Travel Safety: Know Before You Go! Facilitator Guide

Transcription

1 HSW-AP.125FG Travel Safety: Know Before You Go! Facilitator Guide Introduction Americans are traveling more than ever. The world s largest travel website, TripAdvisor, conducts an annual survey of U.S. travelers to determine current travel trends. In 2011, they found that despite economic uncertainty, Americans are planning to travel for leisure. Of those surveyed, ninety percent are planning to take 2 or more leisure trips within the next year and 24 percent were planning five or more trips. Seventy-nine percent of respondents will spend a minimum of $3,000 for these vacations. The current most popular vacation destination is the beach, followed by cultural vacations, and road trips. Declining in popularity are theme parks, lake trips, and hiking trips. The top three cities to visit in the United States are New York City, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. Finally, people are opting for vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, and resorts over the traditional hotel for accommodation preferences. With the time and money invested in leisure travel, individuals should consider a variety of options for planning a trip. Individuals using good consumer practices will find themselves ready to handle any situation that may arise while on vacation. Specific steps in planning your trip include determining your travel insurance needs, packing for your adventure, preparing home for your absence, and managing your money. Completing these tasks will ensure smooth transition for leaving and make the departure for your trip less stressful. Once on your trip, be sure to consider your transportation options, secure your personal property in the hotel, and remember good personal safety practices. These simple actions can keep you and your property protected while you travel. If the unexpected occurs while on vacation, being informed of your rights and knowing where to go for assistance will help you manage in a stressful situation. It is always best to, Know Before You Go! Program Objectives Participants will: Identify two or more common travel scam techniques. Identify how to determine personal travel insurance needs. Describe travel organization techniques. Identify payment methods best suited to travel experiences. Identify three or more consumer rights related to transportation and lodging issues. Identify three or more safety practices for traveling. Describe how to appropriately handle medical and dental emergencies while traveling. Prior to the Program 1. Review material and become familiar with travel safety consumer issues. 2. Review the PowerPoint presentation. 3. Market your program using the announcement provided. 4. Duplicate program documents.

2 Program Documents Printed Materials: 1. UK Extension Publication: HSW-AP.125 Travel Safety: Know Before You Go! 2. UK Extension PowerPoint Handouts: Travel Safety: Know Before You Go! 3. UK Extension Icebreaker Cards: Travel Safety: Know Before You Go! Case Studies 4. UK Extension Evaluation: Travel Safety: Know Before You Go! Evaluation 5. Transportation Security Administration Publication: for Carry-On s, available at 6. US Customs and Border Protection Publication: Know Before You Go Top 10 Traveler Tips, available at r_tps.pdf Power Point Presentation: Travel Safety: Know Before You Go! Marketing Materials: Travel Safety: Know Before You Go! program announcement - A customizable announcement, suitable for newsletter, newspaper or radio is included here: Know Before You Go Being prepared for any travel makes the trip more enjoyable and safe for everyone. This program will help you complete necessary travel arrangements and be prepared if the unexpected happens. Simple actions can keep you and your property protected while you travel. Join us for this program which will be presented on (insert date) at the (insert location). For more information please contact your local Extension Agent at: (insert contact information). Additional Resources 1. US Department of State Travel Document Information, available at 2. Check with your local AAA travel office for additional resources. 3. Check with your local travel agent or travel advisor for additional resources. Teaching Outline Introduction Despite economic uncertainty, Americans are still traveling for leisure. Ninety percent plan to take two or more leisure trips within the next year and twenty percent are planning five or more trips. For these vacations, 79 percent of individuals will spend a minimum of $3,000. The most popular destination is the beach and the most popular city to visit is New York City. With the time and money invested in travel, everyone should plan wisely for vacations and trips. Ice Breaker Case Studies Divide the participants into 4 groups. Distribute each group a card with a case study. Allow 2

3 the groups to review the case studies and discuss the how and why of handling each case scenario. At the end of the program, return to the case studies and reiterate key program points. Key Points Options for Making Travel Arrangements: Travel agents. Plan your own trip. Do Not Fall Victim to Travel Fraud: Travel deals received by are usually a scam. If it s too good to be true, it probably is. Always ask what is NOT included in the deal. Use a credit card to dispute any scam. Ask for references. Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is designed to limit your exposure to risk during your trip. Weigh the cost of the insurance policy with your potential loss. If your potential loss is minimal or an amount that you are willing to absorb, then you will most likely pass on the travel insurance. Be certain that you are not buying insurance that you do not need. Travel insurance may be offered through your travel agent, tour company, internet travel provider or through a third party insurance company. Read the policy carefully looking for exclusions and exemptions. Getting Organized for Travel: Planning and making lists can be the best few minutes you will spend in getting ready. Look over the trip itinerary and make a list of clothes for each day and activity. Select a few jewelry pieces that will compliment all outfits you will be wearing on the trip. When traveling with small children, combine all of their clothes into one suitcase, which will help keep their things together. Don t forget a favorite night time toy or blanket and a medium size tote bag for games, toys and snacks. Items to Remember: The must haves will be important to place in a carry-on bag if flying. If traveling by car keep these items where they can be located easily: Airline ticket or print confirmation Passport/driver s license Credit cards - take only what you need Hotel reservations Traveler s checks or pre-paid credit card Prescription medicine Liquids - use the recommended by TSA Directions or GPS device Before departing, be sure to take care of the following things: Pet Care - Arrange a sitter or make arrangements to board. Mail - Notify post office to hold or ask a friend to pick-up. Plants - Ask a neighbor to water inside and outside plants as needed. Garbage - Ask a friend to place trash out and return cans after pick up. Thermostats - Adjust air conditioning or heat. Choosing your payment method: Leave most of your payment methods at home - including your checkbook and most of your 3

4 credit cards. As a general guideline, take two credit cards and an ATM card for cash withdrawals. Choose a credit card that is widely accepted by most retailers. You will likely need some cash since not all places will accept credit cards. Take a limited amount of cash with you, remember you can withdrawal more later with your ATM card. Transportation: Automobile rental is an option many travelers use. Be sure you understand the contract before signing and do not give false information. Watch for additional fees and costs in contracts. For air travel, delays and cancelled fights can create havoc for even the most organized individuals. You should know your rights as a consumer in these situations. There are no federal guidelines regarding flight delays and cancellations which leave policy decisions in the hands of the airline. Policies vary from company to company. If a flight is delayed you will be expected to wait. You may ask for meal vouchers but the airline is not obligated to give you meal vouchers. If your flight is cancelled, you will be re-booked on the next available flight. If the next available flight is several hours away, you may ask to be booked on another airline for a flight leaving earlier. In the event a flight cannot depart due to poor weather conditions or security issues, the airline is not obligated to provide you with a lodging voucher. If you are excused or bumped from your flight either willingly or non-willingly, by federal law you have the right to be placed on the next available flight and to be compensated monetarily. Lodging: Research accommodations which meet your needs, have a good reputation and are in a safe location. Know the difference between a guaranteed reservation and a confirmed reservation. There are no limits on hotel rates. Never assume your property is safe at your lodging. Theft is a reality in the lodging industry and most hotels have limited liability for your property loss. Protect your property by storing valuables in the hotel safe. Deter would be criminals by leaving the TV on when you leave the room, use privacy signs and service your own room. Personal Safety: Some groups are particularly vulnerable including, single women, the elderly and women alone with children. Several precautions should be taken to ensure you are not a victim of crime while traveling. Stay in hotels in safer areas of the city. Avoid the first floor of a hotel to prevent burglary. Use the main entrance of the hotel at night. Be observant in parking lots. Secure all doors and windows. Never allow strangers in your room. Only use well marked public transportation. Seek directions from hotels or the airport. Keep a low profile and avoid discussing your travel plans publically. Do not display expensive jewelry or flash large amounts of cash. Keep your passport and valuables concealed under your clothing. 4

5 Blend in with the population by dressing similarly, do not wear name tags, etc. Do not accept drinks from strangers. Travel in well-lit areas. Discuss what to do as a family in the event of an emergency. Always use good common sense. Handling unexpected situations: Even the most experienced travelers encounter unexpected issues while traveling. Try to resolve any issue before returning home. If you are unable to resolve the problem, have a record of your complaint to follow up on when you return home. Take notes with the names of people you speak with, including the date, time and location of the conversation. Get receipts for any financial costs spent trying to resolve the issue. Plan ahead for dental and medical emergencies: In the United States, know your insurance policy and providers in the area where you are traveling. When traveling abroad, talk with your health provider if you have special health considerations. Make sure your immunizations are updated. Take medications in the original container. Have the phone number and address of embassies and consulates in the country you will be visiting so they can guide you to safe medical care. Make sure you have medical insurance that will cover you abroad. Prepare for common travel ailments by packing medication and other supplies. Evaluation Have participants complete the class evaluation at the end of the session to determine knowledge gained. Summary Small steps in planning, being organized, and aware of your surroundings while on vacation can ensure you have a fun and safe trip. Know before you go. If the unexpected happens, you are ready to take action. Impact Statement Despite the current economic climate, Americans are traveling more than ever. A recent TripAdvisor survey found that 90 percent of respondents were planning to take two leisure trips within the next year and planned to spend an average of $3,000. With the time and money invested in travel, planning wisely for vacations and trips is imperative for consumers. To address this issue (county/area/district) presented, Know Before You Go...Travel Safety to (number) consumers. Participants completed an evaluation at the end of the program. percent (average questions 3, 4, and 7) increased their knowledge and skills related to managing available financial and non-financial resources. percent (average questions, 1, 2, 5, and 6) increased their understanding of their consumer rights and privacy protection. percent (average questions 8 and 9) intend to change their current behaviors by planning ahead with organizational techniques and planning for medical emergencies. 5

6 Resources American Society of Travel Agents. (n.d.). Health & safety travel tips. Retrieved from American Society of Travel Agents. (2009, October 5). Tips for women traveling alone. Retrieved from American Society of Travel Agents. (n.d.). Travel complaints. Retrieved from Coffey, K. (n.d.). Travel safety tips for women travelers. Retrieved from Federal Trade Commission. (2011, May 20). Travel tips: How to gear up for a great trip. Retrieved from KathrynV (2010, October 18). Credit card benefits: 15 common consumer protections. Retrieved from Keegan, M. (n.d.) 33 travel safety tips. Retrieved from Kirschbaum, M. (2009). Learn about your rights with airlines, ground transit companies, cruise lines, and hotels. Find out how these companies compensate inconvenienced customers. Happy Living, 1 (2). Retrieved from Lanford, A. & Lanford, J. (n.d.). Travel scams: 10 tops to avoid getting taken. Retrieved from Lankford, K. (2011, March 21). On vacation? Beware of ID theft. Retrieved from Lazarony, L. (2009, July 3). 15 ways to protect your money on vacation. Retrieved from Parode, N. (n.d.) Should I take cash, travelers checks, a debit card or a credit card on my? Retrieved from Perkins, E. (2008, April 7). What are your rights as a hotel guest? Retrieved from Schwab, M. (n.d.) Travel safety: Hotel security tips for your vacation or business trips. Retrieved from Sunset Travel, Inc. (2004), April 11). Vacation packing list. Retrieved from TripAdvisor. (2011, November 8). TripAdvisor announces 2012 travel trends forecast. Retrieved from Transportation Security Administration (n.d.). Make your trip better with Retrieved from WebMD. (2011, March 30). Travel health-before you go. Retrieved from White, M. (2009). What are your rights as a consumer renting a hotel or motel room? Happy Living, 1 (2). Retrieved from Brooke Jenkins-Howard, M.S Magoffin County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences Sally Mineer, M.S. Lewis County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences Jennifer Hunter, Ph.D. Extension Specialist for Family Finance January 2013 Copyright 2013 for materials developed by University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. This publication may be reproduced in portions or its entirety for educational or nonprofit purposes only. Permitted users shall give credit to the author(s) and include this copyright notice. Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. 6