Have you heard about all the travel deals out there right now? You know those winter getaway packages? We thought this would be a good time to talk about travel emergencies.
The folks at Budget Travel Online describe several scenarios that would qualify as an emergency when you are on your dream vacation in another country. For example, what do you do when you lose your passport? Well, for starters, you should make a photocopy of your passport and bring it with you on your trip, just in case the real one gets lost or stolen.

If you do lose it, you will have to go to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you have a photocopy, it along with a driver's license should be acceptable proof to get an emergency one on the spot.

What if you get sick, really sick? You should be aware that some health insurance plans offer no coverage outside the U.S. and others will reimburse you for payments made out of pocket. But in some countries, that could mean you have to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars up front. The experts at Budget Travel Online said you really should consider travel insurance.

George Wozniak of Hobbit Travel agrees. He said it's relatively inexpensive and worth the money.

"Insurance is a real good idea, overall, blended health, trip cancellation, lost baggage ... on top of what your homeowner's will cover. And in the realm of what your vacation is costing you, it's a very, very small percentage," he said.

Wozniak said travel insurance usually costs $8 or $9 per $1,000 you are spending on the trip. Sometimes it is based on days, so it is $8 or $9 a day.

"Let's say $50 for a seven-day trip on average. It really is a very good deal," Wozniak said.

Another nightmare situation: What if your luggage gets lost or damaged? Be sure to file a report with your airline within 24 hours of arrival or your claim could be dismissed.

Budget Travel Online states that the airlines generally pay compensation for bags when the luggage is badly torn or dented in transit, but can refuse to pay when there is no external damage. In 98 percent of lost luggage situations, bags are eventually recovered.

What if someone steals your wallet or you lose it? It is a good idea to make a photocopy of those cards and write down the 800-numbers, and the keep that paperwork in a safe place during your trip. Also, go ahead a file a police report, because it will help with insurance claims and at airport check-ins.

What happens if you get in trouble with the law for some reason? It happens. A third of the 2,500 reported annual arrests of U.S. citizens abroad are drug-related. To avoid trouble, just say no, and never leave your bags unattended. If you do get locked up, request that the local authorities inform the U.S. embassy. Someone should then come visit you and then help you get an attorney.

What if, for some odd reason, your travel companion disappears? Wozniak said in addition to reporting the missing person to your hotel, make sure you write down the phone number of the tour operator who booked your trip and call them.

"I believe you have to immediately react to those things and make sure you are right on top of it, right away. Again, it is important to have the proper numbers when you go to those destinations. Even if you get sick, you want to contact the local people and say I am having these problems, what do I do?," Wozniak said.

He went on to say, "Major tour operators have local people. Those are the people you go to straight away. They are set up for all those problems."

Finally, what if your flight gets canceled or if you get bumped? Instead of waiting in the long line at the ticket counter, the folks at Budget Travel Online recommend calling the airline's 800-number and rebooking over the phone. It is faster and more effective.
WCCO
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