Posts Tagged ‘Travel insurance’
American Airlines Economy Super Saver
American Airlines typically quotes one extremely low ticket price for a flight called the “Economy Super Saver.” Tickets regularly costing over $400 can be had for as low as $190. But what’s the catch?
Non Refundable Ticket
The main catch for this ticket is it is absolutely non refundable. The tickets are made far in advance, at least a few weeks out, and they cannot be changed, altered or canceled without a substantial fee. This does not just mean that YOU cannot change the ticket; the airline cannot easily change the ticket either. For example, if the flight is canceled, delayed or experiences other problems, they will only attempt to get you on another flight. There is no guaranty. If you have to stay overnight as a result of the problem, the airline will attempt to locate you lodging as it may be available. All in all, this ticket basically means “you are on your own from this point forward.” With change fees up to $200 and a difference in fair, you can be looking at an additional $700 if the ticket doesn’t work for you. American Airlines will not generally provide you with flight credit in the case of the cancellation, either.
Benefits of the Super Saver
The key benefit to the Super Saver ticket is - hello - the price! You can get tickets at a 50% discount by agreeing to the nonrefundable policy. As long as you know your travel plans will not change, you do not have as much to worry about. It helps to have a flexible flight itinerary. American Airlines will guaranty to get you to your destination eventually. If you can wait a few hours or until the next day, then you do not have to fear the airline’s cancellation of your ticket.
Travel Insurance
Non of this “non refundability” may matter if you have a good travel insurance plan. For example, a couple traveling for their honeymoon will likely have a hefty travel insurance policy. They can save 50% on cross-country tickets booking early and locking in the price. If they do have to cancel for any reason, they will both receive a full reimbursement from their travel insurance company given the premiums have been paid. So, for an extra $30, you can generally assure you will not lose the money. Of course, a good travel insurance plan will be a few hundred dollars, but $30 is an estimate regarding the percentage that you can estimate up front goes to cover cancellation issues.
Use Priceline
Savvy shoppers know a way to get a refundable Super Saver for just $16 more. If you book your ticket through Priceline, you will find the same prices on the cheap tickets. Then, elect to add the $16 total trip protection plan. In this case, Priceline will fully refund you for the cost of your purchase if you have to cancel your trip for any reason. There are a limited number of tickets allocated to Priceline customers, so shop early and snag a good deal the moment you find it.
Tags: american airlines, economy super saver, non refundable ticket, priceline, Travel insurance, trip cancellation insurance
Cheap Student Travel
Students are in a unique position when it comes to traveling the world: they often have the most amount of time to do it and the least amount of money to spend. The student travel budget may not be very high, but the market is big enough that whole travel agencies are dedicated to getting students on spring break trips, European back packing adventures and semesters at sea. When you are a student considering traveling, follow a few golden rules to get the best deals.
Work with a Student Travel Agency
Travel agents may seem costly, but the savings you recoup on deals in flights and hotels often make the expense worth it. Student agents often bundle travel packages around school breaks, meaning you will be able to piggy back off of the work they have done. You will also capitalize on the other students who are taking the same trip as you, making your trip less expensive. While other travel agents may offer deals, they are often out of touch with the unique needs of students. You will find that student agencies better understand where the best places to be are for people in your situation.
Buy Student Travel Insurance
Students are often targeted for theft and crime. They also often have the highest claims for injury and illness. The crime problem follows students because they stick out in foreign countries. Foreigners know when American breaks are each year, and they know that students will be off their guard because they are taking a fun-filled vacation. Further, students are often involved in accidents because they are more likely to engage in risky behavior. Whether you plan on bungee jumping or bar hopping, insurance will cover you if something goes wrong. The worst case scenario is to end up in a foreign hospital without travel insurance.
Consider Study Abroad like a Vacation
If you are studying abroad for a semester, do not treat it as if you are moving to another country for that time. In reality, the abroad experience is more like an extended vacation. You will have the same feeling of never truly settling in to your destination. You will likely be taking advantage of weekend trips, meaning you will have to easily pack up and head out at a moment’s notice. Treating the time like a vacation will give you valuable guidelines like: travel light, pay attention to your spending, and look for the cheapest way to get from point A to point B.
Carry a Student ID
Most everywhere you go on a vacation will offer student discounts. Museums, theaters, and even transit companies have reduced fares for students on a budget. You will need to have your student ID to receive these reductions at most locations. You can consider purchasing a “student pass” up front in some locations. For example, historical societies in whole cities or countries will offer you a pass to visit a multitude of locations on the cheap if you purchase a student pass through their headquarters.
Tags: student travel, student travel insurance, Travel insurance
Protect Yourself While Traveling Cheap
Vacationing on a budget brings a host of hazards including illness, travel delays and unsafe conditions. Particularly if you are visiting a third world country, you need to consider your back-up plans for worst case scenarios. Assess the potential risks of your travel destination to appropriately prepare.
State Department Advisories
If you are planning a trip to Africa, the Middle East or South America particularly, there are some inherent risks due to political and social turmoil. You may think you are an experienced traveler and can handle the risks. You may also be traveling to a remote tourist destination far from the controversy. Do not be so sure. The US State Department issues regular travel advisories for areas at risk of problems like political coup, infectious disease or hostility toward foreigners. Check the website before you book plane tickets.
Travel Insurance
Buying insurance can bloat an already tight travel budget. This is not an expense to spare, however. Travel insurance is particularly important if you are taking cheap flights with multiple layovers; your luggage is easier to lose or damage. If you are staying in hostels, your belongings are at a greater risk of theft. Likewise, if you are staying in less expensive border towns, the security will be looser. Travel insurance can protect you in all of these scenarios.
Check Passport and Visa Rules
Traveling in Zimbabwe, you are required to keep two blank pages in your passport. Similar rules exist in a number of smaller nations. If you do not meet this requirement, you can be sent home or, in worst cases, detained. Just because you are backpacking, hiking or otherwise “roughing it” does not mean you will face less of these rules or regulations. You may meet more regulation in these less-modern hotels and motels than in fancy resorts. Arm yourself with the knowledge of your requirements and rights.
Bring Cash Reserves
There are still a lot of towns, cities and even countries that do not take credit cards and traveler’s checks. When you are traveling to inexpensive destinations, you are most likely in places where Westerners do not like to go. Once Westerners frequent the areas, they become more expensive. Without a high number of Western tourists, these areas will not have Western conveniences like credit card processors. The good news is: unlike pricey European cities where the dollar is worthless, it is a hot commodity in developing countries. You don’t need much cash to live like a king, but you do need some.
Read the News
Many of us ignore the papers while we are on vacation. We turn to a good book, a cold drink and a little conversation. Do not ignore the news outlets while on vacation. Simply turning on the television for 10 minutes or picking up a local paper once every few days is all it takes. If the political situation is changing, if a flu pandemic is hitting the country, if a tourist has been beat and mugged down the street, it will be in the paper. You want to know about these things.
Tags: Passport, State Department Advisories, Travel insurance, Travel news, Visa
Save Money on your Travel Insurance
Let’s be honest: most travelers do not purchase adequate insurance. Travel insurance can add to the cost of money you are already spending on the luxury of vacation. Many travelers only think of travel insurance when it comes time to take three-week backpack trips through Europe. In truth, travel insurance can cover you even if you are driving across the state to see your grandparents. When you are smart about your travel insurance purchase, the cost will be negligible. Most of the time, you will not need the insurance. However, there will be times you are thankful you have it.
What is Covered
Depending on the specific type of insurance you purchase, you will be covered for a wide-array of travel woes. From the basic cancellation to the more extreme case of being accused of a crime abroad, your travel insurance will kick in. Popular coverage includes:
- Trip cancellation
- Delayed, lost or stolen luggage
- Flight delays or cancellations resulting in losses due to missed flights or extra nights in hotels
- Medical needs including first aid, hospital trips or illnesses
- Loss of important documents such as passports or Visas
- Location of an appropriate attorney and payment of some fees if you are arrested abroad
- Loss of proprietary materials for travelers with privileged information
- Business travel loss for a missed meeting or presentation
- Liability coverage for harm caused to another individual
Types of Travel Insurance
Depending on how frequently you travel, who you are with and where you will stay, you may require a different type of travel insurance. For example, annual travel insurance can be purchased for individuals who leave the state more than a few times each year. Especially if you leave the country often, annual travel insurance can save you money over single-trip travel insurance. Single-trip travel insurance is often purchased with one experience in mind. It is popular for excursions to third-world countries where losses tend to be higher. One type of single-trip travel insurance is backpackers insurance. This line takes into account unique threats by having higher coverage in case of medical emergency or bodily harm. Family travel insurance can cover all the members of one group regardless of whether they are traveling together or alone. If your husband travels for business and your daughter travels for soccer, family travel insurance can cover them both. Take a look at the traveling you are planning on doing each year to determine what is right for you.
Cheapest Travel Insurance
Find the cheapest travel insurance by shopping around. If you currently insure your car and home with a particular company, see if there is a discount for adding a travel line. You may want to shop online for dedicated travel insurance providers. Just make sure you know what you are covered for; talk to a representative before purchasing to avoid scams. Finally, your travel agent may have suggestions. Some trips include options to upgrade to include insurance at a low cost. The biggest factor affecting your cost will be the lines you elect to cover. Be sure to truly assess your risk in order to purchase the best possible packages for your needs.
