Travel Protections

Travel insurance is a special category of insurance which should be considered for the same reasons as all other insurances: risks, unforeseen circumstances and emergency needs. 

Good Reasons to purchase travel insurance:

• Need to cover all non-recoverable costs when a trip is cancelled due to medical or other emergency reasons. Medical issues can be with the insured, travel companions or family members back home. 

• Cover costs associated with trip interruption or travel delays (e.g. flight cancellations) 

• Cover for lost baggage or costs incurred with baggage delays (e.g. having to purchase replaced prescriptions or clothes). 

• Require medical treatment on the trip due to accident or illness. To ensure getting proper treatment at the right facility. 

• Require medical evacuation in emergencies. This can normally cost anywhere from $10k-$100k. 

• Cost to return you and accompanying dependents back home post-medical incidents. 

• Need assistance if you lose your passport, prescriptions, etc. 

• Peace of mind - that you have the support of me and the insurance company in any trip situation.

If you or a family member has a pre-existing condition that can be the cause of your cancellation, let me know and be sure to purchase the insurance within 2 weeks of making a deposit on a travel booking.

Note that all policies are not equal. How much is protected and under what conditions varies. I can determine what is best for you in any given situation.

For my protection, you will need to tell me if you choose not to purchase the insurance.
If you do purchase it, then be sure to keep your final confirmations from travel suppliers in case you need to make a claim.

Documentation 

For nearly all travel outside the U.S., you will need a valid passport.

Exception: a closed-loop cruise – beginning and ending in the same U.S. city.

Here, you will need an official copy of your birth certificate (with a raised/embossed seal and registrar's signature) and a photo ID.

But beware: if something happens in a foreign location that leads to delay, travel to another location or emergency air travel, you will still likely need a passport. 

A passport is valid if it expires after the conclusion of your trip, and in some cases up to 6 months after your trip. If yours is close to expiration, I can tell you the appropriate rule. 

Some countries require a separate visa. Again, just ask if in doubt. 

See http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for information on all the above.

Traveling with children 

Do not lose your children on a trip! Trust me, it’s happened!

Where there are activities that separate them from you, know that they will be supervised.

E.g. cruise lines often offer a wide variety of activities for children; I can help you determine which might be best. 

If you are married, living with a partner or the child is in the care of a guardian, and you are taking the child out or country by yourself, be aware that you may be questioned by authorities re your right to do so. To be safe, take a notarized statement by that other person authorizing you to take the child.

High risk activities 

If your travel involves activities with high risk, and you are unsure of your physical capability of performing them, please check with your doctor(s) to determine whether or not you have said capability.

Let me know if you have other suggestions that I can add to this post. Safe travel!

My Business Practices

I am a travel agent who enjoys helping clients plan their entire travel adventures and realize their travel dreams.

I am affiliated with a large travel agency with broad resources at my disposal.
I am an Accredited Cruise Counselor.

I book cruises, tours, hotels, trains, car rentals and more.

My objectives are to add value and convenience to your trip with reduced stress and risk.
I always attempt to get the best value for my clients. As a result, I may end up using travel suppliers that do not provide commissions. This is relatively unique among agents; there are times when I may need to charge reasonable booking fees.

Note that you will not generally be paying more for your trip than if you booked yourself. The only exception is when you ask me to do extensive planning to enhance your trip. You will always end up benefiting from my time spent, attention to details and overall contribution to your trip. In addition, I am often able to add amenities to your trip.

Also note that I have support from my agency and travel suppliers in case of any problems that might arise that you won't likely have on your own.

I encourage the purchase of standard travel insurance with any significant trip. (See the “Travel Protections” post to the right for further information.)

For my protection, clients need to tell me when they choose not to purchase it.

Note that Airlines do not offer any commission. Travel agents generally do one of 2 things:

1.    Use Air Consolidators who commission but do not often compete with the best available fares.

2.    Charge a fee for searching for and booking non-commissionable fares.

I generally choose the latter in order to get a client the best fare I can find and because of the work involved. I do more than most, usually going through several iterations of searching and discussion with a client before selecting and booking a flight.

My fee is relatively low: 3-5% of the fare (depending on the work involved) with a $25 minimum per booking. 

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