Need to Know: Traveling Post-Pandemic

Travel is slowly returning to normal. Whether you’re planning to travel domestically or abroad, many people find that finally being able to take a trip is exciting and stress-inducing at the same time. The good news is there are many professionals at your disposal to make your long-awaited vacay a success.

Travel Agents

You can always opt to plan your own vacation, but keep in mind professional travel agents may be in-the-know about last-minute restrictions. No one wants to be forced to spend time in a locale with no notice because of a lockdown or other unforeseen circumstance.

Travel agencies can also get you fun perks. You may be provided with complimentary meals, room upgrades and special considerations for room features such as seaside views or sprawling decks and patios. Customers who book through an agency are often granted ground transfers, which means you will not be waiting in line at the airport. In addition, and perhaps even more importantly, travel agents often provide travel insurance.

Travel Insurance and Your Trip

Nobody wants to think about unintended accidents on vacation. Fortunately, you can ease your mind before even leaving your house with the right travel insurance. Speak to your travel agent about policies that may cover:

• Lost or stolen baggage
• Medical expenses while at your destination
• Flight cancellations
• Trip interruptions

It’s important to communicate clearly with your agent about your particular needs, since policies differ and have limitations. Shop around. Travel insurance is offered by agents themselves, or may be handled by a third party.

What to Do If You’re Hurt on Vacation

Perhaps you’ve decided to take the kids to swim with the manatees or plan to go dolphin-watching. Then the unthinkable happens and you find yourself in the middle of a medical emergency. There are certain steps you should take to protect yourself and the ones you love.

First, call 911 as you would in any emergency situation, then collect contact information for involved parties and any witnesses. Whether or not you think you are seriously physically injured, seek immediate medical care. The physician’s notes will provide proof that you were indeed hurt on vacation and did not have a preexisting condition before. Be sure to save this documentation and make back-ups to keep in a safe place in your hotel room.

Call your insurer if you are involved in an auto accident. Time is of the essence here. Do not wait to call your insurance carrier until you get home. Follow any and all doctor’s instructions and do not miss any appointments. If you’re dealing with a fatality that occurs while you are away from home, seek out legal counsel in the local area. In Florida, for example, a Tampa wrongful death attorney can guide you through the steps to a satisfactory resolution.

Vacation Is Still Worth It

When considering all the negative things that could happen while you’re on vacation, you may be tempted to cancel your travel plans. You may love boating, but when you read there were 1,617 boating fatalities in the month of July over a 19-year period, you may think twice. Don’t. Life is full of risk. But without risk, there is no reward.

Planning is key. This may sound like a lot to do, on top of planning the details of your actual trip. But being prepared will save you money and many sleepless nights. Research travel agents, then medical professionals and attorneys near your vacation destination. Unexpected illness, car accidents and boating accidents can be manageable with professional help.