How COVID-19 Will Impact Holiday Travel
Just like most of 2020, the holiday travel season will be disrupted by COVID-19. In years past, holiday travel is one of the busiest times of the year, with millions of people traveling via planes, trains, buses, and cars to see their loved ones. This year many people are unsure if they will travel for the holiday season because of COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that travel increases your chance of getting and spreading the COVID-19 virus. So if you are looking to travel this holiday season, you need to take enhanced precautions before traveling. A recent Washington Post article provides some useful tips to take before traveling this holiday season. Below are some of the best travel tips from the article:
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If you’re traveling with children, be aware of the latest CDC guidelines and travel company policies. The CDC recommends masks for children two years of age and older. The mask policies of major airlines follow this guidance, and recent incidents of children and their parents being removed from planes have illustrated how strictly they are being enforced.
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If you’re getting behind the wheel for your trip, pack with the pandemic in mind. Stock your vehicle with face masks, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Don’t rely on picking up supplies during the trip since there is no guarantee they will be in stock wherever you’re headed or passing through.
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Airbnb responded to the pandemic by launching an Enhanced Cleaning Initiative for hosts, including new cleaning and sanitizing protocols. To earn an “Enhanced Clean” certification, hosts must follow a detailed five-step cleaning process, including providing guests with cleaning supplies. Look for the “Enhanced Clean” highlight on listings when deciding on a rental. There are individual sanitation steps you can take as well. Nasia Safdar, the medical director of infection control at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, recommends wiping down surfaces with disinfecting wipes. Consider cleaning the other items you have brought with you into the rental, too, such as phones, computers, and luggage.
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If you’re flying with luggage during the pandemic, health experts recommend carrying on instead of checking a bag. Not only are you able to better control who touches the bag, but you will bypass potentially crowded luggage carousels.
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Coronavirus tests are at the top of pre-trip checklists these days, and they’re an advisable step toward traveling as safely as possible during the holidays. Two kinds of tests exist to look for active infections. There are various places offering coronavirus testing, including urgent care centers, travel clinics, fire stations, pop-up sites, pharmacies, and most hospitals.
We at Trawick International want everyone to have the best possible holiday experience they can have, because frankly, after this year, we all deserve it. That is why we highly recommend travelers purchase a travel cancellation insurance policy that covers COVID-19 related losses. Please note that not all travel cancellation insurance policies cover COVID-19. Please make sure the policy you purchase does. Check out our COVID-19 FAQ Page for more information about how Trawick International travel insurance covers COVID-19.
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Administrator at 19 Oct 2020
Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance Benefit Provides Enhanced Protection Against COVID-19
With the ongoing pandemic, many travelers are choosing to protect their vacation investments by purchasing travel insurance. According to a AAA Travel survey, nearly 4 in 10 Americans are likely to buy travel insurance for future trips. For those travelers, trip cancellation protection is the most valuable benefit, with 9 in 10 of those likely to buy the coverage.
Trip cancellation insurance protects the covered expenses in case of many unforeseen circumstances. For a fraction of the trip cost, you can mitigate the risk of losing your investment if something unexpected occurs. Many travelers have not purchased this coverage in the past but with COVID-19 causing massive disruption to our lives. Many travelers are looking for trip cancellation protection that covers COVID-19 related losses. So please make sure to review the policy before you purchase it and make sure it covers COVID-19 because not all trip cancellation plans offered by travel insurance providers cover COVID-19.
An added benefit of trip cancellation insurance is the Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option. With this option, travelers can cancel their trip and be reimbursed for a percentage of the loss based on the terms of the specific plan. The availability of CFAR benefits may be impacted by when it was purchased, the trip cost, and when the trip was canceled. One thing to note is this policy can only be used if the traveler or travelers do not go on their vacation. The CFAR benefit is one of the hardest coverage options to obtain today. Many travel insurance providers are not offering this benefit with their trip cancellation insurance because of COVID-19 and the uncertainty that it’s causing.
Trawick International is one of the few providers offering CFAR. We offer it on our Safe Travels First Class and Safe Travels Voyager Trip Protection Plans. Our CFAR coverage provides partial reimbursement of up to 75% of the insured prepaid, non-refundable trip costs when you cancel your trip for a reason not listed on the policy. Please note that CFAR is a time-sensitive option and must be purchased within the time frame listed on the plan. Our CFAR option requires you to insure your entire trip cost. To use our CFAR option, you must cancel your trip in its entirety, at least two days before your scheduled departure date.
To find out more about Trawick International’s CFAR options and how we cover COVID-19, please visit our COVID-19 FAQ page.
Founded in 1998, Trawick International is a full-service travel insurance provider specializing in protecting travelers of all types worldwide. We offer various travel insurance plans designed specifically by types of coverage, including comprehensive travel protection insurance, international travel medical insurance, visitor’s insurance, and international student insurance. Our company's mission is to deliver superior travel and medical insurance products that offer the best 24/7 emergency assistance services available. To become a Trawick International partner, call 888-301-9289 or email info@trawickinternational.com.
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Administrator at 9 Oct 2020
Six Tips for Staying in a Rental Property While Traveling
Since the Covid-19 low on April 6, 2020, the United States has seen a 322% increase in domestic travel, as reported by an AirDNA industry travel survey. The survey also indicated that vacation rental occupancy had increased by 60%. Travelers are seeking an experience that mimics the feel of being a local, or they feel safer staying in someone’s home rather than a hotel.
While staying in a rental property can make for a unique experience, there are personal safety issues to keep in mind while renting a home. Below are some critical tips to consider before renting a property for your vacation:
#1 - Location, Location, Location
For starters, make sure you research the location of the vacation rental. There are plenty of stories of people renting a vacation home and they are dissatisfied with the area of the house. Make sure to read rental reviews and identify travel amenities and experiences you and your family would like to experience. If you’re still unsure how to proceed afterward, consider the help of a travel agent. He or she might refer you to a managed property, such as a residential complex, where someone will be onsite to assist your family should something go wrong.
#2 - Read the Fine Print
Thoroughly read the contract so that you know precisely what is included and excluded. For example, the contract may stipulate that you will lose any deposit you’ve put down if you don’t clean up after yourself. Before signing anything, make sure that the host is legally able to rent out the home. Ask for documentation; if the person is reputable, they will have nothing to hide and be glad to prove.
#3 - Pay Online
Payments and communications should be done via the rental company website instead of directly with the property owner. This will ensure security and significantly reduce the odds of fraud or your identity and credit card information being stolen.
#4 - Volume Speaks Words
Look at is the number of ratings a host has, as well as how high the host’s rating is. Many hosts come and go very fast, just trying to make a quick buck, so make sure you stay with a reputable host who other people have trusted and left reviews on.
#5 - Only Bring What You Need
The home you’ll be renting will likely have security measures in place like an alarm and the standard door locks. Use common sense and proper judgment. Keep your valuables at home and be aware of your surroundings.
#6 - Prepare for the Unexpected
For an extra layer of protection, make sure to purchase a travel insurance policy to mitigate any unforeseen circumstances while staying at your vacation rental. Please note, not every travel insurance provider allows you to insure the rental property - so before purchasing a travel insurance policy, please be sure to confirm your non-refundable travel expenses will be covered. To insure your next vacation rental, visit Trawick International for your free travel insurance quote.
Founded in 1998, Trawick International is a full-service travel insurance provider specializing in protecting travelers of all types worldwide. We offer various travel insurance plans designed specifically by types of coverage, including comprehensive travel protection insurance, international travel medical insurance, visitor’s insurance, and international student insurance. Our company's mission is to deliver superior travel and medical insurance products that offer the best 24/7 emergency assistance services available. To become a Trawick International partner, call 888-301-9289 or email info@trawickinternational.com.
By
Administrator at 7 Oct 2020
Travel Is On The Uptick So Make Sure You Have The Right Coverage When Traveling
The travel industry has been one of the hardest-hit sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel incurred a significant decline to its annual performance because of numerous domestic and international travel restrictions implemented during the spring to curb the spread of COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic. As reported by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on April 14, 2020, only 87,534 travelers passed through TSA security checkpoints. On April 14, 2019, over 2.2 million passed through them. That is over 2.1 million fewer travelers. April 14th of this year saw the fewest travelers during the pandemic.
Over the past few months, TSA has seen a significant increase in travel. TSA Reported on September 4, 2020, that over 968 thousand travelers went through security checkpoints and on September 7, 2020, over 935 thousand travelers checked in at TSA security. These two days marked the first time since the pandemic occurred that the TSA has seen over 900 thousand travelers. These two days were the Friday and Monday of Labor Day weekend. Looking at the TSA checkpoint travel numbers for 2020 and 2019 indicates that far fewer travelers are embarking on trips, which is the bad news, but over the last few months, more and more travelers have started to travel.
With travel restrictions being eased for domestic and international trips, we should see a continued rise in travelers willing to fly. Travel destinations have started to offer an increase in vacation offerings and less strict COVID-19 travel regulations. For example, the Dominican Republic announced that it would no longer require tourists to present a negative COVID-10 test to enter the country. Mexico has announced that they are reopening the Mayan ruins to tourists for the first time since the pandemic began and many states across the nation continue to lift travel restrictions on interstate travel.
For travelers wanting to go on a vacation this fall season, we at Trawick International want to make sure that they are fully protected to travel and have the best possible travel coverage. That is why we offer different types of plans that cover COVID-19. Our policies will treat COVID-19 as any other sickness for all illness-related losses.
As an example, in the event you, your traveling companion or a non-traveling family member were to become ill before your departure date, our plans would provide reimbursement for the prepaid, non-refundable trip costs. If, while traveling, you or your traveling companion becomes sick, our plans would reimburse for the lost days of your trip, along with medical expenses incurred during your trip. Additionally, our plans would provide coverage in the event of an emergency evacuation or if repatriation of remains was needed.
We highly recommend purchasing Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. This benefit is available on our Safe Travels First Class and Safe Travels Voyager travel plans. With this benefit, you can cancel your trip for any reason and we will reimburse you up to 75% of your prepaid, non-refundable trip cost. Check out our COVID-19 FAQ Page for more information about how Trawick International travel insurance covers COVID-19.
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Administrator at 30 Sep 2020
As we celebrate the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, many travelers from Israel are wondering if they are allowed to visit the United States. At this time, there is no restriction for non-United States travelers to enter the country or to obtain travel insurance. This is great news for citizens of Israel who have family in the United States and want to visit them and celebrate the High Holidays as a family.
With the ongoing pandemic occurring in the United States and globally, travelers need to take additional precautions to protect themselves and their families when traveling. One protection that travelers should consider is purchasing travel medical insurance. Why should a traveler from Israel need to obtain travel medical insurance? The government of the United States does not provide healthcare for visitors from outside of the United States. It is essential to get travel medical insurance if your policy doesn’t cover you while you’re abroad or if your policy limits your coverage during the pandemic.
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we at Trawick International offer several plans for Citizens/Residents of Israel to choose from that provide coverage for COVID-19 related expenses. We treat COVID-19 the same as any other illness. Trawick International is one of the few travel medical insurance providers that offer this type of coverage. For your added peace of mind, we also provide a visa letter that states COVID-19 is covered as well.
We, at Trawick International, recognize how valuable it is for all family members to get together during the High Holidays and to make sure travelers above the age of 65 are eligible for travel medical insurance.
We offer three policies for travelers from outside the United States. Our Safe Travels USA and Safe Travels USA Cost Saver insurance plans provide primary medical coverage, which will take care of your covered medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgery, physician visits and prescriptions. Both cover Unexpected Recurrence of a Pre-existing Condition up to $1000. The Safe Travels USA Comprehensive plan offers Up to $1,000,000 in medical coverage. This plan also has coverage for Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition up to the maximum for most ages and up to $35,000 ages 70 and over. All three plans offer up to $100,000 of medical expense coverage for ages 70- 79 and $50,000 up to age 89.
Visit Trawick International for more information about our Inbound to the USA Travel Medical Insurance or to obtain your Travel Medical Insurance Quote.
By
Administrator at 23 Sep 2020
