How to Swap Your Awful Airplane Seat

Most of us have probably felt the overwhelming desire to swap airplane seats with someone else.
Some love the freedom and ease of an aisle seat, and others want to catch all the action from a window seat. Then there’s the dreaded middle seat—you’ll find very few people wanting that one.
AirrTrade, a new travel app, lets passengers swap or buy different seats. Are you an aisle person desperately seeking a window seat? Want an exit row seat but don’t want to pay the extra $50? You may be able to get away with using AirrTrade and paying a fraction of the price.


AirrTrade is independent of the airlines, which means the seat swapping/buying is entirely between you and the seller/swapper. Boarding passes won’t change, so you’re free to swap seats once you’re past security and on board the plane. If a new seat isn’t going to do the trick, read our top tips on staying comfortable on longer flights.

AirrTrade is currently available by invite only. Read the original blog post by Airfare Watchdog for more details.

Copyright © 2014 Travel Underwriters, All rights reserved.

Travelling with Food Allergies

Communication is key when travelling with food allergies. Communicating your questions, needs, and wants to others is especially essential when you need to tell them something really important, even life-threatening.
It is difficult enough to decipher a menu in German or Japanese when you don’t have to worry about being allergic to any of the food items on offer. But if you have a gluten, marlin, dairy, or nut allergy, it’s a whole other world of uncertainty that can transform your lovely holiday into a nightmare, in just one breakfast, lunch or dinner.
If you’re travelling with food allergies, it pays to plan ahead to prevent such problems from ever taking place, and to give yourself some precious peace of mind.

What to do when travelling with food allergies:

1)     If you or a family member has a food-related, life-threatening allergy, ensure that you have packed a new, labelled EpiPen^®. Include it in your carry-on luggage or purse, along with some Benadryl^® to counter any lower-level allergic reactions. Any specific allergy medications and equipment, like an inhaler, should always be part of your standard travel first aid kit, including pain medications, Band-Aids, and anti-bacterial cream.

2)     Ensure that you have travel insurance for allergy sufferers. Make sure you’re covered for various allergies, be it a dairy or nut allergy; travel insurance will come in handy. Look for a travel medical insurance plan for Canadians that includes medical assistance and hospitalization for the country that you are visiting. A comprehensive plan should have a worldwide multi-lingual 24/7 emergency contact number and/or translation services for healthcare providers at your destination. Read on to see what other benefits your travel medical insurance plan should have.
3)     Prior to departure, write up and translate key phrases in the languages of your destination, that you can use in the event of an emergency (using Google Translate or a friend’s help). These phrases should be in plain language that identifies the issue of concern, such as “I have a nut allergy” or “Does this contain milk (or) gluten (or) nuts?”
It’s great to have these on your phone or iPad^® as well, but a hard copy (you could even laminate it) is important as well. Phone batteries die often at the worst possible times.
We’ve included some examples below in various languages.
I’m allergic to peanuts / milk / gluten. Does this contain peanuts / milk / gluten? (French, Spanish, German, Mandarin)

French

Je suis allergique aux arachides / au lait / au gluten. Est-ce que ça contient des arachides / du lait / du gluten?

Spanish

Soy alérgico al mani /a la leche / al gluten. ¿Esto contiene maní / leche / gluten?

German

Ich bin allergisch gegen Erdnüsse / Milch / Gluten. Bedeutet dies enthalten Erdnüsse / Milch / Gluten?

Mandarin

Wǒ duì huāshēng, niúnǎi hé miànjīn guòmǐn. Zhège bāohán rènhé huāshēng, niúnǎi huò miànjīn zài lǐmiàn ma?
You can practice saying these phrases as well, but given the nuance of language, having the security of the written phrase will help ensure that nothing is lost, in translation.

Copyright © 2014 Travel Underwriters, All rights reserved.

Travel Insurance for Cruise Holidays

More and more Canadians are booking cruises. If you’re lucky enough to be setting sail this winter, make sure to get cruise travel insurance first. While emergency medical insurance policies may cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation/interruption insurance may meet your other needs.
Below, we answer your frequently asked questions about cruise travel insurance.

“Is cruise travel insurance for over 65 available?”

Many cruisers are over the age of 65 and have this concern. A comprehensive emergency medical travel insurance plan should cover you all the way up to age 89 and sometimes beyond. Just make sure you’re not travelling against a doctor’s advice and you haven’t been diagnosed with a terminal condition.

“What if I get seriously sick in the middle of the ocean?”

Cruising is mostly a safe way to travel, but getting sick or injured on a cruise is a common concern. Comprehensive emergency medical travel insurance for cruise holidays won’t leave you stranded. In fact, if needed, your insurance provider should arrange for you to be air evacuated to a proper medical facility. Travelling with a friend? If you’re returned to your original departure point, your insurance company should arrange to fly him or her home too!
Still not ready to throw in the towel?  You might not have to! If you want to continue your trip after returning home for treatment, you could be covered for a one-way return airfare to continue as originally booked.

“What if I miss my flight and miss getting on board the ship?”

Many cruises start off in the US. This means you may have to fly to your departure port. That’s why trip cancellation/interruption insurance is crucial. It will cover the cost of your flight. It could also reimburse a one way economy airfare or transportation costs to catch up with a tour, or a one way airfare to your next destination.
Have more questions about cruise travel insurance? Ask us!

Copyright © 2014 Travel Underwriters, All rights reserved.

China Visa Application Guide for Canadians

From the Great Wall to the Terracotta Army, China is truly an amazing and mysterious place.  In 2008, China hosted the summer Olympics in Beijing where they announced to the world that they were open for business. 
The world responded with a record number of visitors heading over to China, but oddly enough, the biggest obstacle for tourists wasn’t communism, safety, or pollution; it was the China visa application.  Getting a visa for China is notoriously difficult and the requirements listed on the China Visa Application Center website seem to be open for interpretation. This guide will help you go through the application process with a lot less stress.

Where to get a visa for China

Canadians can’t get visas at consulates anymore. They must be obtained at one of the Chinese Visa Service Application Centres located in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.  If you can’t go in person, your application can be sent via post.
Addresses can be found here:
China Visa Centre, Toronto
China Visa Centre, Vancouver
China Visa Centre, Calgary
China Visa Centre, Ottawa
China Visa Centre, Montreal
There are companies online that you can pay to process your visa for you, but they’re literally just mailing your documents to the application centres–you might as well do it yourself.

China visa cost

This is the complete fee chart for China visa applications.

Basic documents required for a China visa application

1) A valid passport with at least 2 blank pages and at least six months of validity from the expiry date of your visa.
2) A completed China visa application form.  This can be filled out online and then printed; handwritten forms are not accepted.
3) One recent colour passport photo measuring 48mm x 33mm – This is not a standard Canadian passport size photo, so be sure the measurements are correct when having the photo cut.
4) Proof of legal status – This mainly applies to non-residents; they are looking for documents to prove you are legally allowed to be in Canada.  I should note that if you’re applying for a visa to China from Canada with a passport that is not Canadian, there’s a good chance they’ll flag you.
If you have dual citizenship, but haven’t applied for your Canadian passport yet, it’s probably a good idea to get it before applying for your visa.
5) Original copy of previous Chinese passport – This only applies to people who used to reside in Hong Kong or China, and entered Canada using this document. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in Canada or if you’re now a landed immigrant or citizen; China still requires you to show this documentation. There are some exceptions, but they are made on a case-by-case basis. If you’re a former resident, it’s best to bring any documentation you still have.

Yu Garden, Shanghai

Last year, when I applied for visas for my parents along with my own, the China visa centre in Toronto wanted to see all of my parent’s original documentation from when they entered Canada.  My parents came to Canada almost 40 years ago, and have been Canadian citizens for more than 30 years, yet the application centre still insisted on seeing the original documents.  Fortunately, they kept everything so it wasn’t a problem, but you can see why this frustrates many.
If you’re a former resident of China or Hong Kong, I advise you to bring all and any supporting materials that you may have e.g., birth certificates, citizenship cards, marriage certificates/affidavit (if you changed your name since entering Canada).  Having these documents handy will definitely help with your application.
Oddly enough, as a born Canadian, I had no real problems with my China visa application.

Supporting Documents Required for a China visa

1) Booked airlines tickets showing your entry and departure dates.
2) Booked accommodations for the duration of your stay in China.
3) An invitation letter from a relevant individual—if you’re staying at a hotel you don’t need this.
You are not reading this wrong, China requires you to have EVERYTHING booked and confirmed before they will issue you a visa.  China is very strict about this and they require the names of all travellers to be on the reservation regardless of what accommodations you book.  It doesn’t matter if you’re a family; they expect to see every name on the reservation.
The invitation letter is required if you’re staying with friends or family.  It’s basically a letter saying that you’re invited (again all names need to be on this letter), the purpose of your trip, the address of where you’ll be staying and a photocopy of the inviter’s identification.

Visa trip cancellation insurance

If your visa doesn’t get approved, what should you do with the airfare? It’s actually pretty easy to protect yourself; if you’re applying for a tourist or student visa, just purchase trip cancellation insurance prior to applying for your visa. You will be fully covered assuming you are not denied a visa due to something within your control e.g. not submitting your visa application on time. Also note that if you booked with Air Canada, the ticket is fully refundable if the visa was denied.
Coverage for non-issuance of travel visas is pretty common among trip cancellation policies but if you’re looking for more comprehensive coverage consider Travel Underwriters’ Freedom Policy.  Regardless of which plan you decide to go with, always read the fine print before making your purchase.

What are some China visa exemptions?

Surprisingly enough there are a few situations where visas are not required for entering China.
China has adopted a visa-free policy of 72 hours for those who are flying directly to any of the following cities: Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang and Xian.  Additional Chinese cities plan on implementing this policy and certain restrictions do apply, so be sure to check online for updates.  You technically still need a 72-hour visa but this is obtained in the airport for free with proof of your outbound flight.
Hong Kong and Macau are both Special Administrative Regions (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China but neither require a visa to enter.
If your flight is stopping over in China and you’re in the airport for less than 24 hours then no visa is required.


Copyright © 2014 Travel Underwriters, All rights reserved.

Valuable information for Canadian students overseas

Did you know that students are rarely eligible for local health plans when studying outside of Canada? With that in mind, it’s really important to get coverage before you go, if you’re heading abroad to study.
Student travel medical insurance is generally applicable to students aged 40 and under, since they typically need more non-emergency medical care, like eye exams, annual check-ups, and even maternity care. Students abroad may need more follow up visits too, after an emergency as they remain in school, instead of returning home for treatment.

For example, Travel Underwriters’ Student Medical Insurance offers emergency coverage for doctor, psychiatrist or psychologist visits. Dental issues can also be unexpected and expensive! Luckily, dental coverage is available for accidents, dental pain and impacted wisdom teeth.

Student Medical Insurance – Benefits Specific to Travel Underwriters

• Tutorial services, in the event of hospitalization for 30 consecutive days or more.
• When you’re enrolled in school and have valid insurance, you’re covered during school breaks.
• You can head home to Canada for temporary visits and your insurance won’t terminate. However, while you’re back in Canada, you won’t be covered if something happens. Provincial health coverage should cover you while you’re home.
• We’ll cover you if you’re on vacation anywhere other than Canada.
• Family members can be covered under your Student Medical Insurance too, as long as you’re enrolled in school! To be eligible, they must be:
  • 40 years and under
  • Your spouse or immediate family
  • Dependent children who live with you. A dependent child is up to 21 years old, 25 years old if a full time student, or a physically or mentally handicapped child of any age.

 

What Happens if Your Student Visa Gets Denied

With Travel Underwriters’ Student Medical Insurance, a full refund of your travel insurance is available if your student visa is denied, or if you arrive to the country of study but you are denied entry. All you have to do is submit your refund requests to us within 45 days from the effective date.

Not Covered by Travel Underwriters’ Student Medical Insurance

Student Medical Insurance comes in handy, but you also need to know what’s not covered. Here are a few exclusions to note, but be sure to check the policy wording:

• Pre-existing conditions (current health conditions) unless conditions have been stable for 90 days before the effective date.
• Claims caused by your consumption or abuse of alcohol, drugs or medication, or any event, act or omission caused by the use of the above.
• If you’re a professional athlete, and something happens to you while you’re playing the sport.
• If you engage in high risk activities such as motorized sporting events, racing or speed contests, you won’t be covered if something happens to you.

Regardless of the coverage you decide to buy before your adventures abroad, speak to an insurance expert and review your policy wording; pay attention to the exclusions, limitations, and conditions specified in your policy.
I hope this information gives you a better understanding of student travel insurance. I’ve used our Student Medical Insurance as an example, since we can’t speak to other policies on the market, but the information provided should help you know what to look for in a good student travel insurance policy.
Interested in doing some travelling when school’s out? Here’s our budget travel tips for students.

Copyright © 2014 Travel Underwriters, All rights reserved.

Cruise Complaint Silliness

So, in the spirit of last week's article, I thought we would research some further amusing anecdotal tales of complaining holidaymakers - this time the ocean faring variety. Obviously, there's only so far we can go with this - but let's enjoy it while it lasts.

Here are some examples of Cruising Silliness

The most unusual was from a lady on a Mediterranean cruise who said the sea was too loud and claimed it prevented her from having a decent night's sleep during her holiday. She suggested the cabins be "better sound-proofed against the sounds of the sea."

bonvoyage.co.uk revealed the hilarious complaints, which included a man who voyaged on a summer cruise around Alaska complaining about the weather not being as warm as he expected. He said he expected to be able to "swim in the swimming pool each day" and "get an impressive tan".

The man stated that "all cruises are meant to be hot", and so sought compensation for having to buy warmer clothing as he "had only packed minimal clothing for the expected hot weather."

A woman on a Celebrity Cruises ship asked bonvoyage.co.uk for a full refund in June last year because she didn't see any celebrities on board. The woman said the company was guilty of "false advertising" due to the lack of stars.

In another complaint, a woman on a cruise departing from Southampton said that she had to re-schedule her whole holiday as she was not aware of the fact that she was supposed to take her passport with her on the cruise. She apparently thought she only needed her passport when going on a fly-cruise and blamed the cruise company for not texting her the day before to remind her to take her passport.

A woman on a Hawaiian cruise told the customer service team she had heard Gary Barlow was once on the same cruise she had ventured on but failed to see him on the ship this time. She demanded an explanation as to why he was not on the same cruise again this time.

Steph Curtin, Cruise Development Manager of bonvoyage.co.uk, said: "As an online cruising agency, we always try to provide the best customer service possible for our customers; whether it's regarding their comfort on-board, the information they get before getting on board or all the services and entertainment available on the ship."

She added: "The vast majority of feedback we get from our holidaymakers is hugely positive, usually telling us what a great time they had, but from time to time we come across a few quirky complaints that we can do little to help. Whilst we always make sure we go back to every complaint, I'm afraid we can't be held responsible for the sea being too loud or the lack of celebrities on board; as much as we wish we could put Gary Barlow on every cruise!"

More next week!

Going on a cruise? Check out Holsure's Travel Insurance page HERE

Silliness

Sadly the Summer holidays are but a distant memory. Now is a time for reflection on those warm evenings on the beach, unforgettable meals in hidden gems off the beaten track and unending hours of  lazing around the pool…Or you could just complain about the whole thing like these people have.

These are actual complaints received from dissatisfied customers by Thomas Cook Vacations (based on a Thomas Cook/ABTA survey.)

 Beware!!! These people live among us and can vote!

1. “I think it should be explained in the brochure that the local convenience store does not sell proper biscuits like custard creams or ginger nuts.”

2. “It’s lazy of the local shopkeepers in Puerto Vallarta to close in the afternoons. I often needed to buy things during ‘siesta’ time — this should be banned.”

3. “On my holiday to Goa in India , I was disgusted to find that almost every restaurant served curry. I don’t like spicy food.”

4. “We booked an excursion to a water park but no-one told us we had to bring our own swimsuits and towels. We assumed it would be included in the price.”

5. “The beach was too sandy. We had to clean everything when we returned to our room.”

6. “We found the sand was not like the sand in the brochure. Your brochure shows the sand as white but it was more yellow.”

7. “They should not allow topless sunbathing on the beach. It was very distracting for my husband who just wanted to relax.”

8. “No one told us there would be fish in the water. The children were scared.”

9. “Although the brochure said that there was a fully equipped kitchen, there was no egg-slicer in the drawers.”

10. “We went on holiday to Spain and had a problem with the taxi drivers as they were all Spanish.”

11. “The roads were uneven and bumpy, so we could not read the local guide book during the bus ride to the resort. Because of this, we were unaware of many things that would have made our holiday more fun.”

12. “It took us nine hours to fly home from Jamaica to England. It took the Americans only three hours to get home. This seems unfair.”

13. “I compared the size of our one-bedroom suite to our friends’ three-bedroom and ours was significantly smaller.”

14. “The brochure stated: ‘No hairdressers at the resort’. We’re trainee hairdressers and we think they knew and made us wait longer for service.”

15. “There were too many Spanish people there. The receptionist spoke Spanish, the food was Spanish. No one told us that there would be so many foreigners.”

16. “We had to line up outside to catch the boat and there was no air-conditioning.”

17. “It is your duty as a tour operator to advise us of noisy or unruly guests before we travel.”

18. “I was bitten by a mosquito. The brochure did not mention mosquitoes.”

19. “My fiance and I requested twin-beds when we booked, but instead we were placed in a room with a king bed. We now hold you responsible and want to be re-reimbursed for the fact that I became pregnant. This would not have happened if you had put us in the room that we booked.”