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What is the Dirtiest Item in Hotels? Thumbnail

What is the Dirtiest Item in Hotels?

Researchers from the University of Houston took bacteria samples from several items in 9 hotel rooms in three regions of the United States.  Not surprisingly  the toilet and bathroom sink recorded high levels of bacteria but you might not realize that the TV remote control and the light switch on the bedside lamp had bacteria contamination 2 to 10 times the levels acceptable at hospitals; however,  the highest levels of bacteria contamination were found in the maid’s floor mop and sponge.   That’s a problem because it means that bacteria are being carried from room to room without being sanitized.  You can read the full article online.

There are a lot of different ways to become ill while traveling.  If your current health insurance plan does not cover medical expenses while you are traveling, then contact us for an affordable travel health insurance quote.

Travel Tips for Children with Autism Thumbnail

Travel Tips for Children with Autism

The New York Times published an excellent travel article for parents of autistic kids.  A few travel tips to ease the stress of traveling on a plane are:

 Visit the airport ahead of time to familiarize your child. If possible, participate in a mock boarding experience. If none is available, call your local airport to see if they will allow you to show your child the ticketing counters, security lines and waiting areas in advance.

 Call the TSA Cares hot line — (1-855) 787-2227 — 72 hours before your flight to alert them that you might need assistance going through security.

 Call the airline ahead to alert them that you might need to board early or require additional assistance onboard. Read More »

Security Tips to Keep Safe On Your Next Trip Thumbnail

Security Tips to Keep Safe On Your Next Trip

Follow these simple security practices which can help keep you safe on your next international vacation:

  1. Vary your routes and times of arrival and departure to and from your hotel;
  2. Keep your rental vehicles locked and the windows rolled up at all times;
  3. Maintain a low profile; do not linger outside of supermarkets, restaurants or public spaces for too long;
  4. Be aware of what is around you;
  5. Be especially alert during times of entry and exit from a cab, store, restaurant and hotel;
  6. Always leave yourself an escape route when driving; do not allow yourself to be blocked in;

“Trust your instincts.  If a situation compels you to fear for your safety, your intuition is usually correct.”

Uncensored Safety Tips from a Nuclear Power Plant Operator Thumbnail

Uncensored Safety Tips from a Nuclear Power Plant Operator

Enjoy today’s featured article from our guest blogger who is also a client:

In my 20 years’ travel with the IAEA and nuclear power clients, I’ve had my share of “experience”; even my semi-diplomatic status with the UN does little to help.

Keeping yourself safe from passive pilferage is hard enough.  But, when traveling, whatever you do, don’t even consider accepting anything from, or doing anything involving, a stranger – wave-down taxi rides (not booked by the hotel), shell- and three-card monty games, “free” souvenirs, too-friendly locals (of either sex), shops with “deals of the century”, even thieves posing as police or government officials.   These are primarily in the “tourist areas” but not limited to by any means.   We Americans are friendly by nature and don’t want to be rude.  Without sounding too cynical, these folks gave up “politeness” and shame long ago, and are trying to survive in some very cruel places.  They are clever and motivated, and they understand your Western puppy-dog friendliness and how to use it against you.  Read More »

Plan for The Worst, Expect the Best Thumbnail

Plan for The Worst, Expect the Best

Even with our Roundtrip travel insurance and a well-prepared itinerary, you will eventually suffer a delayed or late flight, an airplane mechanical problem, inclement weather, traffic or a host many airport delay problems which will “ground” you. Here are a few tips that can help you with an unexpected trip interruption:

  • Plan for the worst – leave plenty of time to arrive at the airport as well as layovers for connecting flights
  • Print out all your important travel documents – don’t depend on internet connections to view your itinerary, download boarding passes, look up your airline reservation telephone number or a map to your hotel.
  • Charge all your electronics the night before in case you can’t find a convenient power outlet at the airport
  • Travel with stamps and use the time before or between a flight as an opportunity to write a postcard or letter
  • Include a change of clothes, toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry-on.
  • If your flight is going to be delayed for more than three hours, call the 24 hour telephone number on your Roundtrip ID card for live assistance to help you rebook flights, reserve a hotel room for the evening and manage the rest of your itinerary

When I travel, I plan for the worst and expect the best. These tips have helped me when the unexpected happen. Please feel free to share your own tips.

Happy Travels.