Travel Tips for Traveling Abroad- Part Three of Three

Rounding out our three part series on important travel documents you need to know about, this entry covers something you many not have thought about, but it is important that you do. Many decisions are to be made when it comes to traveling, and this is a big one to consider.

Did you know that most standard insurance plans do not cover the unexpected when it comes to travel? Planning and paying for a vacation is an investment of both your time and money. What would happen if something unforeseen occurred and you were unable to go on a trip you had paid for, or if you couldn’t finish the journey?  Travel professionals recommend purchasing a Travel Insurance plan to cover unexpected trip cancellations or interruptions, unforeseen medical needs, thefts and more. A comprehensive Travel Insurance plan won’t give you the photos or memories made while abroad, but it will help you cover emergency expenses or refund your investment.

While your medical insurance is there to help you cover the cost of an accident or illness, travel insurance reimburses your non-refundable money paid towards your vacation should you become unexpectedly ill and unable to take your trip. What if a close family member had a medical emergency and you are unable to travel? The right travel insurance plan will cover your financial loss. If the weather results in your flight being cancelled, causing you to miss a tour departure date, travel insurance will help you get the funds you paid back.  

Imagine being on a cruise, and an accident occurs keeping you from completing your trip. Travel Insurance will refund you the portion of funds from the remaining days of your travel plans. Should an excursion or tour company be unable to provide the services you paid for in advance of your vacation, Travel Insurance can refund you for the loss. Plans also cover trip delays, lost or stolen luggage and personal items, missed connections and baggage delays. Emergency travel services are included as well, such as assisting with English interpretation for medical or legal needs, cash advances and replacement of lost travel documents like your passport, visa or airline ticket. 

There are countless stories from experienced travelers who have had to deal with something like these situations, and having a good Travel Insurance plan made all the difference. To get the most out of a Travel Insurance plan, it should be purchased within 10-15 days of the time you place a deposit down for your vacation. While plans for those over the age of 50 are a bit higher in cost, most plans can be purchased for between 5-10% of the total cost of the trip. Insurance is all about deflecting the impact of the unexpected, and protecting your investment. When traveling far from home, especially internationally, having a Travel Insurance plan is a value worth the cost for the peace of mind you receive. 

For More information call or email C.P. Trips at 503-658-5646 or cptrips@aol.com. You can also explore more on our website at www.cptrips.com

Travel Tips for Traveling Abroad- Part Two of Three

Continuing our series on Important Travel Documents for Travel Abroad,  there is more to entering a new country than just showing your passport. When you travel across borders, you also have to deal customs and getting into a country, and then do it all over again when you return to the United States. You have to get your luggage and trek with it, sometimes a long distance in the terminal, only to stand in a long line waiting your turn to get the final ok to enter. You have had a long journey, you’re tired, you want to just get out of the airport and go home. What if there was an easier, quicker option for re-entry into the U.S.?

 

Well now, there is! The US now has the Global Entry Program. It is designed for low risk, frequent travelers crossing international boarders regularly. While the program is geared to get you back into the United States more efficiently, there are some countries you can also travel into and get the same benefits of quicker entry. Currently Canada, Mexico and the Netherlands will accept the Global Entry Pass. With frequent travel to Canada there is the NEXUS card that you can also get and for Mexico there is the SENTRI pass.  These cards, when used in conjunction with the Global pass will let you cross the border more quickly in either direction. For the Netherlands, your Global Entry pass will work to get you into and out of the country faster.  For all other international travel, the Global Pass at this time is the best way to get back into the United States, no matter where you have traveled to.

With the Global Entry Pass you get the following benefits:

·       No standing in line for passport control checks

·       No paper forms for customs to be completed

·       Expedited travel from gate to terminal

·       Pass can be used at most International airports in the U.S.

·       No lengthy customs or immigration questions

·       NEXUS and SENTRI card holds can apply for no additional cost

So if you travel out of the country frequently the Global Entry Pass could be a time saver that you will love to have. Check out all the details including the application form and process at the US Immigrationwebsite.

For more details call or email C.P. Trips at 503-658-5646 or cptrips@aol.com. You can also explore more on our website at www.cptrips.com

Travel Tips for Traveling Abroad- Part One of Three

Following is the first of a three part series covering some of the most important travel documents you should be familiar with before you travel across boarders. We want to help educate our clients and hope you find this information useful!

When it comes to traveling abroad, having your passport is a must.  While this is common knowledge around the world, there are many things to consider when it comes to your passport, most notably when & how you get your passport, or renew it, and how to keep your passport safe when traveling.  Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when it comes to travel and your passport:

 ·       If you travel out of the U.S., you will need your passport.  Even with countries that accept a birth certificate and photo id to enter, the United States requires a passport to come back. Save yourself the hassle and worry about having the correct document and get your passport.

·       Be aware of your expiration dates! If you have children with passports, keep in mind, these expire after 5 years, whereas adult passports expire after 10. Many countries require your passport to be valid 3-6 months after your travel date.  So plan to renew if your passport expires within 6 months of your travel date.

·       If you are getting your passport for the first time plan for 6-8 weeks processing time to get your passport, so ideally you should complete the application 3-4 months prior to your travel dates. Often you can apply at courthouses or post offices when you have to apply in person.  This applies to first time issuance and for children, who must be in attendance with at least one parent, and a notarized permission letter if the other parent is not available.  Be sure to check the US Department of State website on Passports for all the up to date requirements that may apply to your personal situation.

·       Once you have your passport, how do you keep it safe while traveling? The safest way to carry important documents like your passport and id while traveling is to have a travel document pouch that can be worn under your clothes. There are many options available, including ones that have RFID blockers.  Radio Frequency Identification is now included on your passport, and many forms of id and credit cards.  This high tech tool is to help in data tracking. Unfortunately this technology can be used by others to steal your information or identity. Getting a wallet or document pouch with an RFID blocker included will help protect all your information.

·       Make copies of your passport and other travel documents.  Once you arrive at your destination, chances are you won’t need your passport directly.  Carrying a copy around as back up id can be helpful, and you can lock your passport in a safe at your hotel room, or with the front desk to avoid any risk of it becoming lost or stolen while you are out seeing the sights.

·       If you do not want to carry a document pouch under your clothing, the next best place to carry your documents is in a front pocket or bag with a zipper that you can carry across your front.  Do not use a purse that has a button only, or open bag, and never use a back pack to carry your passport, these bags are very easily pick-pocketed and major targets. It is also ideal to not carry your passport with your other identification. If one does get lost or stolen, you should have the other to use if needed.

·       If the worst does happen when traveling abroad, and you are a C.P. Trips client.  You can rest assured that we are here to help you get through the process as smoothly and quickly as possible.  One call to our office and we will be your advocate to get you through your trip and safely back home.

For More information call or email C.P. Trips at 503-658-5646 or cptrips@aol.com. You can also explore more on our website at www.cptrips.com