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    Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Your Travel Plans

    By Mike Burnside | Yahoo! Contributor Network – Tue, Oct 26, 2010
    This story comes from the Yahoo! Contributor Network, where individuals publish their unique perspectives on some of the world’s most popular websites.
    Do you have a story to tell? Become a Yahoo! contributor

    Learning To Prepare For Natural Disasters When Traveling

    One of the best reasons to buy travel insurance is the possible occurrence of a natural disaster. Recently with the volcanic eruption in Iceland, we saw that many travelers did not prepare for the disruption of their travel plans. Here are a few tips that can help the new and seasoned traveler avoid having their travel plans interrupted by those natural disasters.

    Buy Travel Insurance to Protect Against Natural Disasters

    Purchasing travel insurance is always a great idea to protect your travel plans. However, travel insurance can only be purchase before the natural disaster happens and not after the fact. Many travel insurance policies require that you buy the policy within 14 days of travel, however it probably is best to purchase it when you book your trip. Travel insurance is typically about 4 to 10 percent of your travel cost and can be purchased through your travel agent.

    Many travel insurance policies will cover trip cancellation and or trip interruption. These policies will cover two types of travelers. The first one will be those who have not yet traveled before the natural disaster and therefore will be reimbursed for any nonrefundable prepaid deposits. The second category will be those who are stranded while traveling during the natural disaster. Travel delay benefits would be reimbursed for food and lodging if the trip was delay was longer than six hours or more.

    Have Alternative Plans to Protect Against Natural Disasters

    An alternative plan step up prior to a natural disaster is important. A good travel agent will assist you in making alternate plans and rebook your travel if needed. Many agents have good relationships with many travel companies, cruise lines and airline companies. You should also discuss alternate travel options with traveling partners especially in the case of an emergency. Discuss where your will meet if separated, leave an itinerary and contact information with a friend at home who may be able to help if needed. Investigate alternate routes to travel as well as other means such as car rentals, trains, or ships.

    Pack Travel Emergency Kit to Protect Against Natural Disasters

    An emergency kit can be as small as just a couple of extra flashlights or it could include bandages, wipes, energy bars and bottled water. Some travelers who take their computers and cell phones with them will pack a solar charger in case the electricity is out because of a natural disaster. It all depends on how comfortable you are in your travel and what resources may or may not be available if a natural disaster interrupts your travel plans.

     

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