From “What to do?” to Fully Planned Family Adventure 

From “What to do?” to Fully Planned Family Adventure 

A Mom is one phone call away from the family trip of a lifetime 

By: Jennifer Tombaugh, Tauck President 

Last month, my summer vacation plans fell apart.  One son’s internship started earlier than expected, my eldest daughter’s art project needed advanced prep, and our carefully planned, two-week vacation with my husband and our four kids went “poof!” 

What remained was a three-week hole in my 14-year-old twins’ schedule.  Free time, cell phones and teenagers are a recipe for disaster.  I didn’t have time to spend hours researching new camp options.  My husband was out-of-town.  I wanted them to have some sort of meaningful experience.  What to do? 

Many families I know can relate.  With our over-scheduled lives, ever-present electronics, distant family members and unshared dinners, we crave time just to be together, unplug and laugh.  Knowing our time with our children is limited, we are eager to give them opportunities to learn and grow.   

A lot of work goes into planning family vacations (a task predominantly falling to moms), and that insight inspired Tauck to create the first global guided family travel brand.  On my first day at Tauck 22 years ago, our now-CEO Dan Mahar handed me a business plan on “family travel”.  We already had parents and grandparents wanting to give meaningful travel experiences and create great memories with their kids and grandkids.  They just didn’t want the hassle of planning it all. 

Back then, I only knew family travel through my own experiences.  My parents brought my brother and me along when my dad won sales incentive trips, and they always prioritized visiting my mom’s family in Germany.  Armed with my love of travel and the help of Dan and dozens at Tauck, we piloted Tauck Family Travel in 2002 (despite the setbacks of 9/11) and launched Tauck Bridges in 2003. 

Tombaugh family with local guides on Tauck’s Tanzania: A Grand Family Adventure

Today, I have four children (one in college….in Switzerland!).  My affection and pride in Tauck Bridges only grows, and I appreciate what we call the “shared enrichment” we offer even more.  The recent, difficult Covid years emphasized how fleeting and precious family time is.  Nothing—nothing—enriches lives more than traveling together.  I’ve seen first-hand my son’s awe in spotting his first cheetah or my family’s unbridled joy biking in the shadows of Austrian castles.  Years later, when I thought my young son wouldn’t remember any of this, I found him writing the Ambassador to Tanzania for a school project and correctly retelling a story behind a painting we saw at the Lobkowicz Palace in Prague. 

Tombaugh family on Tauck’s Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure

I also appreciate the ease of having someone else do the planning.  Adults, you get this.  You’re on the firing line of “What are we doing today?  I don’t want to do that!  How come he gets to decide?  Why is it taking so long?”  I’ve never been happier traveling with my family than when, after 10 beautiful (exhausting, for me) days in Switzerland, which my husband and I spent weeks organizing, we arrived aboard Tauck’s Blue Danube family river cruise.  When the same questions started, I simply said, “Go ask the Tauck Director.”  We could all laugh, enjoy and relax (even me!).  It was a gift for all of us.  It allowed us to be truly present with each other. 

Tombaughs on Tauck’s Tanzania: A Grand Family Adventure

We often receive letters from our guests, and the ones that move us to tears are from our Tauck Bridges families.  A grandfather’s final wish to take his extended family on safari.  A seven-year-old’s crayoned picture of her family at the Grand Canyon. The grandparents’ photos of each year of travels with a different grandchild in London and Paris.  Stories of teenagers who met on a Bridges trip and stayed in touch for years (like my own!).  We even have employees now who first learned about Tauck through a Bridges trip they took with their families!   

So, last month, when my family vacation fell apart, what did I do?  I called our Tauck Reservations Center and booked us on Cowboy Country, a western adventure through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and the great ranches and plains of Wyoming. 

I know I’ll be at peace, and the kids will be laughing and having a great time, as we ride off into the sunset. 

About Jennifer Tombaugh

Jennifer Tombaugh is President of Tauck, the US-based leader in guided tours and cruises serving all seven continents.  Jennifer joined Tauck in 2001 to help guide the creation and launch of Tauck Bridges, the company’s collection of 20 family travel adventures in North America, Europe, Africa and Latin America. As President (and as a member of Tauck’s Executive Team), Jennifer guides the company’s day-to-day operations while also helping drive its long-term direction and strategy.  Jennifer is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the European Tourism Association (ETOA) and is a Board Director at Sacred Heart University’s Jack Welch College of Business & Technology, The Lobkowicz Collections (Czech Republic) and the Harvard Club of Southern Connecticut. She is also a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and the International Women’s Forum of Connecticut.  

About Tauck

Founded in 1925, family-owned and operated Tauck is the world leader in premium-quality guided travel. The company offers more than 150 distinctive, enriching and all-inclusive land journeys, European river cruises, small ship ocean cruises and Tauck Bridges family travel adventures.   
 
Tauck travels to more than 70 countries and all seven continents, delighting its guests with exclusive, off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences as well as unique insider visits to popular “must-see” sites and attractions – all at incredible value, and all backed by the services of a professional Tauck Director.  Several Tauck journeys in the U.S. are the product of a partnership with the award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns, with elements exploring themes from his films including The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, The Civil War and Jazz.  

Over the years, Tauck has been honored with more than 200 awards for excellence and service.  In fact, Tauck is the only company to be named the “World’s Best Tour Operator” and the “World’s Best River Cruise Line” three times each by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. 

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Tombaugh

Header image courtesy of iStock

Navigating the Unpredictable: Unpacking the Most Common Travel Insurance Claims and How to Handle Them 

Navigating the Unpredictable: Unpacking the Most Common Travel Insurance Claims and How to Handle Them 

By: Redpoint Travel Protection

Photo Courtesy of Redpoint Travel Protection

Travel is, by nature, an unpredictable endeavor. We plot our journeys with meticulous detail, but life has a way of inserting unexpected plot twists. It’s these unforeseen curveballs that make travel insurance such a vital companion on our explorations. From medical emergencies to misplaced luggage, travel insurance is your lifeline when things veer off the itinerary. In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the most common travel insurance claims and provide clear guidelines on what to do should you find yourself facing these predicaments. 

Medical Emergencies 

By far, the most common and often most significant travel insurance claim is for medical emergencies. A sudden illness or injury during your trip can not only ruin your plans but also cause a severe financial strain. If you find yourself in this unfortunate scenario, it’s crucial first to seek immediate medical attention. Afterwards, get in touch with your travel insurance provider as soon as possible, ensuring you have all your medical documents at hand to file your claim effectively. 

Trip Cancellation or Interruption 

The second most common claim revolves around trip cancellations or interruptions. Unforeseen events like illness, personal emergencies, or even global crises can throw a wrench in the best-laid travel plans. In such cases, you should inform your insurance provider immediately. You’ll need to provide substantial evidence for the reason behind the interruption or cancellation, such as a doctor’s note for medical emergencies or documented proof of a significant event. 

Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Luggage 

There’s little as frustrating as arriving at your destination only to discover your luggage took an entirely different trip. Loss of personal belongings can cast a shadow over any trip, but that’s where travel insurance swoops in to save the day. In the event of lost, damaged, or stolen luggage, make sure to report the incident to the relevant authorities or airline and obtain a written report. Contact your insurance provider promptly with these details to start your claim process. 

Travel Delays

In the realm of travel, delays are virtually a given. Whether it’s a missed connection due to a late inbound flight or a cancellation due to adverse weather conditions, travel delays can disrupt your plans significantly. With travel insurance, you can claim costs incurred as a result of these unexpected delays. Always keep all documents and receipts related to your delay as your insurance provider will require them when you file a claim. 

Now that we’ve covered the most common claims, let’s delve into some key steps on how to make an insurance claim: 

Step 1: Contact Your Insurance Provider 

The first step after any mishap is to contact your insurance provider. Most insurers have 24/7 hotlines for such emergencies. They’ll guide you on how to proceed, what documents you need, and how to submit your claim. 

Step 2: Document Everything 

Insurance claims thrive on evidence. Therefore, it’s crucial to document everything related to your claim. For medical emergencies, keep a record of all medical reports, prescriptions, and invoices. For lost luggage or travel delays, maintain all related receipts and correspondence with airlines or authorities. 

Step 3: Submit Your Claim Promptly 

It’s essential to file your claim as soon as you can to avoid missing out on your coverage due to time restrictions. 

The realm of travel insurance can be a maze of complexities. Still, by understanding the most common claims and knowing how to navigate the claim process, you can ensure you’re prepared for any surprises your travels may throw at you. Remember, the purpose of travel insurance is to be your safety net in unfamiliar territory. It’s there to support you when unforeseen circumstances threaten to disrupt your journey, bringing you peace of mind and financial protection when you need it most. 

Once you’ve submitted your claim, ensure you follow up if necessary. Keep track of your claim’s status and be proactive in providing any additional information that your insurer might need. 

In closing, while we all hope to avoid the need for making travel insurance claims, the reality is that unexpected incidents do occur. By understanding the most common types of claims and how to handle them, you can take control of such situations, ensuring that your journey doesn’t end on a sour note. 

With the right approach and proactive handling of the claim process, you can turn what might initially feel like a nightmare into a minor bump on your travel road. So, the next time you’re preparing for a trip, give your travel insurance policy the attention it deserves. Understand what it covers and the process of making a claim. That way, if life does throw a curveball your way, you’ll be ready to hit it out of the park. 

Remember, travel is as much about the journey as it is about the destination, and a comprehensive travel insurance policy ensures that no matter what comes your way, your adventure can go on. 

About Redpoint Travel Protection

Redpoint Travel Protection is a one-of-a-kind protection provider. It provides an extensive suite of travel insurance products and emergency services for individuals and groups of all sizes. Backed by a seasoned team of experts, Redpoint offers unparalleled peace of mind to adventurers across the globe. With services such as trip cancellation, interruption, delay, and baggage loss insurance, to emergency medical and evacuation services, Redpoint ensures your safety and satisfaction are top priorities. Our services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of travelers, whether it’s an international family vacation, a solo adventure, or a corporate trip. Leveraging innovative technology and a responsive, 24/7 customer support, Redpoint effectively addresses contingencies, enabling clients to explore with confidence. Choose Redpoint Travel Protection, your reliable partner in ensuring safe, secure, and worry-free journeys.