• 30
  Apr
  2010

• Travelers Beware - Summer Forecast Calls For Expensive Airfare Prices

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Contributor
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If you are planning to travel this summer, you may have to look a little harder to find bargains. A recent feature on CNN.com suggests summer airfare prices could rise by as much as 25%.

If you are a frequent traveler, then you are likely not surprised by this latest increase in costs. After all, we have seen airlines add all kinds of surcharges on things as simple as checking bags. The unfortunate reality of traveling these days is that you often pay more for the same, or less, service.

The rationale behind the increase, according to the feature, is simply supply and demand. With airlines having pared back their schedules over the last year or so because of economic woes, there are fewer flights and total seats available. But demand for travel is the same, if not greater, so airlines can easily charge more and still sell out flights.

So as a traveler, you may want to either reconsider air travel in favor of alternate means of transportation, or you may want to start planning your trip a little earlier so as to secure the best available prices. Either way, be prepared to spend more if you do fly this summer.

• 26
  Apr
  2010

• Don’t Let Disasters Derail You - Protect Your Investment With Travel Insurance

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Contributor
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Travel plans can change at the drop of a hat these days, as travelers make adjustments because of personal or business obligations. While you may have control over those factors, one problem you cannot influence is the presence of a natural disaster. When these events alter your travel plans, it is essential to have international travel insurance on hand.

The recent volcano in Iceland left unprecedented chaos in the travel industry, stranding thousands of travelers in Europe. For these travelers, missing their flights and not knowing when they'd be able to re-book can cause significant unforeseen expenses.And this is not the first international disaster to gain headlines over the past six months, as we've also seen earthquakes take their toll in multiple countries.

So as a traveler, do you have any recourse in these situations? You cannot prevent these events from happening, yet you still need to book travel accommodations in advance so as to ensure availability and lock in the lowest price. But it can be extremely frustrating to lose the money you've invested in anything from hotel accommodations to event tickets to conference admissions to whatever else you may have pre-booked in advance of your trip. This is where travel insurance becomes very valuable to you.

International travel insurance offers you reimbursement on a wide range of unforeseen travel expenses ranging from missed connections to cancelled flights to purchasing items lost by the airline. With this type of insurance, you can book your travel plans confidently knowing that while unwelcome surprises may surface, they don't necessarily have to hurt you financially.

• 23
  Apr
  2010

• U.S. National Parks to Waive Fees

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Contributor
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Travelers who haven't selected a Summer vacation destination take note: U.S. National Parks have announced plans to waive fees for visitors.

What does this mean for travelers? Well according to a CNN.com article, the standard fee for a carload of visitors to pass through the Grand Canyon is $25. But that fee would be eliminated on an upcoming weekend.

This policy will be in effect for one weekend starting April 22nd. So it may be a bit late to plan an international trip especially for this purpose, but if you are already visiting the U.S., it is a great reason to see one of these landmarks.

This is consistent with other steps the U.S. has taken recently to encourage travel and tourism, both to domestic and international residents. A bill was passed earlier in 2010 designed to help international visitors better understand security regulations.

• 21
  Apr
  2010

• Don’t Plan Your Next Vacation Without International Health Insurance

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Contributor
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A lot of planning goes into an international trip. From passports to travel plans, you'll have many things to take care of before departing. Make sure that as you make your arrangements, you do not forget to purchase international health insurance.

Many citizens do not realize that their normal health insurance plan doesn't cover them while they are staying in another country. So on your next vacation or business trip abroad, you may actually be considered uninsured.

That can lead to very expensive medical bills should you become sick or injured. International health insurance will help absorb those costs.

With international health insurance, you will be able to get the quality medical care you need at a reasonable price. International insurance will absorb the bulk of your fees, just as your standard insurance plan does, offering you valuable financial relief.