Despite our best efforts to be prepared, all travel carries some risk. Your luggage could be lost, you could twist your ankle climbing stairs at the Mayan ruins, or your trip plans could change as the result of bad news from home. For some travel plans that you make, you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance. The following section includes a description of what travel insurance is all about, as well as some basic tips for smart, summer travel.

Travel Insurance - is an important way to protect your travel plans and provide you with peace-of-mind while traveling. Most homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover travel plans or provide the wide range of travel benefits found with policies that address travler's issues. If you're traveling out of the country you should ensure that you are adequately covered against medical emergencies and emergency assistance. For example, a medical emergency might require a hospital stay in a foreign country or transportation back to your home. Without the proper insurance, you could be responsible for all of these expenses.

If you've paid a deposit, perhaps even pre-paid the cost of your entire trip, and find you have to cancel or come home earlier than planned, you stand a chance of losing that money. Most travel policies will protect you with Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Coverage. If you're traveling with valuables or your luggage is lost or stolen, travel policies can provide you with additional coverage over and above coverage that may be available through your credit card company, travel planner, hotel or transportation provider.

If you decide to purchase a travel insurance policy, shop around and compare coverage as well as price. Many policies may be very limited and usually don't provide much more coverage than accidental death & dismemberment.

Learn more about Homesite's homeowners and renters policies.

While Traveling
• Carry expensive items and important papers with you at all times.
• Ask your hotel manager to store your jewelry and other valuables in the hotel's safe.
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash.
• Do not wear or carry valuables or cash when visiting the pool or on the beach.
• Check your hotel, condominium or house rental for any damaged property when you arrive. Report anything unusual to the management right away to make sure you can retrieve your security deposit in full when you leave.
• Check to make sure your homeowners insurance will cover your personal belongings worldwide.
• Consider adding a "Personal Property Endorsement" to your homeowners policy if you travel with expensive jewelry or computer equipment.
• Carry your money and passport in a money belt worn underneath your shirt or around your waist when traveling in foreign countries. Do not use a front pants pocket.
• Keep a copy of your passport in your luggage for easier replacement at the U.S. Embassy.
• Watch your wallet or purse when moving through large crowds.
• Do not carry a fanny pack, belt bag or travel guide that will label you as a tourist--especially in large cities or foreign countries.
• Use disposable cameras when travelling to high crime areas.
• Be aware of your surroundings. It it doesn't feel safe, it probably isn't.
• Attach brightly colored bits of fabric or ribbon to the handle of your luggage to differentiate it from other similar-looking bags.
• Pack a special first-aid kit for travel to foreign countries with limited medical access.

Learn more about Homesite's homeowners insurance or personal property endorsements .

Special Tips for Drivers
• Keep your eyes on the road when driving to your vacation spot. Pull over in a safe place to appreciate natural beauty along your way.
• Be extra patient and careful of increased numbers of motorist and cyclists on the road in the summer.
• Watch for wildlife near the road when driving. Animals are on the move in the summer, too.
• Watch for children playing outside. Be particularly mindful of residential areas with many parked cars in the street.
• "Summerize" your vehicle before planning a drive. Get a tune-up, check tires, fluids, brakes, cooling system. Be prepared for trouble with a spare, tools, water for radiator and flashlight.
• Check ahead for road construction delays. Many travel services such as AAA can offer planning assistance.