FALL GENERAL MEETING
Thursday, October 24, 2013
1:00 pm

Honeywell International Auditorium, Morristown, New Jersey

"Travel the World"

Prior to the Main Program, H/AREA Member, Stan Stevinson, presented a eulogy to H/AREA’s late President, Lew Bohn.

The Main Program was presented by Deborah Pugh, Phil Lazaro and Jonathan Rod from the New Jersey Automobile Club (AAA). They offered helpful travel tips regarding passports, purchasing airline tickets, cancellation policies, cruises, and packing hints.

• Passports
  • Make sure that when you travel internationally, your passport is valid for at least six months AFTER your return to the United States.
  • Make two copies of your passport. Keep one at home and the other with you in the event you lose your passport or it is stolen.
  • Make a copy of your birth certificate, when you travel internationally, in the event you need to replace your passport overseas.

• Airline tickets
  • Many travelers use an airline on-line website to book their airline tickets. This limits your options.
  • Using a travel agent enables you to consider all airlines and airline fares to aid you in making the best choice.
  • Make your travel arrangements as far in advance, as possible, of your date of travel. This will ensure that the price you pay will be at the lowest possible fare.
  • Sign up for the airline’s frequent flyer program. You’ll get miles for future airline travel.
  • Use a credit card that will give you rewards for future purchases thus making better use of the dollars spent.

• Insurance
  • Protecting your investment in travel is of the upmost importance.  Whether you buy an airline ticket, a cruise, or a tour, having the proper insurance to protect you is vital.
  • This insurance policy is commonly known as a cancellation policy. This policy will cover you for the following:
    • Cancellation of your trip
    • Trip interruption
    • Airline change fees (on selected policies)
    • Emergency medical/dental coverage
    • Baggage loss/damage/theft or delay
    • Missed connection expenses
    • With some companies, cancellation for any reason is available

• Cruises
  • In choose a cruise-line, it’s important to understand where you want to go, who is traveling (adults and children), the time of year you want to travel and the type of cabin that best suits you.
  • Pricing on a cruise-line is much the same as pricing an airline ticket. It will change very quickly. Making your plans well in advance is to your advantage. Don’t forget that cruise deposits are refundable to you prior to the final payment date.

• Packing tips when traveling via an airline - pack a carry-on bag with a change of clothes, in the event your checked baggage does not arrive on your flight.

Your H/AREA General Meeting Planning Committee, Otto Frank, Chair