VIKING INSURANCE PLUS VOUCHERS ‘Yawn’ or ‘Yikes’
If you purchased Viking insurance (otherwise known as Trip Mate) within 14 days of your cruise deposit and paid all cash for your trip, then this article likely falls into the “yawn” category for you. You’re in a great spot because you are able to cancel your cruise for a covered reason and get cash back for non-refundable fees paid on your cruise. This article is for those clients who applied vouchers and purchased Trip Mate insurance: You may not have the coverage you think you do. (Yikes!) For example, let’s say you have a $10,000 per person cruise, and you’ve paid $819 per person for insurance. You also have vouchers for $8,000 per person, which are applied to your balance. Your out-of-pocket cash cost is now $2,000, so your insurance drops to a mere $319, and you are happy to get a $500 per person refund for the overpayment. While you still have medical coverage while on your cruise, the $319 now only covers the $2,000 per person cash paid over the vouchers in the event that you have to cancel for a covered reason prior to your trip. That $8,000 voucher unfortunately is not protected.
Here’s another thing to consider: What if your vouchers cover the full amount of your cruise and you
have the Risk-Free Guarantee for 2022 sailings? You can cancel up to 14 days prior to your departure and get another voucher, but may have no cancellation protection at all inside of those dates if you don’t have an alternative policy. (As a disclaimer, I like to say I’m a travel agent, not an insurance agent, so call Trip Mate at (866) 303-1165 for specific questions related to your situation.) So, what are your options if you have vouchers and want cancellation coverage? There is a way to protect your vacation investment: Alternative companies like Travel Insured will cover the full amount of the vouchers and give you cash-back for a covered reason should you have to cancel in advance of your cruise. If you’d like a quote for that coverage, you can email Meghan@ImagineGoingThere.com for advice and assistance.
Leaving on a Jet Plane?
3 ESSENTIAL PACKING TIPS
A lot has changed since 2020, but packing for vacation still can be stressful, and baggage fees haven’t gone anywhere. Here are some essential tips to keep your load as light as possible: MAKE A LIST. It’s just as easy to forget things as it is to overpack. Solve both problems at once by creating a packing list in advance. Consider a color theme to maximize the interchangeability of outfits, and write down what you’ll wear on each day of your trip. Then, as each item gets added to the suitcase, check it off. Writing everything down creates a system that not only keeps you organized before you go, it also helps prevent leaving things behind. Plus when it’s all on paper, you’re more likely to notice that you probably don’t need to pack as much as you thought. (Don’t forget that rain and wind can significantly impact the day’s enjoyment, so pack a light windbreaker or raincoat to keep you comfortable — and possibly save the outfit you’re wearing that day!) USE YOUR PERSONAL ITEM FOR EXTRA STORAGE. Airlines generally allow travelers one carry-on bag and one personal item. The dimensions allowed vary by airline, but the general rule of thumb is that the personal item needs to fit under the
seat in front of you. Don’t bring a small purse when you can maximize packing space with a large tote or — my favorite — underseat luggage
on wheels. With the extra room, you might be able to avoid checking an extra bag.
NEVER CHECK ESSENTIAL ITEMS. While we are partnering with Blue Ribbon Bags to mitigate baggage issues, misplaced luggage is a stressful way to start your vacation. Definitely pack all essential items, like prescription medications or glasses, as well as an extra outfit or two in your carry-on. You’ll be glad to have them if something goes awry. Packing smart makes for a less stressful journey in several ways: There are fewer items to keep track of, less luggage to drag with you, and most importantly, you don’t lose precious sight-seeing time packing for your return home.
2 • www.ImagineGoingThere.com
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