BY Sarmind SafiDec 28, 2023

At heart, I'm a backpacker. Despite having traveled extensively for more than ten years, I still enjoy taking inexpensive trips and value the experiences more than opulent lodging and transportation. I still enjoy meeting people from the community, eating as much local food as I can, and staying in hostels. Despite what the general public believes, backpacking is about finding value, not about saving every penny. You must budget your money carefully if you want to travel in style and authenticity without going over budget. Getting travel insurance is also one of the best decisions you can make if you plan to go on an international backpacking trip. I understand that purchasing travel insurance may seem like just one more thing to eat into your budget. It was a thought I had as well. However, in the unlikely event that something goes wrong during your trip, it could also save you thousands of dollars. That, if you have a backpacker travel insurance. Furthermore, I can tell you with confidence that something will go wrong because I have spent more than twelve years traveling the world. Here is all the information you need to know about purchasing backpacker travel insurance to help you stay safe on your next trip. Why Do You Need A Backpacker Travel Insurance? You should purchase travel insurance because mishaps do occur. Things go wrong whether you're in the country or overseas. You probably have access to trustworthy medical facilities and medical care when you're at home. That isn't always the case when you are on the road. Serious injuries do occur, despite their rarity. And it's always preferable to err on the side of safety. However, insurance isn't limited to urgent medical care. It also discusses a number of incidents that are far more frequent than you might imagine! I've had my bags stolen, had to visit a hospital abroad, and even had a stabbing while visiting South America. Even though thinking about these things all the time is unpleasant, you really should be ready for anything. Although it is ideal that you will never need to use your insurance plan, you should make sure you have the necessary coverage in case you do. What Does A Backpacker Travel Insurance Cover? Here's a brief summary of the following items your backpacker insurance should cover: Coverage for the majority of global nations Emergency medical situations (hospitalization costs for surgery, medical evacuation to the closest hospital) Flight cancellations and delays Trip cancellations (caused by a family member getting hurt or dying) Emergency evacuation (caused by harm or a natural disaster) Dental emergencies Misplaced or pilfered luggage Death overseas I understand that you like to travel light as a backpacker. After all, insurance isn't free, which makes it appear like a burdensome and pointless expense. However, paying a few dollars a day is far less risky than losing your entire life savings in the event of an emergency while you are uninsured. What Does A Backpacker Travel Insurance Not Cover? Travel insurance typically covers most medical expenses and accidents related to travel, but it's crucial to understand what it does and does not cover. After all, knowledge is power. The majority of policies for backpackers do not cover: Incidents that occur when engaging in extreme adventure sports, such as bungee jumping, hang gliding, or paragliding Drug and alcohol-related incidents Negligence or carelessness (like if you leave your bag unattended and it gets stolen) General examinations or pre-existing conditions Cash that has been stolen If your government hasn't issued an evacuation order due to civil unrest but your destination becomes unsafe (unless you have more advanced coverage from a company like Medjet) You will not be eligible for trip cancellation coverage if you change your mind about the trip or break up with your travel companion or unfriend them. You won't receive reimbursement if you choose to postpone your travel if your visa to a destination is denied. As a backpacker, there are only two companies that are worth using. Safety Wing and Insure My Trip. Safety Wing This is the first and my personal favorite backpacker travel insurance. Safety Wing was founded by Norwegian digital nomads who live in California. They serve low-cost travelers and remote workers by providing basic plans at incredibly low costs. Their $250 USD debit keeps the monthly fee low, and you can renew your plan while traveling abroad, making them the best option for frequent travelers. Although their coverage isn't as extensive as that of other companies, it still covers the essentials, which makes them a good option for budget-conscious travelers. Here is a brief overview of Safety Wing: Incredibly cheap plans (with a deductible) Able to buy and renew plans while traveling Online claim submission is available. $250,000 USD for urgent medical attention Amiable and accommodating customer support You retain your medical coverage in your home country for 30 days after returning from a 90-day trip (15 days if you live in the US). Ideal for thrifty travelers and digital nomads Insure My Trip Insure My Trip is the second option. With the aid of a policy aggregator called Insure My Trip, you can evaluate insurance providers and plans to find the one that best suits your needs and price range. Plans from more than 20 different insurance companies are available for comparison, and there are many reasonable options for travelers. Retirees and other senior adventurers turn to Insure My Trip because they offer comparisons from insurance companies that cover older travelers (many travel insurance companies do not cover travelers over the age of 65). The main advantage of using Insure My Trip is their promise that you won't find a better deal on the same policy anywhere else! Here is a brief overview of Insure My Trip: Low prices assured Protection for elderly passengers over 65 "Anytime Advocates": If you believe your claim was wrongfully rejected, ask the insurer to review it again. Evaluates 23 different providers to guarantee you receive the greatest deal Reviews of every policy to see what other passengers have to say Wrapping Up I always have travel insurance when I leave the house. I know firsthand how beneficial it can be. Over the years, it has prevented me from having to spend thousands of dollars on headaches. The whole point of backpacking is to experience incredible, life-changing adventures without going over budget. Additionally, purchasing backpacker travel insurance is the best way to protect yourself from high (and unnecessary) expenses (keep in mind that Safety Wing is my top choice!). Read Also: A Backpacker’s Guide: Must-Have Camping Essentials Secrets Of Forest Camping: Tips For An Unforgettable Getaway Sorting Out Christmas Vacation: 11 Best Places To Visit On Christmas This Year!

BY Ankita TripathyApr 18, 2024

Are you feeling wanderlust when looking at TikTok or Instagram videos? Feeling like going somewhere for a vacation? Or maybe an adventure trip in the mountains? Then, you just plan a vacation and execute the plan. But before you go on your journey, you might want to consider taking travel medical insurance.  Don't know what travel medical insurance is? It is a specific medical insurance for travelers designed for travel emergencies. This insurance covers your medical expenses while you are traveling. You know life happens to anywhere and to any one. So staying prepared is all you can do to avoid sudden expenses that you might incur while traveling. Traveling has become a part of life for many, and we travel for work as well. You can face lots of challenges as a traveler in foreign lands or domestically. But to overcome your medical emergencies, you can rely on travel medical insurance that meets the evolving needs of travelers. So, for you, we have noted the top eight travel medical insurance trends in 2024 for travelers. Comprehensive Coverage for Pandemics and Beyond Do you remember the pandemic? With fresh memories of the COVID-19 pandemic in your mind, you are bound to look for travel medical insurance. You saw and lived through the pandemic and saw how medical bills can empty your savings. This is why you need good travel medical insurance for emergencies you can foresee while traveling. When looking for medical insurance for travelers, you must seek a wide range of coverage for emergencies. Your insurance must cover all treatments, accidents, tests, quarantine costs, and emergencies like Covid-19. You might fall ill or need to be evacuated for medical emergencies while traveling. See to it that you get all the complete medical coverage while traveling. Telemedicine Services: Accessing Healthcare Anywhere You live in a technology advanced world where virtual or telemedicine services can easily be accessed when traveling. You can connect with a doctor or any healthcare profession to seek guidance during emergencies. And you can get this service from any place in the world with the internet. Need advice for a minor illness? Just pick up your phone and ask your doctor. Need a prescription to get medicine? you are just a call away for getting it virtually. In case of emergencies, you might get the greatest use of a telemedicine service as a healthcare professional can guide you in the right path towards seeking immediate treatment. Flexibility in Policies: Adapting to Changing Circumstances You need flexibility in your travel medical insurance when traveling. Your trip might get canceled due to an emergency. Or you might find better travel insurance? In this case, you will naturally want to cancel your travel medical insurance. So, your insurance should have a flexible cancellation policy along with a refund option. You do not want to incur a penalty just because you want to cancel your travel insurance. Our circumstances can change at any time, be it due to a medical emergency in your family or a work engagement. In this ever-shifting world, you need flexible medical insurance for your travel. Digital Claims Processing: Streamlining the Experience Are you worried about the paperwork needed to get your claims? Do you detest the extremely time-consuming process of getting your insurance money? Then go for a cashless travel medical insurance that is efficient in giving claims without over digital platforms. Ask the insurance agent if there is any medical insurance for travelers that offers online claims. In the age of advanced technology and digital age, insurance companies are bound to provide you with paperless claims for medical emergencies when travelling. With just a few clicks and information, you will get all the assistance you need during medical emergencies. This makes getting travel insurance easier when traveling, even if you forget it beforehand. You can still get travel medical insurance on your phone with a simple search. Customizable Plans: Tailoring Coverage to Individual Needs Just like no two people are alike, similarly, every insurance is different. You might have different needs for your insurance, while someone might have some other needs. So you should have a travel insurance that is customizable. You should have the option to customize your insurance based on your travel itinerary.  You might be a nomad traveler or an adventure seeker who is always seeking thrills when traveling. So go for insurance that covers all kinds of emergency situations that you can foresee in your travel plan. From extended number of days when traveling to covering high-risk activities, seek for flexible insurance. Mental Health Coverage: Addressing the Importance of Well-being You know traveling can be exciting and freeing but constant traveling can play with your mental health. Different cultures and places where you have to adjust with the environment, weather and people can take a toll on your mind. Therefore, you need a travel medical insurance that can help you with your mental well-being. So, you should opt for a medical insurance that covers mental health treatments and consultancies. You might need a counseling session while traveling so a virtual counseling session should also be covered in your insurance. Remote Monitoring Technology: Empowering Travelers with Data Advancements in wearable technology and remote monitoring devices are empowering travelers to take control of their health while on the move. In 2024, some insurance providers are integrating remote monitoring technology into their offerings, allowing travelers to track their health vitals, receive alerts for potential health issues, and access assistance when needed. Whether it's monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, or sleep patterns, travelers appreciate the ability to stay informed about their health status in real time, enabling them to make informed decisions about their well-being during their travels. Local Healthcare Access: Ensuring Quality Care Worldwide A crucial point you should remember when choosing travel medical insurance is to see the quality of treatment the insurance would provide. Keep note of the healthcare services being offered in the insurance. Be it major medical emergencies or minor illnesses, see to it that your insurance covers all. Reliable medical assistance is crucial for you when in emergency situations, so do not take the quality of the insurance lightly. Do you know that several insurance companies are partnering with large medical facilities to provide services? You can opt for these travel insurance that have tie-ups with major healthcare services which are reputable. Reliable healthcare can help us avoid major disasters when we are in emergency situations. If you are moving abroad for longer time period, consider an international health insurance policy instead of a travel insurance plan because: Your travel insurance plan will only cover emergencies incurred while traveling Your travel insurance plans usually cover your travel for a year Don't think your already existing health conditions will be covered under these policies. You will need regular healthcare insurance to cover your emergency bills when you are not traveling. Conclusion Now you know why following the 2024 travel medical insurance trends can actually be benefitting for you. One of the major reasons why you should opt for travel medical insurance is for your peace of mind.  While traveling, you want to enjoy the experience and not worry about anything else. This is only possible when you have taken care of your future emergencies. So, next time you travel, take a travel medical insurance to make your travel peaceful. It's also convenient to travel with a travel medical insurance. Learn More About: 6 Reasons Why You Need Travel Insurance This Is What I Feel About Backpacker Travel Insurance! 8 Factors That Can Impact Travel Medical Insurance Premium Plans

BY Barsha BhattacharyaDec 16, 2022

The moment anyone hears Las Vegas, casinos, nightclubs, and sometimes weddings appear inside their heads. But haven’t we all been here, done that? But what most people aren’t aware of are the camping spots that Las vegas have in abundance. If you are sitting in Vegas right now, appeasing your camping cravings, then fear no more - stop the ‘free camping near me’ search! Because we are here to talk about all the free camping spots that Vegas has to offer - trust us, you won’t be disappointed. Keep reading to find out now!  7 Best Places For Free Camping Near Me In Las Vegas: As a camping enthusiast, it is only normal to google ‘free camping near me’ or something more elaborate like ‘free camping sites near me.’ But you are in Vegas, and search engines have too many search results for you. It does seem confusing, doesn’t it? In that case, why take the stress when you can save this article and come back when you actually need to make a decision? So without wasting any time, scroll down and read all about finding the best free camping spots near you in Vegas!  1. Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping: Image Source If you have been doing elaborate research on ‘camping spots near me,’ then you must have come across Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping in the Spring Mountain National Recreational Area. Popularly called Mount Charleston, you will find this spot located in western Las Vegas.  The place is secluded and quiet - plus, the location also offers both scenic beauty and wildlife during the daytime. 2. Mack’s Canyon Dispersed: Image Source Another location in the Spring Mountains Recreation Area, Mack’s Canyon Dispersed, is perfect for families looking for scenic beauty and hiking trails. Since some of the scenic spots are located on different sides of the mountain, visitors can have a great time enjoying both the sunset and sunrise.  A crazy free camp, the area is perfect if you have been planning on disconnecting from technology and just experiencing the nature around you.  3. Jean/Roach Dry Lake: Image Source The Las Vegas ‘free camping near me’ google search might not tell you about the Jean Dry Lake, but we sure will - it's an ideal sport for everyone looking for something unique, something adventurous to do in Vegas, keeping aside other touristy stuff like casinos. This is basically the bed of a dried lake.  This dry lake is pretty well known as a popular spot for various high-end lifestyle shoots, but it can transform into a crazy runway for any off-roading vehicle lover.  4. Desert Wildlife Refuge: Image Source We absolutely love Desert Wildlife Refuge! It includes seven distinctive habitat zones and 6 mountain ranges that come with a few excellent camping spots. Both car camping and backcountry camping are allowed but make sure you are setting up 100 yards away at the very least, from both water development and the springs.  Forget about the many ‘free camps near me’ lists because once you enter the biggest wildlife refuge except Alaska, in the United States! You will find excellent hiking and bird-watching opportunities since the area is also home to more than 300 species of birds. 5. Sloan Canyon-Dispersed Camping: Image Source Sloan Canyon-Dispersed Camping is one area where camping is easily permitted though the same might be restricted close to the whole Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Site. This is the area where you can actually view more than 1700 different Native American works of art dating from ancient times.  If your purpose of doing the whole ‘free campsites near me’ search in Vegas is about finding a quiet place to chill, then Sloan Canyon is ideal for you - plus, it blends both solitude and cultural heritage.  6. Dispersed Camping North Of Logandale: Image Source On the northern part of Logandale, you will find dispersed camping spots. These are available right near the primary loop and at different primitive camping spots, too - and that too with different picnic tables. Moreover, the trails comprise hiking trails and even trails for off-roading vehicle enthusiasts.  In case you feel like hiking, then you can’t miss out on visiting the Native American petroglyphs. 7. Muddy Mountains Wilderness: Image Source There’s no other place in Las Vegas like Muddy Mountains Wilderness, but it is yet another spot that the ‘free camping near me’ search often misses out on! Both camping and backpacking are permitted here as long as you decide to stay away from both water sources and trailheads. Moreover, the landscape has so much to offer! From spectacular views of the beautiful Lake Mead to the vibrant views of the even more beautiful Mojave Desert, this landscape truly have several geological formations to startle you!  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):  Check out the most frequently asked questions related to the ‘free camping near me’ searches mentioned below. 1. Where Can I Camp For Free In Nevada? Ans: You can camp for free in Nevada in several places, such as,➊ Mack's Canyon,➋ Sacramento Pass,➌ Jarbidge Wilderness, ➍ Government Wash, and➎ Wilson Canyon. 2. Can You Camp Anywhere In Vegas? Ans: You can’t just camp anywhere in Nevada. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of camping spots in Vegas. There are several spots for you to pitch a tent, but at the same time, if you are looking for free places to camp, then you can do that too! 3. Where Can I Set Up A Tent In Las Vegas? Ans: You can set up tents in several places in Las Vegas, such as,➊ Red Rock Canyon Campground,➋ Arch Rock Campground,➌ Atlatl Rock Campground, and➍ Las Vegas Bay Campground. 4. Where Can I Sleep In A Van In Las Vegas? Ans: You can sleep inside a van in more than one spot in Las Vegas, such as,➊ Willow Beach,➋ Atlatl Rock,➌ Cathedral Gorge,➍ Red Rock Canyon, and➎ Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort. And It’s A Wrap! And that’s a wrap! What do you think? Do you need to search ‘free campgrounds near me’ or even ‘free camping near me?’ We don’t think so! We have managed to find the top free camping spots in Las Vegas for you! Now, all you have to do is actually make up your mind and visit the ones that are most suitable for you. In the meantime, tell us what you think about camping - don’t forget to share your past camping experiences in the comments below. 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