Health Advice for Travelers amid COVID-19

As travel reopens around the globe, health and hygiene habits may be forever changed as a result of COVID-19. While airlines, hotels, and other members of the travel industry are increasing their cleaning and disinfecting procedures, travelers should still remain diligent when it comes to their own health and hygiene practices. Here are a few essential travel health tips to consider.

• Start by staying up-to-date with travel health issues and disease outbreaks by researching your travel destination before departing.
• If you have recently been sick or find yourself coming down with an illness close to your travel date, you may want to check with your doctor as to whether you should travel. Also, talk to your doctor about specific travel health recommendations and vaccinations.
• Consider packing these items in case they are not available for purchase while in route or at your destination:
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and complies with TSA and international airlines’ bottle size and liquid limits
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Disposable gloves
  • Portable hand soap sheets
  • Tissues
  • Digital thermometer
  • Over-the-counter medicines for pain and fever reduction

Additional steps to consider that may help lower the risk of infection while traveling include:

• Wear a fabric, surgical or N95 mask while in public places.
• Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands. Wearing a mask helps to avoid doing so.
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after sneezing or coughing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions are at increased risk for severe disease. Such individuals may wish to seek advice from a doctor regarding travel.1
• Practice social distancing (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.
• When using public bathrooms, after washing hands, use a paper towel or tissue to touch the door handle when exiting.

Research your transportation options; whether you use taxi, car service, shuttle service, public transportation, car rental or ridesharing services, be prepared to get around in a healthy way. If you take a road trip in your personal vehicle or a rental car be vigilant with practicing hand hygiene when making gas/rest stops by using disposable gloves when pumping gas and frequently wiping down your car door handles, steering wheel and frequently touched surfaces (e.g., seatbelt, console,
dashboard, buttons).

Taxis and rideshare vehicles:

• Remember to maintain social distancing while waiting in line at the airport’s taxi or rideshare stands.
• Try to pay through your smartphone’s app to avoid physical contact (e.g. handing over your credit card/cash to the driver).
• After exiting the vehicle, immediately use hand sanitizer and wash your hands as soon as you are able to do so.

Air travel:

• Before booking your airline ticket, try to find a window seat since it is furthest from the aisle and potentially less exposed to germs.
  • Ask the gate attendant before boarding if there are any seats that do not have a passenger next to you or, even better, an empty row.
• While going through airport security and visiting any stores, restaurants or lounges constantly practice regular hand-washing hygiene and social distancing.
• Once you reach your plane seat wipe down everything that you will be touching such as the seat itself, seatbelt, tray table, handles, buttons, A/C vent, back of seat in front of you (seat pocket), window shade and in-flight entertainment screen.
• After exiting the plane, immediately use hand sanitizer and wash your hands.

Public transportation:

• Try to stand or sit away from others while waiting on platforms and in the subway or bus.
• After exiting the subway or bus, immediately use hand sanitizer and wash your hands as soon as you are able to do so.

If possible, consider walking or renting a bike while getting around and sightseeing at your destination which may help you to avoid crowded public transportation spots and drivers of taxis or rideshares. Continue to practice hand hygiene if renting bikes or other means of transportation.

Hotels and other accommodations:

As soon as you reach your accommodation, whether it is a hotel room or alternative lodging be sure to use disinfectant wipes to clean frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, light switches, remotes, toilet handle/lid, faucets, alarm clocks, minibar/fridge/microwave handles. While at a hotel it is unavoidable to use elevator buttons and touch stair or escalator hand rails, so always use your hand sanitizer after touching such surfaces.

While you are at your destination, here are some travel health tips to consider no matter what activities you will be participating in.

Restaurants and bars:

• Sit outside where possible and safe to do so.
• Research the level of social distancing and cleanliness procedures of restaurants and bars to help make decisions about what to visit while there.
• If it will make you more comfortable to wipe down the dining table and chair before sitting be sure to bring disinfecting wipes.
• Always practice hand-washing hygiene before and after eating and drinking. When using public bathrooms, after washing hands, use a paper towel or tissue to touch the door handle when exiting.
• Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose or eyes.
• Refrain from directly eating off of shared plates (or plates of your traveling companions) with your own silverware or hands. Ask for extra side plates and serving utensils from the server to portion out your own servings.

Water activities:

• Practice social distancing.
• Practice hand-washing hygiene especially before eating or drinking.
• Wipe down chair or umbrella handle rentals.
• After leaving, immediately use hand sanitizer and wash your hands as soon as you are able since you will have been exposed to a lot of public surfaces such as lockers, guard rails, towels.

Tourist attractions:

• • Practice social distancing while waiting in lines and around others.
  • Practice hand-washing hygiene especially before eating or drinking.
  • After leaving, immediately use hand sanitizer and wash your hands as soon as you are able, since you will have been exposed to a lot of public surfaces.

Footnotes:

1. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/

Sources:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
2. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html
3. https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-avoid-getting-sick-traveling-plane-flying-coronavirus-2020-2

AIG Travel assumes no liability or responsibility for the use, interpretation or application of any of the information contained herein. The information contained in this material is for general informational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical problem. For reprints or digital reproduction rights, please contact: worldwidemarketing@aig.com.

AIG Travel, a member of American International Group, Inc., provides travel insurance and global assistance through innovative product offerings. Travel Guard® is the marketing name for its portfolio of travel insurance and travel-related services. From lost luggage to a medical emergency, our 24/7 multilingual assistance team is always just a phone call away. Through our global service centers and a network of experienced providers, we deliver medical and security assistance to help our customers travel with confidence. AIG Travel is a socially responsible and inclusive organization that meets the diverse needs of leisure and corporate travelers alike. Learn more at www.aig.com/travel or www.travelguard.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Copyright © 2020 American International Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Spring Break Travel Tips

When you plan a trip over Spring Break, you look forward to making memories with your family or friends – not experiencing travel mishaps. Unfortunately, some Spring Break trips are one case of the sniffles away from the doctor’s office, one unwelcome storm away from a flight cancellation, or one plane ride away from lost luggage. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead. Help ensure smooth Spring Break travel by considering these travel tips:

1. Do your pre-trip research: Travel is easier when there’s a plan. If you map out your activities and travel routes, you may avoid wasting precious vacation time, shelling out extra money, getting lost, or stressing out. Before taking off, share your itinerary with a trusted family member or friend and establish regular check-ins, especially if traveling alone.
2. Don’t forget the meds: Pack ibuprofen, anti-diarrheal treatment, and other important medications in your purse or carry-on in case someone in your travel group needs them. These can be lifesavers on a flight or in the middle of a road trip.
3. Stay alert while driving: Take turns behind the wheel, and have someone sit in the passenger seat to keep the driver awake and all eyes on traffic and road markers. Stay alert to your surroundings. Pull over and park in a populated area if you become lost and need to re-route the GPS.
4. Consider hotel safety: Request a room between the second and fifth floors, near the stairs or an elevator, so that you do not have to walk through empty corridors at night. Do not stay in a room on the first floor or near exit stairways since they are more accessible and prone to theft. If a safe is available, lock away high-value items. Keep doors locked at all times and note where the emergency exits and fire escapes are located.
5. Prevent water accidents: Swimming in exotic and unfamiliar places can be one of the greatest pleasures of traveling, but it might also be one of the riskiest activities. Even experienced swimmers should take precautions since infections, injuries and drowning can occur.
6. Drink responsibly: If you enjoy imbibing in alcohol, it’s still important to drink responsibly – even when you’re on vacation – in order to prevent alcohol-related injuries or hospitalization. Do not leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from someone if you did not see it being prepared. You might be offered locally brewed or bootleg alcohol that is cheaper, but you should avoid taking uncapped or unsealed drinks, as they could be tainted.
7. Pack a travel insurance plan: Lost luggage, flight delays and medical emergencies can happen no matter where you travel. It helps to know you are covered for the unexpected. Most travel insurance plans even include 24/7 travel assistance services which can help with hotel/flight re-bookings and other stressful activities.

 

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Make Family Memories with these Kid-Friendly Vacation Spots

Looking for a kid-friendly vacation destination this year? The perfect family getaway might be a place that includes historical or educational attractions to captivate the interest of children and adults alike, or just a place that offers fun-filled beach activities. Whether it’s a flight across the country or a road trip to a nearby state park, these five kid-friendly locations will help you make lifelong family memories:

1. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota: George Washington. Thomas Jefferson. Theodore Roosevelt. Abraham Lincoln. These past presidents of the United States will be forever remembered for their place in time during a 150 year span of American history. This larger-than-life destination can be captivating and educational for the whole family. The National Park Service offers fun Junior Ranger activities at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial which can help encourage your children’s interest in national parks and the outdoors. Plus, there is a plethora of attractions such as a scenic tramway, zipline tours, tubing rides, an obstacle course and more at the Rushmore Tramway Adventures.
2. Cayman Islands: Nothing spells family fun like a vacation on the beach and a chance to interact with tropical sea life. If your family plans to visit the Cayman Islands, you’ll want to make sure you take the opportunity to snorkel with tropical fish and sea turtles. There are also powerboat tours, opportunities to kayak on the crystalline waters of the Caribbean, wave pools, skate parks, and more.
3. Grand Canyon, Arizona: Talk about a grand experience! One visit to the Grand Canyon and your family will be hooked. Visitors can view the canyon from various viewpoints or they can take family-friendly bicycle or hiking trails (avoid doing strenuous activities during mid-day heat).
4. Statue of Liberty, New York: What’s the one of the most recognizable symbols of American freedom? If the Statue of Liberty came to mind, you are correct. Why not take your kids to see Lady Liberty in all of her glory with free Park Ranger guided tours of the island and history behind the Statue of Liberty? If your family plans to visit the crown or pedestal be sure to make advanced reservations since access is limited. Families can add to the experience by visiting the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
5. Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Remain “true to the crown” or undermine the king’s authority? This was the question many New Englanders had to answer if they lived during the Revolutionary War in America. A family visit to Colonial Williamsburg is a living history lesson, with a whole town of shops and activities straight out of the late 1700’s. The people who walk the streets even dress up in period clothing and conduct reenactments of events that happened during that time.

 

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Cruise ship etiquette

How to have happiness on the high seas

In 2019, more than 26 million people worldwide went on a cruise vacation. Cruise ships can carry 800 to 3,500+ passengers.  The most popular length of time for a cruise is seven days.  That’s up to seven days in limited space with thousands of passengers. Don’t let limited space equate to limited courtesy.

Click here to download the entire cruise ship infographic.

Here’s a guide to cruise ship etiquette:

1. Show spatial awareness

Invite others to join your table if the dining room is crowded.

2. Kid control

Keep a mindful eye on your children for safety and as a courtesy to other travelers while on the cruise.

3. Deck chair patrol

If you have been lounging on the sun deck for a while, offer your deck chair to others waiting if it is crowded.

4. Avoid seat saving

Arrive to onboard activities as a group to sit together at the same time. Avoid reserving empty chairs when others are trying to find a seat.

5. Quiet quarters

Be mindful of your volume and avoid slamming the door to your cabin.

6. Dress code

Remember to pack and wear appropriate clothing for special onboard activities or formal restaurants.

7. Keep complaints courteous

Make your requests known graciously to cruise crew members and/or front desk staff.

For more information:
Contact your travel advisor, call AIG Travel at 1.800.826.1300 or visit www.aig.com/travel

 

A Travel Guard® travel insurance plan can cover for medical emergencies and even includes 24/7 assistance services to assist with emergency medical evacuation/transportation assistance, flights and hotel re-booking, dispatch of doctors, urgent message relay to family and friends, up-to-the-minute resource for epidemics, natural disaster advisories and much more. Coverage may not be available in all states, and is subject to the terms, limitations and exclusions of the policy.

AIG Travel, a member of American International Group, Inc., provides travel insurance and global assistance through innovative product offerings. Travel Guard® is the marketing name for its portfolio of travel insurance and travel-related services. From lost luggage to a medical emergency, our 24/7 multilingual assistance team is always just a phone call away. Through our global service centers and a network of experienced providers, we deliver medical and security assistance to help our customers travel with confidence. AIG Travel is a socially responsible and inclusive organization that meets the diverse needs of leisure and corporate travelers alike. Learn more at www.aig.com/travel or www.travelguard.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn.

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Six Ways to Wave “Bon Voyage” to Seasickness

Wave season – when cruise lines traditionally go all out to get available cabins filled – is here, and whether you’re an avid cruiser or just thinking about planning your first cruise, it’s a good idea to address, early on, the potential for seasickness. If you’re hesitant to book a cruise due to a dizzying experience you once had on a fishing charter, it might be time to rethink things. Being on a cruise ship is nothing like sailing on a fishing boat or even a dinner cruise. Most cruise ships are so large that seasickness is rarely a problem. Most of the time, you don’t even feel like you are on a vessel. If, however, you fear that rocking motion could still overwhelm you, there are a number of simple steps you can take to quickly regain your equilibrium!

1. How low can you go?

If you are prone to seasickness, know that the location of your cabin on a cruise can make a world of difference. Many experts say that the lower your cabin is located within a ship, the better your ability to fight off seasickness. Before you book your cruise, look at a map of the cabins on the ship and consider a room on one of the lower decks.

2. Cabin selection is everything

Just as the lowest cabins can afford you the least amount of motion sickness, booking cabins located at midship, rather than forward or aft, can also offer some stability, further countering motion sickness. Again, a simple look at the ship’s map can help you figure out the best cabin location for you.

3. Motion sickness medications

If you have reason to anticipate seasickness, consult with your physician before your trip so they can determine the best preventative treatment, such as a prescription patch, prescription medication or over-the-counter medication. Note that timing is important, here: In order to be effective, some meds for seasickness must be taken before the ship leaves the dock. Remember, too, that the medical center on your cruise ship is likely ready – and well equipped – to help you with motion sickness.

4. Consider natural remedies

Many frequent cruisers swear they can alleviate seasickness by chewing on a bit of fresh ginger, which often can be found in a ship’s buffet area or sushi restaurant. Peppermint may also help soothe your stomach.

5. Lie down

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, that familiar nauseous feeling overtakes you while on a cruise. If this happens, the best thing you can do is lie down. No matter where your cabin is located, lying down may reduce symptoms immensely.

6. Look out

The other top remedy to try if you start to feel woozy while on a cruise, is to stare at the horizon. Sometimes sickness occurs when you are in the cabin and unable to look out to orient yourself. If that’s you, quickly make your way up to the ship’s deck and look out at the horizon to recalibrate.

Sources:
https://www.royalcaribbean.com/blog/the-truth-about-seasickness/

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1925

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Five tips for stress-free holiday travel

It’s the most wonderful time of year, but despite the merriment all around, it may not seem like it for some. That’s because sometimes the holiday travel season brings more stress than we bargain for. Between scurrying around and planning for last minute travel; there are gifts to pack, a budget to track, and children to keep calm on that flight to your destination. If you are feeling frazzled, here are a few tips to get your through your holiday travels.

1. Take Advantage of Apps
   Are you still looking for flight and hotel deals through individual websites? To find the best deals quickly, download a travel planning app like Hopper which simultaneously compares flight/hotel prices from sites like Expedia, Booking.com, Priceline, AirBnB and others, allowing you to quickly select the best deal for the day and time you plan to travel.
2. Ship your Presents Home
   Planning to wrap and bring gifts in your suitcase? Don’t do it. Instead, pack all your gifts in a separate box and ship it to your destination. This will save you time in the security line (and security unwrapping and opening all of your carefully selected gifts or worse confiscating them ). This is the perfect solution that can work for gifts you plan to give and the gifts you get!
3. Know the Rules if Traveling with Baked Food
   If you baked some holiday treats and plan to bring them on your flight, be sure to adhere to airport security guidelines. According to the TSA, If the food item is a solid (e.g., cake, pie, cookies), then you can pack it in your carry-on bag. If the food item is spreadable or pourable, then it must be 3.4 liquid ounces or less to comply with the 3-1-1 liquids bag rule to travel in your carry-on bag. If it has more than 3.4 liquid ounces, then you should pack it in a tightly sealed container in your checked bag.
4. Be Flexible
   If your family can be flexible, plan to travel on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. It’s well known that traveling on the holiday itself can get you cheaper flights and welcome you with a sparsely populated airport, which means less stress getting to your destination.
5. Buy a Travel Insurance Plan
   Let’s face it. Sometimes, even the most well laid out holiday trips don’t go as planned. Flights get cancelled, luggage gets lost and people get sick. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Remember to pack a travel insurance plan this holiday season. Most plans come with 24/7 assistance services to help you re-book cancelled/delayed flights, hotels and find missing luggage so that you can have a more stress-free holiday.

 

Expenses incurred from third-party vendors for assistance services not part of a filed insurance plan are the responsibility of the traveler.

This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions. For costs and complete details of the coverage(s) contact us 24/7 at 1.800.826.1300. Insurance underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., a Pennsylvania insurance company, with its principal place of business at 175 Water Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10038. It is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445.

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Airport and packing tips for the holiday travel season

Airport tips for the holiday travel season to keep top of mind

• Arrive to the airport early
• Opt for airport drop-off to avoid busy parking ramps
• Review luggage size requirements
• Keep luggage with you at all times
• Pack only the necessities
• Ship gifts rather than pack for security clearance purposes
• Remember expedited screenings are available
• Stay connected with real-time travel apps

Click here to download the entire airport tips infographic.

Packing tips for the holiday travel season to keep top of mind

Dress for winter travel:

• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes
• Avoid wearing belts, heels, underwire bras
• Wear socks and easy-to-remove shoes
• Don’t wear expensive jewelry
• Dress in layers and bring accessories for warm to cold-weather travel

Remember to pack:

• Passport/Visa
• Government issued ID
• Cash and a credit/debit card
• Universal charger
• Mobile phone with extra battery
• Travel itineraries/documents
• Travel-friendly first aid kit
• Travel insurance for unexpected travel delays

Click here to download the entire packing tips infographic.

For more information:
Contact your travel advisor, call AIG Travel at 1.800.826.1300 or visit www.aig.com/travel

A Travel Guard® travel insurance plan can cover for medical emergencies and even includes 24/7 assistance services to assist with emergency medical evacuation/transportation assistance, flights and hotel re-booking, dispatch of doctors, urgent message relay to family and friends, up-to-the-minute resource for epidemics, natural disaster advisories and much more.

AIG Travel, a member of American International Group, Inc., provides travel insurance and global assistance through innovative product offerings. Travel Guard® is the marketing name for its portfolio of travel insurance and travel-related services. From lost luggage to a medical emergency, our 24/7 multilingual assistance team is always just a phone call away. Through our global service centers and a network of experienced providers, we deliver medical and security assistance to help our customers travel with confidence. AIG Travel is a socially responsible and inclusive organization that meets the diverse needs of leisure and corporate travelers alike. Learn more at www.aig.com/travel or www.travelguard.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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Why travel insurance coverage through a credit card may not be enough

According to a recent study from SquareMouth, Americans were 20% more likely to purchase insurance for their summer travels in 2019 than the year prior, indicating a growing awareness among U.S.-based travelers of the importance of protecting their trip investment, particularly when traveling internationally. Indeed, with a comprehensive travel insurance policy, a traveler can be covered for medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed luggage and more.

Understanding the many benefits that can come from having travel insurance, travelers need next to decide where to obtain the best policy for them, and what it should contain, based on their individual circumstances. There are many ways to purchase a comprehensive, standalone travel insurance policy: through a travel agency, an online insurance comparison site or directly through the travel insurance company, itself. Many travelers are discovering, in fact, that certain credit cards also offer some travel-related coverage, ranging from basic to comprehensive, but there are limitations, restrictions and exceptions to consider in every case, so it’s important that travelers do their homework.

It can, at times, seem overwhelming, as the costs, features, benefits and terms of available travel insurance (or trip protection) plans may vary substantially based on many factors, including (but not limited to) the company or bank that issues the policy; the total, prepaid nonrefundable trip costs; the traveler’s age and medical status; trip duration and destination.

To aid consumers in performing their due diligence, here are five tips to consider during the trip planning and budgeting process, in order to help ensure the most appropriate financial protection for those upcoming trips and – hopefully – encourage a frame of mind that’s focused on enjoying the journey, rather than worrying about what might go wrong!

1. Review the core coverages

For credit card holders who want to know if their trip may already have some level of protection, simply because they used a certain credit card to book their travel, this tip is especially for you. If your credit card offers travel insurance or “trip protection” coverage, make sure you know exactly what that means.

While many cards may offer basic protection related to travel accidents, lost luggage or car rental insurance, your upcoming trip might require something more substantive that covers other contingencies. Call your credit card issuer to ask if the travel protection it offers includes both trip cancellation and trip interruption, both baggage loss and baggage delay, reimbursement for trip delay, travel medical expenses, travel accident insurance, rental car coverage or emergency travel medical evacuation coverage.

This line of questioning is also worthwhile if you’re purchasing a more traditional, standalone travel insurance policy, because these policy details can also vary from carrier to carrier.

2. Know if your coverage is primary or secondary

These terms usually are used in relation to travel medical, baggage and rental car coverage. Primary coverage allows claims to be filed directly with the travel insurance provider, meaning there’s no need for you to file a claim first under any other existing insurance policy and wait for a claims decision before your travel protection provider can pay a benefit. The primary insurer will review your claim with the mindset that there’s no other applicable insurance.

If coverage is secondary, however, its provider will want to see an explanation of benefits from the primary insurer, detailing how the claim was processed. Only then will the secondary plan determine the amount of the benefit(s), such as a deductible or co-insurance, it will pay.  As you might imagine, this could add significantly to the time it takes for you to receive payment on a claim, making it all the more valuable to know – up front – what sort of coverage you have.

3. Consider optional features/benefits

While we don’t wish to dwell on what can go wrong when traveling, the fact remains: life is unpredictable. While we may feel like we have the major contingencies accounted for, there are a whole host of variables that could arise (either at our intended destination or even at home) that might complicate our travel plans. Say, for example, you’ve booked a two-week trip to Europe, everything has been paid for with your credit card, and you feel confident in the trip protection provided by your card. Then, four days before your flight, your cat or dog dies or becomes critically ill and you have to cancel your trip. Does your credit card offer coverage for any of your travel-related expenses in such a circumstance?

Would you be eligible for a benefit if you arrived at your hotel to discover it was infested or under construction, or the ski slope or other attraction was closed? What about if you cancelled your trip because you ended up having to work? AIG Travel has recently launched a series of coverage bundles, that travelers can elect to have added to standard policies when heading off on trips that might require different – or more extensive – contingency plans.

For example, the “pet bundle” offers coverage for the medical expenses of the traveler’s pet(s) and adds the critical condition or death of a domestic pet as a covered contingency under the Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption clause of a standard policy. The “wedding bundle” offers wedding guests additional trip cancellation coverage in the event that a wedding more than 100 miles from home (a requirement for all trips insured through Travel Guard) is suddenly cancelled before the guest departs for the destination, and the “adventure sports bundle” waives exclusions for active/extreme activities identified in travel insurance or protection plans.

If your planned trip involves any special contingencies like these, it’s worth asking your credit card company or your insurance carrier whether their policies would offer coverage or reimbursement in the case of such a setback.

4. Look closely at benefit levels

So, say you’ve given your credit card’s “guide to benefits” packet a good read-through, and you’re satisfied that your card will offer you some sort of coverage for virtually anything that might go wrong during your trip, from a lost bag to a rental car breakdown or a broken hip that sends you to the hospital in a foreign country. The next vital question is: what is the maximum benefit each policy offers for each type of protection you may need?

This is where it may really behoove you to do some comparison shopping. Once you’ve hung up with your credit card’s customer service department, consider calling a travel agency or an insurer that specializes in travel insurance to ask the same questions.

Similarly, consider the potential cost of being injured or falling terribly ill while traveling abroad and needing to be transported to the nearest adequate medical facility, the medical facility of your choice, or even back home for medical care. $100,000 of medical coverage may sound like way more money than would ever be needed for a helicopter or airplane ride, but consider a mountain climber on Everest who has broken a leg and needs to not only get down the mountain, but then to a healthcare facility outside Nepal: such an evacuation may require numerous different conveyances and could easily exceed $100,000. Likewise, in the case of a cruise passenger who suffers a heart attack in the middle of the Caribbean and needs to be evacuated from the ship by helicopter to a hospital with a cardiac team, a total, after-the-fact cost well in excess of $100,000 is quite possible.

While such circumstances are infrequent, you would not want to be on the hook for significant costs if such a misfortune were to befall you, so take a few extra minutes to ask questions about the maximum benefit levels.

5. Read the terms and conditions

Very few people enjoy reading the fine print, but when it can make the difference in covering a trip that costs in the thousands of dollars, it’s probably worth doing at least once.

Hopefully, these tips will set you in the right direction, but of course, every trip and traveler is different, so any insurance policy (or  coverage offered through a credit card) that’s ideally suited for you may not work well for someone else. The good news is: there’s something out there for virtually everyone, so if you’re willing to ask a few thoughtful questions and review your options, you likely can find coverage that’s right for you, and then turn your attention to getting the most out of your upcoming trip!

 

None of the foregoing is intended to provide complete policy descriptions, terms, limitations and exclusions, or all of the information that consumers may want to consider when availing themselves of travel insurance/protection. For more information, refer to the schedule of benefits for each travel insurance policy or protection plan you’re considering.

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Practice Digital and Social Media Safety while Traveling

Being – and staying – connected through technology has become so integral to our lives that many of us don’t stop to consider the risks that can come from being so tech-reliant. Especially when traveling, it’s important to be smart with your social media accounts and digital devices. Strangers or social hackers connected to your social media network may monitor your posts, and your personal information might be easily available to opportunistic individuals. Carrying mobile devices to foreign countries can leave individuals exposed to certain safety and security issues while there, including crimes that can range from petty theft to corporate espionage or identity theft. While using password protection on mobile devices and not clicking suspicious links are common tips, the concerns facing travelers and their sensitive information have only increased. Being aware of the specific cyber threats and following some best practices before, during and after your trip can help mitigate these risks and protect your sensitive information.

Prepare Digital Devices Before Traveling

• Back up the devices and then wipe them clean of all sensitive and proprietary information. Remove or limit banking information, sensitive data, personal photographs or compromising information—if any intellectual property is stolen during the trip, the damage will be kept to a minimum.
• Research the laws governing your destination, since in some places, authorities can confiscate and look at your digital data and even take action based on what they find. This is especially pertinent if someone posts something about politics or the government of a country even on personal social media while in-country.
• Make sure your anti-virus and any other malware protections are up-to-date.
• Ask family, friends and colleagues to respect your privacy and security by refraining from posting information to social media about your itinerary and travels.
• Check with your service provider to ensure that cellular coverage is possible in your intended destination and consider paying for a temporary international cellular data plan, if available, to help reduce the need to connect to Wi-Fi networks in country.
• Consider buying or renting a personal hot spot; this device grants a secure, private internet connection to its owner.
• Don’t forget to set up ‘Find My Phone’ services on your mobile devices in the event you need to track (or erase) a lost or stolen device during your travels.
• Check the warranty plans with your service provider in case your device is damaged.

Practice Digital and Social Media Safety During Travel

• General Internet Safety Tips
  • In most countries, travelers should not have an expectation of privacy in internet cafés, airplanes, offices, or other public spaces. All information sent electronically can potentially be intercepted, especially over wireless communications.
  • Try to avoid using public and unsecured Wi-Fi networks, where your information is vulnerable to hacking. If you’re relying on free Wi-Fi to get around an unfamiliar place, do a little pre-outing prep: download maps while you’re on a secure Wi-Fi network, for example at your hotel, to use while you’re out and about during the day.
  • If using a public or insecure Wi-Fi network or computer becomes necessary during your trip, avoid logging into any personal or financial accounts.
  • While in country, avoid banking/shopping online, or any other activity that requires personal identification or financial information.
  • Minimize use of email to send sensitive company or personal information to protect your data.
• Social Media Safety Tips
  • Avoid oversharing your location real-time. While you’re at it, turn off your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi auto-connect options just in case.
  • Do not post photos of your boarding pass or travel documents to social media sites – you’d be amazed at how much information they contain. From a single boarding pass, identity thieves could potentially access all kinds of data, including names, phone numbers, frequent flyer account numbers and more.
  • Be aware of social media posts, browser history and downloaded apps, as some destinations have stringent regulations on acceptable content.
• Tips for Physical Devices
  • Smartphones are a prime target for petty theft while traveling—they’re small, easy to conceal and easy to pluck out of your hand or back pocket. If you need to use your phone in public, try to stand still with your back to a wall or window, since looking down at your phone and walking at the same time might limit your situational awareness.
  • While not exactly a mobile device, your wallet is susceptible to high-tech theft in the form of radio-frequency identification (RFID) skimming—a scanner that steals credit card information from your wallet/pocket. Keep your finances safe by using an RFID-blocking wallet or purse. Keep your phones, laptops and other mobile devices secure at all times— keep phones in the front pocket of your pants and laptops in a hotel safe when not in use to minimize theft. Stowing items in your luggage, especially unattended luggage, will leave your personal property vulnerable to theft.

If your mobile device is stolen, report it immediately to the local embassy or consulate and make sure to use software to remotely lock down/wipe your device.

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Tips to Fight Flight Anxiety

Many travelers suffer from flight anxiety, which can feel like a huge hurdle to overcome when planning a trip. The causes of this type of anxiety vary from person to person, but the most common triggers include the fear of an impending catastrophe and/or the thought of experiencing a panic attack while flying.

Below are a few tips that might help you conquer your fear of flying:

1. Learn the facts, as being informed may help put things into perspective. Flying is one of the safest ways to travel – a 2017 U.S. study showed that 0.8% of transportation fatalities were airplane-related compared to 95% that were highway-related.

2. Understand the noises a plane makes and the causes of turbulence. Check the weather to determine how turbulent your flight may be. Anticipating them will help keep you calm.

3. Visualize yourself in your safe place, when you are in the air. Whether it’s your dreamy vacation spot, your favorite park or lying on your couch. This will help comfort you inflight.

4. Take deep breathes, which helps to relax and relieve stress. Take some time to learn and practice breathing techniques and exercises before you travel.

5. Distract yourself. Watch the in-flight movies, listen to music or to your favorite podcasts or read that book you’ve been meaning to finish. Distractions will keep your mind busy, leaving less room for anxiety.

6. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can accentuate your anxiety symptoms and prevent you from getting some rest.

7. Try stretching. Simple movements can help to release tension and anxiety: choosing an aisle seat will make it easier to get up and stretch regularly.

AIG Travel, Inc., a member of American International Group, Inc., provides travel insurance and global assistance through innovative product offerings. Travel Guard® is the marketing name for its portfolio of travel insurance and travel-related services. From lost luggage to a medical emergency, our 24/7 multilingual assistance team is always just a phone call away. Through our global service centers and a network of experienced providers, we deliver medical and security assistance to help our customers travel with confidence. AIG Travel is a socially responsible and inclusive organization that meets the diverse needs of leisure and corporate travelers alike. Learn more at http://www.aig.com/travel or http://www.travelguard.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.

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