Insurance - To Buy or Not To Buy

Travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Most people save all year for that one special week of relaxation. Unfortunately, sometimes unexpected things happen. It is hard to think about the unthinkable when you are planning your vacation, but you never know just when an unexpected mishap might turn a relaxing vacation into a taxing experience. That is why it is very important to protect your investment. Travel insurance doesn’t only provide you a refund in case the unexpected happens; most policies will also cover you medically while you are on the trip, as well as provide you with emergency medical transportation should the need arise. Other things that may be covered are trip interruption, trip delay, and baggage loss or damage. Some policies even provide rental car protection.

Travel insurance policies may sound confusing but a travel professional can help you decide which policy is best for you. Did you know that when purchasing an insurance policy directly from the cruise line or tour company, you will not be covered for financial default of that company? Are you sure your health insurance covers you outside of the United States? Travel agents are familiar with supplier insurance policies as well as independent insurance company policies. It is important to discuss your individual needs with your travel professional so that they can lead you to the right plan.

As a travel consultant I often hear clients say, “I don’t need insurance. I am going no matter what.” I always cringe when I hear that, because unfortunately those are the same people that usually encounter travel disasters or mishaps. For example I recently booked a weeklong California vacation for a young couple. The day before they were to leave, the husband came down with the stomach flu. There was no way he could possibly get onto a plane so they had to cancel their trip. They lost a total of three hundred dollars in airline penalties. Had they paid a small premium for insurance, their tickets would have been refunded in full. With the snowstorm that hit Chicagoland this week, many weary travelers were at O’Hare, waiting for the storm to pass. Those with travel insurance were able to settle into a nice, warm hotel knowing they would be able to file a claim for their travel delays. Those that opted against insurance, weren’t so lucky. Regardless of age, travel insurance is an important element to your vacation package.

When traveling, you never know what sort of emergency or unforeseen event might occur. With the right travel professional’s help, you can choose the travel insurance policy that’s right for you – so that you won’t have to worry.

Leave Vacation Planning to the Professionals

                  
Consumers are more inundated than ever with seemingly too-good-to-be-true vacation prices, especially on-line. How can even the most seasoned travelers be expected to cut through the clutter and make the right decision?  Part personal shopper and part matchmaker, a professional travel agent can match up options from hundreds of travel deals with your personal preferences, and take the stress out of the vacation planning process. Consider the following:

o First-Hand Experience- Chances are good that your travel agent has experienced the resort first-hand or has received personal feedback from clients who have. With so many websites containing outdated or misleading information, the expert advice and personal recommendation of a travel professional can be far more reliable and less biased than a travel brochure or web posting.

o Interpreting the Fine Print- Professional travel agents are familiar with the disclaimers and hidden fees that could cost you far more than you bargained for. They’ll provide expert advice on everything from optional resort excursions to the real value of travel insurance.

o Convenience, Cost and Value Recognition- By sifting through the web or making countless phone calls to hotels and airlines, you may be able to find a lower price on your own. But more likely, a travel agent will find you the best value in far less time, and you can avoid making a decision that may cost you dearly. Knowledgeable travel agents can discern the difference between a low price and a good value. When you book a vacation, you’re investing not only hard-earned dollars but also valuable vacation time. It pays to get it right.

o Clout- With a travel agent, you have someone who will go to bat for you should the unexpected happen. Experienced travel agents have long-standing relationships with travel suppliers. They have the right contacts and know how to get things done in the most efficient and timely manner.

Many of the nation’s leading wholesale vacation companies, recommend booking through a professional, retail travel agent for the right advice and best price.  So why use an agent when you can go online and book yourself? Perhaps the question should be, why not?