The Travellers Warehouse

In today’s internet world the traveler has a virtual smorgasbord when it comes to booking travel. Travelers have a variety of ways to secure tickets more cheaply. The airlines, cruise lines, car rental companies and hotels all have lower on line fares, and then there are independent websites like Expedia that can offer some trips even cheaper. The travel shopper has a lot of choices.

However, there are times when it is better to use a travel agent even though it might be more costly. A lot of agents today work on line, but there is nothing like talking to a real live person when booking a complicated trip. They can answer all your questions, and they will look for the best deals. For example if I am going to visit family or friends in Denver I might book my reservation on line, but what if I want to book a three week vacation to Las Vegas or Paris. For example, Paris City Sightseeing Tours if you don’t know where to get them. You might need to talk to an agent to get the best deal. It is also probably better to book a cruise through an agent because they know the best cruise ship lines, and can get you the right accommodations, however you can save money by looking on line at cruisedirect.com.

A good agent will go the extra mile to find the best deal, and a lot of agents have contracts with consolidators who do not have their agendas posted publicly. A travel agent will have surcharges for such services, but it might save the traveler money in the long run.

Some airlines sell only through travel agents. Cathay Pacific and Malaysia Airlines are two carriers who sell air passes through travel agents. Also, if the traveler has special needs it is good to work with an agent. Senior citizens who might be traveling to Thailand to get a cheaper medical procedure should consider working with a real live agent.

Working with an agent can also save a lot of time for travelers who are taking a luxury cruise, or being brave enough to go on a safari.

If someone is going on a world tour or an extended vacation an agent can arrange a complete itinerary. They will know whether a hotel has a shuttle service that goes to downtown Paris, or if you have to us the Paris Metro. I was fortunate enough to be meeting up with a friend in Japan who understood how to get around. Getting from the Tokyo airport to a hotel can be a major undertaking. That type of information may not be available on a website. I had a friend in Japan, but an agent would certainly have been the next best selection.

An agent can also help you get a visa if necessary. This is real important in today’s world. Americans are not particularly liked in some parts of the world. An agent can be a big help for the person traveling to “difficult” countries like Russia or China. They will work out a deal where a single payment can be made instead of paying for the trip as you go.

A travel agent will be needed if you are traveling to a remote or unfrequented destination. More than likely they will try to book a charter package. Charter packages can end up being cheaper because hotels and airport transfers are included in the price. If a flight has been canceled, and you find yourself stranded call your agent immediately and they will help book the next available flight for you.

Because of the competition in the travel industry travel agents will do their very best to give good service. That is a rare commodity these days.

Technorati Tags: use a travel agent, travel agents

In 2005 I went to Australia and back with intermediate stops in Hawaii. It was a wonderful trip with 6 days in Hawaii and several days in the Brisbane area of Australia. The fireworks really started when I got back and had to call my heart specialist to schedule an appointment I just casually mentioned that I had just come home from Australia. There was immediate alarm on the other end of the line. “Come in right away,” she said. I answered, “I am very busy here at work. Can’t I come in tomorrow?” “No, she commanded, “come in right now!” So, I cleaned up my desk and headed down to the clinic to be examined for blood clots. The condition my cardiologist was concerned about is known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), and all travelers need to be educated about it. The condition can cause a heart attack or a stroke.

I remember the days when airline passengers could get up and move about the cabin. Not anymore! 911 changed all that. Today only one passenger at a time can be outside the lavatory, and other than that they are relegated to their seats during the entire flight. Being able to move around a bit is certainly a more healthy way to do things. Since the airline passengers of today must remain in their seats for an entire trip it is a good idea to bend over and massage the legs once in a while. There are exercises one can do sitting down. Whenever I get up to go to the bathroom I take a few extra minutes and do stretch exercises. This may assist in better blood circulation.

What a lot of people do not know is that Deep Vein Thrombosis can occur on a short flight as well as a very long one. If someone has any kind of questionable heart condition they need to be careful. Experts say that individuals who are at greater risk are older people and those who are overweight. Other factors that figure in the DVT equation may be smoking, recent surgery, trauma to the legs, varicose veins, pregnancy, and a history of cancer. Genetic dispositions could also play a significant role. If a person has any of these conditions they should check with their doctors prior to taking a long trip. The doctor will probably subscribe medication to take along. They might also suggest taking along special compression stockings. If the condition is serious enough affected travelers should talk with their physicians even if the trip is short one. Another thing people need to know about DVD is that cabin air pressure changes can contribute to the condition.

What are some things a traveler can do to keep from having a DVT episode? The High Compression Socks have already been suggested. However, there are some other things that a traveler can do to help themselves. One is to simply drink a lot of water and limiting alcohol intake. I always carry one or two bottles on the plane with me. I also arrive at the airport early so I can walk around a lot before boarding the plane.

Deep Vein Thrombosis can also be found among those who travel by train or automobile. At least on a train a person can get up and move around. Travel by car allows an individual to make periodic exercise stops when appropriate. The traveler has a little more freedom.

The condition may not occur on the trip itself, but could show up a few days later. If a person is at risk they should check in with their doctor upon returning home. My doctor was right!

Following are some conditions that might contribute to DVT. Most of the time passengers are fine, but this is good information to have in stashed in your travel portfolio.

• Travel for more than 3 hours in the four weeks before and after surgery
• A personal or family history of DVT
• Active cancer or cancer treatment
• Recent surgery or leg surgery
• Existing clotting abnormality
• Obesity (BMI of above 30)
• Chronic or acute medical illnesses
• Hormones or the oral contraceptive pill
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Varicose veins
• Pregnancy or 2 months post-partum
• Existing Cardiac problems or a history of cardiac problems or stroke
• Dehydration
• Severe infection
• Aged over 60

Technorati Tags: blood clots, Deep Vein Thrombosis

I remember the time that a group of my friends and I were traveling in Europe when one of the troop fell and hurt themselves. We were in Holland, and while they had very good hospitals and medical facilities there this individual would have been in a very difficult situation if he had not had some type of travel insurance. He made sure that prior to leaving he was covered in the event of any mishap or illness that might happen.

Travel is supposed to fun and enjoyable, however in today’s world it pays make sure that there is something to back you up in case of an emergency. Some people call it “peace of mind” while others call it travel insurance.

All kinds of things can crop up—such as my friend’s unexpected medical emergency or less serious things like lost baggage or travel delays. In our complex world the traveler needs to think about serious political problems that may occur especially when traveling to the Middle East, South America, some parts of Africa and Asia. In some cases no amount of travel insurance is going to make a difference, but it is still good to be prepared.

Travel insurance is supposed to provide protection for the traveler from the time they leave home until they return. A lot of other types of insurance do not have clauses in the policies that cover travel. Some companies may include provisions for medical emergencies at an additional cost. Prior to embarking on a trip one should check with their insurance company to see if they have any travel coverage. Don’t just assume that you have coverage.

Good travel insurance policies will cover financial as well as medical expenses either domestically or internationally. If you use a travel agent to book a trip they usually have pretty good information about travel insurance and you can purchase the insurance directly from the agent, cruise line or tour company. Travel insurance needs to be purchased through an insurance company directly if an agent or other travel company is not used to secure the coverage.

The most common risks that are covered by travel insurance are:

• Cancellation
• Curtailment
• Delayed departure
• Loss, theft or damage to personal possessions and money (including travel documents)
• Delayed baggage (and emergency replacement of essential items)
• Medical expenses
• Emergency evacuation/repatriation
• Overseas funeral expenses
• Accidental death, injury or disablement benefit
• Legal assistance
• Personal liability and rental car damage excess

Some companies carry coverage where additional costs may be forthcoming while others do not.

Separate insurance can be purchased for:

• high risk sports (e.g. skiing, scuba-diving)
• travel to high risk countries (e.g. due to war or natural disasters or acts of terrorism)
• pre-existing medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes)

Most companies may exclude certain conditions or situations. A few of them are listed below. Check and see what is not covered in the policy. Take time to read the fine print.

• pre-existing medical conditions
• war or terrorism – but some plans may cover this risk
• pregnancy related expenses
• injury or illness caused by alcohol or drug use

Travel insurance may provide other services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These services may include concierge services and emergency travel assistance. The best place to start looking for travel insurance is by looking at an existing health policy which may cover expenses for domestic travel emergencies. The insurance carrier may cover an international trip for an additional cost. If they cannot do it the agent may know where and how it can be purchased. For business travel the company you work for might already have coverage for you, or know where good insurance can be bought, and they will probably help to defray the costs. Talk with friends who have done a lot of traveling. The may or may not have some good information. I traveled for years without travel insurance and had a few close calls. Today, I would probably look into some type of travel insurance prior to any extended trip.

Technorati Tags: Travel insurance, Good travel insurance policies