Taking off Travel blog

Travel insurance is insuring the possibility that someone who has paid in advance for the costs of a vacation will have to forgo taking the vacation because of unforeseen events. Another possibility is that travelers will arrive at their destinations, but then an occurrence prevents them from continuing on with the rest of the trip. If these people purchased travel insurance, these would be the times when it would not be considered an extraneous expense.

But there are also times when travel insurance would not be the best purchase even though the possibility of having to cancel the trip always exists for everyone. Those times may be if there is a low probability that anything will go wrong. How does one decide?

How to Decide If Travel Insurance is Right

In order to determine if someone is going to purchase travel insurance, vacationers have two choices:

1. They have to decide if they would rather lose the cost of the trip if they have to cancel it completely or shorten it.

2. The other alternative is to go on the trip, not experience any mishaps and incur the cost of the insurance.

Whichever option travelers choose will help them decide whether or not they will purchase travel insurance.

When Travel Insurance May Be Necessary

After deciding which of the two groups they fall under in the above considerations, vacationers can ask themselves a few other questions, also. Sometimes, travel insurance will be an absolute necessity, and those times are when:

• The possibility exists that a trip will need to be cancelled because of an unexpected event at work,
• The destination travelers plan to go to is susceptible to terrorist attacks,
• Passports are lost,
• Medical evacuation becomes necessary,
• The possibility exists that the travel company will go bankrupt before the trip,
• They have the need for emergency assistance in a foreign country where they do not speak the language.

When Travel Insurance Is Unnecessary

The two options described above may lead people to believe that travel insurance will be an extraneous expense for them. But taking a further examination may lead them to conclude that travel insurance actually may not be something they have to purchase. Those instances when it may not essential are when:

• Traveling domestically,
• Traveling on frequent flier miles,
• Tourists will not be staying in a hotel,
• No one has a delicate medical condition,
• Doctor’s offices and hospitals are in abundance,
• Adventurers will, most likely, not have to cancel their trips due to their work schedules,
• Tourists have an active health insurance policy for the United States,
• Voyagers are unconcerned about whether or not their baggage arrives at the destination,
• Missing a connecting flight will not interfere with their plans,
• Tourists are not going to rent a car,
• Travelers already have a life insurance policy and are unconcerned about missing work if they are injured in an accident,
• The final destination is not known to experience disasters related to weather,
• Travelers are unconcerned about losing the money they paid for the trip.

Types of Travel Insurance

Travel insurance turns out not to be just one entity; vacationers have the choice to purchase many different kinds of travel insurance, but some types are more essential than others.

Essential Insurance:

1. Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

This insurance covers the cost of the trip and is considered to be essential when the traveler has expended several thousands of dollars. In the event that something happens to the potential travelers and they are not able to go on their trips, they will be forced to forfeit the large sums of money they have already paid.

They also have one other concern. It has been known to happen that the companies from whom tourists purchased their packages went out of business before they had the chance to take their trips. It presents another great reason to purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and is also the reason not to purchase this insurance from the company where they purchased their travel packages; if the company goes away, so will the insurance.

2. Non-Refundable Insurance

Some tickets can be non-refundable. If travelers want to change their flights, they are forced to pay a fee and it can be as much as $100, if not more. If there is a large possibility that travelers will need to make a change in their travel plans, this insurance will help reduce the costs of purchasing another ticket.

Extraneous Travel Insurance:

1. Flight Insurance

This coverage pays a death benefit in the event that the plane on which the policyholder was a passenger crashes. It is not generally recommended that people purchase this type of insurance, because it is a highly expensive policy. A traveler would be able to purchase a term life insurance policy for lower premiums than they can with flight insurance.

2. Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

This insurance is on the essential list, but can also be extraneous. Some people manage to arrange to purchase airline tickets for prices under $100 round trip. These are the times when trip cancellation and interruption insurance is an extraneous purchase, because the amount of the ticket is not worth the amount that must be spent on the insurance.

The conclusion is that travel insurance will either be essential for some tourists or it will be extraneous to others. Some types of insurance, such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance can even be both essential and extraneous depending upon the circumstances. Carefully examining the risks that travelers may be taking will help them determine which group they belong in, and they can make the best decision for their particular situations.

Bethany Johnson is a freelance writer for a site that provides insurance coverage from all the top insurance companies. She loves everything that is related to personal finance and can’t stand to overpay for anything. She can be found running at the local gym if she is not busy working.

Image: xedos4 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If traveling on business is a big part of your life, why not make the experience as pleasant as possible? You’ll be looking forward to joining the million mile club once you’ve acquired these marvelous portable items.

In the Airport

• For those times when you’re not able to work in the airport lounge and you find yourself squeezed into a tiny seat at your gate, keep your cool by putting your laptop on a chill pad. Choose a lightweight, fanless version for the greatest versatility while traveling.
• Seven days, five airports, nine concourses, and… where was that terrific French bistro again? An attractive compact journal and a fine pen to go with it will help you to keep track of your favorite airport restaurants in the most stylish way. When you jot down your notes by hand, you’ll feel a connection with the adventurous travelers of bygone days.

On the Plane

• In your car, you’ve become used to the heated cushions, the lumbar support, and the perfectly adjusted headrest. If your airplane seat doesn’t measure up, bring an inflatable backrest along to customize the seat to your preferences. Shorter travelers will enjoy an extra benefit: being positioned farther forward will keep the top of the seat from pressing your head into an uncomfortable position.
• If you enjoy the feeling of a massage chair, try to imagine that the vibration of the plane was designed to increase your traveling pleasure. When you put on your noise-canceling headphones and queue up your favorite relaxing music, you’ll think you’re at the spa! For an extra boost, wear a lightly fragranced grooming product to add a touch of aromatherapy.

At Your Hotel

• Once again, you and your technology may be spending some quality time together in temporary quarters. If the lighting in your room is inadequate for the work you need to get done, plug a USB spotlight into your laptop and illuminate your workspace. This accessory is also great when you find yourself using ground transportation after dark, as well as for reading in bed.
• Finally, look the part of the sharp businessperson by using suitcase accessories to keep your personal items organized and as pristine as if you had never left home. Shoe bags, packing cubes, jewelry rolls, packable shelves, and hanging toiletry kits make it quick to settle in when you arrive and a breeze to pack up when it’s time to check out.

Heather Johnson is a writer for the leading online honeymoon planning resource. Learn all about the best honeymoon destinations today!

Image: Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Which are the best cars for road trips? Guest poster Sean Gray gives us his picks.

Comfort, features, and fuel efficiency were among the factors considered in creating this list of the best cars for road trips. Check out the choices by category.

Compact– Honda Fit

Four people and their luggage can fit inside the Honda Fit. However, if it’s a trip for two, there is an even better reason to take the Fit. Because its fuel tank is under the front seat, the back seats can fold flat, providing more cubic cargo space than the Chevy Suburban SUV. So if you’re packing a lot of luggage the Honda fit may be your best when choosing a rent a car.

Sports Car– Chevrolet Corvette

Sometimes a road trip requires a fun car to drive, and the Chevrolet Corvette delivers. The car is equipped with the added perk of fuel efficiency. The Corvette also comes as a convertible or as a coupe with a removable roof. The added feature of the car being convertible is extremely useful, as it is perfect for sightseeing. Furthermore, if you’re one who loves speed this car will amaze you. The car comes stock with a 6.2 Liter V-8 engine. As you can see the Corvette is a perfect ride for sightseeing, and enjoying your trip.

Hybrid– Toyota Prius

With recent improvements in seat comfort and noise, the Prius has gotten even better over the years. Of course, the big advantage of the Prius is that it won’t run out of gas for up to 545 miles. Additionally the car is simply fuel efficient saving you time, and also money. Fewer pit stops results in a quicker trip, and you getting to your destination faster.

SUV– Volkswagen Touareg

Luxury is an understatement when describing the interior. The 2011 model even has heated rear reclining seats. If comfort isn’t enough, the Touareg handles well in both on and off-road situations which also makes it a great road trip choice.

Minivan– Toyota Sienna

The Sienna is packed with so many features that you may forget you are inside a vehicle. DVD entertainment and household-style outlets are just a couple of ways the Toyota Sienna XLE makes you feel at home on the road. Side sun-shades are a nice bonus if passengers want to snooze, or just stay out of the sun. Furthermore, the Sienna is roomy, and able to fit the whole family. The van also has automatic powered sliding doors, which is very handicap accessible.

Station Wagon– Volvo V70

If the trip includes kids and pets, the Volvo V70 is a great choice. Not only is there plenty of room for everyone and the luggage, but the seats are also comfortable. Two added benefits are that there is a big gas tank and good fuel efficiency. This results in you being able to stay on the road longer, and only stopping where you find necessary.

If road trips are on your summer to-do list, use your cash on these cars to make the trips easier and more fun. Truly though the choice in car is solely up to you, so do what’s best for you and your family.

Sean Gray is a automotive fanatic who deals with cars regularly. In his spare time he works for a cash for cars service.  (Photos: Toyota Sienna: Katie and Joe; Corvette: phphoto2010)

For more on road trips, check out:

• A Jack Kerouac Road Trip
• 10 Most Scenic Road Trips In The United States – Part 1
• Going on a Road Trip? There’s An App For That!

If you’re planning on heading to the beach this summer, you might want to check out the results of the National Resource Defense Council’s annual survey of water quality at US beaches. According to the report there were 24,091 beach closures and advisories in 2010, the second highest level in the 21 years since tracking began. That means there’s still bacteria in the waters. The BP oil disaster is a major factor in closures on Gulf Coast beaches.

Testing the waters at our beaches will get a much needed overhaul, with the Environmental Protection Agency due to upgrade its standard by next year. As part of that, same day results will be available for bacterial pollution, compared with one day results now. That should keep more people from being affected by rashes, stomach problems, pinkeye and other results of such pollution.

More on the story here, and you can also download Testing the Waters (PDF).

So, is your beach clean? Four US beaches have had perfect testing results for the last five years. They are: Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach, in Sussex County, Delaware; Park Point Lafayette Community Club Beach, in St. Louis County, Minnesota; and Hampton Beach State Park in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. Check out the ratings of your favorite beach here.

Image: federico stevanin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Guest post by Wendy Bailey

Long distance travel on a train or plane can be a pain in the neck. Literally. The seats are not designed to be ergonomic and can be quite uncomfortable and even unhealthy after a while.

Before Your Trip

Prepare for long trips by drinking lots of water in the 24 hours prior. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep. What does this have to do with ergonomics? Being well-hydrated and well-rested will help you remain loose and flexible, which will help you avoid injury.

Choose luggage that isn’t too heavy; you should be able to lift it yourself. You don’t want to get an injury trying to load your carry-on in the overhead compartment. Test your luggage at the end of the day, when you are more likely to be fatigued. Travel can be exhausting and a bag that feels fine in the morning may be a pain to carry towards the end of your trip.

Choose comfortable and sturdy shoes and socks. Now is not the time to try out those fancy little stilettos! The placement of your feet will have a lot to do with your comfort, and shoes that fit well and support your feet will be your best friends.

Be on time. Having to jog or run to catch your train or flight will create added stress on your joints and your back, setting you up for pain on your trip. Keep a calm, leisurely pace.

Remember your basics for lifting: Lift from the legs, not from the back. Repeat this mantra to yourself every time you have to lift your luggage — including picking it up from the baggage carousel!

Balance your load. Don’t try to hang everything off one side, even if you consider it to be your stronger side. If the load is balanced, you won’t list to one side, contorting your spine and possibly injuring your back or your hips.

Be realistic about your health. If you have any specific health conditions, especially heart or lung problems, arrange ahead of time for a cart to help get you from place to place.

During Your Flight or Ride

– Plan ahead for the reality that you may not get a seat with plenty of legroom.

– Continue drinking liquids. Plan to drink 8 ounces for every hour of travel.

– Keep a good posture. Sit up straight, hold your tummy in and shift your position occasionally.

– Bring along a small pillow and place it in the curve of your lower back to help you sit up straighter.

– If you can, place your luggage on the floor in front of you, or bring along a small foot stool. Place your feet on it so that your knees are slightly higher than your hips. This will prevent back strains and cramps.

– Get up and move around. Another good reason for drinking all that water? You’ll periodically get a reminder to walk around a bit! Sitting for too long will cause compression on your nerves, leading to numbness and tingling. It can also lead to blood clots in people with circulatory problems.

– Stretch periodically. Twist from side to side, stretch upwards with your hands over your head, rotate your ankles and roll your neck.

– If you are expecting a long flight or ride, bring an inflatable neck pillow — or even a rolled up sweatshirt — and place it under your neck or in the c-curve of your neck.

Image: federico stevanin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net