The Unseen Safety Net: Exploring the World of Travel Insurance with Richard Aquino from Allianz

Ever wondered about the 'behind-the-scenes' safeguard of your travel dreams? In this episode, we journey into the realm of travel insurance with special guest Richard Aquino from Allianz. Richard demystifies the complexities and showcases the indispensability of travel insurance, especially when it comes to guaranteeing peace of mind on your vacations. From a detailed discussion on health coverage overseas to highlighting the extraordinary measures taken during unique circumstances, this episode is a must-listen for every traveler who seeks a worry-free journey.

We also bring you the week's hottest travel deals with Jessica Deverson, our resident 'deals guru.' We deep dive into irresistible offers from Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Viking Cruises. Later, we share a poignant firsthand account of a life-saving medical evacuation operation and ponder the process of finding the perfect hotel for your stay. And just for a fun touch, we debate some airplane etiquette, including the contentious issues of seat reclining and armrest ownership. Buckle up, it's an episode packed with valuable insights, light-hearted banter, and unforgettable travel stories!

Introduction and Guest Welcome

Welcome to No Tourists Allowed, a podcast where two recognized travel industry executives with a combined 71 years on the inside of travel and technology give up their secrets to the thing everyone wants to do: travel better, pay less, and see more of the world. Here are your hosts, Mike Putman and James Ferrara.

Mike Putman: Hello everyone. I'm Mike Putman. We're missing James in action, so hopefully he's okay, but I'm sure he'll be joining us here shortly. I didn't want to delay our special guest that we've got today who's been patiently waiting. I'd like to welcome to the pod Richard Aquino.

He is the vice president and head of sales of Allianz, one of the industry's great partners. So, Richard, welcome to the podcast.

Richard Aquino: It is great to be here. Thanks for the invite.

Mike Putman: Well, great. We want to take this opportunity today to learn a little bit more about you as well as learn a little more about the travel insurance component and how travel insurance helps so many travelers out there. But before we dive into that, I want to find out a little bit more about you and your travel habits.

I'm going to ask you some rapid-fire questions just to get a sense of who you are and how you travel. Our ethos of this podcast is how to travel better, how to see more of the world, and do it in a responsible way. Travel insurance is certainly a big part of that.

Richard Aquino's Travel Habits

First, I'm going to ask you some fast questions about personal likes or dislikes so we can learn a little bit more about you. Quick answers, first thing that comes to mind. Richard, are you an aisle or window guy?

Richard Aquino: Aisle.

Mike Putman: Yeah, myself as well. It gives a little more leg room there. Richard, are you a guy that plans your travel well in advance or are you more spontaneous?

Richard Aquino: Well in advance. For business, I'm more spontaneous. For leisure with my family, it's a little more planned.

Mike Putman: That's good to hear, especially from an insurance company. You want to make sure that you've got the proper people with proper planning in place. When you travel, would you rather take a hike or visit a museum?

Richard Aquino: Hike.

Mike Putman: And have you purchased a favorite souvenir or something that's really memorable from one of your trips?

Richard Aquino: Good question. A snow globe from Europe at Christmas time that I brought back for one of my daughters.

Mike Putman: I have to tell you a quick story. I bought my wife a really expensive snow globe. I was flying and wasn't thinking at the time; I put it in my carry-on luggage and TSA took it from me. I didn't have time to go back and check it in, so I lost a very expensive snow globe.

Now, when you travel, do you check in your bags or do you carry on typically?

Richard Aquino: I try to carry on as much as possible.

Mike Putman: And then when you travel, do you take books or do you have a Kindle that you travel with?

Richard Aquino: I'm a movie guy. I watch movies on all flights.

The Value of Travel Insurance

Mike Putman: Well, good. Thanks for answering those questions. That'll help our listeners get a better idea of your travel habits. Richard, tell us, why should someone purchase travel insurance?

Richard Aquino: I think it's protecting your investment. Travel insurance does a lot of things for you. At Allianz, we have strong products that are built with a lot of different benefits for things like cancellation, but also for inconveniences along the way.

I always say there's human nature and mother nature when you're traveling. You're protecting your investment if you have to cancel your trip for some reason. I always say, "Don't lose it, reuse it."

If you're doing a cruise or heading down to Disney World and you can't go because of a broken ankle or a loved one got sick, you're covered. And then, of course, there are all the things that happen on the trip when it comes to travel delays. That happens more often than not, unfortunately.

Understanding Insurance Products and Expert Advice

Mike Putman: Richard, can you give our audience an idea of the scope of products? Can you help explain the range of products that you offer?

Richard Aquino: This is why I say it's great to use a travel advisor. Travel is complicated. If you're taking a cruise, there are dozens and dozens of cabins to choose from. In insurance, there are different products to choose from as well.

We have strong products and we have premier products. These are all built to cover benefit levels depending on where you're traveling to and what you're comfortable with regarding the amount of coverage you want on your journey.

Mike Putman: How much you want to leave exposed is another way of thinking about it. When Americans travel abroad and they have medical situations, does American health insurance generally cover them when they're outside the U.S?

Richard Aquino: That's a difficult question to answer because there are so many different policies. Healthcare changed in America, and plans became more specific. Some cover you in-network, while others consider travel out-of-network. Some cover you in a specific geographic region but not outside of those states.

What Allianz travel insurance does is not just cover the cost, but also helps find the right hospital. You can talk to a global assistance company that can assist you on what facilities are best equipped near your location. To protect yourself from something major or even just to have questions answered, it's good to have an Allianz policy with you.

The Intangible Peace of Mind

Mike Putman: Talk a little bit about what I call the intangible value of travel insurance: giving a traveler peace of mind. How important is that?

Richard Aquino: I think it's key. I have three kids and a wife. When I travel, I don't want to worry about if one of my kids falls down and needs six stitches. I want to know there's a global assistance number I can call to get the right help.

Whether it's getting assistance through the airport or getting a special seat on a flight home, there is so much comfort knowing that if something goes poorly, travel insurance steps in. With travel and weather delays, it's nice to make one call instead of sixty-six.

Mike Putman: That's for sure. Sometimes we've heard clients say they don't know if the insurance was worth it because they never used it. But it's that intangible peace of mind that lets you totally relax.

When you're on a holiday, you're getting away from the grind. Part of that allure is not having to worry. That is why all-inclusive resorts are so popular—you pay one price upfront and you don't have other worries. Adding travel insurance with a strong partner like Allianz lets people let go and enjoy their vacation.

Richard Aquino: It is so true.

Insurance War Stories

Mike Putman: Richard, do you have any war stories you can tell us about unusual coverages?

Richard Aquino: There are small things, like a simple travel delay where people were trying to get to a destination wedding. But one of the bigger stories involves the volcano a few years ago. We had a couple of clients who were hospitalized with burns.

We were talking to their doctors, sending nurses, and working to get them home on a special flight. It's really interesting when you have twenty-six people trying to get to a destination wedding and storms roll through, and you're trying to coordinate with the airlines. You hope not to use it, just like you hope not to get in a car accident, but it's there when the unexpected happens.

Mike Putman: Well, listen, Richard, I really do appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to be with us today. I'm sure you've enlightened our listeners about the value of travel insurance, specifically with your products at Allianz.

Richard Aquino: I enjoyed it. Let's travel.

Hot Travel Deals of the Week

Mike Putman: This week we're bringing back our very own deals guru, Jessica Deverson. She's going to enlighten us with the top hottest travel deals that are available this week. Welcome back, Jessica.

Jessica Deverson: Thanks for having me.

Mike Putman: Is it sweltering in South Florida?

Jessica Deverson: Yes. The heat index has regularly been at 106, so sweltering is an understatement.

Mike Putman: Let's tell our listeners about some great deals where they can escape the heat for the summer or maybe get back into the heat in the wintertime.

Jessica Deverson: People still want their Caribbean and beach vacations. As long as you have a drink in your hand and somewhere fun to be, the temperature is no problem. I have three cruise deals this week.

Many cruise lines want you to send off summer in a big way. Whether you're booking close-in or starting to plan for fall, winter, and festive season trips, all the cruise lines have great deals right now.

Cruise Line Promotions

First off is NCL, Norwegian Cruise Line. They're having a big end-of-summer splash offer with 35% off all cruises. That applies to anything from whale watching in Alaska to heading to Europe, Hawaii, or the Caribbean.

First off is NCL, Norwegian Cruise Line. They're having a big end-of-summer splash offer with 35% off all cruises. That applies to anything from whale watching in Alaska to heading to Europe, Hawaii, or the Caribbean.

It is 35% off all cruises and free airfare for the second guest. You can also enjoy a free unlimited open bar, free specialty dining, and free excursions.

Mike Putman: I was on an ncl ship not too long ago and they have really upped their game. It's very high quality.

Jessica Deverson: Absolutely. And if you have a chance to stay in the Haven, it is amazing. Next up, we have Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. They also have an end-of-summer offer: 30% off every guest, plus kids sail free on select sailings.

Right now, there's a bonus offer which is up to another $150 instant savings on select 2023 and 2024 cruises. Plus, if you book a balcony or suite, you can receive a specialty dining experience for two. That is only with certain travel agencies, so you'll have to check with your favorite travel advisor.

On top of all that—and these are all combinable and stackable—you'll also receive up to $100 onboard credit across all categories on nearly any sailing.

Mike Putman: Let me play that back to you. 30% off the first two passengers, kids go free, specialty dining for certain categories, potential for dollars off, and an additional $100 onboard credit? This is good for 2023 and 2024 sailings.

Jessica Deverson: Next up, we have Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. They also have an end-of-summer offer: 30% off every guest, plus kids sail free on select sailings.

Right now, there's a bonus offer which is up to another $150 instant savings on select 2023 and 2024 cruises. Plus, if you book a balcony or suite, you can receive a specialty dining experience for two. That is only with certain travel agencies, so you'll have to check with your favorite travel advisor.

On top of all that—and these are all combinable and stackable—you'll also receive up to $100 onboard credit across all categories on nearly any sailing.

Mike Putman: Let me play that back to you. 30% off the first two passengers, kids go free, specialty dining for certain categories, potential for dollars off, and an additional $100 onboard credit? This is good for 2023 and 2024 sailings.

Jessica Deverson: Yep. And last but not least, Viking Cruises has been celebrating their 25th anniversary. The sales are still going. They've been voted number one for ocean, river, and expedition cruises by readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.

With their 25th-anniversary sale, on ocean cruises, you get up to free airfare, special cruise fares, plus double past guest discounts. For rivers and expeditions, you'll get up to free airfare, special cruise fares, and really low deposits of $25.

Mike Putman: You could take options on several different cruises and just decide later. If you lose the $25 per person, so what? That is a heck of a deal. The cruise lines must be predicting a soft fall/winter season to have this aggressive pricing out there already. What do you think?

Jessica Deverson: Could be. But the cruise lines are all reporting strong numbers. Perhaps they're trying to close out these last couple of cabins for this year or front-loading for next year. Capacity is very strong. Just because there is an offer doesn't mean you're going to get the category you want, so it's always better to book early.

Mike Putman: I'm telling you, now is a buying event. If you're thinking about going on a cruise next year or later this year, now is the time to call your travel agent. Jessica, thank you so much for bringing our listeners those great deals.

Jessica Deverson: Absolutely. Thanks for having me.

A Life-Saving Insurance Case Study

Mike Putman: That was Jessica Deverson, our deals guru. It's great that our co-host, Mr. James Ferrara, has joined us. Hello, James.

James Ferrara: Hello. I'm fashionably late, as usual. Mike, it reminds me of a story that you and I share. Even though we both have our own companies, we actually had a mutual customer who found travel insurance to be life-saving. Do you remember that?

Mike Putman: I do. This was probably six years ago. We had a client based in the UK who had gone to the Philippines. Unfortunately, he had a terrible incident while riding a scooter and suffered a very significant brain injury.

They called the customer service center and said, "We have to get out of here." Luckily, they had emergency medical evacuation insurance coverage. We were able to coordinate a helicopter to pick him up because they were on a remote island that was too small for a jet.

That helicopter took them to Manila, where we had a private jet waiting with a medical professional. We flew them all the way from the Philippines back to the UK. It was life-saving coverage and it cost the client nothing because they were covered.

James Ferrara: The total bill was over $250,000. You have an airplane, a medical professional, a helicopter, and then you have to deadhead that plane back to where it was stationed.

Those folks didn't sit back later and say, "Gee, maybe I shouldn't have spent that hundred bucks on travel insurance." The value was crystal clear. Don't be foolish; get yourself covered for a few bucks.

Strategies for Booking Hotels

Let's go to hotels. Finding a good hotel at the moment means finding the appropriate hotel at the best possible rate. The first strategy is that you should be working with a professional travel advisor.

It doesn't cost you anything. The hotel pays the travel advisor, and it's the same rate whether you go directly to the hotel or through an advisor. They are trained and they have all the tools that you don't have. If you choose to do it yourself, you won't get the same result that a travel advisor will get.

Mike Putman: When I'm going to a city, I'm generally looking for four or five-star hotels. If it's a crazy expensive city like Tokyo, I might stay in a three-star hotel. I find where I want to be in a city first, like a specific community or the east side versus the west side.

Then I look to see if there are access to rates you're not going to find on Expedia or Booking.com. These are called "closed user group rates," and they're not for the general public. If you're a member of a travel club or if you work with an InteleTravel agent, you can find those.

James Ferrara: We provide those to our advisors as well. These channels are very specific.

Mike Putman: Once I narrow it down to two or three properties, I look at the value. A lot of sites have comparison tools. I compare what creates the largest value and then I'll start looking at the reviews.

Navigating Hotel Reviews and Room Specs

James Ferrara: I find reviews tricky because you don't really know who's writing them. Some hotels have been caught loading up negative reviews against competitors. Even if they are legit, I don't know the person writing them. When they say "luxury," they may not mean the same thing I do.

One thing I look at is the square footage of the room. As an American, I like some space. In many parts of the world, hotel rooms are much smaller than we're used to in the U.S.

I also recommend looking for reviews in local publications with journalistic integrity. If you search the New York Times for the best hotels in New York, you're going to get an article written by a real reporter. You'll get a local expert's view on hotels that have more character and are not just big-box brands.

Mike Putman: That certainly can work. Regarding those closed user group rates, I was looking for a trip to Tokyo and I found a five-star hotel that was 74% off the public rate.

The public rate for a three-night stay was $3,500, and it was discounted down to $1,100. Sometimes I would rather save the money and spend it on nice dinners.

James Ferrara: This sounds like an awful lot of work and time. I say again: go to a professional travel advisor. Find one who is certified in the destination. You're going to discover hidden gems and save yourself a lot of headaches.

Mike Putman: Their compensation is already included in the hotel rate. If you buy directly, you're paying a fee and not getting the service.

Airplane Etiquette

There was an interesting survey from Kayak and AYTM. They surveyed a thousand people to determine proper plane etiquette. I see stories about this on BuzzFeed all the time. The first topic is reclining.

James Ferrara: This is only controversial for people who are not experienced at flying. The seat is designed to recline. You are paying a good fare, and you're entitled to use the function of the seat.

I tend to recline very gently over a few minutes so I don't slam the seat back into someone's knees or laptop, but I don't feel guilty about it.

Mike Putman: 88% of respondents said they approve of reclining. But aircraft are now maximized for space. Moving your seat back an inch and a half today can encroach on the passenger behind you. My advice is to put your seat forward during meals. It is your space, but it's courteous to be mindful.

James Ferrara: The other battle is armrests. Some believe that if you're in the middle seat, you're entitled to both armrests because otherwise, it's very uncomfortable.

Mike Putman: My advice is always to get an aisle or window seat so you don't have to worry about this. I did see a video of a Southwest Airlines pilot who told the passengers, "For those of you in the middle aisle, you get both armrests. That is my gift to you."

James Ferrara: One last one: shoes and socks. Should people be able to take their socks off on a plane? What is wrong with people? Those carpets are filthy.

Mike Putman: Surprisingly, 24% of people surveyed said it's okay to take your socks off on a plane.

James Ferrara: 24% of people believe all kinds of other crazy things. It's not okay. Do not take your socks off. Do not put your feet up. Do not clip your nails.

Conclusion and Outro

Mike Putman: Well, time is wrapped up for this podcast. I want to thank our listeners for joining us today. Please subscribe and tell your friends to subscribe to No Tourists Allowed. If you have any feedback, please share it on notouristsallowed.com.

James: Yes, and remember, guys: authentic travel, local culture, local food. Push yourself out there, get lost, and have that kind of experience. No Tourists Allowed.

Mike Putman: Thank you for listening to another episode of No Tourists Allowed. We'll see you next week. No Tourists Allowed is produced by Podcast Studio X.