2013-08-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — Welcome to the August edition of the TRAVEL GUARD UPDATE, a monthly review designed to provide you with up-to-date information on the latest travel trends. This month, we polled travel agents to learn more about trends in adventure and soft adventure travel. We’ll also touch upon a handy tip to ensure active travelers are prepared for the unexpected and how Travel Guard helped when a snowstorm struck during a Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing expedition.
Travel Guard invites your comments and suggestions on any areas you’d like to see covered in this regular update. Feedback can be sent to Anna Parry at aparry@mmgyglobal.com. For more information on our travel insurance programs, please visit www.TravelGuard.com.
In this month’s issue:
PULSE POLL1: ADVENTURE AND ACTIVE TRAVEL TRENDS
TRAVEL TIP: PREPARE FOR ADVENTURE WITH THE GREAT OUTDOORS PLAN
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS: THE KILIMANJARO BACK-UP PLAN
Partner in Adventure: It seems those seeking to stay active on vacation want to share the adrenaline with a loved one, as an overwhelming 62% of agents polled cited couples as the most common type of traveler who book adventure or soft adventure activities (such as bird watching, biking), noting that those over 45 years old (40%) are the most apt to book this type of travel, followed by families (26%). Those less likely to incorporate adventure elements into their trips included groups of male friends (5%), solo travelers (4%) and groups of female (2%).
Adventure + Luxury: According to agents polled, the majority of active travelers prefer to have a taste of everything on their trips, with 30% noting that their clients typically combine adventure activities like wildlife viewing or biking with luxury activities such as spa and culinary experiences. Others choose adventurous activities or excursions because they have a passion for a specific activity (26%), they have a strong desire to stay active while away from home (22%) or they feel like going off the beaten path helps them get closer to the destination (18%).
Heading South: It seems the southern hemisphere trumps the northern hemisphere, with a whopping 60% of agents noting South America, Latin America and the Caribbean as the most popular regions for adventure travel. Other popular destinations include North America (14%), Europe (11%), Africa (9%), Asia (3%) and the South Pacific (2%).
Just In Case: No matter if clients are booking an extreme adventure or simply incorporating soft adventure into their trip, the vast majority of agents (82%) noted their clients typically purchase a travel insurance policy for trips involving adventure or soft adventure elements.
TRAVEL TIP: PREPARE FOR ADVENTURE WITH THE GREAT OUTDOORS PLAN
Whether travelers are planning a golf getaway, hunting trip or a safari excursion or if they are seeking physically extreme experiences like skiing, spelunking or mountain climbing, a comprehensive travel insurance plan can come in handy should an emergency arise.
Travel Guard’s Great Outdoors plan offers streamlined solutions to golfers, sportsmen and adventure seekers alike. Travelers receive essential coverage for sportsman’s equipment, trip cancellation and medical emergencies as well as access to Travel Guard’s 24/7 travel assistance and emergency services for everything from flight-rebookings and physician referrals to tee time reservations and suggestions for hunting / fishing guides. The Great Outdoors plan even includes additional sports-related concierge services like coordination of equipment pick-up and delivery, driving directions and any other requests active travelers may have.
For the complete line of travel insurance and assistance service plans, visit www.TravelGuard.com.
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS: THE KILIMANJARO BACK-UP PLAN
Weather had been rough as Thomas P. of Livermore, Cali., preceded on a nine-day Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing expedition. A major snowstorm developed, and, as the storm continued to worsen, it became clear the group was unprepared when snow broke the dining tent at their campsite.
They were forced to evacuate on their sixth day. The outfitter graciously arranged a safari trip to fill the unexpected three days, charging only his cost.
When Thomas returned home, he filed a claim for the extra cost of the unexpected three-day safari. The Travel Guard representative asked, “Would you also like to file a claim for the three days of the trek you missed?” He did, and Travel Guard refunded part of the cost of the Kilimanjaro climb in addition to the unplanned safari expenses. Since then, Thomas has continued to purchase a Travel Guard insurance policy for his adventures, which has come in handy more than once.
1 Based on a Travel Guard pulse poll to Travel Guard agency partners in August 2013.
About Travel Guard
Travel Guard is the marketing name for Travel Guard Worldwide, Inc., and Travel Guard Group, Inc. Travel Guard is a worldwide leader in travel insurance solutions and assistance services, which provides products and services to millions of travelers around the globe, including a wide range of emergency services through a network of assistance centers located in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Travel Guard helps leisure and business travelers alike solve travel related problems and manage travel related risks. Travel Guard’s global reach, service quality and proven operational capabilities allow travelers to receive best-in-class care. Travel Guard’s suite of technology platforms enables seamless integration with all major travel distribution systems and supplier channels. For additional information, please visit our websites at www.travelguardworldwide.com and www.travelguard.com.
Travel insurance products offered by Travel Guard Group, Inc., (“Travel Guard”), a licensed insurance producer. Products or services may not be available in all countries or states, and coverage is subject to actual policy language. Non-insurance products and services may be provided by Travel Guard or independent third parties. Insurance products are underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., a Pennsylvania insurance company, with its principal place of business at 175 Water Street, New York, NY 10038. It is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445.
This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Insurance underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA, a Pennsylvania insurance company, with its principal place of business at 175 Water Street, New York, NY 10038 It is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia, NAIC No. 19445. Coverage may not be available in all states. For costs and complete details of the coverage(s) contact Travel Guard Group, Inc. at www.travelguard.com.
If you’d like more information about Travel Guard news, contact:
Carol Mueller
1.715.295.9123
Carol.Mueller@travelguard.com
Shannon Semmerling
1.715.295.0950
Shannon.Semmerling@travelguard.com
Ashley Norman / Anna Parry
MMGY Global
1.212.219.7560 ext 6777 / 6766
anorman@mmgyglobal.com
aparry@mmgyglobal.com