http://www.ztravelinsurance.com//blog Blog for Travellers visiting USA en shilpabalu@gmail.com Copyright 2013 2013-05-13T11:43:06+00:00 http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/be-safe-on-public-transport/ http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/be-safe-on-public-transport/#When:15:53:54Z Chances are, if you’re traveling to a city or large town, you’ll be taking a ride on some form of public transport. Buses, taxis and trains make getting around on your vacation cheap and easy. But public transport is not without its hazards – how can you keep safe and prevent a claim on your travel insurance? Keep safe on trains by moving away from a person if they are too close to you, in the train corridor or on the platform. If you’re traveling by night train, lock your compartment. If this isn’t possible, secure your locked luggage to the racks with a padlock and keep your valuables close to you. Only take subway cars if there are plenty of other people in them and try to sit by the driver on buses. Some cities have “women-only” cars on trains and subways so use these if you are concerned about your safety. Try not to travel late at night. If you need to, wait for public transport in a well-lit area, preferably near a ticket booth or security guard. Alert police if you feel threatened or if you have something stolen on public transport. Make sure your travel insurance is up-to-date and don’t take unnecessary risks – like taking an unlicensed cab or driving without a seat belt – that could invalidate your policy. Blogging 2011-03-27T15:53:54+00:00 http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/insuring-yourself-for-travel/ http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/insuring-yourself-for-travel/#When:11:43:06Z Travelling can be easy or hard. It depends on what kind of travelling you are doing. If you are on your vacations and leaving for an exotic place than travelling can be fun. If you are a salesman and you travel daily or weekly, it can be hectic and boring as well. And if a mishap happens such as medical emergency or losing your luggage or important documents, then the travelling for pleasure or business can turn into a nasty incident and the whole time you stay at the place, the stay is marred by one such incident. The happy time that you decided you will have will turn into a sad time. Though you cannot avoid some problems like medical emergency or losing luggage, you can surely remedy them by acquiring travel insurance. Travel insurance may seem like a waste of money initially but it may seem like a blessing if you fall into a mess. The travel insurance can save your money in case an unforeseen incident happens. It can cover costs from basic medical care to emergency medical care, lost luggage, delayed travel plans, cancelled tickets to all sort of incidents. Travel insurance also gives benefits according to the number of days you will be spending in that place. If you are travelling with your family then insurance becomes more necessary than ever. If you are travelling outside the country, then there is a probability of one of the family members needing medical care because of the weather or climatic changes. That is when you will regret not going for travel insurance as the medical care is expensive worldwide. By taking travelling insurance, you are ensuring that you will not have to keep the budget for emergencies like this else you will have to allot a special part of your money which should actually be used for travelling and living comfortably there. Blogging 2013-05-13T11:43:06+00:00 http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/travelling-with-children-importance-of-travel-insurance/ http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/travelling-with-children-importance-of-travel-insurance/#When:08:09:32Z Do you have travel plans? Do you have children travelling with you? If your answer is yes for both questions, then you need to consider opting for travel insurance. Generally, travel insurance is not so well-known and most people do not even know what it entails. Travel insurance covers medical bills and other travelling losses that can occur while you are on the go. Travel insurance can be taken at the time of booking your flights. This option is available for most airlines whether they are travelling within their country of outside of it. When it comes to children, then there is a huge possibility that no matter how careful you are, children might end up sick with small issues like cold, flu or even get their ears blocked which can be very painful while flying. This can cost you a lot especially if you are going to an international destination as the medical services vary from country to country. In order to avoid this pitfall, travel insurance should be taken so that you do not have to spend the money that you wanted to spend having fun while on a vacation. Other than that, travel insurance also covers losses such as accidental death while travelling, loss of important personal items and emergencies like cancelled travel plans. With children, it becomes almost inevitable that you are going to face small losses of personal items or the getting sick or travelling plans being cancelled. This is where travelling insurance will kick in. It will then give you a sense of happiness that you did your best by taking travelling insurance and do not have to worry about the inevitable being happened. A lot of companies offer different rate plans for each of the type of insurance. You can pick and choose at you discretion the one that you think will suit your need. Blogging 2013-05-01T08:09:32+00:00 http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/student-travel-insurance-why-should-you-go-for-it/ http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/student-travel-insurance-why-should-you-go-for-it/#When:14:19:07Z We are all a part of a world where it is natural to expect something unpredictable to happen. It is really difficult to trust the society around you and the amount of security an individual possesses. A student travel insurance just does all that is necessary to ensure that you are equipped with enough capital and safety when crisis actually strikes. Though the way in which a threat could affect people is totally unpredictable, there is always an element of danger associated with travelling, especially when it comes to students who are vulnerable to risky actions due to curiosity or excitement, kidnap or sickness. As a student, it is always a wise decision to do enough research before buying a student travel insurance while a planning for a vacation . Most of these insurances revolve around two major compensations, one of which is for health related crises and the other is for unpredictable scenarios like accidents, loss of luggage, unexpected delay or cancellation of the whole plan. If the trip planned is an international one, it is necessary to scrutinize the travel insurance policy of the country of interest, as it is subjected to change when compared to your native country’s policy. A vacation is meant for you to relax and enjoy. In such a scenario, it is a great idea to ensure that you have a backup or cover for unpredictable situations. This is the reason why taking a student travel insurance is a must while planning a vacation. If the student is not in perfect health, an insurance that provides better medical compensation could be the apt choice at stake. Though the market today is flooded with firms providing insurance coverage at competitive prices, it is always essential to scrutinize the entire policy before signing up for one. Blogging 2013-04-05T14:19:07+00:00 http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/how-travel-warning-work-for-or-against-you/ http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/how-travel-warning-work-for-or-against-you/#When:06:03:58Z Countries seem to be on a spree in issuing travel warnings to its citizens against other countries and it happens so often, it’s time to determine the disadvantages and advantages of knowing about these travel advices. In the first place, there is a difference between a travel advice and a travel warning. The travel advice is for places where risk and danger is possible if the situation deteriorates whereas a travel warning is akin to “get out as soon as you can!” kind of situation. In addition, travel warning tend to last for several months because there is a perceived long term threat like civil ear, an outbreak, or a series of violent incidents with no end in sight. That being said, the advantage if you cannot change your travel plans is that the travel memos gives you a chance to upgrade your travel plans, insurance, or find alternative routes. The disadvantage is that it puts you on the edge of the entire trip. Obviously it is important to know what your government is telling you about international and national situations. Last year, a travel alert which is like a travel advice for Egypt came a little too late and many U.S. citizens found themselves in the middle of local crisis. One way to know about travel advisories from the U.S. government is to sign up with the Smart Travel program of the State Department. You should increase your travel insurance coverage if you travel frequently regardless of the places you go to. These days, there seems to be a natural or man-made calamity or situation happening when you least expect it. If you check the State Department, you will see some countries like Kenya that have been in the alert list for several years. For cases like these, be sure to do your homework and find out exactly what is happening in that country. Sometimes, there are specific locations in a country that should be avoided, and it’s not a sweeping, all-encompassing alert for the country in question. Blogging 2013-03-21T06:03:58+00:00 http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/the-top-travel-destination-according-to-cnn-travel/ http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/the-top-travel-destination-according-to-cnn-travel/#When:00:36:01Z CNN Travel has come out with its top travel destination country for 2013 and it is Scotland! The reasons cited by the news agency were the natural beauty of Scotland and the international events that have been scheduled in the country for 2013. Two of these international events that are expected to bring in hundreds of visitors to Scotland are the Open Golf Championship and the HebCelt Music Festival. The Open Golf Championship will b e held in Muirfield, Gullane in July. This golf tournament dates as far back as 1892 although the golf course has been renovated and new challenges have been added. This year, the organizers are expecting a huge attendance even though the course is not ideal for spectators. The Hebridean Celtic Festival or HebCelt Music Festival will be held at Lews Castle on the island of Lewis. It is a 4 day music extravaganza that attracts more than 16,000 people because it has more than popular bands playing. The event also has activities for children, street theater, dancing, shopping, and great food and drinks. Other events in Scotland that add to the country being declared the top destination are the Ryder Cup and the Commonwealth Games. According to CNN Travel, although many other countries offer exciting annual events and spectacular views, Scotland has managed to take their marketing to a different level. The government has managed to generate a lot of interest among travelers, sports spectators, music lovers, history buffs, and athletes including bargain deal for travelers on a budget. The Scottish government is also prepared to handle any kind of medical emergency, security threats, and natural calamities. The accommodations being offered are outstanding while staying within a neat package that many can easily afford. CNN Travel has justified its choice by saying, “we took into account … bargains, significant events, important new services, such as added airline routes and major hotel openings.” The other international destinations that were in the running for top destination for 2013 were Slovakia, Morocco, Miami, Columbia, Japan, Amsterdam, New Zealand, and Montenegro. Blogging 2012-12-27T00:36:01+00:00 http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/the-twelve-hottest-travel-destinations/ http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/the-twelve-hottest-travel-destinations/#When:00:32:59Z It’s that time of the year again when holiday talk ultimately also means travel time. One of the top travel websites, Travel.com has beaten everyone to the punch by coming out with their 12 hottest travel destinations. However, it is important to note that some of these places will require more than just a passport, money, and an adventurous spirit; it will also require travel insurance so be sure to buckle in, get that insurance and be ready to have the time of your life! Cruising in Australia has seen phenomenal growth as more visitors travel to this country for sun in December. In 2005, the country had an estimated 100,000 people booking cruises and this 2012, the figure has spiked to 800,000! All kinds of cruise ships and itineraries are being offered by shipping companies as they work furiously to cope with the demand. When President Barack Obama went to Myanmar several weeks ago for the first time in history, it did bring along a lot of tourist goodwill. Now Myanmar, formerly Burma, was a popular destination already before President Obama visited because of the release of political activist, Aung San Suu Kyi and the lifting of travel sanctions. Hotels, beach resorts, and other tourist destinations are enjoying a windfall and encouraging investors to come in and start building more hotels. Currently, a construction boom is ongoing so by this time next year, Myanmar will be making a more permanent mark on travel deals. Just this year alone, visitors increased by 35% and if this trend continues, it’s going to be good times in this tiny Asian country. In spite of the recent earthquakes in Alaska, it still remains a popular “New Frontier” for many. The number of visitors to Alaska increased by 10% this year and about 27% of these visitors were from overseas. The United States remains a dream vacation for many international travelers because the exchange rates are favorable and the choices for fun, adventure, and thrills are multiple. It does help also that the US is extremely strict about security which makes travelers feel more comfortable with the system. Blogging 2012-12-20T00:32:59+00:00 http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/the-top-cities-you-should-consider-visiting-before-the-year-ends-according-/ http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/the-top-cities-you-should-consider-visiting-before-the-year-ends-according-/#When:04:59:19Z Although there will be a more than few people who would want to make their own lists, Forbes Magazine has boldly come out with their 4 fab cities in the world and reasons why they are a “must-see” destination for travelers who wish to go solo. Traveling alone is a crosscut experience between excitement and loneliness. For one, there are new sights, sounds, food, and people but at the same time, there’s no one you know to take your photo, no one to share meals and friendly conversations with, and no one to watch over you. According to American Express, 16% of Americans travel light which means no travel companion. Last 2011, this was at only 12% which could mean that it’s expensive to pay double or it’s hard to find a paying travel mate.  Travel insurance companies always recommend more strongly that solo travelers secure their travel insurance plans because it is this policy that could save them a lot of grief alone.  They also recommend being very picky about where to go, where to stay, and what to eat. It would also be great if the people are fluent in English. Berlin – This city is not exactling teeming with English-speakers but it is easy to get by because many understand many basic English words. This city is popular because it steeped in history, drama, tradition, glamour, and modern technology. It’s quite possible not to notice you’re on your own because of the many things you can here like visit the Berlin Wall, memorials to the Jews, churches, malls, restaurants, and shops using the affordable public transport system called the U-Bahn. Sydney is growing more popular every month because it has become very aggressive with trying to lure more visitors to the country. Currently, Australia is enjoying a boom in its economy because its exchange rate is high and many are traveling around the world. They are doing a lot of good in promoting the country with their friendly Aussie ways. Singapore – If you enjoy being in a disciplined city, Singapore is considered as the most strict country in the world where you can get caught if you buy chewing gum or drop anything on the streets. It’s an intense experience but extremely rewarding because of the low crime rate and the wonderful people. Costa Rica has a coastal city called Guanacaste where the view is fantastic and you enjoy the rugged adventure of a modern-day paradise. It’s the perfect place to go when you need to rejuvenate, lick your wounds, or hide from family and friends for a while. Blogging 2012-12-13T04:59:19+00:00 http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/un-on-the-brink-of-lifting-hiv-travel-restrictions/ http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/un-on-the-brink-of-lifting-hiv-travel-restrictions/#When:15:46:52Z When HIV, the virus that leads to AIDS was discovered in 1969, there was not much hoopla about it. It was only when “gay cancer” began to show in the late 1970s and early 1980s that a major panic began to brew.  By 1993 a travel ban was imposed on anyone entering the United States with the HIV virus medication. Many countries followed suit. In 2006, President Bush signed an executive order allowing travelers with HIV to enter the country, and this was reinforced by President George W. Bush in 2008. However, the Department of Health and Human Services refused to follow and held the ban. President Obama requested the department to come up with a regulation that would lift the ban by 2010 and that’s the only time HIV status was no longer a factor in visa applications to the US. A few days ago the United Nations announced that many business leaders from other countries have been requested a complete lifting of any travel ban on HIV-infected persons. This brings several issues to the table such as equal rights but protection for others. Currently, there are 45 countries that still follow a travel ban on persons with HIV. If anyone is found to have the virus at the border or even while in one of the 45 countries, the person will be immediately deported and his passport stamped as “Person with HIV.” Understandably, travelers should take extra precaution should the UN decide to require all countries to lift the ban. While travel insurance is not going to stop the virus from spreading, it can be seen as an extra precaution for one’s safety. For instance, one can opt to take another flight instead and apply for the trip cancellation claim. On December 1, the world will celebrate World AIDS Day. If global leaders have anything to say about it, they will do as much as they can to end unreasonable restrictions. However, keep in mind that business persons generally do things because it will help them earn so there may be a hidden agenda somewhere. Blogging 2012-11-28T15:46:52+00:00 http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/thanksgiving-pile-up-tragedy/ http://www.ztravelinsurance.com/blog/thanksgiving-pile-up-tragedy/#When:15:43:25Z For days, warnings have been made about the potential travel woes this Thanksgiving weekend but no one imagined that anything tragic would ever happen to them. Unfortunately, the heavy fog on I-10 in Beaumont, Texas caused a tremendous pile-up of over 100 cars and trucks and the death of 2. Over 80 were injured, 8 of whom are in critical condition. What happened was something that could have been avoided. According to Deputy Rod Caroll, the fog in the early hours of the morning was not unusual but some cars must have been speeding down the highway, and this he thinks is what caused the pile-up. Sadly many of the families will not be spending Thanksgiving at home. In other related Thanksgiving travel woes, millions of other Americans, international visitors and tourists were all over the train stations, bus stations, airports, and roads trying to get to their destination as soon as possible. For many, there was a concerted effort to find the funds through financing, use of credit cards, and support from family just to be able to enjoy a weekend with loved ones. The weather throughout the day was not very cooperative with flight delays, cold weather, and traffic. In Chicago, over 1,600 flights were either delayed or cancelled. Those without travel cancellation insurance found themselves in a fix with nowhere to go. In New York, the Penn Station experienced a power outage for over an hour delaying trips by an hour and a half for many people during the rush hour. Missed appointments and connecting flights made the travel expenses shoot up unexpectedly. After the Storm Sandy and the panic buying prior to the storm, many people in the East Coast were trying to be very frugal with what funds they had left so it was a double whammy for those who had to spend more. Blogging 2012-11-21T15:43:25+00:00