Any homeowner who has reached the age of 62 and realized that they haven’t yet seen much of the world now has a fantastic option for doing so. With an FHA insured loan they can use the equity which has built up in their property to do what they really want to.

Of course, if you look for somewhere abroad to go for the very first time then the choice is enormous. Perhaps the easiest way of looking at it is by thinking about the kind of trip you want you make.

Luxury on the Seas

Cruise holidays are incredibly popular these days and there is a very good reason for that. They offer a lot of luxury to their passengers as they sail from one amazing place to another. The Caribbean is a great place to go on a cruise liner but you could also explore Alaska, the Mediterranean and many other places. If your money stretches far enough then you could even go on a round the world trip.

A Bit of Adventure

If you have worked year after year in the same job in the same place then maybe it is time to open your eyes to a different side of life. A trip to the rainforest in South America is a wonderful way to live out a genuine adventure. If time and money permit then you could also see such treasures as Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Iguaçu Falls. Oh, and maybe a trip to Rio de Janeiro might tempt you as well.

Free and Easy

There are many different ways of organizing a truly independent trip. The simplest one is by just buying tickets to fly to your destination and then working out your plans from there. What an amazing feeling it is to be in a different country and not have the faintest idea where you are going to go next. If this sounds just a little too risky for your liking then you could buy a round the world plane ticket which gives you 4 or 5 flights to take you across the continents and back home again. You should be sure to leave yourself enough time to fully explore the places you stop in. You might also want to book a flexible type of trip, so that you can make changes to your itinerary if you feel the need.

Catch Up with Friends

Another way of seeing the world is by visiting friends who are scattered across the globe. Most of us know people who live in other countries and whom we haven’t seen for some time. By using the likes of Facebook you can track a few of them down and sort out an unforgettable trip and some special reunions.

You’ve finally saved to go on that dream holiday you have been planning. Now you’re wondering if you should buy travel insurance. Do I need to go to the extra expense? All I can lose is my luggage, right?

Guess again! Anything can go wrong while you’re traveling, and I strongly favor buying a policy.

Most travel insurance policies are designed for a variety of travel needs but, I emphatically advise reading the fine print of any policy you purchase regarding any deductibles and health situations. You many find your policy won’t cover preexisting conditions that may cause a problem, or that the medical coverage is only for an injury or an illness — not both. For emergency aid, travel insurance polices are generally dependable and affordable, but there’s still a myriad of gaps in the coverage provided.

You can find polices designed for any type of trip you may be planning, such as a single trip for hunting, backpacking, cruises, house rentals, and a host of others. But, the specific types and amounts of coverage you get depend on the policy you choose. it is important to remember that you will only be covered for what is specifically stated in your policy and for nothing else.

Most policies cover trip cancellation, lost baggage, medical, dental, and accidental death coverage. Other policies include emergency evacuation, 24 hour travel assistance, and trip or baggage delay. You may even find policies that include options for collision or damage to rented cars and business conflicts. there’s many options that can be covered, but you will have to ask.

The premiums for the policies are generally 5% to 7% the cost of your trip, but fees will vary depending on the your medical history and passengers ages. Many companies offer policies that will include coverage for children at no extra charge.

it is best not to buy your travel insurance from your tour operator. i have listed a few reasons why it may be better to purchase through an insurance company separately.

Most travel insurance policies offered by the operator are less flexible to your individual needs;

Provide a lower amount of coverage;

May only cover a portion of the trip;

Your coverage may be secondary and the insurance will only pay for what you own private health or homeowner’s insurance does not cover;

May duplicate coverage you already have;

In the event the tour operator liquidates and goes belly up, you would lose not only your trip, but also your premium.

Many travel agents are not fully knowledgeable when it comes to understanding the details of various travel insurance policies and may overlook something that could be important to you or your relatives and few offer suggestions. Buying travel insurance may be less expensive purchasing through your tour operator or cruise line, but for the reasons listed above, you should check around.

If you do choose to buy your policy from your tour operator, be sure to use a credit card. Depending on the policy of the credit card issuer, you may be provided with protection against potential default of the operator.

When buying your policy from an insurance company:

Always get quotes from several companies

Ask if the plan is pre-packaged or if you can custom design your own

Can you waive the preexisting condition exclusion

Ask if you’re covered for cancellation due to a terrorist incident. Don’t count of the company to provide information

Ask any query you can dream up and

Do ask for suggestions

Whether it is due to a dislike of rushing to make tight connecting flights, crowed airports or a simple fear of flying, increasing numbers of travellers simply dont want to get fly long distances by airplane. International terrorism, bird flu, language barriers and the risk of getting ‘Delhi belly’ are also contributing to a boost in the UK domestic tourism industry with the market now estimated to be worth over 59 billion per annum.

Figures show that travellers who prefer making their trips within the UK rather than abroad, tend to journey more frequently but for shorter lengths of time, with the average period of a trip within the UK being just over 3 nights.

One possible explanation for the domestic short break trend is the powerful DINKY (Double Income No Kids Yet) demographic. With a high disposable income but perhaps not a great deal of free time due to heavy work commitments, the DINKY’s holiday of choice is the short break. Heading straight off on holiday after work is particularly appealing to a group who are looking to fit as much into a 2-3 day break as possible. They can also afford more than one holiday a year so dividing up their annual leave allocation into multiple short breaks is the perfect solution.

Home grown attractions such as Royal Ascot, Wimbledon Lawn Tennis, Henley Royal and the Edinburgh International Festival are just a few of the internationally renowned events keeping the domestic tourist here during the summer months.

Another potential reason for this reduced length stay is possibly due to the generally high prices charged for UK hotel rooms. The UK has one of the highest rates of VAT levied on accommodation in the EU; with only Denmark imposing higher rates. In addition a new ‘Bed Tax’ is being proposed as part of a series of Government tax reviews. This will mean an additional 10% tax could be added on top of the current 17.5% VAT making the UK the most heavily taxed holiday destination in Europe.

Whether its a shopping break to take advantage of the sales, a family theme park break with the kids, a luxury pampering break or a peaceful country break to simply escape the hustle and bustle of city living, its all within easy reach through the specialist online travel companies who are able to offer wide ranges in choice for short breaks including hotel accommodation at discounted rates. Using online travel companies such as Superbreak (http://www.superbreak.com ), who specialise in booking 2-5 star hotel accommodation throughout the UK, Europe and beyond, means it is possible to book theatre and event tickets and arrange accommodation in advance, whilst also saving money.

Once youve decided where youre going on your short break there remains the mundane but highly recommended task of finding suitable travel insurance and the best price. This is where online sites offering financial comparison services (http://www.moneynet.co.uk ) such as Moneynet, come into their own and do the searching for you. Moneynets travel insurance quick quote finder asks you 3 simple questions (where, who and how long?) and then brings back numerous quotes within a matter of seconds. You simply need to select the quote most appropriate to your needs and buy! Lets face it, the financial world is a vast and complicated place and most people are not properly equipped to quickly search through it all so leave the hard work to them and enjoy a short break instead!

Planning to get away from stressful life? There can no better location than near the city of eternal romance, Paris. Below is a list of ideal place near the timeless French Capital where you can soak up the culture and history of France.

The Maisons Lafitte Camping International is one of the most popular camping sites near Paris. This campground is located on a beautiful island on River Seine just a stroll away from the chic Parisian suburb of Maisons Lafitte. This affluent campground is best for sightseeing, strolling or even shopping. It has also a line of quality and sumptuous trendy bars and restaurants. You can reach the place either by trains or bus from the Metro. This campsite is also the home of an impressive 17th century chateau.

The breathtaking palace of Versailles which was the previous home of King Louis XIV is 30 minutes away by train. Children can also enjoy a visit to Disneyland Paris which can be reached in 50 minutes by train. You can enjoy a sumptuous dinner while on a delightful evening cruise on the River Seine. This will let you see the majestic Eiffel Tower Musée du Louvre and The Cathedral of Notre Dame. The campsite is truly ideal for activities such as golfing, horse riding, tennis, karting, and water skiing, wind surfing as well as canoeing.

Another campground near Paris that offers a fantastic range of activities is the La Croix Du Vieux Pont in Berny Riviere. This campsite is beautifully nestled in the heart of Aisne Valley beside a gently flowing river. The rural setting of the place makes it ideal to enjoy plenty of outdoor activities, and enjoy the nature. The parkland is beautifully landscaped with colorful flowers, tall poplar trees and grassy pitches that provide shade.

You can also treat yourself to their excellent amenities such as beauty therapy center and a gym where you can enjoy services of qualified beauty and health experts. Ideal for children is its four pool areas with retractable roofs and a playing field. There is also a line of restaurants in the site catering both local and foreign cuisines. The nearby lake is ideal for fishing, the forest of Compiègne is best for strolling and the nearby course caters for budding golfers. The campground also offers outdoor activities such as archery, boules, kayaking, canoeing and wall climbing among others.

La Bien Assise is a stopover campsite near Paris that is situated in an 18th century parkland estate. The campground has a moated mansion and 198 emplacements situated in an 18 hectare ground. This is ideal for families or couples who would like to enjoy pleasant strolls and other outdoor activities. The site has a designated and well-maintained 300 km path which is ideal for riding, cycling and walking. Facilities at the site include a covered pool for children, playground, snack bars, delightful gourmet restaurants and mini golf course. The campsite also offers windsurfing, kayaking, and various other water sports in the nearby Lac d’Ardres. For the nature enthusiast, you can ideally explore the Forest of Guines which is just minutes away from the site.

Deep in the heart of of Picardy countryside is the campsite Chateau de Drancourt. This is nestled in long tree lined avenue of an attractive private chateau giving it a cozy feel. Since the site is near the coastline, you can enjoy seaside resort and sandy beaches. The amenities also include complex pools, which are ideal for children to swim. It also prides its converted stable restaurant offering sumptuous meals at reasonable prices. There are also various nearby attractions that are worth the visit such as Bagatelle theme park and the Marquenterre bird reserve and the Somme battlefields. This picturesque campsite is ideal for couples of family with young children.

If you’ve never been on a cruise holiday before, it can be unnerving to read newspaper articles about  the various things that have gone wrong on cruise ships in the past. However, it is reassuring to remember that the likelihood of an emergency occurring is very low, after all, millions of people cruise each and every year without incident. Despite the fact that problems on cruise holidays are very infrequent, most people feel more confident about travel when they are safety aware. Read on to discover my three top safety tips for cruises, which will help to ensure that you have a safe and happy holiday.

Attend Safety Demonstrations

Perhaps the most important safety tip for anyone going on a cruise holiday is to always attend the safety lectures and demonstrations by the ship’s crew. Whether you are a veteran cruiser or you are taking to the sea for the first time, it is essential to know exactly what you should do in case of an emergency. I have noticed that many people don’t bother to attend or pay attention to these safety demonstrations. Perhaps they think “it won’t happen to me”, or having cruised many times, feel that they already know the procedure off by heart. Unfortunately, these are the people who panic when a situation occurs, which (in extreme emergencies) may put themselves and others at risk. OK, so listening to someone talking about lifeboats and emergency exits may not be the ideal way to begin your holiday, but those ten or fifteen minutes are vital if you want to ensure your safety and peace of mind.

Pack Your Common Sense

Although cruise ships are designed to be one of the safest options for holidays, using your common sense and taking responsibility for your own safety is a priority. I’ve seen far too many people sustain minor injuries such as cuts and bruises through carelessness – tripping on stairs after one too many cocktails in the casino bar for example. However, the most shocking incident which I’ve witnessed while cruising was a young couple who were on their honeymoon, trying to imitate the “I’m the King of the world” moment from the film, Titanic. Luckily for them, a member of security staff noticed what they were doing immediately and was able to stop them before a tragic accident occurred. The basic rule that I like to follow is – if it is something I’d think twice about doing anywhere else, it probably isn’t wise to do it when cruising….

Safety on Excursions

The majority of cruise itineraries offer holiday-makers the opportunity to take excursions on land while the ship is in port, and discover the local culture. In some countries, crime can be a problem, which means that when you are onshore, you need to stay on your guard. Since the majority of criminals are opportunistic thieves, it is sensible to ensure that you don’t attract their attention by flashing around large amounts of cash, expensive jewellery and flashy kit such as mobile phones and cameras.

Have you always dreamed of owning your own business, having the time and money to visit exotic locations and being able to fly first class?

If you love traveling, live in or near a city with a large national or international airport, and you have the kind of lifestyle that lets you pick up and go on a moment’s notice, then you might want to think about starting your own business as an “air courier”.

What is an air courier? It’s a person who is hired to transport a specific item from one destination to another, within a specified deadline.

And, before you start imagining sinister men in trench coats carrying guns with silencers, and beautiful foreign women transporting secret microchips, let me reassure you that traveling as an air courier is 100% legal and aboveboard!

What you are asked to transport varies tremendously — it can be almost anything — legal documents such as letters or business contracts, children going from one country to another, medicine that was forgotten during a vacation, reports, computer disks, product prototypes — the list is endless.

In fact, because of the “instant gratification” mindset today where we are used to information and communication that travels faster than the speed of light, air courier companies have seen their businesses grow tremendously over the last ten years. What that means for you is increased opportunities for free travel.

Who can become an air travel courier? Anyone who is over 18, holds a valid passport and who is in good health. It also helps if you’re flexible and can pick up and travel on very short notice.

Why is this a wonderful opportunity?

When sending a package by air, the shipper has two options — the first is to send the package as “cargo.” Cargo travels alone (especially since the tragedy of 9/11), is shipped in bulk in large containers that usually aren’t sent until the container is full, in order to maximize revenues for the airlines.

In addition, especially when cargo is sent overseas, there are sometimes long delays getting the package through customs, there are endless regulations that must be followed, inspections that must be passed, etc.

For the air courier companies, who have to make sure the package is not only delivered, but reaches the intended recipient as quickly as possible, these delays are unthinkable. (If they don’t make their deadlines, then their competitors will. Think of the slogan from one such company…”when it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight…”)

On the other hand, if the same item is considered “personal baggage” and is carried with a ticketed passenger, it arrives with the passenger, and generally passes through customs quickly, without all the delays.

Plus, a person can book a ticket for a specific flight arriving at their destination at a specific time — not so for cargo. Which means that a shipment that could take days or weeks if it’s classified as cargo, can take hours instead because it’s classified as baggage.

Because very few of the air courier companies have the resources to employ full-time couriers, the industry itself has come to rely on freelance air couriers, which, even when having to pay someone to travel, and covering the cost of their airfare, is still a better ROI when compared against the paying full-time wages, holiday and sick pay, insurance and all of the other costs involved with having employees.

This is where you come in.

As an air courier, you are providing a valuable service in a growing market. And from the traveler’s point of view, you might find yourself flying to Paris one day, and Hong Kong a week later!

Once you’ve been hired, the process is pretty simple: the company contacts you, to check your availability. When you confirm, they book the flight and let you know when to be at the airport. You’re met at the airport by a representative, who gives you your ticket, a list of item or items you’re transporting, and your baggage claim tickets. They’ll usually even have checked you in, saving you many hassles. You get to sit in first class, and enjoy the flight. That’s it. You don’t have to contact the recipient in the city you’re flying to, actually pick up the package on your way to the airport, or do anything other than be responsible for it going from one airport to another.

At your destination, you’ll be met by another company representative, who will take the baggage claim tickets, and give you your return ticket.

How long do you get to stay? That depends on you and the air courier company. Sometimes your schedule will be tight — you may only get hours between flights. Other times, you’ll have a day or two. Obviously, as your reputation increases and the companies you work for know that they can rely on you, you have more room for negotiating.

There are several ways to get started. There are actually companies who recruit air couriers, and the fees for joining are usually nominal. The benefits of going through a certified company can be many. For example, they often provide information that it could take you a long time to figure out on your own. They also offer forums, newsletters and other resources to help you succeed. Because they have built a reputation, you might find it easier to get started in the business by working for one of them at first.

But, you can also find the information completely on your own, and start off freelancing. Look in the yellow pages for air couriers that are located near your local airport. Figure out where you’d like to travel to, and make a list of the locations they serve. Because there are companies who transport items both internationally or just within the states, where you travel is largely going to be a matter of personal choice.

Also, make sure that you investigate each company before applying with them. You want to make sure that they are a solid business, with a good reputation. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, get on the phone, and find out what their application process is. Many companies today prefer that you apply online. Whatever the process is, make sure that you provide them with all the information they request.

Timely tip: After submitting your application, follow up with a thank-you letter, on your new “company” letterhead. Remind them of your availability, that you can accept short or no notice flights. Find a way to position yourself above that of the other couriers.

Once you’ve gone through the process the first time, you’ll have a much better idea about which other companies you want to apply to and how to hone your interview skills. (So don’t make your first application with the biggest company that you want to work for the most.) Obviously, if you limit yourself to one or two companies, you’ll also be limiting the amount of work you’ll get and the locations you can travel to.

Timely Tip: Put together a database of the companies you’ve applied to, the date you applied, and contact information. Follow up with the company regularly, but don’t be a pest.

Once you’ve been hired, don’t be surprised if you start getting calls within the first couple of weeks. There is a growing need for professional, responsible air couriers.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you start working:

1. Be professional. Remember that while shorts and flip flops may be comfortable for vacationers, you’re working and representing the air courier company.

2. Often the only baggage you get to take with you is hand carried. Invest in microfiber clothing in basic colors, and learn to pack essentials only. If you do get to stay for longer than a few days, you can always pick up some essentials once you’re there.

3. Give your own business card to the company representative in the country you travel to, and make sure that your email and voice mail information is included.

4. Apply to all the companies you’ve decided you want to work for, and then follow up with the ones that haven’t contacted you regularly — perhaps a polite letter or even a one-page newsletter that lists the latest on industry related news.

5. Stay organized. Don’t over commit yourself, and try never to have to cancel a trip.

Being an air courier is a great way to make money and see the world. Bon Voyage!

“50% Discount!”
“Cut out the middle man”
“Its cheaper on the web!”
“Free Insurance for a year!”
“Book direct and save!”
“No Booking Fee!”

Are you confused? Do you know the difference between a travel agent, a tour operator and a consolidator. Do you know who is offering the best deals? Is free insurance and 20% discount better than 50% discount? The UK travel industry is a minefield and mine detectors are nowhere to be seen.’Understanding UK Travel Industry’ is our attempt to unravel some of the confusion and advise you on the way. We don’t pretend to be unbiased and we acknowledge that our opinion doesn’t necessarily reflect the opinion of others in the business, but we do try to be honest and give the facts as we see them. Hopefully you will find the pages useful.

TOUR OPERATORS
==============
Tour Operators put together the various elements of a typical holiday and sell them as package holidays.They sell their packages either direct to the public and/or through travel agents. The cost of a holiday can vary greatly between tour operators (see examples). If they sell through travel agents, they pay a commission (usually a percentage of the holiday price) to the agent.Most people are familiar with the large tour operators such as Airtours, Thomson and JMC. Such tour operators offer a vast range of holidays and a vast range of destinations, and their buying power ensures reasonable prices. However, never forget that there are thousands of other tour operators out there. Many are small operators, specialising in specific markets or specific destinations. and their prices can be very competitive.Tour Operators come in for a lot of criticism from consumer groups and watchdogs. Whilst, there are, of course, very good operators and very poor operators, we believe that in general, customer service in the travel industry leaves a lot to be desired (at all levels, including operator to agent, agent to the consumer and operator to consumer).

Direct Sell
========
Some tour operators will only sell their package holidays direct to the consumer, bypassing the travel agent. Other will sell through travel agents and also direct to the consumer and others sell only through travel agents.”Is it not cheaper to buy direct then?”, you may ask. The answer is “well, perhaps sometime, if … and but…”. Let us explain…First we need to clear up a misconception which has evolved from a deplorable series of TV advertisements. These advertisements were designed to discredit travel agents. One in particular, indicated that travel agents ADDED commission to tour operators’ prices and therefore charged the client MORE than the quoted prices. This is totally inaccurate and resulted in complaints to the ITC (Independent Television Commission), which were upheld. The ITC also required the broadcaster to cease further transmission of the advertisement in its current form.The truth is, clients booking through travel agents do NOT pay more than the operator’s quoted prices. In many cases, they actually pay less than the operator’s quoted price because travel agents often give some of their commission back to the client as a discount. Further details and the ITC’s ruling is available here.Right, that’s that out of the way – back to the question and the answer…Generally, there is little advantage buying direct from a tour operator who also sells through travel agents. The tour operators do not want to alienate the travel agents and consequently, you can usually get similar prices from both travel agents and ‘direct’.Tour operators who only sell direct to the public can offer good value. They don’t pay commission to travel agents which should allow them to sell holidays a little cheaper than if they did. However, bear in mind that:

* the tour operator has the extra cost of supporting the client that would traditionally be borne by the travel agent (resort and accommodation information, visa and health requirements, changes to bookings etc).

* there could well be identical (or very similar holidays) available cheaper with other tour operators, but of course, the direct sell operator will not be offering competitors products to the client, unlike a good independent travel agent would. Equally there could be more suitable holidays available with other tour operators.Our advice: – only buy from a ‘direct sell’ operator if you are absolutely sure exactly which holiday you want and that no other operator does it cheaper.

TRAVEL AGENTS
=============
Travel Agents are agents for tour operators. Generally, they sell package holidays (and other products/services) on behalf of the tour operator and are paid a commission or fee by the tour operator for doing so. In addition to package holidays,most travel agents will offer other products and services such as:

* Travel Insurance
* Flights
* Car Hire
* Ferry Crossing
* Train Tickets
* Advice and information

Independence
==========
Many of the large UK chains of High Street travel agents actually belong to companies that also own the UK’s major tour operators. We class these as ‘non-independent’.Independent travel agents are those that are independent of their suppliers, and usually, therefore, have greater freedom to supply a wider range of products from a wider range of tour operators In our view, non-independent travel agents will always have great difficulty in offering a totally unbiased service to their clients.

Range of Products/Services
====================
The range of products/services offered varies from travel agent to travel agent. In particular, the number of tour operators supported by agents varies considerably.Most ‘High Street’ travel agents will actively promote and sell only certain tour operators’ holidays. Their ‘racking policies’ dictate which brochures they will display in their shops and this is generally determined by commercial agreements with tour operators. Basically, the more commission the operator pays, the better chance of their brochures being racked. Further, if a travel agent is non-independent, this can greatly influence which tour operators are promoted.These policies limit the number of tour operators that are actively promoted by sales staff. Holidays from many operators are not sold at all.At Holiday Bargains, we are often asked by our clients, ” Well why did Lunn Poly not offer me that one?” (for “Lunn Poly”, you can also read other ‘High Street’ travel agents). The difference is that we do not operate a ‘racking policy’ and we will not restrict our range of suppliers based on the commission that they pay. more Coincidently, at the time of writing this document, one of our Holiday Bargains consultants has had an enquiry from an employee of a major ‘High Street’ travel agent, who was, apparently, unable to find the holiday she required at the same price as we could get. (We found the holiday with a smaller operator which isn’t part of the same group as the travel agent).

Choosing a Travel Agent
==================
(Yes, its obvious what’s coming, but we passionately believe it..) Our advice is to always book through an independent travel agent.This will not guarantee excellent service and prices, nor will booking with a non-independent agent guarantee poor service and prices. However, we believe that you will be more likely to get:
* truly independent advice and guidance
* an agent with the freedom to use a wide range of tour operators and other suppliers.

If you are wondering whether you need cruise travel insurance or not then I can reveal one situation in which you don’t need it; when you aren’t going on a cruise.

Assuming that you are soon to head off exploring the world on a cruise from Southampton then sorting out some cover is pretty essential. It might not be the first thing you think of after making your cruise booking but you should certainly make sure that you do it before you head off. Here are some of the things you need to be sure of before you go ahead and choose an insurance policy for your trip.

Not Just the Price

It is easy to think that the cheaper the better is the motto with any type of insurance. This is kind of half true but it doesn’t tell the whole story. What you also need to look at is the cover which you are offered with it. It is no use getting a dirt cheap policy and then realising that you can’t claim for something which has happened to you. As this kind of insurance is generally pretty cheap anyway it makes more sense to take your time over choosing the cover and make sure that you get the right one. You will want to make sure that you are covered for the main risks such as cancellation, theft or illness. One useful tip is to pay as much attention to what isn’t covered as to what is. This is because any type of insurance policy can include a lot of exclusions which end up making it really difficult to claim for something which has happened.

Keep the Paperwork

When you are travelling on a cruise ship it is a fantastic feeling and you will feel happy and free as you sail the seas. However, if anything goes wrong you will need to back up your insurance claim with the necessary paperwork. This means keeping the receipts for anything expensive you buy on your travels, holding onto medical bills and basically keeping any paperwork which might come in handy later on. This doesn’t have to mean a big hassle if you just keep make sure that you keep a compartment in one of your suitcases free.

Don’t Expect to Get Covered for Everything

Maybe you already know that if it rains while you are in the Caribbean you won’t get covered for this, but it seems that some people don’t.  There are a number of standard exclusions and things which no insurance policy would ever cover you for. Not being able to save up in time for the holiday is another, and really it pays to be clear on what the insurance is for before you even get a quote for it. If you know that it is for peace of mind in the event of something going wrong with your cruise or during your cruise then you will be able to look for the right cover at the right price.

Why is it Vitally Important to Buy a Travel & Medical Insurance when Booking a Trip

The high travel season is at the corner now. People from all walks of life around the world are currently busy searching for the best offers of air and land travel, accommodations, vacation packages to suit their dreams, needs and budgets. Some of them have even started to make their reservations.

Here I would like to emphasize one vitally important thing, which is a must to remember when booking a trip, but ignored by a great number of travelers.

Much has been written on the importance of having insurance coverage while you are on a trip, away from home. This is an issue that remains somewhat ignored by many travelers. After all, they have been traveling frequently for many years, and nothing happened so far to worry about. So, to buy a travel insurance should not a be a must. It is only an optional precaution!

But, reality urges us to believe traveling anywhere in the world without protection today, is a vital mistake. Regardless of where you are traveling in the world, you must have an insurance coverage to survive any unexpected attacks and disasters, especially after the 9/11 attacks in the U.S.A.

Let’s say, you have been planning the trip of your dreams for a long time; you have finally found the opportunity to make your long time dreams of a special trip come true.

You are so excited! You have thought of all the details. You have been actively preparing for this travel; thinking, programming, shopping . . . spending a lot of time, money, and energy! You are proud of yourself that you have finally managed to materialize your dream!

Your trip can really be an unforgettable experience from start to the end, on one condition.

When booking your trip, you should have remembered that, like most exciting events in our lives, travel has some important risks, too. For example, potential medical and/or financial risks associated with travel, can suddenly turn all the excitement and pleasures of the trip to a nightmare.

Your baggage and/or your hand bag with your money, passport, credit cards in, can be stolen leaving you desperate & frustrated in a foreign country.

No one can guarantee that a natural disaster would not happen at the place you would be staying during your trip.

An unexpected accident, injury or illness would suddenly ruin everything. In fact, in the recent years medical costs have increased dramatically, worldwide. How would you be able to pay the emergency medical expenses, expensive hospital bills if you needed an urgent treatment, or surgery and care during your travel when you have lost your money, credit cards, and passport? Isn’t it a real nightmare?

In such a frustration, the only thing you would have needed to survive was a reliable medical and travel insurance policy, wasn’t it?.

Especially in the light of the horrible threats on and after September 11 terrorist attacks, the war on terror, other ruthless terror attacks in Istanbul, Spain, Egypt and London, frequent flight disruptions and cancellations, airlines’ bankruptcies, and more. In addition, travel suppliers such as tour operators and airlines worldwide have made cancellation policies more restrictive.

Therefore, if you have to cancel a trip, it’s likely that a big portion of your pre-paid travel expenses will not be refunded by travel suppliers.

Recent SARS and bird flu threats have also been urging travelers and vacationers to seriously consider to buy a travel and medical insurance.

Travel Insurance types and prices defer from one travel insurance provider to another.

You have to review, compare and select the best offers to suit your personal needs.

For instance, some insurance providers do not offer coverage outside the U.S.A. Some companies do not provide emergency medical coverage and care, while others do.

Some airlines do not accept to be held responsible for the acts of God, weather problems, natural disasters, riots and unrests, SARS, bird flu, and similar outbreaks.

The Insurance types you will need on a trip are reviewed below:

Last Minute Cancellation Insurance
With the last minute cancellation and/or interruption insurance you will get coverage on non-refundable deposits you had made when you bought your travel insurance. Read the fine print on the policy carefully when buying this insurance. You should discuss your personal needs with your insurance agent before buying it.

Medical Insurance
This is one of the most important insurance policies you should have. Buying health and medical insurance must be considered as an important part of your travel budget. You can face a health problem or an accident anywhere and anytime during your trip. Be sure your medical and health insurance policy covers illness, accidents, surgeries, hospitalization bills in the countries you will be visiting, emergency medical transportation to your home country. Please remember to have your policies with you when traveling, leaving the copies of your insurance policies with a relative in your home country, in case the policies you have with you are lost.

Comprehensive Insurance Policy
This policy generally covers emergency medical transportation and trip cancellation and interruption, plus other needs you would expect. This insurance costs 5 to 7 percent of the total cost of the trip. You should have it for your safety.

What types of insurance policies do we need for a full protection?

The Essential Insurance Types offered by most providers are Travel, Last Minute, Medical, Health, Life, Hotel, Cruise, Air, Vacations, Luxury, car insurance, sports, and Spa Insurance policies.

Some travel insurance companies also offer affordable coverage for a wide range of winter sports including Ski, Off-Piste and Snowboarding.

We might need not one, but several types of insurance policies according to the general conditions at the destinations we’re going to.

If your your kids are going with you, many travel insurance providers let them go free with adults.

Some companies provide policies for students, backpackers, cheap travel, holiday insurance, long stay, international, family travel, single travel, annual travel, annual multi-trips, and more. It’s good to know that in this cyber age, you can buy the insurance policies you need online, without even leaving your home.
Most Travel Insurance policies cover Luggage Loss, too.

But you should definitely ask about what’s covered and what’s not when choosing Travel Insurance Policy to buy. Do ask questions, all questions you might have in mind, until you get all the information you need. It’s much better to ask questions when buying insurance than to be sorry later.

How can I find the best insurance type to suit my personal or family needs?

When choosing a travel insurance policy to buy, you should get information on the offers of various insurance providers to compare.

Knowing how time consuming is to search, compare and choose the best travel and medical insurance types and prices to suit your needs and budget, we advice to visit the websites where you can find lists and information about various offers, then compare them, and choose the best ones to suit your needs.

You should keep in mind that buying your travel insurance through travel insurance providers, instead of travel agencies, would save you money in most cases.

In the light of terrorist attacks, unexpected natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, deadly hurricanes, floods, epidemics, accidents, illness, SARS, bird flu, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives at many places around the world, especially in the recent years, every traveler must seriously consider to buy a travel health and a medical insurance, and some other insurance policies if needed, providing a reliable full coverage against both expected and unexpected threats.

Planning for a trip world wide? Looking out for an insurance to protect your travel and make your experience a memorable one? The cheapest rate in a policy will hold no meaning if it doesnt properly cover your overseas travel needs. Choose a company that does not cut on the insurance cover but on the cost of insurance. They should provide you with round the clock emergency assistance as well as cover you for activities and sports you are interested in. Get started with your skiing, snowboarding or bungee jumping, experience the best vacation ever. Do not forget to get an insurance cover of worldwide travel insurance.

Seek provisions for extending your overseas stay. Online option makes it convenient to you if you decide to extend your overseas stay, the holiday insurance should be chosen to protect your holiday. After all every one hopes that we won’t need the insurance but it is always best to have it. When you are in a foreign country and something goes wrong whether it is a stolen wallet or lost passport you really do not want to go alone. This is precisely why one opts for worldwide travel insurance for all overseas travel.

Medical cover: you can be covered for any medical assistance or hospitalization charges. While you are on a world tour then the mounting medical bills might cost you the earth and leave you penniless.

Concerns about your personal baggage, protect it from any kind of stealth or damage to your personal belongings. You, as a globe trotter could possibly be having such worries and may be on the lookout of a way out of this. It could be the fear of theft of cash and other ensuing problems.

You plan your trip and relax let your travel insurance agent do the rest. You are going to be really relieved to have the insurance guy deal with things and see you have the funds etc to carry on with your trip and not have it ruined by some unforeseen problem. Your policy should be flexible enough as well as accommodate for any value that you might add during your holidays while making purchases. Independent insurance companies offer the cheapest source of obtaining cheap worldwide holiday insurance that provide for senior travelers, winter sports and globe trekkers low cost insurance.