Green’s Travel Tips
May, 2007
As I See It…
It’s almost here –summer—the highest
travel time of the year. Travel
companies offer more opportunities because there are more people traveling…at
least in the Northern Hemisphere. And
naturally most schools are closed so parents choose summer travel. (Maybe that is reason enough for those of
us without children to travel during spring and fall!) There are fewer travelers in the southern
half of the Southern Hemisphere. It’s
winter there you know. That makes this
the perfect time to book travel to South America, Antarctica, Australia and
southern Africa for next winter before they fill up. Already many Australia cruises are fully booked, especially for
the premium staterooms.
Air Travel…
There are two ways to look at air
travel: a boon or a curse. Yes, you do
save many days of travel to a destination, which is great. You are at the mercy of the airline however. The weather will determine if you go or do
not go. The airline will also determine
how great your trip will be depending on their equipment and scheduling.
Most times air rates purchased in
conjunction with a cruise or travel company will be the best rate. There are a several things you must
realize. Since the company purchases a
block of seats, rather than individual purchases, we do loose some of the
airline’s attention. We are treated
like a block, not a person. Since it is
a block, the flights assigned may not be what you would say is the best
possible compared to individual reservations.
If you must cancel, the airline makes the final decision on when to
return your money and the cruise or travel company is at their mercy.
There is an option. You may ask for an air deviation. This means you have more choice in the
airline assigned, the times and seating.
It does come at a cost: $50
within the United States and $75 for international travel. In addition you must also pay the
difference in the charge assessed by the airline over the block rate, if
any. Personally I have always been
satisfied with my vacation-connected flights considering the reasonable
cost.
Insurance…
Consumer Reports recently downplayed
the value of insurance for a vacation.
That is the opinion of the writer.
I read the news report and have some serious problem with what they
often pass off as fact. This article
had four main points as summarized in the Arizona Republic.
First, the author said insurance is
rarely used. Well, Hello! That is the case with basically all
insurance. You decide if you think it
is good for you. A client of mine just
received almost all of their money back from insurance after being forced to
cancel a $13,000 trip.
Second, the article stated there is
often coverage duplication. True?
Maybe. Some credit cards will insure
your purchases if you have the right card and have paid for the product or
vacation with that card. Mine doesn’t.
Third, it said the travel company or
cruise line who offers insurance would not pay if they go bankrupt. Absolutely true. If you purchase a third party insurance, that is through a
company other than the travel company or cruise line, they would pay in that
instance.
Fourth, the author suggested you get
emergency medical insurance to cover you if you become ill. I am not familiar with that insurance. Travel insurance I am talking about does
cover many things relating to medical coverage. They provide medical coverage while on vacation wherever you are,
whereas most of our regular health insurance only covers illness in the
USA. Travel Insurance does provide
medical evacuation; a really big expense.
You can also be covered if the illness is a pre-existing condition if
you choose that type of policy.
Next thing on my own list is to get
you to realize that your insurance will allow you to be reimbursed due to
cancellation for medical reasons.
That option allows you to cancel if your travel partner or an immediate
family member becomes ill and you cancel for that reason. Remember I mentioned coverage for
pre-existing conditions. Do you know
the health history of all your family members?
Or are they like many family members who do not go into detail and share
information on their health? Insurance
companies will require a doctor’s statement about the ill person who caused
your cancellation.
I favor buying third party
insurance. It is more expensive, but it
has expanded coverage. If you choose
insurance from a cruise line, you may be able to get future travel vouchers if
you cancel for any reason. It could be
up to 90% of the nonrefundable charges.
Check the fine print. This may
be an acceptable option for the frequent traveler.
Are you tired of this subject? I would expect many of you are. It is somewhat boring and makes you think
too much. Frankly I am tired of the
subject so I am going to stop writing.
Besides I am about to buy insurance for Barb’s and my upcoming
cruise. For me that $300-$400 expense
is worth the peace of mind. Decide for
yourself.
Update on Our Travel…
Last month I said we were going to
Egypt. We are, but later when it is
cooler. Now we have booked Tahiti with
Princess in August. Will let you know when we schedule Egypt.
Just a Thought…
If you lend someone $20 and never see
that person again, it was probably worth it.
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Member Bob
Green
480/664-7354
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