travel life agent

• I never have to price. I immediately get the lowest pricing.
• I receive commission on all Cruises, Resorts, Rental Cars, Travel Ins. & more.
• I have control of my reservation. I never pay agency fees for changes etc.
• I am part of an incredible travel community that inspires me every day.
• I love helping others making their travel dreams come true.

Voted as Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean's Travel Agency of the Year, TA4Life is the fastest growing community-based travel group in the nation. As a member, you can plan and book travel for yourself, family, friends, and groups. You instantly get the lowest agency pricing, promotions and benefits. You also receive the commission on everything you book. It's as easy as booking on Expedia and benefits last forever.

After only three months, I booked my annual Church Retreat cruise and Family Reunion cruise. I have already made $22,000 and sailed for free. I am so happy I found this TA4Life Agents community of agents. They are so supportive and nice.

The commission structure is based on a trip base cost of $3000 and a commission rate of 18%

The full amount of commission earned by each level of agent

A group of 5 cruise cabins would earn commission of

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

HTH Travel Insurance »

Tin Leg »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Seven Corners »

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation when unexpected issues arise. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
• HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
• Tin Leg: Best Cost
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
• Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

• 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
• $750 in missed connection coverage
• $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

• Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
• Up to $1,600 for travel delays
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
• Epidemic coverage

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
• $500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

• 100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
• $500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
• Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
• $100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
• Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage
• $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
• Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
• $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost 
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
• Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

• 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
• $2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
• $1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
• $250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
• $500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
• Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong June 2024 trip to Spain for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express . 

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

• TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
• InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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How to Find the Best Travel Insurance

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Table of Contents

What travel insurance covers

How much does travel insurance cost, types of travel insurance, how to get travel insurance, what to look for in travel insurance, best travel insurance comparison sites, which insurance company is best for travel insurance, when to skip travel insurance, travel insurance, recapped.

Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage, rental cars and more.

Cost is affected by trip length, pre-existing medical conditions, depth of coverage, your age and add-ons.

You can get it through credit cards or third-party companies, & can shop on travel insurance comparison sites.

Before buying, evaluate risks, know existing coverage, obtain quotes online and review policy details warily.

Skip it if you buy flexible airfare and hotels, already have coverage or only book refundable activities.

Booking travel always carries some degree of uncertainty. Travel insurance provides a safety net so you can step out with confidence. You may not need travel insurance for inexpensive trips, but it can provide a sense of security when you prepay for pricey reservations, a big international trip or travel during cold and flu season, which can be unpredictable.

According to insurance comparison site Squaremouth, travelers in 2023 spent an average of $403 for comprehensive coverage, compared to $96 for medical-only policies. Comprehensive plans typically cost between 5% and 10% of the insured trip cost.

Since that price tag is no small amount, it helps to know how to shop smart for travel insurance. Here's how to find the right travel insurance plan for you and your next adventure.

Depending on the type of coverage you’re looking for, the chart below will help you determine what to look for when selecting a policy:

Depending on the policy, travel insurance reimburses you or offers services when something goes awry. There’s even coverage for the worst-case scenario: if you die in an accident while traveling. Accidental death coverage pays your beneficiary a lump sum in that case.

Before you buy, take a little time to get familiar with different types of travel insurance products, how it’s priced, and what it covers and excludes. If you’re traveling during these uncertain times, you’ll want to make sure that the policy you select covers coronavirus-related emergencies. Usually, the more thorough the coverage, the more it will cost.

Travel insurance costs vary depending on:

Length and cost of the trip: The longer and more expensive the trip, the higher the policy cost.

Cost of local health care: High health-care costs in your destination can drive up the price of trip insurance.

Medical conditions you want covered: Conditions you already have will increase the cost of travel insurance coverage.

Amount and breadth of coverage: The more risks a policy covers, the more it will cost.

Your age: Generally the older you are, the higher the price.

Any optional supplement you add to your policy : Cancel For Any Reason , Interrupt For Any Reason and more.

Keep these factors in mind when considering different travel insurance options.

You’ll find a wide selection of travel protection plans when you shop for a policy.

Typically, travel insurance is sold as a package, known as a comprehensive plan, which includes a variety of coverage.

Here are seven of the most common types of travel insurance:

Travel medical insurance

These plans provide health insurance while you’re away from home. Although in some ways these policies work like traditional health plans, generally you cannot use travel health insurance for routine medical events. For example, a routine medical checkup is usually not covered. In addition, these policies often include limitations on coverage and exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Although most travel insurance plans cover many recreational activities, such as skiing and horseback riding, they often exclude adventure sports, such as skydiving or parasailing, or competition in organized sporting events. You may need to buy a special travel policy designed for adventure or competitive sports.

International travel insurance

Most likely, your U.S.-based medical insurance will not work while you’re traveling internationally, and Medicare does not provide any coverage once you leave the United States outside of a few very specific exemptions. If you plan on traveling abroad, purchasing travel medical insurance could make a lot of sense.

» Learn more: Travel medical insurance: Emergency coverage while you travel internationally

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay

Trip cancellation coverage reimburses you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if the tour operator goes out of business or you have to cancel the trip for one of the covered reasons outlined in the policy, such as:

Your own illness.

The illness or death of a family member who’s not traveling with you.

Natural disasters.

Trip interruption insurance covers the nonrefundable cost of the unused portion of the trip if it is interrupted due to a reason outlined in the policy.

Trip delay coverage reimburses you for expenses such as lodging and meals if you’re delayed during a trip (e.g., your flight gets canceled due to weather ).

Many package policies cover all three. These policies are different from the cancellation waivers that cruise lines and tour operators offer, the Insurance Information Institute says. Waivers are cheap, ranging from $40 to $60, and often include restrictions. For example, according to the institute, waivers might not refund your money if you cancel immediately before departure. Waivers are technically not insurance policies.

Some companies offer additional layers of coverage at extra cost. “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage will reimburse a large part of the trip cost, no matter why you back out. And some companies let you pay extra to cover pre-existing conditions if you cancel for medical reasons.

Some insurers and comparison sites let you customize a policy by choosing types of coverage a la carte. For example, TravelInsurance.com is a comparison site that provides quotes from different providers.

Baggage and personal belongings

How does lost luggage insurance work? This coverage reimburses you for baggage and personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged during the trip. Some plans also reimburse you for extra expenses if you experience a baggage delay for more than a certain period, such as 12 hours.

Your renters or homeowners insurance may cover personal belongings while you are traveling. It’s best to review your homeowners insurance policy to determine the level of coverage it provides so you do not end up paying for a benefit you already have.

» Learn more: Baggage insurance explained

Emergency medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation

This coverage pays medical expenses if you get sick or injured on a trip . Medical evacuation coverage pays for transporting you to the nearest hospital, and medical repatriation pays for flying you to your home country.

» Learn more: Can I get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions?

24-hour assistance

This service is included with many package plans. The insurer provides a 24-hour hotline that you can call when you need help, such as booking a flight after a missed connection, finding lost luggage, or locating a doctor or lawyer.

Generally, travel insurance companies do not cover sports or any activity that can be deemed risky. If you’re thinking of incorporating adventurous activities into your vacation, choose a plan that includes adventure sports coverage.

Most travel insurers cover a wide array of services, but the specific options vary. Some plans include concierge services, providing help with restaurant referrals, tee time reservations and more. Many services also offer information before the trip, such as required vaccinations. The only way to know what’s included is to read the policy.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

This coverage pays a lump sum to your beneficiary, such as a family member, if you die in an accident while on the trip. Accidental death and dismemberment insurance policies also pay a portion of the sum to you if you lose a hand, foot, limb, eyesight, speech or hearing. Some plans apply only to accidental death in a plane.

This coverage may be duplicative if you already have sufficient life insurance, which pays out whether you die in an accident or from an illness. You may also already have accidental death and dismemberment insurance through work, so it's best to check your policies to ensure you’re not overpaying.

» Learn more: NerdWallet's guide to life insurance

Rental car coverage

Rental car insurance pays for repairing your rental car if it’s damaged in a wreck, by vandals or in a natural disaster. The coverage doesn't include liability insurance, which pays for damage to other vehicles or for the medical treatment of others if you cause an accident and are held responsible.

Ask your car insurance company whether your policy will cover you when renting cars on the trip. U.S. car insurance policies generally don’t cover you when driving in other countries, except Canada.

Car insurance requirements are complex because they vary among countries. You can usually purchase liability insurance from the rental car company. Learn about car insurance requirements by searching for auto insurance by country on the U.S. Embassy website .

» Learn more: Best credit cards for rental car coverage

A note about single vs. long-term policies

Single trip insurance plans are a great option for those going on a single trip for a specific length of time (e.g., a two-week vacation) and then returning home. The price of the policy is usually determined by the cost of the trip.

Long-term travel policies cover you for multiple trips, but there are limitations to how long you can be away from home, if you can return home during your travels and how many trips you can take. In addition, trip cancellation and interruption coverage is either not offered or capped at a dollar amount that can be significantly below the total cost of all the trips taken during the covered period.

Long-term travel insurance plans — often called 'multi-trip' or 'annual travel insurance' — are a suitable option for those who travel often and are satisfied with the amount of trip cancellation coverage for all the trips they take over the duration of the policy.

» Learn more: How annual (multi-trip) travel insurance works

Below, we include how to obtain travel insurance, along with the pros and cons of each option.

Some credit cards offer trip cancellation and rental car insurance if you use the card to book the trip or car.

When you book a trip with your credit card, depending on the card you use, you may already receive trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

» Learn more: 10 credit cards that provide travel insurance

Here are a handful of credit cards that offer varying levels of travel insurance coverage for purchases made with the card.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

• Rental car insurance: Up to $75,000.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.

• Rental car insurance: Up to the actual cash value of the car.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

Pros: Coverage is free.

Cons: You can’t customize the insurance to meet your needs. Most credit cards offer secondary car rental insurance, which pays for the costs not covered by your regular car insurance plan.

Travel agents and travel reservation sites

You can buy travel insurance when you book your flight, hotel and car rental.

Pros: Buying is as quick and easy as clicking “yes” when you book reservations. Coverage is inexpensive.

Cons: You can’t customize the coverage.

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance vs. independent travel insurance

Travel insurance comparison sites

You can compare different policies and review quotes at once based on the trip search criteria you’ve input into the search form. Examples include marketplaces like Squaremouth or TravelInsurance.com.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs and compare policies and pricing in one place.

Cons: Comparing multiple policies takes time.

Travel insurance companies

You can purchase travel insurance directly from an insurance provider.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs. Many travel insurer websites also offer information to help you understand the coverage.

Cons: You’ll need to go to multiple websites to compare coverage and pricing.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Keep these tips in mind when you’re considering a trip insurance policy.

Evaluate the financial risks you face when traveling. Can you bear those costs yourself, or do you want insurance?

Examine what coverage you already have: Does your credit card offer travel insurance? Do you have renters or homeowners insurance to cover belongings? What is the deductible? Will your health plan cover you in all the locations where you travel?

Get quotes for trip insurance online. Choose a package of the benefits you need and compare prices for similar coverage among carriers.

Narrow your choices and then read the policy fine print to understand what’s covered, what’s excluded and the limits on coverage. You may find that the lowest-priced policy is too restrictive and that paying a little more gets you the coverage you need. Or you might find that the cheapest, most basic policy fits the bill.

If you don’t know which provider to go with, it makes sense to browse a list of plans on a travel insurance comparison site. These online marketplaces will often include plans from the best travel insurance companies along with customer reviews.

Squaremouth

Compare plans from more than 30 providers.

Over 86,000 customer reviews of insurers.

Under its Zero Complaint Guarantee, Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) will remove a provider if any customer complaint isn't resolved to its satisfaction.

Has a filter option to see policies that provide COVID-coverage.

TravelInsurance.com

Compare plans from 13 providers.

See good and poor customer ratings and reviews for each insurer when you receive quotes.

“Learning Center” includes travel insurance articles and travel tips, including important how-to information.

Quotes provided from each provider include a link to COVID-19 FAQs, making it easy for customers to review what’s covered or not.

InsureMyTrip

Compare plans from more than two dozen providers.

More than 70,000 customer reviews.

“Anytime Advocates” help customers navigate the claim process and will work on behalf of the customer to help with appealing a denied claim.

Includes a link to plans that offer COVID coverage.

Compare plans from 11 providers.

Search coverage by sporting activity, including ground, air and water sports.

Many types of plans available for students, visiting family members, new immigrants, those seeking COVID quarantine coverage and more.

Compare different insurance plans from 35 providers.

Over 5,600 customer reviews on Trustpilot, with an average 4.9 stars out of five.

Formerly known as AardvarkCompare, AARDY includes a “Travel Insurance 101” learning center to help customers understand various policies and benefits.

Quote search results page includes COVID-coverage highlighted in a different color to make it easier for customers to review related limits.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care, COVID coverage or a policy that includes extreme sports, these providers have you covered.

Our full analysis and more details about each organization can be found here: The Best Travel Insurance Companies Today .

Allianz Global Assistance .

Travel Guard by AIG .

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services .

Travel Insured International .

World Nomads .

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection .

Travelex Insurance Services .

Seven Corners .

AXA Assistance USA .

There are a few scenarios when spending extra on travel insurance doesn't really make sense, like:

You booked flexible airline tickets.

Your hotel room has a good cancellation policy.

It's already included in your credit card.

You haven't booked any nonrefundable activities.

» Learn more: When you don't need travel insurance

Yes, especially for nonrefundable trips and travel during the COVID-era. Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or have travel insurance from your credit card, you shouldn't travel without having some sort of travel protection in place to safeguard you and your trip. Travel insurance can protect you in case of an unexpected emergency such as a canceled flight due to weather, a medical event that requires hospitalization, lost luggage and more.

There are many good travel insurance policies out there and a policy that may be great for you may not be good for someone else. Selecting the best plan depends on what coverage you would like and your trip details.

For example, World Nomads offers a comprehensive travel insurance policy that has excellent coverage for adventure sports. Allianz provides coverage for trips of varying lengths of time through its single trip plans and multi-trip plans. Some providers offer add-on options like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance. If you’re not sure which plan to go with, consider looking at trip insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth or Insuremytrip.

Yes, you can. However, it's better to purchase it sooner rather than later, ideally right after booking your trip because the benefits begin as soon as you purchase a policy.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your trip cancellation benefits to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans offer trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and dental, medical evacuation, trip delay and lost luggage coverage. Many plans offer COVID coverage, but you’ll always want to check to ensure that the policy you choose provides that benefit if you’re traveling during these times. Some plans may also allow you to add features like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

However, the coverage provided by the credit cards is usually lower than if you purchased a standalone policy. Review the travel insurance benefits on your credit card and check that the limits are adequate before foregoing from purchasing a separate plan.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your

trip cancellation benefits

to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Platinum Card® from American Express

offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

Unpredictability is one of the mind-opening joys of travel, but travel insurance should contain no surprises. The time you spend to understand your options will be well worth the peace of mind as you embark on your next adventure.

Whether you’re seeking a single or a long-term policy, each travel insurance option offers different strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right policy depends on your trip needs, your budget and how important various benefits are to you.

Keep reading

If you want to dig in deeper to world of travel insurance, these resources will point you in the right direction.

What is travel insurance?

How much is travel insurance?

Is travel insurance worth it?

What does travel insurance cover?

Does travel insurance cover COVID?

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Learn About Us!

I am a Raleigh, NC based travel agent specializing in planning honeymoons, family gatherings, group travel and destination weddings. My passion is to help you find and experience the most amazing dream vacations. I take the stress out of planning by taking care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy your escape vacation! I love creating tailor-made vacations and my valued clients get my first hand experience.

My background is in healthcare, and I am a chiropractor in Raleigh NC for the last 26 years and a travel agent for the last 9 years. I launched Adjust to the Good Life Travel in 2013 based solely on my love and passion for travel! My dad was a Naval officer and we traveled extensively growing up when we lived in Europe. Our family loves exploring new destinations, experiencing unique adventures, and creating lifelong memories together. My daughter, Haley Gray has joined the family business and is now also a travel consultant with our travel agency.

Our family has cruised over 25 different sailings to almost all of the Caribbean islands, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, Tahiti, Galapagos and other exotic destinations. We have explored over 33 countries, and traveled to almost all of the states within the U.S. We also love exploring the U.S National parks and taking expeditions. As an experienced travel partner, I have the personal knowledge to help your family too! Having the personal knowledge of these destinations has enabled me to see first hand what my clients will experience.

I hold one of the highest levels of certification within the cruise industry, as a Master Cruise Counselor designated through CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association). It is a rigorous program that includes first attaining Accredited Cruise Counselor status, after selling many, many cruises, inspecting and personally sailing on different types of ships. This program enabled me to experience a wide range of cruise brands and gain first hand knowledge so that I can create the perfect experience for my clients.

As a preferred Sandals and Beaches Specialist, I have completed an extensive educational program where I learned and experienced first hand about the Sandals and Beaches resorts. Being recognized by the industry as a Sandals expert, enables me to help match you to the perfect Caribbean destination.

Thank you for taking the time to visit Adjust to the Good Life Travel and considering us for any and all of your vacation planning needs. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to work with you. I love helping my clients discover new and exciting adventures and enjoy building lasting relationships!

Feel free to sign up for a Dream Vacation Planning Session so I can help you turn your travel dreams into memorable vacations!

Even at a young age, I’ve always had a thirst for adventure! Becoming a travel agent with Adjust to the Good Life Travel with my mom, Stacy Gray was a natural step for me because of my love and passion for travel.

Growing up with a mom as a travel agent and my unique childhood of visiting 40 states and 32 countries has truly inspired me to want to help others experience their own travel adventures! My passion for culture, and exploration coupled with my first-hand experience has given me the knowledge to help you turn your dreams into reality. I am confident that my expertise will assist in providing you with incredible travel experiences and authentic adventures while helping you create your own amazing memories.

I am looking forward to help you plan your next vacation and will search extensively to find you the best rates at the best locations! As your personal travel agent, I am able to give you the attention and personal service you deserve at no extra cost to you and can even price match any trip you may have already found. Since our agency has exclusive benefits with many of the cruise lines, all-inclusive resorts, and many tour package companies, I am confident I will be able to beat competitors rates.

If you are ready to book your next adventure, please reach out to me and we can begin the process of creating a tailor made vacation for you as soon as possible!

Is a Travel Agent Worth It? The Pros and Cons

N eed to pivot your trip plans but don't want to deal with the extra time, money and hassle of rebooking flights and accommodations on your own? That's just one area where a knowledgeable travel agent (also commonly known as a travel advisor) can help. Read on to discover the other benefits – as well as the downsides – of using a travel agent, so you can confidently decide whether or not a travel agent is worth it for your next trip.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

Travel agents can save you money – and get you other perks.

"In some cases, you'll actually get a better  deal by working with a travel agent," says Jackie Steele, travel expert at MagicGuides . "This could be in the form of a cruise onboard credit (free spending money to use on the ship), access to special agency/group rates, or even just learning about a discount you qualify for but weren't aware of." The best agents will even keep an eye on new discounts as they're announced and apply them to your trip even after you've booked, he notes.

Travel agents handle all the details

Hotel room? Booked. Dinner reservations? Made. Tour tickets? Ready to go. A travel agent handles every detail of your vacation itinerary. "The traveler still gets to be involved in the fun part of dreaming up ideas and providing their travel wishes, while we take and perfect them," says Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer .

Molly McShea, owner and travel advisor at McShea Travel , points out that travel agents can also help with timing logistics. "Travel agents know how many days should be spent in each destination, which tours go together, and how many things you should do in a day," she says, adding that crafting an itinerary can be challenging if it's not something you regularly do. Additionally, travel agents can help you choose the best time to visit your preferred destination(s) based on seasonality and your budget, and sift through travel insurance policies to find the best option for your needs.

Travel agents can provide local expertise

"A travel advisor's industry connections and relationships provide added value to their clients," says Valerie Edman, a luxury travel advisor and agency owner at Cultured Travel LLC. She says when working with a travel agent, travelers gain access to a global network of connections including:

• In-destination specialists who work exclusively with travel advisors and can connect travelers with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences they wouldn't otherwise know about
• Exclusive experiences not available to the general public

You'll avoid surprise fees

When deciding if a travel agent is worth it for you, remember this: A reputable agent can guarantee you won't encounter any surprise fees on accommodations and activities once your trip is booked.

You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues

A travel advisor is essentially your personal vacation concierge. "Because they've been around for so long, agents really know what to look for," says Christopher Elliott , a consumer advocate and journalist. "Travel agents are among the first to know about flight cancellations and delays , making it easy for them to rebook itineraries right away." 

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

It might not be your cheapest option.

There are some instances when it makes more sense to plan your own trip. "If you're planning a quick flight from New York City to Los Angeles, it's easy enough to book it yourself online directly or through a third-party booking site," says Elliott. "If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or bucket list honeymoon , that's when you call the experts."

You'll have less flexibility in your itinerary

The upside of working with a travel agent is having someone plan an epic vacation for you based on industry knowledge and local expertise. But this can also be a downside in the event you discover an activity you'd like to do or a restaurant you'd like to try that isn't on your pre-planned itinerary. If you alter your plans, you risk losing money; plus, the time it takes for you and your travel agent to coordinate your change of plans may not be worth the hassle.

You still have to do some research

It's important to find an agent you can trust, which means you still have to do some of the vacation planning. For this part, Parker recommends picking up the phone. "Lots of people avoid or don't pick up the phone as much anymore," she says. "That's where you get the high-touch service, tone of voice, excitement or concerns to manage." She advises to look for the following red flags:

• No fees: " Travel advisors are charging planning fees more now or increasing them, so the client knows more confidently than ever, we work for them, not the suppliers with the best commissions," Parker explains. "There are a lot of things that are non-commissionable and the advisor's time and expertise shouldn't be given away for free, either. That's the best way to show an advisor takes their business seriously."
• Limited options: If you work with someone who is inexperienced or has an incentive to book you with a certain supplier, they may not be prioritizing your best interests. "It's important to check if they are with a larger consortia, accreditations and network, typically listed on their website and signatures," says Parker. "That level of mindshare doesn't come with a lone advisor unless they have many, many years of experience."
• Slow response times: If communication is delayed, that's a sign they may be too busy to plan your trip – but again, this is something you can avoid by having the right conversations early on.

Edman suggestes starting your search with the American Society of Travel Advisors . "ASTA-verified travel advisors are committed to the highest industry standards and have verifiable industry knowledge so consumers can feel confident in working with them," she says.

You might also be interested in:

• Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline
• What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag
• The Best Luggage Brands

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Travel Agency Insurance

A travel agency needs an insurance policy that includes adequate protection against possible lawsuits due to professional errors, commercial property damage or theft, and much more.

Christine Lacagnina has written thousands of insurance-based articles for TrustedChoice.com by authoring consumable, understandable content.

Paul Martin is the Director of Education and Development for Myron Steves, one of the largest, most respected insurance wholesalers in the southern U.S.

Travel agencies are primarily engaged in acting as agents in selling travel, tour, and accommodation services to the general public and other businesses. Travel agents help their clients find deals, perfect locations, reservations, car rentals, airline tickets, and full-scale travel packages for family vacations, business travel, and conventions. As such, travel agents and travel agencies have various unique risks that must be protected by the right kind of travel agency insurance.

Fortunately, a local independent insurance agent can help you get set up with all the necessary insurance for a travel agency. They'll get you matched to the right coverage fast. Up first, though, here's a closer look at travel agency insurance coverage and why it's important.

What Is Travel Agency Insurance?

Basically, travel agency insurance is just a specific form of business insurance customized to meet the needs of this industry. Insurance for a travel agency considers the unique risks that come along with the trade, including possible lawsuits, theft of company property, and more. Without this coverage, your travel agency could be left in a poor financial position after just one major incident.

Why Do You Need Travel Agency Insurance? 

Insurance for a travel agency is critical because it can provide reimbursement after a hefty loss due to a number of possible disasters. Owners of travel agencies have to consider the impact the following risks could have on their business: 

• Third-party injuries on the premises, such as slips and falls
• Commercial property damage or loss due to hail, fire, smoke, theft, or vandalism 
• Employee injuries
• Professional negligence resulting in a lawsuit
• Damage to a client’s property

An independent insurance agent can help you find a comprehensive policy from a travel insurance agency near you.

What Does Travel Agency Insurance Cover?

A complete travel agency insurance package most often includes several forms of protection for your business. Together with your independent insurance agent, you'll likely choose between some or all of the following types of coverage for your travel agency:

• Commercial general liability insurance: This covers possible lawsuit expenses if your business gets sued by a third party for claims of personal property damage or bodily injury caused by your travel agency.
• Commercial property insurance: This covers incidents of damage, destruction, or loss of company property, like equipment, inventory, buildings, etc., due to theft, vandalism, fire damage, lightning, and more.
• Cyber liability insurance:  This provides coverage for expenses related to data breaches or cyber-attacks that expose any sensitive or private data, records, or information your business stores, such as personal information about customers.
• Commercial umbrella insurance:  This provides excess liability protection that extends the limits on your existing policies in case of a major lawsuit. Your liability coverage can be extended to a limit of $1 million or greater.
• Workers’ compensation insurance:  This pays for lost income and medical expenses for employees who get injured or ill due to their job duties or workplace.
• Computers and media coverage: Also called electronic data processing insurance, this pays for lost data and related lost income if your computers or network are damaged by theft, vandalism, viruses, or malware. It may also pay for loss of data or software and physical damage to computers or hardware.

An independent insurance agent can help you select the right types of protection for your unique travel agency.

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Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Why Travel Agencies Need Professional Liability Insurance 

It’s a simple fact that mistakes can happen, no matter how careful or professional you or your business are. If you make an error while planning a client’s vacation or a business trip, it may cause emotional or financial harm to them, and you could be sued as a result. 

That's what makes travel agency liability insurance critical. Having the right professional liability insurance , also known as errors and omissions insurance, can help you financially recover after third-party claims of errors, omissions, or oversights in the professional services your travel agency provides. This coverage protects you, your employees, and your firm if you are sued for professional negligence.

For travel agencies, professional liability insurance covers claims related to: 

• Work mistakes such as scheduling errors for customer trips
• Undelivered services
• Professional negligence

Even if a claim against your travel agency is unfounded, you still have to defend yourself if you get sued, and without the proper coverage, your business's assets could be at risk. A professional liability policy can pay for your legal defense, including attorney fees, court expenses, and any settlements or judgments you must pay. 

How Much Does Travel Agency Insurance Cost? 

The cost of travel agency insurance can depend on several factors, including the size of your business and the types of policies you need to cover all of your unique risks. Other factors, including your business's annual revenue, location, etc., can also impact the cost of your policy. A local independent insurance agent can help you find the most affordable travel agency insurance near you.

The Benefits of Working with an Independent Insurance Agent

An independent insurance agent can work with you to determine the types and amounts of coverage you need to protect your travel agency from a variety of possible costly problems. Your independent insurance agent can get quotes from multiple travel insurance agencies so you can evaluate your options and make the best choice. Ultimately, they'll present you with only the quotes that represent policies offering the best blend of coverage and cost.

LUXELIFE TRAVEL

This is serious travel

EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH US

LuxeLife Travel is a full-service travel agency offering our leisure and corporate clients an unparalleled level of global expertise.  We specialize in luxury, bespoke experiences tailored to each individual traveler’s needs.  Our team of advisors have between 13 and 40 years of industry experience, in addition to years of personal traveling experience including travel to all 7 continents.   We happily create seamless and memorable trips for our clientele because travel is a part of who we are. 

With our strategic partnership with Travel Edge, LuxeLife Travel offers the perfect combination of big agency buying power coupled with the custom services and attention to detail of a boutique travel agency. Our clients receive exclusive access, amenities, VIP status, upgrades and more with a multitude of hotels, cruise lines and tour operators around the world. 

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It’ll soon be time to get out and about, traveling to see new horizons again. And what better way to experience a destination, than through an all-inclusive trip! When you choose an all-inclusive option, you’re allowing your future-self to relax, and truly enjoy your surroundings without worrying about the little things

Reach Out to Us Today!

Whether it's the destination wedding or honeymoon of your dreams, or that life-changing travel experience you've been waiting your whole life for - we are the dedicated travel experts who can make your vision a reality.

Talk to us today about one of the many destinations we specialize in, or tell us a little bit more about your vision by using our form. We'll get back to you with a plan to get you to that next dream destination!

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What is your ideal destination type? Warm, sunny, and tropical. Snowy mountain tops and a warm fire. Family-friendly with lots of activities for kids. Historic with lots of old world charm. Anyplace with incredible food. I have no idea. I want to explore it all.

Is your travel tied to a special occasion? I'm getting married! It's our honeymoon, anniversary, or renewal trip. Other special occasion (birthdays, graduations, etc.) No special occasion!

How much did you spend (Per Person) on your last travel experience? Under $1000 Between $1000- $5,000 Between $5,000- $7,000 I'm not concerned about budget.

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Welcome to Travelife

Travelife is a leading training, management and certification initiative for tourism companies committed to reaching sustainability.

Operating your business in a socially and environmentally friendly manner makes good business sense!  Both consumer and business demand for responsible products is growing and the public wants to know how you manage your business.

Companies ready to get to work towards sustainability will, therefore, score better on customer satisfaction, staff motivation and business efficiency with positive effects for their competitive advantage.  Sustainability management is all about commitment and consistent sustainable business practices. This includes your products, how you monitor and manage your impacts, and how you support your suppliers on their road to sustainability.

Travelife for Tour operators

Travelife is a fair and affordable system that helps tour operators and travel agencies to manage and improve social and environmental impacts by complying with sustainability criteria. Ultimately, when a company meets the requirements, it will receive a Travelife award.

To support you on your road to sustainability, Travelife offers a wide range of services which include training, management, planning, reporting and B2B tools. Detailed information can be found under 'Tools'.

Joining Travelife is easy!

Joining Travelife is easy and affordable. Our practical web-based solutions make Travelife convenient for both small and (very) large companies. Step-by-step we will guide you towards sustainability.   

To find out more about Travelife for Tour Operators and Travel Agencies or to join, please visit ' membership' .  Alternatively, you can contact our team by submitting our inquiry form.

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AgentMax Online

AgentMax™, our unique, award-winning web-based application, has been helping travel agents increase their sales and income for more than a decade. Now, with AgentMax Online, we've made offer travel insurance easier than ever with an array of upgraded and mobile-optimized features— giving travel agents greater flexibility, efficiency, and an all-around better experience.

Built with you in mind

An easier way to sell, a smarter selling tool, a greater experience, why agentmax online, how do i get started.

AgentMax has been helping travel agents like you increase their sales and income for more than a decade. Now, we’ve made our award-winning sales tool even easier to use. AgentMax Online gives you greater flexibility, efficiency, and an all-around better selling experience.

Reach your financial goals by booking more travel insurance policies.

• Create quotes faster and track sales with ease to earn more commissions—some of the highest in the industry
• Send automated 2nd Chance by MaxMail offers to customers who decline insurance so you’ll never miss a sale
• Put your logo and contact information in front of travelers with easy access to our brochure ordering tool and personalized marketing materials

Work more efficiently while you’re in or out of the office.

• Work seamlessly with interconnected capabilities on your desktop, smartphone, and tablet—so AgentMax is on when you are
• Access customer information, saved quotes, and product details in seconds—you’re in, you’re out, and on to your next customer
• Enjoy an intuitive digital experience, a fast quote—creation process, and automated updates for hassle-free sales

Spend more time helping customers and keep them coming back.

• Focus more on your customers and less on the sales software—AgentMax is designed to maximize your time with travelers
• Help your customers find the value in having travel insurance with expert selling tips
• Keep your customer loyal and happy with your recommendation, to the tune of a 95% satisfaction rating
• The online version of AgentMax was specifically designed to work on any device.
• We’ve streamlined the process to make it faster and easier to create a quote.
• Passwords are required to accommodate increased security.
• You can quote, buy, modify/cancel travel insurance plans, order brochures, access the waiver, see News & Resources, and set up 2nd Chance by MaxMail.
• Access to on-going reporting

To get started, log in to AgentMax Online today, or for more information on how to navigate the site, download the AgentMax Online training guide .

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• Travel Franchise

The Life of a Travel Business Owner: What You Need to Know

A travel agency can help its clients make the most of their budgets by doing all the groundwork. From researching destinations to finding the best deals, agencies handle it all. Sometimes, a travel business owner will even look at forecasts throughout the year to find the best times to travel to certain destinations and the best prices.

Travel agencies first came about in 1822 when Robert Smith declared himself as the first travel advisor and operator, booking passengers on steamers going from Bristol, England to Dublin, Ireland. Since then, the role of a travel business owner has evolved alongside advances in travel technology like the airplane, trains and cruise ships.

Your experience working in the travel industry can vary depending on the number of clients you take on and the technology you can access. However, if you’re interested in a career where you control your hours and can work from home and from anywhere in the world, Dream Vacations might be the perfect fit for you – read on to learn how to become a travel agent , and what the unique work-life balance is like.

Life as a Travel Agent

The daily tasks of a travel agent are based on your clientele and the available resources. You can spend your days looking at the best deals, finding new, adventurous travel destinations, and checking on different activities to do in each destination. From dining options to nearby shops to entertainment, there’s no aspect of a client’s trip you won’t touch.

On top of finding all the best rates for vacation packages, tours, resorts, cruises and more, you’ll be in close contact with your clients, sharing different packages you’ve put together that meet their needs and budget.

The life of a travel agent can be exciting; knowing that you can work from anywhere while still providing exceptional service to your clients is a major bonus. You’ll also have the chance to go on familiarization trips to check out new resorts, cruise ships and destinations at significantly reduced rates. You can then use that knowledge to help your clients plan their perfect trip!

Life of a Franchise Owner with Dream Vacations

As a Dream Vacations Franchise Owner, how much you get out of it depends on how much work you’re willing to put into it. Dream Vacations Franchise Owners earn a percentage of every sale they make as a commission. This includes not only base cruise packages but also things like:

• Travel protection packages
• Hotel bookings
• Consolidated airfares
• Optional cruise features
• All-inclusive resort bookings
• Travel insurance and more

How Does Dream Vacations Franchise Work?

When you sign up to be a Dream Vacations Franchise Owner, you’ll be the owner of your very own travel agency! You’ll have the knowledge and expertise of Dream Vacations — a powerhouse in the travel industry — behind you as you gain experience as a travel business owner. You become part of a franchise, a proven business model, with more than 1,600 franchise owners that will share best practices with you.

You work with a business development manager assigned to you that will help you prepare, design and achieve your business goals by making your customers’ ideal vacations come to life. Dream Vacations has set itself apart by offering personalized booking services to clients while working around their busy schedules.

Dream Vacations franchises are some of the most affordable franchises available today. Our franchise fee is one of the lowest out there — as low as just $3,500 — and we also offer discounts to military veterans.

If you are looking for other options and still want a home-based travel agent business , then consider becoming a Dream Vacations Advisor. Advisors are independent contractors who work alongside franchise owners, benefitting from their mentorship and guidance as they get to know and work in the travel industry.

Locations Travel Agents Can Work

Dream Vacations Franchise Owners and Advisors can work from just about anywhere with an internet connection. If you’re looking for the opportunity to be a work-from-home travel agent , or even to work from beside the pool at a tropical resort, Dream Vacations is just the answer! If you have access to the internet and a smart device that can keep up, you can communicate with clients and research the best deals.

Starting up your own travel business with Dream Vacations gives you more flexibility along with the tools you need to get started in the travel industry.

Tourism Training and Education

While training courses, certifications and degrees in tourism can be helpful, they’re not required to get into the travel industry. People with tourism certifications and degrees in hospitality might be more knowledgeable, but these are not a requirement for a qualified and successful travel agent.

The great thing is that if you become part of Dream Vacations, either as a franchise owner or an advisor, you’ll have access to virtual, in-person and on-demand training courses. You can even earn certifications in specialties such as travel health and safety, destinations, and specific product types. These accolades can set you apart from your competition and propel your career forward.

If you’re interested in a career as a travel business owner and some great home-based travel business opportunities , contact Dream Vacations today to find out what we have to offer!

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THE JOURNAL

Travel Advisor Resources

Is Being a Travel Agent Worth It? Fora Discusses the Pros & Cons

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora Travel

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/is-being-a-travel-agent-worth-it

Fora Advisor Gaya Vinay

Is being a travel agent worth it? We’re breaking down all the pros and cons of being a travel agent.

First, what does a travel agent do exactly?

Fora Advisor Fallon Alexandria

What does a travel agent do ? Travel agents — or travel advisors, they're different words for the same role — earn money by selling and booking trips for clients. Travel agents can book hotels, cruise lines, itineraries, travel experiences, rental cars, travel insurance and more. (Learn about some types of bookings you can make for clients as an advisor .)

We’re biased, but we think it’s one of the best jobs in the travel industry . 

Do people still use travel agents to book their travel? What’s the demand like?

Many people don’t realize that travel agents even exist still — much less that it’s a booming part of the travel industry! In 2023, it was an $865.5 billion industry, and it’s expected to grow to $905.89 billion in 2024 .

Here’s a quick history lesson: the first recorded travel agency was launched in 1841 by Thomas Cook . There have been a few advancements since then (hello, modern technology), but the general concept remains relatively the same: agents plan and book trips.

Rapid adoption of the internet in the 90s and online travel agencies (sites that you can book your travel online) gained popularity. But the services provided by online booking sites lack the personal connection that an actual person can provide. At Fora, we’re spearheading the emergence of the modern travel advisor, bringing personalized service back to trip planning. Read more about the benefits of booking with a travel advisor .

How do travel agents make money?

Fora Advisor Rabia Malik

Travel agents make money by booking trips. It is mostly a commission-based industry (meaning that hotels and other travel partners will pay you when you book with them), but advisors also earn money from planning and service fees. Learn more about how travel agents get paid .

How do you become a travel agent?

If you have a passion for travel and connecting with others, becoming a travel agent could be the perfect career option for you. You can spend your days researching and planning travel, helping your clients to make extra-special memories from their vacations.

Our guide on how to become a travel agent offers an in-depth breakdown of the process. But the short version is that you’ll want to find a host agency (an umbrella organization like Fora that gives you the tools you need as a travel advisor) and then participate in comprehensive training to learn the ins and outs of the role. From there, you’ll work to build your book of business as a travel advisor over time.

Is being a travel agent worth it? Breaking down the pros

Fora Advisor Kerry Boyd

Is being a travel agent worth it? We certainly believe so, but we don’t expect you to take that at face value. Here are all of the pros of becoming a travel advisor. 

Pro: It’s a flexible career

You can work as a travel advisor part-time or full-time. It’s also a career that you can build up over time, which means that you can start part-time and then transition into a full-time role once you have established your clientele base.

“As an avid traveler who felt trapped in the rigid schedule of a traditional healthcare worker, Fora gives me the opportunity to grow my passion for travel in to a business at my own pace while still working full-time and eventually make the leap to travel advising full-time when I'm ready,” Fora Advisor Alexandra Vigilante Chamberlin said. “I think the most valuable thing about working with Fora is that I probably would not have gotten started down this path without you!"

As an independenct contractor, you’ll be your own boss. You can work as much as you want, and when you want.

"I needed an agency that could offer me the flexibility to balance my responsibilities, including being a mom and juggling another work gig,” Fora Advisor Timadge Berkhadley said. “Choosing Fora as my host agency was an easy decision. Fora's approach allowed me to seamlessly manage my other responsibilities while still booking dream vacations for my clients."

Another one of the perks of becoming a travel agent online is that you never have to commit to an office space (unless you want to, of course). As a travel advisor, you can work from anywhere.

Read more: Here's Why Being a Fora Advisor is One of the Best Part-Time Jobs for Moms & Dads

Pro: You don’t need prior experience to get started

Many (but not all) host agencies offer training when you join their network as a travel advisor, which allows you to learn what you need about the role as you build your career in the space.

At Fora, we offer comprehensive travel agent certification as well as ongoing educational opportunities. Our travel agent training covers everything from booking basics to how to market your travel business like a pro , including how to market to your own network as well as build your business through social media. It is offered online so you can learn at your own pace.

Pro: You can build a career doing something you love

Working as a travel advisor is a fun and rewarding career in many ways. Working as a travel advisor can be a great pathway for you to build a career in travel on your terms. It is also an opportunity to transform a passion for travel and connections into your full-time role.

From a monetary perspective, you might be wondering: do you make good money as a travel agent? The amount of how much do travel agents make varies widely from advisor to advisor. Put simply: you get in what you put in. Typically, those who concentrate on high-end travel or specific niches tend to generate greater earnings than their counterparts who cater to budget-friendly travel options. Learn more about how travel agents get paid .

Pro: You can choose your niche (or skip one entirely)

The ability to control your business also means you get to control what type of travel you sell. And there are so many different travel agent jobs and niches. 

Want to make reservations at glamorous hotels in Dubai for discerning travelers? Perhaps becoming a luxury travel agent is in your wheelhouse. Want to help your clients enjoy the magic of Disney or Universal Studios? How about helping your clients embark on voyages on the high seas to scenic, tropical destinations? The options are endless and entirely up to you.

(Learn how to become a Disney travel agent or how to become a cruise travel agent — or both.)

Pro: You get to work in an exciting field that makes people happy

For many, being a travel agent is worth it simply because you’re helping clients plan memorable vacations.

Whether you’re sharing the best places to visit in Spain for first timers , the most gorgeous Bahamas resorts , the top hotels in Downtown NYC … As a Fora Advisor, you’re planning trips to amazing destinations, helping to create some of your clients’ fondest memories. 

Pro: You get to meet other travel experts

Fora Advisors participate in a workshop at Live Forum 2022, our annual conference

We always say that travel people are the best people. When you work as a travel agent, you’re constantly meeting other industry professionals. This means you’re forging connections with local hotels and partners, as well as meeting fellow travel advisors.

At Fora, we pride ourselves on our very welcoming community. You’ll be able to connect with fellow Fora Advisors online (learn about our community app ) as well as in-person through conferences, familiarization trips and more.

"I love that I can essentially run my own travel business while also working with so many talented and helpful people,” Fora Advisor Jennifer Lopez said. “As I tell my clients, no one is an expert on all travel destinations. One of the biggest benefits for my clients of my being a Fora Advisor is that I can tap into the knowledge and expertise of the Fora Advisor network to help me plan the perfect vacation for my clients."

Pro: Startup costs are minimal (at Fora, anyway)

Just about any independent business is going to have startup costs: equipment, office space, licenses…you get the idea. To become a Fora Advisor , these pricing costs are minimal, though. Our membership fee costs $49 monthly or $299 annually. We set you up with everything you need to run a successful travel advisor business with a one-stop shop solution. Plus, our advisors typically make back their membership fee within their first month.

What is the downside of being a travel agent? The cons

No job is without its cons, but we bet you'll still think being a travel agent is worth it after checking out the cons below. 

Con: There are startup costs to consider

We get it. Startup costs are a bummer. It can be hard to spend money on a business as you are just getting started. But we’re willing to bet you’ll find that it’s worth the investment to be your own boss. It’s worth noting that Fora’s membership costs are approachable (we have a flat-rate, $49/month subscription fee – or $299 annually) that gives you everything you need to start your business as a travel advisor.

Con: There’s a learning curve

Fora's Head of Travel Operations Leslie Overton leads a workshop at Live Forum 2023

When you’re just getting started as a travel advisor, there’s a lot to learn. There’s a whole side to the travel industry that you might never have heard of (for example, understanding industry lingo like what a DMC is).

But as you book, you’ll gain confidence (and also speed). Over time, working as a travel advisor will become second nature.

"I had never booked travel before so the certification trainings from Fora were invaluable,” Fora Advisor Timadge Berkhadley said. “It gave me the jumpstart and confidence I needed to dive right in and to begin booking. The destination trainings were particularly helpful, as they gave me insights into countries I hadn't visited before, thus expanding my understanding of various destinations."

We’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey to become a successful travel agent.

Con: Sometimes clients can be high-maintenance

We’re just going to say it: Sometimes clients can be extra (we love them, though!). You will have to be patient as a travel advisor, and prioritize extending the white-glove service. Travel planning is a customer-facing role, after all, and many clients expect a degree of attentiveness and professionalism. 

The good news is that most clients simply want to work with a friendly advisor who takes their needs and goals seriously. Likewise, a good portion of travel planning is simply listening . Over time, you’ll find that confidence comes naturally.  

( How do travel agents get clients , anyway? Our guide tells all.)

Con: Most travel agents earn income from commissions & planning fees (i.e., there’s no base pay)

It’s worth considering financial implications of becoming a travel advisor before you dive in so that you can decide if it’s right for you. As an independent travel agent , is that you’re forgoing a traditional salary. This is the trade-off for being your own boss and setting your own schedule. On the flip side, this also means your earning potential is unlimited.

A good travel advisor is an excellent salesperson and knows how to transform this “con” into a “pro” and build a lucrative career as a travel advisor.

Con: Some travel agents are always on-call (including during holidays)

Your clients will often expect you to be available in case something goes awry — even if they’re on the other side of the world, in a completely different time zone. And since so many people travel during holidays, you may find yourself busy during your own celebrations. As with any trip, life happens, and you’ll have to navigate cancellations and some mishaps along the way. We offer plenty of training and support to help you navigate difficult situations if something does go sideways. Read a few of our tips in our guide on four things advisors can do when there’s a travel snafu .

Con: Your own travel might turn into work trips

More than a few of us have taken detours on our vacations so that we can check out a hotel property that’s on our bucket list. As travel advisors, we love our jobs, and we admit it can be hard to separate business from pleasure. This isn’t necessarily a con, though, and many travel advisors love this aspect of the business.

Overall: is being a travel agent worth it? We think so!

Fora Advisors attending a partner talk at Live Forum 2022

Being a travel agent is worth it many times over. It’s a career path where you get to set your own schedule, make people happy, live out your passion for travel and make a fantastic living. It does take effort and commitment, but the work is fun and rewarding in so many ways. If that sounds like a dream, apply to become a travel advisor .

"I had never booked travel for anyone other than myself before joining the Fora community. I had never even worked with a travel advisor until the year before joining Fora,” Fora Advisor Alexandra Vigilante Chamberlin said. “I had been dreaming about a career pivot for a while but always felt stuck on how to make it happen. It never occurred to me that travel advising could be my calling until I stumbled across Fora. And I’m so glad I did.”

Are you ready to become an independent travel agent?

We have everything you need to get started as an independent travel agent. From training to tech, community and more, Fora is a one-stop shop to build your business as a travel advisor. Learn more and become a Fora Advisor today.

We also have more resources on becoming a travel advisor:

How Much Do Travel Agents Make Per Booking?  

Why Group Bookings Are Great: Tips from an Expert  

Room Blocks 101: Mastering the Art of Group Bookings  

Book a Cruise With a Virgin Voyages Travel Agent  

6 Jobs Where You Travel: From Au Pairs to Travel Advisors

How to Start a Travel Agency (& Why It’s Not Your Best Option)

Are you the go-to person for travel tips?

Transform your passion for travel into your dream job. We'll set you up with everything you need to succeed as a travel advisor. From training to top-notch tech, marketing assets, community, commission tracking & payments (and more), we've got you.

LIN | LIFE | TRAVEL

Making travel work for you, so what's it all about.

I'm Lin - travel agent and mentor, helping others travel smarter and changing lives with the opportunity that changed my life.

Let me share my business and the lifestyle it affords me with yo u. Click on the icons below to find out more.

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Fill out the form to and let's get you  started. 

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I am sure you have questions. This section should help.  Please contact me with any additional questions you have.

I joined the travel programme in November 21 (after watching for a very long time) and I haven’t looked back. I absolutely love to travel and by joining the programme I’m able to show my little boy the world.

In February 22 I decided to take the leap and create my own travel business. The support I have received from Lin is second to none. Lin has helped me every single step of the way and been so encouraging and supportive. She’s not only my mentor, I’m now lucky enough to her my friend. If you’ve been thinking about joining the travel programme…do it, you won’t regret it!

Hannah Price 

• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for annual plans

How we reviewed travel insurance for seniors

Best travel insurance for seniors of may 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have travel insurance that covers any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Our top picks for the best senior travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic trips: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

How we rate the best senior travel insurance companies »

Compare travel insurance for seniors

Your health gets more unpredictable as you age, which makes travel insurance more important for seniors. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive. The best travel insurance for seniors won't have too steep of a price hike compared to rates for younger travelers. It will have high coverage limits for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellations, and and emergency medical evacuation. It's also important that your travel insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers , ideally at no extra cost to the traveler. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance coverage for seniors in 2024.

Best overall: Allianz

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies , for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for expensive trips: John Hancock

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 travel insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason rider available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable travel insurance premiums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews of claims process are mixed
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items
• Trip cancellation for 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000 per person
• Medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000

John Hancock Travel Insurance plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason) . Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance is a great choice for active senior citizens under 70 who want comprehensive travel insurance. The key difference between World Nomads and many other providers is that it covers 200+ adventurous activities like scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and even bungee jumping. In addition, World Nomads' trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage includes COVID-19-related issues. Many other insurers are excluding that type of coverage now.

For adventurous senior citizens over the age of 70 years, World Nomads suggests working with its partner, TripAssure .

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard  offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a preexisting medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Understanding travel insurance for seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. The best travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.

Benefits of travel insurance for seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the most of your plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding your policy

• Read the fine print and understand the claims process to avoid surprises.

Emergency assistance services

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency assistance services offered by your plan and keep all necessary contact information handy.

How to pick senior travel insurance

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the US.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Preexisting conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a preexisting condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers preexisting conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover preexisting conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers .
• Coverage for preexisting conditions: Preexisting conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates.
• Benefits geared towards seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about our insurance rating methodology here.

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for preexisting conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

The cost of senior travel insurance coverage can vary depending on your age, overall health, state of residence, travel destination, and length of your trip. However, assuming all other factors are the same, you'll pay more for travel insurance at 70 than at 30.

All travel insurance companies, except World Nomads, included in this guide offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy your policy within the qualifying period from when you placed your trip deposit.

Allianz is the best travel insurance for seniors due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies , which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

In some instances, travel insurance companies will have age eligibility restrictions, often only insuring people 80 years old and younger.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Travel Insurance an Indispensable Part of Every Traveler's Checklist, Says Travel Agent Lisa Farrimond

Planning a long-awaited trip is exciting, and travelers often have a detailed departure to-do list of booking accommodations, transfers, and excursions, plus making sure that essential items, like passports and IDs, medication, and cameras, are properly packed. Unfortunately, one important checklist item is often overlooked – travel insurance.

According to seasoned travel agent Lisa Farrimond, founder of Crossing Point Travels , travel insurance is an important investment that compensates policyholders for financial losses during unexpected travel challenges – such as flight cancellation, baggage loss, or medical emergencies.

Peace of mind is priceless, and a good travel insurance policy can reimburse you for expenditures if your trip is delayed, changed, interrupted, or canceled for covered reasons like severe weather and airline hiccups. Also, travel insurance provides emergency medical and dental benefits for covered accidents.

While it is tempting to forego travel insurance to save money for souvenirs, Lisa often asks clients: "Will saving a few bucks really be worth it if it means sleeping on hard airport benches rather than in a hotel bed if your flight gets canceled?"

Lisa strongly recommends single-trip travel insurance policies and annual travel insurance. In an attempt to simplify the overall process for clients, Lisa created the " Covering the Unpredictable" series, starting with Top 14 Tips to Get the Best Travel Insurance Policy , the go-to guide for travelers wanting to make informed travel decisions.

"Finding the right policy is like planning the perfect trip, you want expert help," Lisa says. "Travel is my passion, and I love helping people plan dream trips, yet it's equally important to empower yourself with wisdom and options so you don't over or underbuy a travel insurance policy."

While cruise lines and resorts make it easy to add single-trip travel protection, what about your total travel lifestyle? What about all of your business and personal trips?

Your family's needs are as unique as a fingerprint, so how can you ensure that you have the ideal travel insurance coverage? This is where experienced travel agents, such as Lisa, come in. She uses her two decades of expertise in the travel industry as well as her extensive personal travel history to plan memorable experiences that are efficiently protected.

"You want to create memories and not bills," Lisa says.

In many cases, Lisa says an annual travel insurance plan offers the best value for your money. She says that many annual travel policies use a 100-mile radius, so this could potentially cover all of your business conventions, personal road trips, school contests, camping trips, and more. Family members can be added to a travel insurance policy at minimal cost, so she encourages clients to cover everyone.

"What if your work trip, your husband's golf tournament, your daughter's university tour, and your son's band contest could all be covered? Suddenly, travel protection takes on a whole new meaning," Lisa says.

With so many unknowns that could happen, she stresses the importance of reviewing travel insurance policies for your specific circumstances. Are you a snow skier, surfer, or scuba diver? Check to make sure your extreme sports are covered under any single policy or annual travel insurance policies you are considering. Will your medical expenses be covered? What about your equipment if it is lost in transit? Remember that many regular health insurance policies have limited out-of-network coverage and a travel insurance policy can close that gap between what is covered and what is denied.

Pre-existing health conditions, the type of trips you typically take (base jumping vs spa retreats), and the amount of needed coverage are all personalizations to consider. Some policies offer a 'cancel for any reason' clause, which allows the policyholder to be reimbursed, regardless of why they can't make the trip. While these policies are more costly than standard policies, they also provide the purchaser with increased flexibility and peace of mind.

Lisa says those who frequently rent cars might appreciate a rental car clause in their policy to avoid liabilities for unforeseen damages.

"My husband and I were on a road trip when a rock flew up and damaged our rental car windshield," Lisa says. "An Allianz policy came to our rescue, so we didn't have to pay for it ourselves, but this could have been an expensive lesson learned."

Most travel insurance companies offer the added bonus of a 24-hour hotline. In a pinch, they can help you find a vetted medical facility or a safe hotel in a crowded city. If your flight is canceled, a hotline agent can offer rebooking options. Other services include translation for language barriers, assistance for lost passports or prescriptions, and even embassy help during a state emergency or a medical evacuation.

"During my last cruise, there were two different passenger medical evacuations, and all I could think was, 'I hope they were insured,' because airlifts and international medical transportation are very expensive," Lisa says.

Of course, even with insurance, Lisa advises people to exercise common sense while traveling. Solo travelers should inform friends or family members of all travel segments. Once you secure your insurance policy, provide those details to people who can act on your behalf if incapacitated. And don't forget to share details with your travel companions, since they will be the fastest to respond.

Good documentation is important for filing a claim, so keep those official medical and police reports, receipts, and invoices. Take pictures with your phone if that is the only option.

"For better or for worse, life happens when you're traveling," she concludes. "Having a robust insurance policy is a set-it-and-forget-it type of purchase that provides peace of mind. It's important to get the right coverage, then you move on with your life and make sensible decisions from there. Begin every journey with a trusted travel agent by your side to offer you guidance and troubleshooting in complex travel matters."

Crossing Point Travels, based in Texas, offers a full-service travel agency and travel blog. Lisa offers free consultation for your travel insurance and trip planning needs.

Download a free copy of lesson one of Lisa's Top 14 Tips to Get the Best Travel Insurance Policy at Covering the Unpredictable: A Guide to Travel Insurance Policies.

© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.

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‘Ghosts’ Star Richie Moriarty on Pete’s Traveling Power & What It Means for the Season 3 Finale

Spoiler Alert

For Woodstone’s Select Spirits

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[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for Ghosts Season 3, Episode 9, “The Traveling Agent.”]

Ghosts is breaking new ground in the latest installment, “The Traveling Agent,” as do-gooder troop leader spirit Pete ( Richie Moriarty ) discovers his special power is that he can travel beyond the ghost boundary on Woodstone’s property.

While this power would thrill almost any spirit you could think of, Pete is initially reluctant to embrace the gift tied to his past as a travel agent who didn’t travel when he had the chance in life. After a bumpy outing with Jay ( Utkarsh Ambudkar ), Pete is further convinced that his power isn’t something he wants to explore further, but he’s convinced by his pals that he should embrace it.

By the end of the episode, he was boarding a flight to St. Lucia where his daughter and grandson were vacationing. Below, Moriarty opens up about his initial reaction to Pete’s ghost power, the possibilities it unlocks, thoughts on his bromance with Jay, potential romance with Alberta ( Danielle Pinnock ), and how the power will impact the finale episode.

Bertrand Calmeau/CBS ©2024

Pete’s episodes always have an emotional aspect to them. Do you like leaning into that heaviness?

Richie Moriarty: I think the Joes have really seen Pete as the emotional heart of this cast in the way that he’s very earnest. He’s very naive, but there’s a lot of heart that comes out of this guy. He cares greatly for the other ghosts in the house. He really sees them as his troop. He was a troop leader in life, and this troop of ghosts is this group that he, in many ways likes to lead. So I love that the character has that dimension in the show because all of [Pete’s episodes] are incredibly heart-wrenching, and I think it’s really fun to be able to play the different dimensions of this character.

Did you feel adrift without your troop as Pete explored his traveling powers?

I did feel a little adrift. I’ll be honest. We get so used to being in tight quarters with so many of us that it is strange whenever we shoot a flashback and we’re with other people in different places, or we have a situation like this where I am away from the mansion for the first time as a ghost. Exciting because you’re in a new environment, but then it’s almost a little more heady because you do have to think about, “Okay, this guy has not been out of the house in 40 years. How is he going to respond and take these new environments in?” There’s a lot he hasn’t seen in so long. It’s really exciting narratively for the show, it opens up a world of possibilities, which I’m thrilled about, but it is weird.

How did you feel about Carol’s death this season and do you hope to have her and Pete cross paths more?

I hope so. I hope that we’ll be able to continue to work with Caroline Aaron. She’s so funny. I think narratively for Pete, it makes sense that he needs to move on. But it’s also narratively really fun to have her hanging out and popping in when we need that character and when we need to ruffle Pete’s feathers some more. And she’s just a joy to work with. And it was really funny because when she came back, there was a lot of figuring out the ghost rules, relearning them after she learned for the first two seasons, “Do not look us in the eyes.”

Bertrand Calmeau/CBS

Pete’s power stems from his travel agent career in life and the fact that he never traveled. Do you think that realization will help him grow moving forward?

I think there’s big growth for him in the season finale. There’s a definitive moment that really changes him and I think changes his outlook, and he’s able to bring some of that perspective back to Woodstone and talk to the other ghosts about it. That’s what I’m most excited for. The possibilities with this power are kind of endless.

Does he see the merits of rule-breaking now?

Yeah. I think the Shawshank thing that Jay brings up in the episode is real, right? It’s crazy to think about being in one place for 40 years and then all of a sudden having the front door open and it’s like you can go wherever you want. I’m sure it would be massively intimidating, but as much as he doesn’t want to do it at first, I think he’s going to learn quickly that this can totally open up your world and broaden your experiences, and equip him in different ways to help other people.

Jay and Pete’s bromance is a highlight of the show. Do you hope to continue deepening that relationship?

Totally. I love working with Utkarsh. He’s become such a good friend, and the two of us love anytime we’re on set together. And the Joes have found great ways to get him involved, especially this season with Sas’s power, and with my power. So I think that will continue in different ways.

'Ghosts' Star Rebecca Wisocky on Hetty's Death Secret Reveal & Flower's Return

Is there hope for the Albert-Pete romance pipeline? It seems as if she’s warming up to the idea this season.

I think the Joes are smartly slow playing this Alberta and Pete relationship, and I honestly don’t know what their intentions are with it. But I do know that Danielle and I love each other so much, and whatever they do with this, we are going to be thrilled. In so many ways the two of these people make no sense together, but the more they learn about each other, the more they sort of grow in their afterlife, especially since she has been attracted to bad boys her whole life and she’s realizing that maybe that wasn’t the smartest thing. So why not look at the opposite in Pete, this guy who’s just insanely loyal and a true nice guy. And I think for Pete, too, he’s obviously never encountered anyone like Alberta in his life. So there’s huge potential in new things for him, and that’s part of what kind of ties back to this power is he has a lot of new experiences with this power that are on the horizon.

Ghosts , Thursdays, 8:30/7:30c, CBS

Ghosts where to stream

Richie Moriarty

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I’m a Travel Agent: 5 Flights Where It’s Worth It To Spend Extra Money on Upgrades

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Some flights are quick and easy and, when budgeting , probably not worth the extra cash to upgrade anything. But, there are some flights where spending a little extra money might make a huge difference. If you think your money would be better spent on luxuries during the days in your destination, you might be overlooking just how much impact your flight can have on you. GOBankingRates spoke to Sushant Yadav, a travel agent with Travelosei , to determine when you should consider purchasing an upgrade on your flight. 

Also see 11 travel hacks to avoid.

Long Flights

Consider exactly what goes into a long flight, which is usually anything above six hours. You’re sitting without entertainment and usually without room to stretch out for the better part of a day. It’s worth looking into some upgrades on these flights for your own care and, sometimes, sanity, Yadav said. “During these long trips, additional comfort and amenities provided by premium cabins can make a big difference in the overall comfort and well-being of the travelers.”

Yadav recommended opting for upgrades on marathon flights like enhanced meal options, priority boarding, spacious seating arrangements and better entertainment systems. These can help the time pass by faster, while making sure you’re not dreading every minute. Upgrading can be as easy as asking the gate agent before you board if there are any upgrades left. One tip is to check how full the flight is beforehand. If it has a lot of extra seats, you’re more likely to receive an upgrade, since those seats aren’t taken. 

When You Have a Deadline

If you’re traveling for work or if you just need to get something done during your time in the air, Yadav said it might be worth looking into an internet upgrade or thinking about switching to a higher class. Furthermore, upgrading your ticket can offer you a little more space and quiet in case you need to speak to someone while flying. “For business travelers, premium seats provide extra space and privacy which is ideal for working, having meetings or even relaxing comfortably before arrival at their destination.”

The cost of internet will vary based on airline and the length of the flight. According to Finance Buzz , the price can start around $5 and go up to $20. Although, some airlines will charge for a full day, so if you have multiple flights on one airline in the same day, you can just pay once and have internet for all of your flights that day. 

So, you’ve opted for an overnight flight and you’re banking on being able to get some sleep on the plane. This might be the time to upgrade your ticket to get the utmost comfort. “For travelers taking off on overnight flights, the ability to recline in a sleeping position and sleep comfortably is their primary concern,” Yadav said. “By upgrading to lie-flat seats or premium cabins that come with better bedding arrangements, journeying can be made more restful so that upon arrival at the destination, one will feel refreshed and ready for the day.”

Some airlines will even offer curtains to keep the light out and increase privacy. Others come with “do not disturb” buttons so flight attendants don’t disturb you while you sleep. A first class ticket on Cathay Pacific will get you 500 thread count sheets, which is better than you’ll get at a lot of hotels. Their beds also come with massage functions so you can soothe yourself to sleep. 

If You Anticipate Running Late

Say you know you’ll be cutting it close between a meeting or something that ends right before your flight. Yadav said you can pay for services that will make your check-in a lot quicker. “In addition to providing comfort and convenience, flight upgrades may also have practical advantages such as priority check-in and baggage handling services and expedited security screening.” These can help you bypass long lines and get to the plane faster than you would had you not paid for these services. 

When You Have a Lot of Time To Kill

Conversely, if you anticipate having to be at an airport for a really long layover, Yadav said paying for lounge access could help the time go by. Plus, lounges can offer you food, beverages and sometimes a shower. One of the best lounges in the world, Air France La Première Lounge in Paris, offers five star meals and a full service spa. The Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt has a cigar lounge. You can feel like you’re nowhere near an airport by spending some extra cash.

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The Rick Steves guide to life

Travel mogul. philanthropist. legal weed champion. the real rick steves is so much more complex than who you see on tv..

EDMONDS, Wash. — At first glance, it is hard to tell that Rick Steves is protesting.

In the center of his hometown, America’s favorite travel host is perched on the edge of a fountain roundabout engaging in some friendly civil disobedience. As cars circle the intersection, Steves smiles and waves, looking more like an Elf on a Shelf than an angry picketer. This is his way of reminding people he wishes they’d stop driving here.

Steves’s family moved to Edmonds when he was 12, and the 68-year-old is still happy to call it home. Rather than relocate to his beloved Europe, he dreams of bringing some European sensibilities to the edge of the Puget Sound, less than 20 miles north of Seattle.

When he’s not traveling around Europe, writing about Europe or running his multimillion dollar European tour company, the prolific TV host and author likes to squeeze in some local activism. The roundabout routine is his push to block off Edmonds’s very American Main Street for pedestrians. If you squint at it, you can see what Steves sees: this would be the perfect place for a lively town square.

“I like a lot of things about Europe but I love the urban energy of Europe. I love the piazza,” Steves said in a wistful tone you might recognize from PBS. “We don’t have a piazza.”

Unfortunately for Steves, the voting majority of the city does not love the idea of parking their SUVs farther away to shop. So despite his Boy Scout enthusiasm, the most famous man in Edmonds must keep up the perch-and-wave. This is not his only crusade.

Spend any amount of time with Steves, and you’ll encounter a total ham who loves a zany bit. But if you ask him about serious issues like car-free zones, he’ll bring up other causes that are dear to him: affordable housing, supporting the arts, creating senior centers for the elderly to age with dignity.

He’s anti-Trump and pro-cannabis. He does not care if that is bad for business.

The average Rick Steves fan has likely missed this side of him. On TV they see an always-sunny history lover who makes going abroad feel approachable for the average American. That’s an incomplete picture, like thinking you know Paris because you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower on YouTube.

Meet him in Edmonds, and he’ll fill in the rest.

It may look like a lot of gallivanting, but being Rick Steves takes a lot of work.

He spends three months of the year overseas, researching, writing, recording, refining tours, updating guidebooks. If he’s not planning or producing content, he’s often doing promotional events across the United States. This year Steves is celebrating the 40th edition of his first book, “Europe Through the Back Door.” Over the course of his career, he’s built a privately held company that generates $120 million in revenue a year, published 110 books, filmed 12 seasons of “Rick Steves’ Europe” and produced more than 750 podcast episodes.

“It’s just like coordinating a three-ring circus,” Steves said.

That is: really fun, sort of exhilarating and extremely complicated. To pull this off, Steves does not observe the French 35-hour workweek. He’s a workhorse with a reputation for keeping a frenetic pace year-round.

“It’s more of an American work culture,” Amy Duncan, Steves’s communications director, told me. “He’s an unapologetic capitalist but he is also a socialist.”

He makes enough money to fly first class, but he only sits in economy, claiming he doesn’t mind being cramped.

“It never occurred to me that I’m suffering,” he said. “As long as I’ve got an aisle and a seat that reclines, I’m happy.”

Actually, Steves believes airlines should only have one class. It’s part of his egalitarian worldview. He’s also anti-points and anti-miles, refusing to sign up for airline loyalty programs because he believes they bully us into complicating our lives.

Steves also enforces a self-imposed “ carbon tax ” on his tour company, which takes more than 30,000 people to Europe annually. For every customer, Steves invests $30 to atone for emissions created by their flights between the United States and Europe. Last year, that added up to $1 million donated to a portfolio of organizations, Steves said.

“I don’t need to be a slave to the quarterly profit statement. I want to be around and profitable in 10 years from now in a world that you can travel in that’s stable,” Steves said. “This is a smart investment and it’s an ethical expense that I should pay for.”

Rick Steves will tell you he’s motivated by making money; the more he can earn, the more good he can do with it.

“Vicarious consumption, that’s one of my things,” Steves said.

After amassing a windfall from the 2001 George W. Bush tax cuts for high earners, Rick Steves donated $1 million to support the local symphony and performing arts center. In 2005, he used retirement savings to buy a 24-unit apartment complex for the local YWCA’s use as transitional housing for women and children. He figured he’d eventually sell the complex and live on the earnings. About a decade later, he changed his mind and donated the complex valued at $4 million.

He also gave more than $4 million to help build the Edmonds Waterfront Center, a vibrant gathering place for seniors where his daughter had her wedding in 2021. And he gave another $2 million for a similar center in the nearby city of Lynnwood, which broke ground in mid-April .

“Rick puts his money where his mouth is,” said Nancy Leson, a former Seattle Times food critic who used to let Steves’s daughter babysit her son. She’s appreciated his regular presence in the community, like hosting events for local politics at his house and shopping at the farmers market .

“He changed travel,” local resident Karen Howe said on her way into the Waterfront Center with a friend. She’s used Steves’s guidebooks for years. “He’s introduced us to places that most of us would never think of going.”

Rick Steves hasn’t won his piazza battle, but he has brought European touches to Edmonds. At the Rick Steves’ Europe headquarters, there’s an E.U. flag hanging from the mocha brick facade. And gargoyles that drain rainwater, just like at the Notre Dame cathedral.

“Gargoyles scare away evil spirits,” Steves points out, unable to suppress his inner tour guide.

Here Steves employs more than 100 people: editors, audio producers, tour specialists and cartographers such as Dave Hoerlein, his first employee. That’s excluding the fleet of guides and drivers he contracts across the pond to shepherd tour customers.

Inside, he bounds through a maze of cubicles, his neck craned forward, always at an eager pace. His 6-foot frame appears leaner than previous seasons of his life, but his signature look is familiar. No, not khakis and a button-down. That’s vintage Rick. These days, he wears dark jeans and a button-down, plus a thin scarf and leather sneakers.

During a day of meetings, Steves’s fjord-blue eyes lit up at the minutia of the business. He went over new maps with Hoerlein. He and longtime co-author Cameron Hewitt addressed problems like finding a “less glitzy” stop on the Amalfi Coast that’s not Sorrento. They discussed whether a place is worth visiting after it’s gotten too popular, and Steves indulged in some gallows humor.

“It’s going to be like holding the corpse of a loved one who just died,” he said.

His critics argue the “Rick Steves Effect” can turn a charming village, restaurant or museum into a tourist magnet. Matthew Kepnes, the travel writer behind the blog Nomadic Matt , points to the Swiss town Zermatt, which he says Steves put on the map, and has since dealt with overtourism . You’re bound to bump into groups with Rick Steves guidebooks in Italy’s increasingly crowded Cinque Terre.

Whether Steves is actually to blame for changing a place is up for debate. There are plenty of destinations he’s covered that haven’t been inundated with swarms of Americans (see also: Gdańsk).

Steves says he assesses whether a place wants tourism, if it can handle it gracefully. If they don’t or can’t, he may mention it but not promote it.

He has faith — maybe too much — that his clients share his values.

“Does [my work] change the personality of a town? It can. Am I a dramatic impact on Europe? No,” he said.

“There’s a handful of places I really promote aggressively that I’ve had a serious impact on, but otherwise ... my travelers are the kind of people that take only pictures and leave only footprints ... they’re good travelers.”

You don’t have to spend much time in Edmonds to see why Rick Steves never considered leaving.

The city — population roughly 42,000 — sits on a majestic inlet. You can get to a major international airport in about an hour. The community is so courteous, it has an “umbrella share” program in case people forget their own on a rainy day. As Steves walks around town, he greets people by name. He lives within walking distance to both his favorite diner and a pétanque court, the French answer to Italian bocce. He plays bongos at his church on Sundays.

In 1967, Richard “Dick” Steves moved the family here because he was worried about Rick Junior.

“I was hanging out with dangerous kids and going down the wrong trail,” Steves said. Seriously.

His dad, an Army veteran, got by in the upscale suburb as a piano technician and importer. When Steves was 14, his parents dragged him on a work trip to Europe to visit piano factories; it was a radical experience that sparked his lifelong passion for travel.

Back in Edmonds, Steves started teaching piano, eventually turning his savings into trips abroad of his own — not only to Europe, but Turkey, Nepal, Afghanistan. He went to college nearby, earning degrees in European history and business from the University of Washington, where he played in the Husky Marching Band.

After graduation, Steves figured he could keep up his routine: give piano lessons during the school year, then travel during the summer. He started teaching travel classes in the same recital hall where his piano students performed. This was back when there was no internet and few guidebooks to consult for trip planning.

The classes were a hit. At 25, Steves turned his lecture materials into a 180-page book, and self-published “Europe Through the Back Door,” in 1980.

Four years later, he hosted his first European minibus tour group, serving as both bus driver and guide.

His businesses have evolved — his bus tours now take up to 28 travelers, a number Steves says is a sweet spot between making the tour more affordable yet enjoyable for customers and profitable for the company. But his mission has remained the same: to be the best resource for European travel and help Americans travel better.

“I just focus on that and I love it,” he said. “It takes my life out of balance — which is not good — but it lets me do a lot of stuff that I believe in and that’s good.”

Steves has been open about the challenges of being a travel mogul. As he built his empire, he was also raising a family. Being “married” to both took a toll. In 2010, Steves and his wife, Anne, divorced after 25 years of marriage.

Up the hill from his junior high, Rick Steves’s modest beige home offers a window into his many lives. There are family photos on the walls, from older relatives to his baby grandson, Atlas. He hosts political fundraisers on the sprawling deck. A painting of Kerala, India, nods to one of his favorite countries (people forget Steves did four editions of “Asia Through the Back Door”).

Next to his grand piano, there’s a stuffed creature that Steves calls his “Silver Fox” baring its teeth and wearing novelty sunglasses with cannabis leaves on the lenses — a nod to two of his interests: taxidermy and marijuana activism.

“It’s the civil liberties … it’s the racism … everything about it is wrong,” he said of keeping weed illegal.

As for the toothy fox, Steves doesn’t do typical souvenirs anymore, but he makes an exception for stuffed animals.

“The wooden shoes and the pewter Viking ships are so obvious,” he said. “I like to do something a little more organic and a little more striking and it takes me back there — I like it.”

He’s a very good piano player. He can also play the sousaphone and the trumpet — which he did regularly during the pandemic, performing taps for his neighbors at sunset.

Covid-19 was a nightmare for the travel business, but a miracle for Rick Steves’s love life.

After running in the same social circles for years, he and Shelley Bryan Wee, a prominent local bishop, started dating at the end of 2019. They had a lot in common. Both are progressive Lutherans. Both are divorced with adult children. But neither worked a typical 9-to-5, and one of them spent three months of the year in Europe.

Then lockdown happened. Steves, who couldn’t remember if he’d ever had dinner in the same place 10 nights in a row, spent 100 nights at the same table with Wee. It solidified their relationship.

“Shelley is a constant,” Steves said. He still struggles with the balancing act between work and love.

When the stars align and they’re both in Edmonds, Wee cooks, and Steves plays sous chef. They walk Jackson, Wee’s labradoodle, creating their own version of the passeggiata, Italy’s traditional evening stroll. They play table tennis before dinner.

When the world reopened, they started traveling together. They’ve made time for a few big vacations: a trip to Morocco, where they were caught in a windstorm that blew the windows out of their car; a luxury barge cruise through Burgundy, France, “that was embarrassingly expensive,” Steves confessed, followed by a week hiking in the Swiss Alps; and another hiking trip between remote lodges on Mont Blanc.

Before their first trip, Steves edited the contents of Wee’s suitcase, because packing light is part of his philosophy.

“What do you say?” she asked. “You’re talking to Rick Steves.”

Editing by Gabe Hiatt. Additional editing by Amanda Finnegan. Design editing by Christine Ashack. Photo editing by Lauren Bulbin. Videos by Monica Rodman. Senior video producer: Nicki DeMarco. Design by Katty Huertas. Copy editing by Jamie Zega.

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