Travel Warning: Hurricane Paula Throwing a Wrench in Vacation Plans

Heading to Cancun? Hurricane Paula may have other plans for you. Although the storm is only a Category 1, it's causing significant damage in Honduras, Mexico and other countries in its path.

The storm destroyed homes and forced schools to close in Honduras today with its 75 mph winds. It should hit the Yucatan Peninsula late Wednesday night and threatens to ruin the vacations of many in the popular tourist destinations of  Cancun and Cozumel.

Forecasters warned of possible flooding and landslides and suggest tourists avoid fishing trips or water sports.

Travel Insurance Select has coverage for Inclement Weather and Natural Disasters.  If you insured your trip with Travel Insurance Select and are affected by Hurricane Paula, you can call us at 800-937-1387 for details.

State Department Releases Travel Advisory. What Steps Should You Take?

Many travelers are feeling a little confused over how to interpret the generally vague travel advisory released by The State Department on Friday.

The advisory, a level below "warning" on the threat advisory system,  stated "al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks." Although it did not advise against traveling to Europe altogether, it did suggest travelers stay on their guard, especially in and around travel hubs like subways and airports.

The instructions have left some asking what other measures should be taken.

The State Department recommends registering travel plans with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration Web site.  You can also get up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. and Canada, or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 from elsewhere in the world.

Don't want to take any chances? If  you have USI Affinity's travel insurance with the "Cancel for Any Reason" feature, call 800-937-1387 to discuss your options.

Strike Cripples Greek Railways, Leaves Travelers Stranded

If you are planning to travel through Greece by train today, you will need to find another means of transportation.

All rail services on the country's railway network and on Athens's suburban Proastiakos railway have been suspended as employees of the Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE) launch a 24-hour strike. The strike also impacts the metro link between Athens International Airport and Doukissis Plakentias station.

The strike is in protest of the planned streamlining of the debt-ridden company, and is scheduled to end at midnight tonight.

If this strike affects your travel plans and you have travel insurance with Elite coverage from USI Affinity, you can contact your agent at 800-937-1387 for assistance.

 

New Warnings for Pakistan as it Tries to Recover From Worst Flooding in 80 Years

Pakistan has issued new flood warnings today, as residents struggle to deal with the aftermath of devastating flood waters that took over 1,400 lives just days ago.

The start of monsoon season brought the heaviest rains to Pakistan in over 80 years, displacing millions and creating a critical need for food and safe drinking water as well as the potential for waterborne disease.

One of the most threatened areas is around Warsak Dam, outside the city of Peshawa.

Pakistan's weather service forecasts heavy rain in southern province Sindh, Punjab, Pakistani held Kashmir, and northwest and southwestern Baluchistan over the next three days.