Travel Insurance Review

as-seen-on-header

  • Home
  • COVID
    • “Cancel For Any Reason” for COVID19
    • Travel Medical for COVID19
    • State Restrictions for COVID19
    • Airline Change/Cancellation Policies
  • Best Travel Insurance
  • Beginner’s Guide
  • Hurricane
  • Reviews
  • Tips & Advice
  • About
  • Podcast

What days of the week is air travel cheaper?

February 22, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

Travel memorabiliaTravelers often have a lot of questions. When is the best time to go to a certain place? What’s the difference between multi trip travel insurance and annual trip travel insurance? When travelers are making bookings for air tickets, they also wonder if there are certain days in the week where air travel is cheaper. This may be a simple question, but the answer is not that straight forward. Yet, it will be interesting to find out if there are days where it’s cheaper to travel by air.

To facilitate the investigation, let’s look at some air fares for all the days of the week for a one-way trip from New York, NY (LGA) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX). Covering the period from Sunday January 10, 2010 to Saturday January 16, 2010, and Sunday February 21, 2010 to Saturday February 27, 2010, let’s compare the prices of these air tickets from Midwest Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

If you make your bookings on October 30, 2009, tickets start from $182 from Midwest and $134 from Southwest for Sunday January 10, 2010. From Monday January 11 to Thursday January 14, Midwest tickets start at $100. Then, prices start at $124 for Friday January 15, going down to starting point of $100 for Saturday January 16. On the Southwest side, air tickets from Monday to Saturday start at $100.

On October 30, 2009, Midwest tickets start at $124 for the entire week from Sunday February 21 to Saturday February 27, 2010. On the Southwest side, tickets start at $159 on Sunday February 21. From Monday February 22 to Thursday February 25, the prices of tickets begin at $104. Then, it goes up to a beginning rate of $124 on Friday February 26 before it returns to the starting rate of $104 for Saturday February 27.

Looking at these figures, it can be seen that air tickets are generally higher on Sundays and it’s quite the same for the rest of the days, except for two occasions on Fridays. While the results of these sets of data are not entirely conclusive as they represent a small sample size, the general idea is that air tickets are somewhat higher on Sundays and Fridays. To avoid the inflated cost of air travel during peak seasons, the two periods have been specifically selected so that it’s possible to reach a meaningful answer.

The prices of all things, including air tickets, are governed by demand and supply. Since the majority of people who can afford to purchase air tickets have to work during the weekdays, it makes sense that air tickets are most expensive on Sundays. Traveling is also more popular on Friday because it’s the end of the week and people who want to go for a short vacation can then return on Sunday. Another thing that air travelers would be keen to know if that fact that morning flights are generally cheaper than the later flights. To enjoy some savings on air tickets, it’s best to avoid the peak seasons, Sundays, Fridays, and get on the plane as early as you can!

Filed Under: Learning

When is the best time to travel to Alaska?

February 22, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

Alaska is one of the most beautiful states in America, with sweeping mountains, glorious waterways, and abundant wildlife. While most of Alaska is cold year round, there are certain times of the year that are better to visit than others. Whether you’re taking a cruise to the state or traveling on your own, there are some important facts you should know about this wonderful state.

First, the most popular and truly the best time of the year to visit Alaska is between the Alaskan Coastal Brown bear.....12middle of June to the middle of August. Tourist season technically begins from May through September, but June to August are best in terms of available daylight and temperature. Most days are rainy no matter what time of the year, but the winter months can be brutally cold and snowy, so trips are not recommended during these months since traveling around can be difficult. Getting a travel insurance policy is recommended to help cover any damage, loss, or even possible injury while on your trip.

The summer temperatures in Alaska are quite pleasant, and range from about 60 to 80 degrees during the day, and between the 40s and 50s at night, which is not too brutally cold. The weather throughout the state is unpredictable, so be prepared to dress accordingly. Anything from a light jacket to a winter hat and coat are recommended. Mosquitoes are very prevalent during the summer months, but the nighttime frost often kills them. Be aware that prices of restaurants, hotels, and tours are higher in the summer, but the weather should always be the priority when visiting. In May, the prices may be lower than in June, when most tourism websites recommend visitors to come and see Alaska’s beauty. If you prefer icier climates and colder weather, October to April are better choices. The scenery is quite breathtaking when the mountains and valleys are covered in snow, but traveling by prop plane might be limited.

Opting in for a cheap travel insurance policy is a good idea when traveling to Alaska, no matter what time of year you choose. This policy can help to protect you against any lost luggage, injuries, or other mishaps. Guided tours are recommended for traveling long distances or for hiking, and there are wonderful train rides available that offer a comfortable view of the countryside. If you do not want to pack too much winter-related clothing, there are plenty of retailers available year-round in most towns that provide these items. Be sure to check the state’s tourism calendar for any festivals that might be happening during your trip. Certain cities hold annual events that will give you a great insight into the culture of the state and its people. Always remember to respect wildlife, and feeding animals is not recommended, and often against the law in certain jurisdictions. No matter what time of the year you decide to visit Alaska, whether it’s winter or summer, you’ll be amazed at all of the natural beauty and wonder it has to offer.

Filed Under: Learning

Do you need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico?

February 21, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

Isabela, Puerto RicoPuerto Rico is a group of islands situated in the Atlantic Ocean about 1,000 miles from the coast of Florida. The archipelago consists of the principal island of Puerto Rico, as well as other islands such as: Vieques, Palomino, Culebra, Culebrita, Mona, Monito, and various isolated islands. Its proximity to the US mainland, as well as its beautiful beaches, amazing historic sites, and friendly people make it an ideal travel destination for Americans. Puerto Rico experiences a high influx of visitors from December to April, when many Americans travel to the tropical island to escape the winter chill.

Although it is not one of the 50 states of the US, Puerto Rico is considered a US territory, and the locals of the archipelago hold US citizenship. As such, travel to Puerto Rico from any place in the US is regarded as domestic travel, and American travelers are not required to present passports or visas to gain entry into Puerto Rico. US citizens can travel freely to and from the island without having to go through immigration checkpoints or customs. They only need to show a form of official photo identification issued by the government, such as a driver’s license or a non-driver identification card issued by a state motor vehicles department.

Travelers from other countries will have to produce the same documents required for entering the US if they wish to travel to Puerto Rico. These documents include a valid passport and a non-immigrant visa for a temporary visit or an immigrant visa that is issued to permanent residents. Specialized visas, such as M-1 or F-1, are also available for those who wish to enter Puerto Rico for temporary work or study. Travelers from foreign countries should keep in mind that a visa does not guarantee entry, and the officials from the US Department of Homeland Security have the right to deny admission into Puerto Rico after inspection.

Baggage inspection will be conducted by the US Department of Agriculture at the Puerto Rico airports. This is to ensure that travelers do not bring plants and fruits prohibited to the US mainland. Papaya, coconut, avocado, and plantain are some of the fruits that can be brought into the US, while sour sop, passion fruits, mango, and potted plants are prohibited. Also, articles from countries such as North Korea, Kampuchea, Vietnam, or Cuba, as well as lottery tickets, illegal publications, pre-Columbian artifacts, and chocolate liqueur cannot be taken to the US. Those who are caught carrying prohibited items may be fined.

It is advisable that travelers get a travel insurance policy before they set off for Puerto Rico. It is not uncommon for travelers to fall ill or get involved in accidents during their trips, and travel insurance will provide coverage for medical expenses as well as other losses. A travel insurance policy will give travelers the peace of mind to fully enjoy their vacations in Puerto Rico.

Filed Under: Learning

Is it safe to travel to Cancun?

February 20, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

BeachCancun is a great holiday destination that offers miles of pristine beaches, world-class accommodations and wonderful cultural attractions. Cancun is one of the most preferred holiday destinations for Americans because it is located close to the US, but in recent years, a number of events have caused the city to experience a decline in tourism arrivals. As such, many people are trying to find out if it is safe to visit Cancun today.

One of the major concerns of tourists is the ongoing drug war between the Mexican government and the drug cartels. Violence on the streets of some cities in Mexico has escalated in the past two years, and it resulted in a great number of deaths and injuries. In 2008, over 5,000 people were killed by the mafia, and earlier this year, a former Mexican military general and two of his associates were murdered in Cancun. The US government updated a travel alert for Mexico to inform travelers about the increased violence taking place in the country, and many schools advised their students not to travel to Mexico for their spring break vacations.

Most of the drug wars occur in cities along the US-Mexican border, and Cancun is located more than 1,000 miles south of the border. According to past records, only a handful of mafia-related murders had happened in Cancun, and no tourists were murdered by the mob. As such, it is safe for people to travel to Cancun, but tourists should exercise extra caution when they are vacationing in the city. One of the safety precautions to take is to avoid areas that are controlled by the mafia, such as the red light districts. Tourists should patronize legitimate businesses only.

Another event that is affecting the tourism industry of Cancun is the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico. Also known as the H1N1 flu, the disease can result in serious health problems, and it has claimed more than a thousand lives worldwide. Medical experts believe that the swine flu originated in Mexico, and the disease has spread too many countries around the world in just a few months’ time. The emergence of swine flu has caused many people to cancel their trips to Mexico, and Cancun’s tourism industry has suffered significantly because of news of the disease. According to tourists who have been to Cancun recently, it is business as usual in the city, and few people are wearing protective masks. As a precaution, those who are planning to travel to Cancun should get a swine flu vaccination before their trips.

Other than taking the necessary precautions, it is essential for travelers to get a travel insurance policy before they set off for Cancun. Travel insurance will provide coverage for losses and expenses incurred because of illnesses, accidents, or loss, damage, or theft of baggage and personal belongings.

Filed Under: Learning

What qualifications do I need to be a travel agent?

February 19, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

Travel agents play a pivotal role in the consumer world when it comes to booking airline flights, scheduling a cruise, or even buying travel insurance. They are the go-between for the customer and the airline, cruise line, hotel, or other travel-related company. As an agent, it is their duty to help ensure that the customer receives not only the best rate, but the best travel-related service possible. In order to become a travel agent, one should have a good understanding of basic geography. Knowing where all of the states within the United States are located as well as most major countries is a definite must for anyone who would like to become a travel agent. Understanding different countries as well as their customs and weather is helpful. Some people look to their travel agent for advice, so knowing where to recommend a good vacation based on this knowledge is essential.

A solid background or understanding of sales is helpful since it is their job to sell packages and book trips through the agency. Being able to explain package deals, discount rates, and airline travel perks and hotel features is important. People want to know exactly what they are getting when they book a vacation, so having that information available in advance is very important. Good customer service skills are a must. The ability to communicate with customers as well as airlines, hotels, single trip travel insurance agencies, and many other vendors is essential. Many experienced agents establish a good working relationship with their vendors so they can get the best deals possible for their customers. At minimum, a high school diploma is also required. There are also special schools designed especially for aspiring travel agents, where they can learn the ins and outs of the business from a professional standpoint. These schools allow people to become certified and many offer job placement.

After someone has been a practicing travel agent for a while, they might decide to open up their own agency. Some larger companies offer franchise opportunities, which gives people the chance to own their own business. There are also perks to being an agent, such as deep travel discounts and free stays at various hotels. Good organizational skills are a must for any travel agent since they have to keep track of prices, flight schedules, and individual customers’ needs. Most agencies have their own internal database that allows agents to keep track of all customer accounts and itineraries. Knowing the basics of a few foreign languages such as Spanish, French, or even Chinese are also very helpful skills. A solid understanding of current laws for traveling is also a necessary part of the job. Since the laws for airlines change quite often, the agents should be aware of any changes taking place. This way, they can inform their customers and ensure a safe and easy trip. Being a travel agent is a rewarding and dynamic job that offers excitement, a challenge, and the satisfaction in helping other people get the vacation of their dreams.

Filed Under: Learning

How to stay safe while traveling

February 18, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

Most of the time taking a trip to an exciting destination leaves a person with memories that they treasure for years afterward. Whether it is visiting a bustling city, booking a cruise to a foreign country, or taking a world tour, traveling has the power to renew a person’s spirit of adventure. A traveling experience is even more enjoyable if a person takes a few precautions to ensure their trip is a safe one.

First, it is wise for a person traveling alone to let family members know where they are going and when they plan to return. Consequently, if the traveler doesn’t return on the date expected, the family has the information to take quick action to find out where they are. A person traveling alone may even want to check in with friends or family back home every two or three days while they are on a trip. This practice helps to assure loved ones that the person is safe. In addition, if there is an emergency at the traveler’s home they will know it right away.

A cell phone and a charger are invaluable items when it comes to being a safe traveler. Whether a person is traveling alone or with a group, a cell phone allows them to stay in constant contact with others. It is extremely easy for a traveler to lose their way on the streets of a strange city. A cell phone proves helpful in obtaining directions, calling for a ride, or even alerting the police if there is danger. A traveler who makes sure they always have a charged cell phone with them will feel much more at ease and free to explore a new area.

Buying travel insurance is another way a person can protect their safety during a trip. For instance, if a traveler plans to visit another country, the purchase of travel medical insurance allows them the security of knowing they will receive care if they need emergency treatment or some other type of medical attention. A person who is fortunate enough to take several adventurous trips throughout the year may want to look into multi trip travel insurance. Having the right kind of travel insurance policy is part of being a savvy traveler.

Many travelers are concerned about their own safety and the security of their valuables while staying in some hotels. There are security devices available that send out a loud alarm if someone tries to enter a hotel room door. Investing in an inexpensive security device to use in a hotel room may allow a person to rest easier while they are away from home. When it comes to valuables, it is a wise decision to leave them safe at home, however, some hotels provide customers with the option of storing them in a safe.

In the course of planning a trip, a few simple preparations can help a traveler to make their trip as safe an experience as possible.

Filed Under: Learning

What motivates people to travel?

February 17, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

Autumn in South Africa IIA great many things motivate a person to take a trip. A trip can be a carefully planned expedition or a spontaneous idea to visit a particular place. Either way, traveling has the power to bring new perspective along with a sense of rejuvenation into a person’s life.

In many cases, travel can be the answer for a person who feels that their day-to-day routine has become stale and unimaginative. Traveling allows a person to experience a change of atmosphere that often reinvigorates their thinking. Simply traveling from a rural town to a large city can change a person’s perspective and renew their spirits. With a packed suitcase, travel medical insurance, and a plane ticket, a person is well on their way to a travel adventure full of fresh sights.

Another motivation to travel is the urge to learn about a different place and its customs. For example, an American traveling to Australia for the first time has a chance to experience an entirely new environment, learn new customs, and even hear the English language spoken with an unfamiliar accent. Traveling is an effective way for a person to gain firsthand knowledge about a place and its inhabitants. Visiting another country is also beneficial to those who want to learn more about its history or view its treasures of architecture.

Travel can sometimes be helpful in renewing a person’s spirits after they have experienced a great sadness in their life or a time of trial. Traveling faraway oceans on a cruise ship, exploring unfamiliar countryside, or even staying with friends in a different city can be a healing experience for someone who has just weathered a troubled time. In many instances, when the person returns from their trip they feel rested and better equipped to deal with everyday life.

Traveling can also satisfy a person’s quest for knowledge and information about their family’s history. People who are interested in genealogy often travel to particular countries in order to visit the homeland of their distant ancestors. In fact, some people have an intense interest in seeing the actual cities and towns where their ancestors once lived. A person traveling to the country of their ancestors may even find significant birth or marriage records as well as photographs there. For some people, traveling to a faraway country to walk on a piece of land once owned by great, great grandparents is a memorable and inspiring experience. A trip can help a person to discover more about their family’s past.

Though a trip can be an exciting undertaking, there are still some practical preparations involved. For instance, no matter what the destination is of a trip, obtaining travel insurance is a prudent idea. In addition, even if the trip springs from a spontaneous notion, it’s wise to let your family and friends know where you are going. Frequently, a dose of travel may be just what a person needs to reinvigorate their life at home.

Filed Under: Learning

Where can I get travel help online?

February 16, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

More and more people are traveling these days. While some people go on vacations, others travel to perform job-related duties or visit friends or relatives. In the past, people had to visit or call up travel agencies to make travel arrangements, but now, travel plans can be easily made over the Internet. The Internet has lots of information and tips on travel to help travelers find the best deals and have a hassle-free and pleasant travel experience.

There are numerous websites on the Internet that provide travel advice. These websites offer a wide range of useful information for those who are planning to travel, including descriptions and reviews of travel destinations, accommodations, attractions, transportation, activities, and travel insurance, as well as travel tips and comparisons of prices of travel packages. Travelers can take advantage of such information to make the necessary plans for a perfect vacation or business trip.

One of the most comprehensive travel help websites on the Internet is Travellerspoint. This is a travel community website where travelers meet and share information about travel in various parts of the world. Visitors can ask questions about certain travel destinations, and travelers who have been to these places will contribute helpful information based on their personal experiences. Reviews of accommodations around the world as well as travel photographs are also available. Those who wish to join the forum have to sign up to become a member.

Lonely Planet is another great travel help site that offers wonderful tips and information on travel in almost every country in the world. The articles found on this website are written by experienced travelers who know the secrets to finding the best travel deals in a foreign land, and they provide very detailed accounts of the attractions, culture, and people in different countries around the world. This website also has search tools for flights, insurance, tour packages, car rentals, and others. Other websites that provide excellent travel advice are: Trip Advisor, Smarter Travel, and Frommers.

Student travelers can get valuable travel information in the STA Travel website. This site contains lots of articles that offer facts and tips on various aspects of traveling. Students can find out about the options that are available for accommodations and transportations, and they can make bookings online too. There are sections that provide information about travel destinations around the world, studying and working abroad, and travel essentials.

While traveling can be fun and exciting, it also exposes travelers to the risks of health problems and accidents in a foreign land. Since living conditions and food are different in a foreign country, some travelers may experience health problems when they are traveling overseas. Unfamiliarity with places and roads contributes to a higher chance of accidents; protect yourself with travel insurance and avoid expenses that may result from illnesses and accidents. A travel insurance policy will provide compensation for medical expenses, loss or theft of personal belongings and baggage, as well as cancellations.

Filed Under: Learning

« Previous Page
Next Page »

About this website

My name is Damian, and I started this website in 2006 to help travelers understand travel insurance.

The site features company reviews, guides, articles, and many blog posts to help you better understand travel insurance and pick the right plan for your trip (assuming you actually need travel insurance).

I am also a licensed travel insurance agent, and you can get a quote and purchase through this site as well.

Get the Cheat Sheet

Popular Companies

  • Allianz Insurance
  • CSA Travel Insurance
  • Seven Corners Insurance
  • Travel Guard Insurance
  • Travel Insured
  • Travelex Insurance
  • TravelSafe Insurance

Learn about Travel Insurance

  • Beginner’s Guide
  • Coverage Guide
  • Tips and Advice
  • Company Reviews
  • Types of Plans
  • Types of Trips

Blog Article Categories

  • Learning
  • Types of Plans
  • Types of Trips
  • Coverage
  • General
  • In The News