When it comes to going on vacation, balancing between the must-have expenses and the items on your wish list is all part of the planning process. Some travelers might splurge on first-class airfare but save money by staying in a budget hotel. Others, may prefer to indulge in lavish meals but stick to cheaper activities, like hiking or free walking tours.
One vacation expense that often gives travelers pause during the planning and budgeting phase is travel insurance. They wonder if they should buy travel insurance, trying to decide whether it’s worth the cost or just another unnecessary expense.
The United States government recommends American travelers purchase insurance before they travel, making it one of the most important items to pack for a trip — especially if you want to help protect yourself against unexpected costs.
“Not only can problems or challenges on your trip cause distress and disappointment, but they can also cost you money,” said Shannon Lofdahl, President and CEO at Travelex Insurance Services Inc.
“When you protect your vacation with the right travel insurance plan, you pay a small amount upfront to help ensure you have financial support for a variety of covered travel incidents, should something unexpected go wrong on your trip,” Lofdahl said.
Want to understand how travel insurance can save you money? We reveal the real-life value of this vacation must-have below.
When it comes to travel, you’ll likely want the luggage you packed for the trip to arrive at your destination when you do — no matter your mode of transport.
For example, if you’ve arrived at your vacation destination and your friends are ready to hit the beach, but your bathing suit has been rerouted to Alaska, insult is only added to injury when you have to buy a new swimsuit despite having packed your favorite. Or, if someone has stolen your garment bag, leaving you without a single suitable outfit to wear to an important business meeting, spending money you hadn’t budgeted for new clothes becomes an unwelcome stressor.
If your belongings or luggage are lost, damaged, or stolen while on your trip, travel insurance can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Without adequate trip coverage, you’ll likely be stuck with the bill for any costs to replace both your luggage and the belongings inside it.
On a trip to Greece, one Travelex customer had their baggage stolen right out from under their nose. Distraught, the traveler contacted our team, and we were able to provide them with a travel insurance reimbursement of $2,000. This allowed them to recoup most of the cost of the luggage, clothing, and other items in the stolen bags. Without travel insurance, the replacement costs would have been this traveler’s financial burden to bear.
If you’ve planned a trip that involves several legs, there’s a chance you could miss one of your connections. Maybe you’ll miss it because of an unexpected weather delay, or maybe you’ll miss it because of a slight technical malfunction on the aircraft — travel is unpredictable sometimes.
If a leg of your preplanned trip is delayed by circumstances outside your control, then you could find yourself paying a lot of money to get your trip back on schedule. However, if you have travel insurance, your policy may provide financial reimbursement to cover the unexpected costs related to your missed connection(s).
A trip to Antarctica is likely a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any traveler brave enough to go. If you have the time, money, and inclination to plan such an adventurous trip, you’ll want to make sure it‘s memorable for all the right reasons.
A Travelex customer headed to Antarctica ended up missing one of the many connections on their flight plan, leaving them stranded for some time. Thankfully, their travel insurance for missed connections coverage was $500, and the claim payout helped the traveler recoup some of the money they spent during their unplanned stay.
Have you ever been stuck in an airport for an extended period? Maybe your flight was delayed by a blizzard, or perhaps the computers were down that day and you had to wait hours (or overnight) before you could resume your journey. In scenarios like these, additional expenses — from extra meals to hotel rooms — would need to come out of your wallet. But, with travel insurance, you may be reimbursed for unexpected expenses related to trip delays.
Sometimes, a trip can be delayed because of a more serious incident. Sadly, this was the case for one Travelex customer during a vacation to India. While on a group tour, the insured traveler’s companion suffered an unexpected injury, which caused them to fall behind their group’s itinerary and led to several additional expenses and travel delays. Thankfully, their travel insurance reimbursement of $1,000 for additional expenses helped ease the sting of the missed opportunities.
No one wants to get injured or sick, especially on vacation. But twisting an ankle or coming down with a stomach bug while traveling can — and does — happen. Often, only then do travelers realize the health insurance they rely on back home probably won’t cover them while they’re traveling abroad.
This is where travel insurance comes into play. Medical expenses can be some of the costliest bills people face, whether at home or abroad. Costly medical expenses can be daunting, but by making a relatively small investment in travel insurance before departing on your trip, you can potentially save tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected medical expenses. And, while this won’t take away the physical or emotional turmoil of an accident, it can certainly help reduce the financial stress of out-of-pocket medical expenses.
You don’t have to be on an adventurous trip to a faraway land to suffer massive medical bills while on vacation. Another Travelex traveler took a trip to Pennsylvania and, while there, suffered an injury that racked up medical bills totaling more than $17,000.
Fortunately, the traveler had spent a comparatively small amount of money on a travel insurance policy ahead of their domestic trip, and the policy covered their medical expenses in full. Knowing they didn’t need to worry about the financial implications of the incident likely provided much-welcome comfort during such a difficult time.
We hope all trips are full of fun and free of stress, but, sometimes, circumstances outside our control can lead to unexpected problems. For example, if you get hurt while on a jungle adventure or winter ski trip, you might need to be evacuated by helicopter or air ambulance to reach medical support.
Evacuations are often expensive — not to mention stressful and confusing — and travel insurance can not only help pay the bills, but also help organize the evacuation with local authorities.
On a trip to Mexico, a Travelex customer became extremely sick. Not only did the traveler rely on Travelex as their travel insurance provider to take care of a wide range of medical bills, but they also needed our help to be evacuated from Mexico to the United States. Our Travelex 24/7 Emergency Assistance team was able to take care of the arrangements and the financial costs, saving the traveler more than $20,000.
When booking a vacation, some people fear they won’t actually get to go on the trip they’ve spent a lot of money booking and time planning. While most vacations go off without a hitch, there are unfortunate times when an entire trip needs to be canceled: maybe someone gets sick, or bad weather shuts down the destination, or there’s a work emergency.
If this happens to you, it can be extremely disappointing for many reasons. Firstly, you’re going to miss out on a trip you’ve undoubtedly been looking forward to. Secondly, beyond the sadness of missing the trip, you may face financial hardships, too. For example, without travel insurance, you could be left paying out-of-pocket for all or most of your trip costs. But, with a travel insurance policy, you can file a claim and be reimbursed for the prepaid non-refundable trip costs if you’re canceling it for covered reasons.
One family traveling with a Travelex policy planned the trip of a lifetime to California. Sadly, illness struck, and they were forced to cancel their dream trip. Their travel insurance reimbursement was $21,800 – the amount spent on prepaid costs for the canceled vacation — all of which would have been lost if they hadn’t purchased an adequate travel insurance plan.
Sometimes, we want to be protected for all eventualities — no matter how unique or unexpected. And, sometimes, we simply want the freedom to change our plans without crippling financial ramifications.
If you’re concerned you’ll need to cancel your trip for a reason not covered by base plan benefits — or you may want the flexibility to change your mind — it’s worth considering Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage.
A travel insurance policy that includes CFAR coverage can help you stress less before your trip, as well as give you the freedom to abandon your vacation plans for any reason before departing on your trip.
A Travelex traveler decided they no longer wanted to take their trip to Colorado. Thankfully, they included CFAR coverage in their Travelex travel protection policy, which allowed them to cancel their trip for any reason up to 48 hours before their departure and provided them with a partial reimbursement of their prepaid non-refundable trip costs.
Vacations are often not cheap, and there are always times when travelers must choose to splurge or to save. When it comes to travel insurance, spending a little bit of your travel budget on a travel insurance policy before you depart can end up saving you a lot of money in the long run.
To protect your next trip, compare our travel insurance plans to see which one may be right for you or get a quote online now.
Image credit: Getty
The information in this article is correct at the time of writing on August 3, 2023, and may change at any time. The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. If you have questions about coverage available under our plans, please review the policy or contact us at 1-800-228-9792 or [email protected]. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company; NAIC #22276.
*The Cancel For Any Reason upgrade may not be available to residents of all U.S. states. If this upgrade is available to you based on your state of residence, you will be offered the opportunity to include this upgrade in your policy when getting a quote online. Purchase restrictions apply.
Today, Travelex Insurance Services Inc., launched its new line of travel protection plans with an enhanced cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) upgrade covering up to 75% of trip cost, competitive age-band pricing, and additional coverage benefits. Travelex’s previous travel protection plans officially retired at 11:59 p.m. May 31. Read more ...
Paris is an enchanting city full of culture, history, and absolutely delicious food. Instead of rushing around trying to pack in as many famous attractions as humanly possible, be sure to take time to sit and relax. Savor some down-time of people watching while enjoying a Parisian café or a glass of wine. Indulge in classic French foods like croissants, macarons, and savory cheeses. Breathe in the beauty of a French garden and chat with the locals. In other words, embrace French culture and explore with a sense of wide-eyed enthusiasm.
If you’re heading to this global city for the first time, the following tips can help prepare you for a better trip to Paris and reduce the anxiety of overwhelming options.
While there are many things we could tell you, here are just a few practical tips:
Plan in advance. Learn how to navigate the city and schedule out your time. Plan for how you will arrive and get to your accommodations, as well as how to get back to the airport. Keep the address and name of your accommodation on you when you’re out and about. Consider getting Rick Steves’ Audio Europe App for walking tours, audio guides, and tips on the go.
Learn key French words you’ll use throughout your stay. Buy a French phrasebook so your knowledge of the language shows respect to the culture — and makes you look less like a clueless tourist. You’ll get better treatment if you use pleasant phrases such as bonjour (good day), pardon (pardon me), Métro; s'il vous plaît (please), merci (thank you), and au revoir (goodbye).
Don’t forget voltage converters/adapter plugs for electronics. Voltage in France is 220-240, so a simple all-in-one travel adapter and charger is a necessity.
Like any destination, be aware of your surroundings and keep a hand on your belongings. Tourists are prime targets for pick pockets in Paris. See our guide on how to hide cash while traveling.
If using the metro, keep your ticket in your pocket after entering. You may be asked to present it upon exiting or risk paying a fine.
At restaurants in Paris, tax and tip is typically already included in the menu price. You can tip on top of this, but it’s not expected. Bonus tip: Ask for tap water at restaurants instead of being pressured into buying bottled water.
If you’re traveling abroad for the first time ever, take a look at our tips for traveling abroad for the first time and using credit cards, debit cards and ATMs in Europe.
It’s no exaggeration to say that Paris offers endless opportunities for exploration. If you’re into experiencing major attractions, seriously consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass or Paris Pass online before you go. Giving you access to over 50 top Paris locations and 20 additional attractions outside of Paris, a pass will save you money, time and grant you fast-track entry. Another perk of the Paris Pass: free rides on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and optional Transit Travelcard for the Paris Metro while your pass is valid.
Quick tips on a few tourist favorites:
This world-renowned museum is huge and insanely busy during the day. If you can, shoot for Wednesday or Friday evenings when the museum is open until 9:45 pm. If an evening visit doesn’t work, book a Louvre Museum Timed Entrance ticket to skip the long lines during the day.
No first trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Like any other iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower tends to be packed with tourists. Plan to get up early. If you desire to go to the top with less stress, get yourself an Eiffel Tower, Second Floor Priority Access Pass.
If you want a breathtaking view of the city from the top of a panoramic terrace (and the Eiffel Tower center stage), head to the famous Arc de Triomphe or Towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Both are included in the Paris Pass.
A luxurious summer retreat for past French kings, Versailles is a place of beauty. The Chateau De Versailles offers a massive collection of French works of art, concerts and French history dating back to the seventeenth century. From the royal stables, hall of mirrors and famous fountains to the beauty of the gardens, it’s no wonder this palace estate is a major attraction.
The question of where to stay depends on your preferred style of travel. Do you enjoy hostels, 4-star hotels, a boutique hotel, HomeAway or Airbnb? Are you traveling solo, as a couple or with a group?
Whatever you choose, a good tip is to pick well located accommodations that suit the areas you’d like to explore. It may be a chic boutique hotel close to cozy cafes or an apartment rental giving you more space and a kitchen. If most of what you want to explore is in the city, stay in the city.
To begin exploring your options, check out Where to Stay in Paris, The Best Area to Stay in Paris for First Time Visitors, and the Best of France Guidebook for suggestions from experienced travelers.
With language barriers, jet lag and so much to see, being a first time visitor to Paris can be overwhelming. With our tips and your advanced planning, we have no doubt you’ll fall in love with the City of Lights.
Want to protect your upcoming Parisian getaway? Get a travel insurance quote now.
Travelex Insurance Services Inc., a leading travel insurance provider in North America, announced it is launching a program to support the company’s partners in their marketing efforts: integrated marketing campaign materials delivered quarterly, starting today.
Whether spending a few days en route or planning a short getaway, Rome is a city filled with some of the most iconic sites in the world — and you’ll definitely want to go back. With limited time in mind, we’ve compiled some of Rome’s top attractions for a two-day stay. Choose the destinations that appeal to your interests, plot out on a city map, and enjoy.
One of the top collections of art in the world, you can only enter the gallery with a reservation. Here, you’ll see incredible art by the renowned Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, and Bernini — just to name a few. Be sure to take a stroll through the beautiful gardens around the museum.
As master builders, the Romans accomplished this amazing feat of engineering around 120 A.D. It has survived wars, earthquakes, and nearly 2,000 years of weather. If the stunning dome isn’t enough for you, a number of famous historical figures are buried here. Check out pantheonroma.com for hours, history, and optional tours. Entry is free.
A short walk from the Pantheon, some call this fountain the most famous in the world, and it's a beautiful sight both day and night. A huge baroque structure from the 18th century, it’s considered good luck to throw a coin into the fountain so you'll be guaranteed a return to Rome. Don’t worry, no one's getting rich off the 3,000+ euros/day that are thrown in every day — all funds are used to help feed the hungry.
Filled with cafes, fountains, shops, wine, and coffee, these colorful locations are nice spots to take a break.
Spend a few hours exploring the site where gladiators fought. Starting in 80 A.D., 50,000 spectators would be entertained in this engineering marvel. Purchase a combo ticket ahead of time at the Roman Forum to gain admission to both sites and bypass the main lines (Palatine Hill is also included). If you want to see the top three floors however, they're only accessible with a guided tour. Keep this in mind when purchasing tickets.
Located about a 10-minute walk from the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is a complex of government buildings, temples, and marketplaces from 2,000 years ago. Here, you’ll imagine the former glory of Rome’s political, religious, and social life. Many visitors suggest renting or streaming an audio guide here, as there’s so much to see. Either way, be sure to grab a map. There’s not a lot of shade in the Roman Forum, so be sure to apply sunscreen and carry water.
If you plan to visit the world's smallest state — and where the pope calls home — shoot for the afternoon when crowds tend to be less. Be aware there's a dress code at the Vatican: no shorts, no bare shoulders, and no skirts shorter than knee length. On Wednesdays when the pope is in Rome, he holds a general audience in St. Peter’s Square. St. Peter’s Basilica is considered the largest church in the world with the most amazing Renaissance architecture. Note there's an extra fee to climb to the top of the Dome — and the view is worth it. Book tickets in advance. Check out Viator’s skip-the-line tours that start at the Vatican, hit the Sistine Chapel, and end at St. Peter’s Basilica.
A short walk along the Tiber River, the Piazza is a great place to get a bite to eat before heading to the famous Spanish Steps. With a fountain at the base and a church at the top, it’s a popular stop for visitors —especially when resting on the steps with some gelato in hand. Speaking of gelato, plan to visit the top gelato spots in Rome.
Whatever attractions you choose to visit, plot out your two days on Google Maps so you can access it while you’re there. This way you can decide if you want to explore on foot or use public transportation, and the best itinerary order to suit your tastes. There are several good pre-made interactive Google Maps you can use including a Rome Walking Route. However you choose to spend your two days in Rome, you’ll have the time of your life. Mix and match these top Rome attractions, plot your course and make it happen. You’ll be glad you did.
Cruising can be expensive or reasonably affordable depending on a wide variety of factors. There are myths surrounding cruises that often keep travelers on land unnecessarily, and first-timers may not know how to avoid maxing out the credit card by the time they get home. With some research and advanced planning, cruising can be a wonderful trip for a solo traveler, couple, or family. Read on for insider tips on how to save money when booking a cruise.
Sure, you can scour the internet and spend weeks comparing prices, cruise lines, and destinations. Take the pressure off and consider booking through a travel advisor. An experienced travel agent offers knowledge and access to information you may not find on your own. Plus, they do all the leg work for you.
If having a balcony or bigger room isn’t important to you, consider an inside cabin. Some people prefer to spend most of their time outside the room anyway, so this is a simple way to save some cash.
Some customer loyalty programs can pay off after just one cruise. You may enjoy perks such as glasses of wine, special discounts on drinks and onboard shops, or invitations to exclusive events onboard.
Generally, holidays and school breaks are going to be more expensive. Busy season will vary depending on where you want to cruise. For example, cruising in Alaska in April will differ from cruising in the Caribbean in October. Check CruiseFever.net for a detailed list of times and locations that may save you money.
It's easy to spend a small fortune on excursions if you're not careful. Here are four tips on how to save money:
If you’re new to cruising, be advised there are additional costs to consider even after you book your ticket. Gratuities, beverages, excursions, and specialty restaurants can all add up quickly. If you score onboard credit, think about putting it towards gratuities first so you don’t have to worry about them later. Everything else is optional, so if necessary, you could choose to opt-out of some things and not be blindsided by a huge credit card bill when you get home.
Drinking on cruises can add up quickly if you don’t plan ahead — especially at up to $10 a drink (or more). Specific drink charges and packages will vary depending on the cruise line, so know before you go. Use the following quick tips to help you prepare in advance:
Saving money when booking a cruise is absolutely possible and will put your mind at ease while getting the vacation you deserve. Visiting multiple destinations, while only having to unpack your bag once, is a great way to travel. Remember however, it may not all be smooth sailing. In the event of a stomach bug, or a broken bone from a slip on the deck, you’ll be glad you purchased cruise insurance. We’re here to help — get a quote today.
When it comes to cruising, there’s plenty of misinformation floating around out there. You may hear negative reports in the media or people implying a cruise is something only retired people would enjoy. The thought of a cruise ship may bring up a visual of the old show “The Love Boat” and along with it, every travel cliché in the book.
Don’t buy the negative press. Read on as we debunk the top eight cruise myths that may keep travel lovers from having a wonderful vacation at sea and on land.
Just because you assume you’ll get seasick doesn’t mean you will. These days, cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers, so there may be times you don’t even feel movement. Still, there are waves on the ocean, so it's best to be prepared. Consider booking a cabin in the middle of the deck where the ship is more stable. Book your cruise on a route or during a season known for calmer seas. Read our article on how to prevent seasickness on a cruise for prevention ideas and remedies.
With privacy in mind, cruise lines have created adult-only and less crowded sections of the ship. Cruise ships are massive, so if you want some privacy, it’s likely you’ll be able to find a spot to call your own somewhere. Even better, you can book a cabin with a balcony so you can get some alone time inside or out (and order room service too).
With so much competition in the cruising space, you can often find a great deal. Cruise in the off-season or look for discounts and incentives, like excursions and spa treatments. Watch those extra luxuries like gambling and drinking, which can quickly add up. You don’t have to go on a three-week cruise right off the bat either. Try out a three- or four-day cruise first. Check out our tips for how to save for vacation on a tight budget. With some planning and saving, you can afford a cruise.
We beg to differ. With tons of amenities and activities on the ship, there’s never a reason to be bored. Stops at each port have plentiful options, including shopping, enjoying a beach, tasting local cuisine, learning to scuba dive and so much more. Always check out what shore excursions may be available in each port and find your adventure. There are specialty cruises for all kinds of interests, from guest authors and marriage retreats to music lovers and culinary cruises. Find something that sparks your interest and go for it.
If cruising conjures up images of older folks playing bingo and shuffleboard, it’s time to rethink your paradigm. These days, cruise lines offer special programming for everyone — from kids to young adults, 30- and 40-somethings, and the not-yet-retired crowd. More than ever, you’ll find trendy activities, celebrity chef-inspired restaurants, fun programs for families with kids, adult-only areas, modern spas, and must-see entertainment. There are lots of adventures to be found while onshore excursions as well, including everything from glacier hiking in Alaska to kite surfing in Aruba.
With constant news reports often focusing on the negative, it’s easy to believe there’s a problem around every corner — people falling overboard, getting sick, or having issues with weather. In reality, however, cruises are statistically one of the safest forms of travel. The U.S. Coast Guard inspects all ships sailing from U.S. ports on a quarterly basis and each ship sails with its own dedicated team of mechanics, engineers, and crew members who undergo rigorous training via safety drills to prepare them for emergency situations. Rest assured, if a potential danger were to arise, they would know what to do.
Not true. Cruise lines have industry-wide protocols for thorough cleaning and sanitation processes before each launch and during each cruise. If people do get sick and are quarantined, they go through those same strict protocols again. All mainstream ships have onboard teams of doctors and/or nurses to deal with medical issues. In reality, health officials track all illnesses on cruise ships but not always on land, which is why you may be likely to hear of sickness on a cruise ship before you’d ever hear about it on land. Most ships offer an ample supply of hand sanitizers, and some attempt to limit the spread of germs by not offering self-service buffets for the first 48 hours of the trip.
So many options exist these days — from specialty and river cruises to volunteerism and eco-friendly cruising — there’s no reason to feel like you won’t have an adventure or experience the local culture. There are plenty of ways to have authentic experiences without following the crowds on bus tours or to souvenir shops. You may choose a cruise that allows you to follow the ships' chefs to local markets, shop for local ingredients, and even cook with them back onboard. Others may allow passengers to book home visits, where local families host cruisers in their own houses for a meal or immersive activities. Consider itineraries that offer overnight port calls if you're someone that wants to explore more nightlife. With a multitude of adventures to choose from, you can’t go wrong with a cruise matched with your interests. Cruising offers adventures full of culture, exploration, and exciting experiences. While you’re planning, don’t forget to protect your investment with travel insurance. See the many advantages of our cruise insurance, and how we can help if the need arises.
Visiting Canada’s first national park should be on your bucket list. Experiencing Banff National Park and the Lake Louise area is an experience you'll never forget. With spectacular mountain scenery perfectly situated in the heart of the beautiful Canadian Rockies, you'll discover the best of winter and summer activities that'll make you want to immediately figure out how to pull off a return visit.
If you’re looking for majestic snow-capped peaks, glistening glacial lakes, and breath-taking vistas around every corner, Banff National Park doesn't disappoint. Banff is also a part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and recently released bison into the wilds of the park, adding to the variety of wildlife flourishing there. To help you start planning a memorable Banff National Park vacation, we’ve put together a shortlist of how to begin.
Banff National Park is open all year, but hours of operation, seasonal closures, and restrictions happen throughout the year. Always check the park’s hours of operation for visitor centers and information kiosks while planning your trip. Many elements may impact closures or restrictions, such as construction and improvements, avalanche risk, wildlife/habitat protection, or even seasonal closures due to grizzly bear movement. Know about these possibilities before you go.
Each season brings its own beauty, so when you choose to go depends on your preference and what types of activities you enjoy. July is the warmest month, while January is the coldest with snow falling well into the spring. Mountain passes and hiking trails aren't typically clear until the end of June. No matter the season, always be prepared for unpredictable weather patterns. Just because you start at a trailhead with warmth and sun, doesn’t mean it will be the same where you end up. Always carry a hydration pack with rain gear and a sweatshirt — even in the summer.
Once you narrow down when you want to visit, the next order of business is planning how you'll get there. The most convenient way is to fly into the Calgary International Airport. From there, Banff National Park is a scenic 90-minute drive west of Calgary. If arriving from the west, it’s a spectacular day’s drive (530 miles) from Vancouver.
Always plan ahead for lodging accommodations — no matter the season. If camping is your preference, Parks Canada operates 13 campgrounds in the park. Everything from luxury hotels or condos, family-friendly chalets, bed and breakfasts, and hostels are offered around Banff and Lake Louise. Check out the wide variety of places to stay to suit your preference.
From the airport, you can rent a car to explore on your own, or arrange for alternate transport. On-It Regional Transit offers bus service and charters around the Banff area — see their website for fees and schedules. For summer travel, check out the Lake Louise-Banff Regional Route 8X Express.
If you choose to rent a car, check Banff Now frequently for real-time parking updates, construction delays, and alternate transport around Banff National Park. For road conditions — especially in winter and spring — check Alberta 511 for real-time road conditions.
Parking at Banff National Park’s most popular spots is typically limited during peak day times — another reason to check Banff Now for real-time parking conditions. To help visitors with or without cars, shuttles are available from the town of Banff to Johnston Canyon, Lake Minnewanka, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake. Note that all Parks Canada shuttle fares must be paid by credit or debit – cash isn’t accepted on-site.
A pass is required for entrance to Banff National Park. Children 17 and under are free and seniors over 65 can enjoy a discounted rate. A pass is good for up to seven people per group/vehicle.
Options include:
Exploring Banff National Park can be experienced in a multitude of ways, including hiking (July through mid-September), biking, bird-watching, walking national historic sites, skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, and enjoying the scenery from Banff’s gondola. Play a round of golf, explore a museum, enjoy an afternoon whitewater rafting, or take a soak in the Upper Banff, Radium or Miette hot springs. You can even take in a yoga retreat or guided tour. Discover some of the area’s top attractions and other things to do in Banff to find out more.
You can shop until you drop in Banff, which offers a wide array of retail stores and galleries. There are also featured events happening year-around in Banff and Lake Louise. From tea house hikes and film or book festivals to outdoor concerts, there’s something for everyone. Banff also has a vibrant culinary scene, including everything from quick eats and fine dining to bakeries and cafes.
Don’t forget to download maps, guides, and events calendars so you have them ready for your trip.
Now that you have an idea of the basics, it’s time to get started planning a Banff National Park vacation you will treasure for a lifetime. Because sometimes the unexpected happens, don’t forget to protect your vacation by purchasing travel insurance.
Perhaps you’ve heard about ecotourism and wondered what it’s all about. The growing tourism industry is a challenge for the environment, local populations, and their resources. Protecting precious ecosystems, boosting local economies, and enriching cultural awareness are just the beginning of how ecotourism makes a difference in where (and how) we travel. From enjoying a “green” hotel to exploring eco-friendly tourist attractions, you can have the time of your life while still making a positive impact in the world.
According to the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education."
With the goal of supporting sustainable travel and long-term conservation solutions, basic ecotourism principles include:
Ecotourism is an ethical way of traveling and has numerous benefits. By pursuing eco-friendly travel, you help to:
Ecotourism focuses on experiences that have a low impact on the natural resources around them. Revenue generated by legitimate operators will go towards preserving resources and protecting the environment.
Ecotourism should foster respect for the communities and people you visit. As you become more immersed in local culture, you’ll come away with an authentic appreciation to share with others.
Ecotours provide educational experiences that are hands-on, giving tourists opportunities to witness different perspectives, learn new skills, and embrace a newfound appreciation for the culture.
Truly eco-friendly locations and tours are locally managed, infusing funds and jobs back into the community.
Interested in giving back directly to a certain destination? Consider volunteering with some of your time off. VolunteerInternational.org is a good place to start. They list only member organizations that meet strict criteria and adhere to the highest standards. These must include a clear breakdown of fees and expenses, safe and clean volunteer housing, and local field trips beyond the volunteer’s main work responsibilities.
Jobs in the ecotourism field are growing, and incorporate many different areas of work in a broad range of roles. From architects and environmental engineers to wildlife managers and eco-tour guides, green careers are raising awareness around the world.
Volunteering, attending ecotourism conferences, and connecting with others in the field are good first steps to finding out if you are a good fit to jumpstart an ecotourism career. Do your research. Find out the academic requirements and links to organizations offering experience and internships. EcoClub.com offers ecotourism and green jobs around the world, along with a huge amount of information about the field.
Eco-friendly travel experiences can be found all over the world. Some of the top ecotourism destinations include:
Travelers associate Costa Rica with ecotourism because the country has taken intentional steps to preserve its natural beauty. Their popular sea turtle conservation programs draw volunteers from around the world. Almost a quarter rainforest, breathtaking volcanoes and stunning coastlines alive with biodiversity make Costa Rica a popular eco-destination.
In Finland and Norway (especially the Norwegian Fjords), tourism is eco-friendly by design. The culture itself lends to living sustainably and in harmony with nature. Their philosophy is that conservation is everyone’s responsibility. With waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and a deeply rich culture to experience, it’s no wonder they're a pilot destination of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
The majestic elephant is Thailand’s national animal. In the spirit of rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting them, this park offers interactive programs where you can help feed and bathe them. With lots of learning opportunities, you can choose to visit for the day or volunteer for several.
New Zealand’s smallest national park is a coastal paradise. Filled with native wildlife, sandy ocean beaches and lush forest, it’s an adventurer’s dream.
As one of the most famous ecotourism destinations in the world, the Galapagos Islands showcase the world’s most unusual wildlife. Nearly 97% of the island landscape is protected national park, and all tourism providers are required to follow sustainable practices. For some of the best things to do and see, check out U.S. News & World Report’s Galapagos Islands travel guide.
These are just a drop in the ecotourism bucket — and don’t forget that the United States is one of the top ecotourism destinations in the world. From environmentally focused trips and sustainable farming experiences to educational tours and cultural preservation, check out Visit.org. Companies like Greenglobaltravel.com, Responsibletravel.com, and Greenloons.com all specialize in offering sustainable travel adventures.
It doesn’t matter if you’re taking off for an afternoon or vacationing for two glorious weeks; you can make a difference through eco-friendly travel. So jump in, explore all your sustainable options and go green for your next vacation — you’ll be glad you did.
Want to protect your upcoming trip? Get a travel insurance quote now.