Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest times of year to travel in the U.S. and your clients who are taking advantage of remaining off-season deals and heading to an idyllic destination may be familiar with the ways a travel insurance plan can help protect their prepaid vacation costs. But what about your clients who are “just going to grandma’s house” this year? Travel insurance has quite a bit to offer these clients too, even if they don’t have much of a travel cost to insure. As long as their destination is at least 100 miles away from home, your clients’ Thanksgiving trip can be insured.

If your clients are planning a more casual Thanksgiving weekend, here are 4 reasons why travel insurance can help even some of the shortest Thanksgiving trips:

Reimbursement for Additional Expenses

Bad weather is always a risk however you’re traveling and with airports enduring more flights at higher capacities than most weekends, flight cancellations and delays for any number of reasons are bound to occur over Thanksgiving. If your clients are delayed due to either of these causes and get stuck en route for six hours or more, their travel insurance plan can provide coverage for some of their out-of-pocket costs—like meals, hotel stays and local transportation.

Assistance Services

CSA Travel Protection’s travel and emergency assistance services include our valuable 24/7/365 emergency assistance service along with a number of other concierge and assistance services that can help in instances such as re-booking your clients’ flight home if their original flight gets cancelled or providing a medical referral if one of your clients falls ill or becomes injured during their trip. All of our travel and emergency assistance services are provided by Generali Global Assistance.

Baggage Loss and Damage

Did you know 47% of 2016’s delayed bags were misplaced during transfer? If your clients are making a connection they may benefit from knowing their baggage and personal effects are insured if they become lost, damaged or stolen. Travel insurance plan holders can also receive coverage if they have to buy additional personal effects because their bags were delayed for either 12 or 24 hours, depending upon the plan they purchased.

Flu Season

Flu season can have serious consequences for travelers who fall ill either during their trip or shortly beforehand. If your clients don’t have out-of-network medical coverage, the Medical and Dental coverage included in CSA travel insurance could really come in handy if your clients get sick on their trip. As for your clients who are venturing further and booking prepaid vacation arrangements this Thanksgiving, they could very much benefit from purchasing travel insurance with Trip Cancellation coverage in case a traveling companion gets too sick to go.

Consider mentioning these helpful ways in which travel insurance can help a variety of Thanksgiving trips—even those that are relatively shorter and less expensive—and prepare your clients to bear the crowds with added peace of mind this fall. Many thanks from CSA Travel Protection for your continued partnership and support!

Travel insurance plans are administered by Customized Services Administrators, Inc., CA Lic. No. 821931, located in San Diego, CA and doing business as Generali Global Assistance and Insurance Services. Plans are available to residents of the U.S. but may not be available in all jurisdictions. Benefits and services are described on a general basis; certain conditions and exclusions apply. Travel Retailers may not be licensed to sell insurance, in all states, and are not authorized to answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of this insurance and cannot evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance. This plan provides insurance coverage for your trip that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. The purchase of this plan is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service offered to you by your travel retailers. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. This notice provides general information on Generali Global Assistance’s products and services only. The information contained herein is not part of an insurance policy and may not be used to modify any insurance policy that might be issued. In the event the actual policy forms are inconsistent with any information provided herein, the language of the policy forms shall govern.

Travel insurance plans are underwritten by: Generali U.S. Branch, New York, NY; NAIC # 11231. Generali US Branch operates under the following names: Generali Assicurazioni Generali S.P.A. (U.S. Branch) in California, Assicurazioni Generali – U.S. Branch in Colorado, Generali U.S. Branch DBA The General Insurance Company of Trieste & Venice in Oregon, and The General Insurance Company of Trieste and Venice – U.S. Branch in Virginia. Generali US Branch is admitted or licensed to do business in all states and the District of Columbia.

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Traveling before and after travel’s high seasons, months known as “shoulder seasons,” can mean great savings for your clients, fewer crowds and friendlier locals. Different destinations experience their high seasons at varying times of year so before setting their hearts on a particular destination for this fall’s shoulder season— typically taking place between September and October—your clients are wise to do a little homework.

Here’s a list of some great fall shoulder season destinations and why travel insurance may come in handy when traveling there:

Hawaii and Getting There

After Labor Day, Hawaii is free from tourist-packed crowds and peak-season flight and lodging prices. While resorts and beaches are quieter in September and October, the weather remains in the 80’s and sunny—making it a perfect time to enjoy the islands’ beaches, wildlife and cultural traditions.

Why Your Clients Might Need Travel Insurance: Traveling to Hawaii is no small endeavor, especially if your clients are flying from the East Coast where they’re looking at a minimum of one connection and anywhere from 13 hours to a full day’s trek to get to the islands. Even flights from the West Coast will take no less than approximately six hours. A lot can go wrong during that time traveling cross-country or over the Pacific, including covered events like flight delays and cancellations due to bad weather that might force your clients to delay, interrupt or even cancel their plans. Travel insurance can help with those unexpected losses.

The Caribbean and Hurricane Season

The Caribbean offers a variety of attractive destinations throughout the fall shoulder season and beyond. The region known for its dream resorts, luxury cruises, stunning waters and rich heritage reaches its peak season in winter, typically January through March, so travelers tend to find the best prices in the preceding months. The downside of deserted beaches (and one way to explain them): hurricane season extends through the end of November in the Caribbean. Fortunately some of the southern islands such as Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Barbados, Grenada and Tobago rarely experience a hurricane making them both affordable and less risky destinations.

Why Your Clients Might Need Travel Insurance: Though storms can be rare and hurricanes tend to avoid certain parts of the Caribbean, your clients are nonetheless accepting a certain degree of risk when booking fall travel there—especially if heading to an island located in the hurricane belt. Travel insurance can help travelers recoup their trip investment if they have to cancel or interrupt their plans due to a mandatory hurricane evacuation or a flight delay or cancellation due to bad weather. See a Description of Coverage/Policy for event restrictions and complete details.

Mexico and Health Insurance

Fall shoulder season in Mexico coincides with the end of the country’s rainy season, peak hurricane season, some of the country’s quietest months and one of the most affordable times of year to visit. Travelers will find ample hotel occupancy at low costs and the rainy season’s showers are generally periodic and short—appearing in the late afternoon and leaving several hours of sun in the day to enjoy the Pacific or Caribbean coastline. For a cultural experience beyond the beaches, book your clients a trip in November when the country hosts a number of festivals including iconic Dia de Los Muertos celebrations.

Why Your Clients Might Need Travel Insurance: While Mexico provides health care to Mexican citizens and legal immigrants through its national system, Insituto Mexicano de Seguro Social, it does not have medical care arrangements with foreign nations. U.S. citizens visiting on vacation are responsible for any medical treatment they might need and often times must pay upfront before they are able to receive care, including emergency care. A number of U.S. citizens have even filed complaints with the US State Department regarding inflated charges from health care facilities near beach resorts. A well-rounded travel protection plan with Medical and Dental coverage, Emergency Assistance and Transportation and 24/7/365 emergency assistance services can help if your clients become sick or injured in Mexico and need help.

Canada and the Great Outdoors

Fall is a lively time for Canadian provinces with several, such as Montreal, Toronto and Quebec City, hosting concerts and festivals throughout the season and fall colors coming into view throughout the country. The favorable exchange rate will further enhance your clients’ shoulder season savings and the peace and quiet of smaller crowds make Canada a great destination if your clients are looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Room rates in Vancouver are rumored to drop by nearly half during this time of year.

Why Your Clients Might Need Travel Insurance: If your clients are looking to get outside and back to nature in Canada this shoulder season, it may be wise to travel with 24/7/365 emergency assistance should they find themselves sick or injured and needing medical assistance in a remote region. One phone call to Generali Global Assistance can get policy holders the help they need at any time.

The Mediterranean and Traveling Abroad

Your clients will find inexpensive airfare and room rates when booking fall travel to the Mediterranean along with a number of enticing destinations. The islands of Crete, Ibiza and Sicily all offer warm, sunny weather despite lower prices. Malta is another affordable and appealing option with free attractions like Calypso Cave and turquoise waters. And don’t forget about Greece this fall—students and summer tourists have gone home by the shoulder season months and the sea is still warm enough to swim in.

Why Your Clients Might Need Travel Insurance: Relative to a trip to Mexico or Canada, your clients that are booking trips abroad are likely amounting higher trip costs and could stand to lose more if a traveling companion or non-traveling family member becomes unexpectedly sick and they have to cancel their plans. This financial risk of cancellation in addition to the U.S. Department of State including getting insured on its pre-departure checklist for international travel for health insurance reasons means those heading to the Mediterranean may benefit greatly from a well-rounded travel insurance plan.

South Africa and Potential Dangers

September sits between Africa’s dry and wet seasons providing travelers with clear and sunny weather, a sparser mosquito population, quieter parks and thinner vegetation—improving your clients’ ability to catch a photo of the continent’s Big Five on wildlife spotting safaris. Safari lodges in South Africa feature lower rates during the fall shoulder season, making it the perfect time of year to plan a trip.

Why Your Clients Might Need Travel Insurance: Although known as a potentially dangerous destination, most of South Africa’s crime takes place in poorer, rural areas where tourists rarely travel and are rarely targeted. None the less, some travelers may find peace of mind with a travel insurance plan that can provide emergency assistance, identity theft resolution services and coverage for cancellations and interruptions due to a theft of passports or visas or even terrorist acts. Emergency assistance and transportation coverage may also provide peace of mind should travelers require medical treatment and transportation from a more remote part of the country to one of South Africa’s urban centers offering first-world medical care.

Knowing these common reasons for buying travel insurance, your clients are wise to consider their options before heading to one of these popular fall shoulder season destinations. Don’t forget to offer them CSA Travel Protection—your dedicated partner and a trusted provider of travel insurance and assistance services for over 25 years.

Travel insurance plans are administered by Customized Services Administrators, Inc., CA Lic. No. 821931, located in San Diego, CA and doing business as Generali Global Assistance and Insurance Services. Plans are available to residents of the U.S. but may not be available in all jurisdictions. Benefits and services are described on a general basis; certain conditions and exclusions apply. Travel Retailers may not be licensed to sell insurance, in all states, and are not authorized to answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of this insurance and cannot evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance. This plan provides insurance coverage for your trip that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. The purchase of this plan is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service offered to you by your travel retailers. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. This notice provides general information on Generali Global Assistance’s products and services only. The information contained herein is not part of an insurance policy and may not be used to modify any insurance policy that might be issued. In the event the actual policy forms are inconsistent with any information provided herein, the language of the policy forms shall govern.

Travel insurance plans are underwritten by: Generali U.S. Branch, New York, NY; NAIC # 11231. Generali US Branch operates under the following names: Generali Assicurazioni Generali S.P.A. (U.S. Branch) in California, Assicurazioni Generali – U.S. Branch in Colorado, Generali U.S. Branch DBA The General Insurance Company of Trieste & Venice in Oregon, and The General Insurance Company of Trieste and Venice – U.S. Branch in Virginia. Generali US Branch is admitted or licensed to do business in all states and the District of Columbia.

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With so many methods for finding last-minute travel deals available at travelers’ fingertips, ranging from deal hunter apps to package aggregator websites to destination-specific booking engines, your clients might not be sure how to best go about planning an inexpensive, last-minute summer trip. Here are some key recommendations to help get them planning and on their way to enjoying one last, quick getaway before summer comes to a close.

Suggest They Stay Open

Advising your clients to remain open in terms of their travel dates and their destination can help them find the best last-minute deals. Many travel websites allow travelers to view fares for calendar months at a time so keeping their travel dates flexible will allow you to help your clients choose the best option for their budget. Most airlines include surcharges for flights on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, so avoiding flying on weekends may be especially advantageous.

Some destinations, like Europe, are most expensive during the summer months while others, like Mexico, are more popular during colder times of the year and offer summer savings. Your clients’ dream destination may not be among the many last-minute deals available this season, so suggesting that they choose to book their trips to highly-anticipated destinations for when they have the time to enjoy the planning process can help them make the most out of their last-minute booking. Settling on a type of destination (such as a mountain resort, beach vacation or a new city) can work well for planning a last-minute trip. If your clients are feeling especially spontaneous, they might want to simply let the deals decide for them and try a destination they’d never think to visit otherwise.

Leverage Your Expertise

You’re one of your clients’ greatest assets; use your skills! Travel agents are able to book directly with travel suppliers and their reservation systems, meaning you not only have access to exclusive deals but you also have access to fares that your clients might not be able to find online. In combination with years of first-hand experience and specialty insight, a travel agent’s knowledge is invaluable to clients looking to take a last-minute summer trip.

Research the Market, Stay Tuned and Keep Your Clients Informed

There are plenty of great websites to use to search for and compare deals. Tech-savvy travelers can find a great package or piecemeal their trip together entirely online and a number of apps designed to deliver the best last-minute prices are available. For real-time updates, travelers can subscribe to alert services and monitor social media channels. With so many ways to stay informed, travelers should be prepared to buy when the right deal pops up, so be sure and let your clients know when you’re showing them a great find.

Use Their Points and Miles Wisely

If your clients are hoping to snag a last minute deal on airfare with rewards points or miles, its recommended to wait until a week prior to departure when airlines make unsold seats available to rewards members. If your clients don’t have a rewards or points account, it might not be too late for them to sign-up and take advantage of special offerings.

Call Suppliers Directly and Ask For Discounts and Upgrades

If your clients are booking their own airfare, speaking with the airline over the phone may grant them access to more flights than they’re seeing online. Booking hotels over the phone and asking for a discount can also result in unadvertised savings. If your clients are interested in free upgrades, not being afraid to ask for them might produce favorable results when they are boarding their flight, picking up their rental car and checking into the hotel.

Passing these considerations onto your clients could help them score the best last-minute deals this season and enjoy a spontaneous, unexpected trip before the end of summer. And don’t forget to offer a well-rounded travel protection plan from CSA Travel Protection before you finish the booking!

Travel insurance plans are administered by Customized Services Administrators, Inc., CA Lic. No. 821931, located in San Diego, CA and doing business as Generali Global Assistance and Insurance Services. Plans are available to residents of the U.S. but may not be available in all jurisdictions. Benefits and services are described on a general basis; certain conditions and exclusions apply. Travel Retailers may not be licensed to sell insurance, in all states, and are not authorized to answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of this insurance and cannot evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance. This plan provides insurance coverage for your trip that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. The purchase of this plan is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service offered to you by your travel retailers. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. This notice provides general information on Generali Global Assistance’s products and services only. The information contained herein is not part of an insurance policy and may not be used to modify any insurance policy that might be issued. In the event the actual policy forms are inconsistent with any information provided herein, the language of the policy forms shall govern.

Travel insurance plans are underwritten by: Generali U.S. Branch, New York, NY; NAIC # 11231. Generali US Branch operates under the following names: Generali Assicurazioni Generali S.P.A. (U.S. Branch) in California, Assicurazioni Generali – U.S. Branch in Colorado, Generali U.S. Branch DBA The General Insurance Company of Trieste & Venice in Oregon, and The General Insurance Company of Trieste and Venice – U.S. Branch in Virginia. Generali US Branch is admitted or licensed to do business in all states and the District of Columbia.

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One of the great things about the 4th of July is that celebrating the holiday can be simple and relatively inexpensive while remaining memorable and fun. Though big cities like New York City, Washington D.C. and San Francisco are classic Independence Day destinations, there are a number of 4^th of July celebrations around the nation that rival those of their big city counterparts. If your clients are looking to make their festivities a little more special this year and could use a last minute recommendation for 4^th of July travel, we’ve put together a list of the best 4^th of July events worth traveling to see.

Kaboom Town; Addison, TX

Over half a million people travel to this northern Dallas suburb that typically only houses 15,000 residents for this annual event. The firework display includes 3,500 pounds of fireworks and the Cavanaugh Flight Museum’s vintage military aircrafts, World Class Warbirds, perform an airshow complete with pyrotechnics. Addison features 200 eateries per capita, more than any other town in the United States, where your clients can catch a live broadcast of the half-hour-long display or grab a bite after the show.

Let Freedom Sing; Nashville, TN

“Let Freedom Sing” attracts nearly 200,000 visitors annually and the city has been known to set off more fireworks than New York City, making it one of the nation’s largest fireworks shows. The Nashville symphony live accompanies this impressive display that’s best viewed along Broadway or in Riverfront Park. Event highlights include two free live music stages: Ascend Amphitheater and The Green at Riverfront Park featuring top acts and a free Family Fun Zone for little ones. Your clients will appreciate affordable flights and accommodations, too.

Fair St. Louis; St. Louis, MO

Self-proclaimed “America’s Biggest Birthday Party,” this free event releases 15,000 pounds of fireworks from July 2^nd-July 4^th and takes place on the site of the 1904 World’s Fair, 1,371-acre Forest Park. Festivities start with a fun run and continue for several days, including high-profile musical acts, air shows, exhibitions and educational activities.

Wawa Welcome America; Philadelphia, PA

The city that hosted the signing of the Declaration of Independence holds a week-long celebration prior to the holiday that includes a parade through the historic city center, local food events, movie nights, an Independence Day themed storytelling event and live music. Over half a million people gather for the final night of festivities featuring the largest free concert in the country and a 15,000 shell, 15 minute long fireworks show performed with the Philadelphia Museum of Art as its backdrop, home of Rocky Balboa’s infamous run up the east steps.

There are also a number of old-fashioned 4^th of July events around the country your clients might not know about:

Bristol Fourth of July; Bristol, R.I.

The oldest, continuous 4^th of July celebration in the U.S., “Bristol Fourth of July” started in 1785 with its first parade: a single Revolutionary War veteran. Today, the annual celebration starts three weeks prior on Flag Day, June 14^th, and continues through July 4^th with a variety of public activities including concerts and sporting events. The town hosts an annual Fourth of July Ball and Fireworks are held on July 3^rd, though the parade remains the celebration’s focal point and features a number of attractions such as a drum corps show and firefighter muster.

Old Fashioned 4^th; Oak Harbor, WA

Whidbey Island begins Independence Day with a parade and ends the holiday with an evening fireworks show. If your clients are traveling with little ones, they’ll probably want to stay the weekend and enjoy the carnival.

Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration; Brunswick, GA

This free, annual event in historic downtown Brunswick features games and activities, a 30 minute fireworks show and your clients will even get to take home a free watermelon!

We wish you and your clients safe and happy travels this holiday wherever they may take you. When discussing potentially lesser known Independence Day destinations with your clients, don’t forget to remind them to help protect their trip investments and consider if they need medical or emergency medical coverage before they leave home. CSA Travel Protection can help; well-rounded plans with valuable insurance coverages and emergency assistance services are available for purchase against specific unforeseen losses up until the day before departure. Happy 4^th!

Travel insurance plans are administered by Customized Services Administrators, Inc., CA Lic. No. 821931, located in San Diego, CA and doing business as Generali Global Assistance and Insurance Services. Plans are available to residents of the U.S. but may not be available in all jurisdictions. Benefits and services are described on a general basis; certain conditions and exclusions apply. Travel Retailers may not be licensed to sell insurance, in all states, and are not authorized to answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of this insurance and cannot evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance. This plan provides insurance coverage for your trip that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. The purchase of this plan is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service offered to you by your travel retailers. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. This notice provides general information on Generali Global Assistance’s products and services only. The information contained herein is not part of an insurance policy and may not be used to modify any insurance policy that might be issued. In the event the actual policy forms are inconsistent with any information provided herein, the language of the policy forms shall govern.

Travel insurance plans are underwritten by: Generali U.S. Branch, New York, NY; NAIC # 11231. Generali US Branch operates under the following names: Generali Assicurazioni Generali S.P.A. (U.S. Branch) in California, Assicurazioni Generali – U.S. Branch in Colorado, Generali U.S. Branch DBA The General Insurance Company of Trieste & Venice in Oregon, and The General Insurance Company of Trieste and Venice – U.S. Branch in Virginia. Generali US Branch is admitted or licensed to do business in all states and the District of Columbia.

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