You work hard for your vacation. Don’t take any chances when it comes to protecting it and ensuring that if something goes wrong, you have a plan of action and feel you are prepared. So what does this mean? Exactly how do you protect your vacation? We have three of the easiest ways you can do it right here. Hint: Being proactive is key! Read on, vacationers.
1. Plan ahead and do your research.
The very first thing you want to do when considering a vacation destination is to plan ahead and do some research. Read up on the area and get to know where you’re going. Are there any safety concerns? Places to avoid? Every vacation destination can have its appeal—but if you’re planning a family vacation, not every place is safe for kids. Take a little time to read up on where you’re going and note any areas of concern or places you may want to avoid. Then take the time to discuss these with your family to make sure everyone is aware of any issues and everyone is on the same page.
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2. Have a family safety plan.
You can’t foresee every possible scenario that could go wrong while on vacation, but it’s good to have the basics down just in case. Practice with your kids what they should do in an emergency. You can advise them to seek the help of another parent with children, stay put until someone finds them, or meet you at a specific spot. Whatever plan you put in place, go through it with your children a few times so they remember exactly what to do when panic sets in. It’s also good practice to wear noticeable clothing that is easy to spot in a crowd, such as bright colors and distinct patterns. Have a family discussion and act out different scenarios, so that if an emergency arises—you and your kids have a plan in place and know what to do.
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3. Consider travel insurance.
Unforeseen circumstances can squash your travel and vacation plans in an instant, leaving you on the hook financially. The right kind of travel insurance can help protect you and your vacation from these types of losses, while also giving you peace of mind.
Before you book your trip, check if the credit card you plan to use offers any travel insurance or assistance that might be useful to you. Then consider these four types of travel insurance that are generally offered and decide on the right combination for you and your family.
- Trip cancellation insurance – Reimburses you when certain circumstances prevent you from taking your trip.
- Baggage insurance or personal effects coverage – Provides coverage if your personal belongings are lost, stolen or damaged during the trip.
- Emergency medical assistance – Covers expenses related to medical crises, which can be very costly. Before purchasing this type of coverage, check with your own health insurance carrier to find out what type of coverage you have when traveling.
- Accidental death – Provides coverage in the event you or a family member dies during a trip. Depending on your life insurance plan or other financial provisions for your loved ones, this may be duplicate insurance.
There are many types of travel insurance options, so weigh your choices carefully and choose wisely depending on your destination and circumstances. You can read more about how to protect yourself and your vacation with travel insurance here.
What things do you to protect your precious vacation time with your family? We want to know!
