The Importance of Travel Insurance

You've finally saved enough to go on that dream vacation you've been planning. Now you're wondering if you should buy travel insurance. Do I really need to go to the extra expense? All I can lose is my luggage, right?

Guess again! Anything can go wrong while you are traveling, and I strongly favor buying a policy.

Most travel insurance policies are designed for a variety of travel needs but, I emphatically advise reading the fine print of any policy you purchase regarding any deductibles and health situations. You many find your policy won't cover pre-existing conditions that may cause a problem, or that the medical coverage is only for an injury or an illness -- not both. For emergency aid, travel insurance polices are generally dependable and affordable, but there are still a myriad of gaps in the coverage provided.

You can find polices designed for almost any type of trip you may be planning, such as a single trip for hunting, backpacking, cruises, house rentals, and a host of others. But, the specific types and amounts of coverage you get depend on the policy you choose. It's important to remember that you will only be covered for what is specifically stated in your policy and for nothing else.

Most policies cover trip cancellation, lost baggage, medical, dental, and accidental death coverage. Other policies include emergency evacuation, 24 hour travel assistance, and trip or baggage delay. You may even find policies that include options for collision or damage to rented cars and business conflicts. There are many options that can be covered, but you will have to ask.

The premiums for the policies are generally 5% to 7% the cost of your trip, but fees will vary depending on the your medical history and passengers ages. Many companies offer policies that will include coverage for children at no extra charge.
It is best not to buy your travel insurance from your tour operator.

I've listed a few reasons why it may be better to purchase through an insurance company separately.
Most travel insurance policies offered by the operator are less flexible to your individual needs;
Provide a lower amount of coverage;
May only cover a portion of the trip;
Your coverage may be secondary and the insurance will only pay for what you own private health or homeowner's insurance does not cover;
May duplicate coverage you already have;
In the event the tour operator liquidates and goes belly up, you would lose not only your trip, but also your premium.

Many travel agents are not fully knowledgeable when it comes to understanding the details of various travel insurance policies and may overlook something that could be important to you or your family and few offer suggestions. Buying travel insurance may be less expensive purchasing through your tour operator or cruise line, but for the reasons listed above, you should really check around.

If you do choose to buy your policy from your tour operator, be sure to use a credit card. Depending on the policy of the credit card issuer, you may be provided with protection against potential default of the operator.

When buying your policy from an insurance company:
Always get quotes from several companies
Ask if the plan is pre-packaged or if you can custom design your own
Can you waive the pre-existing condition exclusion
Ask if you are covered for cancellation due to a terrorist incident. Don't count of the company to provide information
Ask any question you can dream up and
Do ask for suggestions
A good site to reference for multiple travel insurance quotes is InsureMyTrip.com. (I am not affiliated with this site in any way. I just like the site!) Enjoy your next trip and I hope the odds are with you and that you will never have to file a claim on your travel insurance policy.

by Karen Zastudil

(c)2004 Karen Zastudil
Karen is a graduate of Cleveland State University and is a freelance writer. Visit her website at http://www.womenatthesummit.com - A site of general interest to women. Topics include: Pregnancy, Children, Parenting, Health and wellness, Diet and Fitness, Relationships, Money, Travel and more.
webmaster@womenatthesummit.com

Top Family Beach Vacation Destinations

Planning a family beach vacation? Looking for destinations with family resorts that have fun sports and activities for the whole family, all inclusive resorts where meals are included and kid clubs? Here are some of the most popular beach destinations for families to unwind and relax:

Mexico
Mexico, especially the Cancun area, and Mayan Riviera, an hour’s drive south of Cancun, is a popular place for family beach vacations. The Mayan Riviera is one of the regions of Mexico - and the world- which offers the richest variety of landscapes and archaeological treasures including Mayan ruins, coral reef, snorkelling lagoons, and eco-theme parks such as Xcaret. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and attractions throughout Mexico welcome families with open arms.

Jamaica
Jamaica is considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the Caribbean Islands and is one of the top family-vacation destinations in the Caribbean. Many of Jamaica’s resorts offer supervised children's activities, babysitters, family discounts, and kid's meals. Jamaica has an abundance of top all-inclusive chains including: Sandals Beaches, SuperClubs Breezes resorts and Club Med. There are also many other family vacation options such as the Franklyn D. Resort in Runaway Bay, Jamaica, where families have their own vacation nanny during their stay.

Turks and Caicos
On a 12-mile stretch of satiny white-sand, Beaches Turks & Caicos is one of the premier family resorts on the island.With separate programs for infants, toddlers and teens, each is designed to give each age the activities they love. So when you're off doing your thing, they're off doing theirs. There are many other resorts to stay at this idyllic family beach destination

Bahamas
Home to the Atlantis Bahamas resort and many other excellent family resorts, there will not be a dull moment on your Bahamas family vacation. Blessed with the perfect location-less than 100 miles off the coast of Florida, the perfect climate- averaging a little over 75 degrees, and the perfect surroundings-crystal clear turquoise blue waters and pearly white beaches, the Islands of the Bahamas is the perfect destination for your next family beach vacation.

Hawaii
A Family Hawaii Vacation has it all. Beautiful beaches, world-class golf, surfing, shopping, swimming, top notch hotels, condominiums, eco tours, national parks, warm weather, and cool ocean breezes. The four islands that are popular for a family Hawaii Vacation are Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai.

Florida
Florida is a popular family beach destination because the climate is warm year round, it is easy to get to, it offers good value for your money, there are endless options for sightseeing and attractions for you family depending on what area you are in, and the beaches in Florida are numerous. In addition to beach destinations and of course Walt Disney World, there are tons of other family outings including Universal Studios, Sea World, Bush Gardens and many more.

Don’t forget about kid cruises
This is a very popular family vacation option and my personal favorite. Cruises with kids offer great value, choice and freedom! There are a lot of misconceptions about cruising such as it is only for older people and not suited for families, it is too rigid, there is nothing to do, you’ll feel trapped, you’ll get seasick, it’s too expensive! All is these statements are false and could not be further from the truth. Bring your kids along on almost any cruise and they'll have the time of their lives.

by Jolana Klobouk

Jolana Klobouk, a graduate of Carleton University, is the webmaster of www.best-family-beach-vacations.com. A parent and former travel agent, she has travelled extensively throughout the world.
Jolana@best-family-beach-vacations.com

A Quick Tour of Spain

With over fifty million tourists visiting Spain each year, this
popular West European country must have something special which
attracts the visitor. What exactly is it ...?

The main beauty of this lovely land can be summed up in just one
word - variety - and, as you all well know, variety is the spice
of life!

Whether you are referring to its climate, geography, history,
culture or cuisine ... there is something to appeal to all tastes,
ages and pockets.

The tourist explosion which took place in the 60s was originally
due to its marvellous beaches. And, with good reason, for the
Foundation for Environmental Education states that "Spanish
beaches are the most environmentally healthy in Europe" and has
awarded the much-coveted Blue Flag to 450 of the country´s
beaches - more than any other participating country.

But maybe lolling about on the beach all day is not your thing
and you prefer more action ... a touch of sophistication?

Should this be the case then Spain´s major cities are ideal for
you ... jam-packed full of history, and an art-lover´s dream.
Yet, with their abundance of parks and wide open spaces, good
shops and pulsating night-life, they are a joy for everyone -
children included.

So ... mooch around the truly marvellous museums and monuments
of Madrid. Enjoy the bustle of stylish Barcelona bursting with
vibrant Gaudí influence. Savor the delights of romantic
Mediterranean cities such as Valencia and Alicante. Or journey
further south to the exotic cities of Granada, Seville and Málaga.
Immerse yourself in their haunting Islamic palaces, the brilliant
colors and sounds of flamenco, and in the birth-place and works
of Picasso.

Maybe you hunger for the peace and quiet of a hideaway hotel in
an unspoiled village? Then rural Spain is for you: full of
forgotten villages, bursting at the seams with medieval castles,
and offering prolific flora and fauna, it is ideal for walking
holidays, painting, photography or just plain "get away from it
all" holidays. Not to mention ski-ing opportunities for the more
active amongst Spain´s snow-capped peaks.

Should you fancy a mix of all three - beach, city and rural -
then that is also easy to arrange. Although Spain is the largest
country in Western Europe after France, it is certainly no
problem to get around. Littered with airports - both national
and international - it also offers a good train service, though
the cheapest and most convenient method of internal travel is by
using the national bus/coach system.

For those who are a little tired of the stereo-typed hotel chains,
Spain has a unique alternative on offer in its state-established
"paradores". In these, you will find accommodation in converted
castles, palaces, fortresses, monasteries, convents ...

The aim of the "paradores" is to offer high standards at reasonable
prices in a noteworthy building or location and to help preserve
the traditions of regional cooking by serving the best of local
cuisine in the "parador" restaurants.

Which brings us on to yet another delight that Spain has to offer -
its rich and varied cuisine. Whichever region of Spain you decide
to visit, you will surely encounter scrumptious Spanish food!

What´s more, the traditional Spanish diet, with the liquid gold of
its olive oil, its rich supply of wine (in moderation!), its wide
variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, plus an abundance of seafood,
all mean that it is extremely good for the heart. On top of that,
it is affordable!

Even their "caviar" of cured hams - "jamón Ibérico" - has fat
unusually high in oleic acid which is known to lower cholesterol
levels! Now I ask you, where else can you get something pleasurable,
that is cheap, and also good for you?!

Even if you fancy picking between meals you can opt for their
tempting "tapas" - much healthier for you than a packet of crisps or
a donut!

Tapas originate from the large, southerly region of Andalucia and it
is this region that we also have to thank for flamenco and the
Spanish guitar. Which holiday would be complete without visiting an
authentic flamenco show or dancing the night away to the beat of
romantic Spanish music?

So ... come visit this land where the warmth of its climate is only
surpassed by the warmth of its people. You are bound to have a great
time!

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About the author:

After living in Spain for 20 years, Linda Plummer compiled
http://www.top-tour-of-spain.com
containing information on Spain for the traveler and expatriate.



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How to save money buying travel online and get the best deal

Want to save some money when booking your travel online? Here are some tips to help you do just that. You at home have access to thousands of travel deals with the click of a mouse.

1. Sign up for travel e-newsletters

Many airlines, tour operators, online travel agencies and travel sites have newsletters that they will send you via email; these usually include their latest travel deals.

2. Shop around

Check various travel sites and make sure you are comparing apples to apples, know what is included. That great cruise deal may not include airfare to the port! Also check in with a travel agent to compare prices. They may in fact have a better travel deal for you.

3. Consider all possible discounts

Do you have Air Miles or frequent flyer miles you can cash in? AAA/CAA membership or other affiliations? Ask about child or senior discounts. Do they have family rates or group rates? Don't be afraid to ask.

4. Make the travel web sites do the work

Some of them will let you specify the dates of travel and vacation you are looking for and will send you an email when the price reaches your limit.

5. Travel in off-season.

Off-season will vary depending on where you are travelling so do your research and find out when that is. Off-season includes winter for Europe, summer and fall for the Caribbean, and when the kids are in school for theme parks like Disney and so on.

6. Traveling during the week can save you money

Saturday and flights during the week are less crowded and therfore more likely to have last minute discounting. Some companies charge a bit less for vacation package that leave mid-week. Many business hotels may also charge less on weekends.

7. Read your newspaper’s travel section

The Saturday travel sections in most newspapers are still a good source for travel news, tips and last minute travel deals, departing from your city. Read them religiously.

8. Do some negotiating of your own.

Just ask for a deal or a better price! This will usually work if you are dealing with a hotel or car rental company directly. It may also work with some travel agents.

9. Book last minute

When looking for a last minute travel deal, start shopping around about 6 weeks prior to your departure to get a good idea for prices and availability. Narrow down where you want to go and compare some prices. About 3 weeks prior to departure is probably your best time to book. When you notice packages begin to sell out, you want to book before you miss out on that travel deal. The prices only go so low and sometimes sell out before they really drop in price.

10. Book early

Some of the best deals may be had booking early. Most tour operators and cruise companies offer discounts for early booking. If there is a specific date you want to travel and or you have a specific resort or destination in mind, you are better off to book early and secure your vacation than to risk waiting for a last minute travel deal that may or may not happen.

Keep in mind the cheaper is not always better. If you save a few hundred dollars by adding lots of stops to your flight or staying in a hotel you are not happy with, it won't be worth it. Save some money but don't compromise too much with what you really want and need.

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About the author:

Jolana Klobouk is the webmaster of http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.com
A parent and former travel agent, she has travelled extensively for work and vacations with her family.


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Six good reasons to take a family vacation

When I was young, family vacations with my parents consisted of driving for a week from place to place in a hot stifling car. My parents had the knack of picking the hottest week of the summer to do so. In spite of that, we still had fun, managed to find interesting sites to explore and those are the memories that I still have.

I discovered the joy of travel to far reaching destinations on my own by the time I turned 18. Jumping on a plane and heading off to Brazil, Europe or cruising the Caribbean, has turned into a life long passion my whole family now enjoys with me.

Family vacations have evolved over the years. There have never been more choices, more variety and more options available for family vacations as there is today. Especially since 9/11, the focus on family and community and played a strong role in our society. The travel industry has noticed and has geared up for families. From all-inclusive vacation packages and cruises, which are equipped with kids clubs and special activities: to resorts that supply a nanny for your stay, it’s never been a better time for families to travel.

Still not sure? Here are just a few of the benefits of taking a family vacation:

1. The family that plays together, stays together.....

It is a time to get away from it all. Away from work, the phone calls, the kid’s activities, the daily to do list. This is a great opportunity to spend time as a family and get to know each other. Go for a hike, build a sandcastle, explore a museum. There is more time to talk and spend time together without the daily distractions.

2. Teach your children well....

Travel is an excellent learning tool for kids. They can have the opportunity to learn about things first hand they may have learned in school, read about or saw on TV. Any destination can offer this learning experience whether it is a few hours drive away from you home or in Europe. Family vacations will teach children about different cultures, food, history, geography, climate, environment and so much more. The best part is that it’s way more fun for them then learning it through homework!

3. New experiences they will never forget.....


Family vacations provide a whole new venue for experiences that your kids never would have had otherwise. We took a family cruise last winter, and it was my 9-year-old son’s first cruise. We told him all about the ship and showed him pictures but I don’t think he could quite grasp what it was really going to be like. We landed in Fort Lauderdale and as we were driving to the port, we could see our ship in the distance. He was excited but still very nonchalant. Once we got to the port and pulled up alongside the ship, he looked up and up and up at the enormous ship, his mouth dropped open and he gasped in amazement. That reaction was worth the price of the whole trip and is something I know our family will always remember.


4. Life is an adventure, especially on vacation....

Even if you are not particularly brave there are still many ways to experience the adventures that lie in every corner of our planet. It may be as simple as going to the zoo at your destination and seeing the animals that are local to that habitat or taking a jungle tour though the Amazon. There is so much to see and do, pick the adventures that appeal to your family and do them together.

5. You kids won’t be kids forever....

Doesn’t seem like yesterday that the teenager that just borrowed your car, was in diapers and day-care? Most parents agree that time seems to fly by quickly and those babies are grown before you know it. There will come a time that your children will have lives of their own and sad as it may seem, spending time with Mom and Dad will not be anywhere near the top of their list. Take the time for a family vacation while they still want your company.

6. Time to kick back and relax......

Now this part is important. One of the main reasons to take a vacation is to get some rest and recharge. It is important for everyone so don’t over do it. Try and schedule an active day followed by a more relaxing day. It’s hard to do in some destinations where there is so much to see and do like Disney World, but trust me. The kids will be less tired and cranky and it will give you a reason to come back to the destination again!

I know this all sounds so good, it makes you want to book that trip you’ve been putting off doesn’t it? Well, I will add in a dose of reality here and include a few negatives. There are some natural stresses to travelling. Planes get delayed, kids get cranky, families can have too much of a good thing and get on each other’s nerves. The list can go on, but don’t let that discourage you, the advantages are too numerous to ignore.

So whether you choose to pack the kids in the car or fly to more exotic destinations, the benefits are the same. As far as memories go, we tend to remember the good things; the time spent together as a family, the new things that were discovered, the new friends we made, the places we saw. This is what your children will remember, and the fact that you were there with them to enjoy it.

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About the author:

Jolana Klobouk is a former travel agent who has traveled extensively for work and vacations with her family. For more travel information, visit her travel websites: http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.comand http://www.FlyFromCanada.com






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