When and How to Buy Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance,

When and How to Buy

You plan all year, sometimes even two years in advance to take that big trip. You have been slowing putting money aside, saving up, and right before you are supposed to go on this amazing journey something happens. You can’t go! What are you going to do? You read through all the cancellation policies and most of them say “100% non-refundable 6 days prior.” Oh no, you are within that time frame. No refund! All those hard earned dollars down the drain.

Most of us are lucky that this scenario does not happen to us. However, life has a way of throwing curve balls at us so you want to make sure that when that curve ball comes your way you know exactly where to hit it, with travel insurance.

There are many travel insurance companies out there selling only travel insurance. The question now becomes, Which one works best for you? Your travel agent is the best guide as to which company will provide the most coverage for your needs. You don’t need to purchase the “Platinum Plan” to get good coverage. Most times their basic plans, or gold plans will cover up to 100% of your non-refundable costs and give you very good health coverage also.

Some things you want to make sure you do when buying travel insurance:

Tip #1: Buy travel insurance within 15 – 21 days of your initial deposit to ensure coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

Tip #2: Only buy “Cancel for Any Reason Coverage” if you really are on the fence about going on the trip. Most medical issues for both travelers and immediate families is covered under their reasons for cancellation plus, this is an added cost that you may not need to pay.

Tip #3: Check what your medical insurance covers for out of country visits. Don’t buy additional medical coverage if you already have good medical coverage.

Tip #4: Renting a car? Check what your credit cards and car insurance coverage for any damage to vehicle overseas. Consider buying additional coverage if you already have high premiums here in the states or you don’t have enough coverage.

Tip #5: Make sure to get a comprehensive copy of your purchased policy from your travel agent. Each state has different policies so make sure you have received the correct one for the state you live in.

Tip #6: READ OVER YOUR POLICY!!! The more you know before you go the better. If you have any questions about the policy call the travel insurance company directly for a full explanation.

Click Here to check out the Life is Better Traveling Team!

Congratulations to Mary!

She recently earned the distinguished Certified Travel Associate (CTA) designation from the Travel Institute, the travel industry’s oldest education organization. She completed a comprehensive exam-based training program that demonstrates extensive industry knowledge and experience, and she must continue to fulfill stringent education credit requirements each year.

Have a Great Week!

Questions Answered by a Travel Agent

Mary Yohannan on

The Travel Agent is Alive!

I am going to answer all those questions that we commonly get asked…

John, did you know that unlike the caveman, the travel agent is not extinct? I hear this all the time, “I thought travel agents were extinct!” We are here to stay and becoming larger in numbers. Home based travel agents are popping up everywhere. Some people think it will be an easy way to make money and get into this profession for all the wrong reasons. I always tell anyone I meet, “If you have a travel agent you like, don’t let them go because good travel agents are hard to find.” So the question becomes, if you aren’t booking with a travel agent/consultant, then WHY NOT? Here are some common questions my team of consultants and myself here when people find out what we do and our honest answers:

Why should I book with you because I can do it online?

This is a question we often encounter. When looking at deals online or pricing shopping for your next vacation be sure that it is an apples to apples comparison.

When booking online beware of the various “Hidden Fees” from the major online companies.

You can book online. Sometimes travel agents will not be able to beat the PRICE available online but please make sure that you are aware that if something goes wrong while you are on the vacation, you do not have an advocate or voice to better or fix the problem.

When booking online make sure you understand the Terms and Conditions of cancellations and refunds. It can become very confusing and you may have to pay heavy fees to change your itinerary in addition to any fees you must pay the resort, airlines, hotel, train, cruise line, etc.

What should my travel agent being doing for me?

Travel agents should be doing all of the work for you. They should be comparing different resorts, cruise lines, hotels, airfares, etc. We will NOT always be the “best deal” but we should always be getting you the best VALUE!!!

Your travel agent should be available to talk with anytime you need them. Automated systems are fine as long as you get to talk with someone.

Your travel agent should have all your details on hand so when you book with them they know exactly what you want.

Your travel agent should keep you updated on any and all changes to the itinerary including air or train departure times, resort or hotel renovations, cruise line issues.

Your travel agent should take care of any cancellations and refunds if for some reason you would have to cancel.

Your travel agent should send you all your documents either via mail or email.

Your travel agent should call you a few days before you leave for your vacation to make sure that you have everything you need and update you on any last minute changes.

Are travel agent service fees common?

Yes! Travel agents are providing a service to you. They are experts in their field or niche and this type of expertise is what you are need to make the most out of your vacation.

Most chain travel agencies and online travel booking engines charge fees. You are paying for the computer to book your vacation with little to no understanding of what you are looking for out of your vacation. Instead, work with a travel agent who really knows your vacation needs.

Most travel agents charge a fee that is reasonable to the amount of work they will be doing for you. Some travel agents have a flat service fee that can be upwards of $500 per person going on the trip. These fees are usually associated with high end luxury travel that requires a lot of personalization.

Group travel fees will also vary. Again, a lot of work can be put into putting together an itinerary for groups so the fees may be more.

Don’t travel agents make commission, so why the service fee?

Yes, travel agents do make commission from suppliers and vendors as a thank you for referring clients to their establishment. Service fees are for the many hours a travel agent is researching so they can put together an amazing itinerary, answering questions from you and the supplier, and the many phone calls to suppliers to get you the best price and amenities. .

If the vacation is cancelled by the client, the travel agent may not be paid commission. The work was done but the travel agent did not get paid. Most people don’t work for free so travel agents charge service fees to ensure they get paid for their work.

What if I don’t like my travel agent, can I leave?

Absolutely! If your travel agent is NOT listening to your needs or wants for your vacation drop them immediately and move onto someone else.

Even if you have booked a vacation, you can switch travel agents. Most bookings are transferable as long as you consent to the booking being transferred to the new travel agent.

Bookings cannot be transferred if full payment has been made, which is usually 60 to 90 days prior to departure. If you are unhappy early on then don’t wait to change!

I have to cancel, who do I call?

Your travel agent. You don’t have time to be calling every supplier to cancel your trip or you can’t. This is why you have a travel agent. Peace of mind knowing that it will all be taken care of and your refund is on the way, of course if you bought travel insurance.

Click Here to check out the Life is Better Traveling Team!

Congratulations to Mary!

Have a Great Week!

Six Tips to Protecting your Credit Card Information on your Next Vacation

Mary Yohannan on

Protecting your credit card information on vacation can be a full-time job!

These Six Tips will help you protect your credit card information from being stolen…

On my recent trip to Charleston, South Carolina our hotel had a laminated sheet on the desk warning clients that there has been a scam occurring in their hotel. Someone will call your room and ask for personal information and your credit card information saying they are verifying what is one file with the hotel. What I found amusing was that no hotel has ever asked me for my social security number, but these scam artists are asking for that information too. I have heard of this scam at hotels with different variations, but do know that you should never give your personal information over the phone to anyone posing as a travel supplier, especially your social security numbers.

Besides the scams by phone, there are times when you are on vacation where someone will steal your credit card information. I personally do not carry more than two credit cards with me when I travel and I only use one credit card with the other card as my back up card. This helps me keep track of all my purchases and in case someone would steal this card, I will have the other card with me. The real question is how do you protect your credit card and personal information when you travel? Here are some tips on how to do just that so you have don’t have to worry.

Tip 1: Designate one card to use on your vacation. Put all your charges from the planning stages to the time the vacation is over, on one card so you can keep track of all your vacation charges.

Tip 2: Avoid any fee based items that will be charged to your card during your vacation. Hotels love to charge you for room service, movies, WiFi, etc. Try to avoid paying for these additional services that would be placed onto your credit card.

Tip 3: Take your own computer. Many hotels and airports have computer terminals in their business center that you can use to print airline tickets, check email, etc. Avoid using these computers and bring your own to check your email and bank information. Never check anything on a hotel computer that requires you to put in a password that will access your personal information.

Tip 4: Temporarily change passwords to accounts that you think you will be checking during your vacation. By changing the passwords you will help protect your accounts when you get back and change the passwords again.

Tip 5: Get a pre-paid Visa card for your vacation. Pre-paid credit cards are great because they are not linked to any of your personal information and some of them may have travel protection in case you lose it. Try to pay for your hotel stay, souvenirs, etc with this card.

Tip 6: Keep your room key from your hotel after you check out. In 2003 a study was done by the Southern California law enforcement professionals and what they found was the hotel key has your name, your partial address, your room number, your dates of stay, and your Credit Card information including expiration date! If you lose this card and someone can read not only will they have your credit card information but they may also be able to get into your room.

Next time you travel make sure to protect your credit card information with these few simple steps.

Safe Travels!!

Click Here to check out the Life is Better Traveling Team!

Global Entry vs TSA Pre-Check

Mary Yohannan on

Global Entry vs TSA Pre-Check,
What are the differences and which one should you get.

I finally decided I had enough of taking off my shoes, pulling off my belt, getting out the liquids and taking out my electronics for airport security, so I applied for TSA Pre-Check. I was surprised how quick and simple the application process was, and I did everything right online. Once my application was submitted, and I made an appointment at the nearest office to have my fingerprints taken and pay the $85 non-refundable fee. Now the fee is non-refundable if you are denied, but if you are approved, the $85 fee means that your TSA Pre-check status is good for 5 years. Not having to worry about taking my shoes off, belts, liquids, or computers out of my bag for 5 years seems like a good deal at $85. Also, anyone under the age of 12 who is traveling with a person who has TSA Pre-Check on their boarding pass will also get to go through with them.

So how does this all work? After filling out the online application, and getting my fingerprints taken, I waited for my background check to clear. About three weeks after my appointment I received a letter in the mail saying that I was approved and I was given a Known Traveler Number or KTN.

The number is a bit hidden in the letter, but after searching for a while I found it. Then I simply put this number into all of my profiles with the various airlines. If you have a profile with an airline to receive mileage, there is a section for KTN. Not all airlines participate in the TSA Pre-Check but there are about 16 airlines that participate including the major airlines like United, Delta, SouthWest, and American. Once you have made a reservation with an airline, as long as your KTN is in your profile or you have added it to your reservation, then your boarding pass will print out with TSA Pre-check on the top. Now, I say it sounds simple but the first time I used mine, I did not have TSA Pre-Check on the top of my boarding pass and even bringing a copy of my letter with me, didn’t allow me access to the TSA Pre-check line. I called the airline to find out why I didn’t have TSA Pre-Check status on the top of my boarding pass and I was told there were two possible reasons. My name didn’t match exactly from what was in the TSA system to what was in their system or you need one cycle for your first use of your KTN and then it will automatically appear. After checking my name was correct, I checked in online for my flight home and gladly found TSA Pre-Check at the top of my boarding pass. So just in case you don’t have it on your first trip of using your KTN, it should appear on the next, especially if your name is correct on both ends.

Now for those who travel internationally, there is also Global Entry. Global Entry is a program through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency. The benefit of applying for Global Entry would be that once you arrive back in the United States, hopefully from an amazing river cruise, you simply check-in at the Global Entry kiosk and then you are on your way to get your luggage. At the kiosk you will have to scan your passport barcode, place your fingerprints on the scanner for fingerprint verification, and complete a customs declaration form. Once these are completed, the kiosk will issue you a transaction receipt and will tell you how to get to the nearest baggage claim and/or exit. So simple and it will save you time.

You can apply online for Global Entry using their Global Online Enrollment System (GOES), and pay the $100 non-refundable fee upfront. Once your payment and application have been approved by Customs and Border Patrol, they will tell you to schedule an interview at your nearest Global Entry Enrollment Center through the GOES systems. Bring your required forms of identification, and get ready to answer a few simple questions. Once you are approved, you will receive a Trusted Traveler’s Membership number which you can easily access through the GOES system, and it will be mailed to you within a month.

Global Entry also includes TSA Pre-check! So for $15 more, I would suggest applying for Global Entry and once you are approved the that you can also put your Trusted Traveler’s Membership number into KTN field. Even if you only travel internationally once a year or once every other year, this is a peace of mind knowing that you don’t have to wait in those long lines to get through customs.

Congratulations to Mary!

Have a Great Week!

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