If you have been following the Zika virus as closely as many travelers, you are probably wondering how to protect yourself from mosquitoes. We wanted to provide some insight as to how you can do just that. Zika virus isn't the only mosquito borne illness travelers need to worry about. There is dengue, malaria and West Nile virus.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention created an infographic showing how you can be proactive in avoiding bug bites. Although the media is focused on the Zika virus, it is important to remember that there are many insects you must protect yourself against while traveling. 
Whether you are backpacking the Appalachian Trail or headed to the Caribbean for spring break, it is important to remember to protect yourself from all insects and not focus singularly on the mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus. 
The CDC recommends spray that is at least 20% DEET. I have traveled to destinations before where repellent that contained the recommended level of DEET wasn't enough. While I left without illness, I was still sorry I didn't do more. 

You might think that terrorist is the biggest cause of death when traveling, but you would be wrong. Between October 2002 and June 1015, a total of 10,545 Americans died abroad due to non-natural causes. The leading cause of death -- traffic accidents. Tallying in at 3,104, traffic accidents are more likely to kill American travelers than homicide, which came in second at 2,000.
That is not to say that terrorism should be downplayed from tragedy to coincidence, but maybe people should inform themselves on other common dangers. A review of the U.S. State Department’s registry of American deaths abroad reveals that the horror of the Metrojet bombing obscures reality: It turns out Egyptian drivers are responsible for far more American fatalities than Egyptian terrorists."
Another surprising finding seemed to be the number of drownings. Certain countries were dangerous due to their water-based attractions. With 1,320 deaths by drowning, places like Mexico, the Bahamas and Costa Rica are to be treated with caution around activities like swimming, diving and other water activities. 
So, as the data supports, it looks like the dangers travelers really need to worry about are day to day safety issues in unique cultural surroundings. Drive, swim and explore safely. 
​Amanda Hand 3/30/2016

Terrorism is a global concern right now. We have had the attacks in Paris, Beirut, Tunisia and now Brussels. While we have had a lot of travelers voicing their concerns, it often has little to do with canceling their trip and more to do with what coverage travel insurance can provide when facing terrorism.   
Here are 4 things about terrorism and travel insurance you probably didn't know. 

1. Cancellation is a possibility 
Most travel insurance companies will allow for travelers to cancel their trip if a terrorist attack occurs in a city they are traveling to, through or from. If Paris was simply the location of a layover, a traveler could still be eligible for cancellation.
Usually the attack must have occurred within 30 days of departure and travelers must have the policy before the attack took place. 
Be careful when choosing your policy, some companies do not allow for cancellation if your supplier allows a substitute itinerary, regardless if you are afraid to travel. 

2. Emergency assistance is most likely provided 
During 9/11, it was almost impossible to get out of the city. Phone lines were down and cell phones weren't working. Imagine being in a country while all of this is happening, and you don't speak the language. 
Having access to emergency assistance through your travel insurance company can make an incredible difference. Emergency assistance companies provide years of knowledge and training for these exact instances.
 
3. Evacuation is an option
There are times where a terrorist incident can cause severe instability within a nation. If you are traveling, and an event like this occurs, it may be necessary for you to have a non-medical evacuation. If that is the case, the emergency assistance you are provided can assist in making the arrangements, while travel insurance can cover the costs. 
There have been instances in the past where this has saved lives. We saw it in Egypt during political unrest and Nepal during the earthquakes. 
​
4. Medical expenses are covered
If you are injured and need medical treatment, travel insurance will be able to cover the costs. This will obviously be dependent on your plan and benefit limit.
If you were looking to cut costs, and bypass having primary medical coverage, then you would miss out on this option and probably pay expenses out of pocket. Some insurance policies may cover $50,000 while other may cover $100,000 in medical expenses. Be sure to read your policy and know your benefit limit before purchasing.
Depending on the company you choose, travel insurance can provide access to emergency assistance, coverage for medical expenses and more. Always be sure to understand your benefits and policy before traveling and call your customer service representative with any questions. 
By Amanda Hand on Mar 25, 2016 Travel Safe

Have you ever had to change a flight and had to pay $200 to do
it?  Each airline has a different price for changing a ticket. 
Delta’s change fee is $200 while Southwest has no change fee. 
Sun Country charges $100 to change a domestic ticket and $150 for international flights.  However, if you purchase Sun Country’s new Uflex Vacation Protection Plan for $30, you
can make up to 3 changes with no penalty. 
Here are some details regarding Sun Country’s new plan:


        Prior to your trip, you can:

         Make up to 3 changes to your itinerary (you can change the time, date, destination, and even the name 
         on   your reservation) – with no change fees

         Cancel for any reason – with no penalty The difference in cost (if you make changes that reduce the cost
         of your trip), or the price of your vacation if you cancel, will be refunded to you, according to the option you 
         chose  voucher option or a cash option. Vouchers are valid for one y
 

        During your vacation

• You are also covered for costs incurred due to unexpected travel delays, delayed or lost luggage, medical expenses, emergency assistance, and accidental death or dismemberment. Coverage is provided by TripMate, a leading provider of travel protection plans. UFlex protection purchased within 24hours of outbound flight for round-trip itineraries can only be applied to return flight. 

           UFlex  FAQs 

        1. What is UFlex?

            It is a change fee protection product.  Passengers who purchase UFlex with their flight reservation are
            able to make up to three changes to their reservation without paying a change fee.  Passengers who have
            purchased UFlex are responsible for paying the difference between the fare in their original reservation
            and the fare available at the time of change. A change is defined as:  Changing time, date and/or 
            destination, or name on a reservation.       

        2.  What is the difference between UFlex and travel insurance?
 
            UFlex is a change fee protection product that protects passengers from three change fees 
            should they decide to make changed to their reservation, whereas travel insurance protects passengers
            from costs associated with trip cancellation, interruptions or delays: delayed, damaged or lost bags, 
            medical expenses during the trip, and other trip related items.

        3.  How and where do I buy UFlex?

            Purchase UFlex when making a flight reservation with Sun Country through the website at
            www.SunCountry.com or through Sun Country reservations: 1-800-359-6786 or 651-905-2737 for Mpls/St 
            Paul. UFlex protection purchased within 24hours of outbound flight for round-trip itineraries can only be
            applied to return flights. 
        
        4.  When can I buy UFlex?

            UFlex must be purchased in conjunction with a flight at time of ticketing only.

No one knows the exact percentage of travelers that buy travel insurance, but it is one of those things that can save you a lot of sleep at night. There are many factors to consider before buying travel insurance including, how expensive your trip is, what you can afford, are you traveling during a stormy season, are you going on an adventure trip where there is a possibility of getting hurt, or are you a person prone to illness. It is predicted in 2014 by the GWO (Global Weather Oscillations, Inc) that there will be 17 named storms, 8 hurricanes (3 major hurricanes) and several snow storms. 
 
According to FlightStats, over 3,000 departing flights from Chicago O’Hare were delayed during the week of Janurary 5, 2014 when a polar vortex hit the Midwest and Northeast. From October 27th to November
1st, 2012, Hurricane Sandy resulted in 20,254 flights either originating in or arriving to North America to be cancelled. These are only some of the weather emergencies in the US.  Add to this illness and unexpected circumstances and you have a lot of flights that have to be rescheduled. 

Also, keep in mind that 60%-70% of claims are for trip interruption.  More events happen during a trip than before a trip. (Travel Guard Insurance Webinar on 2-6-14) 
Choose the level of insurance based upon your needs. 

What is Covered   

• Trip  cancellation, interruption, delay, and missed connections      
• When inclement weather causes cancellation or delay of all regularly scheduled airline flights for 3 or more hours at point of departure many plans will cover you. It all depends upon the plan you choose.
  Also if a trip is delayed, (certain # of hours per plan), hotel, meals, and taxi fares are covered.         
• Lost and stolen luggage       
• Lost passports and travel documents       
• Emergency cash transfer assistance       
• Travel information including visa/passports      
• Emergency telephone interpretation       
• Up to the minute travel delay reports 
• ATM Locators

Third-Party Coverage
Travelers can buy insurance from an airline or a cruise company. But those policies may not be as comprehensive as packages purchased directly from an insurance carrier. Also if a cruise line or carrier went out of business, the coverage they offered would also disappear.  "It's best to get third-party insurance" from companies like Allianz or Travel Guard. Most travel agents also sell policies.
 
Whatever type of policy you buy, and wherever you buy it from, do your homework. Read the fine print and ask the provider plenty of questions about what reasons are considered acceptable for making a claim. A
flight delay might have to last a certain number of hours, for instance, for a policy to kick in.

Buyers can find other general questions to ask by clicking onto the U.S. Travel Insurance Association's website, www.ustia.org.

Travelers also should keep records, from the hotel receipt showing where they stayed when their flight was canceled, to a note from the doctor that confirms they were too sick to travel. If the airline cancels a flight because of weather, the airline will provide a statement for you. You do need to have proof of anything that you
claim.

More
The Best Credit Cards with Travel Insurance.
https://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/best-cards-travel-insurance/
Why Buy Trip Insurance When You Cruise
Why you should always buy trip insurance for a cruise