How Travel Insurance Can Save Your Vacation

Posted by admin on Aug 28, 2010 in Travel Agent | Comments Off

Not every vacation goes as planned. Most people can recover easily from sunburn or a missed connection flight, but what happens when something major goes wrong. What if your flight is cancelled and you have to spend thousands of additional dollars to fly home the next day instead? What if you break your leg while skiing? What if your luggage, including your passport, is stolen?

When something significant goes wrong when on vacation, you may find yourself suddenly in thousands of dollars of debt or relying on the kindness of strangers to help you. Both cases can be bad news. You can protect yourself, though, if you purchase travel insurance before you leave.

Travel insurance policies give you a way to protect yourself medically and financially when traveling so that you can have peace of mind while on vacation. The more relaxed you are, the more you will enjoy your vacation. This type of insurance is good whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, and it can be purchased through the travel agency you used to book your trip, from the cruise line or tour operating company if you have one, or from a third-party company that sells all kinds of insurance.

What does travel insurance cover? The type of policy you purchase determines what your insurance policy covers. Sometimes, the policies offered by travel agents are actually not very inclusive, giving you just a little bit of coverage in case the trip is canceled. However, if you go with a third-party policy, you might find that quite a few problems can be solved by your policy. Some of the things covered include the following:

¨ Emergency medical expenses

¨ Accidental death or injury

¨ Funeral expenses while overseas

¨ Delayed luggage item replacement

¨ Lost, damaged, or stolen possessions

¨ Legal costs

¨ Personal liability damages

¨ Trip cancellation

¨ Flight delay

¨ Curtailment

¨ Emergency evacuation

¨ Rental car damages

Keep in mind, though, that travel insurance policies do not automatically cover the things listed above. In fact, basic policies rarely cover anything more than emergency medical expenses, luggage problems, and trip cancellation. Even those things may not be covered under all circumstances. Things that are commonly excluded from even the most thorough policies include the following:

¨ Pregnancy-related medical care

¨ Terrorism

¨ Injuries due to high-risk sports

¨ War-related injuries

¨ Medical expenses relating to alcohol or drugs

¨ Pre-existing medical conditions

Some of the above-mentioned situations can be added to your policy, but this is not always the case. Ask really specific questions to find out exactly how you are covered with your policy.

While travel insurance is offered to most people, you may not be able to get a policy if you are traveling to a high-risk area of the world. For example, if you are on a missionary or relief trip to a country in the middle of a war, most insurance companies will not cover you. You may also be unable to get travel insurance if you are traveling to a country where a natural disaster is likely during that time of year. Sometimes, if you are visiting a high-risk country, you can get very basic coverage that at least allows you to make sure that you are covered in the event of an accident or lost luggage.

The best part about travel insurance, though, is that you can find a company with concierge services and emergency travel assistance. In other words, they do not just make you collect receipts and foot the bill when you get home. If you are sick and in a country where few doctors speak your language, the travel insurance company can arrange for someone from the embassy in that country to help you get the care you need. They usually have 24 hours a day, 7 days a week assistance so that you never have to worry about being alone and in a panic because something has gone wrong. Make sure that you take your policy documentation with you when you travel so that you can call your insurance company with your policy number if something goes wrong.

Travel insurance can be a bit pricey though, costing 5% to 7% of your total vacation cost or more. However, when you think about the expenses you could incur without the insurance, the choice is simple; travel insurance is extremely valuable. That way, if something bad happens, you can take care of the problem as quickly and easily as possible and enjoy the rest of your time away from home. As with any kind of insurance, if you shop around, you can usually find a good deal, and the policy will ensure that one setback does not have to ruin an entire trip for you and your fellow travelers.

Cheap Air Travel Tips

Posted by admin on Aug 27, 2010 in Travel Agent | Comments Off

The era of airline travel has allowed us to travel the world and connect in ways that have never existed before. We can visit family overseas and travel anywhere in the world within 24 hours. Isn’t that amazing?

With all this ability to travel, we are also faced with the expense of such travel.

For the many who would like to find cheap air travel, we’ve put together the follwing tips.

The first thing you need to know is that you never need to pay ‘list price’. Airlines have many tiers of pricing, and the same seat can sell for prices differing in the hundreds of dollars, depending on where, when and how it is purchased. Ask the Professionals: Your first step would be to ask your travel agent for advice on when to purchase airline tickets. He or she will be able to give you some guidance as to which airlines offer discounts and when. For instance, some airlines offer ‘earlybird’ pricing, and some also drop their prices as the trip date gets closer if no one has purchased the seat. Get a Promotion: If a scheduled flight is full to capacity or overbooked, some airlines will offer complimentary upgrades in seat class to selected passengers. Although this is less common than it used to be, it still happens occasionally. Your best shot at being selected for such an upgrade is to arrive for your flight dressed in a clean-cut, professional manner, and to be polite. You can even try asking at the check-in counter if there is any chance you can get an upgrade – they may offer it to you if such a perk is available, or may offer it at a lesser price than you would have paid when booking. Success will depend on many factors, such as the mood and authority level of the ticket attendant and the way you ask for it. Note that they may also need to move passengers around for weight-and-balance purposes and can offer a better seat to assist in this process – you never get anything if you don’t at least ask! Also, you can sometimes get a free or discounted flight by being on an ‘overbooked’ flight and being willing to wait until the next one can be arranged for you, but this is not something you have any control over. Flexibility: Are you flexible in your travel times or dates? By going ‘standby’ on an airline, you can hang out and wait until a seat becomes free or someone cancels, and can often get cheaper last-minute tickets. ‘Pre-owned’ Tickets: For an array of reasons, people buy tickets and their plans change. When those tickets are non-refundable, they may try and sell them to receive at least some of their money back. This is good news for you, as you can take advantage of some discounted prices (remember, if they don’t sell their tickets they get nothing, so anything they can recover is of help to them). On-sale airline tickets can be found many places, such as your local classifieds, craigslist, kijiji or backpage or other online classifieds, and auctions such as ebay. Try google as well to search.

For even more money-saving travel tips, be sure to get your copy of the Travel industry Secrets guide found at Travel-like-a-pro.com — the guide can save you money on ALL your travel expenses from now on!

What To Look For When Choosing A Travel Insurance Plan

Posted by admin on Aug 27, 2010 in Travel Agent | Comments Off

Did you know that the cost of medical care when you are traveling could be extremely high? If you are already covered under an employer health insurance plan or individual/family health insurance plan, you may think that you can travel without worries, but that is not always the case. Many HMOs, PPOs, and state health insurance programs do not cover you if you are not in the United States. Even if you are traveling within the U.S., you could face high charges because the hospital or doctor you go to is not in your local plan. Travel insurance is fairly inexpensive and bridges that time when you are away from home, giving you peace of mind. If something does happen, you most likely will not be paying for the high cost of health care out-of-pocket.

There are many different travel insurance plans on the market, though. How can you know which one is right for you? Although your travel agent or tour company will probably try to sell you their own plan, it might not be the cheapest or best choice. Here is what to look for when choosing a travel insurance plan:

Coverage for all of your activities

Some travel insurance plans don’t cover “extreme sports”; the very activities that many tourists like to try while on vacation. They are not just talking about skydiving, either. Sometimes, activities as mild as snorkeling and sailing are not covered in the insurance plan. If you intend to do more than relax on the beach, make sure that the plan you choose covers you.

Toll-free telephone assistance no matter where you travel

If you fall ill in a foreign country, it may be hard and scary to find help. Some travel insurance companies do not offer personal assistance. These companies may reimburse you for bills when you get home. Instead, look for a plan that has a number you can call. A representative should be able to help you work through whatever problem you have as you are traveling, not just foot the bill when you get home. Make sure that the phone calls you make are toll free from wherever you are traveling or that you get reimbursed for them as part of the settlement.

Protection based on your schedule

When does your travel insurance policy actually start? For some, the insurance policy does not start until you get to your destination, and if that is the case, what happens if you break your leg at the airport during your layover? You need protection that covers you from the moment you walk out of your door, even if it overlaps with your current coverage a bit. If you plan to travel a lot over the next several months, you might even want to look into an annual travel insurance plan; this might be a less expensive option for you.

Non-health benefits

Travel insurance plans are not just about health. While most people buy them for protection for high doctors’ fees, your travel insurance plan should cover much more than accidents while you are away from home. In addition, travel insurance should cover things like lost or stolen luggage, tickets for flights and shows that are canceled, and more. When you are looking at the non-health benefits, be careful to review the exact policies you are buying. For example, Plan A might refund your plane tickets in full if you decide not to go on the trip while Plan B might only refund your plane tickets if the flight is canceled or significantly delayed.

Price

As with most purchases, price is very important when considering travel insurance. It can be confusing to compare policies because each one will have different specifics. At the end of the day though, it does not make sense to pay for the bells and whistles that come with one policy is there is a simpler policy that gives you only the things you need at a cheaper price. Usually, the price of the policy is determined by the total cost of your trip, the area where you are traveling, and the length of your stay, but other things can also come into play, especially if you want pre-existing medical conditions to be covered.

The key to a perfect travel insurance plan, as with any insurance plan, is to do your research. Too many people purchase a policy without really understanding what they are buying. Then, when they need help, it is too late. Don’t fall into this position. Understand your policy and carry it with you when you travel so that you can refer to it if you need help. With the right travel insurance policy, you can protect yourself while on vacation.

A Beginners Guide To Purchasing Travel Insurance

Posted by admin on Aug 27, 2010 in Travel Agent | Comments Off

If you are planning on traveling overseas, it is a good idea to acquire travel insurance before your departure. In fact, this should be near the top of your list of things to do. Travel insurance, similar to other forms of insurance, will probably not be needed. However, travel insurance, similar to other forms of insurance, can come in handy in the event of anything unforeseen happening while you are traveling.

Most travel insurance policies are designed to reimburse you in the event of the most likely scenarios that you might encounter while traveling, such as a delayed or canceled trip, death or illness, as well as the death of a relative at home. Travel insurance also covers the high cost of emergency medical assistance in a foreign country, as well as reimbursement for lost baggage.

You can also purchase various extras, including coverage in the event of an accident while participating in extreme sports, such as diving, skiing and skydiving; and coverage that will reimburse you for the cost of any emergency air transportation home, sometimes known as air ambulance. Travel insurance policies do not cover absolutely everything; they generally do not include coverage for expenses due to riots, wars and natural disasters.

It can be confusing determining how much travel insurance you need, or even if you actually need any at all. Most credit cards do include some kind of basic travel or trip cancellation insurance, which is usually adequate. If you are buying a plane ticket, your ticket comes with basic liability coverage for lost or delayed baggage, although it does not really cover expensive items. Also, if you are worried about your airline declaring bankruptcy, which is not so out of the question in today’s economic climate, an airline that ceases operations is required by law to protect you on another carrier or refund your ticket.

There are also policies designed for families and groups as well as so-called “multi trip insurance”. If you travel regularly throughout the year, it is almost certainly less expensive to purchase a policy that covers multiple trips. Family plans provide coverage for families traveling together and are also nearly always less expensive than buying an individual insurance policy for everyone. In this case, the definition of family may extend to various in-laws, cousins and grandparents.

The cost of your travel insurance policy can vary greatly, depending on the length of your trip and just how much coverage you want as well as your destination. Typically, you should expect to pay between 4% and 8% of the overall cost of the trip itself to have adequate travel insurance. If you are traveling to a remote or dangerous country, or to somewhere not recommended by the US department of state, expect to pay more for your travel insurance.

Not surprisingly, many people like to have the security of travel insurance or trip protection insurance if they are going on a particularly expensive or a once in a lifetime trip, such as a honeymoon or a vacation to a far away, exotic location such as Fiji or Africa.

Travel insurance policies also offer different levels of coverage, known as primary coverage and secondary coverage. If you take out primary coverage, your insurance company will pay you before any other insurance you have takes effect; if you have secondary insurance they will only pay you when you have collected from any other insurance options that are available to you.

You also may find that your policy is more expensive if you have what the insurance companies regard as a pre-existing medical condition. Always declare any pre-existing condition when you take out travel insurance, otherwise your policy may be void. This can lead to a very unfortunate experience, of needing insurance and not being able to purchase it at an affordable rate.

Once you have decided what kind of travel insurance you might need, purchasing it is simple. The internet has made it easy and convenient to shop around and compare prices and services offered. Most airlines, travel agents and cruise lines will only be too happy to sell you a policy, as they are probably getting a commission from the insurance company. You are not obligated to get your insurance through them – although it is often just as easy to do so.

If you are buying travel insurance for the first time and are confused, the best option is probably to purchase a basic policy along with your vacation, cruise or plane ticket. You should not be persuaded into taking out much more insurance than you will realistically need. Make sure that you understand exactly what is included and is not included in your policy; and that you take all the paperwork with you when you travel.

What is Travel Insurance and why is it Necessary?

Posted by admin on Aug 27, 2010 in Travel Agent | Comments Off

Just like health and life insurance, travel insurance is one of those products that nobody wants to pay for, but everybody feels that they should have. The chances are high that you will not even need insurance while traveling. However, a good travel insurance policy can make all the difference in case of any unforeseen circumstances and is worth having for the peace of mind alone.

Travel insurance covers you in the event of such things as a delayed or canceled trip, death or illness, emergency medical assistance and lost baggage. If you buy an airline ticket, the airline already includes liability for lost or damaged luggage; the amount is usually adequate but it will not cover any irreplaceable or particularly valuable items. If you do not have any type of travel insurance and need to change your travel plans, the cost of changing an airline ticket or cruise itinerary can be substantial, especially on short notice. Also, the costs of emergency medical assistance while traveling overseas are beyond the budget of many individuals and families.

Most people take out a policy known as trip cancellation insurance; and as the name suggests, this type of insurance specifically covers the cancellation of your trip, either by yourself or by your airline, cruise line or tour company. The most common reasons for a trip being cancelled are an airline or cruise company going bankrupt, natural disasters or weather delays, strikes or labor disputes. Trip cancellation insurance is easy to get; it can generally be purchased directly from your airline, travel agent or cruise line.

It is a good idea to have travel insurance that protects you in the event of your airline going bankrupt. Several of the major airlines have declared bankruptcy recently, and many people are understandably concerned about booking a trip several months ahead on an airline that may not be in business. An airline that declares bankruptcy and ceases operations is required by law to refund your ticket or protect you on another airline that provides a similar flight schedule. However, it is still reassuring to have the additional peace of mind that a travel insurance policy provides.

As far as trip protection for cruises is concerned, it is usually a good idea to have the extra coverage. In fact, many cruise lines require you to have adequate travel insurance and may want to see evidence of your coverage, such as a copy of the policy. Many people purchase travel insurance or trip protection insurance if they have a particularly expensive or a once in a lifetime trip, such as a honeymoon. People also tend to take out more travel insurance the further away from home they are traveling to, especially if it is somewhere remote, dangerous or primitive.

The cost of travel insurance can vary greatly, depending on the amount of coverage you need, the length of your trip and even whether you plan to participate in what the travel industry describes as hazardous sports, such as diving, skiing and skydiving for example. If you travel frequently throughout the year, you can generally take out a policy that will cover multiple trips; and if you are traveling as part of a group or as a family, some travel insurance policies will cover groups specifically – taking out group coverage can often be significantly less expensive.

In general, most comprehensive travel insurance packages that cover everything that a traveler might realistically need tend to cost between 4% and 8% of the overall cost of the trip itself. If you need insurance to cover extras such as emergency medical evacuation, hazardous sports coverage, or emergency reunion services (which covers the costs of flying family members to you if you are hospitalized) your travel insurance will almost certainly cost quite a lot more. If you do not want these extras, then do not feel that you have to pay for them. In most cases, it is entirely up to you.

Pre-existing medical conditions can often be an issue when purchasing your travel insurance. Some policies may include pre-existing medical conditions while others may not; it just depends on the policy. Having a pre existing condition generally means you may be paying more for the coverage, but it will not necessarily prevent you from being insured. Make sure you accurately inform your insurance company of any pre-existing conditions, otherwise your insurance company has the right to revoke your policy at a later date.

Do not forego travel insurance just to save money. You probably will not need it, but you may just be glad that you took it out.

Starting Your Online Travel Career

Posted by admin on Aug 27, 2010 in Travel Agent | Comments Off

I did some research on this and found out that the Online Travel industry is growing fast and the best part is that it is generating numerous jobs and many people around the world are setting up their own online travel companies.

How do they do that? I did that assignment too and I wanted to share the information I learned from those who have succeeded and who have been earning way more than the average income from their previous jobs.

There are sites that are currently providing all the stuff needed to start a new career in this industry and they are termed as Online Travel Consultant or Online Travel Booking Agent. One site I saw provided me some hints on how to do this even in your own home. One company that really got my attention is The Personal Travel Group. Here is what they told me:-

First, you must watch their informative video which explains the business opportunity to you. After this you complete an online registration application on their web site. You will then be invited to one of their information centres for a full explanation. Once accepted and signed up, they will provide you with access to their system, your own web site and a password.

Once they have issued you this, you can access their booking engine through your site. You are then able to search, place a booking on hold for 24hrs or book and pay immediately. Once you start making bookings, you will start receiving commission from your own pre-set margins!! (interesting…….).

I did a search on their site and they are an accommodation supplier and even other services such as to make transfers, car hire, golf and insurance and these products are exclusively available online.

They even have a full team of professional, experienced support agents who are standing by for any queries or questions. Bookings can be made either on line or over the telephone and you can ask your support team any questions or doubts you have. I think this is very important for self-starters.

The most interesting part is how you can earn money from this. They take online bookings in real-time and payments are made through their web site. They even offer different payment methods that will suit your business and that can be stated in the contract given to you by their company.

To cut things short, they handle everything and everything is automated. Your task is to expand your clientele and let all the tasks be handled by them. Take note, once it is set up, the running costs are very low. It is a really great idea. No need for customers to go to a travel agency, everything is online. That is the power of The Personal Travel Group technology today.

But be also aware that there are other companies or sites that offer similar start up packages, but I found that there were some details that were not quite clear, unlike the one I have discussed above, and the commissions seemed to be much less.

The important thing here is that a career as an Online Travel Agent or Consultant is one of the best alternatives to increase your income. This could be the best year to get started in the Travel Industry and it is one of the best options to generate a first or second income. With a small investment and your TIME and EFFORT, you could make a great success of this type of business. The objective here is to share this information so that it will be helpful to my readers.