There are times when everything seems to be against us and no matter how hard we try to make it all work, it just doesn’t come together. You put in an alarm system to protect your house and still someone finds a way in. You drive carefully, paying attention, and another person, probably on their phone, uses you as a magnet. These things just happen, and there is nothing we can do about it.

That seems to be the case when traveling, as well.  The trip is planned, the bills are paid. Maybe you have even packed the bags, and then you break a hip.

 That just happened to a lovely lady who was taking her entire family of 12 on an Alaska cruise.  Thankfully, she had taken out trip cancellation insurance,

We insure our cars and our homes and even our health, but when it comes to trip cancellation insurance, many never give it a thought. Basic coverage will insure against unexpected illness or injury of you and/or your traveling companion; hospitalization or death of a non-traveling family member; legal obligation such as being called for jury duty or as a witness in a court case; and unforeseen natural disasters either at home or at your destination.  Of course, the details vary with the provider and with each plan, but at least you have a chance of getting back all your pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs.

If you purchase cancellation insurance at the time you make the initial deposit for your trip, it may even cover pre-existing conditions. Perhaps you have been fighting cancer but are now in remission and need to have a wonderful trip just to reward yourself. Take out the insurance at the time of deposit and eliminate the worry of not getting money back if problems show up later on. Keep that positive outlook by making sure you are covered.

There is also insurance you can purchase that will cover you for cancellation for absolutely any reason.  It costs a bit more, but you can cancel because you received a wedding reservation, you learned of a new baby coming into the family, you decided you didn’t like your roommate, or whatever excuse you can make up.  You must insurance 100 percent of your pre-paid, non-refundable trip cost. Cancellation must occur 48-72 hours before departure, depending upon the plan, and benefits may only cover 50 percent-75 percent, depending upon the policy.

It all boils down to giving you the option of booking that trip you are thinking about without worrying about the “what if” that might come up. So think about some of the trips we have planned.  Sign up for the Albuquerque Balloon Festival in October, or take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi in November.  Look ahead to 2019 and see the Treasures of Egypt, take a riverboat from Prague to Paris and then stay on for another trip to Normandy.  Join me in my desire to visit the Holy Lands.  These things may be in the future, but they do sell out. Book now, take out insurance, and dream about the wonderful events of the future.

For reservations or information, call Linda Finch at 253-927-8207 or get on the e-mail list at linda.finch@gmail.com.

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