Credit Card Travel Insurance

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Did you know most major travel credit cards come with built-in travel insurance? If you like to pay with plastic AND get points for travel, check your travel credit card's fine print to determine what insurances and protection features are included. See below for some ways I've *almost* used my credit card's insurance...

As an example, here's what's included in my card {TD Travel Rewards Infinite}: - Trip Cancellation Insurance {covers $1,000/eligible person up to $5,000/per trip} - Trip Interruption Insurance {covers $5,000/eligible person up to $25,000/ trip} - Travel Medical Insurance {8-day trips if under 65, 2-day trips if 65 or older} - Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance - Auto Rental Collision/Loss Damage Insurance - Delayed and Lost Baggage Insurance - Emergency Travel Assistance Services

What About Other Travel Insurance? Normally, I make sure I have one or two travel insurance policies going at one time to make sure there are no coverage gaps. For example, for short trips I rely on my travel above credit card's insurance, but since it only covers me for 8-days, for longer trips I default to my medical plan's built-in 6-month travel medical insurance.

A Lost Bag and a Loophole Recently my husband booked two tickets through his Business Travel Rewards Visa {with same features as above}---one for himself and one for his business partner. Upon arriving at their destination, my husband's business partner's bag didn't. It turns out that even though my husband booked his business partner's ticket with his card, the lost bag insurance only applied to him, his wife {me} and any offspring {non-existent}. Therefore, the loophole is unless you book the ticket yourself, or are a spouse or child of the ticket purchaser, you won't be covered if your bags are lost aside from making a claim to the airline. Air Canada did provide a $100 sorry your bags didn't arrive for a few days kick-back, but that didn't help much.

Swine Flu Debacle A few years ago myself and 13 other girls were about to leave for Mexico on a triple-bachelorette when swine flu broke out. Travel plans had to be changed. Aside from lending my trip styling skillz to select the destination and most appropriate trip style for 14 girls {an all-inclusive in Los Cabos}, a travel agent made the booking and she was thankfully able to get each of us a refund given the circumstance. But, I'd booked the flight myself. Knowing my credit card had travel iterruption insurance, I thought getting my money back on the flight would be easy-peasy, but I was wrong. I had to submit a form and wait three weeks for my credit card's insurance provider to make a determination on my case, but I was supposed to leave in 3 weeks so wasn't willing to risk the uncertain wait. Thankfully I was able to re-route my Cabo flight to Vegas.

Insurance is a strange concept. We need it, but it doesn't always pan-out to protect us. Either way, we have to have it and seem to learn more about its intricacies when something goes awry. When you travel, make sure you have the appropriate insurance---whether from your travel credit card or a purchased policy---to protect you from harm's way.

Travel Etiquette :: Hotel {Guests}

Acting with grace and class at hotels is about the common, greater good. It comes from the knowledge that you're not an island, but part of a community during your stay. Aside from applying the golden rule to the way you interact with other guests, treating hotel staff with respect goes a long way as far as building them up and ensuring you'll be treated well in return.

Last week as part of this month's travel etiquette refresher, we featured tipping etiquette which is closely related to this week's topic: hotel guest etiquette. Since we've all woken up by the loud hall yellers and disturbed by the poolside cell phone talkers, along with the Fairmont Pacific Rim's Director of Housekeeping, here are some suggestions for how to be a good hotel guest respecting others' vacations or business trips.

In Your Room

• Don't leave a giant mess for the housekeeper. Think about the number of rooms they have to clean---don't be one of their horror stories. Also, if you expect daily cleaning, consider tipping as a thanks...
• Remember, housekeeping staff are in charge of cleaning the room, not tidying your giant mess.
• Gather all your towels and place them in the bathtub, as well as put the blankets back on the bed, a) because it's nice to do, and b) you might find something under one of those towels or blankets.
• Leave your valuables {passports, jewelry, etc... in the in-room safe}. {Trip Styler Tip: to avoid forgetting your valuables in the safe, put something you won't forget in the safe, or write a sticky note to yourself on the door or bathroom mirror.}
• Quiet hours are in place for a reason. Don't forget about your TV and radio/iPod volume either...
• Most hotel room doors are not soundproof, so late night/early morning loud talkers/screamers or hallway runners are not appreciated, and other guests don't take well to an interruption in their beauty sleep. It's always my practice to talk in a low decibel during the day and whisper at night when walking back to my hotel room.
• Most hotel doors are heavy and loud, so be courteous to those around you by guiding your door shut at night or in the morning, so there isn't a big slam every time you enter and exit the room.

At the Pool/Beach

• No loud cell phone talking! If you must, go to a private area to carry-out the rest of your conversation.
• A little PDA {public display of affection} is cute, but too much and it's awkward.
• If there's only one pool, be respectful of those around you {this includes your volume}.
• Don't save pool/beach loungers at 6am and then arrive to claim them at 11am.
• In addition to the above point, don't leave your pool towels sitting on your chair when you're done. It's courteous to other guests and the hotel to either drop them in the hamper, or advise the attendant that you are finished with them.
• Although you may be the only guests at or in the pool doesn’t mean that you can’t be seen. Many guestrooms have views that overlook the beach or pool so activities and/or noise levels should be conducted accordingly.

Housekeeping Tips {by the Fairmont Pacific Rim}

• Let us make your stay memorable! Join the hotel’s loyalty program before you arrive and enjoy a range of benefits. At Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, for example, members of the Fairmont President’s Club receive complimentary newspaper of their choice, free local phone calls, and use of BMW bicycles, along with the Fairmont Fit program which provide use of running shoes, shorts and tshirt so you don’t have to pack your running gear. {Editor's Note: I am passionate about the Fairmont President's Club Benefits (one of best in the industry) and have been a loyal member for 3 years. However, being an online trip stylist, I often stay with other hotels too, and when I do, I always make sure to join their loyalty program before my arrival for the value-added benefits.}
• If there are allergies or sensitivities, let the hotel know in advance so they can make your hotel stay an enjoyable one. Hypo-allergic pillows and duvets can replace feather items.
• A hotel wants to provide a “home away from home” during your stay and their main priority is the safety of guests. Use common sense when visiting, ie, don’t prop your guestroom door open with the deadbolt while you dash down the hall to get some ice.
• Before you depart, do a last minute check…it’s surprising how many guests leave items in the safety deposit box, in the closet or on the back of doors! {Editor's Note: This is so true! I recently had to have my Mac laptop's power cord shipped back from my hotel room in Mexico...}
• A hotel wants to provide a comfortable environment and does its utmost to ensure that facilities are in top condition. If there is something wrong, let the front desk know so that it can be rectified. Let us have the chance to make it better.

{Editor's Note: this post is not sponsored by the Fairmont Pacific Rim. I asked them to contribute a) so readers would get a balanced perspective from a frequent traveller and major hotel, and b) because they are my favourite hotel in Vancouver.}

[photo by @nate_fri, taken in a 22nd floor room overlooking the Vancouver harbour at the Fairmont Pacific Rim.]

The Travelling Mom's Tips for Happy {and Sane} Family Travels

{Editor's Note: This is a guest post from The Travelling Mom who writes a modern mom's guide to {sane} family travel. Her blog inspired me when I read this: "When I became a mother, I knew that we'd continue to be travelling enthusiasts. We took our first child overseas to Europe when he was 5 months old." Since then, she's continued to travel with her husband and two kids. Here are her tips...}

If you're a new parent, or haven't done much travelling with your wee ones yet, the idea of being in a car or airplane for any length of time can be nightmarish. How can you keep baby/child happy and thus ensure your own happiness and travel sanity? These tips will help you maintain that sanity while on the road, in the air, and once you're back on the ground again, so you can relax and enjoy your family holiday.

1. Plan for Sanity: Be Prepared The travelling mom and dad share this Boy Scout motto: be ready for anything and everything that might happen. This motto applies to all the things you're planning while on holiday, and even before you leave home. For example, preparing for the right amount of luggage; carry-on or check in? Planning what's going into that luggage (we have a great check list for that!) for all members of the family.

While you may not be able to predict or prevent an accident or injury, you should pre-plan your health care, emergency plan and travel insurance. If you know you'll need a rental car overseas, book it from home where it's cheaper, and it's guaranteed to be waiting for you upon your arrival. If you need a car seat for that rental vehicle, determine if you're taking your own, or renting one while you're abroad. Have your contact and emergency numbers with you while you travel, and photocopy your passport, credit cards and driver's license before you leave, in case of theft or loss while on the road. If something happens, you'll be very thankful for the time you've spent planning for that what if scenario. It's just good travel practice.

2. Pack Your Magic Bag of Tricks Whether it's a diaper bag, backpack, or designer tote, travel sanity will be greatly increased depending on what you include in that Magic Bag of Tricks. The essentials (may) include; bottles of baby formula (if not nursing) or baby food; diapers, cream, wipes and a change of clothes; age-appropriate snacks in bags or containers; empty water bottle (to fill after security check); childrens' medicines (less than 100 ml bottles only); adult headache meds; two or three small, lightweight books; a few of those special stuffies, soothers and blankets; UNO or Go Fish playing cards; a small but carefully chosen selection of toys; and electronic entertainment (i.e. iPod, DS PSP), if you permit them. I like to include a special, small 'surprise' toy item, specially purchased for the trip, and something that is 'lose-able' (ie. Polly Pockets, mini-dinos or toy soldiers). Translation: if a part gets lost or left behind somewhere, it won't cause panic or meltdowns. A special food item that you may consider a special treat, such as chocolate or candy, can also be pulled out in times of crisis.

3. Embrace Compromise You love museums. Your partner loves castles. Your children are 1 year, or 3 years, or 10 years old and don't like either. Balancing the many needs and desires of family members on a holiday are an exercise in patience, compromise and understanding. Family travel is about the 'we', and not so much about the 'me.' There is a way to ensure that everyone is happy, regardless of whether your destination is Disneyland or Paris. Before you leave, sit down as a family and discuss and write down your 'must see and do' list, and ensure each family member gets to check off at least one personal highlight. You can plan your days in advance so everyone knows when their special activity or destination might be on the itinerary. You can even assign a day per family member. Every child would love to be the Trip Tour Guide for one day.

The age and abilities of your children will help determine what is possible and the level of compromise that is necessary. Instead of 3 museums per day, it might be one museum per trip, but it should be THE museum, and the visit might be limited to 3 hours versus eight. But, if it's a museum that can meet everyone's interests, such as a transportation or antique toy museum, you may be able to get in more than one visit. The amount of activities in a day should be kept to a manageable amount, keeping in mind fatigue, distance and interest. If your end-of-day activity is time by the hotel pool or at the beach, you may have a better chance of success getting through a busy day of visiting relatives, art galleries or ancient ruins. Such promised rewards work wonders.

4. Ask for Help When you travel as a family, you (mom/dad) are responsible for everyone's well-being---remember the 'we' versus 'me'? There are times when you will be stretched to the limit dealing with kids, jet lag, delayed flights, getting lost, etc... Know in advance you'll have to ask others for help, whether it's a sympathetic fellow plane passenger, a flight attendant, tour guide, hotel staff person or server. Not everyone will be willing to assist you, but you may be pleasantly surprised at how many would when asked politely and directly for assistance. Babies and children can bring out the best in many people, and they'd rather hear your child laugh than cry, much less see an adult cry out of frustration! So ask for your baby's bottle to be heated on the plane or in a restaurant, ask if there is a fast-track, family-only security check-in line (many airports have them now) and even ask your seat-mate if they wouldn't mind holding your baby for a second if you need to run to the washroom. You will feel better (and infinitely saner), and potential problems/crises may be averted in the process.

5. Be Adventurous It can be hard to leave one's comfort zone, surrounded by familiar things like toys, friends and routine. What's great about travelling is the joy of appreciating those things all the more when you return from a great trip. You don't have to begin your family travels in a foreign land; you can start small and local with weekend getaways, or week-long camping trips. This will get everyone used to travelling, being together in different places and doing things that are fun (and often amazingly educational for both kids and adults). Once everyone has some experience with shorter-haul journeys, take the plunge and plan a longer trip somewhere new, where they may or may not speak the same language you do! The payoff in family time together, new discoveries, and lasting memories is priceless.

Author Bio Name: Claudia Laroye Website: www.thetravellingmom.ca Details: Claudia is an avid local and world traveller, writer, and Vancouver resident. Her blog thetravellingmom.ca offers a modern mom's guide to travel sanity with your family. She is passionate about family travel and about educating children through travel. You can follow her travel tweets and blog post updates on Twitter: @travelling_mom.

[photos by  @travelling_mom]

Wifi on Trains

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Have you ever wanted to take the train to a destination, but opted for other transport because the travel time was too lengthy? Some train travel is bullet-fast and crazy efficient as evidenced in Asia and Europe, other times it's slow and steady, but does that win the race? Full wireless connectivity on trains is a trend that's been around for a few years on the east coast and major routes, but has taken awhile to make its way up the West Coast. Until now.

Why I Love Wifi on Trains Earlier this summer I took a Via Rail train from Ottawa to Montreal, and LOVED the fact I could immediately connect to wifi in the terminals and on the train. It made the journey efficient {thus enjoyable} because I was able to get lots of work done, which meant I could spend more time in my destination exploring.

Where is the Love? Over the past few months, I've taken two trips to Portland and despite desperately wanting to take the train, both times got there road-trip style. Why? Because the Amtrak Cascades, the train running between Vancouver, BC and Eugene, OR didn't have wifi. Yes, I know the scenery is stunning, but 8 hours {in the middle of the day} on a train sans wifi? Non Merci.

The Love Thank goodness Amtrak is getting on track {pun intended} with not only wifi, but free wifi! Redeemed! I bet it will seriously increase their ridership, which was already record-braking in 2010! Whether you wifi your way to Seattle or Portland, or take the Coast Starlight all the way to LA, your trip just got a little easier and more entertaining with wifi. Hulu anyone? {Hulu is a website featuring a ton of popular TV shows which you can only access in the US.}

Now, if only they'd allow dogs...

Related Content Portland {part deux} Portland Seattle :: Springtime in the Emerald City

[photo: you gotta be here]

Shhhh, It's {Semi} Private...

Back in June we wrote about the exploding Private Travel Sales as part of our thrice-monthly Travel Trends column. At the time, it was still a newish concept with mostly early-adopter buy-in. Fast forward 8 months and this travel segment has grown like luggage on wheels and is opening a whole new set of options for the escape artist in all of us. Below are the big players.

Recommended Would I recommend flash-sale travel? Yes! I've had a great experience thus far, and the properties offered seem more interesting and hand-picked than trolling through Expedia or the like. It is prefect if you want to travel, but need a little inspiration to book. Note that most of the time, offers are for a one- to 3-month period. Don't forget to check each offer's fine-print and cancellation policies.

The Concept - You want to travel somewhere fabulous and get a good deal - Private travel sale sites offer time-sensitive, discounted rates for close-to-home & far-flung getaways - You see a deal you like, and snag it The Catch. They're private, meaning you need to join or get an invite, which I can help you out with below.

The Online Goods Jetsetter.com [join here] Part of the Gilt Group, an online private sale clothing & accessories retailer, Jettsetter offers a smattering of worldwide travel candy {aka - fabulous getaways} at discounts to their members. If you're a Gilt member you can book travel on Jetsetter, and if you're a Jetsetter member, you can buy on Gilt. I've used Jetsetter twice to book hotels and have been very really happy with both bookings. One feature I really like is how, in most cases, Jetsetter sends someone to review the property beforehand and on the sale, lists the features and drawbacks so you know what you're getting into. *PS - Jetsetter just launched 24/7, whereby you can book select properties sans flash-sale, i.e. all the time. One offer I'm currently swooning over is the Banyan Tree Samui.

Ideeli.com [join here] Ideeli is similar to the Gilt Group, offering fashion, home and beauty collections at heavy discounts. Why not add travel to the mix? Touché, they did featuring US and Mexican getaways.

Vacationist.com [join here] As a joint venture between two travel giants, Travel + Leisure magazine and Luxury Link, Vacationist delivers excellent getaways with booking features I love, like T+L destination suggestions and what's going on around town during the months sale is offered.

VoyagePrivee.com [join here] Starting in Europe, Voyage Prive {private travel} offers invite-only, limited-time sales similar to the above sites. With 6-million members, I'd say this private travel site is getting fairly public. Each sale features a flip-through brochure and a page where you can view and book the deal. Save your time and just go straight to the viewing/booking page.

Sniqueaway.com [join here] Launched by the TripAdvisor Media Group in 2010, SniqueAway offers time-sensitive, flash-sales like the rest of 'em, but a few differentiating features I like are: integrated Trip Advisor reviews, Out & About suggestions and Overview with spellbinders and reminders. Logging in, I just found a $139 sale for a lake-view room at Whistler's Nita Lake Lodge {just awarded a 2011 Trip Advisor Traveller's Choice award}. I would love to stay at this property, and have heard really good feedback.

Tablethotels.com [join here] Tablet hotels use an American Idol-style hotel selection. The judges do the rankings and the people decide the winner. Tablet is a group of hand-picked, tightly edited hotels in destinations all over the world. The list of these hotels is created and maintained by anonymous visits from travel experts, then reviewed by a team with "a low tolerance for boredom." In addition, hotels are also reviewed by guests, and if their rating falls below a 15 out of 20, the hotel no longer gets to compete. Tablet's private sales are limited, featuring 2 - 3 properties every few days.

Other Travel Flash-Sale Sites on our Radar Ruelala.com [join here] Same concept to Gilt/Jettsetter and Ideeli: Rulala is a name brand flash-sale site with an added travel component. Currently, it has one offer.

Secretescapes.com [join here] Following the same model as Jetsetter and Vacationist, recently launched Secret Escapes focuses its efforts on mostly Euro getaways with offers in British Pounds. One difference between this new company and Voyage Prive, is it's more difficult to get/find an invite unless you know someone who knows someone, who knows someone, which is likely part of their business plan. Interestingly, the company was started by the people behind dealchecker.co.ok {who was just aquired last week by EasyVoyage...not to be confused with the Easy Group offering internet, flights, cruises, car rentals, etc....} Either way, might be a good bet if you're planning some European travel.