July 2008
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President's LetterTravel TipsCity Pairs
Feature DestinationMember CommentsMedjet
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Roy Berger
President/CEO
 
 
A stumbling economy unfortunately leads to change in personal habits and we have witnessed, over the past couple of months, shifts in our members' travel patterns.
 
The spring and summers past have normally meant large volumes of travel overseas, especially to Europe.  Of course we don't monitor travel, but have a pretty good feel for where our members are traveling based upon information and distress calls that we receive.
 
With the United States economic conditions as they are and the lack of strength of the dollar vs. the pound and euro, we are seeing more Caribbean, Mexico, Canada and domestic ports of call.  And to try and remain as flexible as we can to both our members and potential members, it gave us an opportunity to create a brand new product!
 
On July 1 we introduced the MedjetAssist Domestic Membership plan- a membership designed for those that plan to be away from home, but not away from the continental 48 states.
 
The Domestic Membership rules and regs are pretty simple.  Designed for individuals that live anywhere in the continental 48 states and will be traveling at least 150 miles away from home to any of the other continental 48.  Membership benefits are almost identical to the regular MedjetAssist program that protects you wherever in the world you might go, as long as it's over 150 miles from home.
 
The Domestic Membership is priced at $175 for an individual and $305 for a family.  You may upgrade to the full MedjetAssist program at anytime during the membership (prior to trip departure) for $50 for an individual or $45 for a family.  The motorcycle protection program can be added for an additional $25 and it is upgradeable to MedjetAssist Plus for $119. 
 
The Domestic Membership is perfect for those families who will be hitting the road and exploring this summer and fall and of course for the business traveler that wants the peace of mind they can get back home to their physician and family circle in the event of an accident or illness.
 
If you have been reading this space regularly you should be familiar with this statistic.  Over 90% of our members buy MedjetAssist because they are traveling internationally yet almost 60% of our evacuations and repatriations are done domestically.  You aren't necessarily buying us because of the weekend getaway to Detroit or Miami but chances are with greater travel frequency domestically than internationally you just may need us!
 
For more information on the MedjetAssist Domestic Membership plan please visit our website or phone 1-800-ASSIST and our membership services folks will be glad to answer any questions.  The Domestic Membership plan will only be available until December 31, 2008 and would make a great gift as well!
 
 
Till next month- safe travels.

 

 
Roy Berger
President/CEO
MedjetAssist
  
  
  

  

  

 

Website & Travel Tips  
 
Johnny Jet Travel Tip of the Month
John E. DiScala (a.k.a. Johnny Jet) travels over 150,000 miles and visits over 20 countries each year. He and his website JohnnyJet.com have been featured over 1,000 times in major publications, including USA Today, Time, Fortune and The New York Times, and he has appeared on ABC, CBS, CNBC, CNN, MSNBC, NBC, FOX News Channel and PBS.  In the May 2007 issue of Outside Magazine, Johnny Jet was touted for having one of the world's best "dream jobs." Every week, Johnny hosts a "travel website of the week" for several radio stations around the country, he writes weekly for Frommers.com and he has written for USAToday, The Boston Herald and Coast Magazine.  Sign up today for Johnny Jet’s free weekly travel newsletter at www.JohnnyJet.com. 
 
 Hotel Advice 
 
 As I sit in my room at the Maritim Hotel in Dusseldorf, I find myself sifting through my brain to recall some of my best hotel tips. (BTW: This brand new 500-room business hotel is plush and just a 90-second walk to the Air Berlin check-in counter.) But I digress ... 
 
When I check into a hotel, I’m always pleasant to the desk clerk. It’s the way I normally am but for all you meanies out there, you could get a lot further if you adjusted your attitude. Making friends or simply being nice to people could help you get the best possible room in the hotel!
  
I tend to stay in rooms between the second and seventh floors. That’s because they are the safest. The higher up you are, the less likely a break-in will occur, but firefighters’ ladders only reach up seven stories. Corner rooms at the end of the hall are usually the quietest, but are the most dangerous for single female travelers who are out of earshot should they scream. Rooms near the elevators have more foot traffic and are safer.
 
The moment I walk into the room, I drop my bags and pull out a disinfectant wipe. I’m not as neurotic as Howard Hughes but spending 30 seconds wiping down whatever I plan on touching goes a long way towards putting my mind at ease and getting rid of nasty germs. I wipe down the door handles, phones, in-room safe, A/C controller ... Did you know that the TV remote control is the dirtiest thing in the hotel room? Just use your imagination and you can figure out what I’m talking about. I mean, I don’t want to have to go into details about the sick, sneezing salesman sitting in his underwear, picking who knows what as he flips through the Pay Per View channels. Drinking glasses are a close second and if you watch this video I’m sure you won’t ever use them again either. It’s common sense to stay away from the overpriced mini-bar, so stock up on drinks and bottled water from the local grocery store.
 
I place my valuables (passport, laptop, camera, money) in the safe and whenever I leave my hotel room, I hang the Do Not Disturb sign on the door. When I want the room cleaned, I call down and ask for the room to be serviced. Leaving the Make Up Room sign on the door lets everyone know you aren’t around. Leaving a simple Thank You note and $2 tip each day for the maid ensures the best service and reduces the chances of them lifting stuff from your bag. I also try and use just one towel and the same sheets for my stay, to do my part for the environment.
 
It’s also a good idea to always carry earplugs and an eye mask not only for the airplane but in case you have noisy neighbors and/or curtains that don’t block out all the light in the room. When I need to set an alarm, I don’t just rely on the hotel’s wake up call service. I also set my cell phone alarm and for those times when I absolutely, positively need to get up early, I also order room service in advance (even just coffee) as a third safety measure.  
 
Finally, if you check bags, don’t forget to bring home the unopened mini toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body lotion) from the hotel. You can either drop them off for the poor or hand deliver them to a senior citizen’s home. Find out who could use some company the most (many of these people have no one) and share stories and pictures from your trip. You will make everyone’s day ... including mine.
 
Happy Travels
 
Johnny Jet
 
Rudy Maxa’s World: Toronto Top Six List
Rudy Maxa is a contributing editor with National Geographic Traveler magazine and one of America's premier consumer travel broadcasters on public radio and television. Rudy Maxa’s 2008 public television travel series, “Rudy Maxa’s World,” debuts in early May on many PBS-TV stations in the U.S. Check your local listings.  The 13-part series is underwritten, in part, by Medjet and features destinations in Thailand, Japan, Argentina, India as well as St. Petersburg, Russia, and Estonia.  Details can be found at: www.rudymaxasworld.com. 
 
Best Castle In Town: It took three years, 300 workers, and $3.5 million (a munificent sum back in 1911) to build this replica of a medieval mansion, the dream of local entrepreneur Sir Henry Pellatt, founder of the Toronto Electric Light Co., major investor in the Canadian Pacific Railroad, and all-around rich guy.  With secret passageways, turrets, and soaring battlements, Casa Loma is a great place to visit.  Sadly, Sir Henry hit some financial bumps and had to sell it ten years after it was built, and today it’s owned by the city of Toronto and open to visitors.  Details: http://www.casaloma.org/  
 
Best Decadent Snack: Sour-cream, glazed doughnuts at Canada' s best known coffee shop, Tim Horton’s.  If that’s too guilty a pleasure, buy one or two bite-sized, sour-cream, glazed doughnut holes called “Timbits.”  Locations everywhere.  
 
Most Romantic View at Night:  Sure, the CN Tower is mighty tall and has a restaurant.  But why not enjoy dinner with a view of the tower instead of from it?  Book a table at Canoe, a cool, polished dining room on the 54th Floor of the Toronto Dominion Bank Tower (66 Wellington St. West) and watch the lights of the city (and the tower) come on.  Offerings on the restaurant’s sophisticated menu run from broiled, British Columbia sablefish to bison.  Reservations required: (416-364-0054.) 
 
Great Day Trip: Take the “Bike Train,” the VIA train ( Canada' s equivalent of Amtrak) from Toronto to Niagara Falls and stash your bike (or rented bike) in a special train car for use when you arrive. There are five bike trails around the gorgeous Niagara area that will allow you to visit historical sites, wineries, beaches and parks.  Consider taking lunch in the perfect little village of Niagara-On-the–Lake, famous for its riot of summer flowers.  Details: http://www.biketrain.ca/  
 
Terrific Neighborhoods: Toronto is blessed with ethnic enclaves and cool ‘hoods.  Get a foot massage in bustling Chinatown, mix with the cool upper crust types at Bloor-Yorkville (behind the Four Seasons Hotel) where high-end shops and see-and-be-seen restaurants are cheek by jowl.  Queen Street West is trashy chic and trendy with lots of live-music options.  The Distillery Historic District provided the scenery in movies such as “Chicago” and “X-Men.”  Go there for the more than 100 galleries, stores, bakeries, restaurants and, yes, a microbrewery. 55 Mill St.
Fun for All: Be the announcer for a hockey game at the city’s Hockey Hall of Fame, a shrine to Canada ’s national sport.  For hockey fans, this is like a trip to Lourdes .  Pause to pray a minute before the Stanley Cup. 30 Yonge St.; 416-360-7765. 
 
 Traveling Healthy & Safe With John Gobbels, MedjetAssist VP/COO 
 
Beijing 2008 - It won't be all fun and games:
  
The 29th Olympic Summer Games will be held in Beijing , China from August 8-24. There is expected to be over 100,000 spectators at any one time during the event and the health and safety of these individuals holds a high priority.
  
Safety and Security
  
While the overall safety and security threat to those at the Olympics is low, travelers are advised to be alert to their own safety measures. It is important to assess developments that might affect personal well-being and travelers should seek local advice before venturing out, particularly at night.
  
Health Issues
  
All venues are effectively at sea level, with Beijing being the highest at 51 meters above sea level. In August the humidity will be the highest, and the temperatures range between 77-122 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, it is essential that precautions be taken to prevent dehydration and sunburn.
  
Beijing has extremely high levels of air pollution, and also has the planet’s worst levels of nitrogen dioxide, a gas that can cause considerable pulmonary morbidity. Individuals with pre-existing pulmonary problems will be at significant risk and should consider the health risks involved.
  
All travelers to China are at significant risk for Travelers Diarrhea or TD. Therefore, all travelers are advised to take strict food and water precautions. Except in Hong Kong where tap water meets international standards, all local water in other parts of China needs to be considered contaminated unless bottled or sterilized. For more information on TD, please follow this link to my last article on TD - So you Drank the Water... Now What.
  
Available medical services
  
Western style medical facilities with international staffs are available in Beijing , Shanghai , Hong Kong and other large cities. Some large cities also have “VIP Wards” that have reasonably up-to-date medical equipment and skilled physicians. Most VIP Wards have English-speaking doctors and nurses which help eliminate the language barrier. Understand that travelers may be required to post payment in advance to cover the cost of procedures. Many will accept credit cards, but some may require cash payments up front.
  
Travelers should be aware that ambulances do not carry advanced medical equipment, and the ambulance attendants generally have little or no training. In rural areas, only rudimentary medical facilities are generally available. Medical personnel are often poorly trained and they have limited medical equipment and medications.
  
I can’t stress enough that anyone traveling to Beijing should have their MedjetAssist medical evacuation membership protection activated prior to departure from home. Our 24/7 call center is ready to assist with any incident or just a recommendation to an adequate medical facility or doctor.
  
  
Stay Safe and Travel Smart - John
 
References:

Travel Medicine, Volume 5, Issue 6, November 2007

The Guardian October 31, 2005 URL: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/2005/oct/31/china.pollution

 
Keep up With the World Wide Will - Post from the Medjet Blog 
  
No Frills Airline
  
In light of multiple airline stories ranging from $15 for the first checked bag to $2 sodas, I thought I would offer up a few tips that will come in handy now that everybody and their mother will be just packing carry-ons.
 
Here is the list
  • First, get yourself two good 20″ soft-side suitcases. These will fit in most overheads and on smaller planes you can check at the tarmac. Why make sure it is a soft-side? They squish better…
  • Look into a courier service. Legendary travel expert Peter Greenberg once told me at dinner that he never travels with his bags. Just Google “Ship your luggage” and you will have many options to choose from.
  • Pack smart- one suit and several dress shirts or blouses along with a variety of ties and scarves can make for a lot of choices on a business trip.
  • Skins - I really want some of these and plan on getting some. Shoes are most definitely the bulkiest items to deal with. These revolutionary kicks provide you with one hard shell that fits your foot, and then you buy the skins to slip over them. You could pack gym shoes, dress shoes and casual dinner shoes all in the same space of a traditional pair of dress shoes. The downside is they are hard to find. But I am on the hunt.
  • Pack your own snacks and buy your water and sodas at the airport - past security… Some airlines, I won’t mention names but they know who they are, have gotten so lazy they will not even offer a beverage service if the flight is an hour or less. And others will charge you now just for a soda. BTW, in Europe they will serve full beverage and snacks on a 30 min flight for free. Makes you wonder why our service in the States is so bad…
  • Pack multiple sets of quart bags for your liquids. That way if you're home for a day and out the next you don’t have to worry about unpacking and repacking - I just grab my other pre-packed bag and go.
  • Be an A-Lister - If you fly Southwest you will need a good place in line so use your smart phone to check-in from the road. It is as easy as browsing to http://mobile.southwest.com. You can print your pre-assigned boarding pass at the airport.
  • Check the overhead bins on both sides. Sometimes they are larger on one side of the aircraft than the other.
  • Be nice and use your space under the seat. We will all need and appreciate the bin space so don’t use more than you need.
  • Don’t carry more than you can lift. Most flight attendants can’t or won’t help you. Oh, and if you see some poor soul on crutches give them a hand. Trust me it is not fun having an entire row of first class passengers and a flight attendant look at you in wonderment to see if you can actually get your backpack up there by yourself.
If you can still manage to keep a sense of humor about this whole situation, check out this YouTube video that is being sent around now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCz8he36hsk.
 
Who knew Carol Burnett was a prophet?
 
Want More Travel Tips?
Something old something new, the Medjet blog has tips and suggestions for everything from subway directions to the Medjet motorcycle protection program. Looking for something specific? You can even run a keyword search in the lower right hand corner. Check it all out by clicking on the button below.  

  

 
TRANSPORT CITY PAIRS

Here is a sampling of some of the city pairs that saw MedjetAssist medical transport activity over the past thirty days:

PICK-UP
DESTINATION

Kazan, Russia

Oklahoma City, OK

Frankfurt, Germany

Chicago, IL

Vienna, Austria

Arlington, VA

Cook Islands

Duarte, CA

Dubai, UAE

Pendleton, OR

Loreto Bay, MX

San Diego, CA

Freeport, Bahamas

Birmingham, AL

Forde, Norway

Houston, TX

Hilton Head, SC

Boston, MA

Jackson, MS

Albuquerque, NM

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

 Tel Aviv, Israel

Los Mochis, MX

Tampa, FL

Ulan Bator, Mongolia

Reno, NV

 
 
 
FEATURE DESTINATION - By International Expeditions
Galapagos Adventure with International Expeditions
Save $200 per person on any Oct. or Nov. '08 Voyage 
 
Getting nose-to-nose with wildlife, extraordinary naturalists, privileged access to Genovesa (Tower) Island and a superb ship — there are many reasons why International Expeditions’ voyage is THE choice for exploring Galapagos, but now there are 200 more reasons to join IE this fall.
There’s no more intimate an experience with nature and wildlife than International Expeditions’ journey aboard the 32-guest M/V Evolution. Standing on the lava of Fernandina with a vista of volcanoes; snorkeling with a friendly sea lion, encouraging you to dive, roll and splash; or sitting in a lush field on Santa Cruz watching the giant tortoises graze — these are the moments of sheer wonder you expect when traveling with the World Leader in Nature Travel.

With local naturalists guiding your way who are licensed at the highest level by the Galapagos National Park, you’ll come away from your adventure with more than these remarkable encounters, your memories will include a deeper understanding of the unique wildlife in this compelling place.
 
Only a limited number of cabins available aboard the Evolution, and space is filling quickly! Per person prices for the October and November Galapagos Voyages start at just $4,298 for ten days (includes $200 savings), and include Galapagos National Park tax and transit fees, accommodations, most meals, local transportation, guides and group transfers. Ask your preferred travel agent for more information on booking this trip, or contact International Expeditions at 800-633-4734 or www.IEtravel.com/galapagos.
 
 
MEMBER COMMENTS
Member Tips
  • Avoid time-change, electrical problems and currency exchange problems, by going to Ecuador. Ecuador is in the U.S. Eastern time-zone (-1 hr. summertime) and has U.S. electricity, plugs and voltage.  And it is easy to get to with many direct flights from/to JFK and Miami. While you are in Ecuador you can enjoy the pleasures of over twelve ecosystems, including the sierra, paramo, brilliantly conserved Spanish-colonial Quito, cloud forest, Amazon, etc. - Nicolas
  • While traveling we need to know the credit card PIN number to get cash from an ATM machine.  It is not good to write the actual PIN number down anywhere it can be compromised but it is hard to memorize the numbers and recall them when under pressure.  Here is an easy way to code the PIN number even write the code on the card itself.  Here is how to do it.  First pick a personal phrase which has 10 unique letters that only you know. Then use it to code the PIN number.  For instance suppose you pick New York City as your phrase.  Then N = 1, E = 2, W = 3, Y = 4, O = 5, R = 6, K = 7 etc. Use a letter only once.  Suppose your PIN number is 7361. You code the PIN number as KWRN.  You can even write KWRN right on the credit card with an indelible felt tip Sharpie and nobody will know what it means or be able to decode it except you.  You can easily decode KWRN to PIN number 7361 using your phrase if you can't remember the number. - John
Member Comments
  • I just wanted to thank you so much for all that you did in getting me from Kazan, Russia back to OKC.  There really is no way to express my gratitude for how everything worked out and the efficiency of everyone involved from your staff, the four pilots to the three lady doctors on board.  I was taken care of in a most professional and caring way. Thank you so much.  I pray that God blesses you all for your goodness to us. - Charla
  • On a recent trip home from Israel, I became ill on the airplane. Thanks to five incredible physicians who took charge, they directed the pilot to land the airplane as soon as possible. The pilot indeed did make an emergency landing in Frankfurt, Germany. From the moment my wife called MedjetAssist, she and I felt great comfort in knowing that my welfare was being overseen by the professional and very caring staff of MedjetAssist. My wife and my physician in Frankfurt had several contacts with your staff who were always prepared to do whatever was necessary to ensure my welfare. - Al
Transport Stories

Want to hear straight from a member who has been transported? Click on the button below and watch as the webisodes take you through three transports ranging from skiing accidents to cape buffalo attacks. Follow the Medjet team of specialists as they fly to the scene and return injured members to their hospital of choice. Hear from the members and get their viewpoint of incredible journeys from desperate phone call to recovery.

  
 
 
MEDJETASSIST

Product and Service Profile

Product Profile 
 
MedjetAssist's New Domestic Membership 
MedjetAssist is now offering a special membership program dedicated to the domestic traveler. The MedjetAssist Domestic Membership is tailored to travelers up to the age of 75 traveling within the continental United States.  With annual membership rates of $175 for individuals and $305 for families, members can travel with the peace of mind knowing if they are hospitalized anywhere in the contiguous 48 states more than 150 miles from home, MedjetAssist will evacuate them by medically equipped and staffed aircraft back to their hospital of choice within the continental United States at no additional cost.      
 
To enroll in the Domestic Membership program, you must call 1-800-527-7478. This special membership is only open for enrollment through December 31, 2008, so enroll today!
                                                                                                                         
For comparison purposes, the MedjetAssist regular annual membership rates are $225 and $350 respectively and allow for both domestic and international travel protection.  As a Domestic Member, you may upgrade anytime to the Regular Annual Membership prior to departing on your international trip by simply calling MedjetAssist and paying the membership differential.
 
Benefit Focus
 
Medical Referral
 
Feeling a little under the weather while you're on vacation or a business trip? MedjetAssist representatives will provide contact information for doctors and hospitals in the area in which the member is traveling. Telephone interpretation can also be provided when necessary. The selection and payment of the medical provider remain the member's responsibility.
 

 
Corporate/Group Enrollment
We all know how important it is to protect an organization's most prized assets; its people! Interested in learning more about how simple it is to protect your team with MedjetAssist? Ask your travel agent for more information on MedjetAssist corporate and group programs. Or, take a moment to complete the brief form on our website so we may contact you. Make sure your staff can travel with confidence. Make sure your staff travels with MedjetAssist!
 
Show & Tell
Send us your travel tips and comments and you might see your recommendations in next month’s newsletter. Send your ideas and suggestions to marketing@medjetassist.com with the headline NEWSLETTER SUGGESTION.

 
 
 
TRAVEL WITH SAFETY AND STYLE
Be the envy of your traveling companions and pick up great MedjetAssist travel necessities. While you’re at it, buy something unique for your friends and family so that they can be savvy travelers as well.

Savvy travelers are smart travelers and having your medical information available at all times is nothing but smart. That is why you should travel with Medjet's MedFlash. With this revolutionary service, you have secured maintenance of medical and personal information both online and through a handy USB flash device* to keep with you, so your pertinent information is immediately available to medical providers in any emergency situation. Our MedFlash service is available for individual purchase for only $29.99. Call our membership services department at 1-800-527-7478 to get your MedFlash device.
 
*MedFlash USB thumb drive is not compatible with Macintosh computers. 
 
MedjetAssist Deluxe Luggage Tag
This supple rich brown luggage tag boasts beautiful white stitching, a silver clasp and an embossed MedjetAssist logo. Not only does this luggage tag look stylish but it is functional too with a slide out holder that houses and protects your business card, ID tag or your complimentary MedjetAssist luggage tag. So look smart and, best of all, find you bag easier with the new MedjetAssist deluxe luggage tag. Available for only $15.00 by calling 1-800- 5-ASSIST.
 

MedjetAssist All-in-One Travel Bag
Designed with a separate, zippered laptop compartment, our Travel Bag is fashioned of heavyweight fabric and is embroidered with the MedjetAssist logo. Available to our members at just $37.50, including shipping. Call us toll free at 1-800-5-ASSIST for details or to place an order.

 
 
Authorized Medical Kit
MedjetAssist Associate Medical Director, Dr. Christopher Rosko, has approved this medical kit to cover the basic medical needs of our members when they travel. It includes basic first-aid supplies and common medications for routine, simple illnesses. Available to MedjetAssist members at $35.00 each. Call 1-800-5-ASSIST for details or to place an order.

Click here for the Medical Kit contents. 

 
MedjetAssist Passport Holder
Details such as white stitching and an embossed MedjetAssist logo accentuate this stylish passport holder. Style meets function on the inside with compartments for everything from your passport to your MedjetAssist card. Also included is an insert that contains important information regarding MedjetAssist services, helpful phone numbers for the international traveler and an area for you to write in your own important numbers. Available to our members at just $20.00, including shipping and a gift box. Call 1-800-5-ASSIST for details or to place an order.
 
1-800-5-ASSIST (1-800-527-7478)   •   www.medjet.com    
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For more smart travel tips check out the Medjet Blog at http://blog.medjet.com
 
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