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Mimi Lichtenstein on the benefits of advisors with post-coronavirus planning, and an awesome family travel planning hack (Safe Travels #36)

June 23, 2020 By Damian Tysdal

Coronavirus numbers are declining in much of the United States, and many people are starting to plan travel again (or at least thinking about it).

Travel suppliers have enticing trip offerings with low prices and eased cancellation policies, and the deals are so good you feel crazy for not booking.

But, since we’re not 100% out of the woods yet it still makes most people nervous to book a trip now.

What happens if there is another outbreak? What if you needed to cancel? How long will it take to get a refund?

Today’s guest might be able to help…or more specifically, travel advisors might be able to help.

I’ll be joined by Mimi Lichtenstein or TruVay travel, and she will share the many benefits of using a travel advisor. 

Advisors can help with the problems above, but also help you get extra trip perks that you don’t have access to. 

Selected Links from the Episode

  • Mimi on LinkedIn
  • TruVay Travel
  • Brownell Agency (Mimi’s page)
  • Virtuoso (Mimi’s page)

Show Notes & Timestamps

  • How host agencies work 00:03:30
  • Benefits of using an advisor in post-coronavirus travel planning 00:04:56
  • How Mimi helps clients with cancellations and refunds 00:06:08
  • The ways an advisor can help with protecting your trip investment with insurance 00:07:33
  • Extras an advisor can get for you that you can’t DIY 00:10:04
  • Example of the VIP treatment an advisor can get for you 00:10:43
  • Other perks advisors get 00:11:58
  • Mimi playing Devil’s Advocate on any drawbacks 00:13:21
  • How much advisors cost 00:14:21
  • Tips for finding a good advisor 00:17:09
  • The benefits of a Virtuoso connection 00:18:49
  • Mimi’s Family Planning Hack 00:19:59
  • Common trip planning mistakes and how to prevent them 00:22:00

Listen

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Filed Under: Safe Travels Podcast

Kevin Gillooly with expert tips for Disney’s re-opening…plus trip planning mistakes to avoid (Safe Travels #35)

June 18, 2020 By Damian Tysdal

Disney parks are planning to re-open soon, but there are many details that travelers ned to figure out.

When are they opening? Which parks will open? Which resorts will open and when? What does my family need to know?

To answer these questions and more, we will speak with Kevin Gillooly of TravelingDad…which is part of the TravelingMom media family.

Kevin has been doing Disney for 40 years, so he knows the in’s and out’s of Disney planning…and he has all the details for the park re-opening.

Besides the re-opening plan, Kevin also has great general tips for planning trips to Disney, mistakes to avoid, and a common myth to put to rest.

Selected Links from the Episode

  • Kevin on Twitter
  • TravelingDad
  • DisneyWorld App
  • Disney reopening plan

Show Notes & Timestamps

  • Kevin’s Disney experience 00:01:27
  • The fireworks text story 00:02:17
  • Current re-opening plan for the parks 00:03:08
  • What to expect at the parks for safety 00:05:12
  • Other requirements at the parks 00:07:21
  • Enhanced cleaning at hotels and resorts 00:08:32
  • Whether temperature checks will be required 00:09:41
  • Disney’s cancellation policies for now 00:11:09
  • Tips for family fun in light of all the changes 00:13:01
  • Kevin’s guess on visitor volume 00:17:57
  • Why it might be a perfect time for some visitors 00:19:02
  • General Disney trip planning tips 00:20:38
  • Common mistakes to avoid 00:23:34
  • Disney myths and misconceptions to dispel 00:25:44

Listen

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Filed Under: Safe Travels Podcast

Where Are the Safest Places to Travel this Summer?

June 16, 2020 By Damian Tysdal

For several months now we’ve been told the safest place to travel to is to your backyard. Since the U. S. Department of State issued a Level 4 travel warning on COVID-19 on March 19th, we’ve been confined to our personal spaces.

As the travel guidelines begin to relax, many of us are starting to evaluate the possibility of taking a trip in the following summer months. While the pandemic is starting to ease up, its impact has affected the the way we would normally approach travel plans.

The repercussions of the virus have introduced a new set of safety concerns that should be taken into account when weighing up a travel destination.

Local versus international travel, rural versus urban destinations and other factors will be critical in making an optimal travel decision.

National vs. International Travel

National travel will be the safest destination for most citizens of the US. It’s an advantage that we already understand what is happening at a governmental level, whereas an international destination will require more background research.

However, each region of the US has handled the virus remediation differently and some investigation will be needed to understand the regional impact of a potential destination.

As a general rule for any summer travel, urban areas should be avoided. Higher density means not only higher possibility of contamination, but also stricter quarantine controls that may still be in effect.

Such factors may limit your vacation possibilities and expose you to unnecessary health risks.

Do your research ahead of time and find out the statistics of a potential destination. Populated cities like New York and Los Angeles should be avoided. However a rural destination with nearby access to medical facilities or a hospital would be a safe choice.

Staycations and local travel will gradually become a more popular choice of vacation. If you are staying in public accommodation make sure to research the Covid-19 prevention measures of the hotel or public space you’re considering.

For example, Marriott have made a public statement announcing the implementation of new protocol and anti-virus technology to counter virus spread.

International Travel Considerations

Are borders open?
When evaluating a possible international destination there is a broader range of variables to consider.

To begin with, you should research whether the borders and international airports are open. Many countries are only just starting to welcome incoming flights, and some have restrictions on certain countries but not others.

Certain countries have a planned date to reopen but frequently push them out as new information becomes available. Stay updated as the border status of your intended destination may change unexpectedly.

Be sure to check the quarantine norms for passengers arriving on international carriers. For example, the UK has a mandatory 14 day self-quarantine for anyone arriving from out of the country. Lastly, before you book your flights, call your airline and inquire about the possibility of flight cancellation for your intended return.

While airlines are starting to resume normal operations, many carriers are still cancelling flights due to low occupancy, and this may extend your vacation beyond your expectation.

Listed below are the main travel considerations to take into account.

What is the cultural temperature?
In addition to national borders, there is the cultural question regarding the country’s openness to welcoming tourism again. There have been reports in Asia of cultural resistance towards seeing foreigners, as they tourists or travelers may be perceived as potential virus carriers.

While it’s unlikely this will put you at any risk of harm, it may impact the quality of your travel experience. Research local news and expatriate websites in English and look up local Facebook pages for information.

What are the Covid-19 case statistics?
While it might feel safe to assume that a low number of cases in a country will make it a safe destination, there are other factors to consider.

Especially in developing countries, governments don’t have the facilities to test all patients showing symptoms. Even in the US, testing variables means there is no way to accurately report how many people have been affected by COVID-19.

Nicaragua is an example of this discrepancy, as infection estimates have suddenly sky-rocketed and new drastic measures put into place. Despite this, case statistics are still the best information to hand to assess potential risk.

Highly travelled destinations were some of the most affected, as international travel was the initial source that dispersed the virus globally. Choose a location that can demonstrate high testing capacity and is preferably not one of the world’s top travelled destinations.

What’s the national level of medical care?
In a worst case scenario, you want to make sure you have quality medical facilities nearby that are equipped with ventilators and staff trained in how to manage the virus.

Travel insurance is highly recommended, in particular “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage has become vital. Make sure that your health insurance will cover you overseas in the event of falling sick. You can hear more about how travel insurance policies cover Coronavirus here.

What are the guidelines on nonessential services?
Research the physical distancing and nonessential services regulations before choosing a potential destination. While you want to be able to access some degree of nonessential services, such as restaurants, you also want to ensure the destination is practicing remedial protection.

Many countries continue to operate a full lockdown. Peru is such an example, having extended quarantine until the end of July.

Best International Travel Destinations

Now that you have a framework for vetting potential international destinations, we can examine country specifics. The public health institute in the United States (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC) is the public health institute in the United States.

The CDC has a risk assessment map on its website that shows which countries travelers should avoid, which you can find here.

The four advisory levels, from low to high regarding safety and security risk, there are no countries listed on the two least severe levels. The CDC shows restrictions on entry in Europe, China, Iran and Sweden. Everywhere else has widespread ongoing transmission, but without restrictions for entry by citizens of the United States.

This means that travel to the majority of countries listed will be at your own discretion. This is an additional reason to do through research before booking any travel plans.

Deep Knowledge Group (DKG) is a Hong Kong venture capital group specializing in analyzing medicine-related data. They ranked all countries on the four variables of quarantine status, government management efficiency, monitoring and detection capabilities and emergency treatment capacity.

According to their most recent report, Israel is currently handling the crisis the best overall thanks to its experience in government management efficiency. DKG group place Germany in second position, making it the second safest country in the world to visit at this time. Of the different evaluation variables established by DKG, Germany received a better evaluation than Israel for emergency treatment readiness and monitoring and detection. You can read more about their report here.

Remember, do your research thoroughly before booking a flight. Utilize the links provided to gain periphery knowledge and aid you in the process of making a decision. Once your flight is booked, keep yourself informed on an ongoing basis regarding quarantine status and border accessibility.

We wish you safe and happy travels this summer!

Filed Under: In The News

Should I Cancel My Summer Travel Plans?

June 16, 2020 By Damian Tysdal

As the Covid-19 crisis reaches its zenith, we’re beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Or as the case may be, the light outside of our immediate quarantine quarters.

In the United States we’re starting to see signs of change, although the volatile nature of the crisis means that daily infections and death rates will continue to impact restriction levels on a rolling basis. Currently the expectation is that summer will mark the beginning of the end, with airlines and travel restrictions starting to return to normal.

Many of us had summer travel plans booked far in advance of the crisis, and we’ve held onto them with the hope that normalcy will resume by mid-year.

Others are hoping that summer will open up the perfect last-minute escape opportunity to recharge from the personal toll of this crisis. As the weather starts to turn and families near the end of the (virtual) school year, now is a good time to evaluate the possibility of summer travel.

Safety, finances and stress all factor into the contingencies of upcoming summer travel. We need to make sure travel can be undertaken with minimal exposure to health risks, especially if traveling with children. We don’t want to lose money that’s already been invested in summer bookings.

Lastly, we need to consider our individual stress threshold. Personal risk tolerance varies by individual, and we can all benefit from postposing a cancellation decision until more information is available.

As we near the middle of June, our ability to postpone taking a decision is beginning to draw to a close. In order to make a more effective decision, we recommend you build yourself a personal timeline.

To begin creating your timeline, work backwards from the cancellation dates stipulated by your travel suppliers. No two travel plans are identical. Carriers, agencies and accommodation vary in their terms and conditions, and you will need to review the fine print to make sure you aren’t missing critical cutoff dates.

Be meticulous with your travel list, including transfers and smaller plans that may go amiss. Don’t leave out any prepaid travel bookings, as you may be eligible for some level of flexibility. Make sure you streamline your process by putting your timeline into a spreadsheet or handwritten calendar. This way you can review it chronologically and make it easier on yourself to spot gaps.

Make a note of deadline dates and penalties per chronological item. Refund eligibility may be staggered, with a potential refund percentage reducing as you near the planned travel date. Taking note of progressive cutoff dates will be important in evaluating your risk level. It will help you weigh up the financial pros and cons of extending your waiting period versus the risk of financial loss.

If you’re travel is outside of the next 8 weeks, you may be able to wait and continue to monitor the ever-changing situation. There’s no need to add an extra layer of stress before the time is due.

In addition, as you near your travel date there’s the likelihood that your plans will be cancelled by the travel organizations themselves. In these cases you are eligible for a complete refund.

On the other hand, if you cancel in advance you may not be entitled to a full refund.

As your travel dates near I would not recommend paying any additional travel deposits, even if requested. The global travel situation is too uncertain to risk additional investment.

However, if your travel plans are between now and July, it may be wise to make modifications at this time. We are still in a state of transition, and while normality is expected to return early July, it will take time for the new changes to implement and for travel to regain it’s normal rhythm.

This is where your timeline will serve as a critical tool to make sure that financial penalty dates are clear so you can meet cutoffs. In keeping with your timeline, speak to the agencies you booked with and inquire about any revised conditions that may have been updated in light of the virus.

Travel representatives are motivated to retain you as a customer, so make sure you ask them to explore all options.

The travel industry has suffered greatly due to the pandemic and travel companies are highly incentivized to make concessions, if not through refunds then through postponing your trip.

Postponing a trip may also entitle you to get an upgrade or other extra benefits for continuing to support their business.

Refer to this simple recap for easy reference:

  • Make a written chronological timeline.
  • Delay your decision if your flight is outside of the next 8 weeks.
  • If your trip is between now and the end of July, expect travel disruptions and consider changing plans.
  • When you call travel companies to change plans, request flexibility for cancellations. Explore all options and weight up the benefits or rewards of cancelling or postponing your trip.
  • Enjoy your summer wherever you are, and remember to stay healthy and stress-free!

Filed Under: In The News

Scott Buss from Advent Jets gives an insider look into private aviation, ROI for business travelers, and more (Safe Travels #34)

June 16, 2020 By Damian Tysdal

In today’s episode you will get an inside look into the world of private jet chartering from a pro in the business.

We will be joined by Scott Buss of AdventJets, which is jet brokering company as opposed to one of the membership clubs. Scott’s core philosophy in business is based on trust and transparency, and it shows in the interview as he gives insights into the world of private jet travel.

Business travelers will learn about the potential ROI of using private travel for work. High net worth listeners who have considered this form of travel will get an inside look, and the casual listener will get a peek at how it all works.

Selected Links from the Episode

  • AdventJets
  • Scott Buss on LinkedIn

Show Notes & Timestamps

  • Overview of how private aviation works 00:02:22
  • The difference between a broker and operator 00:03:41
  • How membership jet companies work 00:05:32
  • Benefits of brokers vs membership plans 00:06:05
  • Go golfing with Tiger Woods 00:07:11
  • Is private aviation out of reach for most people? 00:08:37
  • How “Empty Leg” flights work 00:09:52
  • Ballpark pricing of private jet travel 00:10:55
  • Mistakes people make when working with private air 00:12:56
  • Potential ROI for private 00:15:09

Listen

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Filed Under: Safe Travels Podcast

Julie Elster on Disney’s re-opening plan, key dates, safety steps taken, and tips for success (Safe Travels #33)

June 12, 2020 By Damian Tysdal

Disney parks are planning to re-open over the next month, but there is no simple answer to how they are going to open.

Each park and resort is on a different schedule, which makes it hard to know how to plan your trip.

Plus, there are new safety rules in effect that you need to know about for you and your family, and several of the classic attractions of the park will not be happening.

Thankfully we have Disney expert Julie Elster from DoubleYourWDW.com to walk us through all the various questions we have about the reopening plan.

Julie will talk about when various Disney properties are opening, what to expect when you get there, safety procedures, and what will be open/closed.

Selected Links from the Episode

  • Julie on Twitter
  • DoubleYourWDW.com
  • YouTube channel

Show Notes & Timestamps

  • Julie’s overview of the opening plan 00:03:13
  • Hotel and resort safety measures 00:06:39
  • Park opening dates 00:07:34
  • On face coverings for kids 00:07:57
  • Temperature screenings (maybe happening) 00:08:54
  • Restaurant openings 00:09:12
  • Disney safety measures 00:11:02
  • The park reservation requirement 00:12:41
  • No FastPass 00:13:03
  • How the reservation system will work 00:14:02
  • Tips for tempering expectations 00:16:36
  • Other things that will be closed 00:17:04
  • How Disney is handling questions 00:18:44
  • General “non-coronavirus: Disney advice 00:22:01
  • Common Disney planning mistakes 00:22:52
  • Disney trip planning myths 00:23:51

Listen

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Filed Under: Safe Travels Podcast

Shy Bredewold on having one point of contact, insurance mistakes, and the myth of the “optimal” time to book tickets (Safe Travels #32)

June 12, 2020 By Damian Tysdal

This show I am joined by Shy Bredewold from OdysseanTravel.com.

Shy is a travel advisor and shares what he has learned in helping travelers plans their vacations, common mistakes, and myths to debunk.

Shy was a pleasure to chat with, and the show ran longer than many Safe Travels podcasts but he shares a lot of good tips and stories about the world of travel advisors. 

Selected Links from the Episode

  • Shy on LinkedIn
  • OdysseanTravel on Twitter
  • OdysseanTravel.com
  • American Society of Travel Advisors
  • Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

Show Notes & Timestamps

  • Shy on the benefits of using an advisor 00:04:25
  • How “One point of contact” helps you 00:05:24
  • Shy’s proactive customer support 00:08:11
  • Benefits of using supplier credits 00:14:07
  • How advisors have access to different option 00:19:34
  • On the costs of using an advisor 00:25:49
  • How the commission model works 00:28:29
  • The myth of preferred suppliers=more commission 00:31:51
  • How to find a reputable advisor 00:35:32
  • Accreditations to look for in an advisor 00:38:19
  • General tips shy gives travelers 00:44:35
  • Common mistake of not having travel insurance 00:50:16
  • Travel insurance vs travel protection 00:55:54
  • The myth of “perfect time to book” 00:57:52

Listen

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Filed Under: Safe Travels Podcast

Gigi Stetler on starting the “Angie’s List” of RVs, being the first/only female RV dealer, and RV travel during coronavirus (Safe Travels #31)

June 11, 2020 By Damian Tysdal

As the title suggests…Gigi Stetler knows RVs.

Gigi has been in the business for 35 years after she “fell into” owning an Rv dealership, and she has grown that business dramatically over the years.

Gigi also started an owner’s rights support site at RVAdvisor.com, and is in the final stages of launching a consumer rights site with 501c status…the Recreational Vehicle Advisor Consumer Association (RVACA).

She knows RVs in and out, from every side of the business…and she’s a pleasure to speak with. In this show she talks about general RV tips, coronavirus-specific advice, and discusses the benefits of RVAdvisor.

Selected Links from the Episode

  • Gigi Stetler on LinkedIn
  • RVAdvisor.com
  • Gigi on Twitter
  • Recreational Vehicle Advisor Consumer Association (RVACA) website coming soon as they just received 501c charity status

Show Notes & Timestamps

  • How Gigi fell into a RV business 00:02:01
  • Starting the “Angie’s List” of RV business 00:03:12
  • How RV travel fits perfectly with coronavirus concerns 00:06:32
  • General tips for new RVers 00:11:32
  • Common mistakes and how to avoid them 00:13:12
  • Frequently heard myths to debunk 00:14:03
  • A good pitch for RVAdvisor.com membership 00:15:30
  • About RV brands and choosing a rig 00:16:41

Listen

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Filed Under: Safe Travels Podcast

Estee Gubbay on free upgrades with travel advisors, the cost to you, and how you can’t VIP yourself (Safe Travels #30)

June 5, 2020 By Damian Tysdal

People that plan trips used to be called travel agents, but now they are called travel advisors.

Today we’re going to be speaking with Estee Gubbay from LuxuristTravel.com about the benefits of using a travel advisor.

There are a lot of benefits in general, but now as everyone starts traveling again after coronavirus there are even additional benefits. There are many ways that travel advisors can help you travel worry-free, help you plan your trip, help you solve problems, and even get refunds for cancelled trips.

Travel advisors have the ability to get you free upgrades, extra perks, and oftentimes get you the VIP treatment.

Please enjoy the short discussion with Estee Gubbay about the benefits of using a travel advisor.

Selected Links from the Episode

  • LuxuristTravel.com
  • Estee Gubbay Twitter
  • Estee on LinkedIn
  • Virtuoso Travel

Show Notes & Timestamps

  • Benefits of using an advisor 00:02:52
  • Coronavirus-specific benefits 00:03:54
  • Negotiating refunds from travel suppliers 00:04:55
  • Free stuff an advisor can get for you 00:06:50
  • What does it cost to use an advisor? 00:10:25
  • Finding a reputable advisor 00:11:23
  • General travel tips for worry-free travel [00:14:43
  • Common mistakes to avoid 00:15:53

Listen

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Filed Under: Safe Travels Podcast

Yuval Zimerman on finding a doctor abroad and other tips for worry-free travel (Safe Travels #29)

June 3, 2020 By Damian Tysdal

Travel is slowly starting to happen again, but in general many people are still avoiding air travel because of coronavirus concerns.

But, there are some people who need to travel for various reasons, and today’s show is about what they can do to stay safe while on the go.

I’m joined by Yuval Zimerman from Air-dr.com, a company that connects travelers with doctors through their app and website.

Yuval has experience in travel medical issues, and will share the common problems he sees, tips to prevent frequent mistakes, and general advise to stay safe.

Selected Links from the Episode

  • Yuval Zimerman on LinkedIn
  • Air-Dr.com

Show Notes & Timestamps

  • How Air-dr works 00:03:14
  • Vetting doctors to be listed 00:04:41
  • Advice for people flying now 00:08:40
  • Common travel mistakes to avoid 00:15:38
  • Travel misconceptions to debunk 00:17:26

Listen

Listen on Spotify

Filed Under: Safe Travels Podcast

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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.

Recent Blog Posts

  • How to spot and avoid the latest travel scams
  • Traveler Hacks for TSA Wait Times
  • US Land Borders to Open in November
  • Booking a trip this fall? Here’s why you should have travel insurance
  • Tips for Booking Holiday Travel in these Uncertain Times
  • The US Updates Travel Rules to Let Europeans In
  • Traveling abroad? What happens if you test positive?
  • What you need to know for fall and holiday trip planning
  • Will the latest EU travel ban wreck your fall travel plans?
  • Riding the Ups and Downs of Travel in a Pandemic
  • Hurricane season is upon us. What does that do to your travel plans?
  • Where in the world can US travelers go right now?
  • How can you travel safely with the Delta variant?
  • What’s changed in the world of travel since COVID?
  • How the COVID-19 Variants are Affecting Travel
  • Ben Van Leewarden from Planet Chopper with Route 66 rides, staying in formation, and the “guardian angel” on the road | (Safe Travels #51)
  • Chris Christensen on Galapagos cruise uncertainty & hiking as ultra-socially distanced travel | (Safe Travels #50)
  • Alicia Filley on exploring National Parks during COVID, mask usage/distancing, smartest time to visit, and favorite hikes (Safe Travels #49)
  • Brooke Johnson with tips for first-time RV renters, including what type, where to rent from, and how to stay safe (Safe Travels #48)
  • Nicolette Kay from SemiBudgetTravel.com with a Quick Take on planning travel now during coronavirus (Safe Travels #47)

Learn about Travel Insurance

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  • Coverage Guide
  • Tips and Advice
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Popular Companies

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

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