TRAVEL GUARD OFFERS TRAVEL TIPS TO THOSE TRAVELING DURING THE BUSY HOLIDAY SEASON

STEVENS POINT, Wis., Nov. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The holiday travel season is just around the corner, and as many Americans plan trips to visit friends and family, they are also preparing for the hectic nature of holiday travel. According to the Airport Council International, nine of the 10 busiest U.S. airports saw an increase in passengers in 2012 from the previous year, raising the likelihood that holiday travel might again be a frenzied activity. Add to that the chance of possible weather-related delays, missed connections and lost luggage, and even the best laid travel plans can turn chaotic.

Whether just now booking or finalizing plans, there is still time to take the following into consideration:

• Book Early, Save Money
  "The early bird gets the worm" when it comes to flight booking. It's wise to book at least a month or more in advance of your expected departure date if you want to get the best deals. A great way to simultaneously compare airfare for the best price is to use an airfare aggregator site.
• When You Travel Matters
  Experts often note the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after are the busiest travel days of the year. Travelers would be wise to book a flight Thanksgiving Day and return the following Tuesday if possible.
• Carry On for Smooth Travel
  Travel can go more smoothly when only one carry-on is packed for each member of the family. Carry-on luggage allows travelers to arrive at their departure gate quickly and avoid the hassle of waiting for checked luggage upon arrival. Plus, carry-on luggage often costs nothing as compared to checked luggage, which can cost more than $25 per bag.
• Shop Online & Ship
  Avoid airport security scrutinizing and unwrapping each gift you packed in your suitcase.  Don't travel with gifts. Instead, shop online and have each item shipped to your final destination.  Ship home gifts you receive as well.
• Avoid Airport Parking Lots
  Avoid mayhem in airport parking lots during the holidays. If possible, have a friend drop you off at the airport to avoid congestion and delays getting to your departure gate.
• Keep an Eye on the Weather
  Watch daily weather forecasts and monitor your flight status. Don't forget to leave for the airport early to avoid long lines and a rush to your terminal.

"The holiday travel season can be stressful, and experiencing travel mishaps or unexpected delays only amplifies traveler frustrations," said Lori Whitt, Vice President, Marketing Communications, Travel Guard Americas. "We encourage all travelers to plan ahead and consider travel insurance for the many travel disruptions that can happen, especially during holiday travel. Time spent with family and friends is far more important than time spent worrying about fixing travel interruptions. That's where we can help."

Travel insurance may be better known for trip cancellation and medical coverage and less known for lost luggage or flight delay coverage, which are the more common causes of disruptions during the busy holiday travel season.  A travel insurance plan that includes travel assistance services can provide relief in the form of one-stop access to flight rebookings, hotel arrangements, baggage tracking and more.

For more information about a travel insurance plan with 24/7 assistance services, or for more travel tips contact your travel agent, visit www.TravelGuard.com or call Travel Guard's 24/7 World Service Center at 1.800.826.1300.

About Travel Guard

Travel Guard is the marketing name for Travel Guard Worldwide, Inc., and Travel Guard Group, Inc. Travel Guard, a member of AIG and a worldwide leader in travel insurance solutions and assistance services, 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. 

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, 18th Floor, 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. Your travel retailer may not be licensed to sell insurance, and cannot answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of this insurance and cannot evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance.

Contact:
Shannon Semmerling / Lori Whitt
800.826.7791 ext.13085 / 13970
[email protected]
[email protected]

SOURCE Travel Guard