Posts Tagged ‘Travel Tips’
Find the Right Travel Insurance - 10 Practical Tips
“Insurance is like marriage. You pay, pay, pay, and you never get anything back.”
- Al Bundy
Getting the right insurance can be very important in case you run into problems. Here are some hints on pitfalls to avoid:
- The travel insurance can differ a lot on what it covers. Make sure that you understand what is included and that you have the right travel insurance for the place you are going and the activities that you intend to do. Shop around - there may be significant differences in prices (make sure you compare apples to apples though, the fine print can be hard to understand in detail).
- Make sure that any expensive items (e.g. video camera) you plan to take along is covered, check the maximum amount per individual item. How can you prove to the insurance company that you owned the item? Keeping a photo and the receipt may be useful.
- Some policies cover only theft and not loss. Others have a hefty excess fee (an amount is deducted from the amount you are supposed to get back from the insurance).
- If you plan to travel several times during a year a multi-trip insurance can be more economical than buying travel insurance every time you go.
- Some travel agents make a large part of their income from selling insurance since the price for tickets is easy to compare online and there is a lot of competition selling tickets.
- Sometimes you have basic travel insurance included in your home insurance for a certain amount of days and it may be what you need. If it is not enough you may be able to take out additional travel insurance on your home insurance (but this is not necessarily the cheapest alternative).
- If you pay for your flight using a credit card you can sometimes get a basic travel insurance included. Check with your credit card company to for details. Also check what is included in your homeowner insurance before getting additional travel insurance.
- Make sure that you know where to call if you need to get in touch with your insurance company and keep a copy of your insurance policy with contact details with you.
- Check what the process for reimbursement is before you go (e.g. you may have to present receipts afterwards or get the treatment approved in advance).
- Check that the insurance covers the activities you plan on doing such as climbing, snowboarding or hang gliding. Some companies specialize in insurances for high-risk activities.
Peter Siljerud
Tags: Al Bundy, Apples To Apples, Economical Insurance, Home Insurance, Homeowner Insurance, Income Insurance, Insurance Company, Insurance Plan, Insurance Price, Marriage, Pitfalls, Receipt, Right Insurance, Selling Insurance, Several Times, Travel Agents, Travel Insurance, Travel Tips, Trip Insurance, Video Camera | No Comments »
Consequential Travel Tips #1
CONSEQUENTIAL TRAVEL TIPS # 1 WRITTEN BY DONNA TOUCHETTE / DMT Travel
EXTRA LUGGAGE– It may be possible to purchase the right to check a third bag, at a cost of something like $125. In high capacity travel times however, it may no longer be possible to elect this option, at any price. Again, don’t be stymied at the gate. Check with your airline in advance.
TAG YOUR BAGS…INSIDE AND OUT — It is surprising to note how many people arrive at the airport with no identification on their luggage. Wiser travelers will have at least two external tags securely affixed to each piece of luggage, and one taped inside the cover of each bag for good measure.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR SMOOTHER CHECK-IN — Almost all clothing accessories, including shoes, belts, hats, sweaters, jackets, etc. must be removed and sent through the x-ray machine. Simplify matters for yourself by wearing such items that are relatively easy for you to remove and re-don. On another note, wear at least one garment that has secure button-down or Velcro pockets suitable to keeping your passport, wallet, pen, glasses and other critical items safely on your person. A travel shirt such as Ex Officio, safari pants with good button pockets, and/or a photo journalist style vest or jacket can be very helpful in securing important items.
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE — As of now travelers in the USA are limited to one carry-on bag, plus the equivalent of a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. You are advised not to test the capacity limits, as your carry-on may be denied boarding, or forced to be checked. Plan and pack accordingly.
HURRY UP and WAIT — Early arrival at the airport for check-in is now more important than ever. You will avoid many problems and much distress simply by arriving at the airport check-in counter a generous two hours or more in advance of your flight departure. In fact, on some recent Singapore Airlines flights, they asked that you check in 3-1/2 hours prior to flight time.
CONNECTING FLIGHTS — When planning connecting flights, allow at least three hours for you and your luggage to change planes, especially when making an inter-airline connection and/or clearing Immigration and Customs .I know that sitting around the airports for that long is no fun but cutting this too close can ruin a great trip before it even begins.
FALL-BACK OPTION — Avoid scheduling the last flight that will connect from your home airport to the major gateway. If your flight is late or cancelled due to weather or mechanical issues, your entire vacation may be placed be in jeopardy. If at all possible, book an earlier flight for a safety cushion.
YOUR PASSPORT if you’re planning on vacationing in another country, you’re going to need a valid passport. If this is your first passport, you’ll need to apply in person at least 5 weeks before your planned departure. You can go to your local county courthouse, a U.S. Passport Agency, a probate court, or certain post offices. For more information, click on: http://www.dmttravel.com. Be sure to make two photocopies of your passport before you go on your trip. Bring one with you and leave the other with a friend.
TRAVELER’S CHECKS try to avoid carrying large sums of cash when you are traveling. Bring only the credit cards you plan on using and pick up some traveler’s checks before you go. If you need to cash a traveler’s check while you’re on vacation, be careful! Banks have been known to charge up to 20 percent of the travelers check’s face value. Try to find a bank that sells the same brand. Your fees will be lower and you can save that extra money for souvenirs.
MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS Prepare a medical kit to take along. Be sure to include any prescription medications, (take a few days extra of your prescription medication, you never know when your trip might be extended) also bring medications for stomachache, earache, pain, and diarrhea. You should also carry a copy of your eyeglass or contact lens prescription, and an extra pair of both.
RESTRICTIONS WITH CARRY-ON BAGGAGE The Transportation Security Administration (a division of US Department of Homeland Security) has recently revised its restrictions on items in carry-on luggage for flights originating in the US. Due to enhanced security measures liquids, gels, lotions and other items of similar consistency will not be permitted in carry-on baggage. These types of items must be packed in your checked baggage. These are some tips to avoid spills inside your suitcase:* Liquids and gels should be in plastic containers, stowed inside clear zippered plastic bags for ease of inspection by TSA officials .For the perfect travel container visit www.dmttravel.com/accessories.html* Squeeze all the air out of any liquid or gel containers to avoid leaks, as products expand in flight.* Pack liquids and gels near the hinge of a suitcase to minimize movement .These are some notable exceptions:* Baby formula and breast milk are allowed in your carry-on baggage or personal items. You can take these through the security checkpoints and aboard your plane. However, you must be traveling with a baby or toddler. All items including formula or breast milk will be inspected.* Liquid prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket, up to 5 oz. of liquid or gel low blood sugar treatment, including juice; and up to 4 oz. of non-prescription liquid medications including saline solution, eye care products and KY jelly are permitted.* Gel-filled bras and similar prosthetics* Gel-filled wheelchair cushions* Life support and life sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs carried for medical reasons. More details are published on the Transportation Security Administration web site. Make sure to visit http://www.tsa.gov/ for the latest restrictions before packing your carry-on luggage and reaching an airport security check point
.HEALTH INSURANCE WHILE TRAVELING when traveling overseas, check your health insurance. Many policies won’t cover you once you leave the U.S. If you need insurance, there are a number of companies that offer travel coverage plans. Please call me at 888-339-4400 or contact me at groupspecialist@hotmail.com and we can discuss which plans will meet your personal needs.
AIRLINES’ SEAT POCKETS before you stick your hand into the seat pocket in front of you, think about what the last few passengers may have left in there. They are the dumping ground for everything from rotten food to used diapers. It may surprise you to learn that aircraft are given a deep cleaning only once a month. How is still the question? Planes are lightly cleaned between flights (obvious trash picked up, crumbs brushed off) and cleaned overnight (toilets, galley, seatback pockets emptied, floors vacuumed). So before you put your hand in someone’s used Kleenex, think twice before reaching into the seat pocket - and don’t even ask me about the pillows and blankets.
GETTING THE BEST SEAT ON THE PLANE why do airlines only reserve seats for you if you remember to ask? By the time you remember, the good ones are gone. To get the better coach seats, you want to avoid the restrooms and galleys because they’re busy with lots of traffic. The seats in the last row and in front of exits often don’t recline, Middle seats are cramped. Bulkheads have more leg room, because no one reclines into your lap, Window seats have a view but less head room or aisle access. Show up when the counter opens to get the desirable exit row.
TRAVEL AGENTS VS. ONLINE BOOKING who can take care of refunds and changes when you have booked your trip online? Don’t be surprised when the answer is no one. All that time spent online is doubled when you have to get on the phone and make a change. Forget the refund, as online specials are usually non-refundable. Need help overseas? I cringe for you. Internet specials are great until you have a problem or need to make changes. That is where travel agents are lifesavers, especially if you are out of the country. Definitely go online to do research. Compare prices and look at hotel photos and airline seating charts. But for an expensive or complicated itinerary, use a travel agent. And pack their cell phone number.
YOUR CREDIT CARD IS REFUSED OVERSEAS you having dinner at the Eiffel Tower when your credit card is refused. Furious, you spend an hour calling home to discover your card was shut down due to suspicious activity- someone has been using it in France! Since no one called the credit card company back when they left you a message at your home, the account was frozen for your protection. It was not for your protection. You have limited liability. It was the credit card company covering their rear and they do it all the time. To avoid this, call your credit card companies and inform them of your travel dates & destinations, take travelers checks and travel with more than one card.
PROTECTING YOUR PASSPORT Now that you have your passport for travel to the Caribbean and Mexico you need to take steps to avoid it being lost or stolen. Immediately make several copies. Leave one copy at home, put two copies in your carry on bag, and leave one copy with someone who could fax it to you if yours is lost or stolen. In case yours disappears, a copy of your passport will significantly speed up the time it takes to get a replacement, especially overseas. I prefer hard copies but some people scan their passports to file on their laptop. In your hotel, put your passport in the hotel safe with the majority of your credit cards and carry one of the copies with you for shopping and money changing.
SHIPPING TIPS if you use a credit card for a purchase or service overseas, keep your receipts and double check your bill. There are thousands of mistakes on international credit card purchases, but unfortunately, there’s very little recourse. One common problem is receiving defective merchandise that has been shipped. The law only protects you if it was shipped within your home state or if you lived within one hundred miles of the mailing address. Therefore, don’t ship without good insurance. And what about the merchant who adds extra zeroes or moves the decimal point to increase the charge? This happens all the time. You must notify your credit card company in writing within 60 days. You’ll also need to send a copy to the appropriate federal agencies as well, and believe it or not, the Director of Tourism of the offending country. Often the promise of bad publicity from an American tourist can nudge the merchant to withdraw.
DECLARE YOUR ITEMS you are required by U.S. Law to declare all items acquired in other countries. That includes repairs to items you took with you and any gifts you may have received. You’ll fill out a customs declaration form when reentering the United States. Keep a record of what you acquire abroad and keep your receipts. Take the necessary time to register any foreign-made jewelry or electronic equipment at the customs office before you leave, to prove you didn’t buy them on the trip. Appraisals, receipts, insurance policies, and permanently affixed numbers are proof of prior ownership. If you fail to register these items, you may be required to pay a duty on them when you return home. The most important thing you can do is be informed. Believe me, this is the one situation where honesty is the best policy! For more tips and all your travel needs visit: http://www.dmttravel.com.
Donna Touchette
anonymous
5 Tips For Travel to Canada
Canada can be a great vacation destination, with its beautiful vistas, wild animals, gorgeous winding roads, and cosmopolitan cities. Even if you travel to Canada on a regular basis, the out this list of five travel tips for Canada.
Tip #1: Bring a Good Travel Guide to Canada
When you travel to any new place, it’s important to carry a good travel guide. Canada is no exception. You can print out a travel guide on line, or you can purchase a well-know travel guide for Canada, such as Lonely Planet.
A good travel guide will give you insight into where to stay, shop, eat, and drive. Plus, it will give you lots of tips about things to do, great night life, and activities that are fun for the whole family. Invest in a good travel guide for Canada, and you won’t be sorry.
Tip #2: Think About the Climate
Before you pack for your travel to Canada, don’t forget to consider the weather. If you’re going to the Maritime Provinces, remember that they tend to be a bit more humid than the provinces in the west. In Halifax, Nova Scotia, you can expect weather that hovers around freezing in winter and is temperate in the summer.
If you are traveling to Canada and staying the mountain areas, you can expect to see a lot of variation in temperature. Layering clothing is helpful in these regions. Conversely, the areas of Vancouver and Victoria are much more temperate and don’t often see freezing temperatures.
Tip # 3: Plan for the Border Crossing
Travel to Canada has gotten a lot more complicated in recent years, as new restrictions on border entry have been imposed. The documentation requirements for travel to Canada are in a constant state of change, so it’s important to check into these requirements before you leave.
For the most up-to-date information on travel to Canada from the US, go to the US Department of State Website.
Tip #4: Understand the Currency
One of the most important travel tips for Canada is the importance of understanding the currency before you go. Canada uses the Canadian dollar, although many border locations will accept American dollars as well. It’s wise to carry traveler’s checks in the Canadian dollar, since they are accepted almost everywhere.
The best exchange rate for currency and traveler’s checks is at the Canadian chartered banks. There are also many ATMs in Canada.
Tip #4: Don’t Forget About the Sales Tax
Like the US, the Canadian government has a sales tax for goods and services. Don’t forget about this tax when planning expenses when you travel to Canada.
Sales tax rates depend on the province. Current sales tax rates for the provinces are as follows:
* No sales tax in Alberta, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, or the Yukon
* 5% sales tax in Saskatchewan
* 7% sales tax in Manitoba and British Columbia
* 7.5% sales tax in Quebec
* 8% sales tax in Ontario
* 10% sales tax on Prince Edward Island
* 13% harmonized sales tax in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia
Tip #5: Tips On Tipping
Another important tip about travel to Canada is to understand the way Canadians handle gratuities. Tips are not usually included in restaurant bills. Standard practice is to tip 12% to 15% for good service.
For travel guides in Canada, as well as for tour bus drivers, an acceptable tip is $1 to $2 per day for each person.
Amy Nutt
Tags: Canada Canada, Cosmopolitan Cities, Department Of State, Documentation Requirements, Good Travel, Great Vacation, Halifax Nova Scotia, Lonely Planet, Maritime Provinces, Mountain Areas, Night Life, Travel Guide Canada, Travel Tips, Traveling To Canada, Us Department Of State, Vacation Destination, Vancouver And Victoria, Website Tip, Wild Animals, Winding Roads | 7 Comments »
5 Tips For Travel to Canada
Canada can be a great vacation destination, with its beautiful vistas, wild animals, gorgeous winding roads, and cosmopolitan cities. Even if you travel to Canada on a regular basis, the out this list of five travel tips for Canada.
Tip #1: Bring a Good Travel Guide to Canada
When you travel to any new place, it’s important to carry a good travel guide. Canada is no exception. You can print out a travel guide on line, or you can purchase a well-know travel guide for Canada, such as Lonely Planet.
A good travel guide will give you insight into where to stay, shop, eat, and drive. Plus, it will give you lots of tips about things to do, great night life, and activities that are fun for the whole family. Invest in a good travel guide for Canada, and you won’t be sorry.
Tip #2: Think About the Climate
Before you pack for your travel to Canada, don’t forget to consider the weather. If you’re going to the Maritime Provinces, remember that they tend to be a bit more humid than the provinces in the west. In Halifax, Nova Scotia, you can expect weather that hovers around freezing in winter and is temperate in the summer.
If you are traveling to Canada and staying the mountain areas, you can expect to see a lot of variation in temperature. Layering clothing is helpful in these regions. Conversely, the areas of Vancouver and Victoria are much more temperate and don’t often see freezing temperatures.
Tip # 3: Plan for the Border Crossing
Travel to Canada has gotten a lot more complicated in recent years, as new restrictions on border entry have been imposed. The documentation requirements for travel to Canada are in a constant state of change, so it’s important to check into these requirements before you leave.
For the most up-to-date information on travel to Canada from the US, go to the US Department of State Website.
Tip #4: Understand the Currency
One of the most important travel tips for Canada is the importance of understanding the currency before you go. Canada uses the Canadian dollar, although many border locations will accept American dollars as well. It’s wise to carry traveler’s checks in the Canadian dollar, since they are accepted almost everywhere.
The best exchange rate for currency and traveler’s checks is at the Canadian chartered banks. There are also many ATMs in Canada.
Tip #4: Don’t Forget About the Sales Tax
Like the US, the Canadian government has a sales tax for goods and services. Don’t forget about this tax when planning expenses when you travel to Canada.
Sales tax rates depend on the province. Current sales tax rates for the provinces are as follows:
* No sales tax in Alberta, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, or the Yukon
* 5% sales tax in Saskatchewan
* 7% sales tax in Manitoba and British Columbia
* 7.5% sales tax in Quebec
* 8% sales tax in Ontario
* 10% sales tax on Prince Edward Island
* 13% harmonized sales tax in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia
Tip #5: Tips On Tipping
Another important tip about travel to Canada is to understand the way Canadians handle gratuities. Tips are not usually included in restaurant bills. Standard practice is to tip 12% to 15% for good service.
For travel guides in Canada, as well as for tour bus drivers, an acceptable tip is $1 to $2 per day for each person.
Amy Nutt
Tags: Canada Canada, Cosmopolitan Cities, Department Of State, Documentation Requirements, Good Travel, Great Vacation, Halifax Nova Scotia, Lonely Planet, Maritime Provinces, Mountain Areas, Night Life, Travel Guide Canada, Travel Tips, Traveling To Canada, Us Department Of State, Vacation Destination, Vancouver And Victoria, Website Tip, Wild Animals, Winding Roads | 7 Comments »
Travel Agents: Hints And Tips
More and more people are booking their vacations and doing the research online. Travel agents are seeing less people walking through their doors. There are many websites that help people find the best deals and allow you to make all of your plans through their sites. I have used travel agents since my senior year trip and no matter how many websites offer unbeatable deals, I will remain loyal to travel agents.
I have taken a liking to doing my own research. It isn’t difficult to go ahead and check out the destinations that you are thinking about exploring. I have done that many times. I have even looked at rates to see if they are affordable before I approach travel agents. I certainly don’t want to spend my time, or their time, looking into trying to find a travel deal that I can afford if I already know that I cannot.
Travel agents are not only in existence to book your travel. They are there to answer any and all of your questions regarding traveling. If you are planning on international travel, they can advise you of things you need to know. You can find out what some of the laws are that might affect you. They know all of the fees for entering and exiting the countries. Not only can they give you the facts, but they make recommendations as to where you may want to travel to and what there is to see and do.
Travel agents are there to make your life easier and ensure that your vacation needs are completely taken care of. The internet cannot do that. As much as people like and trust the internet to make everything perfect, there is something more comforting about talking to an actual person. You can book all of your flights and hotels through the internet but when it comes to complaining or trying to resolve an issue, suddenly a website cannot be of assistance. Travel agents are there to assist you.
When my husband and I decided to elope to exchange vows, we called up some travel agents. One in particular, seemed to be exactly what we were looking for. She was very sweet and incredibly helpful. By the time I ended the 30 minute conversation with her, she had renewed my faith in travel agents. She had given me many choices of where we could go that we’d have wonderful weather for the month we were planning to travel. She gave us some educated guesses about pricing without even checking anything officially. I asked tons of questions and she was incredibly patient with me. She booked our vacation that same afternoon and even put us in touch with a wedding coordinator at the resort.
It turned out wonderfully, just as she promised. I’m also a fan of travel agents over the internet because if you end up booking the vacation from hell, you have no one to blame but yourself. If you used a travel agency, at least you’ll have someone to complain to.
John Pawlett
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/travel-agents-hints-and-tips-93625.html
