PocketPort: A Passport to fit your Wallet and your Budget

350-thousand Americans have applied for the new credit card-sized passport, according to a recent USA Today story. Unfortunately, it's only for those who travel by land and sea... think cruisers and daytrippers to Mexico and Canada. Still, the convenience is nice, and so is the cost. $45 compared to $100 for a first-timer... and an extra $20 if you already hold a US Passport.
Downside? Like the newest paper passports, there's a chip that privacy experts say could be skimmed by electronic scanners. Not to worry, the government says all they'd get is a meaningless number customs agents use to access your file.

Economy doesn't keep wealthy travelers home, does make them think twice.

I've read economists' observations that the soft economy is largely impacting discretionary spending, especially for families. An AP article this week says the wealthy are still traveling this summer, and still willing to pay more for luxury accommodations.
That's certainly been our experience at Air Ambulance Card. Those who need to travel, for business or personal reasons, and those who have the means to travel despite a down market are booking trips... and buying air evacuation memberships. Smart move, those memberships are more valuable than ever. With jet fuel prices up 68% in the past six months, a medical jet ride home from Europe would cost thousands more, and that's money that must be paid before the patient boards the plane. Air Ambulance Card's member prices haven't changed in five years. When the price of a piece of fruit is through the roof, it's nice to know peace of mind is as affordable as ever.

What do 60% of Americans Know About Travel Insurance?

TripAdvisor.com tells us 60% of Americans have bought travel insurance. In a new survey, they say nearly 20% of their respondents were looking for medical or health coverage. Not surprisingly for us at Air Ambulance Card, two thirds buy when they book their trip.
Here's a little insight from us, though. Most of Air Ambulance Card members buy their annual membership for a specific trip, often international. But guess what? Nearly 50% of our transports have been within the United States. People get sick or injured when they least expect it - on the quick trip to the beach instead of the trip to Asia they were so concerned about.
We encourage our members to see this as a lifetime of protection they take with them where ever they travel. If so, and they need us, we'll bring them home.

Jet Fuel is Up - Air Ambulance Card Prices Stay the Same

The price of jet fuel has increased 68% in the past 6 months. 68%! An air ambulance flight from Europe that would have cost $70,000 a couple of years ago would cost $90,000 today. A recent transport from Jacksonville to Cincinatti cost about $8000 (The Air Ambulance Card member didn't pay a dime more than his annual membership fee.) That same flight would have cost about $4500 in 2006.

This makes Air Ambulance Card memberships more valuable than ever. Without these memberships, travelers must pay for these costly flights up front, in cash before they board the plane. Who has access to that kind of cash at a moment's notice? Air Ambulance Card not only provides travelers the peace of mind of knowing they have the option of being treated in their home hospital, they have a considerable financial protection... and their prices haven't gone up in 5 years. Now that's a good deal.

More Travel Overseas, More Buy Travel Coverage

It doesn't seem to make sense, but with fuel prices high, consumer confidence low and groceries and everything else going up, AAA says more Americans will travel abroad this summer than last., a 2.6% increase.

A recent article from the LA Times suggests they may choose a less expensive destination, or spend less once there, but travel abroad they will yet.

They will also be protecting themselves better. A recent article from the Arizona Republic, reprinted in the Detroit Free Press says travel coverage is more in demand as well. This echoes a trend we wrote about last summer. What's interesting is the fastest growing segment of travel insurance is medical evacuation and other medical related coverage.

As baby boomers begin to reap the rewards of their collective lifetime of hard work, it's hardly suprising those traveling are also looking to safeguard their health. It is increasingly important to them that, in an emergency, they can be cared for by the doctors and hospitals they know and trust, and who know their specific medical situations. Medical evacuation membership programs, like Air Ambulance Card give them the peace of mind of knowing they will choose which hospital they will be flown to in an emergency, and the financial protection of knowing they won't pay a dime more than the low yearly membership price.

Frightening Fall in France

There is a terrifying story out of Nebraska that shows the worst can happen in the most idyllic of spots. A teen on a school trip with his parents was walking on an ancient town wall in the south of France when he fell two stories and broke his back. The Omaha World-Herald tells a terrifying story of how his parents, who didn't speak French, couldn't tell the nurses, who were lifting their son up, that he had broken his back and shouldn't be moved.
Injury in a foreign country is frightening. But imagine if a language barrier made it life-threatening.

Expedia.com: Business Travelers Think Safety

Expedia Corporate Travel says their new survey finds business travelers are keeping safety at the top of their list of concerns.

No big surprise here. Studies have consistently found that's a top concern of travelers, especially when they are flying internationally.

Hmmm, if only there was a way to allay their fears. Hmmmm, if only there was a way to assure them they could get home to their loved ones and the doctor and hospital OF THEIR CHOICE if they became sick or injured away from home.

WAIT A MINUTE!!! What about Air Ambulance Card?! Prepaid medical evacuation coverage, fly you home to the US or Canadian hospital of your choice aboard a dedicated medical aircraft if they are hospitalized 150 miles or more from home, hold your loved ones' hands the whole time you are in the air. Perfect. Now, if only someone could help spread the word. (hint)