Suffering an injury is the surest way to put the kibosh on your dreams of candlelit dinners and sunset walks, as your holiday backdrop suddenly becomes a hospital bed. It could get a whole lot worse though, if you also end up having to fork out for the medical care. Make sure you know which activities are covered by your insurance policy before you get on that bike or in that kayak, no matter how starry-eyed the experience may be.
3. Take photos of your gifts
Whether you're giving or receiving, you may save yourself from heartache if you take some quick pictures of your Valentine's Day presents, should these end up lost or stolen. When making a claim, you'll have a clear reference point for the items in question. Besides, what better excuse to take to social media and show off how loved you are?
4. When the earth moves, but not for the right reasons
It's unlikely, but you wouldn't be the first person to encounter a natural disaster while on holiday. The communication methods many of us have come to take for granted may be down in the immediate aftermath of such an event, so ensure you let you loved ones know you're safe as soon as service resumes. Pre-prepare by checking what your airline's policy is in regard to natural disasters, as this will save you some stress should the situation arise.
5. Insure your magic moment
If a proposal's on the cards during your trip, make sure you take out insurance for that special ring. What may have just become the most precious thing you own, could become the most precious thing a fellow tourist owns if you misplace it.
6. Lost luggage? No problem
Agreed, this isn't anyone's favourite thing to face while on holiday, but there are some sure-fire ways you can bypass the resulting drama. First of all, try not checking in a bag. Between you and your partner, make sure you have your passport and insurance information in your carry-on - along with an extra outfit and a toothbrush. If you do check in a bag, do an inventory check before you set off, so you have a clear list of what to report as missing when/if you need to make a claim.
7. Keep your surprise safe
Yes, secret escapes are sexy, but make sure you remember to take out a couple's travel insurance policy in advance. If you travel more than once a year, an annual, multi-trip policy is likely to cover you for a number of trips at a more reasonable rate. Trips with the guys or girls count too - as you don't need to travel together to be insured.
8. Don't miss your flight
Sleeping in on Valentine's Day is all part of the fun - right up until the moment you miss your plane. Try setting an alarm on each of your phones - and even your watch and computer if you need to. Worst case, you're best to turn on the charm at the airline check-in counter, in lieu of leaning on your insurance cover.
9. Escape mugging mayhem
Being pounced on by a mugger isn't the best way to maintain your loved-up spirit, but you and your partner can quickly overcome this ordeal by having a few smarts about you. Make copies of your passport and credit/debit cards and scan and email them to yourself before travelling so you have the details of your documents even if they've been stolen. Another tip is to carry a decoy bank card to send a would-be mugger off-track.
- nzherald.co.nz
