I traveled quite a bit this fall. Several unique opportunities presented themselves to me – truly, a treasure trove of onsite learning.
Being the fall season, hurricane season, I found myself “stuck” in Miami due to a canceled flight. The line to collect a hotel voucher and rebook was hours long. I walked right by it. Why? I was able to do so for 2 reasons. First, I purchased travel insurance. Second, because I’m a travel advisor and even if I were a member of the public working with a travel advisor, I knew that my advisor (in this case, myself) would be working to find accommodations and an alternative flight home.
Travel insurance is so key to low-stress travel. Packing, getting to the airport, through security and to the gate is stressful enough. No one needs the added stress of what to do in case any of these many moving parts stops working. As the travel advisor (part of #2) I knew where to look for a hotel and an alternative flight. As the traveler (part of #1) I knew that my insurance would pay for food, transportation to a hotel, the hotel cost, and any difference in airfare. I wouldn’t need to pay for these, so I wasn’t concerned. I should mention that I didn’t choose the grandest restaurant nor take a limo to a fancy hotel. I did everything in the way I normally would if I were to pay for them. I wasn’t out to get more out of a disappointing situation that was an act of God. I just made the best of it and was grateful that I purchased insurance.
When I returned, I contacted the insurance company, filled out a form, submitted my receipts and awaited my check. I will say that it was important that I read my coverage to know that these items are all covered under the trip interruption segment of the insurance. The final word about coverage is always up to the insurance company’s discretion but I knew, in my case, these would be covered.
I hope you’ll always choose to work with a travel advisor and always purchase travel insurance. It’s the best way to reduce stress when traveling!
