Red lights are “optional.”

Interesting article at Escape From America Magazine about the dangers of driving in Rio de Janeiro. Formula One racing is very popular and it seems everyone thinks they are Emerson Fittipaldi. Read More... According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.2 million people worldwide are killed every year due to road accidents, and as many as 50 million are injured or disabled.

If you are traveling abroad and plan renting a car, then research the national and local traffic laws before you arrive. This could save you from a frustrating accident, a hefty fine or injury. For example if you're driving in Manila and your license plate ends in the number one or two, then you cannot drive in the city on Mondays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Beware when driving in Bangkok because most of the one-way roads change direction during certain hours of the day and if you stop at pedestrian crossings in China, you will be fined or receive a warning. Review the Road Safety section of the US Department of State's Country Specific Information, which is available for every country in the world

Do you need an International Driving Permit? Although many countries do not recognize U.S. driver's licenses, most countries accept an International Driving Permit (IDP). IDPs are honored in more than 150 countries outside the United States. (See AAA’s application form for the list of countries). An IDP functions as an official translation of a U.S. driver's license into ten foreign languages. These licenses are not intended to replace valid U.S. state licenses and should only be used as a supplement to a valid U.S. license. IDPs are not valid in an individual’s country of residence.

Purchasing auto insurance is always beneficial. We recommend our Travel Gap travel insurance or Round Trip travel insurance policies which include an optional Rental Car Collision Rider. Not only will it limit your liability, but it also covers personal medical expenses related to auto injuries. Racing excluded:)

Job-loss policies let travelers book without fear

Airlines, Cruise Ships and Tour Operators are copying what the auto industry has started and offering Job Loss Protection. Some companies are offering in the form of trip cancellation insurance and some are offering it as a part of a Guarantee. Check with your travel supplier. Here are a few tips on how to choose a travel insurance policy:

• Always be clear about the cost of a travel insurance policy, as well as the claims process. And if you're not sure what is and is not covered, ask specific questions.
• There's a time sensitivity issue with many travel insurance policies: Often you need to purchase job loss coverage within a certain window (e.g., 14 days) from when you place the initial trip deposit.
• Before you buy a travel policy, run a quick check on the insurance company. If it is not a member of USTIA, visit the Better Business Bureau. In addition, you may want to visit A.M. Best, a credit rating organization for insurance firms.
• Always use a charge card when buying any type of travel product, so you can be protected under the Fair Credit Billing Act.

Read More...

If you want to insure your travel investment from loss of job or for any reason, then check out the Roundtrip Travel Insurance policy.

JetBlue extends refund plan for laid-off customers

JetBlue Airways said Monday it is extending its refund program for customers who lose their jobs after buying tickets.

The program is part of an effort to persuade customers to book early as demand continues to suffer amid the recession. Air travel customers are waiting longer to book flights or not flying at all as economic worries mount.

Jet Blue is currently having a Summer Sale. Visit http://www.jetblue.com/

If you have secure employment but concerned about other unforeseen emergencies that could prevent you from enjoying your trip, then check our the Roundtrip travel insurance policy which features trip cancellation reimbursement for personal illness, family emergency, weather, natural disaster, bankruptcy and much more. Visit www.worldwidemedical.com/home for a quote.

10 free things to do in Europe this summer

If you're taking advantage of the relatively strong dollar this year by heading to Europe, you'll be looking for ways to save ... Read More

sandemans-new.com gives a free three hour walking tour of Prague and if your a German car enthusiast, then you have to check out the free Porsche factory tour.

With all the uncertainty with the Swine Flu, unemployment and lay offs, weather delays and the possibility of natural disasters or political unrest I would recommend checking out a comprehensive travel insurance policy to reduce the financial risks of these potential problems.

Another Reason to Purchase Low Cost Trip Delay Insurance

Passengers on an American Airlines flight from Los Angeles were detained for several hours in Tokyo after Japanese officials held them for flu test ... READ MORE

You can get a free travel insurance and trip cancellation quote from Nationwide at www.worldwidemedical.com/home.