Study Abroad Advisor

BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING WHEN YOU TRAVEL

2009-07-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

I just read and interesting article from the travel experts at Fodor’s. Last week, their art director found herself on the tarmac in Munich headed for Barcelona with absolutely no cash, no credit card, and no ATM card. All had been left in her camera case that was still hanging on the back of a stall in the ladies room near the departure lounge. Luckily, she arrived in Barcelona and was able to borrow money from friends while waiting for a new credit card to arrive.

But what if she had not had friends waiting for her in Barcelona? What if she's lost her passport as well? In a genuine emergency, when you have no cash or passport on hand, what would you do? It always helps to know where to turn in the event that your trip goes bad, especially when you're abroad and may not know anyone where you are traveling. Luckily, there are some simple things you can remember that can help you turn a travel disaster into something much less terrible. Take a tip from the experts with some simple steps toward safeguarding your travel plans:

1. Make copies of everything. Make color copies of your passport, credit cards and ATM card (both front and back), and your driver's license. If you lose these things, it's much easier to get them replaced if you have a good copy.

2. Know your bank's policies. Would your bank be able to mail you a replacement credit or ATM card immediately? Does it have branches or offices in the country where you'll be traveling? How about a local contact number? If not, how do you reach them?

3. Know the number and location of the nearest U.S. consulate. If you are traveling abroad, you should always have the telephone number and location of the nearest U.S. consulate, which you will have to visit in person to get a temporary replacement passport in the event that yours is lost or stolen. It's usually possible to get an emergency passport within 24 hours.

4. Get travel insurance. Insurance Services of America’s clients are provided with a 24 hour assistance help line. They can help you with an emergency cash transfer or can find the nearest consulate or an English-speaking doctor; even help you rebook flights if you miss a connection.

Some folks think they just don't need travel medical insurance. They figure they are healthy and won't need it. Unfortunately you never know what can go wrong when you travel, and when you're in a different country, small inconveniences can become tremendous problems.

When you are covered by a comprehensive travel medical plan from Insurance Services of America, in addition to being covered for medical emergencies, you'll have access to travel assistance 24 hours a day. We can help locate and return your lost checked baggage, help with cash transfers, make last minute changes to your itinerary, refer you to doctors, lawyers, aid in the replacement of lost prescriptions, and much more.

Don't get caught without adequate travel insurance!

Call the fine folks at Insurance Services of America for a great plan that won't break the bank.

800.647.4589

Buy Trip Insurance Separately From Your Trip Provider

2009-07-13T09:48:00.001-07:00

Check out this article I just read on Clark Howard's web page:

Buy Trip insurance separately from your trip provider
Trip insurance policies should always be purchased when you are taking a cruise, a tour or traveling on a trip that requires pre-payment of thousands of dollars.

Such policies are designed to protect consumers by giving them refunds in the event of illness to the traveler or an immediate family member. They also provide a refund in the case of company, tour operator or airline default.

Consumers should always purchase a policy independent of the cruise, tour or vacation planner. Never purchase the trip protection plan from the trip organizer. Those types of policies are designed to protect only the company and not the consumer!

At Insurance Services of America, we know that you should buy your travel insurance separately from your trip provider. Otherwise, if your trip provider goes belly up, your Trip insurance does too! The Round Trip plan from Insurance Services of America is specifically designed to protect your financial investment and cover you against default by your airline, cruise line, tour group etc. There is even an optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' benefit in case you can't make it on your trip. In addition to protecting your vacation plans, there is coverage for lost baggage and personal effects, and emergency medical expenses including repatriation.

So do what the experts suggest and give us a call. We'll help you get comprehensive coverage and still leave you with plenty of spending money for souvenirs!

800.647.4589

Going to the Dang Airport???

2009-06-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

Last week The Independent newspaper in London released its list of the weirdest airport names. Among my favorites:

Batman Airport, Turkey
Useless Loop Airport, Australia
Moron Airport, Spain
Eek Airport, USA
Pickle Lake Airport, Canada
Deadhorse Airport, USA
Dang Airport, Nepal
Mafia Airport, Tanzania
Asbestos Hill Airport, Canada
Deception Airport, Canada
Rifle Airport. USA
Danger Bay Airport, USA

Even if your travel plans do not include Danger Bay or Mafia airports, you still shouldn’t fly without adequate

Travel Medical Insurance!

Call your friends at Insurance Services of America to help find an affordable, comprehensive plan to suite your travel needs.

800.647.4589

"Ancient Chinese Secret, huh?"

2009-06-25T11:11:00.001-07:00

The Department of State has issued a strong warning against travel to China, and has recommended that all travelers purchase Trip insurance.

Current quarantine measures in China include placing arriving passengers who exhibit fever or flu-like symptoms into seven-day quarantine. Although the proportion of arriving Americans being quarantined remains low, the random nature of the selection process increases the uncertainty surrounding travel to China. The selection process focuses on those sitting in close proximity to another traveler exhibiting fever or flu-like symptoms or on those displaying an elevated temperature if arriving from an area where outbreaks of 2009-H1N1 have occurred.

We have reports of passengers arriving from areas where outbreaks have occurred (including the U.S. and Mexico) being placed in precautionary quarantine simply because they registered slightly elevated temperatures.In some instances, children have been separated from their parents because either the parent or the child tested positive for 2009-H1N1 and was placed in quarantine for treatment. This situation presents the possibility of Chinese medical personnel administering medications to minors without first having consulted their parents.

The Department of State has received reports about unsuitable quarantine conditions, including the unavailability of suitable drinking water and food, unsanitary conditions, and the inability to communicate with others.Travelers to China are reminded that all foreign travelers, including U.S. citizens, are obliged to follow local procedures regarding quarantines and any other public health-related measures. The U.S. Embassy will be unable to influence the duration of stay in quarantine for affected travelers. The Chinese government will not compensate people for lost travel expenses.

Travelers to China are urged to consider purchasing Travel insurance to protect against losses in the event they are quarantined.

For more information on U.S. Government policy during a pandemic, and for travel safety information, please see the State Department’s “Pandemic/Avian Influenza” and “Remain in Country” fact sheets on http://www.travel.state.gov/. Further information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, can be found at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, the U.S. Government pandemic influenza website at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.

Subscribe to our RSS feed to be updated on the latest travel warnings.

It doesn't matter if you are traveling to China or Chattanooga, you should never leave home without adequate Travel Insurance.

Call the experts at Insurance Services of America to find the right plan for you without costing a bunch of Renminbi....

800.647.4589

This Little Piggy Went to Mexico...

2009-04-28T14:54:00.001-07:00

Travel season is upon us. Churches are preparing for mission trips, Summer is just around the corner, it's the start of the honeymoon season and Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for newlyweds. Although the outbreak situation in Mexico calls for caution, not alarm, it has greatly impacted the travel industry and vacationers everywhere.

It is important to prepare instead of panic.

(Remember SARS, Mad cow, or bird flu?)

The CDC reports that each year, approximately 36,000 people die from Influenza, and not the Swine variety.

So what are the symptoms of Swine Flu?

· Fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C)
· Sore throat
· Cough
· Stuffy nose
· Chills
· Headache and body aches
· Fatigue

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Still planning your trip? Remember to purchase your Trip insurance within 10 days of making your travel arrangements and you can take advantage of our Cancel for Any Reason benefit.

Already booked your trip? A Travel Medical plan from Insurance Services of America will cover you in the event of any illness, including emergency medical evacuation, if needed.

Don't let fear keep you from completing your travel plans. Know the facts, wash your hands, and buy Travel Medical insurance.

It's a dirty world...

2009-04-24T09:43:00.001-07:00

Did you know...Hygiene comes from the name Hygeia, the Greek goddess of health and cleanliness

For Foreign Nationals visiting the United States, our International Travel Medical Plans use the Hygeia Network.

For U.S. Citizens traveling outside the United States, there is NO network!

The human body is home to some 1,000 species of bacteria. There are more germs on your body than people in the United States.

Ewwww. What a yucky thought! I guess that is why so many people get sick when traveling overseas.
Another reason why you should ALWAYS invest in Travel Medical Insurance!

Monks of the Jain Dharma (a minority religion in India) are forbidden to bathe any part of their bodies besides the hands and feet, believing the act of bathing might jeopardize the lives of millions of microorganisms.

I guess it's a good thing they're monks.

Ancient Egyptians and Aztecs rubbed urine on their skin to treat cuts and burns. A key chemical in urine is known to kill fungi and bacteria.

A Travel Medical plan from Insurance Services of America will cover the necessary expenses to transport you to the nearest medical facility qualified to treat you

~ not with urine, we promise…

Excrement dumped out of windows into the streets in 18th-century London contaminated the city's water supply and forced locals to drink Gin instead.

Perhaps this is why they say “Don’t drink the water” !

TV kills! University of Arizona researchers determined that television remotes are the worst carriers of bacteria in hospital rooms, worse even than toilet handles. Remotes spread antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus, which contributes to the 90,000 annual deaths from infection acquired in hospitals.

And I don’t even want to THINK about the remote controls in hotel rooms!!!

It is now believed President James Garfield died not from the bullet fired by Charles Guiteau but because the medical team treated the president with manure-stained hands, causing a severe infection that killed him three months later.

And you thought Urine was gross!!!

Let the experts at Insurance Services of America protect your health and investment with a quality Travel Medical Plan.

It’s a dirty World out there, but don’t let the fear of illness or injury keep you from exploring it!

Useless But Interresting Travel Trivia:

2009-04-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

On average, Americans spend five times more of their time in their cars than they do on vacation.

Approximately 20% of Americans have a passport.

The city of Las Vegas has the most hotel rooms in the world.

One American in four has yet to ride in an airplane. As for the three out of four who have, most have flown several times.

For every person who prefers an aisle seat, there are three who prefer windows.

While the average cost of air travel is about $60 per hour, using an air-phone during that plane trip can cost as much as $160 per hour.

Statistically, traveling by air is the safest means of transportation.

Atlanta's Hartsfield Airport handles more than 73 million passengers a year, making it the busiest airport in the world.

Ten percent of frequent fliers say they never check their luggage when flying.

The tail section of an airplane gives the bumpiest ride.

Odds that you'll be killed by a plane falling from the sky: one in 25 million. Odds that it will happen today: 1 in 7 trillion.

A Houston-area travel agency, offers an all-nude flight to Cancun Mexico. Once the plane reaches cruising altitude, you are allowed to take off all your clothes and roam about the cabin.

44% of hotels allow pets in their rooms

78% of cats never travel with their owners

The airplane Buddy Holly died in was called the “American Pie”

American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served in first class.

The world's first passenger train made its debut in England in 1825.

A Boeing 747's wingspan is longer than the Wright brother's first flight.

The largest plane in the world is the Russian An-225 Cossack. It has a length of 275 feet 7 inches, a wing span of 290 feet, and maximum takeoff weight of 1,322,770 pounds

The automatic pilot in the movie “Airplane” was named OTTO

TWA was the first airline to introduce regular in flight movies starting with By Love Possessed in the first class section during a scheduled internal flight from New York to Los Angeles on 19th July 1961.

Insurance Services of America has been featured in American Airlines magazine “American Way”

How I spent my Spring Break...

2009-03-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

Spring Break is a blast, wish you were here. The ocean is just beautiful, and the water is so clear you can almost see the jellyfish before they sting you. Boy those little suckers really hurt! I think I might remember where I left my wallet, too. I sure hope so, cause for the past few days I have been existing on a diet of Chicklets that I purchased from one of the roadside natives here. I tell ya, people can be very friendly to tourists. Just yesterday, some people told me to take a hike. I thought that was very nice of them to suggest recreational activities. Unfortunately, since the airline lost one of my bags on the way down here, I didn't have my hiking boots, and when that lizard bit my ankle, it hurt almost as bad as subsequently falling down that hill.

Thankfully, my friends were able to assemble a makeshift stretcher to help me get back to the main road, and boy were we ever relieved when that nice man in the truck came by to give us a ride to the clinic. At least, I think it was a clinic. I mean, there were cots there with a bunch of sick people laying on them, and I really think that if we had waited just a little longer, someone would have assisted us eventually. I'm really not sure. I was kind of beginning to pass out from the pain and none of the people dressed like nurses spoke English. My buddy had his translation dictionary with him, and although he tried to get help, it seems the clinic wouldn't treat me unless I paid them first. Unfortunately, they did not accept Chicklets.

Don't worry about me though, my foot is still black but I am beginning to get the feeling back in my toes which is certainly a good thing when you're sleeping outdoors. There are some crazy insects around here! I sure wish the hotel wouldn't have lost my reservation.

You know what mom and dad? I've been thinking about how you told me to get Trip Insurance from Insurance Services of America. I guess I didn't think I would need it, but it sure would have been nice to have someone who could have gotten me a new hotel room, or some emergency cash when I lost my wallet, or bought me some new boots, or paid the clinic so they would treat me and get me back home safely. Just like you would have done yourself if you were here. For under 2 bucks a day, a travel medical plan could have protected me and given you peace of mind, too. But don't worry about me, mom and dad! I think I might be coming home soon. I found a company that does medical evacuations, and although it is a bit costly, at least I'll be safe. And I promise, I will totally pay you back the Fifty Thousand Dollars just as soon as I can.

See you guys soon,

Your Son.

What are you Doing?

2009-03-05T08:26:00.000-08:00

I admit, I am addicted to Twitter.

Someone recently asked me what one does on Twitter, and all I could say was,
"I don't know, you just check in..."

Maybe the beauty of Twitter is it's simplicity. You log on, learn what someone is making for breakfast, get a tip on how to calm your baby's cough, and leave a tid bit of your own. In today's fast paced world, sometimes it is just nice to slow down and throw a thought out into the cosmos. I personally enjoy seeing what the celebrities are doing. Jimmy Kimmel Twitters while taping his show, and even takes questions from fellow Twitterers to ask his guests. Recently, a guest at an Academy Awards party was Twittering pictures from the shindig. While at the edge of my computer seat, I watched what major Hollywood A-listers were eating, wearing, and doing, and
it.
was.
Awesome.

Mostly, I enjoy following fellow travel enthusiasts like myself. I discover groups with similar interests, and always pick up some useful tips. Check us out on Twitter!

Just don't forget to continue reading my blog, too!

Save Money This Holiday Travel Season

2008-10-15T12:46:00.001-07:00

With today’s tough economy your Holiday travel plans might be changing. Although you’ve probably found that ticket prices for Thanksgiving or Christmas travel are significantly higher than last year, it’s not too late to find a reasonable fare. Over the next few weeks, I will be providing tips on how to save a little cash during these times, without putting a damper on your holiday cheer.

1. Avoid flying on the busiest days:
Holiday ticket prices are 25 percent higher than they were in 2007, with the average price for a Wednesday-to-Sunday itinerary a whopping $460 round-trip.Merely delaying your return until Monday could save you $80 on average, and you’d save an additional $63 by waiting to fly home until Tuesday. For Christmas travel: Avoid departing on Saturday, Dec. 20, or returning on Sunday, Dec. 28, and you could save $25-$40 per ticket.

2. Drive to (or from) an alternate airport:
For example: There are 10 percent fewer seats this November on flights from Gainesville, Fla., compared with last November. And, not surprisingly, the fare on a sample peak trip to Phoenix for Thanksgiving weekend is a sky-high $572 round-trip. An alternate approach would be to drive to a nearby airport. The fare from Jacksonville to Phoenix is just $466, and from Orlando it’s only $351. Just be sure to factor in the cost of gas, tolls and parking so you’re not squandering all of your savings on the road.

3. Watch carefully for price drops:
Fares during the holidays tend to be more unpredictable than at other times of the year, with price reductions of $15 or more happening 50 percent more often. So it’s a good idea to watch the fares daily and buy your tickets during one of these decreases, when it’s possible to save $100 or more per person.
Since airlines typically release only a few seats at the lowest prices at a time, book quickly if you see that a fare drop is taking place. That will help ensure that you’re not shut out by other travelers who are also trying to snatch up that low fare before the price goes up again.

4. Don’t wait too long before booking:

The trick with booking holiday travel is to wait long enough that you can enjoy the treat of price drops — but not so long that seats at the lowest fares are sold out. Bottom line: If you haven’t bought your Thanksgiving ticket yet, now’s the time to start watching for price drops; book your trip as soon as you feel comfortable with the fare, even if it’s higher than last year.

5. Plan for the unexpected:
Getting sick or injured while away from home can be financially devastating. Travel Medical Insurance is a small price to pay when you consider the costs of a medical evacuation. Trip insurance can reimburse you if your bags are lost, or if your flight gets delayed or cancelled. Cancelled flights and congested Holiday travel could leave you stranded. Let the experts at Insurance Services of America help you safeguard your Holiday Travel plans at a price that won’t leave you saying “Bah Humbug.”

INSURANCE SERVICES OF AMERICA

800.647.4589

For 38 years, SERVICE is our middle name.

Hey, Who's Flying The Plane?

2008-10-09T08:38:00.001-07:00

You've thought of everything. Laptop, snacks, magazines, mp3 player... Everything you need for an enjoyable airplane ride. But have you considered the things that could go wrong?

I know, I know, you don't want to think about that kind of stuff, who does? Especially when you are about to go on vacation.

Thankfully, your friends at Insurance Services of America have thought of it for you, so you can just sit back and enjoy your trip.

A Trip Insurance plan from insurance Services of America will protect your vacation investment in case you get sick or injured, and help out if your airline is delayed, or loses your luggage, or even goes bankrupt. If you have to cancel or delay your trip, a trip insurance plan from ISA will cover those non-refundable expenses. We'll even cover your medical care and emergency evacuation, and help you find appropriate hospitals and doctors when you travel abroad.

So go ahead, relax and enjoy your trip. Once you've purchased your Trip Insurance plan from ISA, you can rest easy knowing that you, your family, and your travel investment are covered.

800-647-4589

Another Airline Folds: Why you need Trip Insurance now more than ever:

2008-04-09T10:36:00.001-07:00

First it was Aloha Airlines, then ATA, then Skybus. American Airlines Cancelled 500 flights yesterday for maintenance.
In the course of five days, tens of thousands of passengers are left stranded, unable to get home. The others have just discovered their vacations are never going to happen.
On the Skybus Web site yesterday was a brief announcement saying the airline had ceased operations because of rising jet-fuel costs and a slowing economic environment. The note said people with reservations should contact their credit-card companies for refunds. Passengers who paid cash are just plain out of luck. One scuttled Skybus passenger said he had been quoted $2,000 for a last-minute ticket home to Ohio.
This is when you can be glad you had the foresight to purchase trip insurance.
However, as with all policies, it is important to read the fine print. Skybus insurance policies covered things such as the illness of a traveler, inclement weather, and in policies sold after March 5, airline-caused delays and cancellations. But Skybus did not include “default" — going out of business — as one of the circumstances covered by the insurance.
This is why it is also important to make sure you purchase your trip insurance from a reputable insurance company focused on getting you the most comprehensive coverage available. The kind of customer service and coverage that you will not find from an airline, cruise line, or travel agent.
At Insurance Services of America, we have trip insurance and travel medical insurance that will cover you weather your destination is Istanbul or Idaho, and everything in between. If your luggage gets lost, or you miss your connection, or if your trip gets cancelled for whatever reason, including airline default or bankruptcy, we've got you covered.

Call one of our friendly knowledgeable agents today at 800-647-4589 to find out more about this very affordable coverage. Wherever you go, we'll get you home.

Spring Break in Mexico

2008-03-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

With its beautiful oceans, great shopping, and fantastic nightlife, Mexico is a popular destination for Spring Break travelers. If you are planning on celebrating south of the border, take a few tips from the US Department of State Travel Advisory:

While traveling in Mexico, American citizens are subject to Mexican law. An arrest or accident in Mexico can result in a difficult legal or medical situation, sometimes at a great expense to the traveler. Mexican law can impose harsh penalties for violations that would be considered minor in the United States, and U.S. citizenship in no way exempts one from full prosecution under the Mexican criminal justice system.

Excessive alcohol consumption and unruly behavior can lead to serious problems with Mexican authorities. Alcohol is involved in the vast majority of arrests, accidents, violent crimes, and deaths suffered by American students on Spring Break. Disturbing the peace, lewd or indecent behavior, littering, driving under the influence, drinking on the street or on public transportation, using public transportation without payment, or making obscene or insulting remarks are all considered criminal activities by Mexican authorities. The importation, purchase, possession or use of drugs can incur severe penalties, including imprisonment without bail for up to a year before a case is tried, and imprisonment of several years following a conviction. All individuals 16 years of age or older are tried as adults.

Warning flags on beaches should be taken seriously. If black or red flags are up, do not enter the water. Strong undertow and rough surf are common along beaches throughout Mexico, especially on the Pacific coast, and drownings have occurred when swimmers have been overwhelmed by conditions. Do not swim in pools or at beaches without lifeguards.Use only the licensed and regulated "sitio" (SEE-tee-oh) taxis. Hotels, clubs and restaurants will summon a sitio taxi upon request.

Oh yeah, and when eating in the restaurants, watch your fingers, those plates are hot!

Now that you have taken all the steps to ensure your safety while in Mexico, it’s time to take care of one major precaution before you leave for your trip.

Make sure that you are covered in case you get sick, lose your luggage, require medical attention for the burned fingers from the hot plates, or need to be evacuated.

Insurance Services of America has a variety of plans to fit your travel needs as well as your budget. Give us a call at 800-647-4589, and let one of our friendly knowledgeable agents help you choose the plan that is right for you.

Viva La Spring Break!

Peace of Mind While Studying Abroad

2007-10-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

Taking classes abroad may just be the most fun you’ll ever have while actually learning something, but being a student in a foreign country can be just as scary as it is exciting, for both travelers and their parents back home.

Take a tip from the Student & Youth Travel Association, and follow these simple guidelines:

1.) Before you go, learn about the local laws and customs of the countries you’re visiting.
2.) Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses.
3.) Pack a simple first aid kit with bandages, antibiotic cream and pain relievers, and tell your instructors about any medications you’re taking.
4.) Give your parents the phone and fax number of where you're staying, and a full itinerary.
5.) Pack all valuables, medications, travel documents and passport in your carry-on bag. Occasionally checked luggage gets lost at airports, so you want to have your important items on you.
6.) If you check into a hotel, grab a card from the counter with the hotel’s name, address and phone number on it. Keep this card on you at all times.
7.) Be respectful around, and ask permission before taking photographs of, churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and other religious sites. Also, ask permission before taking photographs of government buildings and military installations.

8.) Travel with a buddy at all times.

The Student Secure International Student Plan is one travel buddy you should never be without when studying abroad. It's guaranteed issue, has low deductibles, and covers intercollegiate sports, emergency medical evacuation, emergency dental, and terrorism coverage. Additionally, you will receive tons of great Travel Assistant benefits, like Lost Luggage, Emergency Cash Transfers, Prescription Drug Replacement, and much more.

Call Mark or Adam today at 800-647-4589, and find out just how affordable this kind of coverage can be.

Your parents will thank you for it.