Take these tips from our own Patti Kirkpatrick, USI VIP Travel Insurance Specialist and seasoned traveler herself. 

When I plan a trip, whether personal or professional, I keep a few rules in mind:

• Most often, the best airfares are available for purchase, 4-8 months in advance. In the past, I would suggest buying airline tickets as soon as space becomes available (310 days in advance) but that is no longer always the best option.

(Of course, that doesn’t apply if you are visiting a destination during a major event, like the Super Bowl or Mardi Gras.)

• Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the least expensive days of the week to travel.
• Be careful of the new “Basic Economy” fares. They may look “cheap” but you cannot get a seat assignment, travel with a carry-on bag, get frequent flyer miles, and are restricted from making changes. If you are willing to take these restrictions … go for it!
• If you are traveling internationally, take a photo of the endorsement page of your passport. Send one copy to a friend or family member who is not traveling with you. Keep the additional copy on your phone, in case your passport is lost or stolen on your trip. It will be a lot easier to have it replaced if you have all of the information at your fingertips.
• Keep a copy of your credit card account numbers and the issuing banks with you – in a separate location than the cards, themselves. If possible, give that list to the same person that you are giving your passport information.
• Purchase a travel insurance policy to cover the “just in case” possibilities that can always arise. We offer a variety of plans for different budgets and different needs – some more focused on the medical coverage for international travel and some that offer comprehensive trip protection for both international and domestic trips. Contact us to learn which plan is best for you: 1-800-937-1387 or info@travelinsure.com.