When flying be sure to check in on time and leave at least ninety minutes for domestic travel and at least two hours if traveling internationally. If possible, try to take nonstop flights or flights that leave early in the morning. This can make it less likely for you to miss your flight. If you miss your flight because of delays going through security, the airlines are not obligated to put you on another flight.

It is a simple precaution, but it just does not occur to everybody. If you are flying for a cruise, a wedding or another event that you cannot miss, arrive a day earlier than you need to; that way in case of flight delays, you can still be where you need to be. Most cruise lines try to accommodate you by allowing you to board at a future point of call if this happens but the problem may be changing your airline tickets without having to pay extra money to do so.

One of the most effective steps you can take to help deal with potential flight delays is to pack efficiently. Your carry on bag should contain everything you need in case your checked bag is lost or delayed. These important items are your passport, plane ticket, toiletries, prescriptions and medication and a change of clothes. To minimize the chances of your checked luggage going astray, make sure it is clearly labeled with your name and address both inside and outside, in the event of the outside label coming off.

Everybody who travels overseas should have adequate travel insurance and you may already have coverage through your credit card company. You may not need extra medical travel insurance if you already have medical insurance. It just depends on the policy. If you are going to be traveling overseas, especially for a long period of time, the first thing you should do is to check your current medical insurance to see if you are covered while traveling abroad. Check to make sure that your policy covers any pre-existing medical condition.

Trip cancellation insurance covers any costs incurred from your trip being canceled, by either yourself or your airline or cruise line, including cancellations caused by weather delays, bankruptcy and strikes or labor disputes. If you are planning to take part in certain risky or dangerous sports or activities, such as skiing, diving or mountaineering, you may need to increase the coverage and cost of your travel insurance.

Perhaps the worst travel emergency is the need to fly back home early in the event of a family member falling ill. If this happens to you, explain the situation to your airline and they are empowered to work with you and come up with a solution that not only gets you back home, but also without costing too much. Many airlines have special fares called emergency or compassion fares.

Another option you have is to take out travel insurance that covers the cost of emergency air transportation. This is sometimes known as an air ambulance. If you are so sick that you need to get to a hospital or specialized facility, the insurance may cover the cost of transport. Without emergency evacuation insurance, the cost of paying for it yourself is high and the typical evacuation can cost over $50,000. Some policies also cover the cost of flying family members out to be with you.

Having your passport stolen or lost while traveling overseas can be stressful. Prepare for this by having a photocopy of your passport along with the page with your photo and details on it. You should keep these in a separate location from your passport. You still have to go to the closest US consulate, but it can speed things up. It is also a good idea to keep photocopies of your driving license, plane ticket and any other travel documents.

If your wallet or purse is lost or stolen while traveling, you should notify your bank and credit card companies as soon as possible. Before your trip, you should write the phone numbers of your bank and Credit Card Company so you can call them immediately if a problem occurs. If you lose your copy of an electronic plane ticket, it should be replaced at no charge.

Hopefully you never have to experience a travel emergency, but if it happens to you, it is always good to be prepared.

Author: Lisa Parker

About the Author:

Lisa Parker is a freelance writer who writes about topics and tips involving the travel industry and vacation deals, often discussing specific subjects such as hotels and cheap flights.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Planning for the Unplanned: Steps to Prepare for Travel Emergencies

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1. Have a valid passport and all visas required for your trip. Make two copies of your passport. Keep one in a separate part of your travel luggage and the other leave with someone at home.

2. Be aware of any travel warnings for the country you are visiting. Find out about security and safety conditions in your destination.

3. Secure travel insurance!

4. Ensure you have been vaccinated against any infectious diseases prominent in the area you will be traveling to.

5. To make sure you can be contacted in case of an emergency, make a copy of your itinerary and leave it with someone at home.

6. Travel light and don’t pack valuables that you wouldn’t want to lose. Leave your jewelry at home but take an extra pair of glasses if you can’t live without them.

7. Remember you are a foreigner when you travel. You are a guest in their country and therefore should abide by their laws, and to a certain extent, their customs. For example, if you are a female traveling in an Islamic state, be considerate of your dress.

8. Try not to bring too much attention to yourself when travelling. Don’t go out looking like a tourist with a flashy camera and expensive clothes. Try to blend into the scenery.

9. Travel in a group where possible and in well known areas. There will be times you want to get off the tourist track, so make sure you always have a traveling companion with you.

10. Only carry small amounts of cash on you. Your credit card and travellers checks will pay for most things.

11. Watch out for pickpockets! Wear a money belt and keep your purse/wallet in the front of your body. Report any loss or theft immediately to the local authorities.

12. Don’t leave your luggage unattended. Apart from having it stolen or items from it taken, you could also become an unsuspecting drug courier.

13. If traveling with a partner, pack half your clothes in their luggage and vice versa. This way if one of you loses your luggage, you will still have some clothes.

14. Lock your luggage and label everything.

15. Lock your hotel room. Keep money and valuables with you, not left unattended in your room.

16. When using public transport be aware of possible theft. If you are travelling overnight, secure your luggage and sleep on top of it if possible. It is not uncommon for tourists to be drugged while on trains and buses so don’t accept gifts of food or drink from strangers on public transport.

If at any time you feel unsafe, whether it is on the streets or in your accommodation, get out. Follow your instincts. Stay safe when you travel by being aware of the dangers and obeying the laws of the country you are visiting.

This article is brought to you by: Stuart S. Travel – Your Online Travel Guru

www.stuartstravel.com

About the Author:

Stuart S. Travel / Your All World Online Travel Guru:
Sherry Hardesty has been a professional flight attendant for over 15 years. Her experience is extensive and she provides professional travel consulting and booking services at http://www.stuartstravel.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Safety Tips for Budget Travelers in Foreign Countries

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