Tuesday, June 19, 2007

June 2007 The Travel Bug's Tips and Trips


Welcome to summer! If you haven't made your summer vacation plans yet, there is still a little time left. And for those of you who are planning to take a vacation during Teacher's Convention Week in November, it is time to start planning!

Happy reading,
Mary

Cruise for Free!

Cruise free with friends and family. Typically on a 7 night cruise, if you travel with 8 other couples, you will cruise for free. If you add 8 more couples, your traveling companion will also cruise for free - you pay only port charges and government taxes as well as optional insurance. Interested? You just gather a group of friends who need a vacation and are looking for a great value...a cruise vacation. Get them to join you on your selected ship and sailing date. We'll do all the rest - from flyers to invoicing. This is also a great way to get together for a family reunion.

Why Buy Travel Insurance?

It is true that some credit cards and homeowner's policies might provide coverage for lost or stolen baggage, but what the media reports fail to mention, and the reason most people buy insurance, is that U.S. health policies rarely extend coverage overseas. It means Americans must normally pick up their own medical tabs once outside the country. Here are some other key points to keep in mind:

Trip Cancellation/Interruption - Credit cards and homeowners policies will not reimburse you for your pre paid, NON-REFUNDABLE trip cost. Hurricane Season 2007 is officially here and travel insurance is the only way to protect against the unforeseen hassles caused by these storms.

Travel Delay - Will your credit card or homeowners policy reimburse you for an unexpected hotel stay because your flight home from your vacation was cancelled? The answer is no, but a travel insurance policy allows you the possibility of collecting on that hotel bill.


Pre-existing Conditions - Many people traveling today have a pre-existing medical condition that could limit the amount of coverage, if any, they have through other channels. When you purchase a third party insurance product at the time of deposit you guarantee that you have the most coverage available.

Lost Baggage - Consumer Reports fails to mention that any coverage provided by a credit card for lost or stolen baggage is secondary coverage and subject to the airlines definition of "lost" luggage. By buying a primary insurance plan, offered only by third party travel insurance companies, you will have a better chance of receiving compensation for lost articles.

Car Rental Tips
Renting a car while on vacation is often a necessity, but at other times it is easier to use public transportation or taxis . If you do rent a car, make sure to examine the car before taking it off the lot. It is a good idea to photograph any damage the car may have, using a digital camera which records the date and time of each picture. This will help when there may be a debate over who is responsible for the damage. Many rental companies do not cover you while driving on dirt roads, so be sure to check your rental agreement before driving "off road".

Some car rental companies will not rent a car to you without a credit card. Also be aware that the rental company may place a "hold" on your card for anticipated charges, which means you'll have less credit available for other purchases.
Adventures by Disney



Discover the magic of an Adventures by Disney vacation

In 2007, there are twelve unforgettable journeys with destinations Disney has never taken guests before. Guests travel in small groups limited to 40 guests, and are led by two Disney trained Adventure Guides with the gift for family fun.

Each adventure is filled with immersive, interactive experiences. Like zip-lining through a Costa Rican jungle, or pasta making in Tuscany. Traveling with Adventures by Disney, you can expect impeccable service as well as a few surprises along the way. Vacationing is almost effortless. Travel, activities and scheduled meals during the adventure are planned. Luggage is handled for each Guest and hotel check-ins are pre-arranged. An Adventures by Disney vacation allows you to truly enjoy the magic of the destination, while creating memories that will last forever.

Hassle-free vacation planning and travel
Inclusive itineraries that provide interactive experiences for each member of the family
Small group sizes of no more than 40 guests led by two Disney trained Adventure Guides

Personal attention and service
Local experts provide authenticity and character by sharing knowledge and stories
Travel, activities and scheduled meals are planned. Luggage is handled and hotel check-ins are pre-arranged

Opportunities for making new friends with fellow Adventurers
Junior Adventurer exclusive activities
Note: Adventures by Disney welcomes children ages 4 and up to discover the stories of the world with Adventures by Disney. However, on some trips, children 6+ benefit most from the exciting activities that Adventures by Disney has planned. Because each child is different, call your Adventures by Disney Concierge Agent to discuss which trips will be most fun for your little ones. Please be aware that your younger Junior Adventurers - typically under age 6 - may not be able to participate in some scheduled activities due to height, weight, and other requirements.