Question:

What are some good safety tips travelers should follow?

Safety in Your Hotel

-Keep your hotel door locked at all times. Meet visitors in the lobby. -Do not leave money and other valuables in your hotel room while you are out. Use the hotel safe. -Let someone know when you expect to return if you are out late at night. -If you are alone, do not get on an elevator if there is a suspicious-looking person inside. -Read the fire safety instructions in your hotel room. -Know how to report a fire. Be sure you know where the nearest fire exit and alternate exits are located. -Count the doors between your room and the nearest exit. This could be a life saver if you have to crawl through a smoke-filled corridor.

How to Handle Money Safely

To avoid carrying large amounts of cash, change your travelers' checks only as you need currency. Countersign travelers' checks only in front of the person who will cash them. Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. Make sure your credit card is returned to you after each transaction. Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money, buy airline tickets or purchase souvenirs. Do not change money on the black market. If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims and as an explanation of your plight. After reporting missing items to the police, report the loss or theft of: -travelers' checks to the nearest agent of the issuing company, -credit cards to the issuing company, -airline tickets to the airline or travel agent, -passport to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

To Locate an American Embassy

Excellent Embassy Locator and Contact Information: www.tripresource.com/embassy.htm

Travel Assistance Programs and Plans

Deciding what travel insurance to buy, and for how much, can be a daunting process. Here are some factors to consider: Primary elements of travel insurance include trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption insurance, accidental death or dismemberment, medical/dental coverage, transportation to adequate medical facilities, loss of luggage or personal possessions, and protection against the default or bankruptcy of suppliers. Other insurance options can include personal liability coverage for damages, legal defense, repatriation of remains, bad weather and many other contingencies.

When Driving in a Foreign Country

-Drive defensively - not aggressively. -Always keep windows up and doors locked. -Keep valuables and belongings out of sight. -Know your route, plan it ahead of time, and vary your routes. -Be suspicious of "accidents". -If attacked try to crouch down and drive away. -Keep the gas tank full at all times. -Watch for tampering with your auto - easier to spot on a dirty auto. -Avoid driving or renting expensive automobiles.

Travelers Safety Hints

-Always remember that you are a guest in another's country. -Obey all laws of the country you are in - no drugs - no smuggling. -Baggage - Most airlines allow two bags (max. 70 pounds each -- some size restrictions apply) for direct travel to and from the USA. -Check bags to your final destination. -Know what you are hand carrying for someone else. -Cash - Many countries require that you declare all of the cash (sometimes traveler checks as well) which you are bringing into the country. -Count your cash before leaving in an inconspicuous location. -Keep your currency forms with you. -Never discuss financial matters in public. -Travel Documents - Check all travel documents before leaving to ensure that they are valid for the duration of your trip, including extensions. -Airline Tickets - Check your airline tickets to ensure that routing is as planned and that you know ALL of your stops. -Packing Hints - The clothing you pack should always be appropriate for the climate and activities on your itinerary. The nor

Top 10 Safety Tips for Travelers

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport (and visas, if required). Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport! 2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit. 3. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. 4. Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport. 5. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. 6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers. 7. If you plan to stay abroad for more than two weeks, upon arrival you should notify by phone or register in person with the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting. This will facilitate communication in case someone contacts the embassy looking for you. 8. To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards. 9. In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques. 10. If you get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. embassy.

Airplane Ticket Protection Policies

Today, most airlines are issuing only nonrefundable tickets. Travelers who must cancel or change travel plans are forced to forfeit the cost of the ticket or incur hefty change fees. With Travel Guard's Air Ticket Protection Plan, you are covered. The Air Ticket Protection Plan covers against unexpected trip related expenses such as: • Trip cancellation, interruption and delay; • Lost, stolen or damaged baggage or travel documents; • Pre-Existing Medical Condition Waiver; • Flight Accident; • Baggage Delay; • Ticket Change fees (up to $100 if purchased within 7 days of deposit and for a covered reason).

Travel Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

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