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IMPORTANT INFORMATION: BCAA Travel Emergency Medical Insurance provides up to $1,000,000 or $10,000,000 CAD in COVID-19 emergency medical coverage, depending on your vaccine status*. Plus add Travel Delay & COVID-19 Quarantine coverage on the Custom Coverages page to get coverage for commercial accommodation and living expenses if you are mandated to quarantine due to testing positive for COVID-19 and are unable to return on your originally-scheduled return date. Policy terms and conditions apply. Learn more at bcaa.com/wordings . 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: BCAA Travel Emergency Medical Insurance provides up to $1,000,000 or $10,000,000 CAD in coverage for emergency medical travel expenses related to COVID-19, depending on your vaccine status*. There is no coverage for any Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption claims related to COVID-19. Learn more and find other helpful information at bcaa.com/coronavirus . $10,000,000 CAD limit applies if you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and up to $1,000,000 CAD if you have been administered one dose. Vaccine(s) must be Health Canada approved and have been administered at least 14 days prior to departure. Coverage provided at no additional cost with the purchase of a BCAA Travel Emergency Medical Insurance policy. Children under the age of 18 are covered regardless of their vaccine status. Full eligibility criteria for COVID-19 coverage and all policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations can be found in the policy wording at bcaa.com/wordings .

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*$10,000,000 CAD COVID-19 medical coverage limit applies if you have been fully vaccinated (administered with at least two doses of a Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccine) and up to $1,000,000 CAD if you have been administered one dose. Dose(s) must be administered 14-days or more prior to departure. Coverage provided at no additional cost with the purchase of a BCAA Travel Emergency Medical Insurance policy. Children under the age of 18 are covered regardless of their vaccine status. Full eligibility criteria for COVID-19 coverage and all policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations can be found in the policy wording at bcaa.com/wordings .

** BCAA Member savings on insurance products are only available with Basic, Plus, or Premier Membership plans. For full details, please visit bcaa.com/plans . 

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BCAA Travel Insurance Review 2024

Updated: Feb 28, 2024, 3:40am

Touted as B.C.’s top choice for travel insurance, BCAA offers an impressive selection of medical and trip protection coverage that is both flexible and affordable. The $10 million in emergency coverage includes a comprehensive list of benefits, and the pre-existing benefit add-on gives peace of mind to travellers with health concerns. While not the cheapest plan, you definitely get your money’s worth, though you need to be a resident of B.C or the Yukon to qualify.

• Customizable coverage
• $10 million emergency medical
• Generous benefit limits
• Pre-existing condition add-on
• No family coverage for travellers 60 and above
• Only available to residents of B.C. and the Yukon

Table of Contents

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The British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) was founded in 1906 (then known as the Victoria Automobile Club) when a group of motoring enthusiasts came together to enjoy their hobby and help each other when their vehicles broke down. By 1940, an affiliation of 31 clubs across B.C. officially amalgamated under the name BCAA and opened a head office in Vancouver.

Today, the BCAA is a member of the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) and the American Automobile Association (AAA), serving members in British Columbia and the Yukon.

The CAA is made up of nine regional clubs across Canada, including CAA South Central Ontario (that includes Manitoba), North East Ontario, Niagara, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, the Maritimes, Quebec and Saskatchewan.

BCAA insurance offers home, car, travel, small business and life insurance, as well as health and dental insurance.

BCAA travel insurance is underwritten by BCAA Insurance Corporation. Claims are administered by Orion Travel Insurance Company and its subcontractors.

Here are the key types of travel insurance coverage offered in BCAA travel insurance plans:

• Emergency medical insurance: If you get ill or are injured on your trip, travel medical insurance can pay for emergency medical expenses, up to the coverage limits in your plan. These expenses can include doctor and hospital bills, medication and lab work.
• Trip cancellation insurance: If you cancel a trip for a reason listed in your travel policy, such as you or your travelling companion becoming ill, weather conditions causing a massive delay or you end up losing your job, trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable costs.
• Travel interruption or delay insurance: Trip interruption insurance can pay for a last-minute flight home in an emergency and money that you lose if you have to return home earlier than expected, such as non-refundable activities and hotel stays. If your flight is delayed , your insurance can cover the cost of incidentals, such as meals or accommodations, after a specified period of time, usually six, 10 or 12 hours.
• Baggage insurance: Baggage travel insuranc e can compensate you up to your policy limits if your luggage is lost or stolen. It will reimburse the depreciated value of your suitcases and what you packed. If your checked bags are delayed, it can reimburse you for the cost of the necessities you’ll have to buy to tide you over.
• Travel accident insurance. This coverage offers compensation in the event of accidental death or catastrophic injury from an accident during your trip. Flight Accident Insurance covers injury while you’re on a commercial plane, during a connection or in an airport. Travel Accident Insurance covers death or dismemberment, including the loss of limbs or eyesight, while on your trip. This is also called Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit.

BCAA allows you to customize the amount of travel insurance coverage you need. For example, you could opt for the most comprehensive travel insurance protection by selecting the Travel Emergency Medical Insurance and the Trip Protection Package (that bundles four coverages) or if you’re mostly concerned about lost, damaged or stolen personal items during your travels, you could just select the Baggage coverage option as an add-on to your emergency medical coverage. Alternatively, if you have medical coverage elsewhere (such as a travel credit card ) you could select the Trip Protection Package coverage.

The individual benefits are as follows:

Travel Emergency Medical Insurance: If you’re worried about medical emergencies while travelling, this benefit includes the following coverage:

• Hospital accommodation up to a semi-private room
• Out-patient services provided by a hospital
• One follow-up visit within 14 days of initial treatment
• Physician’s services
• Ambulance services (ground, air or sea)
• Emergency air transportation
• Remote evacuation
• Laboratory diagnostics and X-rays
• Prescription medication, up to 30-day supply
• Replacement of lost or stolen prescription drugs
• Cost to rent or purchase essential medical appliances, including a wheelchair, crutches and canes
• Private duty nursing
• Fracture treatment, including X-rays, exams, casting and re-casting, and cast removal
• Hospital allowance for incidental expenses, such as TV rental and telephone
• Paramedical services, such as emergency treatment by a physiotherapist, chiropractor, chiropodist, osteopath, podiatrist, optometrist, naturopath, holistic doctor or acupuncturist
• Emergency dental due to a blow to the face, plus continuing treatment once you return home
• Emergency dental due to pain or illness
• Unexpected birth of a child during the first 31 weeks of pregnancy
• Repatriation to your home province or territory
• Out-of-pocket expenses for meals, accommodation, etc., due to transfer to another medical facility or delayed return home
• Child care during parent/guardian’s hospitalization
• Replacement of prescription glasses, contact lenses or a hearing aid due to theft, loss or breakage

This coverage also includes a medical follow-up in Canada benefit that provides the following reimbursement for costs incurred within 15 days after you have been returned home for medical reasons:

• Up to $1,000 for a semi-private room in a hospital, rehabilitation centre or convalescent home
• Up to $100 per day for home care nursing
• Up to $300 for ambulance or taxi services to receive medical care
• Up to to $200 to rent or purchase essential medical appliances, such as a walker, canes, trusses, orthopedic corset and/or oxygen

Trip Protection Package: This package bundles four coverage options, including trip cancellation and interruption, baggage, travel delay and COVID-19 quarantine, and travel accident coverage.

• Trip Cancellation and Interruption coverage: This reimburses you for insured travel expenses (such as hotels or prepaid excursions) if you have to cancel, interrupt, extend or modify your trip due to a covered reason either before your trip or after you have left home. This includes transportation expenses if you have to interrupt, modify or extend your trip, as well as a subsistence allowance for hotels and meals if your return home is delayed. You can select the amount of trip cancellation coverage before departure, between $250 and $100,000.
• Baggage: This provides compensation if your baggage is delayed, lost, stolen or damaged during your trip.
• Travel Delay & COVID-19 Quarantine: This provides reimbursement for COVID-19 quarantine expenses, such as unplanned accommodations, as well as expenses incurred due to a flight delay.
• Travel Accident: This offers coverage for the accidental loss of life or limb while travelling.

Rather than purchase the package, you can buy the following benefits individually:

• Baggage: As above.
• Travel Delay & COVID-19 Quarantine: As above.
• Travel Accident: As above.
• Pet Coverage: This covers pet-related costs for boarding and/or transportation if you are hospitalized, repatriated or if you die while on your trip. It also covers veterinary fees if your pet is injured during the trip. Maximum coverage is $600.

With a BCAA Travel Insurance plan you can purchase family coverage for two or more people, 59 years old and under, and any dependent children or grandchildren.

In addition, when purchasing your coverage you will be asked, “Where are you travelling?” The options are:

• Worldwide (including USA): Covers you anywhere in the world, including the United States. This includes short stopovers, layovers and cross-border shopping trips to the U.S.
• Worldwide (not including USA): Covers international travel to non-U.S. destinations. This also allows you to travel via the U.S. for up to five days, such as if you travel through the U.S. to reach your destination.
• Within Canada: This provides travel insurance for trips within Canada .

We highlighted key benefits of BCAA Travel Insurance to help you identify which plan is the best fit for your travel needs.

Travel Emergency Medical:

Trip Cancellation and Interruption:

Travel Delay and COVID-19 Quarantine:

Travel Accident:

The price of a BCAA Travel Insurance plan depends on factors such as the cost of your trip (for trip cancellation and interruption coverage), your age, your health and the amount of coverage you choose.

Here are some price examples of BCAA Travel Insurance plans for healthy travellers based in B.C. assuming a $0 deductible.

You can also add an optional deductible, or the amount you will pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in, to your travel medical insurance to lower the cost of your premium. Deductible options include: $500, $750, $1,000 and $2,500.

Here’s a comparison of the emergency medical insurance premium with and without a $500 deductible.

CUMIS Travel Insurance

Emergency medical: $10 million Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $500

Related: CUMIS Travel Insurance Review

TuGo Travel Insurance

Emergency medical: $10 million Cancel For Any Reason: Yes, 50% Baggage insurance (maximum): $1,500

Related: TuGo Travel Insurance Review

Pacific Blue Cross

Emergency medical: $10 million Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $1,500

Related: Pacific Blue Cross Travel Insurance Review

BCAA Travel Insurance offers a pre-existing coverage add-on that provides $300,000 in additional medical coverage for an unstable pre-existing medical condition. To be eligible for this coverage, you must not have had any symptoms or received medical consultation in the seven days before your departure.

Here’s how this add-on could affect your emergency medical premium cost:

BCAA members earn 10% off their premium for any travel insurance plan. Travellers who have held an annual multi-trip plan for three years or more earn an additional 10% off.

Yes. You can buy multi-trip insurance if you travel more than once a year for several individual trips. BCAA Travel Insurance offers annual multi-trip insurance for worldwide (including USA) plans for both emergency medical and trip protection coverage for separate trips of three, eight, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 183 and 365 days.

Here’s how the cost compares between single-trip and multi-trip insurance:

If you stay longer than the number of days on your plan, you can purchase a top-up.

BCAA Claims Assistance is available 24/7 (for medical emergencies), 365 days of the year and can help you when you’re faced with a travel emergency. Support while you’re travelling includes:

• Assistance finding the nearest medical facility
• Payment to hospitals and other medical providers for travel emergency medical expenses, guaranteed where possible
• Medical consultative and advisory services, including review of appropriateness and analysis of your medical care
• Monitoring of progress during your treatment and recovery
• Management, arrangement and authorization of emergency medical evacuation
• Multilingual assistance
• Travel assistance for your family
• Family/employer communications and message centre
• Arranging for a medical assistant to travel with you
• Submitting paperwork to your government health care plan and extended care benefits plan
• Referral to legal assistance
• Travel assistance for lost documents, lost luggage, etc.
• Referral to Canadian consular services worldwide

Support before you leave on your trip includes:

• Tourist visa and/or passport information
• Information regarding inoculation and vaccination requirements
• Weather information
• Currency exchange information

BCAA will not pay any medical expenses related to any medical condition that is not stable for a set period of time, before your coverage takes effect.

A medical condition is considered stable when all of the following are true:

• There has been no deterioration of your condition as determined by your physician.
• There have been no new symptoms or findings or more frequent or severe symptoms or findings.
• There has been no change in medical treatment or no alteration in any medication for the condition.
• There has been no new medical treatment prescribed or recommended by a physician or received.

Specifically, BCAA has the following age-specific exclusions:

For travellers 59 years of age or under (on your policy’s effective date): Benefits are not payable for costs related to any medical condition that was not stable in the 90 days before your departure.

For travellers 60 years of age or over (on your policy’s effective date): Benefits are not payable for costs related to any medical condition that was not stable in the 180 days before your departure.

There are a number of scenarios not covered by travel insurance and it’s critical to know what not to do before you make a claim. In addition to pre-existing condition exclusions, the following are some of the most common situations not covered by BCAA travel medical insurance:

• A trip taken against medical advice
• A trip taken after the diagnosis of a terminal condition
• A trip taken while you are receiving palliative care or palliative care has been recommended
• Any health condition for which diagnostic tests had been taken or scheduled before departure and for which results were not received (with exceptions)
• Any medical treatment due to complications or recurrence after the emergency ends
• Costs for emergency air transportation when the arrangements were not made by BCAA Claims Assistance
• Illness or injury incurred if you choose to travel to a destination with a level 3 (avoid unnecessary travel) or level 4 (avoid all travel) travel advisories were in effect before departure and the illness or injury is related to the reason for the travel advisory
• Expenses incurred when coverage is purchased after departure
• Any medical expenses in excess of $50,000 if you are not covered by government health insurance
• Loss, theft or breakage of prosthetic devices or dentures

Additional exclusions will apply for trip cancellation and interruption, baggage and travel delay coverage.

Also, there is currently no coverage for any trips taken to Russia, Ukraine, Belarus or any other country subject to a level 3 (avoid non-essential travel) and level 4 (avoid all travel) travel advisory issued by the Canadian government due to the armed conflict with Russia.

There is no coverage for any trip cancellation or trip interruption claims related to COVID-19. There is, however, coverage for travel medical emergencies for fully- and partially-vaccinated travellers.

To be eligible for medical travel insurance with BCAA, the following must apply:

• You are a Canadian resident.
• You have not been advised against travel by your physician.
• You have not been diagnosed with a terminal condition.
• You are not receiving palliative care or palliative care has not been recommended.

In addition, you must be a resident of B.C. or the Yukon to purchase travel insurance.

Due to high call volumes, BCAA recommends you file your claim online at BCAA.com/travelclaims or by email at [email protected]. You can file a medical, dental and trip cancellation/interruption claim online 24/7 by logging into your account via BCAA’s partner Global Excel Management.

Depending on the kind of claim, you will also need to provide supporting documentation within one year from the date of loss.

Depending on your claim, supporting documentation may include:

• Original itemized receipts of out-of-pocket expenses incurred
• Medical certificate(s) from attending physician(s) completed with diagnosis, dates of service and type of treatment
• Original pharmacy prescription receipts
• Completed government health insurance plan forms
• A copy of the death certificate, will or power of attorney and police report, if applicable
• Original unused airline tickets
• Itemized travel agency invoices showing full payment for your trip
• Statement from the travel agency, airline or tour operator documenting refunds provided
• Proof of loss for stolen property, such as a police report
• Written estimate to repair damaged baggage
• Proof of baggage delay and itemized recipes for personal necessities purchased

BCAA notes that the majority of claims are resolved within 30 business days.

BCAA Travel Insurance FAQs

Does bcaa pay for medical costs upfront.

According to the BCAA travel insurance policy, when you have selected travel emergency medical insurance, the following services are available to assist you in a medical emergency: “Payment to hospitals and other medical providers for emergency medical expenses will be guaranteed where possible relieving [the] claimant of credit responsibilities.”

Does BCAA offer coverage extensions?

Yes. Your coverage is automatically extended for up to seven days starting on the final day of your trip due to a transportation delay, such as a common carrier delay, vehicle accident or breakdown. If you are hospitalized, your coverage is extended for the period of hospitalization and up to seven days after discharge. If your return home is delayed due to a medical emergency that does not require hospitalization but makes you unfit to travel, your coverage is extended for up to seven days. If you are unable to travel home due to quarantine as a result of a positive COVID-19 test, your insurance will be extended for a maximum of 14 days.

You can also request an extension if you want to stay longer on your trip, as long as:

• You have not seen a physician or other registered medical professional since your departure date or effective date of the policy.
• You have not submitted a claim and have no intent to submit a claim.
• You are in good health and you do not know of any reason to seek medical attention.
• Your period of coverage has not already expired.

You will be charged a service fee, in addition to the new premium.

Does BCAA require a medical questionnaire?

Yes. Travellers age 60 and over are required to complete a health questionnaire.

Does BCAA have any age restrictions?

There are no noted age restrictions beyond the age-specific exclusions for pre-existing conditions, family coverage eligibility and requirement to complete a questionnaire.

Does BCAA provide coverage for COVID-19?

BCAA provides the coverage for COVID-19 if you purchase travel emergency medical insurance for annual multi-trip and single trip for worldwide travel, and single trip excluding USA travel.

If you test positive or are diagnosed with COVID-19 while on your trip, BCAA travel insurance provides up to $10 million in coverage if you have been fully vaccinated 14 days or more before your departure date or if you are under 18 whether or not you have received the vaccine. You are eligible for $1 million in coverage if you have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

There are exceptions to this coverage, including if you did not receive any Health Canada-approved vaccinations, if you tested positive or had symptoms in the 14 days before your trip or if you received a COVID-19 diagnosis and experienced complications in the 90 or 180 days before your trip, depending on your age.

When does my coverage with BCAA begin?

In general, if you purchase cancellation coverage, it begins the day you buy your policy and ends the day when you make a claim or leave on your trip. Your emergency medical coverage and interruption coverage, if purchased, begins when you leave home. Your delay coverage begins once an insured risk prevents you from returning home as scheduled.

Can I get a refund with BCAA?

You can request a cancellation and full refund of your contract before the effective date of the contract (the date the coverage begins) or during the 10 days following the date of purchase, unless:

• You have made or intend to make a claim.
• The contract is for a period of 10 days or less.
• The contract was purchased within 11 days before the trip and includes trip cancellation or interruption coverage.

If you purchase trip protection coverage, you can request a refund (less a cancellation fee) if:

• The tour operator cancels the trip and all penalties are waived.
• You cancel the trip prior to the effective date of any cancellation penalties.
• The tour operator changes the travel date and you are unable to travel and all cancellation fees are waived.

If you return early from your trip and have not submitted or intend to submit a claim, or if no Medi-Assist case has been opened, you can request a partial refund of your premium. However, a refund of premium does not apply if:

• You are covered for a trip cancellation benefit.
• You are covered for an emergency return benefit.
• You are covered under an annual insurance contract.
• You are repatriated at the insurer’s expense.
• Your refundable premium is less than $20 after application of the $25 administration fee.

Does BCAA offer a free look period?

BCAA travel insurance offers a 10-day full refund provision whereby you have 10 days starting from the application date to review your policy to ensure it meets your travel needs. You can request a full refund as long as no travel has taken place. This provision does not apply to the Trip Protection Package.

Fiona Campbell is a Staff Writer for Forbes Advisor Canada. She started her career on Bay Street, but followed her love for research, writing and a good story into journalism. She is the former editor of Bankrate Canada, and has over 20 years of experience writing for various publications, including the Globe and Mail, Financial Post Business, Advisor’s Edge, Mydoh.ca and more.

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How to plan a sustainable and thoughtful vacation

One of the top emerging travel trends we’ve seen is the desire of many adventure seekers to travel in more sustainable and mindful ways. The 2023 Sustainable Travel Report, released by booking.com , shows that 80% of global travellers say that sustainable travel is important to them and 74% believe people need to act now to make travel more sustainable for future generations.

Perhaps you may be wondering, where do I even begin? In addition to carefully picking the right destination for your next sustainable trip, you’ll want to consider the things you do while travelling.

To ensure your next holiday is not only a great experience, but one you feel good about, we put together some trip-planning tips. Here’s how to travel thoughtfully and lower your environmental impact on the regions you’re visiting, plus a few destination ideas.

How to plan thoughtfully

Here are a few things to factor into planning your next sustainable trip:

• Consider staying at independent or smaller hotels.
• Research and respect local etiquette.
• Book local activities and excursions to support small businesses.
• Read up on the local history of the land and people in the places you plan to visit to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for your destination and ensure you're acting respectfully during your travels.

And remember to maintain this mindset once you’ve arrived at your destination, for example, shop at local stores and restaurants, and try to avoid big chains and franchises. You may have to go a bit out of your way to make these things happen, but each of these items will make your trip more meaningful. Your visit will also mean more to the locals, so you can have a more genuine and authentic connection with the community.

Planning with sustainability in mind

The effects of climate change are more apparent than ever before. As we venture beyond our towns, province and country, we should be considerate of the impact of our trip. To help you plan a sustainable trip, here are a few things to try:

• Research the vendors and tour providers you’re interested in, and book with those who have a clear respect and focus on preserving the environment. There are eco-friendly certifications that accommodations and tour operators can have to showcase that they are sustainably built, ensuring your activities aren’t negatively impacting the communities or ecosystems that you visit.
• Consider using a sustainable travel agent like lokal who can help you organize trips and activities that take into account environmental and social impact.
• Reduce the carbon footprint of your trip with a service like Tree Canada , which plants trees to cancel out your emissions.
• Try to visit less-popular destinations to avoid degrading the land or further polluting areas that deal with significant waste issues.
• Consider using public transit, cycling or bike sharing, or even simply walking as forms of transportation at your destination.
• Engage in slower tourism – use trains to travel overland rather than flying and see the sights between your destinations.

Another approach to consider is the circular travel economy. By going out of your way to buy locally produced goods, joining tours with local operators and booking locally owned accommodations, you’re contributing directly to the region’s economy.

This helps the area grow their businesses, keeps money in their community, lessens their dependence on outside investment while maintaining their cultural traditions. You can make an impact in helping a city, region or even country rebound from the pandemic.

Sustainable travel destinations

Here are a few destination ideas to help inspire your travel planning. As a reminder, it’s a good idea to always check on current travel advice and advisories for your destination of choice prior to booking:

Destination 1: Costa Rica

Why visit: Costa Rica is the world’s pioneer in sustainable travel. Go to see: The Osa Peninsula on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast. Did you know: The wild Osa Peninsula has an incredible 2.5% of the Earth’s biodiversity in just 0.001% of its surface area. About 80% of the peninsula is protected, much of it in Corcovado National Park, where you can go on guided trail excursions with local groups like Caminos de Osa and Dos Brazos de Rio Tigre . From jungle lodges around Drake Bay, you can enjoy rainforest hikes, mangrove swamp tours, surfing at Cabo Matapalo, whale watching, snorkelling or diving at Isla del Caño .

Destination 2: Helsinki, Finland

Why visit: Helsinki vows to be carbon neutral by 2035 and invites visitors to take the sustainability pledge . Go to see: Tour the entire city on a rented bike, as Helsinki’s bike rental system is the most used by any city in Europe. Helsinki is a vibrant, seaside city with one of the world’s best transportation systems, plus it’s easy to walk and bike everywhere. For a complete list of how to travel sustainability in Helsinki and Finland, go to visitfinland.com/sustainable-finland/ and check their list of destinations and companies that have been awarded the Sustainable Travel Finland label. Did you know: If you’re heading there this fall, winter, or spring, be sure to layer up with the Finnish designer Pure Waste , whose clothing is made from 100% recycled material and gives you free delivery for orders over 100 Euros within Finland, while the Finnish designer LUMI produces eco-friendly bags and accessories.

Destination 3: Gabon, Africa

Why visit: Africa’s ‘last Eden’ is moving to a green economy thanks to a UN-backed sustainable development strategy. Go to see: Loango , blessed with beaches and set on a gorgeous river, is a destination for wildlife lovers. There you’ll get to see western lowland gorillas in the forest, an exclusive, sustainable wildlife experience that’s hard to beat. Gabon’s dense inland forests cover 80% of its landmass, and elephants and hippopotamuses roam free in 13 national parks that take up 11% of Gabon’s total land. Did you know: In the north of the country, near Libreville on the coast, Pongara is one of five national parks that protect critical sea turtle habitats. You’ll see critically endangered leatherback turtles and migrating dolphins and whales. To help you get around, there's a global investment in the country's transportation networks. The United Nations is introducing a sustainable development strategy that will expand Gabon's eco-tourism — all to make sure that the country's wildest places stay that way.

For more great eco-friendly destinations, you can check out this list from Condé Nast or this one from National Geographic .

Travel safely

Wherever you travel to, and whatever you plan to do while you’re there, it’s also a good idea to consider your travel insurance coverage. BCAA Travel Insurance offers comprehensive protection so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.

With BCAA you get $10,000,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses, including 24/7 Virtual Care in the event of a claim*. Plus, whenever possible we will pay your medical provider directly so you aren’t out of pocket. BCAA Travel Insurance also offers valuable ways to save from FREE coverage for your kids and BCAA Members always save 10%**. Plus, choose optional coverage for trip cancellation & interruption, lost baggage and more.

Learn more at bcaa.com/travel.

**The availability of virtual care depends on your geographic location, medical emergency and remains subject to the discretion of BCAA Claims Assistance. Travel Insurance is sold through B.C.A.A. Holdings Ltd. dba BCAA Insurance Agency, a licensed insurance agent and is underwritten by BCAA Insurance Corporation. Insurance claims are administered by Orion Travel Insurance, a division of Echelon Insurance,  and its subcontractors, Active Care Management (2018) Inc. and Global Excel Management Inc. and all policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations can be found in the policy wording at bcaa.com/wordings. The availability of virtual care depends on your geographic location, medical emergency and remains subject to the discretion of BCAA Claims Assistance.

** BCAA Member savings on insurance products are only available with Basic, Plus, or Premier Membership plans. For full details, please visit bcaa.com/plans. Dependent children are free on family Travel Emergency Medical policies with two paying adults. Adults must be age 59 or younger. Policy terms and conditions apply.

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7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner

• As a travel planner, my clients seem to be increasingly interested in all-inclusive trips .
• Some of my favorite luxury resorts are in Costa Rica, the Maldives, and Isla Mujeres.
• Cruises, group tours, and adults-only lodgings can also come with all-inclusive options. 

As a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels , I know vacations are expensive — especially if you're looking to go somewhere this summer . But all-inclusive travel is often a great way to get the most value out of a luxury experience.

I've been on several all-inclusive vacations with my family, friends, and work, and I've helped other people book them in destinations around the world .

Here are some of the best all-inclusive experiences I'm recommending to my clients this year.

Try a split-stay vacation to see the best of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is one of the most sought-after vacations , and for good reason. It's great for both relaxation and adventure.

I recommend booking a split stay, starting at an all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste near the beach for some fun in the sun and moving to a resort near the famous Arenal Volcano for a jungle adventure.

Some of my favorite resorts in Costa Rica are the Westin Reserva Conchal and the Dreams Las Mareas. And if you're looking for an even more unique experience, check out the glorious swim-out suites with private pools at Dreams.

Baglioni Maldives is one of my favorite all-inclusive resorts.

The Maldives, a remote set of islands in the Indian Ocean, offers a plethora of resort options for couples and families, but Baglioni Maldives is my favorite.

For many in the US, getting to the islands can be daunting — there are very few direct commercial flights, and it can take almost an entire day. But it's hard to beat the country's luxury accommodations and gorgeous landscape.

The Maldives also has some of the most beautiful marine life and coveted spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.

No matter where you go, overwater bungalows are the ultimate all-inclusive splurge.

Overwater bungalows — villas standing on poles over open ocean water — are prevalent at all-inclusive resorts in destinations like the Maldives, Fiji, and Bali.

But I've also come across the luxurious accommodations at select adults-only Sandals Resorts throughout the Caribbean.

I think having a private villa on the water is the perfect way to unwind and relax.

Adults-only vacations are on the rise.

Traveling with kids can be a blast, but I also think it's important for adults to take a much-needed break on their own.

Adults-only resorts have been a total respite for me and my husband after hectic months of juggling work with our kids' school and sports schedules.

If you're looking to unwind with a partner, relax on a girls' trip, or even connect with your adult children, there are countless adults-only, all-inclusive resorts to choose from, depending on where you're looking to visit.

Some properties, including Sandals and Beaches Resorts, also offer butler service. Designated staff members can help with anything from room requests and dining reservations to cabana rentals and transportation coordination.

I upgraded to the service at my favorite adults-only spot, Le Blanc Los Cabos, and I felt totally pampered.

Isla Mujeres is pure luxury.

Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancún, is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise water and peaceful vibe. It's also home to Playa Norte, one of the best beaches in Mexico .

Impressions Isla Mujeres by Secrets is a gorgeous all-inclusive resort on the island. It offers luxury at its finest, but with only 125 rooms, it has a boutique feel.

One of my favorite features of the resort is the waterslide that leads right into the beautiful ocean.

There are plenty of all-inclusive packages at sea.

Cruising is one of the most popular vacations , whether it's an epic adventure on a Royal Caribbean Cruise, a couples-only journey on Virgin Voyages, or a regal tour of Europe on Viking River Cruises.

Although cruises aren't traditionally considered all-inclusive, with the right booking, they can have the same feel as a luxury resort.

Most cruise bookings include food, nonalcoholic drinks, and live entertainment. If you add beverage packages and excursions in advance, your trip should be fully paid for before you depart.

Book a small-group or private tour if you're looking for adventure.

Group travel is a great way to explore new places while soaking up culture and history.

Popular destinations include Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, and Alaska, and many travel companies take care of everything for you, essentially making it all-inclusive.

I like Adventures by Disney , which offers small-group travel all over the world facilitated by seasoned guides. All the trip details are taken care of, including experiences, food, lodging, and transportation.

Additionally, Kensington Tours offers luxury private travel where every facet of the trip is meticulously planned for you.

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What to know for booking summer travel: Expert tips on airfare, destinations and more

Where to score flight deals during the prime summer travel season.

As the surge of summer travel draws near, the race to book a great vacation is on.

"If you're looking to travel domestically within the U.S., I think you should be booking now for summer travel," Clint Henderson, travel expert and managing editor of The Points Guy, told "GMA."

Earlier this month while reporting quarterly earnings, Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian projected "record advance bookings for the summer," telling CNBC that the carrier's credit card data and bookings show customers are highly interested in air travel.

An increase in budget airline routes that has created more competition, paired with an easing of the post-pandemic revenge travel surge, means travelers could see more deals.

"Overall prices are down from where they were when we just had that boom out of the pandemic," Henderson said. "So things are more reasonable."

Hopper, the flight booking app, has shown predicted fares for flights to Europe will be down 10% in price from the same time last year.

Google recently announced its top 20 trending summer destinations , which saw a few newcomers on the list and Paris rose to the No. 2 spot.

With the Olympics taking place there from July 26 through Aug. 11, an uptick in airfare and hotel pricing is expected during the Games.

But those willing to wait out the Olympics could find big savings for flights to the host nation.

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The Points Guy has featured deals from Atlanta, Dallas and Charlotte to Paris for as low as $515 from August through the fall.

Amsterdam, Prague, Spain and Iceland are among the most reasonably priced European destinations, as seen on Hopper.

Tips for booking summer travel

Don't forget to stay flexible with travel dates and keep midweek in mind for possibly lower fares.

There's also a time during the post-summer rush known as "shoulder season," between September and October, when fares could drop by as much as 30%.

When it comes to airfare purchase timing, the experts at The Points Guy have found prices dip eight to four weeks before the outbound flight, but after the one-month mark, prices will creep back up.

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