Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Terrorism Be Careful When Traveling

Terrorism is a challenge of the twenty first century and not only governments but even corporate groups and aid organizations are constantly facing its threat in different parts of the world. Terrorism was not considered as part of the travel insurance plans even for international travelers until recently when westerners became the main targets of the terrorists in other countries. Even harmless tourists and travelers carry risks of being attacked or getting subjected to terrorist hijacking in many countries of the world. These attacks are not randomly made or accidentally carried out. Sometimes, these attacks can be carefully planned and targeted only for certain groups of people. These groups of people can be ordinary citizens from western countries who are traveling across to other regions for merely travel and tourism activities.The increase in terrorist attacks on westerns in other countries of Asia and Africa has brought in the need for introducing holiday insurance that cover suck kinds of attacks as well. The travel insurance companies have introduced holiday insurance plans that also cover insurance from terrorist attacks. But the terrorist attacks also need to be clarified. The travel insurance from terrorist attacks has not yet been standardized by insurance companies around the world. There is still a need for proper definition and procedures involved in insuring people against terrorist attacks. For this reason, such types of insurance services and products are offered, but they are not standardized like other type of insurance coverage packages. In fact, the insurance against terrorist attacks vary from company to company and sometimes, even from one individual to another individual. The travel insurance companies do not issue insurance services to people who travel to countries where the State Department or the Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a terrorist threat.Even in countries that are conflict prone and not necessarily posing threats from terrorists, the travel insurance companies make a special note of them and state to the insured people that their insurance becomes ineffective if they move to such areas. If there is still a need to travel to conflict-prone areas, either for the purpose of carrying out some research or even for providing aid services, there are different insurance coverage packages and the insurance companies issue them under certain exclusive agreements.Insurance companies also do not cover for every type of terrorist attack. The terrorist attacks can vary from place to place and even from one type to another. There could be random bullet shots or huge bombings and even sometimes, it could be hijacking. The insurance companies provide definitions and clear instructions on each of these attacks and make sure that the insured people take enough precautions before coming under such threats. The insured travelers need to take extra precautions even if they have been insured by the insurance company under specific forms of terrorist attacks. The insurance companies do not provide insurance coverage to people who do not follow the regular travel advisory issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the country.



If you are going on holiday make sure you have Travel Insurance also know as Holiday Insurance because you never know what might happen!


Friday, September 25, 2009

7 Secrets To Travel Safe On Your Next Vacation

You've got the plane ticket, the hotel reservation, the itinerary. But have you given any thought or taken any steps to protect your health and safety? The worst thing that can happen is that you spend your vacation in a hospital or bring home a weird, exotic virus that has you bedridden for weeks.You also want to avoid theft, mugging, or worst, terrorist attacks. Your resort may call itself an "island paradise" but let's not be nave and assume everyone is as friendly as they look in the brochures. Be smart. Prepare, make informed decisions, especially if you're traveling with your family. This vacation is supposed to be funand you can do your part by preventing most disasters.1. Check Travel AdvisoriesYour embassy will list places that they recommend "caution" or right-out tell you to stay away from altogether. This could be because of a tense political situation, or a low level of security in underdeveloped areas. But also take advisories with some degree of salt. You can safely assume that the capitals and major cities of a country will be more tourist friendly, since governments would've probably taken great efforts to develop them. The exception, of course, are countries going through civil warin which case, read the international newspapers (or the web-version of their local English paper) to see how bad it really is.2. Get VaccinatedSome viruses that are relatively rare in your country may proliferate in the climate of anotherand you don't have the natural antibodies to fight them. Get the full range of vaccines (your embassy website will also recommend which ones you really need, depending on here you want to go).3. Bring Medicines and Prescriptions Ask your doctor for two copies of your prescriptions (carry one in your wallet, and leave one in your luggage). Also bring enough anti histamines (for allergies) or any maintenance vitamins or medications. Asthmatics should carry have a nebulizerespecially since attacks can be triggered by change in climate or physical exertion (you never know how much walking you'll be doing during the tour).4. Never Flaunt Your ValuablesWearing your Rolex or flashing large amounts of money practically screams "Rob me!" to the pickpockets. Keep small bills and change in your belt bag for easy access (these are for entrance fees, cab fares, snacks). Keep larger bills in a zippered pocket. To be very safe, divide the money and distribute it among several pocketsat least, even if you do get robbed, you still have something left.Another tip: bring only what you need for that day and leave the rest in the hotel safety deposit box. 5. Travel in GroupsThis is unfamiliar land, and you may not even speak the local language. So stick together (at least divide into pairs), especially at night. 6. Ask the Hotel Receptionist/Travel Agent Which Places to AvoidBefore exploring the area, get a list of places known for its crime rate, or streets that tend to get dark after a particular hour. Identify the areas on a map and avoid accordingly.7. Tell the Hotel Receptionist Where You Are Going This is very important if you are going skiing, hiking, or participating in any activity where there is a risk of getting lost or injured. Name how many people will be in your party and what time they can expect you. Then, they can alert authorities if you have not returned.