Hey travel fam! 🌍✈️
I’m Olivia Barr—your go-to for curated Caribbean adventures and unforgettable group getaways. Welcome to the first post in my Hidden Travel Benefits series! In this multi-part journey, we’re uncovering how to transform your travel experiences into smooth, perk-filled, protected escapes that don’t break the bank.
Let’s talk about something I used to ignore: travel protection.
The “Nah, I Don’t Need That” Phase
When I was younger and just starting to book my own trips, I always skipped the travel protection add-on. Why spend extra to cover things like baggage delays or cancellations? I was all about budget travel on a student wallet, and paying more for “just in case” coverage felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford.
Sound familiar?
My Wake-Up Call in Europe
That all changed during my study abroad trip to Poland and Estonia. As part of our university program, we were required to carry travel protection and medical assistance coverage in case something went wrong while overseas. Luckily, everything went smoothly, but that experience changed my perspective.
It made me start thinking: What if something had happened? What if I needed medical help or had to cancel unexpectedly? That one trip planted a seed that later saved me a lot of money and stress.
Cancun and the Credit Card Lifesaver 💳🌴
Fast forward a few summers ago—my family and I were soaking up the sun in Cancun, having the time of our lives. This time, I booked the trip using a credit card that included travel protection benefits. Not only did it help us save money by avoiding third-party insurance, but it also gave us peace of mind.
Near the end of our trip, a family member was injured and needed immediate medical attention. The resort had an on-site doctor, but we had to pay upfront. Here’s where the credit card magic kicked in:
- We kept all our receipts.
- Once we got home, we filed a reimbursement request with the credit card company.
- After submitting the required documentation, we were reimbursed for those out-of-pocket medical costs.
That experience was a game-changer. We were able to enjoy the rest of our trip without stress and knew we’d be covered back home.
Here’s the Real Tea ☕💼
Before your next international trip, do yourself a favor and check if your credit card offers travel medical and protection benefits. Look into:
- What’s included and excluded
- How the claims process works
- Who to contact in case of an emergency
And if something’s unclear? Call your credit card’s benefits department. I’ve done it, and trust me—it’s saved me time, money, and headaches. 🙌🏾
Ready to unlock more hidden gems in your wallet? 💰
Stay tuned for the next part of this series, where I’ll spill tips on money-saving travel perks you probably already have but don’t know about!
Until then, safe travels and smart planning!
— Olivia Barr
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