u/Physical_Travel_7794

Hi

Staying in Sesmarias near Albufeira this weekend and am planning an afternoon wine tasting in Porches. We are not driving ourselves (no car), so want to minimize cost / time spent repeating uber trips from our hotel.

Therefore we were thinking of doing Praia de Marinha and Benagil before the wine tasting since it’s not far. At first I was thinking of a taxi to Armacao de pera and then there’s a morning 1HR boat trip to these spots to see them from the water.

However, I’ve also read that seeing them from above is better because the cave is underwhelming with all the tourist boats and a 1 minute time to go inside and snap a shot before leaving. I’ve heard the beaches are currently also covered with seaweed so not the best time to visit either. Therefore, I was thinking of an alternative option - a car / tuk tuk tour that takes you to Carvoeiro from Albufeira, where you see the sights from above. We prefer a vehicle tour as we can’t just hike the normal path due to one person being >60 years old and need to be a bit careful about uneven paths and safety for her due to a past fall.

My question: which is a better experience of these locations? Is the boat experience that underwhelming?

Thank you!

Hi

My family are spending way too much on private health insurance and need to reduce the cost. I understand the case for and against PMI, but assume they want to keep some level for now so we want to find a cheaper plan.

There are so many brokers online and I don’t know which is most reputable. I understand they shouldn’t charge any recurring or one off fee to the customer and would like to find an experienced one who is really knowledgeable about the providers (whole of market), coverage details (like if specific drugs under cancer coverage differ by provider) and trustworthy to provide the best option (not under any incentive to sell me a specific plan).

Are any brokers widely considered to be a strong choice for the above? Thank you!

Please can anyone help advise:
(a) who are the best independent whole market health insurance brokers? Too much choice online without clear differentiation
(b) how should I optimize private health insurance \*coverage\* level for cost if my aim is to get the best care for very serious or chronic health conditions that would be better served privately and otherwise very expensive out of pocket? For example, illnesses, treatments (e.g., specific drugs for cancer and Alzheimers) or surgeries not provided on the NHS, or that have very long waitlists, or are poorly treated vs private coverage. Struggling to find a comprehensive list of these conditions and treatments to make an informed decision though so would appreciate any input!

Context: mid-60s parents with no major conditions besides one having osteoporosis are paying too much for the same Bupa plan for the last 15+ years. Need to find a better deal with another provider or even Bupa themselves as it’s unaffordable.

I know private is largely comfort and speed whilst NHS is great for most life threatening conditions. However if my parents got a bad or chronic condition, having them see the best specialist able to give them the best treatments if needed, that would otherwise be unaffordable or unavailable (NHS) could be worth paying for.

Also given my aims, should I be focused on inpatient only to minimize cost vs extremity of condition?

Any help appreciated - thank you!

Please can anyone help advise:
(a) who are the best independent whole market health insurance brokers? Too much choice online without clear differentiation
(b) how should I optimize private health insurance *coverage* level for cost if my aim is to get the best care for very serious or chronic health conditions that would be better served privately and otherwise very expensive out of pocket? For example, illnesses, treatments (e.g., specific drugs for cancer and Alzheimers) or surgeries not provided on the NHS, or that have very long waitlists, or are poorly treated vs private coverage. Struggling to find a comprehensive list of these conditions and treatments to make an informed decision though so would appreciate any input!

Context: mid-60s parents with no major conditions besides one having osteoporosis are paying too much for the same Bupa plan for the last 15+ years. Need to find a better deal with another provider or even Bupa themselves as it’s unaffordable.

I know private is largely comfort and speed whilst NHS is great for most life threatening conditions. However if my parents got a bad or chronic condition, having them see the best specialist able to give them the best treatments if needed, that would otherwise be unaffordable or unavailable (NHS) could be worth paying for.

Any help appreciated - thank you!

In Madrid last minute this weekend and understand that usually Strong is a popular cruisy / sex oriented night, but just found out a circuit party called Fuego is on tonight.

I’m a 31 yo solo traveller bottom (athletic but not circuit party ripped-esque) looking for the night with hotter guys (athletic / muscular in general) to play with.

Which one should I go to tonight? My concern is if Fuego is popular, then Strong won’t be as busy or attract as many hot men tonight.