Travel Safety

Did You Know…Despite economic uncertainty, Americans are

still traveling for leisure. 90 percent plan to take 2 or more leisure trips within

the next year 24 percent plan five or more trips.79 percent will spend a minimum of $3,000 for these

vacationsMost popular destination is the beachMost popular city to visit is New York City

With the time and money invested in travel, everyone should plan wisely for vacations other trips and trips.

ObjectivesParticipants will:

• Identify common travel scam techniques. 

• Identify personal travel insurance needs.

• Describe travel organization techniques.

• Create a master packing list based on personal needs.

• Identify payment methods best suited to travel experiences. 

• Identify three or more consumer rights related to transportation and lodging issues.

• Identify three or more safety practices for traveling.

• Describe how to appropriately handle medical and dental emergencies while traveling.

What Would You Do? Case Study 1Harold and Betty have been planning

their 50th wedding anniversary cruise to the Mexican Riviera. They have been saving and their three children are helping with the expenses as their anniversary gift to their parents. During the planning with their travel agent they have been asked if they want to purchase travel insurance. Both Harold and Betty are in their 70s but are in good health.

What should they do?

What Would You Do? Case Study 2Bob, Donna and kids, Dilan and Wes, will

be traveling to Tennessee for a summer vacation. They will be gone a week and want to make the most of this time together, while staying on budget. Donna has found a cabin that will work for them but it has no pool and is 5 miles from town. She found a hotel that will cost $30 more per night, but it includes a pool, waterslide and other water activities the kids would love. The hotel also has a mini refrigerator in the room.

What would be the best deal?

What Would You Do? Case Study 3Justin and Megan are getting married in 6

months and are planning their honeymoon. They will be driving to Savannah and are looking forward to visiting a historic town. Justin knows they will use a credit card for the hotel expense but he wants to take all cash so they can keep track of their incidental spending and stay on budget. Megan is concerned about all cash and would prefer to charge and pay when they return home.

What would be the type of money to use?

What Would You Do? Case Study 4

Grandma Rita is flying to her granddaughter Payson’s wedding. She will be attending a bridal reception, rehearsal dinner and the wedding. She loves to dress up and has several heirloom pieces of jewelry that she wants to wear. Her concern is the jewelry while flying and at the hotel.

What advice would you give Grandma Rita?

Planning Your Trip: Making Travel Arrangements

Options for making travel arrangements:Travel agentsPlan your own trip

Do not fall victim to travel fraud:Travel deals received by email are usually a

scamIf it’s too good to be true, it probably isAlways ask what is NOT included in the dealUse a credit card as protection incase you need

to dispute any offerAsk for references

Planning Your Trip: Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is designed to limit your exposure to risk during your trip.

Weigh the cost of the insurance policy with your potential loss.

Be certain you are not buying insurance you do not need.

Travel insurance may be offered through your travel agent, tour company, internet travel provider or a third party insurance company.

Planning Your Trip: Getting Organized For Travel

Planning and making lists can be the best few minutes you will spend when preparing for travel.

Look over the trip itinerary and make a list of clothing you will need for each day and each activity.

When traveling with small children, combine all of their clothes into one suitcase. This will help keep their things together.  

Planning Your Trip: Must Have Items

The must haves will be important to place in a carry-on bag if flying. If traveling by car keep these items where you can locate them easily.  

Airline ticket or print confirmationPassport/driver’s licenseCredit cards - take only what you needHotel reservation confirmationsTravelers checks or pre-paid credit cardPrescription medicineLiquids – if flying use the 3-1-1 system required by TSADirections or a GPS device

 

Planning Your Trip: Packing For Your Adventure

Create a general packing list

Use it for future trips

Important items to remember:Personal itemsMedical needsElectronicsMoney and documents

Planning Your Trip: Preparing the Home Front

Before departing, be sure to take care of the following things at home: Pet care - arrange a sitter or make

arrangements to board.Mail - notify the post office to hold or ask a

friend to pick-up.Plants - ask a neighbor to water inside and

outside plants as needed.Garbage - ask a friend to place trash out and

return cans after pick up.Thermostats - adjust air conditioning or heat.

Planning Your Trip: Choosing Your Payment Method

There are many things to consider when choosing your payment options while traveling:Cash Credit cardTraveler’s checkATM cardPrepaid traveler’s card

Leave most of your payment methods at home, including your checkbook and most of your credit cards.  

As a general guideline, take two credit cards and an ATM card for cash withdrawals.  

Bon Voyage!Transportation Choices

Automobile rental is an option many travelers use.  Be sure to understand the contract before signing and do

not give false information. Watch for additional fees and costs in contracts.

For air travel, delays and cancelled flights can create havoc for even the most organized traveler.  Know what your rights are as a consumer in these situations.  There are no federal guidelines regarding flight delays and

cancellations. Policies vary from company to company.

Bon Voyage!Lodging Information

Research accommodations which meet your needs, have a good reputation and are in a safe location.  

Know the difference between a guaranteed reservation and a confirmed reservation.

Never assume your property is safe at your lodging. Theft is a reality in the lodging industry and most

hotels have limited liability for your property loss. Protect your property by storing valuables in the

hotel safe. Deter would-be criminals by leaving the TV on when

you leave the room, use privacy signs and service your own room.

Bon Voyage!Safety First

Personal safety should never be taken for granted when traveling.  

Some groups are particularly vulnerable: Single womenThe elderlyWomen, alone with children  

What precautions can you take to be safe while traveling?

Bon Voyage!Handling Unexpected EventsEven the most experienced traveler can encounter

unexpected issues while traveling.  Try to resolve any issue before returning home. If you are unable to resolve the problem, have a

record of your complaint to follow up on when you return home.

Take notes. Include the names of people you speak with and the date, time and location of the conversation.

Get receipts for any financial costs you spend trying to resolve the issue.  When you return home, decide if you would like to write a letter of complaint.  

Bon Voyage!Handling Unexpected Events

Plan ahead for dental and medical emergencies:In the United States, know your

insurance policy and the providers in the area where you are traveling.

When traveling abroad, talk with your health provider if you have special health considerations. Determine if you are covered outside the United States.

Bon Voyage!Prevent Common Ailments

Motion SicknessAvoid reading while in moving

transportation.Book a room in the middle of

the ship while on a cruise.When flying, sit near the wing

of the plane. DehydrationDrink plenty of fluids.Avoid caffeinated drinks.

AllergiesBring your own pillowcase.Request a non-smoking room.

DiarrheaAvoid uncooked meat, raw

fruits and vegetables and unpasteurized foods.

Drink only bottled water.

ArthritisTake frequent walking

breaks.Bring aspirin, anti-

inflammatory drugs or any prescriptions normally used for arthritis.

Case Study 1: What Would You Do? Harold and Betty have been planning

their 50th wedding anniversary cruise to the Mexican Riviera. They have been saving and their three children are helping with the expenses as their anniversary gift to their parents. During the planning with their travel agent they have been asked if they want to purchase travel insurance. Both Harold and Betty are in their 70s but are in good health.

What should they do?

Case Study 2: What Would You Do?Bob, Donna and kids, Dilan and Wes, will be

traveling to Tennessee for a summer vacation. They will be gone a week and want to make the most of this time together, while staying on budget. Donna has found a cabin that will work for them but it has no pool and is 5 miles from town. She found a hotel that will cost $30 more per night, but it includes a pool, waterslide and other water activities the kids would love. The hotel also has a mini refrigerator in the room.

What would be the best deal?

Case Study 3: What Would You Do?Justin and Megan are getting married in 6

months and planning their honeymoon. They will be driving to Savannah and looking forward to visiting a historical town. Justin knows they will use a credit card for the hotel reservation but he wants to take all cash so they can keep track of their spending and stay in budget. Megan is concerned about all cash and would prefer to charge and pay when they return home.

What would be the type of money to use?

Case Study 4: What Would You Do?Grandma Rita is flying to her granddaughter

Payson’s wedding. She will be attending a Bridal reception, rehearsal dinner and the wedding. She loves to dress up and has several heirloom pieces of jewelry that she wants to wear. Her concern is the jewelry while flying and at the hotel.

What advice would you give Grandma Rita?

Bon Voyage!Remember...

Small steps taken while planning, being organized and becoming aware of your surroundings while on vacation can ensure that you have a fun and safe trip. Know before you go! If the unexpected happens, you will be ready to take action.

Questions?Graphic: Department of Homeland Security

CBP.gov

Brooke Jenkins-Howard, M.S.Magoffin County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences

Sally Mineer, M.S.Lewis County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences

January 2013

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