It is not uncommon for children to go traveling without their parents. Children may venture on long distance educational trips with their teachers and schoolmates, or they may participate in an educational excursion to a foreign country as part of an exchange program. All parents are concerned about the safety of their children, and they will be especially worried when their little ones are traveling abroad without them. Without parental supervision, children may be more susceptible to illnesses and accidents, and they may require medical attention during travel. Therefore, it is essential for parents to get a good travel insurance policy for their children before they travel abroad.

Travel insurance policies for children provide a number of essential coverage. In the event that a child is injured in an accident and needs medical attention, parents can claim compensation for medical expenses from the travel insurance provider. Children rarely understand the ins and outs of travel and there is a higher probability that they may lose their luggage, cash, and/or personal belongings when they are traveling. A child travel insurance policy will cover the loss of these items. Some travel insurance policies for children also offer compensation for injuries that result from participation in sports and high-risk activities, such as mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, and go-karting. It is important that parents have a full understanding of their child’s itinerary beforehand, so that the appropriate measures can be taken to ensure their child’s health and safety.

Parents can either purchase single trip travel insurance or annual trip travel insurance policies for their children. If their children are traveling only once a year, it is more cost-effective to get a single trip policy. Such policies only provide coverage for one trip, and it is no longer valid after the trip, additional coverage can be purchased to supplement a single trip insurance plan. On the other hand, an annual travel insurance policy covers any number of trips within a one-year period, and it is a better option for children who travel more than two times a year.

When choosing a travel insurance policy for their children, parents should opt for a policy that includes 24-hour emergency assistance. If their children lose their bags or travel documents, or is involved in an accident, they can call a 24-hour helpline and seek assistance from their travel insurance providers. Travel medical insurance should also be purchased for children, this insurance will cover children in the event of a medical emergency, and medical evacuation coverage dictates that an insured child will receive the best medical care available during a trip. Children who are suffering from certain medical conditions are required to get a special travel insurance policy. A pre-existing medical condition insurance policy provides special coverage that meets the needs of children with existing health problems, and the level of coverage is determined by the severity of the children’s conditions. Take the proper precautions to protect your children if they are traveling abroad, by investing in travel insurance, parents can feel confident that their children will be well taken care of, should the need arise.

Accidents can happen anytime, including while traveling, and it is essential for travelers to protect themselves with a good travel insurance policy. There are many places where one can purchase travel insurance, including travel operators, insurance companies, online comparison sites, specialized travel insurance providers, banks, and other establishments.

Most travelers choose to get travel insurance from travel operators or agencies, because it is the most convenient option. Travel companies will try to convince their customers to buy insurance from them, and some of them even offer insurance as part of a package deal. One thing many travelers do not know is that travel companies charge higher premiums than other travel insurance providers, and some of them do not provide adequate coverage. Travel operators are required to pay higher premium tax, and therefore, they have to raise the prices of their policies to make profit. The best thing to do for travelers is to buy their travel insurance policies directly from insurance companies or through a travel insurance comparison site. No matter where you chose to buy your travel insurance, make sure to review your policy thoroughly and understand what is and is not covered by the policy.

Travelers who already have an existing life insurance policy may be able to get travel insurance from their current insurance provider, depending on the availability and coverage that they can offer. Customers who have probably established a good relationship with the representatives in these companies, and they have full confidence in their services are at an advantage. Also, major insurance companies are known to provide reasonable travel insurance rates to existing customers, and they have the necessary resources and experience to process claims quickly and efficiently. Nevertheless, some of these companies offer standard travel insurance coverage only, and they may not have coverage for specialized travels, it is important that policyholders obtain the appropriate travel insurance policy based on their specific trip needs. For travelers who are going on an ordinary vacation, getting travel policies from their current insurance providers may be the best option, however those travelers looking to travel for an extended period time or are taking an adventure-based trip should supplement their basic travel insurance policy.

Those who are planning to do high-risk activities, such as skiing, rock-climbing, and/or scuba-diving, should try to get their travel policies from specialized travel insurance providers. These providers offer coverage for losses resulting from almost any hazardous activity, and they also have special policies for all kinds of travelers, ranging from adventurers to missionaries. Established specialized travel insurance companies are experienced in dealing with travel emergencies, and they can provide valuable assistance when their customers are involved in serious accidents. Additionally, they offer cheap travel insurance policies with good quality coverage that meet the very specific needs of each traveler.

To get the best travel insurance deal, you should compare offers from a few different insurance providers to get an idea of the standard rates that apply as well as different coverage that may vary from provider to provider. It is always a good idea to buy from a reputable provider; such a provider will be able to offer the best advice and handle claims in an efficient manner. While the price of the policy is an important consideration when buying a travel insurance policy, you should also find out the types of coverage that are included in the policy.

Traveling cheaply means different things to different people. Are you the type that doesn’t mind hitchhiking, staying in a tent at a campsite, or sharing snores and bathrooms with strangers at a youth hostel? Or maybe you are the type that, at the very least, needs a private room and bath, comfortable bed and fresh linens daily. No matter your travel style, there are good deals to be found in Eastern European countries and endless culture and scenery to explore.

Tim Leffel, the author of The World’s Cheapest Destinations and a world-class traveler himself, says travel to Eastern Europe isn’t what it used to be. “When I researched the revised edition of my book The World’s Cheapest Destinations, I found the picture in Eastern Europe to be far different than when I researched the first edition in 2002. Prague is getting as expensive as Western Europe, Budapest is coming on strong, and Romania’s tourism business is increasing by leaps and bounds. Several macroeconomic factors are at play here. The euro is way up against foreign currencies, especially the dollar. As Eastern European countries have aligned with the EU, they have become much pricier in dollar terms. Also, the proliferation of budget flights within Europe has resulted in a huge influx of visitors from the western half of the continent.”

So with the falling value of the U.S. dollar and the surge in popularity, Prague, Budapest and Krakow are now out of the cheap range, so the further east you go the more inexpensive it gets. Places like Slovenia, Estonia, Albania, and Romania offer some of the best travel values in Eastern Europe.

Slovenia, once part of the Roman Empire, is steeped in history. The country offers a wide variety of scenery with the Alpine in the northwest, Mediterranean in the southwest and Dianric in the southeast. The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, offers a look at Baroque and Art Nouveau influences in art and architecture. There is the wine making region in the hills around Maribor to see and Triglav National Park with its mountains, lakes and rivers which flow out the Adriatic and Black Sea.

Estonia is trying to get their fair share of travelers with a very informative website, VisitEstonia.com. The country is in the Schengen area, so their borders are open to the rest of Europe. Americans can enter Estonia visa-free. However, accessible Estonia may be, don’t try to learn the language, visitors say it is a nightmare to get a handle on, but luckily most individuals in tourism speak good English. Tallinn is the medieval capital and the European Capital of Culture. Estonia on the Baltic Sea has over 1500 islands to check out and you can see how Estonians used to live before the modern age. Medieval castles, untouched natural areas and sleepy fishing villages are all waiting to be discovered.

Albania, located in the middle of the Mediterranean, borders the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. A few of the top destinations in the country are Butrint, Gjirokastra, Berati and Antigonea. In many places, throughout the country, cultural and natural heritage abound. Visit the many archeological parks, museums, religious monuments or get out in nature and explore the seashore or hike in the mountain regions.

Snagov, Romania, known for its “vampire” heritage and famous ruler Vlad III the Impaler, offers beautiful mountain scenery, ancient medieval castles and lovely villages, also, hiking opportunities abound. If you are a vampire fan, you can even visit the tomb of Vlad III. Although, prices in some parts of Romania have risen recently, there are some areas such as Snagov that are still reasonably cheap to visit.

Make a point to visit these historical and culturally vibrant countries before the U.S. dollar flips and makes them yet another expensive vacation spot. Right now is the perfect time to see a part of the world you might never have considered, but would add greatly to your love and knowledge of other cultures and countries.

To go along with your inexpensive travel abroad it is advisable that you pick up some cheap travel insurance that will cover you in case something goes wrong. Many types of travel insurance policies and travel insurance packages are available according to your needs and will give you peace of mind when traveling so far from home.

Traveling East to Europe is your best option, simply hop the short distance in a boat or plane across the North Atlantic and you’re there. If you were to take the Western route, you would be heading across the North Pacific Ocean and around the world to get to Europe, which might be fine if you wanted to stop over in Russia, China or India.

Make friends with your local travel agent
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, then you may not like this suggestion, but to find the safest, cheapest and best route to the European country of your choice, you’ll need to consult a travel agent. They are experts at finding the ultimate way to get where you want to go. Sure there are a ton of websites out there that profess to be the best at finding you a good deal, but that good deal might just include four stop-overs and a puddle jumper flight on a plane that should have been grounded years ago.

Also, if you are going to be visiting several different European countries on the same trip, a travel agent can help you figure out the most direct routes at the most inexpensive cost. Say you want to see Spain, Italy and France on your trip to Europe—is the best way to travel by air, car or train? A travel agent will know the way to go.

Make sure you’re covered
No matter the direction you’re headed or the way you plan to get there, If you are leaving your home country you will need travel insurance. Trips to Europe are not inexpensive and what if you have to cancel or delay your trip for some unforeseen reason—trip cancellation coverage can save your investment. Trip cancellation coverage provides reimbursement for lost travel expenses if you have to cancel. Think of it this way, you should buy insurance if the trip costs more than you’re willing to lose. Depending upon the insurance company, there are different covered reasons for trip cancellation, so get a list detailing these.

Traveling in an unknown place can also lead to accidents and possible hospitalization. From food or water poisoning to a broken leg, you never know when an accident or illness might strike. Medical/evacuation coverage can include emergency transportation to the hospital, medical care before and while at the hospital and medical evacuation back home if necessary.

No matter which direction you take to get to Europe, East or West, you’re leaving your home country and that means you need help getting there and staying safe while there.

Europe is a beautiful part of the world, with a rich history and plenty of amazing things to see and do. Towering castles, historical buildings and museums as well as world class shopping and dining are just a fraction of the things you can experience. If you’re planning to travel across Europe, there are important factors to think about before you plan your trip that will make your experience much more fun.

The Eurail is the country’s most modern and popular form of travel. It is a large passenger subway system that can zip across many different areas, and does it fairly quickly. If you’re going to be in Europe for an extended period of time and want to see several places that are far apart, a good option is to get the Europass and take the train. Within the larger cities like London or Paris, bus transportation is usually the method of choice. Of course, the underground metro systems are also handy and much quicker, although you will not see the landscapes or buildings as you go by if you choose this method. Don’t forget to bring some travel medical insurance along on your trip in the unfortunate event that you get injured or sick while you’re traveling.

Many people enjoy traveling across Europe by car on their own. You can easily rent a vehicle while out of town, and then really get a good feel for the locals and how the roads operate. Be sure to get some kind of travel insurance that covers you while driving out of town, because your auto insurance from home may not cover any incidents out of the country. If you choose to drive around, be aware of the local signs and traffic laws. They can vary greatly from area to area, and most if not all are completely unlike the roads in the United States.

Backpacking is another popular method of traveling through Europe. People who opt to travel this way should be physically fit and have a good plan in place well in advance in terms of where to stay, what to eat, and the things you plan to see. Hitchhiking is not advised. In some areas, hot air balloon tours are available, and allow you to see some of the breathtaking European countryside. Boat rides are another popular way to travel. No matter what you choose, it will be an exciting experience that will bring you amazing memories for many years to come.

Supply fuels demand and as one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, travel to Europe can be expensive. For seniors living on a fixed income or without much money to spare, the dream of European travel can still be realized. Frugal travel to Europe starts with planning ahead and preparing for emergencies with travel insurance.

Avoid the Summer Rush
During the summer months, Europe is crawling with excited travels. To meet the demand, prices on airfare, restaurants, and hotels are also much higher. Frugal seniors who wait till winter can travel to Europe and experience the same wonderful cultural options but with fewer crowds and cheaper prices. On airfare, this could lead to huge savings since most airlines charge holiday surcharges during holidays and the busy summer season.

Seniors are more prone to accidents and injuries than younger adults. On a European vacation, extensive walking and different weather conditions could be a problem for some; especially seniors who already have preexisting health conditions. With a Medical Evacuation policy, seniors can be reassured that no matter how remote their European travel destination is, they are not out of touch. This travel medical insurance can get seniors airlifted and returned home to receive immediate care.

Compare Package Deals
When booking a trip online seniors can easily compare travel agencies and book hotels, air flights, and even some tours online. River cruises however, usually offer better savings since airfare is not a concern. These cruises are also suited to seniors looking to experience Europe at a more leisurely pace. As cruises are only in shallow waters, motion sickness is not a concern. Seniors get the price of the room, meals, onboard activities and tours of Europe’s most appreciated wonders with local guides – all at one low price. Some tours also feature hotel stays as part of the cruise and meals at local restaurants. By buying in bulk, cruise lines can negotiate lower hotel prices than those available to individual travelers.

Save when Traveling Around Europe
If planning on traveling between England, France, Germany and other countries in Europe – trains, airlines, and rental cards are all options worth considering. Budget airlines offer reasonable prices for those looking to quickly hop between countries. Each country has its own set of train cards with discount cards for those over 60, available in some countries. Seniors who plan on mainly visiting one or two specific countries might consider renting a car. By traveling by car seniors get to move at their own pace and cars can be rented through online travel agencies weeks in advance to get a discount. Look into Rental Car Policies to cover the cost of any repairs needed in case of a car accident or to protect against theft of personal property stored in the vehicle.

When exploring Europe, enjoy some of the many free adventures offered to save money. Ancient churches and cathedrals, grand parks, art galleries, museums, libraries, architectural wonders, and free concerts are some of Europe’s most amazing experiences. Seniors who set a realistic budget and protect against the unexpected with a travel insurance policy can have a grand adventure touring Europe.

According to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, every child 17 or under (this means all children, even infants and newborns) must have a valid passport among other official documents to leave the United States no matter where they are traveling even to Europe. Also, European countries require that all minors have passports from their home countries to enter their borders.

Due to many child abductions over international borders by parents, relatives and strangers, stringent requirements have been put in place to protect minors.

To receive a minor passport, there is an application process to complete, documents to provide and additional documents that will need to accompany the passport to be shown to a custom agent before leaving the country. To obtain a passport for a minor child the process is as follows:

Minors aged 16 and 17 have their own special set of requirements in addition to the basic passport application process:

• They must be present at the time of application
• They must present photo identification
• If the minor does not have photo ID of their own, the guardian or parent must present their photo identification
• A photocopy of the same identification document must be provided during the application process
• Parental or guardian consent must be established

For minors below age 16 there is a seven step process that must be followed to be issued a minor passport:

Step 1: Submit the completed and signed Form DS-11 Application for A U.S. Passport. To complete and submit this form the minor must:

• Be present with both guardians/parents
• Provide additional documents required on the DS-11 form (Listed in steps 2-7)
• Provide the minor’s SSN

For Steps 2-7 of the U.S. Passport process visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

Once the process for your minor child’s passport is completed, it is now time to think about travel insurance, which is highly recommended when traveling with children. When out of your own country, such as in Europe, accidents can happen and you need to be covered in case you or your child needs medical treatment. You wouldn’t go without insurance for your family here in the U.S., why put yourself at risk outside your home country. Travel medical insurance can cover transportation to the hospital, treatment while at the hospital or medical facility and medical evacuation if you or your child needs to be transported back to the United States for treatment.

Taking care of travel insurance and working out visa requirements should be looked into several months before leaving on a European vacation. In some cases, visas are required for traveling to Europe, however, most travelers will find that a valid passport is all that is needed for short term tourism and business travel.

Visa not required
The European Union (EU) has reciprocal visa programs with many countries including: the United States, Australia, Mexico, Canada, Japan, Argentina, and Brazil among others. Citizens from these countries do not need to apply for a visa as long as their stay will be for less than three months. Even though the United Kingdom is a member nation of the EU, it has slightly different visa rules. Citizens from: the United States, Canada, Japan, Austria, and many areas of South America are given a tourist visa upon arriving in the country which is valid for six months.

Visa Required
Citizens of most areas of Asia and Africa however, are likely to need a visa when visiting Europe. After obtaining a Schengen visa, citizens from these countries will be able to freely travel back and forth between member nations of the EU. The rules however, are slightly different when factoring in European countries that are not members of the EU. Tourist should check with country specific consulate Websites to avoid any problems. For example, Americans do need visas to travel to Russia, Turkey, and Belarus. If you plan on taking an extended holiday in Europe or are seeking employment, visas are likely to be required, regardless of your nationality and the countries visiting.

Insurance Guidance
Europe is home to some of the oldest cities in the world with Paris, Rome, London, Barcelona, Venice, and Prague among the top destinations to visit. Add in the ancient architecture, rich art history, world famous music, famous monuments, delicious food, and incredible sights to enjoy seeing why Europe has one of the biggest tourism industries in the world. With all to experience in Europe, travelers have found vacations ruined by headaches and inconveniences that could have been avoided by purchasing travelers insurance. Cheap travel insurance offers high-quality protection but at a price that will not force travelers to take money away from their vacation. Having this insurance can offer recourse for recovering expenses if a sudden family illness causes a trip cancellation.

For those planning long-term stays in Europe, Medical Evacuation insurance is even more of a necessity. Very few insurance providers offer any health benefits while in Europe and none provides emergency airlifts back home. When traveling in some areas of Europe, getting this immediate transport out of the country could be the difference between saving your life and dying in a foreign country. Major medical insurance will help travelers living up to a year in Europe to get regular checkups, obtain prescription medications, and receive primary health care.

When it comes to summer activities, Europe is the place to be. It is full of history, ancient architecture, beautiful beaches, shopping opportunities galore and lots of delicious cafes and restaurants. With so many countries to choose from, each offering a different culture and flavor, your summer will never be boring. Whatever your interests, researching before you go is a must and what better place to start than the Internet.

Spain.info
This is the official site of tourism in Spain and as you can imagine they know their country best. Their suggestions for summer activities include: a trip to Barcelona for its long cultural history, museums, art exhibitions and outdoor sculptures; Granada to see the Alhambra, an outstanding complex of gardens and buildings from the Nasrid era with origins in the 9th century; Andalusia to watch the “How Andalusian Horses Dance” show in which the horses perform choreographed dances to Spanish melodies. Besides seeing these sights, Spain.info reminds visitors of the country’s delectable cuisine and sizzling nightlife.

ItalianTourism.com
The Italian Government Tourist Board offers up many ideas for summer activities in their historic and beautiful country. They suggest starting with the museums to see the work of Italy’s finest artists: Tiziano, Canova, Raffaello and of course, Michelangelo. A tour of Rome to view the Vatican and all of the city’s historic architecture is highly suggested. Then take a trip along the Mediterranean for water and sun on one or many of Italy’s beaches along their many Seas such as; the Ligurian, the Sardianian, the Ionian, the Sicilian and finally, the Adriatic.

FranceGuide.com
The French government hosts this site which is full of great ideas of how to enjoy the incredible country of France. In the art and culture category, they suggest visiting the many Chateaux of France including: The Duke of Burgundy Route, Carcassonne Castles, Domaine national de Chambord, Chantilly Estate, and Burgundy Fontenay Abbey. Also included in must-sees for art are the many museums, the Louvre in Paris, Musee Lumiere in Lyon and the exhibit Les Machines de I’lle de Nantes. Wine country in France is something you have to see for yourself, a visit to the vast wine regions of Alsace, Beaujolais, Burgundy, Champagne and Provence are but a few of the places to enjoy wine and culture in France.

These are just a few of the many countries to visit and a few ideas of the many things to do in the summer time in Europe. Just make sure you prepare well for your trip by researching and planning early. When traveling outside of your home country it is always suggested that you get travel insurance coverage. In case of trip cancellation, or injury while on your vacation, travel insurance and travel medical insurance are the best means of protecting yourself while being able to enjoy all the beauty and fun Europe has to offer.

The European continents encompass many diverse and enchanting nations. Many people think of a trip to Europe as only a dream trip, because of the outrageous expense. However, you can now travel to Europe more cheaply than you can to some U.S. destinations. You just have to know how to make it happen. Traveling cheaply doesn’t mean you have to backpack and hitchhike, that is, unless you want to.

Cheap Airfare
Scheduling your flight from a major airport will help you in booking a much cheaper flight to Europe. Look to the Internet to find cheap travel deals to Europe. If you don’t reside near a major airport, consider taking a flight to a major one, like LAX or JFK out of New York, then pick up your budget flight out of there. This will save you a ton. British Airways is good bet for lower price air travel to many European countries.

Hostels
Staying in Europe’s hostels is the way to go, that is if you don’t mind bunking up and sharing a bathroom with strangers. Usually, you either bunk up in a dorm room, a double room, or there are single rooms at a bit higher price. There are cheap hostels across Europe and many accommodations can be quite nice for a bit pricier stay, or you can stay in a no-frills hostel for about $8 a night depending on location. They offer common rooms for entertainment and socializing. Some hostels have curfews, for the protection of their guests, and are the quietest and safest in the hostel world. It is guaranteed to be a cheap way to stay in Europe.

Taking the Bus
Traveling to multiple European countries means you’ve got to obtain a means of transportation. Going by bus is going to be your cheapest option over the Rail. Going by individual bus systems in Europe can be confusing, and not a lot of fun. However, there is a service called Busabout. It offers a hop on/hop off policy and covers 11 European countries and 41 cities. Travelers may purchase a travel pass for a time duration of 2 weeks to six months in order to save even more money. You can find more information about Busabout on the Internet.

Cheap Travel Insurance
One way to travel Europe safely is to make sure you pick up a cheap travel insurance policy before your trip. Travel insurance covers a range of possibilities, including travel medical insurance, trip cancellation coverage, and additional trip insurance coverage. Just because you are traveling on the cheap doesn’t mean you should go bare bones without travel insurance. Things happen and you have to be prepared in case of an emergency or any unforeseen glitches in your trip plans.