Five Helpful Resources for Travel Cancellations and Changes

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Helpful resources for travel in uncertain times – including travel cancellations and changes to travel plans.

Spring break plans are changing by the moment for many of us–even Disneyland announced this afternoon it will close its theme parks in California (and now Disneyworld, too).  And as I just updated this before hitting publish, I got a district email that my kids will be on “spring break” early–and for three weeks. SO!  I want to make sure you all know about these online resources for travelers, which you may find helpful if you’re facing travel cancellations or changes now or possibly later in the year.  Stay well, my friends!

 

1. Elliott Advocacy

Elliott.org – This nonprofit consumer advocacy organization founded by Christopher Elliott “empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can’t.” Their website has expert advice, public forums, and a database of customer service contacts spanning all sorts of industries–not just travel.

But when it comes to travel, this site can help guide you toward resolution in any number of sticky situations. Whether you have issues with a cruise line, rental car agency, hotel, airline, or mileage program, you’re likely to find a similar story–and advice–on this site. And if you don’t, they have an easy form to fill out to request assistance.

 

2. TravelInsurance.com

TravelInsurance.com (affiliate link – thanks for supporting this site!) – While many new travel insurance policies will not cover claims related to a pandemic, there are still a number of things you may want to make sure are covered.

For example, if you don’t want to get stuck with your higher out-of-network rates if anyone in your family needs medical care on holiday (which can be very high for high-deductible plans), compare medical and emergency care benefits. Also, emergency medical evacuation coverage could be invaluable if you’d rather see a family member sent to your home hospital instead of one at your destination, or if your destination experiences a widespread problem and local hospitals are overwhelmed.

I like TravelInsurance.com because it makes it easy to compare different policies side by side–by side so you can see exactly what you’ll be getting for your money, including travel delays, missed connections, pre-existing conditions, etc.–and whether or not your kids are included for free (Yes! some plans will cover kids under 18 years free!).

 

3. CDC.gov

CDC.gov – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has a dedicated section for Traveler’s Health, where you can look up the latest health information or advisories (food, water safety, insect-born illness, viruses, etc.) for your destination.

You’ll also find specific information about recommended vaccines and medications to pack for the area you’ll be visiting, as well as any advice specific to travel with children, pregnant women, and other types of travelers.

 

4. Travel.state.gov

Travel.State.gov – The official site of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs includes current travel advisories for American travelers to regions around the globe. It’s always wise to look up your international destination on their site to check for any news updates or safety and health warnings for travelers to the area (you can enter the name of the country or region in their search box–easy!). They are also posting current global travel advisories.

 

5. The Man in Seat 61

Seat61.com – This is the ultimate website for information about train travel around the globe (in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and more). If you are planning train travel with your family in Europe, Canada, or anywhere else this year, be sure to check this site for extra information you might not find on most other travel-related sites. In addition to routes, passes and fare information, and tips, it includes a page with rail travel news updates, including rail changes and cancellations in Europe and Russia.

 

You might also like:

Practical travel tips for young families

How to plan your best vacation with baby
Five things you should know before flying with a car seat
Packing list for camping with babies, toddlers, and young children
Tips for planning your best beach vacation with babies and toddlers
What to pack in your baby’s travel kit for carry on
Seven easy ways to get your car seat through the airport

 

Helpful things to bring

Best baby travel beds and portable cribs
Childproofing products for travel
Best lightweight travel strollers
Car seat alternatives for travel
Or not to bring?! Worldwide Directory of Baby Gear Rentals

 

“Need to Know” Airlines Information

American Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
Southwest Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
Alaska Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
Virgin Atlantic with a Baby or Toddler
Ryanair with a Baby or Toddler
China Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
Gulf Air with a Baby or Toddler

Safe journeys,

Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning Travels with Baby guidebooks

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What?! Your kids aren’t babies anymore? Head over to Family Travel 411

Curious about this content? See my editorial content disclosure.

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