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.

Sardines Have More Legroom

Travel reporter Hugo Martin talks about airline seats with Jan Breuckner, a UC Irvine economics professor who has studied airlines, and Barry Biffle, chief marketing officer of Spirit Airlines.

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

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.”

Planning a Vacation? Consider Flying On These Days

Purchase Travel Medical Insurance

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 »

6 Frequently Asked Questions from US Travelers

Q: Why should I be concerned about medical coverage abroad?

• The Social Security Medicare Program does not provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the United States.
• Many health insurance plans do not provide coverage overseas. Those that provide “customary and reasonable” hospital costs abroad may not pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States which can cost $10,000.00 and up depending on your location and medical condition.
• Many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service.
• Uninsured patients may be refused service.
• Countries with socialized medicine may not provide full services to non-residents.
• Payment of hospital and other expenses abroad is the responsibility of the traveler.
• Some countries require tourists to carry accident or travel insurance. Check the Country Specific Information for the countries you plan to visit for detailed information.

Q: What questions should I ask my health insurance company? Read More »

Requirements for US Citizens Entering Cuba

Cuba might be the most exotic destination in the Western Hemisphere.  Recently it has become easier to obtain a visa and travel to Cuba; however, the US State Department lists the following requirements that the Cuban government requires of US Citizens:

1. Valid US passport

2. Cuban Entry Visa – the US State Department advises you obtain it in advance

3.  non-US travel medical insurance policy Read More »

There Are Only Four CT Scanners in Haiti… and Other Things I’ve Learned at My Job

Like most of you, I’m not an insurance expert. As the marketing gal for Insurance Services of America I communicate who we are and what we have to offer, but I’m not an insurance agent.

Unlike most of you, I sit amongst very smart insurance experts who explain how insurance works every day. They’ve taught me–and I’ve overheard–some interesting and helpful things you might like to know too. So what are these nuggets of wisdom? Here are three:

1) There are only four CT scanners in Haiti.
Many of our clients travel to help impoverished people around the world, Haiti being one of the most popular destinations. The work being done in this country is priceless: building homes, administering medicine, feeding the hungry, and more. It is amazing to learn about the generosity of our clients.

A few months ago, one such client shared a story about his air evacuation from Haiti to Florida. Read More »

Atlantic Hurricane Season – Countdown

Hurricane season in the Atlantic runs from June 1, 2012 to November 30, 2012. Since no one likes the flooding, destruction, delays and worse caused by hurricanes, let’s count down to something good…to the end of the season!

Hurricane Resources and Facts:

• Wikipedia: 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season
• American Red Cross Hurricane App
• The Weather Channel Hurricane Tracker
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
  
• Make your own countdown clock: timeanddate.com
• Trip cancellation insurance—buy before the next hurricane develops!