Travel Tips
What Does Travel Insurance Cover For You?
Many people in India underestimate travel insurance for no reason in particular. They are of the mindset that travel insurance is an unnecessary investment and can be avoided easily. If you also believe the same, then you are completely wrong!
Travel insurance is as important as health or any other kind of insurance. Travelling is a part of human life. There are hardly any people who do not travel to new places either for work purposes or for vacations. And when you travel, you obviously need safety, right? And safety comes from buying a travel insurance policy.
There are many insurance companies in the market that are providing with different kinds of travel insurance policies. You need to choose the best amongst them as per your priorities and budget. Try to strike a balance between these two aspects (affordability and requirements) as it will help you benefit more. Compromising on your needs or going way beyond the range of your budget will lead you in trouble at a later stage.
Travel Insurance policy provides you a sense of security whenever you are not at home. Apart from you, it also keeps your family members satisfied whenever you are not with them. In this way, you can enjoy your trip in a better manner with complete safety, be it financially or physically.
But before buying the policy, you should be aware with what it covers for you, right? Below mentioned are few points that will guide you regarding the same. Just have a look at them!
Travel insurance provides coverage against the following.
Trip cancellation:
A much awaited trip is what a person waits for to explore, relax and it provides a break from the hectic life, which is quite common these days. The major sadness strikes when the travel plans gets cancelled. Few reasons for the cancellation may be:
- You may fall sick or face illness before the travel date.
- You may face injury which restricts you from travelling.
- Weather conditions are not good for travelling.
- A terrorist attack may strike at your destination.
- An emergency work or situation may rise which makes you cancel your travel plans.
Travelling requires a lot of preparation and planning in advance before you leave towards your destination. It involves pre-booking of hotels, flight, trains etc. and a fair amount of money is always spent on these things which can be non-refundable. If a situation arises in which a person has to cancel his or her trip with the money already paid as advance, then there is quite a chance that he or she will have to face these expenses without any reason.
To save you from facing such financial loss travel insurance comes into play.
Travel insurance cover provides reimbursement to these non-refundable costs incurred by you prior to your travel.
In order to purchase the trip cancellation cover one must insure some or all of your trip expenses.
Trip interruption:
In addition to the trip cancellation policy one gets a benefit named as trip interruption cover.
A situation may arise when you are required to travel back home in between your trip. But it is obvious that you must have made the arrangements in advance for the whole trip.
Trip interruption plays the role of refunding you the amount of all the unused expenses. These unutilized expenses can be the amount paid for hotel bookings, travel etc.
Trip interruption protects a person from facing unnecessary expense.
Health emergencies:
No one is immune to health problems and diseases and they can strike you anytime and anywhere without any notice. You don’t want them to ruin your travel plans but it is not in your hand.
In the situation of these medical emergencies the patient requires proper treatment on time. Treatment in many countries can be a costly affair and no one will want to think and worry about the costs at this situation.
People believe that domestic health coverages will work in abroad too. But this is completely wrong as one needs to purchase a separate health insurance cover while travelling abroad.
Travel insurance cover will reimburse you with all the expenses incurred by the insured for the complete treatment. These expenses may include the consultancy charges, ambulance charges, treatment cost and so on.
Medical evacuation:
Medical evacuation isalso known as medevac cover and it goes along with the medical emergency cover.
In case medical emergency strikes at the time of travel this cover provides you with ambulance facility to the nearest hospital and can bring you home if hospital determines that it is necessary in your situation.
You may also choose the hospital which suits you. Along with Sthis the cover provides you with on vehicle medical assistance till the time you reach the hospital.
Lost baggage or passport cover:
Travel insurance cover also deals with lost baggage or important documents like Visa or Passport.
This type of cover is helpful in securing your belongings at the time of travel. One may face a situation like theft or damage which may lead to loss of any important possession. In this situation, this insurance cover will pay you for the loss of your belongings.
You must be aware of the fact that passport is one of the most important document a person requires to travel as no country will allow you to enter without it. If a person loses the passport due to any reason then the travel insurance company will make arrangements for a temporary passport so that the insured does not face any problem and stays tension free.
In case there is baggage delay the insurance company pays you for the basic amenities like clothes and toiletry kit. This is done so that you have required things till the delayed baggage arrives.
Delayed flights:
Flights only take off when the situations are suitable. With situations we mean weather conditions or mechanical welfare.
Under unsuitable conditions the flights can be delayed or even cancelled.
Delays and cancellations are common in air travel as good conditions required to take off are not in the hand of people. For example: there is a fault in airplanes turbine or stormy weather.
This delay or cancellation may lead to financial loss to the travelers as they might have made pre-bookings at their destination and have paid them already.
Along with paying for the medical expenses or loss of luggage they also provide reimbursement for the loss incurred by the insured person due to delay or cancellation of flight.
It is often heard that he or she missed the flight as he or she didn’t arrive at the airport on time. There can be many reasons behind this like traffic, weather conditions etc. Whatever the reason is, the airline company will not return your money in such a case, which will eventually lead to your loss.
For this purpose missed connection benefit comes as a savior for travelers who are delayed, and incur additional costs to catch up to their trip.
The actual reason for the delay should be mentioned in your policy in order to receive the benefits from this cover.
Emergency evacuation:
Everyone thinks of having a good time while they are travelling. But one should know that uncertainties may arise at any moment without any notice.
Situations like natural calamity, serious health problem or a terrorist attack may be the reasons for emergency evacuations. No person will want to be stuck in such a situation in order to be safe and sound.
If you get stuck in this situation in order to reach a safe place or hospital you will have to pay a large amount of money in transportation. Benefits of purchasing this coverage is that it will pay for all the evacuation expenses like airlift, transportation cost to reach hospital.
Worldwide phone assistance:
This cover can be really very beneficial for you at the time of medical emergency, loss of luggage or passport or cancelled flights. It provides you with worldwide coverage and phone assistance so that you can make a call if you face these types of situations.
Along with this they also offer you 24/7 travel assistance service. This cover will provide you with both medical and non-medical benefits like:
- Provide transportation to the hospital.
- Provides proper treatment.
- Free choice to choose your hospital.
- Assistance in case of lost passport or documents.
- Help in locating lost luggage.
Travelling without purchasing a good travel insurance cover in not an option one should prefer. Looking at the possibilities of facing any major or minor uncertainty one must surely purchase a travel insurance cover before travelling abroad as no one knows when it may come to use.
Germany—the Land of Poets and Thinkers—is not only home to world-renowned composers like Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, Schumann, and Wagner. It is also well-loved by tourists for its stunning sceneries and landscapes, serene rolling hills, picturesque meadows dotted with grazing cattle, quaint medieval villages, rich culture, and hearty, scrumptious German cuisine, among others. If you want a cornucopia of unique experiences rolled into one great adventure, you definitely have to put Germany at the top of your travel bucket list.
Traveling to Germany for the first time could be a daunting and thrilling experience. At the same time, it can also be overwhelming and intimidating if you absolutely know nothing about the country you’re visiting. For such reasons, it will be helpful to book a Germany guided tour to make sure everything is already taken care of for you so that the trip will go effortlessly smooth sailing. If you are unsure where to begin for your preparations, this ultimate travel guide to successfully exploring Germany is an excellent starting point!
The Basics You Should Know
First things first, here are the basic things you should know about Germany before hopping on that plane:
Requirements for Entry for US Citizens
Germany is a Schengen country, which means that tourists from the allied 27 European countries don’t need to present a passport to gain entry to Germany. With little to no border control at their mutual borders, tourists from the other Schengen countries can seamlessly cross borders into their neighboring countries, including Germany.
Now, if you’re from the US, you would need to present a passport to be allowed entry in Germany. This U.S. passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen area.
Budget Allocation
The prices of lodging and commodities in Germany are definitely cheaper than in the US, so you would find that most things are affordable here. If you are an average spender, expect to shell out $55 to $90 per day on accommodation, food, and transportation. Meanwhile, mid-range travelers may have to spend around $110 to $160 per day, and luxury spenders may have to shell out $200 or more daily.
The Best Time to Visit Germany
Like most European countries, Germany has four seasons, each having its unique charm and appeal. This means that the best time to visit Germany would ultimately depend on your preferences.
Summer
If you like to participate in outdoor activities and festivities, it is best to visit Germany during its summer months—from June to August. However, take note that this is also the peak season, so there will inevitably be larger crowds, and the commodities tend to be more expensive.
Winter
Meanwhile, if you fancy engaging in winter sports, it is best to visit during the winter months—from December to February. Expect that the quaint German villages will have a snow-capped snow globe-like charm to them. Additionally, prices of accommodations and commodities tend to be lower since the crowds are sparse during the cold winter months. However, take note that many stores are closed down for the winter, except during the days leading up to Christmas. The German Christmas Markets are definitely not to be missed!
Spring and Fall
The shoulder season in Germany falls under both Spring—from April to May—and fall—from September to October. During these months, the weather tends to be milder, the prices of hotels and commodities tend to be lower than in the summer season, and there are also fewer tourists around.
Festivals and Events
Germany is known for having two essential festivals: the Oktoberfest and Christmas Markets.
Oktoberfest is a festival held yearly in Munich that celebrates beer, food, and Bavarian culture, along with some live music and carnival rides for 16 days straight. This world-renowned festival runs from late September to early October, attracting countless visitors from all around the world.
On the other hand, come late November til the end of December, Germany transforms its tranquil towns into a magical winter wonderland, complete with snow-dusted Christmas trees and cobbled lanes. During winter, everywhere you look, you will see festive wooden huts draped in lush Christmas garlands, sparkling string lights, and handcrafted Christmas ornaments and gifts. The delightful smell of roasted nuts, gingerbread, mulled wine, and German sausage hangs around the air as you make your way through the German Christmas markets. Christmas in Germany is truly the jolliest time of the year!
Transportation
Germany boasts an extensive public transportation network comprising of buses, trams, U-Bahn (or subways), and trains. You don’t really need to rely solely on driving cars to get around the area, as Germany’s public transportation system is reliable, efficient, clean, and comfortable to use.
If you want to get to your destination quicker, you should ride ICE Trains, which are speedy but tend to be expensive. On the other hand, regional trains tend to be slower in terms of speed but are much more affordable. But if you are on a tight budget, riding the bus will do as it is the least expensive option. You can even plan your travel using public transportation via apps like Deutsche Bahn or Rome2Rio.
To ensure a hitch-free ride, make sure you always validate your ticket at the machine in the stations before you board the train or bus. And do take note of the schedule of the vehicles as the trains in Germany are very punctual. They arrive on the dot, so it is important for you to arrive at the station early so you won’t miss your train. Lastly, you may need to push a button to open the doors so you can get off at your stop, or may need to alert the driver that your stop is approaching.
Best Places to Visit
Germany has a pocketful of mesmerizing sights, medieval architecture, and landscapes to marvel at. At a glance, here are the best places to add to your itinerary:
City Escapades
- Berlin
Germany’s capital city is one of the top tourist destinations, thanks to its marvelous museums, opulent art, and vibrant culture. This is the best place to appreciate Germany’s striking contrasts, where the past and present intermingle as historical buildings stand alongside modern architecture.
- Munich
It is Bavaria’s capital, which is known as the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest celebration. If you love beer, you will love Munich’s beer halls, most especially the famed Hofbräuhaus.
- Köln (Cologne)
This two-millennia-old city is famed for its twin-spired Cologne Cathedral and its gilded medieval reliquary alongside sweeping river views.
Quaint Medieval Towns
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber
This German town nestled in northern Bavaria is known for its charming medieval architecture. As you walk its cobblestone streets, you’ll be amazed at the panoramic sight of its well-maintained half-timbered houses. Arguably, this is the best medieval town in Germany.
- Nuremberg
Back in the Middle Ages, the Imperial Castle in Nuremberg was once considered the most important imperial palace in the Holy Roman Empire. For centuries, the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg stood as a secure base and prestigious residence for the head of the Empire.
Charming Fairytale-Like Castles
- Neuschwanstein Castle
This fairytale-like castle nestled deep within the Bavarian Alps is one of Germany’s best tourist attractions. It is famously known as the inspiration for the castle design of Disney’s Cinderella. This castle was built by the orders of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who was infamously known as the “mad King Ludwig.” The ever-so-beautiful castle of Neuschwanstein was supposedly a hideaway for this reclusive mad king.
- Burg Eltz
This 1,000-year-old fairy tale castle is nestled at the heart of the hills above the Moselle between Koblenz and Trier. It is among the oldest castles in Germany, and to this day, it is still owned by the House of Eltz, a clan who have lived there since the beginning of the 12th century.
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...
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