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R&R Insurance Blog

Top Ten Tips for International Travel with Students

Posted by Paul Lessila

School-Travel-OverseasTraveling overseas with students can be the experience of a lifetime, however, it can also lead to headaches when unexpected events occur. Kate Goggin, author and former Community Liaison Office Coordinator, recently wrote about the most important tips to keep in mind when planning an international trip for students. To learn more about the the 10 items below, click here to read the full article.

 

1. Review Health Insurance Policies, and Buy Travel and Medevac Insurance

2. Visit the Doctor at Least Six Weeks Before Departure

3. Research the Destination Country

4. Keep Copies of Passport in Separate Location – Sign it and Fill in the Emergency Information

5. Register Online with the U.S. Embassy in the Country You Will Visit

6. Assemble U.S. and Overseas Phone Numbers Before Travel

7. Ensure at Least Two Alternate Forms of Communication and Financial Access

8. Learn Basic Language Phrases and Think Globally but Act Locally for Safety Contacts

9. Mental Health Matters – Know the Phases of Culture Shock

10. Sign a Student Conduct Contract and Get Oriented

 

For more information about how to better prepare for a school trip, or for additional considerations, contact a Knowledge Broker at R&R Insurance.

Topics: Schools, travel, school, school trip

Driving South for Spring Break? Tips for Prepping Your Car

Posted by Lauren Oleniczak

Road TripWhen going on a long road trip, your car will suffer some inevitable wear and tear. Before leaving, it's important to prep your car by doing the following:

  • Check your tires for air pressure, tread, and general wear down. Tires are the most common cause of vehicle failure. While you can’t do anything about getting a flat tire, you can make sure your tires are safe to drive on. Have your mechanic check to see if your tires need to be balanced or rotated as well.
  • Check your brakes. Take note of when the manufacturer recommends getting the brake pads changed. Also have your mechanic check out your brake fluid. If it needs to be changed, be sure to get the brake line flushed, cleaned and filled with new fluid.
  • Get your suspension checked out. Shocks and struts can be expensive, but if you need new ones you will definitely feel the difference in your trip!
  • The second most popular cause of vehicular failure is the cooling system. Having this inspected and cleaned will not only identify any leaky or weakened hoses, it is also a very inexpensive type of maintenance.
  • You should definitely be having a mechanic look under the hood of your car before you go on a long road trip. Items to inspect include:
    • Your transmission. This is a serious and expensive part of your car, and can be very time consuming to get fixed. You don’t want to spend your vacation in the waiting room of a mechanic!
    • Check all belts for wear and tear. Failed belts are at best an inconvenience and could stop your entire road trip.
    • The exhaust system should also be checked out. If there are any leaks or holes in the system, it could be putting you and your passengers at risk.
  • Finally, you should do any routine maintenance that you may have been putting off. Oil changes, filling the windshield washer fluid, and replacing the windshield wipers are all important aspects of your car that you may need during your trip.

Hopefully this list will help you prepare for your Spring Break extravaganza. Have a safe trip!

Topics: Safety, Personal Insurance, car safety, travel, car, car maintenance, road trip