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AEGIS (Formerly GoReady) Travel Insurance Review: Is it Worth the Cost?

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Purchasing travel insurance can provide peace of mind on your trips, especially when you opt for a policy that covers trip delays and includes emergency medical benefits.

AEGIS insurance is a travel insurance provider with a variety of options to suit travelers. Here's a look at the company's different plans, what’s covered and how to choose a plan that works for you.

What does AEGIS travel insurance cover?

AEGIS travel insurance provides six different policies to customers with varying levels of coverage. These are called:

Pandemic Plus.

Vacation Rental.

Trip Cancellation.

Depending on your itinerary, one plan may be superior; this is especially true if you opt for something specialized like a Vacation Rental policy or Cruise policy.

Otherwise, you can expect a fairly standard coverage from AEGIS, such as:

Accidental death insurance .

Emergency evacuation insurance .

Lost luggage insurance .

Rental car insurance .

Travel medical insurance .

Trip cancellation insurance .

Trip interruption insurance .

» Learn more: How much is travel insurance?

AEGIS insurance plans

To generate quotes, we created a sample trip for one 46-year-old traveler from Colorado heading on a two-week trip to Argentina.

AEGIS offers three more "standard" travel insurance plans: Choice, Trip Cancellation and VIP. Here’s how the costs and coverage vary across these plan options.

AEGIS standard plans

The cost for our Argentina-bound traveler for the Choice plan is $178, while for Trip Cancellation and VIP, the price is $169 and $263, respectively.

AEGIS specialty plans

AEGIS also offers three travel insurance plans oriented toward specialty experiences, including for those staying in a vacation rental or going on a cruise.

Specialty plans don't always mean higher costs. The Pandemic Plus coverage will cost the sample trip traveler $199, while Vacation Rental coverage is $258.75 and Cruise coverage is $246.

» Learn more: How does travel insurance work?

What isn’t covered by AEGIS

An AEGIS insurance review wouldn't be complete without considering what types of situations aren’t covered. While these aren't included in the base package, you can consider adding this coverage by purchasing it as an add-on.

Baggage delay for sports equipment.

Cancel For Any Reason insurance .

Trip cancellation for work reasons.

There will be other situations that are excluded from your policy. To find these, review the full benefits schedule of the plan that you’re considering.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

How to choose a AEGIS plan online

Is AEGIS insurance legitimate? It is, and purchasing a plan online is simple. To do so, go to AEGIS’s website . On the homepage, you’ll input your information to generate a quote. This includes travel destination, age and state of residence.

Once you’ve tapped “Get My Quote,” you’ll be presented with all six of AEGIS's available options, including costs and a breakdown of inclusions.

From here, you’ll be able to select the plan that suits your needs and pick any optional add-ons. Then, you’ll go through the checkout process. After you’ve paid, your plan becomes active.

» Learn more: The most common travel insurance myths

Which AEGIS plan is best for me?

Choosing the right plan for your trip involves understanding what type of coverage you need.

For cruises . The Cruise plan has the ability to include pre-existing conditions long after this option disappears with other policies. It also covers you in the event you miss prepaid events if your travel provider changes your itinerary. 

For the best service . The VIP plan offers the most comprehensive suite of benefits and the highest payouts, including rental car coverage . 

For vacation rental stays . The Vacation Rental plan is a superior option for those in short term rentals because of its coverage for damage, which includes up to $1,000 for security deposit loss. 

For those with their own medical insurance . The Trip Cancellation plan is the least expensive option but still provides trip protections in the event that your travel is canceled. 

AEGIS's travel insurance plans may make sense for you, but before purchasing a policy, check to see whether a travel credit card you hold offers its own complimentary travel insurance .

Is AEGIS travel insurance worth it?

AEGIS offers several travel insurance plans to choose from, with some levels of customization to help you get the exact coverage you're looking for.

Overall, travel insurance is worth it, but AEGIS might not give you the best deal. Shop around with other travel insurance companies to make sure you're getting the lowest price for the protections you need.

If you have a travel credit card, look at what travel insurance benefits are included to avoid duplicating your coverage .

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GoReady Travel Insurance Review — Is it Worth It?

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Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance and covid-19, single-trip plans, annual/multiple-trip insurance policies, how to obtain a quote, goready vs. credit card travel insurance, goready vs. other travel insurance companies, how to file a claim with goready travel insurance, final thoughts.

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Travel insurance is one of those things you don’t know you need until it’s too late — or you read an in-depth review of one, like GoReady Insurance.

GoReady (formerly APRIL Travel Protection) is underwritten by Aegis General Insurance Agency. This is an independently owned insurance provider , meaning Aegis can pick and choose who it works with to provide services for its Go Ready travel insurance policies. This is different from most websites that are run by an underwriting company itself.

Aegis General Insurance Agency is a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, company founded in 1977, focusing on property insurance. The company was acquired by K2 Insurance Services in 2013, but Aegis remains an independent operating company. Aegis acquired French company April Travel Insurance in 2021 , and it’s under that division of Aegis that the travel insurance branch, now called GoReady, still operates.

Aegis General Insurance Agency has a “Good” financial strength rating from A.M. Best . The company provides quotes and accepts claims via phone, website, and online chat.

Let’s look at what GoReady travel insurance policies cover to see if they mesh with your upcoming trip.

Travel insurance , like other types of insurance, protects the money you’ve invested in your vacation against losses from the unexpected, such as a canceled trip or delayed or lost luggage. The more your trip costs, the more it makes sense to protect your financial investment with a travel insurance policy.

Travel insurance can protect more than your money, though. It can provide medical coverage in case you or someone in your family becomes ill or gets injured while traveling.

Here are key reasons why buying a travel insurance policy can make sense:

• Your existing healthcare coverage won’t apply at your destination or won’t cover some of the activities you’re planning.
• Your vacation involves nonrefundable deposits or prepayments you would lose if you cancel your trip at the last minute.
• Medical facilities at your destination may not be sufficient, meaning you could need a costly medical evacuation if you get injured.
• You have a complex itinerary, moving between several locations and creating more opportunities for luggage to get lost along the way or for delays to create problems further down the line.

Travel insurance may not make sense for every trip, but if you’ve invested significant money in a trip or are worried about the medical facilities at your destination, having a travel insurance policy makes sense.

COVID-19 has affected nearly every corner of the planet. All GoReady travel insurance plans include pandemic coverage for COVID-19.

What benefits are included can vary by plan, though. For example, all plans can reimburse you for trip cancellations if you have to stay home after testing positive for COVID-19.

Premium plans, however, can provide additional coverage, reimbursing you for flight change fees after you test positive and even providing coverage if your babysitter or business partner tests positive, forcing you to alter your trip plans. And all plans cover quarantine obligations should you test positive while traveling.

Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage is an optional upgrade when purchasing a travel insurance plan. It can provide additional benefits if you cancel a trip because of COVID-19 — but it likely won’t provide a 100% refund. Coverage is for up to 75% of nonrefundable costs, and you must add CFAR within 14 days of your first trip deposit.

A few other situations worth considering:

• At-home tests are not considered sufficient proof to invoke coverage.
• If your plan includes medical expenses, the benefit should apply if you become sick with COVID-19 during a trip.
• If you are forced to quarantine, your plan should remain in effect until the quarantine ends, and trip cancellation, interruption, and medical expense benefits should apply.

What Policies Are Available With GoReady Travel Insurance?

GoReady provides 2 main general of plans : those for a single trip and those covering a full year of multiple trips.

Within the single-trip plans are several options. Let’s compare the 4 most popular.

• Go Ready Choice Plan offers the most basic coverage , including the option to upgrade your plan with add-ons
• Go Ready VIP Plan offers higher coverage limits and more types of coverage
• Go Ready Pandemic Plus Plan focuses on you or a travel companion testing positive for COVID-19 , with most of its coverage focusing on medical benefits but not delayed luggage or injuries during your trip
• Go Ready Cruise Plan focuses on specific concerns for cruise ship passengers , like missed ports of call and missed connections

The Trip Inconvenience clause on the VIP plan provides a unique benefit , insuring you for missed work from your transportation carrier’s delay or when key aspects of your trip are canceled for weather or mechanical reasons, such as at amusement parks or golf courses. Add-ons are also available for lost or delayed business equipment and sports equipment, and CFAR is available with all plans for an additional cost .

It’s also possible to purchase an annual travel insurance plan, effective on a date of your choosing. Along with differences in coverage types and maximum payouts, the 2 plans have different maximum trip lengths for any single trip within the year.

If you will take multiple trips over the next year, an annual plan could be cheaper than multiple single-trip plans.

To get a quote for GoReady travel insurance, head to goreadyinsurance.com .

Click on the option for a single trip or annual travel next to “ I need a quote for ,” then fill out the information.

For a single trip, fill out the cost of your trip, ages of the travelers, and the date of your initial trip payment. Provide travel dates and destinations.

For an annual policy, you don’t have to provide destinations or travel dates. Instead, you choose an effective date for the policy and provide traveler ages.

Note that policies aren’t effective in certain countries. Many of these are expected, such as North Korea and Syria, but you may be surprised to learn that Peru isn’t a covered destination . If you’re planning to hike the Inca Trail or visit Machu Picchu, this policy isn’t for you.

The next page shows prices for your plan options and allows you to compare them.

If you’re shopping for a single-trip plan, the website will show you the most popular plans, as well as other potential offerings like one centered on vacation rentals and a plan purely focused on trip cancellations .

Again, the layout allows you to compare inclusions, exclusions, and add-ons side by side.

If you’re considering any adventure activities or extreme sports during your trip, the trip cancellation policy isn’t for you. It includes these exclusions: “mountain climbing, bungee cord jumping, skydiving, parachuting, hang gliding, parasailing, caving, extreme skiing, heli-skiing, skiing outside marked trails, boxing, full contact martial arts, scuba diving below 120 feet (40 meters) or without a dive master, or travel on any air-supported device, other than on a regularly scheduled airline or air charter company.”

How GoReady Compares to Other Insurance

Inside your wallet, you may have a  credit card with travel insurance . Coverage from a credit card may be sufficient for quick, simple, or trips without costly upfront payments, but it doesn’t include everything that a comprehensive travel insurance policy covers.

Let’s compare GoReady’s best policy against 2 premium credit cards with robust insurance coverage:  The Platinum Card ®  from American Express  and the  Chase Sapphire Reserve ® . Note that you may have to enroll for some of the Amex benefits described below.

While the credit cards both provide rental car coverage as an included benefit, this is an add-on with GoReady. GoReady also doesn’t include emergency evacuation coverage in its VIP plan, and its travel and emergency assistance services are considered secondary coverage.

GoReady does come out ahead in other areas , though. Its emergency medical and dental maximums are much higher than the credit card providers’, and it provides up to 175% reimbursement for trip interruption — rather than a fixed amount or simply reimbursing the money you lost.

Credit card insurance policies are not all the same. Read about our favorite cards for travel protection plans !

To compare GoReady against competitors, we used Squaremouth , a travel insurance shopping and comparison website. We looked for a 1-week policy for the following sample trip:

• 2 travelers
• Ages 40 and 38
• Going to Jamaica 6 months from now
• Trip cost: $3,000
• Initial trip deposit paid within the last 24 hours
• State of residence: California

The Go Ready Choice Plan was nearly the same price as the Nationwide Essential plan, offering the same coverage for COVID-19 and trip cancellation benefits. However, GoReady only required a 6-hour delay for hurricane and weather benefits, and it offered a 150% trip interruption maximum, rather than 125% for Nationwide.

Seven Corners cost the most of these 3 options, yet it had the lowest coverage for trip interruption. It also had the longest delay requirement for hurricane and weather issues.

For delay and baggage benefits, GoReady had the highest maximum travel delay payout — more than 3 times what Nationwide and Seven Corners offered. However, GoReady wouldn’t provide any reimbursement for expenses until your bags are delayed for 24 hours, while Nationwide’s coverage would kick in at 12 hours. Seven Corners’ coverage would take effect after just 6 hours.

GoReady’s lost luggage benefit didn’t stipulate any per-item maximums, unlike with competitors, and it offered the same maximum as Seven Corners. Nationwide offered up to $600 here, rather than the $500 its competitors did.

You can file a claim online . Fill out the requested information and upload your supporting documents.

It’s also possible to start a claim via online chat on the website or by calling 866-516-8592 and selecting the third option. Most claims are processed within 7 to 10 business days, according to GoReady.

If you’re experiencing an issue that should be covered by your policy, you may not need to pay for expenses up front and submit a claim for reimbursement . GoReady’s Stress Less Benefits are included in all plans and can provide direct payments to hospitals, airlines, or evacuation services on your behalf so you can avoid fronting the cost.

GoReady travel insurance, part of the Aegis General Insurance Agency, provides single-trip and annual travel insurance policies that you can customize in multiple ways. Given the range of policies, there should be something to suit most travelers. GoReady offers notable types of coverage you don’t see everywhere, such as for trip inconvenience and delayed sports equipment.

However, every trip you take is unique, and you should evaluate every insurance plan carefully to see what coverage works best for you. Every policy will have inclusions and exclusions, so ensure you read these carefully before purchasing. Having a policy that doesn’t cover your destination or intended activities is the same as not having a policy at all.

Always read the fine print!

For the secondary rental car coverage benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the baggage insurance benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the premium global assist benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, you can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Plus, we may provide emergency medical transportation assistance and related services. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, the maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the trip delay insurance benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Who underwrites go ready travel insurance.

Different GoReady policies have different underwriters. GoReady is an independent brand not owned by an underwriting company, and it picks and chooses the service providers it wants to work with. Before purchasing a policy, GoReady will tell you who the underwriter is. This information also is included in your plan documents.

Is GoReady travel insurance good?

GoReady has a “good” financial strength rating from A.M. Best. It has only a 1-star rating on Trustpilot (from 11 reviews), however, at the time of publication. On the other hands, it has a 96% recommendation rate from nearly 1,300 reviews on InsureMyTrip.com.

What is the new name for April Insurance?

April Travel Protection was acquired by Aegis General Insurance Agency in 2021. Aegis is owned by K2 Insurance Services.

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About Ryan Smith

Ryan completed his goal of visiting every country in the world in December of 2023 and now plans to let his wife choose their destinations. Over the years, he’s written about award travel for publications including AwardWallet, The Points Guy, USA Today Blueprint, CNBC Select, Tripadvisor, and Forbes Advisor.

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Compare GoReady Travel Insurance

• Why You Should Trust Us

GoReady Travel Insurance Review 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Travel insurance can be of the most important purchases you make before a trip. No one likes thinking about the ways things can go wrong, but the truth is that anything can happen. Travel insurance can protect you from financial loss if something goes wrong while you're away and even cover pre-paid trip costs if you must cancel your trip for a qualified reason.

There are many different types of travel insurance, so it's important to choose the right policy for your needs. And GoReady offers a variety of policies to suit different travelers. Keep reading to find out how GoReady performs and whether its coverage makes sense.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a CFAR upgrade add-on on certain plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Comprehensive insurance plans include generous coverage for baggage loss, plus protection from hurricane and other intense weather-related issues
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Competitive pricing
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Online complaints about claims not being paid and non-responsiveness
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not all more expensive plans include CFAR coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Dropping rating with AM Best
• Annual and multi-trip plans available
• All plans include pandemic coverage for COVID-19
• Coverage for weather-related delays, cancellations and other incidents

GoReady Travel Insurance Review: Types of Policies Offered

GoReady travel insurance offers a variety of plans from which to choose. Picking the right one will depend on your trip and whether you want single-trip coverage or something like an annual plan. The question of what does travel insurance cover varies.

If you're looking for a single-trip plan, you'll have a few different choices:

There's also a Trip Cancellation plan, which offers coverage for 100% of the cost of the trip but no other benefits (though you can add pre-existing condition coverage separately).

If you take multiple trips a year or travel for extended periods of time, check out GoReady's Annual/Multi-Trip plans:

Annual/Multi-Trip Preferred plan – This travel insurance plan is ideal for those who take multiple annual trips. It provides comprehensive coverage for an unlimited number of trips, including important types of protection like travel delay ($750), trip inconvenience ($200), baggage coverage ($1,000), and baggage delay ($200). In addition, the plan includes $100,000 per person for medical emergency assistance and transportation.

Annual/Multi-Trip Primary plan – This policy is ideal for you if you're a frequent flyer who goes on three or more trips each year or travels for 30 to 90 days at a time. It includes baggage coverage ($1,000), baggage delay ($100 per person, $300 policy limit), and $30,000 in initial coverage for emergency accident and sickness medical expenditures.

Additional Coverage Options

Some GoReady travel insurance plans offer the option to upgrade for improved coverage. For instance, GoReady's Choice plan includes $250,000 in emergency medical assistance and transportation — but with an upgrade, you can buy up to double that amount ($500 000).

There are add-ons, too, like CFAR (cancel for any reason) coverage , which reimburses you 75% of your prepaid trip expenses, or "cancel for work reasons." which covers 100%. With certain plans, it's also possible to upgrade policy limits.

Depending on the play you choose, other upgrades include coverage for rental car damage, missed port of call, sporting equipment coverage, and more.

GoReady Travel Insurance Cost

By visiting GoReady's website and providing basic information about your trip, you can get a quote for the insurance plans available for your journey within seconds. Be sure to have information such as travelers' age and state of residence, travel dates, and total trip cost ready before beginning so that you can compare quotes accurately.

Now let's look at a few examples of coverage options and pricing from GoReady travel insurance.

Below are the five options for a 40-year-old taking a $4,000 trip to Mexico. The lowest-tier policy sells for $108, while the top-tier coverage costs $165. That's only about 3-4% of the total trip cost.

In this next example, you can see quotes for a 55-year-old traveler going to Spain, costing $5,000. Policies range from $209 to $308, or 4% to over 6% of total trip costs.

As you can see, the amount you'll pay for your premium will depend on how old you are and the specifics of your trip. However, these quotes fall within the average price range regarding what part of your total trip cost insurance will be. No matter which company you go with, usually, you're looking at paying 4-8% of your entire vacation in insurance fees.

How to File a Claim with GoReady

To file a claim with GoReady , you can contact the company by phone, email, or live chat. You must begin by completing a claim form and gathering the required documentation. In most cases, the entire process should only take seven to 10 business days. For Claims Assistance, call 888-429-0370 (Option 3).

Learn more about how GoReady Travel Insurance stacks up against the competition. 

GoReady Travel Insurance vs. HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance

HTH Worldwide's most popular TripProtector Preferred plan comes with $500,000 in emergency medical coverage, $50,000 in trip cancellation, $2,000 in baggage loss/damage, and $2,000 in trip delay insurance.

With GoReady's Choice plan, you'll get $250,000 in emergency medical assistance, 150% of trip cost in trip cancellation, $500 in baggage loss/damage coverage, and $200 for baggage delays, and you can get upgraded protection.

In comparing the two plans, you'll see that GoReady travel insurance offers better coverage when it comes to medical protections, but falls short, compared to HTH Worldwide, when it comes to travel coverages.

HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance Review

GoReady Travel Insurance vs. Allianz Travel Insurance

Like GoReady travel insurance, Allianz offers single-trip policies as well as policies for those who plan to travel for a longer period of time. And, like with all insurance, the different plans provide varying degrees of coverage.

Allianz's most popular single-trip option is the OneTrip Prime plan, which offers trip cancellation coverage up to $100,000, trip interruption coverage up to $150,000, emergency medical coverage for $50,000, coverage for baggage loss, theft or damage up to $1,000, and travel delay coverage up to $800.

In comparison, GoReady's Choice plan offers $250,000 in emergency medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation insurance. And it comes with up to $500 in baggage loss or damage coverage and $200 if your bags are delayed. Upgraded protection is an option, too.

Allianz Travel Insurance Review

GoReady Travel Insurance vs. Credit Card Travel Insurance

Be sure to take a look at your travel credit card's insurance coverage before buying a separate policy. Some coverages, like rental car coverage, might already be included.

Let's say, for example, you're taking a road trip and have very minimal (if any) pre-paid or non-refundable trip expenses. In that case, the coverage from your credit card will likely suffice. Or maybe your main concern is trip and baggage delay and cancellation coverage because your current health coverage covers you overseas. That's another instance where credit card insurance coverage might do the trick!

Worth noting, though, is that sometimes credit card coverage is secondary. This means you'll have to make a claim with your other applicable insurance before making a claim with your credit card company.

Best Credit Cards with Travel Insurance

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed GoReady Travel Insurance

When reviewing GoReady travel insurance travel insurance, we considered various factors such as types of coverage, claim limits, available policy add-ons, and costs. We then compared these findings to similar plans from other top travel insurance companies.

In the end, the best policy is the one that offers an adequate amount and type of coverage depending on your needs and budget. It should also be user-friendly in case you have to make a claim sometime in the future.

GoReady Travel Insurance FAQs

GoReady (formerly April Insurance) has been around for many years, and it is financially stable. So it's likely to be around to pay your claims. However, customer reviews are mixed. Some can be resolved by adjusting expectations (many claims take one to two months). However, some reviewers are more scathing, describing issues with not being paid at all.

The exact cost will depend on where you're traveling, your age, and other factors, but generally you should expect to pay between 4% and 8% of your overall trip cost to insure your trip through GoReady, or any other reputable travel insurance company.

GoReady travel insurance plans offer a range of services. Its GoReady Choice Plan offers sports and business equipment coverage. You can check out GoReady's website to compare other plans.

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AEGIS (GoReady) Travel Insurance Review (2024)

Learn if GoReady’s range of insurance policies for trip cancellation, interruption, medical, and cruises fit with your travel plans and protection needs.

from AEGIS via travelinsurance.com

Josh Lew is a travel journalist and writer based in the midwestern U.S. He has been active for the past decade, covering airlines, international destinations and ecotourism for sites like TravelPulse and TreeHugger. He currently contributes to content writing agency World Words.

Travel insurance plans reimburse policyholders if their travel plans get canceled or interrupted by unexpected events or uncontrollable circumstances. Many companies, including Aegis Insurance, also provide coverage for medical emergencies occurring during the trip. If you get hurt or sick, Aegis will pay qualifying medical costs.

Aegis, formerly branded as GoReady, is the travel insurance wing of Aegis General Insurance Agency and is one of our top-rated travel insurance agencies . It offers multiple coverage options, including single-trip and annual travel plans. U.S. residents can buy coverage for international and domestic travel and pick among available packages for stand-alone cancellation, medical and comprehensive coverage.

• Average Cost: $173
• BBB Rating: N/A
• AM Best Score: N/A
• Medical Expense Max: $50,000
• Emergency Evacuation Max: $500,000

Aegis Travel Insurance Overview

Aegis General Insurance Agency now offers travel insurance plans under its general company name rather than its previous travel insurance division named GoReady. Aegis policies are still the same as they were under GoReady, and they still have the same slogan – Go Insured. Go Ready!

Aegis sells several travel insurance policies with various coverage limits, terms and covered items. Comprehensive plans like Aegis Choice provide insurance for emergencies, evacuations, cancellations and trip interruptions. Coverage works for domestic and international travel and includes options for pre-existing conditions.

You can opt to add special features, such as a “cancel for work reasons” clause. Aegis has a high-limit VIP Plan, a Cruise Plan , a stand-alone trip cancellation policy and two levels of annual travel insurance plans. The Preferred yearly option appeals to casual vacationers, while the Primary annual plan has benefits meant for road warriors and frequent international fliers.

Compare Aegis to the Competition

Why trust marketwatch guides.

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

Companies Reviewed

Quotes Collected

Rating Factors

What Does Aegis General Instant Travel Insurance Cover?

Aegis’s Choice Single-Trip Plan delivers comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies and cancellations. The company calls this play a convenient and reasonably priced travel insurance option suitable for casual travelers who want coverage for one vacation. Aegis says this is its best-selling single-trip product.

Coverages on the Choice Plan are:

• 100% trip cancellation coverage for the insured cost
• 150% of insured trip cost for interruptions
• $10,000 accidental death and dismemberment
• $50,000 per person medical expenses
• $250,000 secondary medical evacuation coverage.
• $500 in lost luggage coverage and $1,000 in equipment coverage
• $50,000 rental car damage protection

For people wanting more, the VIP Plan offers $250,000 in medical coverage, $1,000,000 for evacuation coverage and a $2,500 baggage reimbursement.

Optional Riders

An insurance rider is a change to an insurance policy. It can add a feature, change coverage limits, or explain an amendment that alters the standard agreement. Some insurance companies refer to riders as “add-ons” or “upgrades.”

You can add more coverage to Aegis Choice Plan, including:

• Increased limit for accidental death and dismemberment
• A higher limit for medical emergencies
• A pre-existing condition rider (for conditions lasting more than six months)
• More coverage for evacuation and repatriation
• Higher lost baggage compensation limits

Higher limits and additional coverage are also available on other single-trip plans from Aegis.

Policies Offered

Here’s a comparison of the different types of coverage available from Aegis. This is a trip from New York to France from Sept. 1-14, 2023, for a 40-year-old traveler.

How Much Does Aegis Travel Insurance Cost?

The cost of travel insurance changes based on travelers’ ages, trip destinations, dates of travel, trip cost, date of trip payment and pre-existing conditions. Price and coverage details vary with your responses to this information.

The policy price is for two 40-year-old travelers going from Illinois to Jamaica from Nov. 1-8, 2023, with an itinerary valued at $3,000.

Read More: Travel Insurance For Parents Visiting The United States

Does Aegis Offer 24/7 Travel Assistance?

Travel protection is only part of the story for travel insurance providers. The best travel insurance companies also sell travel assistance. If you have an emergency or experience a cancellation or travel delay, insurers have a hotline or contact form where you can find help at no extra cost. Operators connect you with necessary services and offer other travel assistance and advice.

However, many travel insurers use third-party providers for these services, and they can’t help with claims. An operator will direct you to the insurance company for such questions.

Aegis offers 24/7 assistance by phone for cancellations, baggage loss and medical emergencies. This can include payments and transfers for hospital fees, lost baggage or other services.

The company also has a few special perks. You can get advice about a pre-clearance program for airport security and call the complimentary concierge service for information and reservations for airport parking, hotels, restaurants and other services. Advice extends to visa and vaccination requirements for your destination.

Aegis Customer Reviews

Aegis has an overall rating score of 4.05 out of 5 on Squaremouth based on 987 reviews over the past decade (as of June 8, 2023). Reviewers cited reasonable pricing and pre-trip assistance as the most attractive aspects of Aegis. Some complained about the platform for uploading documents and the use of third-party providers for travel assistance hotlines.

Here are some detailed customer reviews of Aegis.

“ I am so grateful to GoReady for covering the costs of my trip that I would have otherwise lost when our airline canceled our flight. My only negative comment is that the website's size restrictions on the documents that I was required to upload in support of my claim were so small that I could only upload three pages at a time. It took me several tries to figure this out; once I did, it was fine. I would definitely use GoReady again — thank you!” — Jennifer via Squaremouth “Before my trip, GoReady provided me with handy information sheets to use to prove that I was insured and to let me know how to proceed in the event I needed help. I left for my trip, secure that I had the information and coverage that I needed. Thank you, GoReady!  “When testing positive for COVID-19 during my trip, I sent an email to GoReady Insurance, I received a prompt response that let me know that an official test result would be needed. I was reassured by the prompt and helpful reply. I will update my comments after I file documentation of my claim. Thank you, GoReady!” — Bernice via Squaremouth “I spent about $4,000 for two trips. One was for 18 days in Greece, and the other was for two months in Florida. They were happy to take my money. My only claim was for a $200 doctor visit on the cruise. That was last October. I have contacted multiple times and filled out all paperwork required. I just confirmed another trip for two months but I will not use [GoReady] again.” — Carol via Squaremouth

How to File a Claim with Aegis

Aegis uses third-party administrators’ for its claims reimbursement processes. Customers can open a claim via phone, email, live chat, or web form on the company’s website. You may have to upload documents to Aegis online claims management platform to prove the claim falls within the covered reasons listed on their policy.

You can use the platform to check the status of the case without having to contact customer service by phone or chat.

The company says that most claims take seven to 10 days, and it calls customers with denied claims to review the information and, if necessary, launch an appeal. Approved claims are paid by check sent by mail.

Policyholders can reach customer service and claims support operators at 866-891-4124. The live chat application is available as a popup on the website ( https://goreadyinsurance.com ), and the webform for claims is at https://goreadyinsurance.com/file-a-claim .

The 24/7 emergency assistance numbers are 877-317-3472 and 305-455-0896.

The Bottom Line on Aegis

Aegis is a reasonably priced option for single- and multi-trip travel insurance options. It’s our pick for immediate reimbursement because of its short claims processing time.

If you need trip cancellation and medical coverage for your travels and understand the limits offered by the plans, the company could be a good option for covering your trip. However, higher coverage limits may require purchasing a premium plan or add-ons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aegis Insurance

Do aegis's policies cover natural disasters.

Aegis’s insurance policies cover natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, storms, hurricanes and tornadoes, that make the vacation accommodations uninhabitable or that shut down an airport at the destination for more than 12 hours.

Can I get travel insurance coverage with my credit card?

Some credit cards offer cancellation insurance for airfare or hotel reservations if you make the purchase using your account. But most credit cards don’t provide comprehensive travel insurance, nor will they provide medical insurance, coverage for baggage delays or lost luggage compensation.

Can a Aegis policy cover family members?

Insurance covers everyone listed on the policy, including family members and travel companions. Anyone traveling with you but not listed on the policy can’t get medical assistance coverage, reimbursements or other benefits.

Can I get coverage if I cancel my trip?

Aegis’s trip cancellation insurance covers the cost of the prepaid and non-refundable portions of your trip if a cancellation was because of specific factors beyond your control. Legitimate reasons can include a death in the family, a serious accident or illness, military deployment, jury duty, or an act of terrorism or natural disaster in your destination.

All insurers have exclusions to their cancellation policies. You can’t simply change your mind or cancel because you had an argument with your traveling companion. However, you can buy optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage , which would allow you to cancel your trip without having to explain and provide evidence.

Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies

• A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
• A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
• A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
• A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
• A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
• Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
• Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
• Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
• Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.

A.M. Best Disclaimer

Things to Do Before Going on Vacation: An Essential Checklist

Travel preparations can get complicated! To help you get ready for your next trip, we’ve created this checklist of things to do before going on vacation.

Getting ready to go on a trip can be very exciting, but it’s also a little stressful. From booking your flights to double-checking your accommodation details, it’s easy to forget some of the tasks you need to do before locking up your home and heading for the airport. To help make it easier for you to get ready for travel, we’ve put together a list of things to do before going on vacation that includes tips, hacks, and pre-departure must-dos.

Prepare for adventure!

Before you go on vacation, download our app and search for nearby scavenger hunts ! With competitive sightseeing tours, bar crawls , art walks, ghost hunts in over locations around the world , you’re sure to find at least one for you and your traveling companions to enjoy!

Things to Do Before Going On Vacation

1. save money for the trip. .

This one is kind of a given but it’s important to save money for your trip. While traveling is certainly a wonderful adventure, it’s decidedly less fun if you’re counting your pennies all of the time or having to skip things that you really want to do because you can’t afford it.

If you’re a woman traveling alone , it’s also incredibly important that you have enough money with you to pay for any unexpected emergencies. I have met many travelers who will stay on the road until they spend their very last cent. This is a really bad idea because you never know what may happen and having access to money can go a long way in helping you get out of a bad situation. 

Also, try not to get into the habit of putting everything on your credit card and worrying about it later. This is a good way to get into debt and that vacation may end up costing you a lot more than you thought in the long run. 

2. Check and re-check your packing list. 

There are generally two types of travelers. First, there are those that diligently prepare a list of things that they need to bring with them on a trip. They will often use handy little packing cubes that make packing a breeze and help you keep your things organized throughout their trips.

And then there are the rest of us. We are the ones that throw the things that we need into our bag without too much thought and hope that everything magically fits. This could be because we are barely unpacked from one trip before we are getting ready for the next (yah!) or because we simply don’t have the time or the energy to really prepare before the very last minute.

Regardless of what type of traveler you are, it’s always a good idea to have at least a mental checklist of the things that you will need and that you double-check that you have everything. Even if you’re constantly on the road and think you have packing down to a science, you should still take a quick look through your bags to make sure that you aren’t missing anything. I once flew to Singapore for a business conference with a suitcase full of light-colored shirts but only the black bra that I was wearing. Yikes.

3. Research transportation options.

If you’re a frequent traveler, you may find yourself forgetting to research transport options in your destination until the very last minute (I am very, very guilty of this). However, not researching transport options before you book your flights can end up wasting you a lot of money in the end. 

This is particularly true if you’re arriving or departing early in the morning or late at night. Most airports do not offer 24-hour public transport options or car rental. If this is the case, you may find yourself paying inflated prices for taxis or hotel pick-ups. While in some cases this is unavoidable, try not to book flights that have odd departure or arrival times until you have confirmed how much transportation will be on the other end. 

4. Organize a house sitter.

Depending on how long you will be traveling and whether or not you have pets, you may want to consider hiring a house sitter or a pet sitter. The job description of a house sitter can be someone who stops in every few days to water the plants and make sure that nothing catastrophic has happened. A pet sitter is a person who stays in your house for the duration of your vacation, feeding and loving your pets and taking care of any issues that arise.

If you don’t have any animals, it’s still worth considering getting a house sitter if you’re going on a long trip just for the peace of mind that someone is keeping an eye on everything. 

In case you don’t have a trusted housesitter and aren’t even quite sure how to find one, you may want to check out Trustedhousesitters.com . For a small annual fee, they help match people looking for housesitters with those who are looking for a place to house sit. 

5. Contact your bank. 

Another really important thing that you must do is contact your bank and your credit card company to let them know that you will be traveling. If they are not made aware of this, they may block your credit cards and debit cards when you try to use them in a foreign country.

Depending on the bank, this is usually relatively straight forward and you may even be able to do it online or through their app. It only takes a few minutes but it can save you major headaches in the long run.

Pro tip: If your credit card doesn’t work when you try to make a purchase, try contacting your bank immediately to tell them you’re trying to make a purchase overseas. It’s likely that they can just release the hold on the purchase immediately and when you try again, the transaction will go through. 

6. Turn down the thermostat and water heater.

If you live in a cold climate, don’t forget to turn down the thermostat before you lock up. This will keep your furnace from heating an empty home and can save you money on your next utility bill. The suggested temperature is around 55-60 degrees. This is enough to keep your pipes from freezing, but it’s not so high that it will eat up a lot of electricity. 

While you’re doing this, don’t forget to turn your water heater to vacation mode or to turn the temperature down to around 50 degrees. 

7. Eat all your perishable foods and clean your disposal.

We’ve all done it before. Just a few days before we go on vacation, we go to the grocery store and buy a ton of food. For some inexplicable reason, most of it just happens to be fresh fruit and vegetables. There is no reason why we do it but it seems that our logic is temporarily overrun and we soon find ourselves at home with a kitchen full of food wondering what the heck happened.

At this point, there is really only one thing to do—it’s time to eat all your perishable foods. Salads and sandwiches may be the only thing that you eat for the next few days but it sure beats throwing away food or coming home to a kitchen that resembles a petri dish! 

While you’re cleaning out your fridge, make sure that you also clean out your garbage disposal so that you don’t come home to a stinky sink. You simply need to throw in a half cup of baking soda and some vinegar. Once it has sat for 10 minutes, you can turn on the hot water and flush it out. it’s easy, fast, and definitely worth taking the time to do!

8. Make close friends or family aware of your travel plans.

If you’re about to head off on an adventure, make sure that someone in your family or a close friend knows what your travel plans are. While it’s nice to think of going completely off-the-grid for a few days, not letting anyone know where you’re going could end up making the difference between life and death.

Make sure to leave the phone numbers of the hotels or guesthouses that you will be staying at. Do not forget to let them know if there are any changes that happen last minute so that they know how to get in contact with you if necessary. If you buy local SIM cards at your new destination, make sure that they have those phone numbers too in case you’re unable to contact to wifi or data. 

I personally like to check in on Facebook when I am at the airport waiting for my flight and when I arrive at a new destination. I only mention what city I am in rather than an exact location (that can cause other safety issues, especially for female travelers) and it makes me feel a little safer that someone knows roughly where I am in the world.

9. But do not broadcast your travel plans on social media.

At the risk of contradicting my last statement, you also need to make sure that you don’t make it too obvious that you’re on vacation or how long you will be away. This is unfortunately a way that many burglars are able to know that no one is home and it may make your home a target for robbery.

10 Turn on your home security system.

If you have a home security system or a video doorbell, make sure that they are turned on and working properly before you leave. While it’s great to have everything set up, it’s not going to be very useful if it isn’t working. You may also want to let the alarm company know that you will be on vacation so they can monitor if there are any unexpected entries into your home. 

11. Hold your mail at the post office.

Another easy way for robbers to find out that no one is home at a house is when mail starts piling up outside. It’s always a good idea to have your mail held even if you generally do not get much mail anymore. 

If you’re expecting a package that has been delayed, you can also let any neighbors with whom you have a good relationship know so they can keep an eye out for it. 

12. Make digital copies of all of your important documents.

Before you set off on your adventure, it’s important to always have digital copies of your important documents, especially your passport, health insurance card, driver’s license, COVID vaccination card, etc. This can be extremely helpful if your bag or wallet gets stolen and you need to replace anything.

If you’re traveling abroad , it’s also a good idea to have a printed copy of your passport with you at all times. Depending on where you are, carrying your passport with you may not be safe and a paper copy is usually sufficient if anyone needs to see it. 

13. Set up an out-of-office response on your work email. 

There is very little that can be worse than being on vacation and seeing an urgent email pop up in your inbox (stop checking it!) that you absolutely must respond to. Setting up an out-of-office response before you leave can let the other person know that you’re out of the office so they can find another way to resolve the issue or, at the very least, it buys you some time so that you don’t need to respond to it right away. 

14. Unplug appliances at home.

Even when appliances are not on, they can still drain your electricity as long as they are plugged in. It’s a wise idea to switch off and unplug things like your TV, microwave, toaster, washing machine, etc. before you leave. This not only can save you some money from your electricity bill but it can also help the environment. 

15. Put all of your valuables in your carry-on luggage.

While we always recommend that you travel as lightly as possible , there are some things that you simply can’t leave home without. Make sure to put everything valuable that you’re bringing with you in your carry-on luggage. This includes your laptop, tablet, jewelry, money, camera, etc. 

You never know what happens to your luggage when it’s out of your sight, and if you have everything of value with you, you can rest assured that it won’t disappear somewhere along the way. However, keep in mind that the only way that you can be absolutely sure that nothing will happen to it’s to keep your bag under the seat in front of you. Sadly, there have been reports of people’s things getting stolen from the overhead bin and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. 

16. Check in online.

If you’re taking a flight, make sure to check in online before heading to the airport and download a copy of your boarding passes on your phone. This can save a lot of time at the airport. Considering what a zoo they have become, this can make a big difference as to whether or not you make your flight.

17. Pre-order any specialty meals.

If you’re taking a flight where they are serving complimentary meals, make sure to order a special meal at least one day before you leave if you have any dietary restrictions. Most airlines will only let you request a meal at least 24-48 hours in advance and, trust me, the last thing that you want is to be sitting there hungry watching everyone dig into their meals around you. 

18. Buy travel insurance. 

When you’re organizing your trip, it’s easy to forget to purchase something that, frankly, you hope that you will never need to use. Yep, you guessed it, I am talking about travel insurance. Unless you have an international health insurance plan, it’s important to remember that most American health insurance policies will not cover you if you’re out of the country.

Costing roughly around $1 per day for a decent policy with a low deductible, travel insurance is very inexpensive and can save you a ton of money in the event of an unexpected illness or an emergency. There are some travel insurance aggregators that make it easy to find a policy that works for you so make sure to put this at the top of your to-do list. 

19. Pay any upcoming bills.

If you don’t have all of your bills on auto-pay, make sure to pay any outstanding or upcoming bills before you leave. Coming back to a mountain of late fees can be a real buzz-kill after an amazing vacation. 

20. Turn off your water.

If you’re going to be away for more than a few days, it’s always a good idea to turn off your water supply before you leave. This can help prevent any potential flooding that could occur as a result of broken pipes or leaks. 

This is very important if you live in a cold environment where there is the chance that your pipes may freeze and burst. Water in your pipes can freeze after just six hours of being at 20 degrees or below and the last thing that you want to do is come home and find a huge mess.

21. Have your car serviced.

If you’re heading out on a road trip, it’s also a very good idea to have your car serviced at least a week before you leave, especially if it’s an older model. This can help you catch any small issues that could become much bigger ones while you are on the road, putting an abrupt end to your vacation. 

22. Carry your necessities in your carry-on.

If you’re planning on checking luggage, make sure to keep any necessities that you may need for the first day or two of your trip with you in case your bag gets lost. This includes things like contact lens cases, glasses, a toothbrush, underwear, a spare change of clothes, and a bathing suit. 

If you’re traveling abroad, it’s also very important to carry travel adapters with you as well as your phone, laptop, and tablet chargers. If you don’t have an adapter, you can order them from Amazon before you go. Although you can sometimes get them at the airport, they are generally very expensive and not as good of quality as what you can find online.

Ready to roam?

We hope that this checklist has left you feeling a bit more prepared for your next trip. If you need some more tips and tricks, make sure to check out our list of the “ Dos and Don’ts of Air Travel ,” our international travel checklist , and the other expert travel advice contained within our Explorer Blog !

There are some important things to do before going on vacation . Unplug non-essential appliances, turn off your water, and consider turning down the heat and hot water heater.

While preparing to leave for vacation , lock your doors and windows and notify your security company that you’ll be away. Hire a house sitter if possible, and don’t announce your vacation on social media!

If you’re taking a trip, use a checklist of things to do before vacation so you don’t miss any key preparations. Don’t forget to download the Let’s Roam app to access fun adventures while you’re away!

Featured Products & Activities

20 Travel-ready packing tips for travelling on short notice

by Anne Betts | Jan 17, 2024 | Luggage and Packing | 8 comments

Are you ready to grab an attractive travel deal at a moment’s notice? Are you occasionally asked to pack your bags for an unexpected trip with little time to prepare? For these and other scenarios, a partially packed travel bag and other travel-ready packing tips may be just what you need to grab last-minute travel deals, accept invitations from travelling companions, or take work assignments involving travel.

Table of Contents

Advantages of being ready to travel with little notice

1. identify a consistent place to stow travel gear, 2. be vigilant about the critical items, 3. work with a packing list, 4. know your limits, 5. be prepared with emergency medical insurance, 6. organize copies of important documents, 7. keep your emergency contact card up to date, 8. ensure your travel account and financial cards are always ready to go, 9. maintain an emergency cash stash, 10. keep foreign currency on hand, 11. keep cloud-based travel files up to date, 12. keep a password manager up to date, 13. ensure your devices are travel-ready, 14. maintain a stocked kit of toiletries and cosmetics, 15. have a ready-to-go health kit, 16. consider purchasing duplicates for home and travel, 17. have a pre-packed tech bag, 18. maintain a travel wardrobe, 19. unpack with the next trip in mind, 20. keep a travel bag partially packed.

Being partially prepared to travel any time

• takes the angst out of decision-making. It’s one less reason to decline, one more reason to accept.
• improves your ability to take spontaneous travel opportunities.
• removes some of the stress associated with getting ready to leave.
• promotes an organized approach to unpacking from a previous trip to be ready for the next.
• allows you to pack quickly if faced with time constraints.
• encourages and fosters a packing light mindset. Packing in a hurry isn’t an excuse for overpacking.

20 Travel-ready packing tips

You may be a consummate planner who starts packing several weeks before a trip. In that case, the following tips will undoubtedly enhance your approaches to planning and preparation. If you’re a last-minute packer, integrating some of these strategies will allow you to pack faster and smarter. If you agree, please let me know in the comments.

It helps to have designated places to store luggage, stash packing aids, hang travel clothing, store shoes set aside for travel, file a passport and related documentation, maintain a selection of travel-sized containers, and stow items packed for most trips.

For ‘dedicated travel stuff,’ a travel drawer (or two) works for many people. Or use a tote box or two, each one with a lid. Being ready to travel on short notice means not wondering where something is or having to search for it.

Make being travel-ready part of your everyday activities. Be on the lookout for solid alternatives to liquid toiletries and suggestions on travel clothing.  Collect travel-sized containers to add to your collection. Do the same with pouches, zip-top bags, or other packing organizers. Having a selection means finding the right one for decanting purposes or storing related or miscellaneous items in a purse or bag.

• How to pack small things in your travel bags
• Functional and lightweight shoe bags for the packing light traveller
• Join the carry-on travel movement: pack light and tight with packing organizers
• The best compression packing cubes ever made
• 10 Reasons to travel with dry bags

Launder travel underwear from the last trip, pack it in its designated packing organizer, and add it to your travel drawer or partially packed travel bag.

Reach for your travel umbrella or packable, lightweight rain jacket if rain is in the forecast. Put your hands on a hands-free travel organizer containing your passport, trusted traveller card, emergency contact card, and laminated emergency medical insurance policy card.

An expired or damaged passport is a liability. Or one that isn’t valid for at least six months beyond an intended stay or has enough empty pages to be stamped. So is a soon-to-be expired prescription for medication that’s vital to your well-being. These are scenarios that may be difficult to overcome without adequate notice.

I find a master packing list works best, unlike separate lists by season, destination, or type of trip. As much as 80 per cent of what you’ll pack applies to all trips, so create an electronic version. My obsessively comprehensive list has every possibility for past and future trips, including brand names, sizes, and weight in some cases. It’s amended regularly to eliminate discards and add new products.

Print a copy and check off items as they’re packed. Working with a hard copy offers more opportunities to quickly add handwritten notes or flag items to be packed within the last few hours of departure. Having a checklist for reference makes last-minute packing more efficient and less stressful.

If you’re a member of an airline’s frequent flyer loyalty program, you’ll likely travel on that airline or one of its partners. Remain up to date on baggage allowance policies regarding dimensions and weight. If it’s helpful, keep a record in a Notes app on your phone, along with the exact dimensions of your luggage. Purchase a portable luggage scale . Ensure your luggage strictly adheres to baggage allowances and pack accordingly. It’s too late when you reach the gate and encounter a hefty fee for checking a bag because your bag was too large for the luggage sizer.

Travelling without emergency medical insurance coverage is never a risk worth taking. Does your existing policy make you travel-ready? Is it valid for the length of your trip and covers pre-existing conditions related to recent health issues?

If your policy has lapsed, how quickly will you be able to obtain coverage over the phone? Do you travel enough to make an annual multi-trip plan a worthwhile investment? You may be surprised to discover that an annual plan may be slightly more expensive than a single-trip one.

Keep a scanned copy of the information page of your passport in your Dropbox (or other cloud-based service) or email account. A handy complement is a laminated copy carried with you at all times, with a spare packed in your luggage. It will be invaluable to confirm your identity, obtain an emergency passport, or seek medical attention.

• 6 Reasons to carry laminated copies of your passport

What number do you call to report a lost or stolen credit card when the credit card is no longer in your possession? Most emergency medical insurance policies require contact with the policy administrator before seeking medical attention. Do you have that number at your fingertips? What if you need to contact your country’s consular services for assistance? These telephone numbers and other information associated with emergencies can be recorded in a digital wallet but what if you’ve lost your phone or someone else needs to call on your behalf? This is when a laminated emergency contact card the size of a credit card can be handy. Make several copies to store each one in a wallet, phone case, and travel bag.

• How to make a traveller’s emergency contact card in 5 easy steps

If relying on withdrawing cash from an ATM, ensure your travel account or pre-loaded financial card has the necessary funds. Not all pre-loaded cards are supported in all countries. Be aware of where your card is accepted.

Also, it’s wise to travel with more than one credit card from different card issuers and different financial institutions. Acceptance rates of American Express, MasterCard, and Visa vary, and one card could be blocked because of an issue with a PIN or suspected fraudulent activity. Or it could be an issue with the merchant’s terminal. I’ve had one card rejected, another accepted, and the rejected card accepted at another merchant’s terminal.

Download banking apps and familiarize yourself with them before travelling. Record essential details such as withdrawal limits and telephone numbers in a password manager . Having preauthorized payments set up on credit cards means one crucial task is handled automatically. Setting up voice recognition in advance will make contacting your financial institution much easier. In the case of two-step authentication, make sure you have the means to receive a text or call from your financial institution.

As a backup, always carry an emergency cash stash. It will be handy if your purse is lost, stolen, or pickpocketed. Or you might discover that none of your cards works at one or more ATMs.

There are small diversion safes on the market to hide emergency stash. For example, a small Mennen Speed Stick container with fake deodorant, plastic lipstick containers, or a phony USB power bank is built for this purpose. Or make your own. Sew or tape a pocket in a packing organizer, or save a used container such as travel-sized deodorant, lip balm, or a band-aid dispenser for a DIY diversion safe.

There may be delays involved in ordering foreign currency. Having a cache of local currency is handy when you first land in a foreign destination. It enables you to navigate public transportation, pay for small purchases, or tip service providers.

If you’ve travelled to that area before and are likely to pass through or travel there again, consider purchasing leftover foreign currency from travelling companions at the current exchange rate before returning home. It saves on fees for everyone. Organize leftover foreign currency in see-through sleeves cut from page protectors. Keep a handy list of foreign currencies and their value in a Notes app on your phone.

You undoubtedly have files that accompany you on all trips. These might include a user manual for your camera, emergency medical insurance policy, vaccination certificate, and various documents or spreadsheets. Filing them in a cloud-based storage system makes them accessible while on the move. Also, ensure you have the right apps or programs to update them while travelling.

Each time a password changes or information relating to one of your accounts is modified, take a few moments to update your password manager. It will be invaluable when trying to access accounts from afar.

Is your phone network unlocked? Have you set up biometric controls such as facial recognition or fingerprint access? Do you have a Virtual Private Network (VPN) subscription? Have you downloaded your chosen airline apps and set them to receive notifications regarding check-in and flight delays? Do you and your key contacts have a VoIP app such as WhatsApp to video and audio chat using Wi-Fi? Have you paired your luggage tag tracker with your phone?  Do you have a selection of playlists, movies, podcasts, and other forms of entertainment downloaded? What are the costs of your carrier’s roaming packages? If you have lounge passes as one of your credit card benefits, have you downloaded the app and set up your account? Is your phone eSIM compatible? As Uber is a popular rideshare option in many countries, have you downloaded the app and established an account to book an Uber on the fly?

Managing these and many other issues means you can rely on your devices for navigation, banking, research, booking travel, entertainment, social media and email management, and communicating with folks back home.

• Why you need a VPN when you travel

Your travel toiletries most likely consist of many of the same products you use at home. The difference may be that they’re in travel-sized containers and packed in a small hanging toiletry kit.

• If your trips are of a predictable duration, decant enough for that many days — no more, no less.
• Label everything. It removes the guesswork from similar-looking products.
• Clean empty containers at the end of one trip and add enough product to be travel-ready for the next. If the next trip is longer, top-up containers as necessary.
• Toiletries and cosmetics have expiration or Period After Opening dates. Keep these in mind when assembling and replenishing your toiletry kit.
• 18 Tips on organizing a 3-1-1 bag for toiletries and cosmetics
• Are you travelling with expired toiletries? Avoid doing so with these 14 tips

A small first-aid kit with the basics will serve you well when travellers’ diarrhea, a headache, cuts and scrapes, bug bites, and other ailments strike. Maintain a related collection of health aids for sanitizing, hydration, gut health, and immune support. Include pressure-reducing earplugs and other in-flight essentials for a healthy flight.

Review your collection occasionally to discard expired items and order replacements.

• 1 5 Tips on how to assemble a perfect travel first-aid kit
• How to prevent and treat travellers’ diarrhea
• Carry-on essentials and packing tips for long flight s

Consider buying duplicates for items consistently used at home and while travelling. It avoids the possibility of overlooking them when packing. This might include chargers, a travel adapter, a small flashlight, a refillable water bottle, a pen, a sleep mask, and a pocket shopping bag.

Relying heavily on devices creates pressure to ensure they remain secure, charged, and able to safely venture into cyberspace. Your tech bag might include an international adapter, charging cords with the correct connectors, a headphone jack, a data blocker, and an adaptor for connecting wireless headphones to an in-flight entertainment system.

A grab-and-go bag that can be quickly packed alleviates collecting charging cords and accessories from around the house on the eve of departure. Leave home with the knowledge you’ll have what you need to power up and connect with confidence throughout your trip.

• Pack light with the inCharge X, a 6-in-1 keychain charging cable
• Do you need a USB data blocker? You do if you use public USB charging stations
• Pack light with a USB to AC international travel charger

If packing clothes is a significant challenge, consider setting aside lightweight, quick-drying, tried-and-true pieces of a capsule wardrobe and reserving them for travel. Choose versatile pieces that are wrinkle-resistant and can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits with fewer items.

Exploring destinations can be a pleasurable or painful experience depending on your choice of shoes. Once you’ve found comfortable, versatile footwear that blends with your capsule wardrobe, consider setting it aside for travel. For most destinations, I pack my AllBirds Wool Runners , Teva Tirra sandals, and Havaianas Slim to use as slippers and shower shoes.

It’s reassuring to know that I can easily walk at least 20 kilometres / 12 miles in my tried-and-tested AllBirds Wool Runners or Teva Tirra sandals. In neutral colours, both can transition to smart casual wear when going out for supper. By setting them aside for travel, they retain their like-new look for several trips.  

A ready-to-go sewing kit you assemble will contain thread that matches your travel wardrobe. Spare buttons will also match; add them to your sewing kit or attach them to the inside of the respective piece of clothing.

• What are the best walking sandals for travel?

Unpack as soon as possible from each trip. While doing so, incorporate a post-trip debrief with yourself as it relates to packing. Make a note of what wasn’t worn or used, what worked or didn’t work, and amend your packing list accordingly.

Launder travel clothes, clean and dry shoes, replenish or clean out travel-sized toiletries, and wash and dry your reusable water bottle. 

Only partially unpack from each trip. Keep items routinely packed for every trip within your semi-packed travel bag. If you’re a fan of packing cubes and other packing organizers, leave your favourites in the bag. These might include a laundry bag, shoe bag, dry bag to keep moisture in or out, a compression sac for bulky clothing, or tried-and-trusted clothing folders and cubes.

Packing with little notice is a scramble that many travellers face, often leading to forgotten essentials or overpacked suitcases. Preparing to take advantage of last-minute travel opportunities involves having systems to facilitate quick and efficient packing.

If you found this post helpful, please share it by selecting one or more social media buttons. What are your packing tips for being ready to travel with little notice? Please add your suggestions and thoughts in the comments. Thank you.

The Amazon links are affiliate links. If you click on one and purchase something, you don’t pay more but Packing Light Travel earns a small commission which helps with the costs of maintaining the site. Thank you for your support.

I find these tips are good even for the planned vacation. I can’t tell you my frustration when I have to go to the pharmacy or department store to purchase expensive medicines (such as aspirin) or clothes items because I forgot to pack. I recommend keeping a list in your suitcase entitled “Things I Need On Every Trip.”

Excellent tips. Keeping travel stuff organized at home always helps me when it’s time to pack – whether it’s spur of the moment or not.

Great advice! I feel like your tip about keeping everything well organized/knowing where it is is huge! You can pack a lot faster if everything is already in a place you know of and can put things together quickly!

So useful! I also find having a master packing list is the best option, and I do it all the time, but apart from my slippers & jandals already in the backpack, I unpack and pack again every time … I’m definitely gonna do the travel underwear thing!

Great tips. My husband travels a lot for work and has a stash of foreign cash from around the world (separated by location). It definitely helps to have a little change on hand when you arrive in country.

What a great article! So many useful tips. A travel many years and I consider myself being good in packing for my trips, still I did not think about about emergency contact card, for example. Thanks for sharing!

So many great tips. It’s always good to be prepared for any sudden travel plans. My brother-in-law recently had a heart attack so it was good I didn’t forget anything as I rushed out the door!

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Plan, Ready, Go

Packing Quickly for a Trip: Speedy Tips for Busy Travelers

Learn how to pack quickly for a trip and transform your pre-travel stress into calm. This article provides essential tips to help you pack just what you need for each trip, avoiding overpacking. Say goodbye to last-minute packing panics and hello to a stress-free trip.

Key takeaways

• Create a personalized packing list template for different types of trips to save time and avoid forgetting essentials.
• Organize and store travel gear in a specific place to easily grab what you need without the last-minute scramble.
• Pre-pack a small emergency kit and a dedicated toiletry kit to handle minor inconveniences and maintain personal care routines.
• Select versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits for different activities and weather scenarios.
• Refine your packing list after each trip by removing unused items and adding anything you missed to streamline future packing.

Create a go-to packing list

Creating a personalized packing list template for your trips can save you time and stress. Start by categorizing the kinds of trips you usually take and then outline the essentials for each. By creating trip-specific packing templates, you can easily adjust them for future travels, saving time you’d otherwise spend creating new lists.

Depending on how frequently you travel to certain destinations or the kinds of trips you make the most often, you might have a different go-to packing list for:

• Overnight trips
• Weekend getaways
• Short hiking trips
• International trips
• Beach trips
• National Park trips
• Trips to Disney World or Disneyland

For each trip, you can then adapt your go-to list based on the travel duration, expected weather, and any unique items you need to take on that specific trip. 

Keep your travel gear all in one place

To save time and stress while packing for a trip, gather all your travel gear in a designated spot in your home ahead of time. This could be a shelf, closet, a specific drawer, or even your suitcase. Keeping items like travel adapters, portable charger, sleep mask, and your travel toiletry bag together means avoiding the last-minute scramble.

If you have many things you use only when you travel, consider organizing in packing cubes, to quickly pack and identify what you need when you arrive at your destination. For instance, store all your charging cables in one cube and your travel-size toiletries in another to stay organized.

Pre-pack a small emergency kit

When you’re gearing up for a quick trip, it’s easy to overlook the small stuff. But trust me, packing a small emergency kit is something you’ll thank yourself for later. Tuck in a selection of adhesive bandages of various sizes, antibiotic ointment or antiseptic wipes, over-the-counter pain relievers, and stomach relief tablets. You never know when you’ll encounter a travel headache day or need to treat a minor scrape.

If you have prescription medications , don’t forget to pack those as well. However, you’ll want to know if there are any regulations regarding traveling with prescription medications at your planned destination.

Pre-pack toiletries

Having a dedicated toiletry kit always prepared can significantly streamline your packing process. I always have travel-size versions of my daily essentials ready. This little habit ensures that packing for my next trip is pretty fuss-free.

Essentials to include:

• Hair care: shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, serums, etc.
• Toothpaste and toothbrush: Keep a spare toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste. I also set aside dental floss samples from my dentist.
• Skin and personal care: Buy travel-size versions of your essential skin-care items, deluxe samples of body lotion, sunscreen, etc.

If you’re using general refillable toiletry containers for travel, make sure you clearly label them with the contents. You don’t want to try to condition your hair with body lotion or wash your face with shampoo. That’s a tip from a friend who shall remain nameless.

Don’t forget that any liquids packed for carry-on when flying must comply with TSA regulations . Pack liquids in a clear, quart-sized bag for airport security.

Choose versatile clothing

When packing for a trip, selecting clothing that can serve multiple purposes is like winning half the battle of efficient packing. Aim for pieces that you can combine to create several different outfits . I like to back neutral bottoms and introduce pops of color with a few basic tops. This helps me create several outfits with just a few garments.

Pack classic staples such as solid T-shirts, button-up shirts, and comfortable pants that work for many occasions. For example, a pair of well-fitting dark jeans can be casual during the day with a T-shirt, but can easily transition to an evening look with a black sweater and ballet flats.

Opting for layers is also a smart move. Not only do they allow you to adjust to changing temperatures, but pieces like cardigans and light jackets can also increase your outfit options.

Be willing to adapt

When you’re packing for a trip, it’s important to stay flexible. You should have a packing list, but sometimes you’ll need to think on your feet. The weather might change unexpectedly, or you might discover you forgot to pack a crucial item.

It’s impossible to pack for every scenario in one suitcase traveling carry-on only . Use your best judgment. Your itinerary isn’t set in stone, and neither is your suitcase. If you find yourself in a pinch, remember that most essentials can be purchased at your destination.

Adaptability is your secret weapon. So, you forgot an umbrella? Your hooded rainshell will work just as well. Small boo-boos are not a disaster. Your trip is an adventure, and sometimes the unexpected makes for the best stories!

Develop your own packing process and follow that for each trip

Having a reliable packing process can save you time and reduce stress. You want to ensure that nothing important gets left behind. As you travel more, you’ll refine this process until you’ve got it down to a science. You’ll rinse and repeat. 

Your pre-trip packing prep essentials list could include:

• Make sure you have your essential travel documents
• Print out copies of your reservations (just in case)
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast for your destination
• Review your go-to packing list and tweak it for this trip
• Shop for any new gear, clothing, or toiletries that you need
• Traveling for a longer period than ever before
• Packing carry-on only for the first time
• First time going on a cruise
• You get the idea
• Do laundry at least a couple of days before you travel so you’re only traveling with clean clothing

Remember, your packing process is yours to tweak. Whether it’s rolling your clothes to save suitcase space or always packing an extra battery pack, you’ll find the best methods through experience. Stick to what works for you, and let your packing routine evolve as your travels do.

Update your go-to packing list after each trip

After you return from a trip, give yourself a moment to think about what items you brought along but never actually used. This is your chance to refine your packing habits. Your go-to packing list is a living document, one that should evolve based on your experiences.

Do you take any items you didn’t wear even though they were appropriate for the weather and planned activities? Be honest with yourself. It might be tempting to keep that “just in case” item on your list, but if you haven’t worn it after two trips, it’s likely using up valuable suitcase space.

Update your list by removing what’s unnecessary, and note anything you wish you had brought. This tailored list will become your ultimate checklist for packing swiftly and efficiently for future adventures. Your experiences are the best guide to perfecting your packing process.

You can get more efficient with your packing over time. Create your personalized (and evolving) packing list, keep your travel gear organized, and make versatile clothing choices. Streamline your process, update your list after each trip, and keep toiletries ready to minimize stress and help you pack quickly.

Tip: use a digital and editable packing list to make it easy for you to update your go-to packing list(s).

More articles to help you pack for your trip

• Essential carry-on packing tips
• How to pack for a week in a carry-on
• What to take with you on your flight
• How to pack your day bag
• Travel essentials for women
• The ultimate weekend getaway packing list
• How to pack to maximize space
• Essential tips to avoid overpacking

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Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

Privacy Overview

Cruise Stories: Q&A with Gaby and Mario

Q: what are your names.

A: Hi, we are Gaby and Mario and we run the Instagram account called  Journey and Learn .

Q: Where are you both from?

A: We currently reside in Texas.

Q: Where did you depart from?

A: We picked up at the Houston, Texas rental center.

Q: Which RV did you rent?

Q: Some people get creative and name their RV for their journey.  Did you happen to, and if so, what was his/her name?

A: Benny. Our 4-year-old daughter named our RV :) She said it reminded her of our destination Big Bend.

Q: From your pictures, it looks like you had a great time!  Where was your favorite place you traveled to?

A: Chisos Basin in Big Bend National Park . Texas is very flat, so it was so surprising and beautiful to see the striking mountains that were formed by massive volcanic activity.

Q: With all the great memories you created from this trip, what is your favorite?

A: We saw a black bear during one of our hikes, that was the first bear the kids have seen in the wild. And of course, Stargazing! Big Bend is ranked as one of the top stargazing destinations on earth! Over 2,000 stars are visible to the naked eye!

Q: Traveling by an RV has it's perks, we have to admit. What would you say was your favorite part traveling by RV?

Q: Where was your favorite place you camped at, and why?

A: We boondocked at Nugent Mountain in Big Bend NP. We love getting off the beaten path and enjoying wildlife, especially when visiting National Parks. It was only $10 for the backcountry permit.

Q: What would you have liked to have known before heading out on your adventure?

A: Bring an auxiliary cable to plug your phones to listen to music. Don’t rely on Bluetooth.

Q: Do you have any tips for first-time renters?

A big thank you to Gaby and Mario for sharing their RV adventure through Big Bend National Park with us! If you are looking to take your own trip to Big Bend National Park, make sure you check out our RV Camping Guide to Big Bend National Park . If you have your own Cruise Story and would love to share it with us, be sure to tag us on Instagram with the #BeThereNow!

See more inspiration from Gaby and Mario visit  J ourney and Learn  on Instagram!

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Iran launches retaliatory attack on Israel with hundreds of drones, missiles

• Medium Text
• For a Reuters live page of coverage of the Iranian attack, click

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Reporting by Dan Williams in Jerusalem, Parisa Hafezi in Dubai, Timur Azhari in Baghdad, Jeff Mason, Eric Beech and Doina Chiacu in Washington and Suleiman al-Khalidi in Amman and Lidia Kelly in Lisbon; Writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by Jonathan Oatis, Daniel Wallis, Chizu Nomiyama, Howard Goller and William Mallard

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Australian police say Assyrian church stabbing was terrorist attack

A knife attack during a service at an Assyrian church in Sydney that injured a bishop was a terrorist act motivated by suspected religious extremism, Australian police said on Tuesday.

Watch CBS News

U.S. issues travel warning for Israel with Iran attack believed to be imminent and fear Gaza war could spread

By Debora Patta , Tucker Reals

Updated on: April 13, 2024 / 5:25 PM EDT / CBS News

Update: Iran launched drone attacks against Israel on Saturday. Read CBS News'  latest coverage here .

Tel Aviv  — Israel is bracing for a worst-case scenario that U.S. officials believe could materialize within just hours — the possibility of a direct attack on Israeli soil by Iran in retaliation for a strike almost two weeks ago that killed seven Iranian military officers. Iran has vowed to take revenge for Israel killing its commanders, who were hit by an April 1 strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria's capital.

Two U.S. officials told CBS News that a major Iranian attack against Israel was expected as soon as Friday, possibly to include more than 100 drones and dozens of missiles aimed at military targets inside the country. Sources have told CBS News the retaliation could include attacks carried out both by Iranian forces, and proxy groups around the region that it has been funneling additional arms to for weeks.  

The officials said it would be challenging for the Israelis to defend against an attack of that magnitude, and while they held out the possibility that the Iranians could opt for a smaller-scale attack to avoid a dramatic escalation, their retaliation was believed to be imminent. 

Asked Friday how imminent he believes an attack is, President Biden responded, "I don't want to get into secure information, but my expectation is sooner than later." The president urged Iran not to move forward, saying his message to Tehran was: "Don't."

Tehran has not indicated publicly how or when it will return fire, so it's unclear how far Iran's leaders will go. If they decide to carry out a direct attack on Israel, there's fear it could blow Israel's ongoing war against Iranian ally Hamas up into a much wider regional conflict.

With the Iranian retaliation expected at any time, the U.S. State Department on Thursday warned Americans in Israel not to travel outside major cities, which are better protected from incoming rocket fire by the country's Iron Dome missile defense system. The latest guidance noted that travel by U.S. government employees in Israel could be further restricted with little notice as things develop in the tinderbox region.

"Whoever harms us, we will harm them," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Thursday as he visited troops at an Israel Defense Forces airbase. "We are prepared … both defensively and offensively."

On Saturday, all U.S. embassies in the Middle East were put on high alert and required to hold emergency action committee meetings. Diplomats in Lebanon and Israel were specifically told not to travel to certain areas within those countries.

Sima Shine, a security expert and former official with Israel's national intelligence agency Mossad, told CBS News it was a dangerous moment for the region, and the "most worried" she has been. She said anxiety over an all-out war was likely just as high "on both sides, in Israel and in Iran."

If Iran does choose to strike Israel directly, it could involve a complex missile and drone attack similar to the one Iranian forces launched against a Saudi oil facility in 2019 .

"They will try to do it on the military or some military asset," Shine predicted. "But the question will be the damage. If there would be many injured people, killed or injured … I think it has the potential for a huge escalation."

Shine stressed, however, that she still believes neither side actually wants a regional conflict.

U.S. "really trying to avoid war"

The U.S. sent a senior general to Israel this week to coordinate with the close American ally on any response it might make to an Iranian attack. Speaking Friday on "CBS Mornings," America's top military officer said, "we're really trying to avoid war."

"This is part of the dialogue that I have with my counterparts within the region, to include the Israeli chief of defense, who I talked to yesterday," said Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., adding that the U.S. military was "doing things not only to prevent a war, but at the same time, one of my primary things is to make sure all the forces in the region are protected."

"My role, as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, is to plan and prepare," Brown said. "That's one thing we do very well."

Brown's Israeli counterpart, Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, "completed a comprehensive situational assessment on the readiness of the IDF for all scenarios," Israel's military said Friday. 

"The IDF is very strongly prepared, both offensively and defensively, against any threat," Halevi was quoted as saying in the statement. "The IDF continues to monitor closely what is happening in Iran and different arenas, constantly preparing to deal with existing and potential threats in coordination with the United States Armed Forces." 

The IDF said the visiting U.S. general, Central Command chief Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, was taking part in the IDF's situational assessment.

The dilemma for Iran, said Israeli expert Shine, is to figure out how to deliver its promised response to Israel's attack in Syria, but in a way that does not lead to further escalation. Likewise, Shine said Israel could choose to show restraint when it responds to whatever Iran eventually does.

If either side gets the balance wrong, the consequences for the region, and even the world, could be dire.

Weijia Jiang, David Martin, Margaret Brennan and Olivia Gazis contributed reporting.

• Middle East
• Benjamin Neta​nyahu

Debora Patta is a CBS News foreign correspondent based in Johannesburg. Since joining CBS News in 2013, she has reported on major stories across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Edward R. Murrow and Scripps Howard awards are among the many accolades Patta has received for her work.

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16+ Best Spring Break Destinations For Families (2024)

W ith winter coming to an end, families are ready to enjoy some warm weather on their spring break family vacation. Now is the best time to get started on researching destinations, finding prices, and booking your trip.

Wondering where to go on vacation with your kids during spring break? Here are some of the best spring break destinations for families.

Whether your spring break is in March or April, we’ve got you covered. This list offers European, Caribbean, and US destinations. If you are planning a last-minute trip, you’ll find some options that can be a great road trip so you can save money on flights and rental cars.

Did we miss any of your favorite spring break destinations for families? Leave us a comment and we’ll update this post.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no cost to you. All opinions are my own. Note that we experienced some of these top spring break destinations as part of media trips or comped stays.

This post has been updated for the 2024 spring break.

Best Spring Break Destinations for Families

Grand cayman.

I’ve visited the Cayman Islands (on complimentary press trips twice) three times now, and I always love it. Our hotel picks are the Ritz-Carlton or the Westin Grand Cayman Resort – both located on Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman.

We’ve traveled there with JetBlue Vacations , which is a great option, and also on a cruise excursion. There’s so much to do – but you’ll also want to spend some time on the gorgeous beach. Spring would be a great time to visit.

Keep in mind that these two resorts aren’t all-inclusive vacations, so you’ll want to budget for food and drinks. They are beach resorts though, so you’ll be able to have a family-friendly spring break even if you don’t want to do any activities.

However, if you have the budget, you may want to visit a few local attractions while you are there. We recommend visiting Stingray City, the Cayman Turtle Farm, and Rum Point Beach.

See reviews of hotels in Grand Cayman here .

Turks and Caicos

Another one of my favorite spring break family destinations is Turks and Caicos. It was on my family travel bucket list for years, before I finally had the opportunity to visit. We loved our press trip stay at the West Bay Club, and found that there was so much to do in Turks and Caicos with kids. I have since returned four additional times and would go annually if possible.

It’s a relaxing place to visit, so you’ll want to spend plenty of time at the beach. If you are looking for an all-inclusive resort, one of our all-time favorite places to stay is Beaches Turks and Caicos , which offers 22 restaurants and over 700 rooms.

It’s one of the best places to stay with kids and would be a great family spring break trip.

Read reviews of Turks and Caicos resorts here .

San Antonio – one of our favorite spring break ideas

San Antonio, Texas is a great family travel destination, with lots of things to do with kids. We recently visited San Antonio for a spring break vacation and loved our stay. There’s so much to do with families, and it’s a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to spring break.

The San Antonio River Walk is a must-visit, with things for everyone to enjoy. Of course, I also recommend a visit to the Alamo – here are 4 surprising things when visiting the Alamo.  

You can also visit SeaWorld San Antonio , which is open at select times in the early spring. If possible, I’d recommend staying on the River Walk – there’s so much to do there, and it’s easy to walk around for dinner and shopping.

See hotel reviews on TripAdvisor.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando is one of the most popular family vacation spring break destinations, and right now, there is so much going on at Walt Disney World. You can stay on or off-property, and we have recommendations for the best hotels for your Walt Disney World vacation. Remember to book early, so that you can make your dining reservations well in advance.

There are lots of other great things to do in Orlando as well, including other theme parks, nature activities, the Orlando ICON Park, and so much more.

If you’d rather stick with a more relaxing beach vacation in Florida , the Fort Myers area may be the best destination for you.  If you fly into Fort Myers, there are lots of places you can stay just a short drive away. Consider visiting Marco Island , which is a relaxing and fun place to stay. 

While I just enjoy staying on the beach, the Dolphin Study Eco-Tour and Cruise is a must-do. If you are visiting during March, you may be able to catch a spring training baseball game in the area. Find hotels in the Fort Myers area on TripAdvisor .

Other Destinations for a Florida Spring Break for Families

Florida is one of the most popular 2024 family spring break destinations in the United States. It is filled with other great spring break destinations for families, including Amelia Island , Miami Beach, Sarasota, Clearwater Beach , Tampa , and Destin/Fort Walton.

Whether you want to relax on the beach, experience nature, or explore the local area, there are lots of options. We especially love the beaches on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The best Florida spring break destinations for families offer waterfront activities, museums, and other fun activities.

San Diego, California is a great option if you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation combined with some family activities. Attractions like the San Diego Zoo, Disneyland , and Legoland are just a short drive away. During our stay last year, we stayed at the Bahia Resort Hotel on Mission Bay and loved both the location and the hotel.

The weather in San Diego is fairly consistent throughout the year, so there’s never a bad time to visit. You could easily spend a whole week there. Check out other hotels in San Diego here .

Save on a Southern California trip from Get Away Today by using the code  FTM10. 

Spring break is also a fantastic time to enjoy a vacation in the Los Angeles/Anaheim area. In addition to Disneyland Resort (the very first Disney park), you’ll also find Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Hollywood (with the brand new Super Nintendo World).

Save money on your theme park tickets by booking through  Get Away Today . They offer vacation packages as well as individual ticket sales. Disney travel agents don’t charge guests an extra commission and can help you find deals.

Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix is one of our favorite warm-weather destinations. There are so many fantastic, kid-friendly resorts. Although you may want to spend much of your time at the resort, there are so many other things to do in the area. This includes botanical gardens, zoos, aquariums, hiking trails, and so much more.

If you visit the greater Phoenix area in March, you have the opportunity to check out a variety of spring training baseball games. The Cactus League teams all play within a relatively small radius, making it easy to see multiple teams, regardless of where you are staying in the area. Find the best hotels in Phoenix at TripAdvisor.

The Azores, the closest and one of the most affordable European destinations is a temperate 65-70 degrees in April.  With family activities like whale watching, hiking, biking, gardens, forts, and museums, you’ll find plenty of things to do. 

Azores Airlines has traditionally offered great deals in the spring from many US destinations. You could also visit the Azores on the way to mainland Portugal, or just choose to visit the Azores.

Washington DC

We visited Washington DC on a family spring break getaway a few years ago. It’s perfect for kids who are old enough to appreciate the history and culture of our nation’s capital.

Of course, my kids’ favorite spot was the International Spy Museum, which moved to a new facility. You can stay right in the city or in one of the many nearby suburbs. We chose to stay in National Harbor, MD and enjoyed our stay. Read more about things to do in Washington DC here.

Family Cruise

Would you rather visit several Caribbean destinations?  Then choose a cruise – perhaps a Disney cruise leaving from Florida and stopping in the Bahamas? 

I love Castaway Cay – Disney’s private island in the Bahamas – and think it’s great for families. We’ve done both the Western Caribbean Itinerary and the Eastern Caribbean Itineraries on the Disney Fantasy – both are fabulous.

You could also choose to take a shorter cruise as well. We enjoy the 3 or 4 day trip on the Disney Dream, which leaves from Port Canaveral and goes to Nassau and Castaway Cay.

Puerto Rico

You won’t need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico, yet it’ll feel like a world away. Spring is a great time to visit because it falls in between the winter busy season and the rainy season. We visited a few years ago in February, and the weather was absolutely beautiful. I’ve since returned in March and also found perfect weather.

It’s so easy to go from the airport to your resort since you don’t have to go through customs. Since it’s a domestic flight, you also won’t have to arrive at the airport too early or bring a US passport. It’s also a beautiful island with many fun activities beyond the pool and beach.

I recently visited Bermuda and was so impressed with this beautiful island. Located just a 2-hour flight from Boston, Bermuda is a small island with lots of great restaurants, shops, and resorts.

Kids will love touring Crystal and Fantasy caves , located near the airport. There’s also an aquarium, a fort, and so much more. Be sure to save some time to visit the beautiful beaches. We especially enjoyed Horseshoe Bay, a public beach located in the Southampton area of the island.

Just keep in mind that the weather in Bermuda is more similar to the Carolinas than to the Caribbean. So it won’t necessarily be hot in the spring.

New York City

I love visiting New York City every time of year, but April is a great time to visit. There’s so much to do in New York, regardless of the ages of your kids. My kids love the Central Park Zoo, and we always try to see a Broadway show during our trips.

There are also countless museums, the Empire State Building, Circle Line boat tours, and so much more. You’ll want to check out these kid-friendly restaurants in NYC as well.

Music City has become a popular family vacation destination in recent years. Want to learn more about music? There’s the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Museum Hall of Fame, and the Ryman Auditorium – all of which are fun to visit. I love staying at the Gaylord Opryland , a huge resort with atriums, restaurants, and so much more.

This beautiful, historic city offers so much for families. From museums (including the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum) to the nearby beaches ( Tybee Island ), Savannah is a great destination.

In your opinion, what are the best places to go for spring break? Do you prefer to hang out at the beach, or stay active?

The post 16+ Best Spring Break Destinations For Families (2024) appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

'That's the Lord's chicken.' Trump visits Atlanta Chick-fil-A before fundraiser

The Chick-fil-A off of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Atlanta is used to dealing with the morning rush as one of the busier franchises in the area. But this morning was a little different.“Get ready for some milkshakes,” former President Donald Trump told Chick-fil-A staff on Wednesday, surprising customers with a drop-in while on the way to a fundraising luncheon in the city.

The interaction, which quickly went viral across social media, showed Trump buying 30 milkshakes and “some chicken” for customers and supporters.

One moment at the fast-food restaurant has caught special attention among conservatives on X , formerly Twitter: Some banter between a Trump and a supporter. Pundits thought the woman, who is Black, was referencing her race as she encouraged the former president, “I don’t care what the media tells you, Mr. Trump, we support you!”

Chick-fil-A visit marks Trump's second in Georgia this year

Today’s visit marks the second time Trump has come to Georgia in a little over a month, showing that the state will once again be an important battleground in the 2024 presidential election.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution , the fundraiser cost $6,600 to attend, with an additional $25,000 fee per couple for a photo opportunity with the 45th president. Those expected to be in attendance included former U.S. Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, as well as prominent figures of the Georgia business sector, including Bernie Marcus of Home Depot and poultry industry billionaire Tommy Bagwell.

In all, the fundraiser was expected to rake in more than $5 million for the embattled candidate, who currently owes nearly $470 million for his various legal troubles , including cases over hush money and election fraud.

But at his stop before the fundraiser, the former president appeared more interested in the chicken he was about to be served. “That’s the Lord’s chicken,” Trump quipped.

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Iranian attack on Israel expected ‘sooner rather than later’, says Joe Biden

President said US are ‘devoted to the defence of Israel’ as he urged Tehran to show restraint

Joe Biden has said he expects an Iranian attack on Israel “sooner rather than later” and issued a last-ditch message to Tehran: “Don’t.”

“We are devoted to the defence of Israel . We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed,” Biden told reporters on Friday.

Earlier the White House national security spokesperson John Kirby warned that the threat of a significant Iranian attack on Israel remains “viable” despite Washington-led efforts, including calls to Tehran from the UK and Germany, to deter a serious escalation in the conflict in the Middle East.

The White House comments came as several countries, including India, France , Poland and Russia, warned their citizens against travel to the region and Israel’s defence minister, Yoav Gallant, said his country was “prepared to defend [itself] on the ground and in the air, in close cooperation with our partners”.

Later CBS, quoting two unnamed US officials, reported that a substantial missile and drone attack could be launched as early as Friday evening, as a number of countries urgently warned their nationals of the risk of escalating violence in the region, and Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, convened a security assessment.

Appearing to underline that report, Javad Karimi-Ghodousi, a member of the Iranian parliament’s national security and foreign policy commission, said: “After punishing the Zionist regime in the coming hours, this villain will understand that henceforth, wherever in the world it attempts to assassinate figures of the resistance front, it will again be punished with Iranian missiles.”

German airline Lufthansa said on Friday its planes would no longer use Iranian airspace and extended its suspension of flights to and from Tehran until Thursday.

Qantas has paused its non-stop flights from Perth to London because the 17-and-a-half-hour flight is possible only by using Iranian airspace.

Iran has threatened reprisals against Israel for a strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria on 1 April, in which seven members of the Revolutionary Guards including two generals were killed, sparking fears that an already volatile climate in the Middle East could quickly spiral further.

Tehran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said on Thursday that Iran felt it had no choice but to respond to the deadly attack on its diplomatic mission after the UN security council failed to take action.

Speaking to reporters, Kirby said the prospect of an Iranian attack on Israel was “still a viable threat” despite concerted efforts by Israel and the US in recent days to deter it .

“We are in constant communication with our Israeli counterparts about making sure that they can defend themselves against those kinds of attacks,” Kirby said. He confirmed that the head of US Central Command, Gen Erik Kurilla, was in Israel talking with defence officials about how Israel could be best prepared.

Israel has said it is strengthening air defences and has paused leave for combat units.

On Friday, France ordered the evacuation of diplomats’ families and warned nationals in several other countries, including Israel and Lebanon, and alerts were issued by Canada and Australia. The US also restricted travel within Israel for US diplomats and their families.

In its strong warning on Friday, the French foreign ministry advised citizens against travelling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories and said French civil servants were banned from conducting any missions there.

The advisories followed a number of media reports that Israel was preparing for the prospect of an attack from Iran, possibly as soon as this weekend.

A US official told the Wall Street Journal that American intelligence reports indicated an Iranian retaliatory strike “possibly on Israeli soil” as opposed to against Israeli interests elsewhere, adding that the strike could come within 24 to 48 hours.

The same report, however, also reported an individual briefed by the Iranian leadership as saying no final decision had been taken by Tehran.

The newspaper reported US officials as saying that the US Navy had repositioned two destroyers in the region in order to protect US and Israeli forces.

While analysts had initially speculated that Iran may not rush into a response, concern has grown in the last two days over the potential for direct conflict between Iran and Israel after years of proxy conflict between the two enemies.

More recently experts have suggested that Iran now feels it is required to act militarily to restore its balance of deterrence with Israel.

On Wednesday, Joe Biden said Iran was threatening a “significant attack” against Israel and that Washington would do all it could to protect Israel’s security.

The US president’s comments in turn followed a televised speech by Iran’s leader saying the attack in Damascus was equivalent to an attack on Iran itself. “When they attacked our consulate area, it was like they attacked our territory,” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said. “The evil regime must be punished, and it will be punished.”

The Israeli military said it was fully prepared for any strike. Israel was “on alert and highly prepared for various scenarios, and we are constantly assessing the situation,” the Israel Defense Forces spokesperson, R Adm Daniel Hagari, said at a press conference. “We are ready for attack and defence using a variety of capabilities that the IDF has, and also ready with our strategic partners.”

According to reports in the Israeli media, the IDF believes that Iran or one of its proxies are most likely to attempt to strike a military target rather than civilian centres, although some sites such as the Kirya, Israel’s defence headquarters in Tel Aviv, are located in city centres next to shopping malls, offices and restaurants.

Concern over a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict, which has already drawn in Hezbollah in Lebanon, pro-Iranian groups in Iraq and Yemen’s Houthis, came as Israeli forces continued to fight Palestinian militants in the north and centre of the Gaza Strip.

Residents of al-Nusseirat refugee camp in central Gaza said dozens were dead or wounded after Israeli bombardment from air, land and sea that had followed a surprise ground assault on Thursday, and that houses and two mosques had been destroyed.

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‘Sympathy shifted to Israel’: many fear Iran attack has distracted aid effort

‘No one dared’: some in Gaza back Iran’s attack as Israel continues strikes

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Hamas says it does not have 40 hostages who fit criteria for deal with Israel

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Travel | Alaska is ready for another record-breaking…

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Travel | staying in cali: los angeles sparks select stanford star cameron brink second overall in wnba draft, travel | alaska is ready for another record-breaking cruise season.

Alaska is home to more than 30,000 grizzlies, but the state’s cruise industry is experiencing anything but a bear market as momentum of last year’s record-breaking season is expected to continue in 2024.

The most-visited Alaskan port, Juneau set a new mark a year ago with 1.65 million passengers descending on the capital city during cruise season, which generally runs from April to late October. That figure from the Juneau Chamber of Commerce is a Denali-sized jump of 30 percent compared to pre-pandemic 2019.

Coinciding with Alaska’s 65th anniversary of statehood, the upcoming cruise season appears to be just as robust, with 19 cruise lines sending 43 ships to the Last Frontier. Kicking things off for the second straight year is the 4,008-passenger Norwegian Bliss, which docked in rustic Skagway last week. With four mainstream-category ships homeported in either Seattle or Vancouver, Norwegian Cruise Line  has nearly 100 more after that.

Two competing companies have staked out even larger claims in this modern-day, maritime Alaskan gold rush. Holland America Line is sending seven premium-class ships for 141 total cruises. And at the top of the totem pole is Princess Cruises , which is celebrating its 55th year in these waters with seven premium ships sharing 158 departures.

Not counting grand voyages with itineraries so rich they make a visit to Alaska seem more like a pit stop, this cruise season will see more than 800 trips of mostly seven to 10 days starting or ending on this side of the Pacific. Where they’re all going is a destination rich in unparalleled wilderness, wildlife and native culture. In other words, bucket list stuff.

“Alaska is one of those places that draws you in and sets the hook right away,” said Kristi Switzer, destination marketing manager for Travel Juneau. “Visitors come for the otherworldly experience of being in the presence of glaciers and fjords, seeing whales and bears and finding the balance of Alaska Native cultural heritage with the rustic sophistication found in the capital city.”

Although Switzer recommends visits lasting several days instead of several hours, the city’s destination evangelist hopes that a partial day in Juneau and each major Alaskan cruise port will have 1.5 million passengers wanting more.

“This magical corner of the world has so much to offer beyond being a checkmark on people’s bucket lists,” she said.

Alaska is a checkmark for about three-quarters of all passengers headed there, according to the Alaska Tourism Industry Association, and the same can be said for two ships this season.

Starting with a six-day sail out of Vancouver on May 11, the namesake of Celebrity Cruises ’ popular Edge class will make its Alaskan debut with weeklong roundtrips from Seattle through Sept. 13. The 2,918-passenger vessel features a unique “outside-in” architecture that provides more floor-to-ceiling glass on the exterior and expanded outdoor spaces to soak up the Alaskan coastlines.

Edge will be joined by a pair of fleet mates for the season, albeit Summit’s seven-day roundtrips are turnarounds out of Anchorage or Vancouver, and Solstice’s weeklong jaunts are solely based in the British Columbian seaport. Celebrity, a premier-category cruise line has 57 departures to Alaska scheduled this year.

The other new recruit is Silver Nova, the youngest Silversea Cruises  ship in the luxury fleet to ever service Alaska. Capped at 728 guests, Silver Nova was launched last year and has the goods to do justice to a dreamlike place that captures the imagination of wilderness lovers and history buffs.

“Silver Nova is the ideal ship for Alaska cruising,” said company spokesman Brad Ball. “Her innovative design, which incorporates an unprecedented 4,000 square meters of glass, immerses guests into the incredible scenery of Alaska from virtually all venues and suites, with far-reaching views at every turn.”

The ship’s reimagined pool deck, which overlooks the water on her starboard side, and all-new outdoor venues — the Dusk Bar and the Marquee — allows unique openness to view spectacular Alaskan glaciers and wildlife. Those who want to experience an older and smaller Evolution-class Silversea vessel can book the Silver Muse, which also will sail mostly seven- to 14-day trips between Anchorage and Vancouver.

Because nearly every Alaskan cruise includes the staples — Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Inside Passage and Denali with a land add-on — some cruise lines like to shake things up with unique itineraries.

Holland America has a roundtrip that makes it easy to visit the 49th and 50th states without a long flight. A new “Glaciers & Volcanos: Alaska to Hawaii” cruise, part of the premium line’s Legendary Voyages collection of journeys from 25 to 59 days, departs on Aug. 31 from Seattle or Sept. 1 from Vancouver aboard the 1,916-passenger Westerdam. The nearly four-weeklong itinerary includes seldomly visited Kodiak and Dutch Harbor before heading down to the tropics to make four calls to three Hawaiian islands.

Seabourn  strives to offer a more tasteful Alaskan cruise and not only because it’s an ultra-luxury cruise line. “Caviar on the Ice” is a savory and swanky soiree on every Alaskan voyage, and when the 450-passenger Odyssey is in Sitka, a town originally built by Russian traders in the early 1800s, Seabourn guests can enjoy a culinary adventure that includes a scenic drive to a taproom for a sampling of local brews and a few eateries to try Siberian-rooted pelmeni dumplings and a hot dog made with caribou that the locals call “reindeer dawgs.” Sorry, vegetarians and friends of Santa, but Blitzen on a bun is da bomb.

Disney Cruise Line  is sending its 2,700-passenger Disney Wonder out of Vancouver for 15 week-long roundtrips, one five-day spin leaving on July 24 and an extended nine-day voyage on July 15.

Other cruise lines showing passengers a whale of a time in Alaska include Crystal, Cunard, Hurtigruten, Lindblad/National Geographic, Oceania, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas and Viking.

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The U.S. issues new travel guidelines, warning that Iran will avenge the killings of senior commanders.

The State Department has barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel. Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back over the deadly bombing this month of an Iranian Embassy complex in Syria.

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By Liam Stack and Eric Schmitt

• April 12, 2024

Several countries including the United States have issued new travel guidelines for Israel and the surrounding region, as the Israeli military said its forces were “highly alert” for a possible Iranian strike in retaliation for the killings of several commanders.

Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back at Israel over the bombing of an Iranian Embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, this month that killed three generals and four other military officers. An American official said on Friday that Washington expects an attack by Iran against Israel that would be bigger than recent attacks in the long shadow war between the two countries, but not so big that it would draw the United States into war. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The U.S. State Department on Thursday barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel, the first time the U.S. government had restricted the movement of its employees in this way since the war in Gaza began more than six months ago.

On Thursday, Britain told its citizens that they “should consider leaving” Israel and the Palestinian territories “if it is safe to do so.” On Friday, India told its citizens “not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice,” while France advised people not to travel to Israel, Iran or Lebanon and evacuated the families of French diplomats from Iran.

Asked about the U.S. travel warning , Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesman, said at a news briefing Thursday: “We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days.” He declined to provide details about any specific information that prompted the warning.

The new guidelines bar U.S. government employees and their families from traveling to locations outside the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheba metropolitan areas “out of an abundance of caution” until further notice. The State Department said U.S. personnel could move among those areas for personal travel.

The top American military commander for the Middle East, Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, traveled to Israel to coordinate a response to possible Iranian retaliation, U.S. officials said.

“Our enemies think that they will divide Israel and the United States,” the Israeli defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said in a statement on Friday after meeting with General Kurilla. “They are connecting us and are strengthening the relationship between us.”

If Iran attacks, he added, “we will know how to respond.”

On Thursday, the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said that the armed forces were “highly alert and prepared” for any action Iran might take, even as the timing and scale of any response remained unclear. Analysts say that Tehran, which has long used a network of proxy forces to project power across the Middle East, wants to avoid igniting a full-fledged war that could drag in the United States and threaten the survival of Iran’s regime.

“For years, and even more so during the war, Iran has been financing, directing and arming its proxies — in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, Iraq and Yemen — to attack the state of Israel,” he said. “An attack from Iranian territory would be clear evidence of Iran’s intentions to escalate the Middle East and stop hiding behind the proxies.”

Liam Stack is a Times reporter covering the Israel-Hamas war from Jerusalem. More about Liam Stack

Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

News and Analysis

Within moments of Israel and its allies shooting down a fusillade of Iranian missiles and drones, many began wondering what the exchange would mean for the war in Gaza. Military analysts were divided .

The disappearance and death of an Israeli teenager, whose body was found in the West Bank , spurred deadly rioting by Israeli settlers in Palestinian villages, ratcheting up tensions  even further in the occupied territory.

For months, Western governments have sent weapons to Israel while fending off accusations of abetting war crimes in Gaza. But as an outcry over the civilian death toll mounts, maintaining that balance is becoming increasingly difficult .

Mobilizing the American Left: As the death toll in Gaza climbed, the pro-Palestinian movement grew into a powerful, if disjointed, political force in the United States . Democrats are feeling the pressure.

Riding Rage Over Israel: Jackson Hinkle’s incendiary commentary  has generated over two million new followers on X since October — a surge that some researchers say is aided by inauthentic accounts by the online celebrity.

Psychedelics and Trauma: Thousands of festival-goers were using mind-altering substances when Hamas-led fighters attacked on Oct 7. Now, scientists are studying the effects of such drugs at a moment of trauma .

Turmoil at J Street: The war in Gaza has raised serious concerns within the Jewish political advocacy group about its ability to hold a middle position  without being pulled apart by forces on the right and the left.