Tips for Traveling With Pets

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Erin Weiland

The Travel Industry Association of America has estimated that about 30 million people travel with their pets each year. We know that pets are part of the family and with so many travelers bringing them along on vacations, it’s important that pet owners brush up with some tips on how to ensure a smooth trip. Here are a few things to remember when you’re planning to bring along your pet!

Be sure that your pet is always wearing an identification tag at all times. If something happened and you were to become separated, an ID tag is a sure way to be able to become reunited. Include your mobile and home phone numbers so that you will hopefully be contacted right away when they are found.
Check with your airline about pet regulations before you leave. Most airlines allow small pets to travel aboard the flight as a carry on in a hard or soft carrier as long as it can stored under the seat. Larger animals can be checked into cargo and will be able to travel in a hard carrier with an adequate amount of water.
When you are planning your trip, make sure to choose a pet friendly hotel. You can find out if they allow animals, and what types of animals they allow simply by checking a hotel’s website or calling the front desk.
Before you leave, research where the nearest veterinary hospital is located near your destination in case an emergency were to occur and your pet needed medical attention ASAP. Jot down the phone number and hours of the facility and keep it with your other travel documents.
If you are flying to or from a destination that has an extremely hot climate, try booking your flight early in the morning or late at night to avoid your pet getting affected by the uncomfortable heat.
Don’t feed your pet for four to six hours before flying. Make sure to provide your pet with small amounts of water before you leave and remember to bring a travel bowl along with the carrier.

Do you have any tips for traveling with a pet? Let us know below!

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Top Travel Trends of 2013

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Erin Weiland

The official travel season has almost officially arrived and it’s time to look at some of the yearly travel trends that keep popping up across the travel industry. Take a look at some of the newest and most popular trends you may run across in your travels of 2013.

Pop Up Hotels

Pop up hotels are a new type of accommodation that are quickly assembled and easily taken down or created in an already existing building. These quickly built accommodations are created for special events such as festivals or very popular travel seasons. They will ensure you are in the center of action and will not spend a large amount of money. While they have been increasingly popular at abroad destinations, they are definitely making their way to US destinations in 2013. Before you settle on booking a hotel, search for pop up hotels to see if there are any options available!

Upscale Airports

Airports around the world are trying harder to provide travelers with more options and more upscale accommodations. While travelers used to have only a couple of food choices including fast food and pizza, many airports are now providing healthy options including salad bars, and fridges stocked with healthy sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, as well as a larger array of sit down restaurants. There are also new and improved waiting areas that offer comfortable booths, high counters, individual work stations, and even some with napping centers. Some airports are also planning on building mini malls to give travelers with long layovers yet another thing to do to pass time.

Technology Taking Over

While the option of receiving a printed ticket is still available, electronic tickets continue to be taking over the way we travel. Apple’s Passbook App manages everything from hotel and flight reservations to loyalty and gift cards, and makes it easy to access related electronic documents including boarding passes and tickets. Most airlines allow you to pull up your itinerary and ticket right through your email as well so you never have to worry about losing your ticket. Wi-Fi is also now being offered on flights around the world, and others are working on providing video-streaming entertainment aboard for 2013.

Cruising Uncharted Waters

Cruises have usually been known to travel in the Western Hemisphere, but one of the latest trends for 2013 are cruises that run their course in the Far East waters. Cruise lines are offering vacations that run through everywhere including Mandalay, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Java, and Indonesia. If you have been interested in visiting any of these countries, these new types of cruises are the best way to explore a number of cities in one vacation. Research Far East cruises or talk to a travel agent and you will be sure to find one for 2013!

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Memorial Day Travel Tips

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Erin Weiland

Memorial Day weekend is known as the start to the Summer travel season, and many people take advantage of the extra day off from work and head on vacation with friends or family. With so many individuals planning to travel at the same time, it is important to follow a few tips to help make the weekend go as smoothly as possible!

Follow a budget.

Try your best to create a budget and stick to it as closely as you can. Before you go, plan out how much you will be spending on your accommodations as well as any planned activities and of course meals for yourself and your traveling companions. Research before you go in order to find the best deals because places often raise prices during the most popular travel weekends of the year. By writing down all of your expenses, you will be much more likely to stick to the intended budget.

Plan your travel route.

Traveling during Memorial Day weekend is often associated with high gas prices, tons of traffic, and expensive airline tickets. If you are driving, prepare ahead of time by mapping your route and then using road services to get updates and help you avoid heavily trafficked areas. If you are flying, book your flight at off hours or a day or two before or after your intended travel dates and you will most likely save on costs.

Check the forecast.

While we all hope Memorial Day weekend will be filled with blue skies and sunshine, the weather can always be unpredictable while on vacation. Be sure to check the forecast before you leave, and while you are packing. While the forecast can help guide you with what types of clothing to pack, we all know it’s hard to rely on completely so bring along enough clothes to layer, as well as the appropriate attire for any activities you plan on taking part in.

Most importantly, relax, have fun, and stay safe! Where are you traveling to this Memorial Day Weekend? Let us know below!

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Top 5 Items to Bring on Every Flight

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Erin Weiland

Remaining comfortable and prepared while traveling is an important aspect to a stress free, enjoyable trip. We know it can sometimes be hard to get organzined and rememeber everything you may need to feel comfortable along the way. Check out the top most important things to bring with you on each and every flight you take!

1. Medications

One of the most important things to remember to pack in your carry-on bag is any medication that you absolutely need. If you happened to be delayed, or even worse, your bags are lost or end up in another airport, the last thing you want to be separated from are your prescriptions! Be sure to keep mediations, moisturizers, eye drops, lip balm, and any other personal necessities you may need if you have to be away from your luggage for an extended period of time.

2. Entertainment

You never know how long you will be waiting around while traveling so make sure you pack a few things to keep yourself entertained. Be sure to keep your electronics fully charged so you can listen to music, watch movies, or play games. It’s also a good idea to pack a book or magazine, and a notebook and pen to keep yourself occupied when you aren’t able to use electronic devices.

3. Credit card

A few years ago flights didn’t offer many options other than a few types of juice and soda and a package of peanuts. Now a days most airlines offer a complete menu that offers passengers anything from complete meals, to Wi-Fi access, to entertainment including television and movies. Passengers can opt for these flight enhancements just by paying with a credit card, so be sure to have it on hand if you’re looking for extra accommodations.

4. Clothing

If you have flown before you know that most flights can get chilly. Going from extreme weather differences from destination to destination can also affect how cold or hot you are. Be sure to wear layers of clothing and always have a sweater or jacket on hand. Scarves are also ideal for keeping you warm and doubling as a pillow or blanket onboard.

5. Snacks

Since snack and meal options are becoming much more prevalent on flights around the world, this also means freebies are becoming less and less common. If you want to save some money be sure to pack a few snacks in case you get hungry or your stomach is upset. Don’t forget chewing gum to help your eyes pop onboard, and that full water bottles won’t make it through security.

*Be sure to follow the Transportation Security Administration’s 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids and gels: containers must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit inside a clear, 1-quart, zip-top bag (one bag per passenger). Visit the TSA website (www.tsa.gov) for guidelines, including those for liquid prescription medications.

Do you have anything you can’t fly without? Let us know below!

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Canceling a Trip for Work Reasons?

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You have decided to take a vacation which you have made deposits on but you are fearful that a work situation for yourself, or even a traveling companion may prevent you from traveling, don’t fear at all because here at Travel Insured International we have the solution for you. We offer a Cancel for Work Reason optional coverage on all of our plans.

How can you obtain the Cancel for Work Reason Coverage?

The Cancel for Work Reason coverage is available under all or our plans however, you must purchase the travel insurance policy and add the benefit within a specific amount of days after the first payment/deposit is made toward your trip:

Worldwide Trip Protector Gold 30 Days

Worldwide Trip Protector 21 Days

Trip Protector Lite Expanded 14 Days

Trip Protector Lite 14 Days

Who should have this coverage?

We do recommend that for each household that is traveling that they purchase this optional coverage. Why? Say that you are traveling with parents and your siblings, all of whom reside in separate households, and someone has to cancel due to work reasons. If the other travelers decided since the one household is cancelling they want to cancel as well, in order for them to be eligible for coverage they would need to have Cancel for Work Reasons as an option on their policy so they can be reimbursed.

If you are a self-employed, you can still purchase the Cancel for Work Reasons however, you would need to provide definitive proof that your presence is required; our claims department would assist you in gathering that supporting documentation.

What unforeseen events are eligible for coverage as a work reason?

A transfer of You or Your Traveling Companion by the employer by whom You or Your Traveling Companion are employed on Your Effective Date which requires their principal residence to be relocated
You or Your Traveling Companion is required to work during the scheduled Covered Trip. You or Your Traveling Companion must demonstrate proof of requirement to work, such as a notarized statement signed by an officer of Your or Your Traveling Companion’s employer
You or Your Traveling Companion’s company is directly involved in a merger or acquisition. You or Your Traveling Companion must be an active employee of the company that is merging and You or Your Traveling Companion must be directly involved in such an event
You or Your Traveling Companion’s company operations are interrupted by fire, flood, burglary, vandalism, product recall, Bankruptcy or financial Default

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The Need for Travel Insurance, a Travel Agent’s View

Posted on April 16, 2013 by rchristoff

Ryan Christoff, a Travel Consultant for Wings Travel Group in Bluebell, Pennsylvania provides a consultant’s view on just how important travel insurance is!

So many travelers may think, “Why do I need travel insurance? I’m definitely going on this trip no matter what, so I won’t need it.” Well travelers, travel insurance is much more than just “I’m going on this trip and I won’t need it”. There’s always the ‘what if’ scenario. I constantly tell my clients this, and ask them the following questions…What if…you get sick with the flu? What if…there’s a storm in the area or near your destination, causing your flight to be delayed or cancelled? What if…a family member suddenly passes away? What if…you are injured in an international destination and incur hospital costs to see a doctor and get x-rays, or worse? All of these are real things that could happen to anyone, at any given moment. We don’t like to think of these things. We want to think of our vacation as a getaway where we can relax and have fun. But, we always need to think of the ‘what if’, and that’s where travel insurance is a great comfort to have!

Let me give some personal experiences with clients of mine and the agencies, where travel insurance could have played, or did play a big factor. I had clients who were enjoying a great time on vacation in February in sunny Cancun. Back here in the Northeast US, a big snow storm was brewing. Turns out my clients flight was cancelled because their home airport was shut down due to the snow. Well, my clients unexpectedly had to change their flight and get a hotel for the night. The hotel cost was not part of their package and had to be paid out of pocket. Now, since they took travel insurance with Travel Insured, their hotel was covered with the Trip Delay. Had they not taken this insurance, their out of pocket expenses would not have been covered.

Another example – a client of mine was enjoying a nice time in Punta Cana. It had recently rained and the walkways were a bit slippery. She ended up falling and severely sprained her ankle. She did not have an insurance policy, because she was one who thought, “I’m going on the trip no matter what, so I don’t need the insurance policy”. She ended up going to the ER and incurred all medical expenses and could not be reimbursed for anything.

Travel insurance is a very important aspect of everyone’s vacation. It’s a great comfort to have, just knowing if something does happen – you’re covered. The question I ask is why wouldn’t you get travel insurance? A vacation is an investment in you, an investment to unwind, relax, and enjoy the world. Protect your investment with travel insurance. You’ll be thankful you did when the unexpected happens!

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What If I Decide I Don’t Want to Go Anymore?

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Sarah Raymer

You’ve booked the trip months in advance and have been looking forward to it. The week before you are to travel, you learn that your best friend from high school planned a surprise visit the same time you are supposed to be away. What are you going to do?

While all of our plans have specific covered reasons for cancellation that are outlined in the Certificate of Insurance, did you know many plans, for additional premium, have the option of adding on a Cancel for Any Reason Benefit? You must keep in mind there is specific language and time requirements that have to be met in order to qualify for the benefit.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage provides the option to cancel your plans for whatever reason you choose, whether it’s listed as an exclusion or not.

This benefit is separate and different from trip cancellation benefit provided in our plans. It could be considered a ‘fail-safe’ for those who worry they may have to cancel their trip for a reason that is not covered by trip cancellation coverage and want to recover at least a portion of their expenses.

Be sure to check the plan specific language to verify you qualify for the benefit and for specific limit amounts.

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Top Reasons to Purchase Travel Insurance

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Erin Weiland

Whether traveling to a place you have visited before, or to a brand new destination half way across the world, it is important to invest in a travel insurance policy that will protect against unexpected situations that can occur both before and during your travels. It should never be a question about whether or not you can afford a travel insurance policy, but a question of how could you afford to travel without one. A low payment spent on travel insurance could save you and your family thousands of dollars in medical expenses due to unexpected illness or injury while on a trip, lost or stolen baggage, or flight cancellation and delays.

By investing in travel insurance, you aren’t only guaranteeing that you will be assisted if an unwanted situation arises, but you are also providing peace of mind for yourself as well as your loved ones while you are traveling.

Unexpected Travel Delay

Your cruise departure, tour bus, or flight could be delayed by factors that you cannot control such as inclement weather. With a travel insurance policy, you can be reimbursed for any additional expenses you are forced to pay such as meals and accommodations until your plans are back on schedule.

Cruise or Flight Cancellation

If your cruise or flight is cancelled for a reason such as a natural disaster, or you need to cancel plans for your own personal reason such as unexpected illness or death of a family member, a travel insurance policy that includes cancellation coverage can reimburse you for any pre-paid, non-refundable deposits that were made for your travel plans.

Lost or Stolen Baggage

If you are inconvenienced by either lost or stolen baggage during your travels, travel insurance coverage can provide you up to the maximum amount stated in the policy for the personal effects lost such as clothing, electronics, and other personal items.

Emergency Illness or Injury

Most existing health insurance coverage does not apply while traveling abroad. Travel insurance plans include emergency medical and emergency medical assistance coverage as well as any transportation that may be needed. This protection can provide you with proper medical care and protect you financially if you had to stay in hospital, be evacuated for treatment, or undergo a major medical process.

Bankruptcy of Provider

If an airline carrier, tour operator, or cruise line that you booked plans with experiences bankruptcy or default, financial default coverage provided by an insurance policy allows you to be reimbursed for any non-refundable payments that will not be provided by the travel service directly.

Travel Insurance allows you to travel with 24/7 protection and support. If you are investing in a trip, it is imperative to invest in coverage for your health, safety, and travel costs!

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Spring Break Travel Tips – Students

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Erin Weiland

It’s that time of year again and students are traveling to destinations all over the world to kick back, relax, and take some time off from a busy school schedule. It can be one of the most exciting times, but it is also important to remember you need to stay as healthy and safe as possible during your break. Before you leave, check out some of the most important spring break safety tips to get the best out of your trip!

Stay healthy.

Chances are you may be visiting a warm, tropical location during your spring break. It is important to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and clothing to help protect yourself from the sun. The sun can be dangerous and it is important to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated, and also to make sure you are eating enough meals throughout the day to keep energized.

Protect your money.

Make sure you only carry a limited amount of cash at a time as well as a single credit card. When you are pulling out money to pay for something never reveal all of your money at once. Also, before you go it is always a good idea to contact your bank and credit card company to let them know you will be traveling so they do not report any suspicious activity and deactivate your account.

Go out in groups.

One of the most important things to remember while on spring break vacation is to always travel in groups. Whether you are shopping or going out at night, going in a group can save you from being a target. Going anywhere alone even for a short amount of time multiplies the chance of getting into some sort of danger – especially when out of the country.

Have an emergency plan.

If you are traveling out of the country it is important to know that if you experience some type of emergency that you can’t dial 911. Before you leave for your trip, make sure you put together a list including the phone numbers you may need including friends and family members, health emergency contacts, and the local emergency numbers of the location which you’re staying.

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Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Erin Weiland

Traveling is one of the most rewarding experiences during your lifetime, but can also be one of the most dangerous. Many undesirable incidents can occur while traveling and many individuals can find themselves with major problems if they don’t stay aware and take actions to avoid any mishaps. Identity theft is one of the most reoccurring criminal activities linked to travel, and in this day and age with the explosive growth of smart phones, and social media, there are even more ways that a travelers identity can be stolen.

Travel Insured International® includes ID theft recovery assistance at no extra cost in two travel insurance plans – Worldwide Trip Protector and Worldwide Trip Protector Gold.

ID Theft recovery services provided include:

Helps to replace lost or stolen passport, or travel documents.
Filing loss or theft reports with local authorities.
Helping deactivate and replace stolen credit or debit cards.
Contacting credit bureaus to help restore pre-fraud credit ratings.
Contacting banks and creditors to protect accounts.
Notifying family or employer about missing data.

Common-Sense Prevention

Several ID theft prevention tips may seem like common sense, but are common important to constantly remind yourself as well as your other travel companions.

Never carry a social security card in your wallet or purse. Lock it away safely at home.
Keep personal profile information private on social media pages. Never post any financial- related info or Identity-related numbers. The same is true in text messages.
Use credit cards, not debit cards for travel. Charges can be reversed. Debit cards tap bank accounts directly.
Do not put a credit card number or other financial information on public computers.
Never leave an ATM or credit card swipe machine until a transaction is completed and machine is cleared.
Never give credit card info over the phone to a hotel employee. Go to the front desk and confirm the validity of the request.
Be aware of ATM machine surroundings. Watch for anyone taking your picture with a digital camera or mobile device.

It is important to protect your identity to the fullest while traveling – don’t leave without protection!

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