Do I really need travel insurance? What should I look for in travel insurance? What can I take with me on the plane? What are the current security procedures at the airport? What can I expect at the airport when traveling with someone with special needs or with special aid devices? Is my travel destination safe? Will I need immunizations or special medications for my trip? Is a passport or visa necessary? How do I get a passport or visa? What do I do if I didn’t get my passport or Visa in time for the regular mail service option? I did some shopping while traveling. What are the limits to what I can bring home with me? Is my flight on-time? What do cruise ships do to ensure proper sanitation? What is the Norovirus and should I be concerned about catching it on a cruise? What is the time difference between where I live and where I am visiting? Where can I find more information about National Parks?
Do I really need travel insurance?
Many people disagree about whether travel insurance is necessary or not. It depends in part on the risk the traveler is willing to take in covering unforeseen costs. These may include unexpected trip cancellation or interruption due to sickness, injury, job loss, car accident or jury duty, lost luggage, natural disasters (such as the icelandic volcanic eruptions) or the necessity of hospitalization or medical evacuation. Many health insurance policies have no or limited coverage outside the United States. The state government recommends considering travel insurance based on what your insurance policy covers: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_4971.html.
What should I look for in travel insurance?
That’s a very individual choice, based on each individual’s health insurance policy, life insurance policy and finances available to pay for unexpected expenses. The US Travel Insurance Association offers some guidelines at http://www.ustia.org/news/articles/shoptravelinsurance.htm. Personally, I have coverage through Travel Guard and offer quotes for this coverage to every one of my clients. Contact Noelle at 828-244-6640 or Noelle@InsightsinTravel.com for quotes for different levels of coverage.
What can I take with me on the plane? What are the current security procedures at the airport?
The U.S. government is constantly monitoring threats involved in air travel and will update their regulations as they see the need. In order to stay up-to-date on the regulations as they change regarding airport security, please visit http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm
What can I expect at the airport when traveling with someone with special needs or with special aid devices?
Many people are traveling who used to stay home because of difficulties getting around. There are also special needs for medicine which is above the normal limit. The TSA recognizes these needs and has created a policy in accordance with most of these needs. It is important to know what to expect and how to declare these needs before reaching the airport. Policies can be reviewed at http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm.
Is my travel destination safe?
The U.S. government posts warnings for cities or countries where it believes U.S. citizens will need to be extra cautious or should not visit at all. Please check these warnings before departing for your trip at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
Will I need immunizations or special medications for my trip?
All health-related issues are monitored in the United States by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). It is important to check their recommendations several months before departing on any trip outside the United States by visiting http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/.
Is a passport or visa necessary?
Passports are required whenever departing from the United States and its territories. Visas are only required in certain countries. Passports are always recommended for cruises, even when they are not deemed necessary. Further, the passport must be valid for 6 months after the expected date of return to the United States. Visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html and click on the country you will be visiting for specific information.
How do I get a passport or visa?
In some cases, passports may be renewed through the mail. Often it is easiest to visit a local passport-issuing site. For a listing of passport offices near you, plus how to apply and all the necessary forms and information, visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
What do I do if I didn’t get my passport or Visa in time for the regular mail service option?
There are special expedited passport resources available for an extra fee. I recommend using A Briggs Passport and Visa Expeditors. Go to my home page and click on their link.
I did some shopping while traveling. What are the limits to what I can bring home with me?
U.S. customs has set very specific limits depending on which country has been visited. If you plan to do much shopping, particularly if it involves alcohol or tobacco products, it is highly recommended that you visit the U.S. customs website at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/ before you depart.
Is my flight on-time?
It is always a good idea to log into your airline’s web page and check you flight status by entering your record locator (also known as a confirmation code) and any other information the airline requests. This will let you know if your flight times have been changed and if delays are expected. General airport delay information is also available at http://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp.
What do cruise ships do to ensure proper sanitation?
Cruise ships are scrupulously monitored by the Centers for Disease Control. Visit their website for specifics about the Vessel Sanitation Program: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/default.htm.
What is the Norovirus and should I be concerned about catching it on a cruise?
Norovirus is a group of viruses that causes flu-like symptoms and usually lasts 1 to 2 days. It occurs most commonly in places where there are large numbers of people in smaller areas such as schools and nursing homes. It is highly advertised when there is an outbreak on a ship because unlike most other places, ships are required to report any outbreaks immediately. Basic sanitation such as regularly washing hands and using hand sanitizer available all over ships will significantly reduce the likelihood of contracting a norovirus. See http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/pub/Norovirus/Norovirus.htm for more information.
What is the time difference between where I live and where I am visiting?
Here is a great website for all things time-related. Go to http://www.timeanddate.com/time/ and scroll down to Time Zone Converter. There are also many other interesting time facts available.
Where can I find more information about National Parks?
In order to learn more about all our National Parks, visit http://www.nps.gov/index.htm. For specific information of booking hotels, tours or packages, give Noelle a call at 828-244-6640 or send an email at Noelle@InsightsinTravel.com.