Travel insurance is something couples groan about all the time!
Since the cost of the insurance is based on the total cost of the trip (and your age), it is usually quoted last and a forgotten expense. So try to remember to include insurance in the honeymoon budget!

Why Would I Need It?

• Natural Disasters such as storms and hurricanes. Remember 2017? There were 10 hurricanes in the Atlantic with 6 of them being category 3 or more! Many countries in the Caribbean were affected and many honeymoons canceled as a result.

• Illness or Injury - my friends mom stepped off a curb in Italy and broke her ankle. She needed  x-rays, an overnight stay in the hospital, and ultimately came home early. Most health insurance policies do not cover medical outside the US and they likely won't help pay to get you home. 

• Assistance in a foreign language - don't discount these services, even the smallest problem can be a big one if you can't tell anyone the problem. Travel insurance provides help communicating in the native language of the country you are visiting.

• Smaller Inconveniences - so maybe you're thinking there won't be a major problem. But even something small can ruin a vacation. My very active and healthy brother-in-law stepped on something sharp in the ocean and needed a tetanus shot. Totally unexpected! His vacation wasn't ruined, but it did require a visit to the medical facility on site as well as treatment.

• 24/7 Help - Insurance companies have people standing by in case of emergency. The agents are multilingual and available to help you handle all kinds of travel emergencies from finding local medical and legal professionals, arranging to send a message home, helping with missed connections and lost/stolen travel documents, and much more.

How much will it cost?
The cost of a policy is determined by age, level of coverage and cost of trip. There is no one size fits all when it comes to insurance coverage for a trip. For example, a domestic honeymoon may not require the medical benefits that you want with an international trip.  There are many choices of policies, so ask an insurance professional which plan is right for you.

Can I wait to buy it?
Generally speaking, if you want a pre-existing condition waiver included in the policy, you will need to purchase within 7-14 days of initial payment on your trip. Otherwise, you may purchase a policy up to 1 day prior to departure. It is in your best interest to purchase the policy as soon as possible so that the coverage begins before an emergency takes place. Again, each plan is different so be sure to know the specific terms of the policy you are considering.

What is Cancel For Any Reason?
Some companies offer cancel for any reason as an optional benefit. This type of coverage adds to the cost of the policy and you should check the reimbursement percentage, it can start at just 50%.  If you think that you may cancel for a reason not typically covered (think Zika scare this past year) then definitely consider looking into this option.

​Which Travel Insurance Companies do you recommend?
There are several reputable travel insurance companies available to you. I personally work closely with Travel Guard and Allianz. 

The most important benefit of travel insurance is peace of mind. It's tough to relax and fully enjoy your honeymoon if you're worried about hurricanes, getting sick, losing your passport or missing your flight. Choosing an insurance policy is a personal matter, everyone's needs are different and there is a policy for every need. I am happy to answer questions or refer you to a trusted partner who can help.

There are different methods to avoid lines at the airport. Some assist with SECURITY lines while others are designed to assist with CUSTOMS lines. These are very different so let's get them straight:
CUSTOMS - refers to items being brought into a country upon the return from your trip

IMMIGRATION - refers to people entering a country either as a visitor or returning home

SECURITY - everyone traveling by air in the US (domestic or international) must pass through security upon leaving for your trip.
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To avoid the masses and get through lines quicker, you can choose to join a program to expedite the process. See the chart below to decide which program is best for you!

I have no affiliation with any of these programs.

I personally use Global Entry because I travel internationally at least once a year and domestically many times a year - I love the TSA precheck for both domestic and international flights and expedited immigration/customs lines when returning to the US.  In addition, my credit card covers the cost of Global Entry, so getting it for free was a no brainer. 

Here are the links to sign up:
CLEAR:  https://www.clearme.com/
GLOBAL ENTRY AND TSA PRECHECK  https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/
MOBILE PASSPORT: App Store
AUTOMATED PASSPORT CONTROL: no membership

When thinking about a honeymoon, most people at least consider an all-inclusive. But is it right for you?
Here is a quick look at whether or not an all-inclusive is a good fit for you:

​Worth It Because:

1. Food and Drinks Included - and that typically means ALCOHOL. All inclusive resorts have come a long way when it comes to food! At high end resorts, food is fresh and delicious! With coffee bars, local cuisine and many dining options to choose from, the all inclusive option is great for leaving your wallet in the safe and splurging on meals!
2. If you are thinking about an all-inclusive in the Caribbean consider that most beaches are open to the public. At an all-inclusive resort, you are more likely to find a secluded or private beach for a more romantic setting.
3. ALL inclusive - many of the resorts offer complimentary airport transfers, in-room dining, watersports and credit toward the spa or excursions!
4. Stress free - you don't have to worry about foreign exchange rates, language barriers, or unexpected costs at the end of the trip - the price is agreed upon up front with no surprises.

Might not be for you if:

1. You are seeking a local and authentic experience. Yes, you can take excursions, but you likely will not be immersed in culture throughout your stay.
2. You may feel like you are paying for things you won't use. For example: alcohol is included, but if you aren't big drinkers, it could feel like a waste of money.
3. You prefer to see and do something every day. The best value of an all-inclusive happens on property while using their offerings, once you start leaving the resort and paying for additional services, you start to decrease the value.

​Is an all-inclusive right for you? Let me know!