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Travel Disasters - Be Prepared
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts between nine and 14 tropical storms, including four to seven hurricanes, in the year 2009.
Questions have arisen about what to do when disaster strikes while traveling. Do you still travel to the desired location if it isn't the pristine environment you had envisioned? And what happens in an emergency while you're away from home? Read on and you just might find some useful information when planning your next trip.
Insure Your Investment
Many people plan their trips on their own, through the use of travel websites (such as this one), or with professional travel guides. However, if you're worried about something going wrong and not getting your money back, plan ahead and buy travel insurance or use a travel agent. This may sound expensive and unnecessary, but if disaster strikes, you'll be happy you have it.
In the case of natural disasters and random occurrences such as hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and even civil wars, hotels and airlines will often try to avoid reimbursing their clients by using the "God card." These events are considered acts of God and uncontrollable. Therefore, airlines and hotels are within their legal rights to deny refunds to consumers. Travel insurance is an ideal way to ensure a full refund if a hurricane is heading toward your tropical hotspot, or a tornado takes out your Kansas hotel.
Keep in mind that many travel insurance policies have a buried Named Event clause. If a hurricane or tropical storm has already been named, travelers are not entitled to a refund. Shop around for a policy that covers you and your family -- no matter the natural disaster's name.
Leave it to the Professionals
Travel agencies are also skilled at getting money back for their clients, especially if the client is pulling their weight on their end of the phone line. If both you and your travel agent are campaigning to get your money back, you're much more likely to be reimbursed. Sometimes larger travel agencies will also reimburse you themselves if the hotel or airline refuse to cough up the cash.
But even with the most aggressive efforts, some companies might refuse to give you your money back. In this situation, try for the next best thing: A replacement vacation. Like getting a store credit on a returned item, a replacement vacation is just as valuable. Maybe this year's vacation was ruined by tropical storm Floyd, but you can always enjoy the beaches of St. Padre Island next month or even next year. It also helps to appeal to a travel agent's softer side when requesting a refund. Sometimes, your harrowing tale of a lost vacation may pull on the heartstrings of seemingly robotic humanoids on the other end of the line.
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