Crowds, Costs and Common Sense: Preparing for Peak Season Travel

Vacationing during the summer months means two things for travelers: large crowds and peak prices. Whether your clients are crowd-dodging value hunters planning their dream excursion or spontaneous realists looking to pull off a fun trip on the fly, following some seasoned advice can help them stay ahead of the herd this year—and maybe even pay less for it.

Dealing with Crowds

The Dream – How to Avoid Crowds

Get a guide: For some travelers, dealing with crowds may be as easy as avoiding them altogether. One way to accomplish this is by connecting with a local guide who knows how. A number of networks and websites can help travelers get in touch with reputable guides with local knowledge for varying costs, sometimes for free.

Show up early, skip the lines: Travelers visiting historic landmarks, natural wonders and other highly-trafficked attractions may want to show up early, even before operating hours as it could be the difference between unavoidable photo bombs and frameable keepsakes. For an additional cost, many museums and theme parks offer skip-the-line options that may be well worth the time your clients will save waiting.

Try smaller airports: Booking flights via smaller hubs could save your clients from headaches at busier airports. Airports like LAX and O’Hare are known for high percentages of flight delays during the summer months compared to smaller, neighboring hubs like John Wayne and Midway.

The Reality – How to Prepare for Crowds

Accept them: Even if your clients plan their best to avoid crowds, experienced travelers know doing so during peak season is in some ways impossible. Preparing your clients for dealing with crowds could help manage their expectations and put them in the right mindset to go with the flow and enjoy themselves.

Protect their trip: Offering protection with travel insurance can help provide the peace of mind that even if your clients’ plans don’t go perfectly, they have some safeguards in place. Should your clients get stuck at an airport because their plane has a mechanical breakdown or because of a storm, travel insurance can help give your clients the backing they need to get back on track. Even if the original airline doesn’t have seats on another flight right away, travel insurance can provide reimbursement for additional costs your clients have to pay to catch up to their itinerary. So if your clients can only find seats on another flight with another airline, you clients can go ahead and book without having to persuade the original airline to endorse their ticket.

Ways to Save

The Dream – Book in Advance with a Flexible Schedule

Time it right: The best way to save money on peak season travel is to book well in advance as prices rarely drop as summer travel dates approach. Ideally, your clients have some flexibility with their schedule and can snag the best deals by vacationing mid-week or at the early/late end of the season. Steering clear of local happenings like big summer events, religious celebrations or school breaks can also help keep costs down in addition to helping your clients travel during quieter times of year when locals are more receptive to visitors.

The Reality – Be Open to What’s Possible

Alternative lodging: Your clients may have missed the “book early” boat and be rustling up a last-minute trip. They can still save by being open to options they might not have previously considered. For instance, alternative lodging like home sharing can help travelers save when booking late.

Alternative destinations and trip types: If your clients have rigid schedules and their dream destination is out of their price range, encourage them to be flexible. Having a few destinations in mind and letting the airfare decide could help them save hundreds, as can considering counter-intuitive trip types— like cruising the Caribbean during hurricane season. Its off-season status keeps the Caribbean affordable during the summer months and while it may seem counter-intuitive, a cruise ship’s ability to redirect itself and travel to alternative ports can make for a preferable option to a resort vacation during the storm-prone summer.

Help protect their trip: If your clients aren’t sure about taking a leap of faith, telling them about how travel insurance can help with certain risks could give them the confidence they need to try a trip they hadn’t planned on. For instance, protection offers reimbursement for prepaid costs if they need to cancel because of a hurricane-related event like a cancelled flight, mandatory evacuation and more. Plus, plans provide 24/7/365 emergency assistance so your clients have help in their back pocket while traveling, anytime.

Get your clients ready for their peak season vacation by passing on these pieces of wisdom and they’ll be well on their way to unwinding along with the rest of us­—crowds, costs and all—complete with a protection plan from Generali Global Assistance and a commission for you. Want to discuss other ways to earn more this summer? Contact your dedicated account manager to set up a customized sales training and to learn more about maximizing insurance take rates at your agency.

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.

A5901805

Generali Global Assistance Releases Results of Annual Summer Travel Survey

More Americans staying in the U.S. for their vacations; Millennials seek new types of accommodations

Generali Global Assistance’s Travel Insurance division (“the Company) today releases its annual survey findings on vacation plans for U.S. travelers. The survey found that more U.S. travelers will be packing a bag and heading out on a summer vacation – 68% up from 61% in 2016. Americans were tied with Brazilians as the most likely to travel, ahead of the Chinese (67%) and Europeans (64%).

This year, budgets for U.S travelers declined modestly by one percentage point to $2,643, while average trip duration increased modestly to 1.5 weeks. Nearly half (46%) of U.S. travelers will book their trip at least 4 months in advance.

Commenting on today’s news, Chris Carnicelli, CEO of Generali Global Assistance said, “After a significant dip in 2016, summer travel has rebounded over the past two years. With budgets remaining relatively flat, unsurprisingly 46% of vacationers will stay within the U.S. this year, up five percentage points from 2017. Of the preferred foreign destinations for U.S. travelers, Canada was the top, followed by Mexico – with the Bahamas, Italy, and France locked in a three-way tie for third place.”

Beaches and cities once again topped the list for U.S. travelers in terms of preferred location. As for preferred activities while on vacation, for Americans:

  • Spending time with family and friends was the most desired (48%)
  • Followed by discovering different cultures/getting a complete change of scenery (45%)
  • And relaxing (39%).

For Europeans:

  • Relaxing tops the list (54%) which explains why they are much better than Americans at unplugging completely from work – 66% of Europeans vs. 55% of Americans.

Americans are also more likely to stay connected to social media with only 40% saying they will use it less than usual, compared to:

  • 56% of Europeans who will spend less time on social media
  • And the Chinese who will be the most connected group, with only 31% spending less time than usual on social media.

Hotels remain the most used form of accommodation this summer at 55%, down slightly from last year (57%). But new forms of lodging are on the rise, especially with Millennials:

  • 59% said they would rent an individual’s private house/apartment (vs. 38% of the general population)
  • 37% said they would rent a room in a private house (vs. 20% of gen pop)
  • 29% said they would engage in a free home exchange (vs. 16% of gen pop).

The top three decision-making factors for where U.S. travelers will stay are:

  1. Location (63%)
  2. Value (57%)
  3. Online reviews (33%) – which increased from 31% in 2017.

For Americans, Paris and London topped the list of cities they would most like to visit at least once. Europeans would most like to visit New York and both the Brazilians and Chinese have Paris atop their wish list. The 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo was the most attractive sporting event to attend, followed by the Super Bowl and the U.S. Open (tennis).

Carnicelli concluded, “Americans that plan to travel this summer indicated that they are usually covered by insurance for health related issues for themselves or their family (70%), a vehicle breakdown (71%), a transportation accident (67%), and the loss of personal belongings, like luggage (57%). Interestingly, Europeans are far more likely to purchase travel insurance directly from a travel insurance provider at 48% versus Americans at 22%. Most Americans indicate they get travel insurance through their credit card company at 36%. Americans should make sure they do their research on the benefits they are receiving when they buy travel insurance as the policy received through their credit card may not be encompassing enough of their needs.”

Generali Global Assistance offers a full suite of innovative, vertically integrated travel insurance products and assistance services that help protect consumers against certain risks associated with travel. These products combine the institutional knowledge, quality, and customer service built by CSA Travel Protection over the past 25 years with the backing and underwriting ability of a global insurance brand – Generali. To learn more about Generali travel insurance plans, please visit GeneraliTravelInsurance.com.

Methodology
The 18th edition (3rd for the U.S.) of the “Summer Holiday Plans” survey was conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Europ Assistance and Generali Global Assistance between March 29 and April 19, 2018. The survey was conducted online for 16,000 consumers in 14 countries, with 1,000 consumers taking the survey in the U.S.

About Generali Global Assistance
Generali Global Assistance, formerly Europ Assistance USA, has been a leading provider of travel insurance and other assistance services for more than 25 years. The Company offers a full suite of innovative, vertically integrated travel insurance and emergency services, identity protection solutions, and beneficiary companion services. Generali Global Assistance is part of the multinational Generali Group, which for over 185 years has created a presence in 60 countries with over 76,000 employees. Our success has been built on the foundation of trust that clients have placed in our ability to provide assistance in the most difficult of circumstances.

Generali Global Assistance offers travel insurance through vacation rental and property management companies, leading travel agencies, online travel agencies, other travel suppliers and directly to consumers. For more information on Generali Global Assistance and the policies offered for travelers, please visit: www.generalitravelinsurance.com.

Media Contact
Jesse Tron
M Group Strategic Communications (for Generali Global Assistance North America)
+1 212 266 0192
jtron@mgroupsc.com

www.generalitravelinsurance.com/press
Twitter: www.twitter.com/GeneraliTravel
Facebook: www.facebook.com/generalitravelinsurance/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/generalitravel/

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.

A5931805

Generali Global Assistance Releases Results of Annual Summer Travel Survey

More Americans staying in the U.S. for their vacations; Millennials seek new types of accommodations

Generali Global Assistance’s Travel Insurance division (“the Company) today releases its annual survey findings on vacation plans for U.S. travelers. The survey found that more U.S. travelers will be packing a bag and heading out on a summer vacation – 68% up from 61% in 2016. Americans were tied with Brazilians as the most likely to travel, ahead of the Chinese (67%) and Europeans (64%).

This year, budgets for U.S travelers declined modestly by one percentage point to $2,643, while average trip duration increased modestly to 1.5 weeks. Nearly half (46%) of U.S. travelers will book their trip at least 4 months in advance.

Commenting on today’s news, Chris Carnicelli, CEO of Generali Global Assistance said, “After a significant dip in 2016, summer travel has rebounded over the past two years. With budgets remaining relatively flat, unsurprisingly 46% of vacationers will stay within the U.S. this year, up five percentage points from 2017. Of the preferred foreign destinations for U.S. travelers, Canada was the top, followed by Mexico – with the Bahamas, Italy, and France locked in a three-way tie for third place.”

Beaches and cities once again topped the list for U.S. travelers in terms of preferred location. As for preferred activities while on vacation, for Americans:

  • Spending time with family and friends was the most desired (48%)
  • Followed by discovering different cultures/getting a complete change of scenery (45%)
  • And relaxing (39%).

For Europeans:

  • Relaxing tops the list (54%) which explains why they are much better than Americans at unplugging completely from work – 66% of Europeans vs. 55% of Americans.

Americans are also more likely to stay connected to social media with only 40% saying they will use it less than usual, compared to:

  • 56% of Europeans who will spend less time on social media
  • And the Chinese who will be the most connected group, with only 31% spending less time than usual on social media.

Hotels remain the most used form of accommodation this summer at 55%, down slightly from last year (57%). But new forms of lodging are on the rise, especially with Millennials:

  • 59% said they would rent an individual’s private house/apartment (vs. 38% of the general population)
  • 37% said they would rent a room in a private house (vs. 20% of gen pop)
  • 29% said they would engage in a free home exchange (vs. 16% of gen pop).

The top three decision-making factors for where U.S. travelers will stay are:

  1. Location (63%)
  2. Value (57%)
  3. Online reviews (33%) – which increased from 31% in 2017.

For Americans, Paris and London topped the list of cities they would most like to visit at least once. Europeans would most like to visit New York and both the Brazilians and Chinese have Paris atop their wish list. The 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo was the most attractive sporting event to attend, followed by the Super Bowl and the U.S. Open (tennis).

Carnicelli concluded, “Americans that plan to travel this summer indicated that they are usually covered by insurance for health related issues for themselves or their family (70%), a vehicle breakdown (71%), a transportation accident (67%), and the loss of personal belongings, like luggage (57%). Interestingly, Europeans are far more likely to purchase travel insurance directly from a travel insurance provider at 48% versus Americans at 22%. Most Americans indicate they get travel insurance through their credit card company at 36%. Americans should make sure they do their research on the benefits they are receiving when they buy travel insurance as the policy received through their credit card may not be encompassing enough of their needs.”

Generali Global Assistance offers a full suite of innovative, vertically integrated travel insurance products and assistance services that help protect consumers against certain risks associated with travel. These products combine the institutional knowledge, quality, and customer service built by CSA Travel Protection over the past 25 years with the backing and underwriting ability of a global insurance brand – Generali. To learn more about Generali travel insurance plans, please visit GeneraliTravelInsurance.com.

Methodology
The 18th edition (3rd for the U.S.) of the “Summer Holiday Plans” survey was conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Europ Assistance and Generali Global Assistance between March 29 and April 19, 2018. The survey was conducted online for 16,000 consumers in 14 countries, with 1,000 consumers taking the survey in the U.S.

About Generali Global Assistance
Generali Global Assistance, formerly Europ Assistance USA, has been a leading provider of travel insurance and other assistance services for more than 25 years. The Company offers a full suite of innovative, vertically integrated travel insurance and emergency services, identity protection solutions, and beneficiary companion services. Generali Global Assistance is part of the multinational Generali Group, which for over 185 years has created a presence in 60 countries with over 76,000 employees. Our success has been built on the foundation of trust that clients have placed in our ability to provide assistance in the most difficult of circumstances.

Generali Global Assistance offers travel insurance through vacation rental and property management companies, leading travel agencies, online travel agencies, other travel suppliers and directly to consumers. For more information on Generali Global Assistance and the policies offered for travelers, please visit: www.generalitravelinsurance.com.

Media Contact
Jesse Tron
M Group Strategic Communications (for Generali Global Assistance North America)
+1 212 266 0192
jtron@mgroupsc.com

www.generalitravelinsurance.com/press
Twitter: www.twitter.com/GeneraliTravel
Facebook: www.facebook.com/generalitravelinsurance/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/generalitravel/

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.

A5931805

Hurricane Season 101: Help Your Guests Weather the Storm

No one expects it to happen to them, yet every year hurricane season makes a mess of unfortunate travelers’ long anticipated summer vacations. As your guests look forward to relaxation and abundant sunshine this season, it’s wise to note that many popular places to visit in the U.S.— Florida, the Carolinas and the beautiful coastlines of Hawaii—are also prone to hurricane-related travel risks. Though it’s rare that vacation plans are affected by natural disasters, helping guests prepare for bad weather that could impact their itineraries can help them trust that you’re attending to each aspect of their trip.

Generali travel insurance plans provide coverage for certain weather-related events your guests might encounter during hurricane season. If these events impact your guests’ vacation, their travel insurance plan can reimburse your guests for their nonrefundable trip costs—rather than asking you to return their deposits and other prepaid payments.

Mandatory Evacuations Your rentals are evacuated due to adverse weather or a natural disaster such as a hurricane and your guests’ reservation falls within 30 days of the initial evacuation order. To cancel in full, your guests shouldn’t have more than 50%—or more than 4 days—of their reservation left when the evacuation is lifted.

Flight Delays and/or Cancellations Your guests’ flights are cancelled or delayed due to adverse weather, and they have to interrupt or cancel their travel arrangements.

Uninhabitable Personal Home Maybe your rental properties aren’t in an affected area, but your guests’ home is. If a flood, fire, hurricane or other natural disaster makes your guests’ personal home uninhabitable, travel insurance can provide coverage.

Inaccessible Destination Adverse weather interrupts road service for 6 or 24 hours or more (depending upon the plan purchased) and prevents your guests from reaching their unit. Provided your guests’ reservation falls within 15 days of the initial event interrupting access, Generali travel insurance can help.

Interruption of Essential Services Water, electric, sewage or gas services at your rentals are interrupted for more than 24 hours because of adverse weather or a natural disaster.

A travel protection plan could make the difference between a guest recouping some or all of their costs should these weather-related mishaps occur. If your guests do purchase insurance, we recommend they always travel with a hard copy of their Description of Coverage/Policy so they can reach us, even if they can’t access the internet. All plans include access to our 24/7 emergency hotline for immediate assistance, anytime.

To learn more about how CSA Travel Protection-Generali Global Assistance can help you and your guests during hurricane season or to set-up a customized sales training to increase take rates, contact your dedicated account manager or email us at clientservices@csatravelprotection.com.

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.

A5831805