Will you be traveling abroad anytime soon? Safety remains a major priority for international travelers, and taking a few simple precautions can mean not only enjoying a safer trip, but also having some peace of mind while you’re out and about exploring new locations and meeting fascinating new people from different walks of life.
Recent attacks in Nice, Orlando, and Paris have had at least one thing in common: crowds. Always be attentive of your surroundings, stay away from venues where there are few security measures, and consider having a plan should something unforeseen happen.
Before heading off to your international destination, check the U.S. State Department to see whether there are any travel alerts that have been issued. You may also wish to check out the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the area you’re planning to travel to see if any security updates have been issued. Registering for the U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is also a good idea as this will allow an embassy to contact you should an emergency arise.
The State Department recommends that you travel with health insurance coverage to cover theft, loss, or trip cancellation. Many foreign healthcare providers require cash payments and an emergency medical evacuation can cost upwards of $100,000 in some cases.
This update is provided by travel insurance provider Trawick International. Some of our travel insurance plans include international and domestic inbound and outbound travel insurance, missionary travel insurance, trip protection and cancellation, visitor insurance, and Schengen Visa. Call 877-233-4591 for more information.
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Administrator at 28 Jul 2016
If you’re responsible for taking care of a senior citizen, you don’t necessarily need to put your summer travel plans on hold to take care of them. As a caregiver, making a couple of small adjustments to your travel plans and doing a little bit of extra planning can result in an enjoyable experience for you and the person you’re responsible for.
Before heading off to your destination, make sure that you have a list of the person’s medications and the schedule, including those that may need to be taken only when necessary. Also make sure that you have the proper refrigeration and storage should it be required.
Proper nutrition is essential, especially during the summer when the temperatures can become much hotter. Make sure to bring along the person’s favorite snacks and food and plenty of fluids to ensure they remain hydrated.
For clothing you may wish to stick with items that are comfortable, loose fitting and can be easily washed. Sweaters, jackets, and comfy shoes are also essential. If the person you’re traveling with has trouble with their memory, make sure they always have identification on them.
To avoid the possibility of a blood clot, encourage the person to wiggle their feet and legs during long plane rides. Bringing along walkers may also be an option. Books, playing cards, music, or other activities are also good to reduce restlessness and keep the person’s mind stimulated.
This update is provided by travel insurance provider Trawick International. Some of our travel insurance plans include international and domestic inbound and outbound travel insurance, missionary travel insurance, trip protection and cancellation, visitor insurance, and Schengen Visa. Call 877-233-4591 for more information.
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Administrator at 26 Jul 2016
After this month’s attacks in Nice on Bastille Day and November’s Paris attacks, the travel community responded quickly: major cruise lines decided not to stop in France and the country’s state of emergency was extended an additional three months. With the concerns about your personal safety, how does this affect any imminent travel plans to France?
Despite the France attacks, terrorism is still a negligible, unpredictable risk. Per a 2011 report released a few years ago by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the average American has just about the same odds of being crushed by their own furniture as they do of being a victim of terrorism.
France remains the leading tourism destination in the world, welcoming over 80 million tourists last year seeking to admire the artwork at the Louvre to the country’s incredible wineries. While this year has seen tourism slow down, the reasons aren’t entirely due to terrorism. Fuel shortages in May plus last month’s flooding were also reasons.
Per research from the World Travel & Tourism Council, its takes just over twelve months for tourism numbers to return to their previous levels. This may seem like a prolonged period of time, yet it’s much shorter than factors like political unrest or an environmental disaster. Terrorism has the least impact on the number of visitors and recovery time. The city of Paris has also largely reaffirmed its place as a destination.
Whether you decide to travel to France or another country, always remain aware of your surroundings, especially at major events such as sports or concerts or any areas where large crowds may gather.
This update is provided by travel insurance provider Trawick International. Some of our travel insurance plans include international and domestic inbound and outbound travel insurance, missionary travel insurance, trip protection and cancellation, visitor insurance, and Schengen Visa. Call 877-233-4591 for more information.
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Administrator at 19 Jul 2016
The Schengen Visa is a document issued by the appropriate authorities to those seeking to visit or travel within the Schengen Area. We at Trawick International would like to take a moment to explain a little more what it’s about and who needs it.
The Schengen Area consists of over twenty countries that have mutually agreed to allow their citizens to move freely within this area as though it were a single country. Four of the countries belong to the EFTA while the other 22 are part of the European Union. Most European countries are covered as part of the Schengen Area except for the United Kingdom and other countries like Romania, Ireland, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Cyprus, all of which will soon become part of the Schengen Area.
If you are a citizen of a country that is considered a non-Schengen member, you may be required to have a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen Area or Zone. Travelers from the United States that are citizens do not need a visa as long as their stay does not exceed ninety days within a six month period.
To be approved for a Schengen Travel Visa you must meet minimal insurance requirements. Trawick International offers travel insurance plans that meet and exceed Schengen Travel Visa insurance requirements as well as provide the needed benefits and world-wide assistance while you are away from your home country.
If you would like additional information on the Schengen Travel Visa visit the following link: https://www.trawickinternational.com/travel-insurance-plans/schengen-travel-visa.
This is update brought to you by travel insurance provider Trawick International. Some of our travel insurance plans include international inbound and outbound travel insurance, and coverage for domestic travel within the USA, missionary travel insurance, trip protection and cancellation, visitor insurance, and meets Schengen Visa requirements. Call 877-233-4591 for more information.
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Administrator at 13 Jul 2016
There has been a tremendous amount of progress when it comes to digital protection as mobile devices reduce the need to rely on public computers in hotels when traveling abroad. However, it’s just as important to remember basic security measures when you’re traveling. Thanks to complimentary Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a savvy hacker can still get into your mobile, potentially stealing important information like your bank details.
Always remember that your phone is just susceptible to having information stolen as your laptop computer. One of the easiest steps you can take to improve your phone’s cyber security is by enabling its security features, whether that’s the increasingly common fingerprint reader or just setting up an unlock password or pattern.
Most banks and websites like Google provide two-factor authentication which provides an additional layer of security. Instead of just requiring a password, two-factor authentication also requires something that is only available to you. It may require an additional step when logging in, but it can be a lifesaver if someone is able to guess your password.
Be wary of what you do on your phone or computer when using open Wi-Fi networks that don’t require a password and stay away from accessing sensitive information unless it’s absolutely necessary. Scammers will set up free networks that sound legit but are designed to steal your information. If you’re in a cafe or staying at a hotel, make sure to ask what the steps are to connect if they aren’t already provided.
This update is provided by travel insurance provider Trawick International. Some of our travel insurance plans include international and domestic inbound and outbound travel insurance, missionary travel insurance, trip protection and cancellation, visitor insurance, and Schengen Visa. Call 877-233-4591 for more information.
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Administrator at 11 Jul 2016
