Taking a Break From Spring Break

CSA Travel Protection Offers Suggestions for Spring Vacations Free of Partying College Kids

SAN DIEGO, 2010-03-04 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, shares suggested spring trips suited to the taste of people looking to spend quality time with friends and family:

The Fieldtrip The cultured traveler can enrich his or her brain by heading to a cultural or education hot spot, such as Washington, DC or New Mexico . The nation's capitol is an educational destination rife with monuments and museums. Santa Fe, one of the most important art centers in the United States ? as well as Taos and Albuquerque ? contains unique art galleries and historical references.

The Excursion Many snow resorts offer great skiing through May. From Mammoth Mountain on the west coast to Colorado's famous Rockies to the hills of Vermont , there are many choices for taking in the scenery while carving away or running the slalom. If a warmer adventure is more to your liking, dude ranches and surf camps can be found throughout the country.

The Home Away from Home There is no reason to stay in cramped hotel rooms and search for good food while on vacation. Beautiful, spacious homes and cabins that offer all the comforts (maybe even more) of home can be rented for a weekend or more. Vacation rentals are becoming popular and can be found in just about any place you can imagine. And you can go one step further by joining a vacation exchange network to help you find a comparable place to stay in some of the most desired spots on Earth.

The Volunteer Voyage Whether it's helping a small village install running water, teaching simple math to a child, helping researchers save endangered sea turtles from extinction or aiding nurses in a clinic, the volunteer vacation is a trend gaining popularity.

No matter what type of trip you take this spring, travel insurance can protect against the unexpected. Learn more about travel insurance by calling your favorite travel agent or vacation rental manager, or by contacting CSA at www.csatravelprotection.com and (800) 711-1197.


Barefoot Technologies Offers "Real Time" Travel Insurance Reporting With CSA Travel Protection

New Capability Saves Vacation Rental Managers Time and Money

SAN DIEGO, 2010-02-11 - Woburn, MA - February 11, 2010 - Barefoot Technologies, offering an accounting-based vacation rental management software solution, is teaming up with CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a leader in value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, to fully integrate "real-time" travel insurance reporting system to showcase Barefoot's new time-and money-saving business advantage.

The new "real-time" system automatically relays insurance policy information - name, address, phone number and premium information - to CSA when entered in to the Barefoot software program at the time of reservation.

"Vacation rental managers tell us repeatedly they'd like to find a way to streamline administration activities while increasing the level of service to their guests," says Lee Hughes, CSA's sales division vice president. "This automated solution helps us better meet the needs of these valued clients and their guests."

The Barefoot/CSA fully integrated solution is also a paperless process that saves managers valuable time and money associated with back-office tasks like running reports and policy fulfillment. There is no longer a need to run reports at the end of the month, or mail fulfillment packets. CSA automatically issues policy information to the insured, billing the property once a month.

"I am extremely pleased with this solution," says Ed Ulmer, director of business development, Barefoot. "Rental software is all about making things easier and more efficient for our clients, and that is exactly what we have accomplished with this new link to the very popular products offered by CSA."

About Barefoot Barefoot is a leading provider of browser-based reservation and asset management systems in the vacation rental industry. It has the distinction of being the first browser system in the industry, the first to provide online booking, tenant, owner access and to offer social media tools and is designed to be tailored to meet clients' exacting needs. Barefoot is also the only system with a full Customer Relations program wrapped into the program which in effect makes it the only full service system in the industry. Founded in 1998, by leading technology and industry players, the ".NET platform" has become a standard for those who are trend setters in the industry and those who desire to dominate their market with unique functionally. For more information, please contact Edward Ulmer at 603-428-6255, ed.ulmer@barefoot.com


Liverez To Offer Integrated Travel Insurance With CSA Travel Protection

Vacation Rental Bookings Solution Now Includes Insurance Option at Time of Reservation

SAN DIEGO, 2010-01-13 - Eagle, ID - January 13, 2010 - LiveRez, Inc., redefining professional vacation rental property management solution, today announced LiveRez will integrate CSA Travel Protection (CSA) travel insurance plans into its tailored website and marketing solutions for rental managers.

CSA travel plans are now available at time of reservation, allowing for real-time connectivity and an additional revenue stream for vacation rental managers.

"We couldn't be more pleased to work with such a trusted, up and coming name in the vacation rental market," said Lee Hughes, CSA's vice president, sales division. "Rental managers are looking for ease-of-use and additional revenue streams, and this combined solution delivers just that."

"CSA's track record and dedication to customer service make it an excellent partner for our valued customers," said Tracy Lotz, CEO and founder of LiveRez. "We're excited to offer rental managers a truly integrated, real-time solution for travel insurance. This is the first of what will be a set of added value services our partners will experience as part of the LiveRez network."

Vacation rental managers working with LiveRez can conduct business with a professionally designed and hosted website that includes all the marketing and sales benefits required for success, including local guides and coupons. And now, they can offer travel insurance when customers call or book online in LiveRez to reserve their spot, ensuring the trip - and helping grow the rental managers bottom-line.

Vacation rental managers can find out more about integrated book solutions at www.LiveRez.com, and more about vacation rental insurance at www.vacationrentalinsurance.com.

About CSA Travel Protection CSA Travel Protection (csatravelprotection.com) is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way, whenever and wherever they are needed.

About LiveRez LiveRez Inc. is redefining the solutions available to professional vacation rental property managers. Our partnership approach aligns our success with the success of our customers, and allows property managers to take advantage of new technology and best-practices with a minimal upfront investment and risk.


Hungry For Holiday Spirit In Your Travel Plans?

U.S. Towns with Holiday Names Can Put a Dash of Celebration in Your Trip

SAN DIEGO, 2009-11-05 - The holiday season is approaching faster than a transatlantic cruise ship, with Thanksgiving only four weeks away. Holiday travel planning and activity can be stressful, so CSA Travel Protection (CSA) offers a list of favorite towns with holiday-themed names to help travelers get in the spirit.

No matter what part of the country you call home, there's a town nearby with a name that sparks the holiday frame of mind:

  1. Holiday - A suburb of the Tampa-St.Petersburg-Clearwater, Fla. metropolitan area.
  2. Joy - Double the joy, double the fun. Joy, Ark. is a township in White County; and Joy, Ill. is a village with a population of less than 4001.
  3. Thanksgiving, Md. - A town just about five miles west of Easton.
  4. Turkey - Just like on the meat on Thanksgiving, there's an abundance of towns named Turkey. You'll find one in Ky., N.C., Ohio, Texas and W.Va.
  5. Pie, W.Va. - If you live in or near W.Va., you can enjoy as much Turkey and Pie as you can stand in one day.
  6. Pumpkin - You'll find Pumpkin, Ga. northeast of Atlanta, and Pumpkin, Texas is adjacent to the Sam Houston National Forest.
  7. Cranberry - It's anyone's guess if the residents prefer them dried, sauced or jelled, but you'll find towns named after these tart little berries in Md., N.C., Pa. and W.Va.
  8. Eggnog, Utah - It's most likely difficult to find a rum version of this popular drink here.
  9. Chestnut - Go a little nuts and take a drive to a town called Chestnut in Ala., Ill., Ky., La., Mont. or W.Va.
  10. Snowflake - No two towns named Snowflake, whether in Ariz., Va. or W.Va., are alike.

Planning is key to a successful trip, but unexpected weather and illness can disrupt even the most carefully organized excursion. Travelers can learn more about how travel insurance can protect their trip by contacting their favorite travel agent, or CSA at www.csatravelprotection.com and (800) 711-1197.


CSA Travel Awarded Two Nexion Agent Choice Awards

Recognized for both customer service and sales support

SAN DIEGO, 2009-10-26 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA) today announced it was awarded two Nexion Agent Choice awards, for both customer service and sales support, at Nexion's annual member conference held earlier this month. CSA was recognized in the Nexion Agent Choice Awards for Best Pre & Post Trip Customer Service (Insurance) and tied for Best Agent Sales Support (Insurance).

"Delivering top-notch service and support to travel agents is a top priority for CSA," said Les Maine, CEO of CSA. "We couldn't be more proud of our customer service and sales support teams, and we look forward to continuing to wow Nexion members in the future."

"It's clear our agents value the tools and resources our preferred suppliers provide to help them accelerate their success," said Jackie Friedman, CTC, CTIE, General Manager of Nexion. "CSA was so honored when we congratulated them on this recognition by our agents. We are proud of the tremendous partnership that exists between CSA, our agents and Nexion."

Recognizing that agent success, as well as the success of the travel industry, is built upon great partner relationships, Nexion recently conducted a member survey, asking members to vote for their favorite travel supplier in 12 categories. The awards were presented during CoNexion 2009 during a supplier reception and then announced to conference attendees on October 3 during the closing lunch.

About Nexion Nexion® is a fully licensed, bonded and accredited agency, which has been an industry pioneer and a host agency since 1995. Nexion, the travel industry's premier and most trusted host agency, is in business to help independent travel professionals accelerate their success. Nexion enables members to operate more efficiently and profitably by reducing costs and increasing revenues. Nexion provides ticketing, operations, fulfillment support and marketing services (through their sister company, CBMS and through the Vacation.com Engagement program), allowing members to focus on selling travel. And, unlike other host agencies, Nexion does not sell directly to consumers or compete with its members. Nexion is a Sabre Travel Network? brand.

Sabre Holdings connects people with the world's greatest travel possibilities by retailing travel products and providing distribution and technology solutions for the travel industry. More information is available at www.sabre-holdings.com.


September Home To More Major Hurricanes Than All Other Months Combined

U.S. Hurricane Trivia from CSA Travel Protection

SAN DIEGO, 2009-09-01 - With Hurricane Jimena heading toward Baja, and September being one of the more active months of "Hurricane Season" each year, CSA Travel Protection compiled and offers 10 facts of U.S. hurricane trivia*.

1. A tropical storm becomes a hurricane when winds reach 74 miles per hour.

2. The National Hurricane Center began naming tropical storms in 1953.

3. The naming of hurricanes alphabetically, alternating male and female names, began in 1979.

4. For the United States, September has had more major hurricanes than all other months combined.

5. However, five of the most devastating hurricanes did not occur in September: Katrina (August 2005), Andrew (August 1992), Camille (August 1969), Audrey (June 1957) and Hazel (October 1954).

6. The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active Atlantic hurricane season in recorded history, repeatedly shattering previous records.

7. Hurricane Katrina was the most costly hurricane in U.S. history, costing an estimated $75 billion.

8. The three deadliest hurricanes in US History are: Galveston, TX (1900) with 8,000 people reported killed; Lake Okeechobee, Fla. (1928) with 2,500 reported dead; and Katrina (2005) where 1,800 people perished in Louisiana and Texas.

9. Only three hurricanes, in the past 100 years, have hit landfall as a category 5: Florida Keys (1935); Camille (1969) in Mississippi, southeast Louisiana and Virginia; and Andrew (1989) in southeast Florida and southeast Louisiana.

10. The average life of a hurricane is nine days.

Storms are full of surprises, and while experts predict near-normal activity this hurricane season, there are potential mishaps that can happen even if a storm doesn't make an appearance on a trip. Anticipating the unexpected - such as medical emergencies, flight delays, identity theft or a natural disaster at home before leaving - and covering it with travel insurance will protect travelers from surprises. Travelers can find out more about CSA and travel insurance by contacting their travel agent.

*Sources: National Hurricane Center (NHC.NOAA.gov) and Infoplease.com.


Stay Safe And Prevent Mishaps On Your Vacation Overseas

CSA Travel Protection Offers International Travel Tips

SAN DIEGO, 2009-07-16 - CSA Travel Protection, a company dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, offers the following travel tips unique to a trek overseas:

1. Check the State Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web sites for potential travel alerts before departing.

2. Take a mobile phone, and "Internationalize" it. Buy an international SIM card for your phone so you can call home, fellow travelers or elsewhere without worrying about finding and using a pay phone.

3. Research your destination beforehand. The World Factbook from the CIA is a helpful site featuring overviews of the history, climate, political situation, demographics and industries of countries around the world.

4. Educate yourself on exchange rates for each currency you will experience so you are sure of exactly how much you are spending.

5. Leave copies of itineraries and passports with family at home, and scan and send these travel documents to your web-based email account such as Yahoo! or Gmail. You can then retrieve them at an Internet café or similar location. Should you lose your passport or luggage, having copies of these important documents can help you get out of a jam.

6. Contact your bank and credit card companies and brief them on your itinerary so they know to authorize payments.

7. If you have food allergies, write down how to say each food in the language spoken in each country you are visiting. It is amazing how people can communicate without speaking the same language, but if your throat swells after eating shellfish, you may want to learn the Italian word for shrimp.

Tips are a good start, but they don't protect from every instance. Travel insurance provides an added layer of protection against unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, natural disasters and theft. It also safeguards against trip cancellations such as job loss and health-related incidents of non-traveling family members. Additionally, most travel insurance plans include emergency assistance services to provide expert help with just about any situation while traveling.

Even the best-planned vacations can be turned upside down by unforeseen circumstances. Vacationers ready to take that next overseas trek can find out more about the benefits of travel insurance from their travel agent.


CSA Travel Protection Offers A Second Chance At Vacation Rental Insurance

Managers Can Now Also Offer Supplemental Insurance to Help Protect Customers' Investments

SAN DIEGO, 2009-07-08 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments, today announced that vacation rental managers can now offer customers a second chance at purchasing travel insurance.

If a customer turns down vacation rental insurance at the time of booking, managers can now communicate to customers that it's not too late to sign up for coverage. If they purchase coverage before leaving on their trip, they can still be covered for unforeseen circumstances such as Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Travel and Baggage Delay and Emergency Assistance.

"Everyone in the travel industry knows all too well that illness, severe weather, delayed flights and lost luggage can force customers to cancel or interrupt their vacation," said Lee Hughes, CSA's vice president, sales division. "Can your customers afford not to purchase travel insurance?"

In addition to offering a second chance to purchase insurance, managers can now also offer customers coverage for additional arrangements. This type of coverage protects provisions that aren't included in the traveler's original travel insurance policy. With CSA Travel Protection, customers can protect their entire vacation, from rental property to flights to a round of golf, while the manager can earn a commission.

The CSA Vacation Rental Insurance plans are for those travelers choosing the increasingly popular option of renting homes, condos, villas and cabins for their vacation. Benefits for these travelers also include coverage for baggage and personal effects - including sports equipment, as well as benefits for travel delay and emergency medical transport.

Travel agents and vacation rental property managers can learn more about offering travelers CSA's Vacation Rental Insurance by visiting www.vacationrentalinsurance.com or calling (888) 470-9123.


Stay Safe And Prevent Mishaps On Your Summer Vacation

CSA Travel Protection Offers Travel Safety Tips

SAN DIEGO, 2009-06-11 - CSA Travel Protection, a company dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, offers important travel safety reminders to ensure smooth sailing - or driving, flying, hiking or scuba diving, for that matter - when taking the "Great American" summer vacation.

According to a recent survey by the U.S. Travel Association, more than half (54 percent) of American households plan to take at least one leisure trip this summer. While many experienced travelers know the ins and outs of safe travel, CSA offers the following tips for everyone to help keep them safe and protected from mishaps on their next trip.

  1. Create a meeting schedule, and a Plan B. When traveling with a group, make sure everyone agrees on a meeting place at a designated time before and after outings. If, in the event, someone becomes separated, agree to always meet at a "base camp," like your hotel or campground office.
  2. Your camera is your friend. In many ways. Your camera isn't just a tool for creating memories of your trip. It is also the perfect device for helping you if lost and to document pre-rental conditions. Take a picture of your hotel or landmarks to help you later if astray, or snap shots of each side of your rental car before leaving the lot to prove any damage that may exist before taking possession.
  3. Back up everything, and make it accessible from anywhere. Copy, scan or take pictures of important documents - such as your driver's license, passport, credit cards, travel insurance policy and other travel documents - and email the images to your web-based email account. This way you can access them from anywhere in case of loss or theft.
  4. How's the weather out there? Besides having to worry about what kind of clothes to pack (hint: layers), review often the weather forecast for your destination. Do you really want to drive through heavy rain in a town of which you are unfamiliar? Also understand that area's propensity for hurricanes, wildfires, flooding or other natural disaster so you are prepared before leaving.
  5. Use your travel insurance provider's assistance hotline, and keep the number with you at all times. Nearly all travel insurance plans include 24-hour, worldwide emergency assistance services. If something happens, you're not alone. These experts can help with just about any situation, from finding a dentist in Venice in the middle of the night, to helping replace a lost passport, to assisting with travel arrangements if you miss your flight.
  6. Avoid carrying excessive amounts of money and multiple credit cards. Also keep a back-up credit card in case you are a victim of theft or lose your card.
  7. Put a vacation hold through the U.S. Postal Service. Your mail can be held at your local post office until you can pick it up or are home to receive it. Not only will you help thwart potential burglars, but you may also protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft.
  8. Don't let your guard down when you are in your hotel. Take advantage of in-room or front-desk safes by locking up passports, credit cards, and other important documents.
  9. Read your cruise ship's inspection report before booking. The Vessel Sanitation Program at the Centers for Disease Control and others regularly inspect ships for cleanliness, repair, food preparation and storage, water quality, hygiene, and pest management, for example. Read your ship's report ahead of time to make sure it has a healthy track record.
  10. It's Hurricane Season; be prepared. Check with the hotel or property manager before booking to determine what type of policy is offered during your stay in the event of a storm. Is there a "hurricane guarantee" or other policy that will guarantee a refund of the cost of your stay, as well as any potential property damage if you are forced to cancel or evacuate due to a hurricane? Also check the National Hurricane Center for the latest on approaching storms.
Travel insurance provides an added layer of protection against unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, natural disasters and theft. It also safeguards against trip cancellations such as job loss and health-related incidents of non-traveling family members. Even the best-planned vacations can be turned upside down by unforeseen circumstances. Vacationers ready to take that trip this summer can find out more about the benefits of travel insurance from their travel agent.


CSA Travel Protection Custom Plans, Now Available to all Agents, Offer Greater Savings and Flexibility

Plans Also Expand Domestic Partner Coverage

SAN DIEGO, 2009-06-08 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments, today announced its Custom travel insurance plans are now available to all agents. CSA Custom plans are often less expensive than competitive policies and tailored for each specific trip, increasing flexibility.

CSA Custom plans are especially beneficial to those traveling on a budget or making last-minute bookings, costing less than major competitors most of the time. Each plan is developed and quoted based on specific trip details and includes coverage for No Out of Pocket Medical (up to $1,000), Missed Connection and Rental Car Damage, for example.

"Partners and clients tell us over and over again choice and value are of the utmost importance to them and their customers," said Frank Shellabear, president, sales division of CSA. "Now not just select agents, but all travel professionals, can offer the plan best suited for their customers, at the best value."

For those agents servicing clients with more specific needs, such as business or adventure travelers or those who want more coverage with higher benefit limits, CSA Freestyle products remain available. Freestyle Luxe, for example, includes Cancel for Any Reason.

In addition, CSA Custom and Freestyle plans offer expanded domestic partner coverage that includes travel delay or interruption due to sickness or injury of a Domestic Partner's family members whether the insured is traveling with the domestic partner or not.

Travel professionals can learn more about which CSA travel insurance plan is right for their customers by visiting www.csatravelpro.com or calling (800) 873-9855.


CSA Travel Protection Debuts Enhanced Vacation Ownership Insurance

Essential Protection for Potentially Unused Fees and Travel Costs

SAN DIEGO, 2009-05-05 - Vacation property owners can now protect their investment like never before. CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, introduces vacation ownership insurance that offers strong protection from the unexpected, including job loss that can result in unused fees and travel costs.

The new CSA ProtectME vacation ownership insurance policies protect vacation property owners from unused maintenance and exchange fees, as well as costs associated with additional travel arrangements, rental car damage, roadside assistance and more.

"Vacation ownership insurance is now more important than ever. Travel delays and cancellations due to unforeseen economic and weather situations make planning trips today risky," said Frank Shellabear, president, sales division at CSA. " Our goal is to remove that risk by protecting vacation owners' maintenance and exchange fees, as well costs associated with additional arrangements."

Given today's economic conditions, coverage that includes involuntary termination of employment or layoff is essential. With CSA's ProtectME plans, owners working continuously by the same employer for at least two years are covered from job loss that is not under their control.

Many travel costs are protected under the plans' Additional Arrangements benefit, including pre-paid, non-refundable airfare to and from the property location or pre-paid, non-refundable activities, such as theater tickets, tee times or hot air balloon rides.

The ProtectME plans also include Rental Car Damage and Roadside Assistance coverage, as well as post-departure benefits like Identity Theft Resolution Services. If a policy is cancelled within 10 days of purchase, CSA will refund the policy price if the traveler hasn't left on their trip or filed a claim.

Property owners and resort managers can find out more about the additional benefits of CSA vacation ownership ProtectME plans by visiting www.protectmyvacations.com or calling (800) 834-8438.


CSA Travel Protection Updates Vacation Rental Insurance Plan With Enhanced Job Loss Coverage

SAN DIEGO, 2009-04-16 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments, today announced it has updated its vacation rental insurance plan with enhanced job loss coverage.

Effective April 1, 2009, Vacation Rental Insurance policies purchased through CSA will offer expanded coverage to include job loss after one year of continuous employment*. Agents and property managers can protect their customers by offering CSA Vacation Rental Insurance that covers them from the unexpected, including an involuntary termination of employment, layoff or job relocation.

"Today's headlines are rife with news about unemployment and layoffs, and many travelers are nervous when it comes to booking vacations in advance," said Lee Hughes, CSA's vice president, sales division. "We've always covered job loss, but now you can offer your customers peace of mind even if they have only one year of employment under their belt."

The CSA Vacation Rental Insurance plan is for those travelers choosing the increasingly popular option of renting homes, condos, villas and cabins for their vacation. Benefits for these travelers also include coverage for baggage and personal effects - including sports equipment, as well as benefits for travel delay and emergency medical transport.

Travel agents and vacation rental property managers can learn more about offering travelers CSA's Vacation Rental Insurance by visiting www.vacationrentalinsurance.com or calling (866) 999-4018.

About CSA Travel Protection CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.


Offering Travel Insurance From Legitimate Providers Protects Travelers And Agents

SAN DIEGO, 2009-04-01 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a company dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, reminds agents that offering the option to purchase travel insurance from a legitimate provider is the easiest way to protect travelers, as well as themselves.

Trip protection from an insured provider, such as CSA, protects a traveler's investment and provides peace of mind for unplanned circumstances. It also shields travel agents from personal liability, and angry clients, in the case of mishap.

"As we've seen with the Prime Travel debacle, agents can be held responsible for not offering travelers legitimate insurance options," said Les Maine, CEO of CSA. "Three agencies are being investigated by state authorities as a result, and agents must protect themselves by investigating and offering licensed, insured choices."

Legitimate travel insurance plans provide protection in the event a traveler has to cancel and loses some or all of the money they have invested in the trip. In the case of trip interruption or cancellation, a traveler can allege negligence on the part of the agent for not mentioning insurance when the trip was booked.

If a traveler is seriously injured on a trip, requiring an air ambulance costing $50,000 or even $100,000, and that traveler discovers they could have been spared this expense with a simple plan costing merely hundreds of dollars, the agent is left with an angry client, at the very least. In a worst-case scenario, the agent may be sued for professional negligence.

Offering travel insurance to clients is not only the right thing to do, but it is also a legitimate, steady stream of income. Some travelers will take trips without it, but many want to be sure their investment is protected.

Travel agents can find out more about offering legitimate travel insurance by visiting www.csatravelpro.com or calling 800-873-9855.


Ask Crucial Questions About Your Provider Before Buying Travel Insurance

Be Sure Your Travel Insurance Company Is Insured and Reputable Before Buying

SAN DIEGO, 2009-03-03 - CSA Travel Protection, a company dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, joins agencies in urging all travelers to do their research before selecting a travel insurance provider.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. State Department all encourage consumers to consider travel insurance when planning a vacation, according to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association (UStiA). Many State insurance commissioners, the government agents responsible for regulating insurance providers, also encourage consumers to consider travel insurance to protect against possible financial losses due to trip cancellation, delay, interruption and other unforeseen circumstances, such as medical emergencies.

Consumers can help themselves by asking the following questions before buying any travel insurance plan:

1. Is the provider backed by a legitimate underwriter? Legitimate travel insurance companies are backed by one or more regulated underwriters that are insured and financially healthy. Check the A.M. Best website to see current ratings for a provider. A.M. Best is a worldwide insurance rating and information agency, and any reputable travel insurance underwriter will be rated by this entity.

2. Is the company in good standing with the Better Business Bureau? Check the Better Business Bureau website to see if the provider is accredited and in good standing. Also look to see if all customer issues have been resolved.

3. Is the underwriter licensed to do business in the consumer's state? Insurance companies must be licensed by the state insurance commissioner and will be listed on each state's Department of Insurance website. Consumers can visit the NAIC site for a direct link to their state's site.

4. Are the company's policies offered via third-party comparison sites, like InsureMyTrip.com, Squaremouth.com and QuoteWright.com? Comparison sites work closely with reputable travel insurance companies and can help travelers find the best coverage and price for their particular trip.

5. Is the company a member of the UStiA? UStiA member companies subscribe to a strict code of ethics regarding their products and interactions with customers. Check the organization's website for a list of member organizations.

About CSA Travel Protection

CSA Travel Protection is a fully licensed travel insurance administrator dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services. CSA Travel Protection plans are underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company and United States Fire Insurance Company. Both are rated "Excellent" by A.M. Best. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has built its reputation on standing behind its customers and evolving its convenience, security and assistance products and services to meet traveler needs. Through superior customer service and industry-leading innovation and common-sense coverage, CSA is with its clients every step of the way, whenever and wherever they are needed.


CSA Travel Protection Celebrates Mardi Gras With Fun Facts

SAN DIEGO, 2009-02-12 - The celebration known as "Mardi Gras Carnival Season" kicks off Friday, ending when the last reveler heads home on Fat Tuesday, February 24. CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a company dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, provides the following list of fun facts about Mardi Gras.

1. Mardi Gras is the direct French translation of "Fat Tuesday." It refers to the last day before the season of Lent begins.

2. The first American Mardi Gras was celebrated near modern-day New Orleans on March 3, 1699.

3. The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold (representing justice, faith and power).

4. In New Orleans, private social groups called "Krewes" put on parades during the season's festivities.

5. Fat Tuesday is a legal holiday in Louisiana.

6. More than 60 parades and hundreds of private parties, dances and masked balls are scheduled annually in the New Orleans metropolitan area during Mardi Gras.

7. The Zulu Parade, put on by the oldest and most prestigious, predominantly African American Carnival club in New Orleans, will celebrate its 100th year in 2009.

8. The term "Throws" refers to plastic beads and cheap trinkets thrown by masked krewe members from floats as they pass by parade goers.

9. Mardi Gras, the day, is actually the last day of a long celebration of parades and merriment that begins 12 days prior to Fat Tuesday.

10. In 2005, more than one million revelers attended Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Travelers heading to New Orleans or other Mardi Gras and Carnival destinations are reminded to protect themselves from unforeseen circumstances that could potentially postpone or cut-short their trip. While travel insurance can't stop the unexpected from happening, it can protect and support travelers when mishaps occur, such as flight delays and missed connections.

CSA offers its customers convenient protection when traveling, with additional benefits like No Out-of-Pocket Medical Expense. If a traveler develops an acute illness while on their covered trip, a one- time medical expense will be paid for treatment under $1,000*.

Travelers can call their travel agent to purchase, or request more information on, this CSA Travel Protection exclusive.

About CSA Travel Protection

CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.

* When using CSA's designated provider network of 30,000 physicians and 850,000 service providers worldwide.


CSA Travel Protection and MSC Cruises USA Partner To Ensure Passengers Enjoy Smooth Sailing

MSC Cruises offers affordable, worldwide CSA Travel Protection to U.S. customers

SAN DIEGO, 2009-02-04 - SAN DIEGO, CA and FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. -- CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a company dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, and MSC Cruises USA, Inc. (MSC), the fastest growing cruise line with the youngest fleet, today announced the cruise line now offers passengers affordable travel insurance.

The customized CSA coverage for MSC passengers includes superior customer service and assistance, such as medical referrals and evacuation, at destinations worldwide.

"MSC ships sail to and from destinations all over the world, from the Caribbean and South America to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe," said Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC. "CSA protects travellers anywhere in the world, and thus can offer MSC's customers peace of mind on any cruise. Travel professionals and consumers benefit equally in savings and excellent customer service."

In keeping with MSC's "Kids Sail Free" program, CSA's MSC travel insurance and assistance plan provides coverage for children at no additional cost, and pre-existing conditions are accepted within 24 hours of final payment.

"CSA and MSC are dedicated to offering customers the highest level of customer service and satisfaction before, during and after their trip," said Les Maine, CEO of CSA. "Our coverage is optimal for cruise passengers and, through MSC, is delivered at a lower cost than most travel insurance available."

CSA insures millions of travelers against emergencies and other unforeseen events in the U.S. and abroad.

About MSC Cruises USA, Inc.
MSC Cruises currently has the most modern fleet in the world with nine ships: MSC Fantasia (the largest ship ever built for a European ship owner), MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia MSC Opera, MSC Lirica, MSC Melody, cruising in the Mediterranean year round and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North and South America, the Indian Ocean and South Africa. MSC Splendida and MSC Magnifica will be launched, respectively, in 2009 and 2010. MSC Cruises is the only company to receive the "6 Golden Pearls" award from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental protection.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.


CSA Travel Protection Earns Accredited Business Status

CSA Travel Protection earns accredited business status from the Better Business Bureau

SAN DIEGO, 2009-01-29 - The San Diego Better Business Bureau (BBB) today announces that CSA Travel Protection (CSA), based in San Diego, has earned the status of a BBB Accredited Business.

The BBB Accredited Business designation is achieved by demonstrating compliance with eight accreditation standards. Businesses may or may not meet standards depending on the extent of unresolved, consumer-reported complaints that have been assessed by the BBB. In the accreditation process, the BBB reviews the company for proper licensing, registration or bonding, complete company background information and a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints and adherence to BBB standards of advertising and selling. BBB Accreditation means a company is following the BBB Standards for Trust, which include build trust, advertise honestly, tell the truth, be transparent, honor promises, be responsive, safeguard privacy and embody integrity. More information about BBB Accreditation can be found at www.bbb.org.

CSA is located at 5251 Viewridge Court, San Diego 92123. For more information, phone 800-348-9505, or visit www.csatravelprotection.com. CSA's current BBB rating can be found at www.bbb.org.

About The San Diego Better Business Bureau
The non-profit San Diego BBB, with nearly 6,000 accredited businesses and charities, promotes business ethics through voluntary self regulation, consumer and business education, and provides local consumers with the largest free service of its kind with free consumer protection advice and free reliability reports on more than 101,000 local companies. Before buying decisions are made, consumers are encouraged to phone the BBB's free 24 hour Consumer Helpline at (858) 496 2131 or (800) 600 7050, or visit the website at www.bbb.org, to obtain free information and a list of BBB accredited businesses in a particular type of industry.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.


Don't Let Job Insecurity Halt Vacation Plans

Job loss coverage, lower fuel costs, stronger dollar and abundant travel deals make now a great time to travel

SAN DIEGO, 2008-12-15 - The economic and unemployment outlook may be bleak, but there's no reason to settle for a "staycation." CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a company dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, reminds vacationers that travel insurance can protect trip plans cancelled or delayed due to job loss.

CSA and other travel insurance companies offer policies that include a Job Loss* benefit that covers costs associated with delaying or cancelling a trip because a traveler's job is involuntarily suspended. With the November U.S. unemployment rate at 6.7 percent (Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor), thousands of Americans are faced with this uncertainty each month.

"Americans today are reading bad news after bad news, and they need a diversion," said Les Maine, CSA's president. "Travel deals and lower travel costs, combined with the security of travel insurance, make this a great time to get away or plan your summer trip."

While the economy and job market are shaky, there are many reasons to plan a trip. Fuel costs are at their lowest since spring of 2004 (AAA), the U.S. dollar is gaining strength against other currencies and carriers are offering travel deals both abroad and at home. In fact, the cruise industry is offering what many travel professionals are describing as the best bargains available in years.

Consumers can learn more about travel deals available today by contacting their travel agent or other travel professional. To find out more about travel insurance and the Job Loss benefit, travelers can call 800-348-9505 or visit www.csatravelprotection.com.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.


Thanksgiving Day Traditions Worth The Trip

It's Not Too Late to Take a Last-Minute Turkey Day Vacation

SAN DIEGO, 2008-11-24 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a company dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, reminds Americans it's not too late to plan a last-minute Thanksgiving Day weekend trip with the family or for a quick getaway.

For those who planned to forego the Turkey Day family or leisure vacation, but have an 11th hour itch to head out of town, CSA offers a list of cities worth visiting to take part in popular local Thanksgiving Day traditions:

  1. New York City - Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (http://www.macys.com/campaign/parade/parade.jsp) - America's most famous Thanksgiving Day parade was founded in 1924 and is televised live across the country.
  2. Chicago - Turkey Trot (http://www.caprievents.com/turkey/welcome.htm) - This eight-kilometer run/walk expects 5,000 runners this year and benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
  3. San Diego - Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds (http://www.sdfair.com/holidayoflights) - Beginning on Thanksgiving night and nightly through January 4, more than 40 displays are part of the largest animated drive-through light show on the west coast.
  4. Kansas City - Plaza Lights (http://www.countryclubplaza.com/plaza.aspx?pgID=915) - Thousands of people will fill the streets to see the Country Club Plaza buildings light up, all at once with colorful lights, at the flip of a switch at 6:30 PM.
  5. Dallas and Detroit - Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions (http://www.dallascowboys.com and http://www.detroitlions.com) - Each year, both teams host a new challenger at home for these two long-standing nationally televised professional football games.

It's not too late for Americans to experience one of these popular Thanksgiving Day traditions. By calling a travel agent, last-minute explorers can find unprecedented deals to these cities and others for the Thanksgiving weekend, as well as throughout the 2008 winter holidays.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.


CSA Travel Protection Security Deposit Protection Now Available In Additional States

Popular Vacation Rental Destinations Florida, Hawaii and New York Among New Plan Areas

SAN DIEGO, 2008-10-28 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a company dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, announces its new and insured Security Deposit Protection plan for vacation rental property managers and guests is now available in Florida, as well as Hawaii and New York.

Launched in 13 states in July and building on its popular Vacation Rental Insurance plan, CSA's Security Deposit Protection plan helps property managers simplify their business while offering guests up to $3,000 in accidental property damage coverage.

The Security Deposit Protection plan helps property managers reduce administration time due to refund checks and credit card charge-backs after checkout. In addition, guests have less incentive to avoid reporting accidental damage. The coverage for accidental damage is fully insured, underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company.

"Vacation rental managers often tell us security deposit protection is a valuable offer for their business and their guests," said, Lee Hughes, CSA's sales division vice president. "Available now in 29 states, we're working closely with the remaining states to offer this coverage available nationwide."

All of CSA's vacation rental policies are designed to protect both the traveler and vacation rental owner. The company's Vacation Rental Insurance Plan, which covers guests door to door - from the day after a guest buys a policy right up until they return home - is especially helpful now during this trying hurricane season. And CSA's Security Deposit Protection adds value to a vacation rental company's bottom line every time it protects a renter.

The Security Deposit Protection plan is now available in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming, with approval pending in additional states. Vacation rental managers can find out more about CSA's Vacation Rental Insurance Plan and its Security Deposit Protection plan by visiting www.vacationrentalinsurance.com, or by calling (866) 999-4018.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.


CSA Travel Protection and Virtual Resort Manager Debut First "Real Time" Travel Insurance Reporting

Helps Vacation Rental Managers Save Time and Money

SAN DIEGO, 2008-10-24 - CHANDLER, ARIZ. - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a leader in value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, will debut here next week at the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) Annual Conference a fully integrated "real-time" travel insurance reporting system. Partnering on the project with Virtual Resort Manager (VRM), an accounting-based vacation rental management software solution, CSA will showcase this new time- and money-saving business advantage.

The new "real-time" system automatically relays insurance policy information - name, address, phone number and premium information - to CSA when entered in to VRM's software at the time of reservation.

"Our clients tell us repeatedly they'd like to find a way to streamline administration and increase the level of service to their guests," says Lee Hughes, CSA's sales division vice president. "This automated solution helps us better meet the needs of our vacation rental partners and their guests."

The CSA/VRM fully integrated solution is also a paperless process that saves managers valuable time and money associated with back-office tasks like running reports and policy fulfillment. There is no longer a need to run reports at the end of the month, or mail fulfillment packets. CSA automatically issues policy information to the insured and bills the property once a month.

"CSA is a long-time partner and shares our desire to provide innovative services for our clients," said Pete Wenk, general manager of VRM. "Time and time again, our clients tells us they are looking for ways to make their life easier and save time on paperwork. Our combined Web-based offering gives them a way to do that today."

CSA's Lee Hughes will also present the latest in travel insurance technologies and services as part of the "Travel Insurance for The Vacation Rental Industry" panel on Monday, October 27.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.

Property managers can find out more about CSA's innovative services, as well as its Vacation Rental Insurance plans by visiting www.vacationrentalinsurance.com or calling (866) 999-4018.

About Virtual Resort Manager
Virtual Resort Manager (VRM) is based in Morehead City, N.C. Its mission is to develop, market, sell and service leading edge, web-based, real-time, vacation rental management tools. The company's software is inclusive of all aspects of reservations, front desk, housekeeping, maintenance, marketing analysis, financial analysis and record keeping as well as other back office management tools. VRM is also capable of providing real estate rental companies and other resort rental businesses with a combination of advanced website hosting, management software and hardware management.

To learn more about VRM's integrated software solutions, property managers can visit www.vrmgr.com or call (866) 849-0817.


CSA Travel Protection Introduces Enhanced Vacation Rental Insurance Plan

Vacationers and property protected more before, during and after risky travel time

SAN DIEGO, 2008-09-24 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), the leader in value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, introduces a new and enhanced Vacation Rental Insurance plan with expanded coverage, increased benefit limits and additional assistance services for protection before, during and after vacation.

CSA's new Vacation Rental Insurance plan is for those travelers choosing the increasingly popular option of renting homes, condos, villas and cabins for their vacation. Benefits for these travelers include coverage for baggage and personal effects - including sports equipment, medical and dental expenses and rental car damage, as well as higher benefit limits for travel delay and emergency medical transport. In addition, the plan offers new nurse helpline and roadside assistance services.

The plan protects travelers from door to door - from the day after the policy is purchased to the day the traveler returns home and beyond - from events such as a hurricane or other natural disaster, injury, or illness while traveling, identity theft for six months from date of trip departure or loss of baggage and personal effects.

"Booking a week-long stay at vacation rental homes is becoming more popular with travelers," said Mike Adelman, CSA Travel Protection vice president of sales. "As we continue through this year's above-average hurricane season, especially those traveling to the Atlantic and Gulf coasts must plan ahead to ensure they are covered from any unforeseen damage or loss and have somewhere to turn for help if needed."

The CSA Vacation Rental Insurance plan also includes coverage for the vacationer and their traveling companions for loss due to mandatory hurricane evacuation, trip delay and interruption, medical emergencies, baggage delay, theft or loss and roadside mishaps. Those who lose or damage sports equipment while traveling are covered, as well.

According to FlipKey.com, a community driven vacation rental home review site, more than 30 million U.S. consumers consider vacation rentals each year. Travelers considering the more personal and economical option of renting a vacation home on their next trip can find out more about CSA's Vacation Rental Insurance plan by visiting www.vacationrentalinsurance.com, calling (866) 999-4018, or contacting their vacation rental property manager.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.


ABCs Of Vacation Rentals During Hurricane Season

Travel tips and information for popular option in Atlantic and Gulf coasts

SAN DIEGO, 2008-08-18 - Tropical Storm Fay is a reminder for vacationers to plan ahead when traveling during hurricane season. To ensure that travelers get the most from their vacation rental, CSA Travel Protection (CSA) offers tips and information to ensure a safe and fun trip.

A recent poll of visitors to CSA's web site found that 82 percent of travelers planned to take a trip to the East Coast or Gulf of Mexico between June and October (hurricane season) of this year.

According to a May 2008 survey of property management companies by rental property website Zonder.com, vacation rentals are just as popular with travelers today as they have been in the past. The lagging economy and airline fare hikes mean more people are driving to their destination this year, and many stops are located in the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. CSA reminds travelers to be aware of, and plan for, the following BEFORE embarking on vacation:

  1. Check with the property manager before booking to determine what type of policy is offered during your stay in the event of a storm. Is there a "hurricane guarantee" or other policy that will guarantee a refund of the cost of your stay, as well as any potential property damage if you are forced to cancel or evacuate due to a hurricane?
  2. Stay up-to-date on weather in the region to which you are traveling to be aware of any events that could hamper your arrival or cause an interruption in your stay.
  3. Once arriving at the property, double-check the property's policies and procedures.
  4. If a storm approaches and an evacuation is ordered, secure a hurricane claim form before you evacuate.
  5. During the evacuation, listen to radio reports of any evacuation lift or other instructions.
  6. Save all your receipts to facilitate possible reimbursement when and if the unplanned occurs.
  7. Once evacuation is lifted, you may need to return to the rental property. Read your policy details carefully beforehand.

While the experts predicted above-average activity this hurricane season, there are additional potential mishaps that can happen even if a storm doesn't make an appearance during a rental stay. Anticipating the unexpected - such as medical emergencies, flight delays, identity theft or a natural disaster at home before leaving - and covering it with travel insurance will protect travelers from surprises.

Vacationers traveling to vacation rentals and any other domestic or International destination can find out more about planning for the unexpected by visiting www.vacationrentalinsurance.com or calling 866-999-4018.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.


Head East, Far East, Young Man For Thrifty Travel

CSA Travel Protection helps vacationers get the best bang for the buck when traveling abroad

SAN DIEGO, 2008-08-05 - CSA Travel Protection, a company dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, offers a list of International travel destinations with the best U.S. dollar exchange rates. A sagging economy, high gas prices and weakening dollar don't mean the end of traveling abroad.

While some vacationers choose to save money during these trying times by staying closer to home, there will always be those who still want to experience different cultures. According to the latest data from X-Rates.com, Asian countries offer American tourists the best value for their money.

Topping the list is South Korea, with nearly 1,016 Won to one U.S. dollar. That means the average American tourist can buy a grand, fun week in Seoul on the cheap.

The top five destinations with the best U.S. dollar exchange rate*:

  1. South Korea
  2. Sri Lanka
  3. Japan
  4. India
  5. Thailand

For those wanting to stay on the North American continent, Mexico is the best choice. With the Mexican Peso being nearly the equivalent of a dime, it's the seventh best exchange rate. England remains the worst travel value, with the English Pound worth nearly two dollars. European countries trading the Euro are a close second.

Traveling abroad can mean longer flights, language barriers and exposure to unfamiliar ailments. Travel insurance protects vacationers from these and other unforeseen circumstances. Consumer can find out more about how travel insurance can help them on their next trip by visiting www.csatravelprotection.com or calling (800) 873-9855.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.

*According to X-Rates.com, using values from Friday, August 1, 2008


Your Credit Card May Not Pay For That Already Scheduled Vacation if Something Unexpected Comes Up

CSA Travel Protection Offers Little-Known Facts About Travel Insurance

SAN DIEGO, 2008-07-23 - Traveling in this economy can be risky, but it doesn't have to be. CSA Travel Protection, a proud member of the United States Travel Insurance Association (UStiA), shares some little-known facts about travel insurance. Most importantly, travel insurance covers more trip cancellation and delay reasons than provided by other types of insurance, including those offered by consumer credit cards.

According to a recent study, conducted by Avalon Actuarial Inc. for the UStiA, no other single source provides the full spectrum of coverage and services that comprehensive travel insurance does. In fact, 85 percent of the credit cards reviewed in the report did not provide any built in trip cancellation insurance*.

"People today are as careful with their money as ever, and they want to make sure they aren't risking valuable dollars needlessly - especially when planning a trip," said Les Maine, CSA Travel Protection president. "Making a small, but smart, investment in travel insurance gives back more than just assurance, but can also save consumers money in the long run."

Additional lesser-known facts about travel insurance include:

  1. Travel insurance policies cover a variety of reasons for trip cancellation and interruption in addition to the standard sickness or injury, such as attending jury duty, damage to one's home, military obligations and permanent employment transfers.
  2. If traveling alone and hospitalized while on a trip, most plans will pay for someone to fly to the traveler's location. In addition, if a vacationer is hospitalized while traveling with children, the plan will cover costs to return the children home with an attendant.
  3. During the covered trip, travelers have 24-hour access to nearly any type of assistance, including legal referrals, replacement of lost eyeglasses, consular assistance, travel agency services and lost luggage assistance.
  4. Most plans include pre-travel assistance and concierge services that can provide travelers with information about a destination, assist with obtaining tickets to events and sites (such as to museums, art galleries and sporting events), and help with reservations of all types.
  5. Some plans also include rental car collision damage coverage, which is substantially less expensive than purchasing the rental company's damage waiver.

Some plans also include rental car collision damage coverage, which can be a substantial savings over purchasing the rental company's damage waiver.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.

*The report conducted by Avalon Actuarial Inc reviewed insurance policy wordings from publicly marketed credit cards from issuers that represent 90% of the industry, based on outstanding debt.


Vacation Property Management Companies Can Now Increase Rental Efficiency

New Security Deposit Protection Plan Decreases Administration

SAN DIEGO, 2008-07-09 - Happy guests make for better business. CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a company dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, announces a new and insured Security Deposit Protection plan for vacation rental property managers and guests. Building on its popular Vacation Rental Insurance plan, CSA's Security Deposit Protection plan helps property managers simplify their business while offering guests up to $3,000 in accidental property damage coverage.

The Security Deposit Protection plan helps property managers reduce administration time due to refund checks and credit card charge-backs after checkout. In addition, guests have less incentive to avoid reporting accidental damage. The plan is fully insured, underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company.

"Accidents happen," said Mike Adelman, CSA Travel Protection vice president of sales. "Our new Security Deposit Protection makes it possible for vacation property managers to reduce administration, while keeping their guest's experience as stress-free as possible. It's a win-win situation. The efficiency of the property management company increases when staff members spend less time on administration and more time filling vacant properties."

Like CSA's Vacation Rental Insurance Plan, which covers guests door to door - from the day after a guest buys a policy right up until they return home - CSA's Security Deposit Protection adds value to a vacation rental company's bottom line every time it protects a renter.

The plan is currently available in Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, with approval pending in additional states. Vacation rental managers can find out more about CSA's new, fully insured Security Deposit Protection plan by visiting www.vacationrentalinsurance.com, or by calling (800) 873-9855.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.


Planes, Trains or Automobiles Remains a Big Decision This Summer

CSA Travel Protection Compares Cost and Travel Time for Popular Vacation Destinations

SAN DIEGO, 2008-05-29 - With Memorial Day on the books, the unofficial beginning of summer is here. Reports suggest travel will be down this summer, but Americans are looking to get the most out of their time off and many will still head out of town at one point. To help travelers get the most out of their travel dollar this summer, CSA Travel Protection offers a comparison of time and money spent on round-trip travel to five domestic destinations via plane, train and automobile.

Even with the average cost of gas at $3.66 per gallon and rising, travelers are looking for alternatives to save money and time, like driving to their summer vacation destination. A regional sampling of roundtrip plane, train and auto travel cost and time investment for one traveler*:

Phoenix, Ariz. to San Diego, Calif.

  • Plane: $124, 2.5 hours
  • Train: $300, 33 hours
  • Auto: $106 (712 miles), 11 hours

  • Fargo, N.D. to Seattle, Wash.
  • Plane: $509, 12 hours
  • Train: $385, 64.5 hours
  • Auto: $423 (2,852 miles), 40 hours

  • Cincinnati, Ohio to Washington, D.C.
  • Plane: $467, 3 hours
  • Train: $148, 28.5 hours
  • Auto: $155 (1,044 miles), 17 hours

  • Grand Rapids, Mich. to New York, N.Y.
  • Plane: $401, 4.5 hours
  • Train: $286, 48 hours
  • Auto: $221 (1,494 miles), 23.5 hours

  • Austin, Texas to Orlando, Fla.
  • Plane: $426, 5.5 hours
  • Train: $566, 141 hours
  • Auto: $334 (2,254 miles), 34 hours
  • CSA Travel Protection knows that Americans have a short time to plan and enjoy summer vacation and want to make the most of every dollar this year. Obtaining travel insurance for this year's trip affords travelers greater vacation value, flexibility and service, as well as protection against the unexpected.

    No matter what destination or mode of transportation selected, travelers who purchase a CSA travel protection plan within 20 days of departure receive a 20 percent discount off the policy cost.

    In addition to now accepting pre-existing medical conditions up and until 24 hours before final payment, CSA's Freestyle plan also includes a no-out-of-pocket medical expense service, missed connection coverage, and rental car collision coverage.

    For busy travelers where flexibility and security are paramount, CSA Freestyle Luxe includes higher benefit levels, cancellation and interruption coverage for business reasons, and broader optional cancel-for-any-reason coverage, as well as coverage for adventure travelers. Additionally, the plan includes supplier default coverage, an ever-increasing issue in today's travel market.

    Travelers can find out how to plan wisely for this summer's vacation at www.csatravelprotection.com or by calling 800-348-9505.

    About CSA Travel Protection
    CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.

    *Flight and rail rates determined by average coach fare with fewest stops on May 5, 2008 for roundtrip travel from June 1-15, 2008 on Travelocity.com and Amtrak.com. Cost of gas is according to Energy Information Administration on May 5, 2008, with average price of a gallon of gas, all grades, being $3.66. Gas mileage rate from most recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report (2004), with average 24.7 MPG for new cars.


    Creative Diversions for Stranded Airline Passengers

    CSA Travel Protection Offers Stress-Reducing Tips for Anxious Travelers

    SAN DIEGO, 2008-04-10 - Thousands of flights have been cancelled at the last minute in just the past week, which means thousands of travelers are finding themselves spending much more time in an airport than they planned. To alleviate some anxiety, and help these travelers make the most of this unexpected "time off," CSA Travel Protection offers stressed-out travelers some resourceful tips for keeping themselves entertained while stranded at the airport.

    Creative Diversions When Stranded in an Airport

    1. Hound your CPA to finish up your tax return so you can get your refund earlier.
    2. Create intriguing, soap opera-like background stories for other waiting passengers.
    3. Play the "count the Starbucks® in the terminal" game.
    4. Count how many times in one hour you hear the "do not leave your bags unattended" announcement.
    5. Count how many people you can get to smile back at you.
    6. Check the payphones and vending machines for change.
    7. Count - and admire - bad ties.
    8. Hog all power outlets by charging your phone, laptop and iPod at the same time.
    9. Buy $15 margaritas and $10 sandwiches for all your "new friends."
    10. Return all the unclaimed smart carts.

    CSA Travel Protection knows this is one of the most difficult and nerve-racking times for both business and leisure travelers. While travel insurance can't stop the unexpected from happening, it can protect and support travelers when mishaps occur, such as flight delays and missed connections.

    About CSA Travel Protection
    CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.

    Press Contact:
    Jen Wilbur for CSA Travel Protection
    619-501-3949
    jen@rockstarcommunications.com


    Travel Agents Contribute to Customers' Travel-dollar Value

    CSA Travel Protection Releases Two Travel Insurance Plans for Uncertain Times

    SAN DIEGO, 2008-04-08 - SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Travel professionals can now offer consumers greater vacation value, flexibility and service when purchasing travel insurance. CSA Travel Protection (CSA) this week released two newly enhanced travel insurance products, Freestyle and Freestyle Luxe. Both travel insurance plans afford travelers greater flexibility with acceptance of pre-existing medical conditions up to final trip payment.

    For customers who value common-sense coverage, CSA Freestyle now offers more protection against the unexpected. In addition to now accepting pre-existing medical conditions, the Freestyle plan also includes a no-out-of-pocket medical expense service, missed connection coverage, and rental car collision coverage.

    For busy professional and luxury travelers where security and flexibility are paramount, CSA Freestyle Luxe includes higher benefit levels, cancellation and interruption coverage for business reasons, and broader optional cancel-for-any-reason coverage, as well as coverage for adventure travelers. Additionally, the plan includes supplier default coverage, an ever increasing issue in today's travel market.

    "Travelers today are feeling extra pressure from carrier financial defaults and worsening economic news, and they are looking for the most value and flexibility when booking a trip," said Les Maine, CSA chairman and president. "CSA tailors its products for leisure, business and adventure travel with individualized customer focus."

    At a time when more flights are cancelled than ever before and consumer spending is low, travelers will be calling and emailing airlines, car rental companies and property managers to discuss trip issues. At CSA, a live person answers the phone, and individually assigned claims agents provide direct and personal customer service.

    Agents can find more information on all CSA product and service enhancements at www.csatravelprotection.com or by calling 800-348-9505.

    About CSA Travel Protection
    CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.


    CSA Travel Protection Accepts Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Through Final Trip Payment

    Cruise Guests Offered Enhancements When Booking Their Next Trip

    SAN DIEGO, 2008-03-28 - FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Travel agents and cruise professionals can now offer cruise guests greater flexibility when purchasing travel insurance. Today, at the cruise industry's annual cruise3sixty conference, CSA Travel Protection (CSA) announced that its newly enhanced travel insurance products and services include acceptance of pre-existing medical conditions up to 24 hours before final trip payment, affording greater flexibility to its customers.

    A pre-existing medical condition can be a critical factor when deciding on travel insurance, and now CSA offers cruise guests this option in both its Freestyle and Freestyle Luxe products.

    "Millions of people will be planning for, or embarking on, a cruise this year, and they plan early. With so much time between the initial trip deposit and final payment, we feel travelers deserve some flexibility in finalizing details," said Les Maine, CSA chairman and president. "This is just one of many travel-friendly options we offer clients to assure their cruise is one to remember."

    CSA, through its designated service provider, ensures cruise guests on ships of all shapes and sizes receive personal, unparalleled customer service and attention. An assigned customer representative assists customers with emergency and concierge services when stopping in port, from locating a pharmacy to finding an emergency optometrist.

    CSA is exhibiting at cruise3sixty March 7-9, 2008. Conference attendees can find more information on CSA product and service enhancements at booth #705, call 800-873-9855 or visit www.csatravelprotection.com.

    About CSA Travel Protection
    CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.


    Travelers in 2008 can enjoy ultimate "Peace of Mind"

    CSA Travel Protection and Europ Assistance USA Join Forces to Offer 24/7/365 Travel Convenience, Security and Assistance.

    SAN DIEGO, 2008-01-08 - San Diego, Calif. AND Washington, D.C.
    Millions of folks traveling this year on vacation, business or any other reason can rest easy. CSA Travel Protection and Europ Assistance USA today announced the two companies have teamed up to offer trekkers convenient 24-hour travel response and assistance, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The joined network offers travelers security and improved customer service with a human touch.

    "Europ Assistance has a global network of dedicated staff in virtually any country of the world", said Mr. Les D. Maine, chairman and president of CSA. "This helps us provide convenience, security and assistance expected from our valued customers. And Europ's plans will grow with ours."

    Peace of mind is a benefit CSA prides itself on providing, and it's one that is one the top of the list with travelers. According to a recent survey conducted by the U.S. Travel Insurance Association (UStiA), six in 10 people said they believe having travel insurance gives them peace of mind while on the road.

    Both CSA and Europ Assistance focus on providing consumers with personal, quick unparalleled customer service for both leisure and business travelers. In addition to emergency medical transportation, luggage coverage and concierge services, the new network offers added protection and benefits, including:

    • Travel Companion Assistance - Individuals travelling with the insured are also covered if a medical emergency interrupts the trip.
    • Pet Return - If an emergency makes it impossible for a traveler to tend to a pet with them on the trip, CSA will care for the pet and arrange a safe trip home.
      • Vehicle Return - A designated person or provider will take your automobile home, or drop a rented car off at the agency, if mechanical or medical issues prevent the traveler from driving the vehicle.
    • According to Guillaume Deybach, president and CEO of Europ Assistance USA, "Our company prides itself on being the human face of emergency travel assistance. Teaming up with a company like CSA that shares our vision and values was a given."

      As of January 1, 2008, all CSA insurance policies include the Europ Assistance USA 24/7/365 assistance plan.

      About CSA Travel Protection
      CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect your valuable investment and provide the peace of mind you deserve while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, we're with you every step of the way whenever and wherever you need us.

      About Europ Assistance USA
      Europ Assistance USA, headquartered in Washington, DC, is a part of the multinational Europ Assistance Group and its network of 71 companies, 5,000 employees and more than 850,000 service providers and medical personnel offering assistance services in 208 countries and territories around the globe. For close to half a century, the group has tailored solutions for assisting people wherever they may be and helping them respond to the unexpected throughout their daily lives. Services include emergency medical transportation, medical referrals, case monitoring claims management, identity theft resolution and data breach response services. Twenty-four hours a day at 34 assistance centers worldwide, multilingual assistance coordinators answer more than two calls per second and handle one assistance case every two seconds.


      CSA Travel Protection and Dial An Exchange Partner to Bring Timeshare Owners a Quick and Easy Way of Purchasing Travel Insurance

      SAN DIEGO, 2007-12-30 - CSA Travel Protection, a leading provider of travel insurance, has teamed up with Dial an Exchange, an "Independent" exchange company with the timeshare owners needs first and foremost in mind.

      This partnership between CSA Travel Protection and Dial an Exchange gives Timeshare Owners immediate access to purchase travel protection at time of exchanging or banking their vacation weeks.

      "By purchasing travel insurance from CSA when exchanging or banking their timeshare with Dial an Exchange, timeshare owners can protect themselves from losing any of their vacation time already purchased as well as annual maintenance fees." - Les Maine, CEO, CSA Travel Protection

      About CSA Travel Protection
      CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect your valuable investment and provide the peace of mind you deserve while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, we're with you every step of the way whenever and wherever you need us. For more information about CSA Travel Protection visit www.timeshareinsurance.com or call (866) 328-3001.

      About DAE (Dial An Exchange) Dial An Exchange is an "Independent" exchange company with the Timeshare Owners needs first and foremost in mind. By offering personal service and excellent value for money, Dial An Exchange has rapidly become a market leader in the holiday exchange business. As an alternative to the very large exchange companies, Dial An Exchange has carved out a niche market by specializing in customer service, attention to detail, and helping owners get the exchanges they want without a lot of angst and aggravation. By being consistent in our approach in helping owners, Dial An Exchange has been able to extend the service and the number of destinations offered to members, and now operates from offices located in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, USA, Asia and South Africa. These combined forces have come together to bring initiatives in customer service, technological change in reservations systems, and to offer a stronger choice for Timeshare Owners across the globe. The Dial An Exchange 'exchange system' has also been extended to include the owners of Managed "Holiday Properties" (villas, condos, townhouses & apartments) so they to can benefit from the same exchange service that has been available to Timeshare Owners for many years. This helps increase the variety and number of destination resorts available for our entire membership base. Our philosophy is simply; provide timeshare exchanges for our members with a minimum of fuss, at a low cost, in a wide variety of destinations in various parts of the world, and all with personal customer service. We have changed the way you expect to do your Timeshare Exchanges! We deliver your expectations! For more information about Dial An Exchange visit www.daelive.com or call (800) 468-1799.


      CSA Travel Protection Offices Open during San Diego Wildfires

      SAN DIEGO, 2007-10-25 - As you know, San Diego County has been impacted by a series of wildfires. Our office is open and our employees are safe. On Monday October 22, 2007, Mayor Jerry Sanders asked San Diego County to stay off the major highways unless absolutely necessary.

      "After the mayors announcement on Monday, CSA closed the office and asked that all employees stay home to take care of themselves and their families," says Les Maine -CEO, CSA Travel Protection

      Tuesday, October 23, 2007, CSA Travel Protection re-opened with minimal staff as many employees and members of our managerial staff had been evacuated from their homes and were unable to return to work. Today CSA is happy to announce we are fully staffed and all employees and their families are accounted for and safe from harms way.

      CBS News announced today that San Diego County has suffered over $1 billion dollars in damage and more than 1,500 homes have been destroyed and at least a half-million people fled during the evacuation process. This has been the largest evacuation in state history.

      The announcement of San Diego's staggering losses came as President Bush signed a major disaster declaration for California in the wake of the wildfires that have burned about 410,000 acres, or 640 square miles. "Americans all across this land care deeply about them," the president said after a Cabinet meeting convened to coordinate federal relief efforts. "We're concerned about their safety. We're concerned about their property."

      CSA Travel Protection is proud of how San Diegans worked together during this devastating process and internally at CSA our Emergency Plans are continuing to work perfectly to assist our insured clients. Many of CSA's insured clients will have claims for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption and we assure them we are prepared to assist them with a great deal of compassion and prompt attention.

      If you have questions regarding your policy with CSA Travel Protection please contact us 24 hours a day at (800) 348-9505 or visit us at www.csatravelprotection.com.

      CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect your valuable investment and provide the peace of mind you deserve while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, we're with you every step of the way whenever and wherever you need us.


      CSA Travel Protection and Cheapoair.com to Deliver

      SAN DIEGO, 2007-10-17 - CSA Travel Protection, a leading provider of travel insurance, has teamed up with Cheapoair.com, a top budget travel website to provide Cheapoair.com consumers with affordable travel insurance.

      This partnership gives travelers immediate access to purchase travel protection at time of booking flight arrangements with Cheapoair.com.

      With the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reporting on August 30, 2007, that flight delays were up 19 percent from last summer, purchasing travel insurance is more important than ever. Over 15 million people will take to the skies during the upcoming holiday season hoping for smooth arrivals and departures to their destinations. Unfortunately many will experience flight delays which can cause them to lose time and money on their vacation and create additional stress as they struggle to make emergency hotel accommodations and book new flights to catch up with their trip.

      "By purchasing travel insurance from CSA when booking flights, cruises and hotel accommodations on Cheapoair.com, travelers can immediately protect themselves." - Les Maine, CEO CSA Travel Protection

      About CSA Travel Protection
      CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect your valuable investment and provide the peace of mind you deserve while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, we're with you every step of the way whenever and wherever you need us. For more information about CSA Travel Protection visit www.csatravelprotection.com or call (800) 348-9505.

      About Cheapoair.com
      Cheapoair.com is a New York based consumer travel web site offering low airfares to its 1 Million plus customer base. Their vision has always been to infuse emerging technology into affordable travel solutions for the most budget conscious minds. Their motto is: "We Discount the Fares, never the Service!" Their portfolio of airfare products includes over 18 million exclusive low airfares and the technological foundation to deliver the most competitive air tickets online, all over the globe. For more information regarding Cheapoair.com visit www.cheapoair.com or call (212) 478-0335.


      Summer Traveling - How to Get the Most out of Your Family Vacation

      SAN DIEGO, 2007-08-17 - As you and your family depart on your summer vacation, CSA Travel Protection is here to assist you before, during and after your vacation.

      CSA Travel Protection recognizes that with today's busy lifestyles, many families value their vacation more than ever. Summer is a time to pack up the entire family and head out for the annual vacation adventure.

      This summer, Italy has been chosen by many families as their vacation destination and is the chance of a lifetime to retrace their roots. When planning your European adventure, it is always better to be safe than sorry and purchase travel insurance to protect your hard earned money. "Whether you are taking your family vacation internationally or domestically, purchasing travel insurance is always a safe way to go."
      - Les Maine, CEO CSA Travel Protection

      With your CSA travel insurance policy you will receive a blanket of coverages which includes Trip Cancellation and Interruption, Trip Delay, Baggage Protection and coverage for Medical Emergencies. Additionally, CSA Travel Protection provides you and your family a touch of luxury with our extensive concierge services which include:

      • City profiles: provide travelers access to information on over 10,000 destinations worldwide, including a complete report on local entertainment, social customs, and health advisories.
      • Epicurean needs: arranges the delivery of specialized foods and beverages to your home or office, including gourmet meats and fine wine.
      • Event ticketing: provides tickets to virtually any sporting, theater or concert event worldwide.
      • Flowers and gift baskets: include the purchase and shipment of flowers and gift baskets to friends, family members, and business associates.
      • Golf outings and tee times: provide referrals and tee times at golf courses around the world.
      • Hotel accommodations: offers research and recommendations on hotels worldwide and book reservations if requested by you.
      • Meet-and-greet services: include the pick-ups of friends; family members or business associates at airports or other common carrier destinations by limousine personnel.
      • Personalized retail shopping assistance: includes purchasing selected retail items at your request.
      • Pre-trip assistance: provides information on travel destinations, city profiles, weather, special events, ATM locations, currency exchange rates, immunization and passport requirements, and related services.
      • Procurement of hard-to-find items: ensures our associates will use every means possible to obtain an obscure or exotic item at your request.
      • Restaurant reviews and reservations: provides you with information on restaurants worldwide and the ability to book reservations from anywhere, anytime.
      • Rental car reservations: provide worldwide reservations through most major rental car agencies.
      • Airline reservations: provide full-service air travel accommodations to destinations worldwide.

      The Concierge Services are like having your own personal assistant and butler who work to help bring your trip together and create the ultimate VIP travel experience for your family. Something many families will find value in, as they may not normally be able to afford services like this on their own. CSA provides not only an excellent travel insurance package but all these extra services at no charge!

      CSA is here to protect your family with a customized quote just for you! Whether you and your family decide to take that European vacation this summer, or you're traveling a little closer to home, make sure to take along CSA Travel Protection as your trusted friend. Call CSA at (800) 348-9505 or visit us at www.csatravelprotection.com.
      We are here for you before, during and after your trip.

      CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect your valuable investment and provide the peace of mind you deserve while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, we're with you every step of the way whenever and wherever you need us.


      CSA Travel Protection Helps Lemonade Stand Girls Fulfill Their Dream of Vacationing in San Diego

      SAN DIEGO, 2007-07-19 - CSA Travel Protection has extended a helping hand to two girls from Phoenix, Arizona. On Saturday, July 14, 2007, Paris Garcia, 11, and her 14-year-old sister, Sterling were selling lemonade in the effort to save enough money to go to Sea World on their annual trip to San Diego. Two women approached the girls to purchase lemonade and paid with a $50 dollar bill. The girls gave the two women change for the $50 but came up short with only $38 dollars. One of the women said "Keep the change!" At ages 11 and 14 you can imagine how excited the girls were to get an $11 dollar tip! Hours later the girls' father, Steve Garcia, broke the bad news that the $50 dollar bill was counterfeit.

      CSA Travel Protections CEO, Les Maine, was traveling and caught the news this morning and saw the story about the Lemonade Stand Girls being ripped off. "We want the Garcia girls to know that while there are people like those two women with the bogus $50 dollar bill, there are also good solid Americans that won't stand for such poor treatment." -Les Maine, CEO CSA Travel Protection.

      After speaking with the Garcia family, CSA Travel Protection has offered Travel Insurance at NO COST to the girls and family members traveling from Arizona to San Diego, California. CSA also thought since these girls had their hard earned cash basically "Stolen" that we are also paying for the girls and their family to spend the day at their original destination, Sea World!

      CSA called the Garcia family to let them know the good news. Steve Garcia was very grateful and not long after both Paris and Sterling Garcia called CSA to say thank you for such a kind gesture. "We are so excited to come to San Diego and now we will still get to go to Sea World. How cool!" said Sterling.

      CSA hopes to show the girls that there is good in the world and at their age they should kick back and enjoy their vacation in beautiful San Diego. If you have any questions regarding the Lemonade Stand Garcia Girls or CSA Travel Protection please call us at (800) 348-9505 or visit www.csatravelprotection.com.

      CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect your valuable investment and provide the peace of mind you deserve while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, we're with you every step of the way whenever and wherever you need us.


      CSA Travel Protection Prepares for Hurricane Season: Why You Need Travel Insurance

      SAN DIEGO, 2007-06-27 - With hurricane season officially underway, CSA Travel Protection is here to assist you before, during and after your vacation. Whether your travels include a cruise in the Caribbean, a week on the beach at the Outer Banks of North Carolina, or a stop-over in the Miami airport on your way to some far away place, hurricanes have a way of changing even the best laid plans. CSA Travel Protection cannot alter the course of the hurricane but we do alter the impact that they have on our policyholders.

      "At our office in San Diego, we constantly monitor developing storms to ensure that we have plenty of Customer Service and Claims Representatives standing by as soon as concerned travelers begin calling us. It is always rewarding to review the unsolicited notes of "thanks" that we receive after this sort of event."
      -Les Maine, CEO CSA Travel Protection

      Experts at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center are projecting a 75 percent chance that the Atlantic, Tropical and National Hurricane Season will be above normal this year. What this means to leisure travelers, business travelers, vacation property renters and timeshare owners is that this year is likely to be one in which it is better to be safe than sorry.

      CSA's comprehensive travel protection policies typically include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay and baggage delay, important emergency assistance services and identity theft protection. Many consumers who do not purchase travel protection believe that they have similar protection from their homeowner's insurance or their credit cards. While some credit cards may provide accidental death or rental car damage protection and homeowners' policies may provide reimbursement for stolen property, typically neither of them will provide monetary reimbursement for unused prepaid and non-refundable travel arrangements or unexpected costs. Travel insurance is specifically designed to go "over and above" other types of insurance and cover the "holes or gaps" traditional insurance does not. This protection has all the security without the worry of deductibles. Travel insurance is designed for unexpected events that impact travelers every day.

      Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption
      Before deciding against travel protection, consider for a moment Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage. Travel insurance protects your pre-paid, non-refundable vacation expenses should you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as:

      • A mandatory evacuation or the interruption of essential services due to a hurricane or natural disaster at your destination.
      • Your primary residence being made uninhabitable by fire, flood, or natural disaster.
      • Covered sickness, injury or death of the traveler, traveling companion or family member.
      • Acts of terrorism (at your home city or scheduled destination city).
      • Jury service.
      • Call into active military and/or revocation of approved military leave.

      In the event you would have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, travel insurance could repay all of your pre-paid, non-refundable vacation costs, allowing you to book another vacation. Additionally, if you are in the middle of enjoying your vacation and a covered event should require you to interrupt your trip and return home early, travel insurance would reimburse you for your unused arrangements and your additional transportation expenses to return home. Travel insurance is the best way to get complete peace of mind while traveling domestically or internationally.

      For example, two days before your trip to the Florida Keys for a week of R & R in a house that you've rented on the beach, a hurricane hits the area knocking out the power and closing the roads. Power is finally restored and the roads re-opened on what should have been your fifth day of fun. Your travel protection policy would reimburse you for all of your unused pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs and you could start making plans for your new vacation.

      In so many instances, travelers do not know how to prepare for the unexpected. Vacation is a time to enjoy time in paradise, away from cell phones, computers and every day life. But things don't always go according to plan, especially during hurricane season. A call to a CSA Customer Service Representative can be the first step to restoring order in chaotic times. Although benefits might be available to you from your everyday insurance and credit card providers, comprehensive travel protection is available to you all the time from CSA.

      Please contact CSA for detailed information on coverage, benefits and exclusions at www.csatravelprotection.com or call (800) 348-9505.

      CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect your valuable investment and provide the peace of mind you deserve while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, we're with you every step of the way whenever and wherever you need us.


      CONTACT
      Jennifer Wilbur with
      Rockstar Communications
      (619) 865-9045
      PR@csatravelprotection.com

      About CSA Travel Protection®

      Headquartered in San Diego, California, CSA Travel Protection provides an extensive array of comprehensive and competitively priced guest cancellation, travel insurance and travel assistance services designed to meet every vacation traveler's needs. CSA continuously reinforces its innovative leadership position with the introduction of innovative product enhancements that set the industry standard. Founded in 1991, CSA's retail and custom products and services are offered nationwide by more than 200 resort and property managers, and 7,000 travel-related outlets. For more information, visit www.csatravelprotection.com or call toll-free, (800) 348-9505.

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