➡️ I am going to say this in my loudest outside voice, BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE. Nothing is more painful than having to call clients and let them know that because they did not buy travel insurance, their trip was not protected. Here are the details:
– my clients live in Houston
– their family trip cost was nearly ten thousand dollars
– they were offered travel insurance but did not purchase
– departure date: 3 weeks away
➡️ On August 25th Hurricane Harvey lands in Houston and pounds the city for days, leaving everyone in, and around, the city stunned. My clients are speechless, distraught, helpless; what now? They begin to critically assess their damage, the damage to the city, and how it will affect the coming days and weeks. Oh yes…and to make matters worse, it dawns on them–they have a trip to Spain and Italy planned! They spend long hours angsting — to go or not to go? Could they physically, emotionally, and/or logistically travel.
➡️ Naturally, I called and emailed them to see how they were fairing the disaster. Emotions of Hurricane Katrina came flooding back to me, as I knew in great detail of what they were experiencing. Alas, I could be of little help. The next question I asked (and always ask) is “did you buy the travel insurance?” I took a seat, as I heard the word “no.” Big sigh…
➡️ They wanted to know how much would they lose if they did not go. I gave them my best guess, but would not know for sure until I called each supplier and begged for refunds. In the end, they decided to postpone the trip and will have lost over half of their trip cost. In hindsight, the price of the insurance seems insignificant.
➡️ My clients always receive a travel insurance quote soon after their first deposit. As you weigh the options, consider this–are you willing to lose the entire cost of your trip for the price of insurance? Here are the top 3 reasons that I have witnessed over two decades:
– illness or injury of you, your immediate family and/or your traveling companion
– lost luggage (this is the most utilized reason)
– delayed flight (if your flight is delayed, every service falls like dominos: airport transfer, hotel, tours, sometimes cruise departure)
➡️ Travel is a luxury, and a big investment. Treat it like you would any other valuable assets, like your car, home, and health.
➡️ Please. Save me from the unenviable task of calling you with even more bad news.