Pictures courtesy of Riu Resorts

​​There are countless ways to prepare for your big trip coming up. Yet, most forget the most crucial item that will prepare you for the worst should it happen on your trip: Travel Insurance.
 
And while you may ponder, “Is travel insurance really necessary? I’ll only be gone a week after all! What could happen?” We’re here to tell you that it’s always worth preparing for the unknown. Whether it’s COVID-19, a natural disaster, or theft, you’ll be grateful you have protection when/if tragedy strikes. Here are the benefits of travel insurance.
 
Why Purchase Travel Insurance in 2021 
Travel insurance is helpful for the following five reasons. If you’re wondering why insuring your trip is a good idea, this list will help answer your questions.

1. If you need to cancel your trip before it happens, travel insurance helps to compensate you for the money you’ve already spent.
2. If you become sick or injured before or during the trip, travel insurance will help reimburse you for prepaid and non-refundable trip costs.
3. If adverse weather and natural disasters occur, you could have your trip canceled or postponed, and travel insurance is there to help you pick up the pieces.
4. If travel delays and interruptions (i.e., traffic accidents or stolen passports) occur, which is common in the industry, then travel insurance can help cover you in this situation.
5. If your baggage is lost, stolen, or delayed, it can really put a damper on your trip. Travel insurance coverage can help pay for items while you’re tracking down what happened to your suitcase.

 
What Does Travel Insurance Include? 
Travel insurance inclusions often vary depending on the type of policy and coverage you select. However, a policy will include injury and sickness, lost luggage, last-minute cancellations (such as travel delays and interruptions), and coverage beyond your credit card. While you may note that your favorite travel credit card insures you for limited travel interruption, lost luggage, etc., it likely doesn’t cover you for major medical expenses or an emergency evacuation. If you select the right policy, your travel insurance provider will cover you in these cases.
 
Does It Apply to COVID-19? 
This is the question of the hour. For the last 18 months, a pandemic has wreaked havoc on the world. While travel has resumed in many areas, there’s still the need to vaccinate and test, and these measures aren’t foolproof. Thus, you may need insurance if you were to fall ill before travel or in a country and require medical attention. In this case, will travel insurance suffice?
 
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Some travel insurance providers cover COVID-19 and others do not. You’ll want to read the fine print for whatever travel insurance provider you’re considering purchasing. Keep in mind that you may need support before AND during travel.

• You may want to cancel your trip if you fall ill, and as a result, you should check the comprehensive trip cancellation reasons that your travel insurance policy covers.
• You may fall ill during your trip, and thus, you should check under both the trip interruption and emergency medical care sections for your travel insurance policy.
• You may fear travel to the region you’re visiting due to COVID-19, and this is often seen as a legitimate reason to cancel or delay travel; however, not all insurance policies cover “fear of travel” related to COVID-19. Be sure to check the fine print!

 
Final Thoughts 
When you’re booking your next big trip, investigate a travel insurance policy simultaneously. The right policy will ensure that you’re covered regardless of what may happen on your trip!

​From sunrise until the sun drops into the horizon, Jamaica offers a wide variety of experiences starting with the sounds, food, and people making it the most precious jewel in the Caribbean. Your group will experience a land of unique culture, engaging activities, breathtaking landscapes, and warm, welcoming people. 
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The beat of Reggae. The smells of jerk over the open grate fire. The buzz from Appleton rum. The richness of the Blue Mountain Coffee. And of course a sweet Jamaican spliff.
Jamaica’s various destinations provide a range of attractions and cultural diversity. Experience the Rastafarian culture and learn about the Roots of Jamaica's cannabis history they helped develop.

​There's simply nothing like eating jerk fresh off flavorful pimento- wood, or the taste of an ice-cold Red Stripe. Jamaican food is a feast for the taste buds. Delicious seasonal fruits like Mango and Breadfruit and flavorful spices add to a melting pot of culinary traditions, making Jamaica a foodie's playground. Make sure you take time to taste the variety of cuisines available at jerk shacks, and fruit stands across the island. You will be treated to exotic foods you've never heard of but will remember for a lifetime.