Is travel insurance worth it?

Considering most people can save for a year or more for a vacation, it makes complete sense you should ask this question. But, here are the real questions you should be asking yourself to determine if you need it.

1. Is this a special occasion? Remember, it's about getting away from all the problems and issues and enjoying yourself. Don't let an unexpected event bring more to you on your vacation when you have a special event to focus on.

2. Are you traveling overseas? Most travelers are not aware that their insurance will probably not cover overseas travel, certain rentals, etc. So, check with your insurance before you think it does.

3. Are you traveling with a group? Traveling with multiple people only creates more opportunity for something to go wrong. Read on...if you have some of these types of people mentioned below in your group, insurance might be worth considering.

4. Are you traveling with senior citizens? Senior citizens these days can be extremely fit and healthy. It doesn't mean we are not susceptible to injury, illness or other normal things that plague us as that age.

5. Does someone have health issues? Did you know that travel insurance can cover a air-lift off a cruise ship or from a foreign port to an english speaking hospital? If someone has a heart attack, breaks a bone, there is only so much the local doctors may be able to handle. Being air-lifted can cost at least $50,000 or more. So don't think your insurance just covers the cost of the trip. It also covers medical.

6. Are you concerned about the baggage you will take? Some people pack important items, electronics, etc. And that doesn't include the luggage itself. Travel insurance will cover your lost luggage as well as delayed luggage.

7. Is there a potential for bad weather? Lost luggage, transportation, hotels and other side issues may not be covered even if the travel company you are using reimburses you for the trip itself due to a cancellation. Travel insurance can fill in those gaps.

If these issues don't relate to your travel and you are mostly doing a short, local trip, then travel insurance may not be for you. If one of those questions matches your vacation plans, then you should consider insurance.

When you plan your vacation, ask for a copy of the travel insurance so you can see what it covers. (Check here for an example of what insurance can cover) And don't forget to carry the travel insurance phone number with you when you leave for your vacation!

Travel far but carry a little stick.

I recommend to all travelers to make their life easier when traveling. One thing you should always carry with you is your passport. The second thing I suggest is getting all your travel documents on a memory stick.

If you carry this little stick with you wherever you travel, you will feel secure in having whatever you need at your fingertips. Memory sticks are small enough to carry with you or secure in your room safe while out and about.

Here is a list of copies you should keep on your memory stick for each passenger:

• Passport photo page
• Drivers license or other state issued photo ID
• Any booking confirmation emails
• Photo of your credit card(s)
• List of contact numbers.
• travel agent
• local emergency numbers
• immediate family member numbers (in case you lose your cell phone and don't have them memorized!)
• travel insurance
• cell phone company
• bank - credit card division
• physician for prescriptions 

Scan any of the physical items into your computer, save them to your password protected memory stick and delete files from your computer or make sure they are secure. Create a list of contact numbers for anything you have in your wallet or any important items you will carry with you during travel. Now if you lose your credit cards, wallet, phone, etc., you still have all the numbers necessary to make sure you still enjoy your vacation.