Category: TRAVEL INSURANCE CONSUMER

Wondering where in the world to book your next trip? For many reasons, a Bahamas vacation is the perfect solution for your dilemma.  If this is your first departure to the Bahamas, here are a few key tidbits of information that will ensure smooth sailing at your destination. 

For many travelers, the Bahamas offers a very accessible vacation destination with numerous activities – whether you’re visiting a lively high-end resort or going completely off the grid on a tiny island. You’ll discover amazing world-class beaches and unique food and drinks, with a touch of Bahamian culture. And, when it comes to any vacation—whether domestic or abroad—we highly recommend you help protect your non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs with a Standard, Preferred or Premium travel insurance plan from Generali Global Assistance.

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Most people have some experience with car, home or health insurance, but not everyone is familiar with travel insurance and how it works. With more than 152 million Americans covered by some form of travel protection in 2014¹, we thought it would be a good idea to explain what it really is.

To help you understand and educate yourself, we’ve answered common questions that people who are new to travel insurance often ask, like “what is travel insurance?,” “what does travel insurance cover?” and “how does travel insurance work?” 

Sources:

1. U.S. Travel Insurance Association

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What you need to know before you buy travel insurance, including “what does travel insurance cover?” and “how does travel insurance work?”

If you’re new to travel insurance, you might need to know just how travel insurance works. Our Travel Insurance 101 article breaks down the basics.

More than 140,000 football fans are expected to visit Houston to take in 10 days of festivities surrounding Super Bowl 51, experience what the nation’s fourth largest city has to offer and, of course, watch the spectacle of the big game in person.

Texas likes to do things big, and Houston is a huge city! With more than 600 square miles within the city limits, there are a ton of things to do and see on any regular week in the city. These tips should be useful for anyone traveling to visit Houston, but with a huge number of events happening around Super Bowl 51 there are some specific things to know if you’re going there for the game.

This time of year is normally rodeo season around Houston, but that’s being overshadowed by the largest sports event of the year and the slew of concerts, tailgates, watch parties, sports events and other entertainment related to the Super Bowl. To see what’s going on around Houston anytime of the year, check out Visit Houston’s calendar of events. Here are some of the more prominent events happening around Super Bowl 51:

• Sports: The NFL Experience, NFL Opening Night, Antonio Brown Celebrity Super Slam, 2017 Players Tailgate
• Entertainment: Super Bowl LIVE(10-day festival), Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, Bruno Mars, Texans House
• Parties:Houston Power Party, Luminaries of the Game Gala, 26th Annual Taste of the NFL, Ditka and Jaws Cigar Party, The BIG Texas Party, Super Bowl LI: Art Edition

Before you travel to a big event it’s a good idea to learn a bit about the transportation situation, especially when more than one million people are expected to take part in Super Bowl 51 events in Houston.

If you plan to drive, more than 62,000 parking spots are available around Downtown Houston during Super Bowl 51 events. You can guarantee your spot in and around downtown Houston by pre-paying for parking. Visit www.superbowl.parkmobile.com for information about parking at NRG Stadium on game day.

Ride sharing services and taxis will be in full force during Super Bowl 51 events and a designated drop off area will be set up at the game.

23 miles of light rail connect all of Houston to NRG Stadium—the recommended method of getting into Downtown Houston during Super Bowl 51 events. METRO schedules will be extended and frequency boosted. The Greelink is a free circulator, a bus on a short loop, which operates downtown and will connect parking lots, restaurants and other events to Super Bowl LIVE.

You might not be able to visit all 600 square miles of the city on a bicycle, but it’s a great way to see the sights and beat the traffic, or at least not sit in it. A bikeshare program is in place with free rides during the Super Bowl festivities and a bicycle valet will be available during Super Bowl LIVE between Clay and Dallas Streets.

Houston is experiencing a culinary renaissance with a number of top chefs choosing the city to showcase all the deliciousness that Texas and the Gulf of Mexico have to offer. Food & Wine recently named the city the “newest capital of great food.” There are more than 10,000 restaurants in Houston, but you can find more than the usual Tex-Mex at these hot spots ordered by region:

• Avenida Houston: A new downtown area that includes hotels with convention areas, parks and a smattering of new restaurants with various cuisines, including Kulture, Xochi, 1600 Bar + Grille, and Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen.
• Upper Kirby/River Oaks: Tony’s, Triniti, Backstreet Cafe
• Uptown: Étoile Cuisine, Caracol
• Montrose: Underbelly(with kiosks at NRG Stadium!), Hugo’s

Check out the Visit Houston’s lists of award-winning Houston restaurants and 20 awesome BBQ spots to find more great places to eat.

Our newest Commander in Chief could follow in the footsteps of his predecessors by enjoying a "winter White House" in a sunshine state. Like President Kennedy, President Trump may spend numerous presidential vacations in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump owns Mar-a-Lago, the former estate of heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, and now a private members-only club located on the island of Palm Beach. 

Where have other U.S. presidents spent their vacations?

Calvin Coolidge – Sapelo Island, Georgia 

During the Christmas holidays of 1928, President Coolidge planted a commemorative live oak on the grounds of newly-constructed Spanish Revival style hotel, The Cloister at Sea Island. Now considered one of the top luxury resorts in the country, with a Five-Star rating from Forbes, Sea Island has hosted the G8 summit and many international events.

Franklin D. Roosevelt – Warm Springs, Georgia

The town of Warm Springs drew President Roosevelt who sought relief from polio in its therapeutic waters. He ultimately built a six-room cottage called ‘The Little White House’ where many New Deal programs were conceived. Today, the National Park Service offers tours of Roosevelt’s personal retreat and the nearby rehabilitation center named for him. 

Harry S. Truman – Key West, Florida

After 19 months in office, Truman’s doctor ordered a warm vacation and so he visited Key West in November 1946. During the Truman years, Cabinet members and foreign officials were regular visitors for fishing trips and poker games. Today, the Harry S. Truman Little White House is a state historic site and museum which has been visited by other presidents including Clinton, Kennedy and Carter.

Dwight D. Eisenhower – Augusta, Georgia

President Eisenhower was an avid golfer who loved playing the course at Augusta National and visited Georgia over 45 times during his lifetime. Eisenhower took issue with a loblolly pine tree planted on the 17th hole on the course. He hit the tree so many times during his games, that he proposed removing it. He was overruled however, and it’s gone on to become perhaps the most infamous tree in golf.

John F. Kennedy – Palm Beach, Florida 

The Kennedy family owned a sprawling estate on Millionaire’s Row in Palm Beach. The Mediterranean-style home earned the name ‘winter White House’ as President Kennedy made frequent trips with the first family for vacations and holidays. President Kennedy met with advisors and Cabinets officials at the beachfront home and spent his last weekend in Palm Beach before his assassination in 1963. 

Gerald Ford – Beaver Creek, Colorado 

An avid skier and golfer, President Ford first visited Vail as a member of Congress. After becoming the country’s 38th President, he drew international attention to Colorado’s ski resorts. The Fords bought their home in Beaver Creek in 1980 when the resort opened to the public and is now available as a rental property.

Ronald Reagan – Santa Barbara, California 

Rancho del Cielo or Sky Ranch, served as the ‘Western White House’ for President Reagan. The Reagans hosted world leaders like British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Queen Elizabeth II and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev at their vacation home in the Santa Ynez mountains. The Young America’s Foundation now owns the ranch and offers tours on a limited basis.

George H.W. Bush – Kennebunkport, Maine

The family compound at Walker’s Point on the shores of Maine became a ‘summer White House’ during Bush’s years as President. The residence includes a swimming pool, tennis court, golf green and private boat dock. The Bushes hosted British Prime Minister John Major and Israeli leader Yitzhak Rabin, along with many political supporters. 

Bill Clinton – Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

President Clinton took several vacations to the island off the coast of Massachusetts during his two terms in office. President Clinton was a popular figure in the beach community and was often in the public eye, whether attending political fundraisers or biking to town for an ice cream cone. The Clintons generally stayed in borrowed homes for their vacations, including that of Robert McNamara, the former Defense Secretary to President Lyndon Johnson.

Barack Obama – Kailua, Hawaii 

Spectacular Kailua Beach was the location of President Obama’s ‘winter White House’ in Hawaii. Visiting his birthplace was a regular event for Obama, who vacationed in Kailua many times over his eight years as our 44th president. The luxurious beach-front where the first family stayed is a rental property is available to anyone with the $4,500 nightly fee.

If one of the busiest people on earth can find time to carve out some R&R, the rest of us have no excuse. Take the three days off and plan a getaway for President’s Day weekend.  Make the most of your long weekend by protecting your vacation with a plan from Generali Global Assistance.

*"Nixon’s ‘Western White House’" by manhei, used under CC BY / Cropped from original

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Generali Global Assistance is based in San Diego—a major tourism hot spot. Summertime brings tourists to the beaches, the Del Mar Races, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo and other local attractions and big events. With many visitors in the city already, it can get crowded quickly. However, nothing is quite like San Diego Comic-Con.

San Diego Comic-Con is the country’s longest continuously-run comics and popular arts convention. It brings more than 100,000 people into a relatively small downtown area. With this many people descending on San Diego at once, there are bound to be some trip delays and cancellations. It’s important to consider safeguarding against some of these kinds of perils, especially if you’ve invested more on your trip than you can afford to lose. That’s where travel insurance can help. 

If you’re still not convinced, here are four common misconceptions about travel insurance and reasons why it might be worth considering the investment, especially if you’re traveling for a big event. We chose San Diego Comic-Con as an example. However, these reasons apply to anyone traveling domestic or internationally.

Whether you’re traveling to San Diego Comic-Con or to another major event, be sure to investigate if travel protection is for you. Safe travels!

*"San Diego Comic Con" by Kevin Dooley, used under CC BY / Cropped from original

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Family vacations, especially multigenerational travel, are popular these days, but they require a bit more planning for things to go smoothly. According to the Family Travel Association, 87% of families planned to vacation together in 2015. When the whole family travels together, things can get confusing fast. From steps to strollers, grandparents and grandchildren both have special needs that should be addressed.

There are so many things to consider before hitting the road. Here are some travel tips for reducing inconveniences and making your family vacations a bit easier.

Whether your destination is a vacation rental, hotel or a cabin in the mountains, these simple family travel tips can help reduce stress and increase your chances of having a fun time during your next family vacation.

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Whether it’s visiting the world’s tallest building, a long-overdue family reunion or the annual fall foliage display – planning a new adventure can be one the best parts of your vacation. What inspires a new vacation? 

When planning a new adventure, be sure to consider travel protection from a reputable provider such as Generali. Here’s to 365 days of possibilities.

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Traveling during the holiday season can be tedious, especially if you find yourself packed into confined areas for hours or made to wait in long lines through security. According to AAA, 2016 was the busiest Thanksgiving travel season since 2007 and the number of year-end holiday travelers topped 103 million—the most on record. 

So, how do you stay in the holiday spirit while traveling?

Whether you’re traveling in the U.S. or flying halfway around the world, you should consider travel insurance. Be sure to research what’s available and get the correct policy to meet your needs from a reputable travel protection provider, such as Generali Global Assistance.

No matter where you’re going or who you’re spending the holidays with, be sure to follow these five helpful holiday travel tips to make your trip merrier.

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The tallest skyscrapers in the world are marvels to behold and tend to be built in cities teeming with culture and tourist attractions, making them great destinations for travel. 

September 3 is national skyscraper day—a day to celebrate the tallest skyscrapers, the architects who designed them and the people who built them. It’s reported that architectural forefather Louis H. Sullivan’s birthday (Sept. 3, 1856) is the reason why it’s celebrated on that day. Although national skyscraper day has come and gone, you can still celebrate by admiring the tallest buildings in your hometown.

In case you were wondering, here’s a list of the top 10 tallest skyscrapers in the United States. New York City, Chicago and Atlanta are home to these buildings:

1. One World Trade Center, New York City (1,776 feet)
2. Willis Tower, Chicago (1,451 feet)
3. 432 Park Avenue, New York City (1,396 feet)
4. Trump International Hotel & Tower, Chicago (1,389 feet)
5. Empire State Building, New York City (1,250 feet)
6. Bank of America Tower, New York City (1,200 feet)
7. Aon Center, Chicago (1,136 feet)
8. John Hancock Center, Chicago (1,128 feet)
9. Wilshire Grand Center, Los Angeles (1,099 feet)
10. Three World Trade Center, New York City (1,079 feet)

If you’re interested in learning where you can find the tallest skyscrapers in the world, here’s a list. Although there is some discrepancy about how to measure these buildings (include the antenna or flagpoles), Dubai’s Burj Khalifa building remains the tallest while New York City’s One World Trade Center is the fourth tallest.

If you think that these manmade marvels make great travel destinations, then you aren’t alone. In 2013, 1.87 million people visited the top of tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa building. 

If you’re planning a trip to New York City or any of the destinations on this list, then prepare to be amazed by these tall structures and all that they offer. Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, you might want to protect your vacation investment and consider purchasing travel insurance as well.

Even the best planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. But what’s likely to happen before or during your trip that a travel insurance plan could help you with? Unforeseeable events could throw a wrench in your travel plans and cost you your vacation investment and more.

If you’re wondering “Should I buy travel insurance?” our list of the top five reasons to insure your trip might answer your question:

All travel insurance plans are different and consumers should read them carefully before purchase.

*Trip Cancellation coverage provides reimbursement for unused, non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs if you are prevented from taking your trip due to a covered reason. 

Sources:

1. Bureau of Transportation Statistics
2. SITA Baggage Report 2016

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A study conducted by the U.S. Travel Insurance Association (UStiA) back in 2006 showed that many trip goers, while familiar with flight and trip cancellation insurance coverages, were not familiar with travel health insurance, baggage coverage, and medical evacuation insurance. In fact, only 50% of consumers who purchased travel insurance were aware of medical evacuation insurance.

Much has changed in the travel insurance industry over the past 10 years. More travelers are purchasing insurance than in years past and, in a risk-laden travel landscape, the demand for trip protection is on the rise.

"Familiarizing yourself with the finer details of a travel insurance plan can help reveal a plan’s overall value and help you decide if insuring your next trip is the right choice for you," said Bob Chambers, Vice President of Operations at Generali Global Assistance.

Though the UStiA study suggests trip cancellation was once a more widely-known travel protection coverage, Chambers says, "many standard travel insurance plans have always included, and continue to include, a number of lesser-known post-departure coverages that take effect when you begin your trip."

Wherever your next trip takes you, be sure to look beyond trip cancellation insurance and explore what a plan’s post-departure coverages have to offer. And if you’re considering buying travel insurance, remember to purchase from a reputable provider, such as Generali Global Assistance.

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For some travelers, nightlife can only be found in cities like Las Vegas or New York City. But some of the most exciting nighttime activity can be found in the great outdoors. Fireflies might be the most familiar glow-in-the-dark creatures, but organisms from fungi to fish can emit light with an ability called bioluminescence. When planning your next vacation, try one of these international destinations where there’s plenty to see in the dark. 

With nature offering these incredible nighttime light shows, it’s time to pack up and take a trip to see these bioluminescent sites firsthand. Not to mention, the time you take to travel the world makes for memorable moments that last a lifetime. As always, don’t forget to consider protection for all travelers when planning a vacation. If you accidentally swallow a toxic mushroom, you’ll be glad you have an evacuation policy in your travel insurance plan. 

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In celebration of Earth Day we conducted a survey and found that more than 86% of respondents wished they could be more environmentally friendly when traveling.

At Generali Global Assistance, we’re fans of responsible travel and the motto “take only photos, leave only footprints.” There are plenty of ways to plan an eco-friendly trip and enjoy your vacation even more.

Some travel to change lives. Others travel to change the world. Whatever your choice, pick an interesting destination and be mindful of Mother Nature by reducing your carbon footprint and leaving only footprints while you travel.

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Choosing the right destination is important for any trip, but we recommend paying special attention to destination when staying at vacation rentals, where you tend to be more integrated with the community around you. Sometimes you want a relaxing getaway without the hustle and bustle, and sometimes you’re looking for a popular spot with plenty of attractions for the family. We found a list of the most popular states for vacation rentals, which should help you narrow down your destination choice. 

Most Americans stay within the U.S. when they book a vacation rental—nine in ten choose a domestic destination, according to the PhoCusWright study “A Market Reinvented: The U.S. Vacation Rental Landscape.” Vacation rentals in the Southern and Western parts of the country receive the most bookings.

The same study shows Florida is the number one state in the country where vacation rental guests want to go. Following the Sunshine State, North Carolina is the second most popular U.S. destination and California vacation rentals are third most popular. 

Following the crowds can have its advantages, but knowing which states are most popular for vacation rentals can also help you find the diamonds in the rough among lesser-known vacation spots where you might get a better deal, not have to book so far in advance and find some real peace and quiet.

For those interested in traveling to the hot spots, here’s some information about the top three states:

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We found a list of the most popular states for vacation rentals, which should help you narrow down your destination choice.

We all look forward to our next getaway, but vacation planning can be daunting. Picking a destination is just the beginning. Here are some travel tips to help you get on the right track when you plan a trip:

With some extra vacation planning and saving, your dream trip is right around the corner.

Sources:

1. Generali Global Assistance/Ipsos 2016 Holiday Barometer Survey

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One of the key elements to an enjoyable travel experience is to be prepared before you leave. Due to ever-changing airport security measures, TSA guidelines and Customs and Border security we’ve put together a list of links to critical websites with up-to-date travel advisory and security information.

• Find the latest from the Federal Aviation Administration at www.FAA.gov.
• Check www.tsa.gov for the most up to date information on TSA guidelines to help you get through airport security efficiently, especially the latest TSA liquids rule.
• Airport Security Checkpoint Wait Times from the U.S. Security Transport Administration
• National Traffic and Road Closure Information from the U.S. Department of Transportation
• Passport Information from the U.S. Department of State
• U.S. Customs & Border Protection home page
• National Weather Service active warnings
• Travel Advocacy website sponsored by the U.S. Travel Insurance Association (UStiA)
• Traveler’s Health Advisories from the Center for Disease Control 

Use these links to become a more informed traveler before your trip or to check on the travel advisory and airport security situation during your trip.

Also read:
• Travel Packing Tips
• Timing is Everything: When You Should Really Buy Travel Insurance

Disclaimer: Information is provided as a courtesy only. The information provided in no way indicates whether a particular event will be covered under your travel protection plan.

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Last year, 37.2 million Americans traveled more than 50 miles from home during their Memorial Day trip and on roads that were typically clogged. And while Memorial Day weekend is synonymous with hitting the road, more and more Americans are opting to fly, with around 2.6 million people taking flight during one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year.

When you’re getting ready to go on vacation, you’re in an optimistic frame of mind—envisioning yourself sitting on the black sands of Caribbean Costa Rica, sipping a Mai-Tai on the porch of a deluxe Florida vacation rental or backpacking through Bavaria—not what could go wrong during your trip.

Chances are you’ve worked hard to make this Memorial Day trip happen. You can’t rule out all of the what-ifs. But by being proactive, talking to experts such as Generali Global Assistance, and thinking through various situations without dwelling too much on the negative, you can enjoy more peace of mind as you sit on that beach.

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Inspiration for your next vacation may strike at the most unusual moment. Spectacular botanical gardens may be the reason for your next international vacation. If you’ve been dreaming of endless flowers and touring magical gardens, we’ve found some of the best places to satisfy your travel needs. 

Whether you decide to visit Africa, tour Asia or wander the eastern U.S., protect your dream international vacation with travel insurance from Generali. If you purchased Cancel for Any Reason coverage and gentle rain showers turn into torrential thunderstorms, you’ll be glad you bought insurance before you left home.  

And, whether you’re on another continent or in your hometown, stop and smell the roses.

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Traveling to top tourist destinations during the summer and school breaks are sometimes associated with two words: crowded and expensive.  If you feel this way, you may be pleased to know that planning your vacation in the off-season really can help alleviate both of those issues. 

For a relaxing beach vacation minus the summer crowds, prime booking slots are in late September and early October. Traveling in the fall ensures that kids are back in school, summer travel crowds are gone and Labor Day has passed. Savvy travelers can save a load of money on off-season deals, choose the best destinations and protect themselves from unexpected weather and expenses—all important factors for creating a great fall vacation.

Make the most of your travel budget: check for off-season rental rates on an ocean-view condo and prepare for unexpected weather and cancellation expenses with a travel insurance policy. Then, all that’s left to do is enjoy your fall beach vacation.

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Fall color is one of Earth’s biggest spectacles. Many places right here at home in the United States offer an incredible display of fall leaves on auburn and golden trees. Our National Parks offer opportunities to leaf-peep while visiting our country’s finest attractions. Spend next September at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming for beautiful vistas of fall color or October in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee where the wildflower displays can be especially colorful. 

If you’re planning a fall getaway this year, protect your international travel plans with a policy from Generali Global Assistance. If you take a tumble down a mountain trail or leave your backpack behind at a picnic site, you’ll be glad you took the time to prepare for the unexpected!

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If you’re looking for unique and unforgettable vacation ideas, be sure to consider these ice hotels and all of their offerings for the winter holidays. Most of these ice hotels are only open during the winter months and are reimagined and rebuilt each year. Many offer ice-sculpted suites that are more like works of art than hotel rooms. 

Most ice hotels are actually resorts offering frozen bars and restaurants featuring ice-molded cocktail glasses and dinnerware, along with outdoor adventure winter activities like snowmobiling, dog sledding and seeking out the elusive Northern Lights. 

Plan your amazing winter holidays with this list of some of the best ice hotels worldwide. 

All across the Arctic Circle, ice hotels offer a variety of unique activities that will satisfy any traveler’s desire to do something different over the winter holidays. Whenever you travel, consider protecting your investment with a travel insurance plan from Generali. Embrace the season and find a winter wonderland for your next vacation destination.

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St. Patrick’s Day is a day to "celebrate all things Irish," and it is recognized in Ireland with parades and festivals much like in the U.S., especially in Dublin. If you’re heading to Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, or anytime of the year, here are some Ireland travel tips to keep in mind before you go.

No matter where you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, may good luck, great company and beautiful countryside be in your immediate future. And if you follow these Ireland travel tips, it’s all the more likely that they will be.

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It’s no secret that the Hawaiian Islands are a top tourism destination. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, more than 8.8 million visitors are expected to take a trip to Hawaii by air or cruise ship in 2016—and trips to Hawaii aren’t slowing down.

If you’re one of the millions with Hawaii travel plans, here’s a list of tips to keep in mind. A better idea of what to expect once you arrive can help set the stage for an amazing experience. 

Be sure to keep these tips in mind the next time you plan a trip to Hawaii. For any tips we missed, the Hawaiian Islands website is a great resource.

Aloha and mahalo!

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Some of the best cruise deals and sales events are available from January through March when cruise lines are booking trips for the peak of the cruising season. If you’re booking a cruise, we suggest you consider cruise insurance, because many of our top reasons for getting travel insurance apply directly to cruise trips.

A carefully planned trip should be carefree. If you book a cruise during the cruise deals season, or anytime, travel insurance can help in case a covered event disrupts your trip. Travel protection plans from Generali Global Assistance frequently include the above-mentioned services and coverages. 

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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With 2016 nearly behind us, we take a look at how travel trends have shifted in the last year and what’s in store for travel trends over the next year.

Travelers in the U.S. are expected to continue to spend and take more trips than ever before. A 2.8 percent rise in U.S. travel expenditures is forecast for 2017, along with 29 million more domestic person-trips, according to the U.S. Travel Association. If travelers are spending more, that’s even more reason to protect their trip costs by purchasing travel insurance.

The U.S. Commerce Department predicts that 2016 will end with about 700,000 fewer international visitors than the year before, but 2017 is looking up, with an expected 2.4% increase year over year. For a longer look at expectations for where international visitors will be originating from, five countries—Mexico, China, Canada, India and South Korea—are projected to account for 64% of visitor growth between now and 2021.

An AARP survey shows that 99% of Baby Boomers plan to travel for leisure in 2017 and about half plan to travel internationally, with an average of five or more trips expected throughout the year. The same report indicates that Millennials plan to take more trips than Generation X or the Baby Boomers.

One thing is certain: as long as people travel by air, land or sea and seek the ultimate vacation destinations, they are making a trip investment. Travelers are becoming increasingly aware of unexpected circumstances that can arise during their trip and turning to travel insurance as a result.

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Halloween has gained in popularity over the years and for many, staged haunted houses aren’t enough. Look below for highlights of some of the most haunted places to consider when planning your next vacation. Also, be sure to consider travel insurance—no tricks, no treats—just honest coverage for certain unforeseen issues you may encounter.

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Spring break is well known as a time for families to get away while kids have time off school and for college students to travel and get wild. In addition to the usual travel hazards, spring break vacations often involve extra craziness. During busy travel times, especially around large crowds of people, travel insurance should be seriously considered. Coming back to college with a huge medical bill is not the kind of fun most people want out of their spring break vacations.

"For many college-age students, this may be the first time they’ve traveled to a destination without their parents," said Bob Chambers, travel insurance expert and vice president of operations at Generali Global Assistance. "It’s natural for parents to worry about their kids, and having travel insurance can help both the students and their parents rest easier."

Chambers added that, "Unfortunate things can happen to anyone while traveling, and even people in their 20s could become injured or ill, lose their passport or luggage, or face travel disruptions from weather events, flight delays, or other unforeseeable events."

When asked about what travel insurance does and doesn’t cover, Chambers advised, "Policies vary in the coverages and benefits they offer, and the specific events or ‘perils’ covered. Typically, policies cover sickness and injury (to the insured, traveling companion or family member), weather disruptions, aircraft mechanical problems and terrorist events, to name a few. Also, most policies exclude losses due to alcohol or illegal drug use, and many plans could exclude claims due to high-risk activities such as parasailing, bungee jumping, etc. It’s important to read the policy carefully and understand what is and is not covered."

"In addition to the valuable insurance coverages, all travel insurance policies include 24-hour assistance services. These services can be invaluable for any traveler, but especially for students traveling on their own. Assistance services can provide help with situations such as making alternate travel arrangements, finding a local doctor, or replacing a lost passport," Chambers said.

Travel insurance with coverage for medical evacuation can help keep travelers from paying huge costs if seriously injured, especially for those taking spring break vacations abroad. The U.S. Department of State says that medical evacuations by air ambulance can cost more than $10,000 and must be paid in advance by travelers who don’t have insurance. Generali Global Assistance plans include access to a 24/7 international emergency hotline and coverage for emergency medical evacuations.

Travelers are already at high risk for identity theft because they’re usually carrying sensitive documents, IDs and credit cards in unfamiliar places. The large crowds of people at destinations popular for spring break vacations increase the risk that a traveler might be pickpocketed and become the victim of identity theft. In order to help travelers whose identities have been compromised on their vacation, travel protection plans from Generali Global Assistance include an ID Theft Resolution Service.

Whether college students, families or individuals are traveling during the popular college spring break time frame, they should not only consider travel insurance from a reputable source, such as Generali Global Assistance, but also prepare for a busier travel experience. In 2017, 29 million more domestic person-trips will occur than did the year before, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Planning ahead, especially with the help of travel insurance, can reduce travel stress and make for a much more relaxing vacation.

With winter a fleeting memory and the mercury beginning to rise above freezing, spring is a beautiful time of year to enjoy a good trip. For those who are lucky enough to have weeks or a few precious days off, spring break vacations are the perfect time to pause, celebrate and refresh—
just remember to prepare for potential spring break dangers.

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