• 06
  Feb
  2012

• Breeze Through Security at the Airport

  
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Frequent travelers and people who hate to be kept waiting can improve their experience at the airport with some simple security organization tips. Keep important documents like your travel insurance policy in a zipped pocket in your carry on luggage. Trip cancellation insurance can help you even before you have left the airport, if you need to cancel your trip.

De-clutter your carry on bag for easy screening. Pack the majority of your liquids in your checked bags and try to pack your coats and jackets in your checked luggage too, to avoid additional screening.

Wear slip-on shoes that you can easily remove to pass through the metal detector. Take off your belt and remove all the metal items from your pockets as you are standing in line. Place all additional items in one extra tray, if you can.

Always keep your boarding pass and your ID within easy reach so you can access it if asked. If you can’t find your documents when requested you may subject yourself to extra screening.

• 27
  Jan
  2012

• Passport Card or Passport?

  
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US citizens traveling abroad sometimes don’t need a passport to travel. Instead, you can use a passport card. Are you aware of the difference? Read on to find out when you can use a passport card to travel. Make sure you are protected with international travel insurance wherever you are traveling to – international travel insurance and a valid passport or card are essentials for travel.

Until 2007 US citizens could come into the US from Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada and Bermuda with a valid driver’s license. Now, citizens need a valid passport card if they are only traveling between US and these countries.

The passport card allows people to enter the US by land or sea only, from the specified countries. There are some restrictions, however.

The passport card may not be accepted by the country you are visiting, so you should check with your travel company to make sure. You cannot travel extensively overseas with a passport card. For international travel beyond the Caribbean and Mexico, you need a passport.

• 23
  Jan
  2012

• Adventure Travel: Set Your Limits

  
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Travel can be exhilarating, fun, exotic and exciting but it’s important not to push yourself past your physical limits. Especially when you are taking part in adventure sports or vacations, you should know what a safe limit is for you. Whether you are a student on a gap year, or a family taking the vacation of a lifetime, buy insurance and stay healthy.

Have a physical exam before you go if you are concerned about your fitness or health. If you have recently undergone a procedure or surgery, make sure your doctor has passed you safe to fly and take part in the activities you plan to do.

If you are suffering from a cold, flu or other minor illness make sure you take it easy in the first days of your vacation – too much exertion can turn a minor condition into something more serious. If you feel ill, stop the activity and rest.

Know your own limits. If you cannot walk as far as the others in the group, walk for a half day and sight-see in the afternoon. If you have problems in the heat, book your vacation for the cool season or try a country with a moderate climate. Knowing your restrictions can help you towards a much more enjoyable vacation.

• 16
  Jan
  2012

• Auto Accident Abroad: What to Do

  
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When you go on vacation or travel for business, hiring a car is often the easiest way to get around, to see the sights and to get to important meetings. But driving abroad can be a lot different to driving at home. What do you do if you have an accident when driving abroad? First of all, make sure you have enough travel insurance to cover you abroad. With international travel insurance and some helpful advice, you can limit the damage caused by an auto accident.

If you are in a crash, contact the local police immediately. You will need to fill out a formal police report form. Make sure you do not admit any blame at the scene of the accident, or at the police station, even if it was your fault.

You need to exchange insurance information with the other party or parties, and the police or your consulate should be able to help you with this. If you rented your car, consult with the rental company.

If you do rent a car, make sure you are fully protected with insurance. Drive carefully when you are abroad. Even if the cars are the same, the rules of the road and driving habits may be very different.