THINGS TO ARRANGE BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Travel Insurance
Find out if your personal property insurance covers you for loss or theft abroad. More importantly, check on whether your health insurance covers you when you travel abroad. For example, Medicare and Medicaid do not provide payment for medical care outside the U.S. Even if your health insurance will reimburse you for medical care that you pay for abroad, normal health insurance coverage does not pay for medical evacuation from a remote area or from a country where medical facilities are inadequate. Consider purchasing one of the short-term health and emergency assistance policies designed for travelers. Also, make sure that the plan you purchase includes medical evacuation in the event of an accident or serious illness.Airline Flights
Because take-off and landing are the most dangerous times of airline flights, book non-stop flights when possible. When there is a choice of airport or airline, ask your travel agent about comparative safety records. (The Australian airline Qantas has the best safety record of ALL airlines).Your Travel Itinerary
As much as possible, plan to stay in larger hotels that have more elaborate security. Safety experts recommend booking a room from the second to seventh floors above ground level to deter easy entrance from outside, but low enough for fire equipment to reach.Legal Documents
Have your affairs at home in order before you travel. If you leave a current will, insurance documents, and power of attorney with your family or a friend, you can feel secure about traveling and will be prepared for any emergency that may arise while you are away. If you have minor children, consider making guardianship arrangements for them.Credit Cards
Make a note of the credit limit on each credit card that you use while travelling. Make certain not to charge over that amount on your trip. In some countries, Americans have been arrested for innocently exceeding their credit limit. Ask your credit card company how to report the loss of your card while you travel in foreign countries. 800 numbers do not work from abroad, but your company should have a number that you can call while you are overseas.Leave this travel advice page and return to Last Minute Travellers home page.
Save Money With These Handy Travel Links
- Insider Cruise Tips. - Cruise vacation veterans tell how to save money and get upgrades, perks, cheap deals and freebies on ocean cruises.
- Insider Secrets to Cheap Flights. - A downsized airline reservations agent tells you all you need to know to get cheap airline tickets.
- Disney World Vacation Savings Travel Guide. - An ex-Disney employee reveals how you can enjoy a super-cheap vacation at the theme park.