When you’re booking travel insurance you will notice that there are all sorts of different policies and levels of cover available. From fleet insurance to cruise travel insurance, single-trip to annual cover, there are various types of cover to provide the right level of protection to suit your trip and your budget.

Exactly what is included in your travel insurance policy will of course depend on your insurance provider, the type of trip you are taking and whether or not you have added any extras. Here are some of the main features that you should look out for when organizing travel insurance:

Medical Expenses: To protect against the cost of medical attention or hospital stays.

Personal Liability: In case you accidentally cause an injury to another person or damage their property, which could lead to them suing you. You can also include cover for legal expenses.

Personal Accident: A slip and fall attorney gwinnett county explains that in the case of an accident that leads to permanent disability or death, a good travel insurance policy will provide financial cover.

 Holiday Cancellation or Missed Departure: Should you fall ill, sustain an injury or if personal circumstances prevent you from going on holiday, you can often claim the expense of your booking through your travel insurance. Similarly, you can add protection for a missed departure and claim the cost of your missed flight or for additional travel expenses.

Other key features include failure of carrier, loss of hotel facilities and hijack, as well as cover for lost or stolen possessions.

Additional cover should also be sought if you are planning a winter sports holiday or a cruise, and specialist policies are also available for weddings and business trips. So it’s well worth doing your research to ensure you and your party are fully covered, if nothing else, just for complete peace of mind.

Whatever type of travel insurance you’re looking for, from winter sports or cruise travel insurance to standard holiday cover, you will find a wide range of insurance policies through Thomas Cook Extras. Visit the website at thomascook.com and click on the ‘Extras’ tab to find out more and to book your travel insurance online.

 Ask any globe-trotter to describe Washington D.C., and you’ll likely hear stories of stately monuments and museums galore. This American capital is filled with history, but some of its most outstanding treasures are situated in the less-traveled neighborhoods. Not sure where to start? Let us show you around.

The Sightseers’ Paradise: National Mall

Less proper neighborhood than sprawling tourist center, the National Mall is home to Washington D.C.’s most famous attractions. You’ll want to spend a little time exploring the monuments, museums and art galleries, but don’t get stuck in this area for days on end; there’s plenty to experience beyond the historical sights, and the heart of D.C. lives well beyond the National Mall’s borders.

The Local Enclave: Mount Pleasant

Situated just north of the Adams Morgan area, this local-friendly neighborhood buzzes with a unique charm. Indie businesses dot the tree-lined streets, colorful architecture exudes energy, and the entire community feels welcoming and lovely. You’ll find quirky boutiques and cool antique stores in the commercial center, but stroll the residential streets to catch of glimpse of Washington D.C. sans the National Mall’s frenetic pace.

The Peaceful Respite: Capitol Hill

It’s hard to imagine that this center of American politics could provide anything approaching a relaxing afternoon, but the Capitol Hill neighborhood is more than just congressional sessions. Get off the beaten path, and you’ll discover a tight-knit community proud of its eclectic vibe. Vintage stores, outdoor markets and unassuming eateries rule the scene, and weekend street fairs are regular occurrences. Visit during the autumn for a special treat; when the leaves begin to change, the district lights up with earthy color.

The College Spot: Georgetown

Equal parts modern mecca and studious village, this college-centric spot encapsulates the many faces of Washington D.C. Skip the Georgetown University campus, gorgeous though it is, and head for the creative businesses situated along the cobbled streets. M and Wisconsin are great spots to find international fashion brands and local bakeries, and the C & O Canal Towpath is the ideal place to sneak away from the city life. Once you’ve used the AmEx Travel service to book your trip, go through your itinerary to pencil in a little time for wandering the residential streets. Thomas Jefferson once called this area home, after all, and there are several JFK landmarks located in the area.

The Just-Discovered Gem: Columbia Heights

Locals have long known what travelers are just beginning to realize: Columbia Heights is seriously fun. Though it’s earned a reputation for being a touch on the gritty side, this dynamic neighborhood is quickly becoming one of the city’s top spots for innovative restaurants, chilled-out bars and spates of shopping options. Irving is the center of big-box commercialism, but you’ll find plenty of quiet, community-driven businesses along the more residential streets.