You have booked and paid for your vacation that you planned for over a year. You are packing and know that nothing can go wrong. But things do happen more often than you realize. Flights are delayed because of weather or mechanical issues. Luggage is delayed or lost. A family member becomes ill and has to be hospitalized. There is a hurricane in the Caribbean. We read about these incidents every day. And the online forums are filled with the stories of people who did not buy travel insurance that would have protected them.

More travelers than ever are taking the extra step to make sure they are covered for costly issues before and during their vacation – by purchasing travel insurance, also known as travel protection. Planning a beach vacation should be an exciting time – not one filled with worry and stress. To help make sure you have a smooth journey, we have put together some essential tips to help you get the most out of your travel insurance.

Travel Insurance: What It Is and What It is Not

Travel insurance is not a substitute for major medical insurance. It covers emergency medical expenses you may incur while traveling, such as hospital stays and doctor visits.

Travel insurance will reimburse you for some or all expenses when you must cancel or interrupt a trip for certain reasons. Called “covered reasons” by the insurers, these include reasons such as a serious illness, accident, or death of you, or a traveling companion, or loved one.

Most policies cover you if you are called to jury duty. Many will reimburse a part of the costs for missing luggage or lengthy travel delays. Some have cancellation clauses for work related issues. 

Many policies have added benefits like an 800 number or concierge to help with issues like lost passports or documents or help in locating clinics or pharmacies. There are some policies with apps where you can file claims immediately on your phone. 

Tip: Always pay by credit card, not debit card, as it improves your chance of getting your money back.

Protect Yourself

When people think of Travel Insurance, they think about coverage for a medical emergency. This is just one benefit and especially important one. Here are a few examples of unexpected medical expenses while on vacation.

We had a family member on a cruise who became ill, but not seriously. The cost for simple tests and medications onboard medical services was over $2000.

Recently a woman became ill on vacation and needed fluids administered. The cost was $1600.

The cost to be medically evacuated can be $20,000 to over $100,000 depending upon the distance and mode of transportation. 

In most cases, a person will pay out of pocket for any medical services (even on a cruise ship). Their personal health insurance may or may not reimburse them. Or the service can be considered “out of network” in which case only a portion of the cost is reimbursed. 

A travel insurance policy can cover the out-of-pocket costs for these situations.

Seniors Take Note!! You Need Travel Insurance

Medicare does NOT cover most foreign medical expenses. Seniors should always buy travel protection that will cover them for medical emergencies when outside of the U.S. Also, look for policies that will cover those extremely expensive medical evacuations should it become necessary.

Some foreign hospitals will not treat you without an upfront payment. There are travel insurance policies that will cover this and pay the hospital directly.

Do You Have a Pre-existing Condition?

Are you planning a trip and have a pre-existing medical condition? If you are taking blood pressure medication or a cholesterol lowering drug, that can be considered a pre-existing condition. Don’t let that stop you from traveling! Many travel insurance policies offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, but you will need to buy the insurance within a certain period after booking your trip. It is usually within 2 to 3 weeks of paying the initial deposit for your trip. With the right policy, you can travel with peace of mind and enjoy your vacation with confidence!

We can help you find the plan that is right for you.

Protection Against Terrorist Action

Are you planning a trip soon? While many travel insurance policies don’t include automatic coverage for terrorism, you can easily add it on for extra peace of mind. Let us help you get the protection you need, so you can relax and enjoy your trip.

Beware: Your Credit Card Coverage May Not Cover You

Many people assume the coverage from their credit card will take care of them. And sometimes it does. Other times, it might not provide the coverage you need. People often find that their credit card travel insurance was not enough to cover expenses. Take the time to read through the details and make sure you know what is and isn’t covered. You don’t want to be left without the protection you need!

Want To Cancel for Any Reason?

These plans exist. Insurance that lets you Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) typically needs to be paid within the first week or two after reservations are deposited. These policies tend to be expensive and often only cover only a percentage of your costs. If you want it, ask for a quote before you put down your initial deposit for your trip.

Should You Buy from the Cruise Line or Airline?

It is easier to buy travel protection from your cruise line, airline, etc. and they sometimes offer more than a travel insurance plan. However, it can be more costly. We are more than happy to provide you with a quote from one of our trusted providers so that you can compare this to the coverage offered by a cruise line, airline, or tour group. 

If a supplier provides the insurance, but then goes bankrupt, will you still have coverage? Will you have help getting home? Many travelers were left stranded when Crystal Cruises suddenly abandoned operations due to financial default. Some travelers were left to find their own way home.

To protect against this, look for policies that cover “financial default of supplier.” We do recommend insurance through the cruise lines at times, but only those we trust with a solid financial record. For many people, buying through a third party is the best choice.

Our Best Tip: Do you travel more than twice a year?

Buy a plan that covers you all year long. This is what we do. An annual plan that covers all your trips can be a great way to save money and reduce stress when it comes to traveling. They are surprisingly cost-effective, and you must only purchase it once a year. It covers all the trips you take in that year, including those within 100-200 miles from your home. 

We highly recommend this approach, as we often find that buying an annual multi-trip plan is cheaper than buying a single trip plan from a travel supplier. Of course, we work with only the most reliable and trustworthy insurance providers to ensure you get the best value for your money.

Learn more about the ins and outs of travel insurance in this excellent Washington Post article.

The post Why You Need Travel Insurance: 2026 Edition appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

More travelers than ever are taking the extra step to make sure they are covered for costly issues before and during their vacation – by purchasing travel insurance, also known as travel protection. Planning a beach vacation should be an exciting time – not one filled with worry and stress. To help make sure you have a smooth journey, we have put together some essential tips to help you get the most out of your travel insurance.

Travel Insurance: What It Is and What It is Not

Travel insurance is not a substitute for major medical insurance. It covers emergency medical expenses you may incur while traveling, such as hospital stays and doctor visits.

Travel insurance will reimburse you for some or all expenses when you must cancel or interrupt a trip for certain reasons. Called “covered reasons” by the insurers, these include reasons such as a serious illness, accident, or death of you, or a traveling companion, or loved one.

Most policies cover you if you are called to jury duty. Many will reimburse a part of the costs for missing luggage or lengthy travel delays. Some have cancellation clauses for work related issues. 

Many policies have added benefits like an 800 number or concierge to help with issues like lost passports or documents or help in locating clinics or pharmacies. There are some policies with apps where you can file claims immediately on your phone. 

Tip: Always pay by credit card, not debit card, as it improves your chance of getting your money back.

Protect Yourself Against This

When people think of Travel Insurance, they think about coverage for a medical emergency. This is just one benefit and especially important one. Here are a few examples of unexpected medical expenses while on vacation.

We had a family member on a cruise who became ill, but not seriously. The cost for simple tests and medications onboard medical services was over $2000.

Recently a woman became ill on vacation and needed fluids administered. The cost was $1600.

The cost to be medically evacuated can be $20,000 to over $100,000 depending upon the distance and mode of transportation. 

In most cases, a person will pay out of pocket for any medical services (even on a cruise ship). Their personal health insurance may or may not reimburse them. Or the service can be considered “out of network” in which case only a portion of the cost is reimbursed. 

A travel insurance policy can cover the out-of-pocket costs for these situations.

Seniors Take Note!! You Need Travel Insurance

Medicare does NOT cover most foreign medical expenses. Seniors should always buy travel protection that will cover them for medical emergencies when outside of the U.S. Also, look for policies that will cover those extremely expensive medical evacuations should it become necessary.

Some foreign hospitals will not treat you without an upfront payment. There are travel insurance policies that will cover this and pay the hospital directly.

Do You Have a Pre-existing Condition?

Are you planning a trip and have a pre-existing medical condition? If you are taking blood pressure medication or a cholesterol lowering drug, that can be considered a pre-existing condition. Don’t let that stop you from traveling! Many travel insurance policies offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, but you will need to buy the insurance within a certain period after booking your trip. It is usually within 2 to 3 weeks of paying the initial deposit for your trip. With the right policy, you can travel with peace of mind and enjoy your vacation with confidence!

We can help you find the plan that is right for you.

Protection Against Terrorist Action

Are you planning a trip soon? While many travel insurance policies don’t include automatic coverage for terrorism, you can easily add it on for extra peace of mind. Let us help you get the protection you need, so you can relax and enjoy your trip.

Beware: Your Credit Card Coverage May Not Cover You

Many people assume the coverage from their credit card will take care of them. And sometimes it does. Other times, it might not provide the coverage you need. People often find that their credit card travel insurance was not enough to cover expenses. Take the time to read through the details and make sure you know what is and isn’t covered. You don’t want to be left without the protection you need!

Want To Cancel for Any Reason?

These plans exist. Insurance that lets you Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) typically needs to be paid within the first week or two after reservations are deposited. These policies tend to be expensive and often only cover only a percentage of your costs. If you want it, ask for a quote before you put down your initial deposit for your trip.

Should You Buy from the Cruise Line or Airline?

It is easier to buy travel protection from your cruise line, airline, etc. and they sometimes offer more than a travel insurance plan. However, it can be more costly. We are more than happy to provide you with a quote from one of our trusted providers so that you can compare this to the coverage offered by a cruise line, airline, or tour group. 

If a supplier provides the insurance, but then goes bankrupt, will you still have coverage? Will you have help getting home? Many travelers were left stranded when Crystal Cruises suddenly abandoned operations due to financial default. Some travelers were left to find their own way home.

To protect against this, look for policies that cover “financial default of supplier.” We do recommend insurance through the cruise lines at times, but only those we trust with a solid financial record. For many people, buying through a third party is the best choice.

Our Best Tip: Do you travel more than twice a year?

Buy a plan that covers you all year long. This is what we do. An annual plan that covers all your trips can be a great way to save money and reduce stress when it comes to traveling. They are surprisingly cost-effective, and you must only purchase it once a year. It covers all the trips you take in that year, including those within 100-200 miles from your home. 

We highly recommend this approach, as we often find that buying an annual multi-trip plan is cheaper than buying a single trip plan from a travel supplier. Of course, we work with only the most reliable and trustworthy insurance providers to ensure you get the best value for your money.

Learn more about the ins and outs of travel insurance in this excellent Washington Post article.

While We are Talking About Money

Check out our Money Do’s

And Travel Money Don’ts

The post Travel Insurance: Boring But Necessary: 2025 Edition appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Also, make sure to read up on avoiding Cyber Scams when traveling.

There has to be a better way!

Avoid Travel Money Mistakes: Don’t Get Huge Exchange Rates

1. Don’t get foreign currency at currency exchange windows or kiosks at airports, you will pay huge fees. Never do this!
2. Don’t answer yes when a credit or debit card transaction asks if you want to convert your payment to U.S. Dollars. It’s just another way to get more fees.
3. Avoid multiple ATM cash transactions in a day. Unless your bank is waiving your ATM fees, those fees are racking up. And don’t use an ATM without checking the surroundings and making sure no one can see your pin entry.

Avoid Travel Money Mistakes: Don’t Forget to Check Ahead

1. Don’t worry about getting foreign currency for tips etc.  In almost any country, they will gladly accept USD if that’s what you have.
2. Verify your cell phone plan before traveling to any country. Know what the charges will be, if any.
3. We love our Amex, but they are not widely accepted abroad. Bring a Visa or MasterCard for backup.
4. Don’t forget to confirm your travel with your bank, so they don’t shut down your card.

Avoid Travel Money Mistakes: Don’t Forget Insurance

Don’t forget travel insurance!

If something happens, you could be out thousands of dollars, all your clothes, and worse. Travel Insurance can be one of the most important things you can buy to keep your money safe. Plus, a lot of health plans don’t cover much overseas, so you can lose a lot of money getting sick or hurt on your trip!

There were a lot of tips in there! Keeping your money safe is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling. With these tips, and some common sense, you can enjoy your travel to the fullest without worry!

The post Travel Money Mistakes – The Don’ts appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Also, make sure to read up on avoiding Cyber Scams when traveling. And after these tips, we cover the Travel Money Mistakes-The Don’ts.

There has to be a better way!

Avoid Travel Money Mistakes: Charge it.

Credit cards are widely accepted around the world.  Here are our simple rules for using credit cards abroad:

1. Check your credit and debit cards for PIN numbers. While not common in the US, pin numbers are sometimes needed in other countries.
2. Bring at least two cards. If one gets lost, stolen or frozen due to a fraud alert, you want a back-up. We once landed in Norway for a two-week trip only to get word from our credit card company that our primary card was frozen due to a fraud attempt. Fortunately, we had brought a back-up card.
3. Check to make sure you are using a card that does NOT charge foreign exchange fees. If yours does, find another for travel. Also, do NOT use your credit card to get cash from an ATM. You will be paying big fees. Instead take your debit card for ATM withdrawals.

Avoid Travel Money Mistakes: Your Phone

Nowadays, your cell phone is your lifeline to the world. Be sure to be careful with how you use it while traveling.

1. Put your phone in airplane mode the minute you get on a cruise ship. We have seen people charged hundreds and hundreds of dollars in cell fees because they did not.
2. Use an app like WhatsApp or Signal so you can make free VoiP calls to family and friends. Make sure your friends are on the same system.
3. Think you’ll use Uber abroad? Uber sneaks in a 1.5 percent fee for paying in dollars instead of the local currency. To avoid paying the extra cost, go into your account, open your “Wallet” and, under “Preferred currency,” select “No preferred currency.”

Avoid Travel Money Mistakes: Common Sense Safety

1. Stay aware of your surroundings and do not leave a bag or backpack unattended even for a few minutes.
2. Keep a picture of your passport on your phone or in the cloud in case a replacement is needed. Also, keep a picture of your luggage on your phone. If your luggage does get lost, this will make recovery easier.
3. Check the network of the ATM before you use it. Those no-name machines in hotels or corner stores often come with inflated fees and terrible exchange rates. Use one affiliated with major international banks—HSBC, Barclays, Santander, etc.
4. Know before you go. Most European countries are now almost entirely cashless cards are accepted everywhere. But countries like Egypt, Morocco, Philippines and Japan, are still cash based. If you think you may return, save those spare Euros or Pesos in an envelope for your next trip.

There were a lot of tips in there! Keeping your money safe is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling. With these tips, and some common sense, you can enjoy your travel to the fullest without worry!

The post Travel Money Mistakes – The Dos appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Planning to cruise soon? Storms and strikes both might end up causing issues with your cruise.

Stormy Weather and Issues in Cruising

After Hurricane Helene, you might be hoping that we are clear of storms causing chaos this year. Unfortunately, two more storms look to be on the horizon. While cruise ships usually move around the storms, a storm can cause delays or port changes. However, one of the biggest causes of disruptions in cruising is actually airports.

Most people arrive to the cruise port by air. As we just saw with Helene, to avoid dangerous weather situations, airlines need to delay, cancel, and change flights. A big weather event can cause hundreds of would-be cruise guests who are flying in the day of the cruise to literally miss the boat.

To avoid issues in cruising follow our two simple recommendations.

First, arrive at least a day early. The stress of trying to get from airport to port on the same day as the cruise, hoping the airline doesn’t delay, or worse, cancel can be bad. The price of one night in a hotel near the cruise port is definitely worth it. We keep lists of desireable hotels near most of the major cruise ports if you would like a recommendation.

Second, buy trip insurance! We always recommend it, not just to avoid disruptions in cruising, but also for any and every trip. Even if your cruise leaves on time, a lot of health insurance doesn’t cover everything overseas, and trip insurance can be lifesaving if something goes wrong. Also, airlines are not required to provide compensation for weather-related delay expenses, but many insurance plans provide this coverage.

Strike May Cause Issues in Cruising

The International Longshoremen Association (ILA) is currently in negotiations with various companies in the cruise industry to ensure that their members are paid fairly in the face of global inflation. On October 1, they began a strike that affects ports on the entire East Coast and the Gulf Coast.

Longshoremen are the workers who prepare the ship for departure and handle the cargo, such as delivering the food you eat on onboard. There is a chance this will cause schedule delays may be the primary fallout for the average cruiser.

If you have any further questions about possible disruptions in cruising, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

The post Possible Upcoming Disruptions in Cruising appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Looking for the way to get the best airfare prices? Check out our 6 Insider Secrets for Getting the Best Airfare.

Tip 1: Don’t Fly!

If you can, drive! Seriously, if your destination is a day’s drive or less, it may be the better alternative. Besides, a road trip can be fun.

Tip 2: For a Better Air Travel Experience, Use the App

Download and use the app for your airline. With it you can get your boarding pass, change seats, track your bags, see your incoming plane, and change a flight. Best of all, if your flight is cancelled or you miss a connection, you can often rebook from your phone. It beats waiting in the long line to talk to an agent. Good use of the app can be one of your strongest tools for surviving air travel.

Tip 3: Leave Early

Fly MUCH earlier than you need to – a whole day early if it’s important!! Remember, airline meltdowns have caused people to miss weddings, funerals, cruises, international connections, and graduations. If you must be somewhere, spend the extra money and go a day or two early.

Tip 4: Take that 6 a.m. Flight (Ugh!)

Fly the first flight in the morning so you have all day to be rebooked if things hit the fan. Yes, that means it might be a 3:00 a.m. wake-up, but morning flights cancel less often.

Tip 5: Watch the Weather

Remember, a single storm can shut down a whole airport. If severe weather is expected, you can often rebook to another flight. Check your airline’s website to see if a “weather waiver” is in effect.

Tip 6: Longer Layovers

In the past, a one-hour layover was sufficient at many airports. That 1-hour layover is no longer enough for 2023 air travel because so many flights run late for so many reasons. Look for layovers of at least two hours.

Tip 7: Avoid New York

We love visiting New York but you should avoid connecting at any New York area airport, especially Newark. In recent years, there is a 50/50 chance your flight will cancel or you will miss your connection. And if you get stuck there for an extended period, expect the restaurants to be expensive and the airline clubs jammed with people. For all these reasons, we try to avoid EWR, JFK, and LGA.

Tip 8: Be Nice!

One of the most important tips for air travel is to be nice! People are less likely to want to help you if you are mean to them. Tensions are high. You are frustrated and staff are exhausted. Besides, the delays are usually not their fault. A “please” and a sympathetic word can do wonders to get you the help you need.

Tip 9: Use Your Carry-On

If you can manage it, don’t check a bag—if you experience multiple cancellations a checked bag may not make it with you anyway. On the other hand, make sure your carry-on fits the airline’s size policy.

Don’t be the person who holds up the whole flight because you can’t figure out how to make your too-large carry-on fit in the overhead. We don’t like that person. In fact, we usually bring a carry-on that fits under the seat in front of us so we don’t have to fight for overhead bin space.

Tip 10: Buy Travel Insurance

If you don’t want to risk missing out on your dream cruise, make sure to protect your investment with travel insurance. But generally, it is not a good idea to purchase it from the airline as you can get better coverage for your whole trip from a third-party insurer.

Think carefully about how much money you have spent on your non-refundable trip and consider purchasing travel insurance to cover it. Airline and cruise company insurance can be more expensive than purchasing from a third-party provider. A knowledgeable travel agent can help you find the best insurance for your needs and budget.

Also, if you travel more than once a year, annual multi-trip plans can be very cost-effective. That’s what we use.

Tip 11: Get the Best Seat

For 2024 air travel, on most airlines if you buy the cheapest seats (usually called basic economy) you have no right to sit in specific seats. Read the rules when you purchase your ticket. If sitting together is important, buy the ticket that lets you do that.

Do not expect strangers on a crowded plane to change seats with you, especially if they paid for that window seat. And if you do need to ask, ask nicely. You have no right to demand someone give up their seat and you certainly have no right to plop yourself down in that seat without permission.

Tip 12: Buying Your Air from Third Party Sites

If a flight is oversold, and no one volunteers to give up their seats, who do you think is the first to be bumped? It will not be the people who bought directly from the airline, it will be those who bought from a third-party site like Kayak, Expedia, etc.

Tip 13: Bring a Sweater

Planes are often cold. Even if you are heading for a sunny beach Layering is your friend. They will NOT turn the plane’s temperature up just for you! We always carry a Pashmina.

Tip 14: The Restroom!

Although this should seem obvious, we see people on many flights ignore this advice. Wear shoes to the restroom because you don’t know what liquid is on the floor. Also, don’t leave debris in the restroom. And, put trash in the receptacle and use a towel to wipe the sink.

Tip 15: Thank the Staff

A thank you note or a $5 gift card can brighten their day beyond measure. We know people who take small boxes of chocolates to give to deserving staff.

Also, if someone goes out of their way to help you, write down their name and send in an email note of praise to the airline. It matters as sometimes they will get perks or promotions because of your praise!

Tip 16: The BEST Tip for Air Travel

We saved the best tip for last. And shockingly few air travelers are aware of this important tip.

Last year when air travel melt-downs frustrated tens of thousands of travelers, the U.S. Department of Transportation stepped in. Not only did they tighten some rules, the got most of the U.S. domestic airlines to agree to provide you certain benefits if your flight is cancelled or delayed. Just visit the Airline Customer Service Dashboard and enter the specific airline. Then you can see what your airline has promised you if bad things happen.

Finally, you can use the comprehensive dashboard to compare airlines.

Secret Tip 17: The Coolest Secret

This one is so cool we made it a secret number 17. Take a European style two prong plug even if you are not going to Europe. What???

The reason is because the power ports on the plane can fit a variety of plug types and the U.S. ones tend to get worn down the most either because they’re used the most or Americans are more impatient in their handling of cords. But the European sockets are nice and tight. The sockets on most planes will work with either type, but the European ones actually work!

Want to know more about our airfare secrets and hacks? Check out the secret to visiting two destinations for the airfare for one and our 6 tips for getting the best airfare deal.

The post 16 Tips for Surviving 2024 Air Travel appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

We all live online nowadays but you need to be careful

The Growing Problem of Cyber Travel Scams

A McAfee study reported 35 percent of adults have had their hard-earned travel money stolen from them, with 60 percent losing up to $1,000 and 40 percent losing $1,000 or more. It’s important to be aware of cyber travel scams so you can protect yourselves and loved ones from becoming part of those statistics when you book travel online.

Fifteen percent of U.S. adults have been tricked into making payments through fraudulent platforms, and 22 percent have had their identity stolen while booking online. Shockingly, eight percent of these victims provided their passport information and 14 percent provided other personal identification information on a fake website. We want to help you avoid this.

You want to be here on vacation, not at the police station reporting a crime.

What to Do

Look for red flags such as prices that are too good to be true, pressure to book immediately, limited contact information, negative online reviews, or vague contract terms. Look at the return email address. Legitimate vendors usually use official email addresses from the company. If you don’t fully understand an offer, don’t buy it until you do.

When we are in doubt, we check with third party sources such as Trustpilot.

If you cannot see the contract first, run away and look for other options. A good travel agent or supplier will not do these things.

What about a sale that ends soon? Of course, your travel agent should make you aware of a deadline to take advantage of a sale, but you should not feel pressured. In fact, a veteran advisor will tell you if the cruise line has a history of renewing the same sale so you can make an informed decision.

Cost versus Value

When you book travel online, do not just click at the lowest price. Be sure you are on a legitimate site and research the company. Not only are there cyber travel scams, but there are also deals that are not really deals.

Even with a legitimate offer you should evaluate what is included, comparing apples-to-apples. This can take time and research, but it beats losing your money and ruining your vacation. If you don’t have the time or knowledge to protect yourself, work with a trusted travel agent who can help you avoid scams and get the best value.

If you do book, use a credit card not a debit card. Credit cards have dispute processes to refund your money if you did not get what you paid for. But be sure to do it within the timelines set by your credit card company.

While You Travel

It’s understandable that people may become less security conscious while on vacation – after all, the goal of a holiday is to relax and enjoy the experience. However, it’s important to remain mindful of the potential risks of cybercrime when travelling.

We strongly encourage you to protect yourself by following these rules:

• Do not log into an unsecured Wi-Fi network. Not ever.
• Never use a USB charging port at an airport, train station, or other public places. They are notorious for “juice jacking.” Thieves steal information from your phone when you use these free chargers. Even the FBI issued a warning about these charging stations. Instead, carry your own charger for your devices. We recommend some good ones in this post.
• Do not leave your streaming accounts logged in when checking out of your accommodations.
• Pay close attention to your children’s internet use. They can easily fall prey to a scam.

Using ATMs

• When using ATMs, make sure no one is around. Only visit ATMs in well-lit, public areas, especially if you’re visiting at night.  Remain alert once you have withdrawn your money.
• Beware of card skimmers, devices used by fraudsters to steal your card information. They typically need both your card number and your PIN to work. This means you should inspect the card slot and the keypad before using any ATM. Skimmers can be challenging to discern as they often blend into the machine itself. Look out for any parts that appear unnecessarily bulky, loose, or inconspicuous signs like tape, glue, or scratches. These could potentially signal a card skimmer is present. If in doubt, find another ATM.

Use a VPN

A VPN is a virtual private network which encrypts your data and masking your IP addresses. This hides your browsing activity, identity, and location, allowing for greater privacy.

Even though almost 90% of Americans express worry about their identities being stolen while travelling, only 40 percent use a VPN. It’s important to remember that while taking a break from the everyday can be a great way to relax and recharge, it’s also important to take steps to protect your identity while travelling. Taking the time to use a secure Wi-Fi connection, use a VPN, and monitor your online identity can help to ensure your holiday is safe and enjoyable.

There are many excellent VPNs. We have used Private Internet Access as our VPN for years. We find it is easy to use and affords us a high level of security. If you sign up with this link you can get 30 days free.

Ready for More Great Travel Tips?

We share our favorite travel secrets and tips every week. You can see them all here.

The post Don’t Fall for a Cyber Travel Scam appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Protect Yourself Against This

It is mercifully rare, but it happens. Recently Vantage Travel, a deluxe travel company cancelled thousands of people’s trips as the company experienced financial problems. Many of those customers are trying to get back thousands of dollars.

Previously, the beloved Crystal Cruises stranded passengers as the company suddenly shut down for financial reasons. While some customers were able to recover their funds from their credit card companies, many are still owed money. Worse, people were stranded mid-trip.

Look for policies that protect you against “financial default.”

Tip: Always pay by credit card, not debit card, as it improves your chance of getting your money back.

Be sure you are covered if the worst happens on your trip

Travel Insurance: What It Is and What It is Not

Travel insurance is not a substitute for major medical insurance. It covers emergency medical expenses you may incur while traveling, such as hospital stays and doctor visits.

Travel insurance, depending on the policy you choose, can reimburse you when you must cancel or interrupt a trip for certain reasons. Called “covered reasons” by the insurers, these include reasons such as your, or a companion’s, serious illness, accident, or death.

Some policies cover you if your employer cancels that precious vacation request or you are called to jury duty. Also, most policies will cover delays or trip interruptions for covered reasons. Some will reimburse for missing luggage or lengthy travel delays. Some will cover an overnight hotel if you experience such delays.

Seniors Take Note!! You Need Travel Insurance

Medicare does NOT cover most foreign medical expenses. Seniors should always buy travel protection that will cover them for medical emergencies when outside of the U.S. Also, for look for policies that will cover those very expensive medical evacuations should it become necessary.

Some foreign hospitals will not treat you without an upfront payment. There are policies that will cover this and pay the hospital directly.

Do You Have a Pre-existing Condition?

Are you planning a trip and have a pre-existing medical condition? Don’t let that stop you from traveling! Many travel insurance policies offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, but you’ll need to purchase the insurance within a certain time frame after booking your trip. With the right policy, you can travel with peace of mind and enjoy your vacation with confidence!

We can help you find the plan that is right for you.

Protection Against Terrorist Action

Are you planning a trip soon? While many travel insurance policies don’t include automatic coverage for terrorism, you can easily add it on for extra peace of mind. Let us help you get the protection you need, so you can relax and enjoy your trip.

Beware: Your Credit Card Coverage May Not Cover You

Many people assume the coverage from their credit card will take care of them. And sometimes it does. However, often credit card travel insurance may not be enough.  It might not provide the coverage you need. Take the time to read through the details and make sure you know what is and isn’t covered. You don’t want to be left without the protection you need!

Want To Cancel for Any Reason?

These plans exist. Insurance that lets you Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) typically needs to be paid within the first week or two after reservations are deposited. These policies tend to be expensive and often only cover only a percentage of your costs. If you want it, investigate before you put down your initial deposit for your trip.

Should You Buy from the Cruise Line or Airline?

It is easier to buy travel protection from your cruise line, airline, etc. and they sometimes offer more than a travel insurance plan. However, it can be more costly.

If a supplier provides the insurance, but then goes bankrupt, will you still have coverage? Will you have help getting home?  Many travelers were left stranded when Crystal Cruises suddenly abandoned operations due to financial default. Some were actually left to find their own way home.

To protect against this, look for policies that cover “financial default of supplier.” We do recommend insurance through the cruise lines at times, but only those we trust with a solid financial record. For many people, buying through a third party is the best choice.

Our Best Tip: Do you travel more than twice a year?

Buy a plan that covers you all year-long. This is what we do. An annual plan that covers all your trips can be a great way to save money and reduce stress when it comes to travelling. They are surprisingly cost-effective, and you must only purchase it once a year. It covers all the trips you take in that year.

How affordable? Recently we quoted one for a 64-year-old woman that came out to less than $200…to cover an entire year or travel.

We highly recommend this approach, as we often find that buying an annual multi-trip plan is cheaper than buying a single trip plan from a travel supplier. Of course, we work with only the most reliable and trustworthy insurance providers to ensure you get the best value for your money.

Learn more about the ins and outs of travel insurance in this excellent Washington Post article.

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