Travel Guard Update – International Travel Trends

2012-09-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Welcome to the September edition of 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 about international travel trends among their clients. We’ll also touch upon how a travel insurance plan can come in handy while abroad and how Travel Guard came to the rescue of lost luggage.

Travel Guard invites your comments and suggestions on any areas you’d like to see covered in this regular update. E-mail your thoughts to us at aparry@mmgyglobal.com. For more information on our travel insurance programs, please visit www.TravelGuard.com.

In this month’s issue:
PULSE POLL: INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TRENDS
TRAVEL TIP: DON’T FORGET TO PACK TRAVEL INSURANCE
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS: ALMOST WITHOUT A HITCH

Travel Guard recently polled agents to learn about international travel trends among clients. Results are below.

Big Spenders: Despite continuing concerns about the economy, 86% of agents polled noted their clients are spending about the same or more on international travel than in past years. On average, 39% of clients are spending $2,000 – $5,000 on international travel in 2012, while 32% noted their clients typically spend $5,000 – $8,000. Nearly one-quarter (22%) of agents mentioned their clients will spend more than $8,000 on international travel this year.

Far From Home: According to 63% of agents polled, travelers are more willing to jump out of their comfort zone and travel to destinations farther from home than in past years. Emerging destinations are becoming popular among travelers, with agents noting Eastern Europe (24%) and Australia / South Pacific (16%) as the hottest spots outside of traditional European destinations. Other popular destinations include Central America (14%,) Asia (12%,) South America (11%,) Africa (8%) and the Middle East (4%.)

Getting There: Despite the popularity of airline points, a mere 8% of agents reported the ability to use points as a top priority when selecting an airline for international travel. Comfortable accommodations (7%) and cost to check multiple bags (2%) were also minor considerations when selecting an airline, while affordability (55%) and nonstop routes (27%) were most important to clients.

Make Every Penny Count: Budget is top of mind when selecting a destination for international travel, with 31% of agents polled noting affordability as the most important factor for clients. Nearly one-quarter (24%) of agents noted ease of travel or good tourism infrastructure as the most important factor, while 22% mentioned their clients select a destination based on the cultural and historical activities offered. Clients also take the ability to visit multiple countries in one trip (16%) and adventure or outdoors activities (7%) into consideration when selecting a destination.

Plan for the Worst: International travel brings an additional level of uncertainty to a vacation. As a result, 22% of agents polled noted their clients are most worried about potential uprisings or terrorist activity disrupting their travel plans, and surprisingly, only six percent of agents noted language barriers as the greatest concern. Additional travel fears lie with potential trip interruptions or delays (30%,) medical emergencies (23%) and potential trip cancellation (19%.) A whopping 86% of agents mentioned that their clients purchase a travel insurance plan to cover their vacation investment.

TRAVEL TIP: DON’T FORGET TO PACK TRAVEL INSURANCE

Whether it’s exploring the European countryside, the Great Wall of China or even an around the world trip, travelling internationally adds a level of excitement and uncertainty to any vacation. International travel typically requires a greater investment and come with an extra set of risks, whether it is financial loss or encountering a language barrier during a medical emergency. By purchasing a travel insurance plan, travelers can help ensure that they are covered for the unexpected.

Travel Guard plans include coverage for unforeseen events, including medical expenses, lost or stolen luggage and travel documents and delayed or cancelled flights. Comprehensive plans include 24-hour assistance for last minute trip changes, trip cancellation/interruption coverage, baggage delay coverage and more. Travel Guard also has plans that cover children aged 17 and under, traveling with an insured adult, at no additional cost.

For the complete line of travel insurance and assistance service plans, visit www.TravelGuard.com.

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS: ALMOST WITHOUT A HITCH

Mary and her husband were on their way home to San Francisco after a three-week trip exploring Europe. “We took a wonderful river cruise on the Rhine River from Amsterdam to Switzerland. Then we spent an exciting week in Rome,” said Mary.

On their way back from London, the couple had a layover in New York when they noticed Mary’s suitcase was missing. The couple had waited so long for Mary’s luggage that they missed their flight home to San Francisco, forcing them to spend a night in New York.

Luckily, Mary had a travel insurance plan through Travel Guard. “When I got home I called Travel Guard because I could not get through to a live person at the airline,” said Mary. “Travel Guard was able to trace the luggage, advise me of its location and estimated delivery time. They also followed up with daily phone calls until my luggage was delivered to my home. I have used Travel Guard for my last three trips because I like the personal service they provide.”

About Travel Guard
Travel Guard Worldwide, Inc., a Chartis company and worldwide leader in travel insurance and assistance, provides products and services to millions of travelers around the globe, including a wide range of emergency services through its wholly-owned assistance centers located in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Travel Guard helps leisure and business travelers alike solve problems and manage risks. Travel Guard’s global reach, unparalleled service quality and proven operational capabilities allows clients 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. The travel insurance products marketed by Travel Guard are underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries and affiliates of Chartis Inc. For additional information, please visit our websites at www.travelguard.com and www.travelguard.ca.

The coverage listed here is for U.S. residents only. To learn more about coverage in Canada, please call 1-866-648-8422.

This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Insurance is 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. Travel assistance services are provided by Travel Guard.

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

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