8 Legal Tips for Summer Travel

Important legal questions are often forgotten during the frenzy of summer travel. Whether you are driving, flying or taking a cruise, it is important to be prepared. These tips will help you be ready for the unexpected.

Call your LegalShield provider law firm if you need assistance.

‍Read the fine print in any contract or agreements you may sign. Package tours, vacation home leases, auto rental agreements and travel insurance documents all require you to sign a complex legal document. The fine print often limits the liability of the other party and selects a jurisdiction should legal action become necessary. Some travel packages or rental agreements may involve large sums of money and non-refundable deposits. Have your LegalShield provider law firm review documents before you sign.

‍Beware of summer travel scams. If you are approached or contacted by a stranded traveler with a hard-luck story, watch out; they may be a scammer. Some scammers may even pose as grandchildren or distant relatives abroad and in need of assistance. LegalShield provider law firms have also seen an increase in scams involving the resale of timeshares in Mexico.‍

Beware of companies contacting you on behalf of a buyer offering to purchase your timeshare for a windfall profit. These scammers will pressure you to pay costs they claim are required for you to close the sale, and then disappear with your money. Be wary of anyone seeking a wire transfer of funds, as it will be impossible to recover your money after a wire transfer is complete

.If your plans involve traveling to another country, state or province, make sure you understand local laws. Traffic laws may vary greatly, especially outside of the U.S. and Canada. It is important to familiarize yourself with the laws and customs of any other country where you may travel.‍

Protect your home while you are away. Ask the postal service to hold your mail while you are away. You may also notify local law enforcement that you will be away from home. Many police departments have programs that will have an officer drive by your home while you are away. Be careful mentioning that you will be away on Facebook or other social networks. Thieves sometimes use that information to target victims who are out of town.

‍Leave a trusted friend or family member with a copy of your current Will, Power of Attorney and insurance documents. If you do not have a current estate plan contact your LegalShield provider law firm today.‍

Review your health insurance coverage before traveling. Your insurance company may have restrictions or require notice if you are traveling outside of their coverage area. If you are traveling to a remote area overseas you may consider purchasing additional traveler’s health insurance.‍

Think carefully about what you carry. Only carry the personal documentation necessary for traveling. Do not let your passport or other important documents out of your sight. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash while traveling. Traveler’s checks and credit cards offer more protection in the event of theft. Contact your bank and credit card company to let them know you will be traveling and check on your credit limits. If you're exchanging money, use only authorized agents or banks. Keep photocopies of your passport and credit card information at home in the event you need the information for an emergency.

‍Understand airport security regulations before you leave for your trip. The United States Transportation Security Agency and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority websites offer a great deal of information about what you can and cannot take with you when you fly.