Senior Travel Safety Tips

Summer is in full swing and many people are planning their seasonal vacations, whether it’s a short weekend getaway or a weeklong trip to an exotic locale.
But before you book your trip, it’s important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities as a travel consumer. We hope your holiday is everything you want it to be. Here are a few steps to ensure you have a smooth journey:

Start with trust. Book your travel through a licensed B.C. travel agent, and make sure you check them out at vi.bbb.org first. When you book with a licensed B.C. travel agent and do not receive your contracted travel services, you may be eligible for compensation from the B.C. Travel Assurance Fund.

Read all the fine print. A deal may look great but there may be restrictions on when you can travel, what services are covered in your “all inclusive,” or what charges are included on the advertised airline price.

Know your cancellation rights and refund policy. Sometimes the unexpected happens and you may decide to cancel your trip. Know the terms and conditions for what refund you might be entitled to if you voluntarily cancel your trip.

Check your insurance. It’s always a good idea to check into travel insurance, whether it’s to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, or stolen valuables. But before buying any insurance, check your existing policies, like your home insurance and employment benefits - you may already be covered.

Be credit card smart. Many credit card companies monitor their clients’ transactions looking for irregular purchases, and may suspend their accounts to protect them. Let your credit card provider know when and where you’ll be travelling to avoid any inconvenient situations.
Protect your identity. If you’re travelling outside of the country, keep your passport, any other identification and valuables locked away in your hotel’s safety deposit box. Even if you’re vacationing close to home, it’s a good idea to keep important personal identification locked away, rather than carrying them around.
Don’t be surprised when it comes to auto rental charges. Read the fine print of your car rental agreement carefully. Make sure you understand the additional fees: insurance (you may already be covered via your personal auto insurance, credit card coverage and home or life insurance policies), damages (closely inspect the automobile for any damage before leaving the lot), and fuel (it is more cost effective if you refill the car with gas yourself immediately before returning it).

Confirm your booking. If you make reservations online, whether for airline tickets, hotel rooms or car rentals, make sure your booking is complete by contacting the hotel or airline directly.