Travel Tips // 2014

As we enter the last few months of 2014, we start making travel plans for 2015. Over the years as I have traveled I have heard "do this" or "avoid that". Working for a travel agency, I have been educated on the many do's and do not's of the travel world. I have compiled a list of some of the most valuable information when it comes to great travel tips. 

1.) Avoid chain hotels: By staying in a small boutique or family-run hotel, you will be saving more money than you think. You will also have a more unique experience in the area you are vising. 

2.) In countries rich in history and culture (Italy, France, Japan), go off the beaten path: You will avoid the usual crowds and higher prices and in return find better food, shopping, and so on! 

3.) Be wise when choosing flight days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are the least-popular travel dates for domestic flights. 

4.) Take a layover tour: Many cities will offer a layover tour. So if you have a long layover, take advantage of the layover tours. Have a 5 hour layover in Paris? Go explore! 

5.) Buy insurance: I can't say it enough. BUY INSURANCE! Yes, it costs a little extra, but you will thank yourself in the long run. What if a family member gets sick? Canceling the trip would cause you to lose everything! Not if you had purchased trip insurance. When asked if you want to add it, don't hesitate. Say YES! 

6.) Scan important documents before you leave: In the event of theft or misplacement, you will be glad you scanned your passport, cards, etc. 

7.) Use a travel agent: I know, coming from someone who works at a travel agency, this comes off as biased. But now that I know how much easier traveling is after using an agent, I will never travel internationally without one! Plus using a travel agency is FREE! So, why not?

Tip from Hayden: As a treat to yourself, send yourself a postcard from each day of your travels. It will be a nice treat to come home to and make the transition to reality easier! 

Travel Insurance // Why Do We Need It?

When booking a trip, a travel agent will always ask you if you are interested in purchasing travel insurance. It is almost like a "Do you want fries with that" of the travel world. Most people see that as an extra cost and decide to opt out. Whether it is your trip, your possessions, your luggage, or your health, travel insurance has become an essential for smart travelers. At Travel Planners, we urge you to consider it.  Why you ask? Let me explain. 

You may need it. If you are taking a long and expensive trip, travel insurance could be a very smart choice. If a natural disaster, sudden illness or family issues arise, will you be losing a great deal of money? Are your plane tickets nonrefundable? Have you been saving for this for years? If you answered yes to any of these, you may need to devise an insurance plan. 

How much is travel insurance? If can range anywhere from five to fifteen percent of the trip, depending on age of traveler and trip details. If this fits your budget, I would strongly suggest purchasing. Would give you a great peace of mind. Call your local travel agent for the details!

Trip-cancellation insurance is a great coverage option when you have paid a substantial amount of money for this getaway. If things end up not working you, you at least get your nonrefundable, prepaid travel costs back. However, trip-cancellation insurance only covers very specific reasons for why your trip was canceled. These include sickness, natural disasters and theft. Make sure to read the fine print when deciding to purchase this insurance. But if traveling to a place where natural disasters are very common, this is a IDEAL coverage option. 

Generally, travel insurance is sold in packages, combining various categories of coverage. Go through them and determine what you need and what you don't. 

Top reasons to purchase travel insurance:

Reasons to buy travel insurance 

                                                       1.) Your flight has been cancelled. 

2.) Your bags are lost and your medication is in it. You need to have an emergency prescription filled.

 3.) Your passport and wallet are stolen, and you need emergency cash and a replacement passport. 

4.)You're involved in an accident and adequate medical treatment is not available. You need medical evacuation. 

5.) You need to cancel your trip due to illness. 

6.) Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. You need your non-refundable expenses covered and to get to your destination. 

7.) You have a medical emergency in a foreign country. 

8.) A terrorist incident occurs in the city where you’re planning to visit and you want to cancel your trip. 

9.) A hurricane forces you to evacuate your resort, hotel or cruise.