phuket International Airport we are moving

Phuket Rental Car Services 

Tipoa and it's local supplier are moving into the arrivals hall at Phuket International Airport [HKT]

Tipoa Car Hire: Malaysia Airlines Office Phuket

Tipoa Car Hire: Malaysia Airlines Office Phuket: Well once again I am giving advice on how to find somewhere on the island of Phuket, Thailand. This time it is the only office of Malaysia...

How to find True Visions Phuket Town office

If you are an expat living on the island of Phuket, Thailand and want or already have Cable TV beaming in your favourite European Sport or Movie Channels with True Visions, then very often you have to travel to their office to make a bill / subscription payment, or adjust your TV viewing package.

Well there is only one official True Visions office in Phuket and it's a very small and unassuming shop, given this is a premiere supplier of satellite TV for the whole of Thailand.

Finding their office is not easy, if you don't read or speak Thai.

So I hope this blog will assist you do that.

If you are travelling to Phuket Town from almost any direction, whether it be East, North or West, this map will assist you. In my case i was heading down from the very north of the island, near the Laguna area.

The total distance in my case as you can see was 12 miles with an estimated journey time of 20 minutes.

Avoid early and late rush hours. Travelling between 11:00 - 15:00 hrs is ideal.

Basically travelling on the main road from the airport to Phuket Town (402) continue straight all the way in to the heart of Phuket Town. Look out for the taller Phuket Town Inn white building on your right hand side (photo A), but continue straight on. 

Do not turn at all just head straight all the way in until you reach the old town clock-tower which will be on your right at a road junction, where you turn left at the traffic lights. 
(photo B)

The address of the office:

145/6 Phang-nga road
T. Taladyai, A. Muang
Phuket Town, Phuket 83000
Thailand

Royal Phuket City Hotel [รอยัลซิตี้ภูเก็ต]

Having turned left continue straight ahead., passing on your right another tall white building the Royal Phuket City Hotel [รอยัลซิตี้ภูเก็ต ].The True office is a little further along just past the hotel on the same side of the road. Normally parking is possible on the opposite side, near the green royal porcelain shop.


I thank +jon phuket at the Tipoa Car Hire Patong office for his assistance in the making of this blog.


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