Train Travel

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Welcome to Dr Travelbest and a Train Travel Special episode.

In this episode:

FAQ: What’s the difference between travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage?

Today’s Special TOPIC: Train travel

Today’s Mistake- Not sleeping on the plane to Europe and jet lag

Travel Advice: Tips on train travel

FAQ: What’s the difference between travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage?

Answer:

Travel medical insurance

This is important coverage for Step 3, 4, and 5 travelers going abroad, where your U.S. health plan may have limited glocal coverage or no coverage. Travel medical insurance usually pays for ambulance service, doctor and hospital bills and other medical expenses during your trip. You can find generous coverage limits of up to $500,000 per person, but depending on your trip you may not need that level of coverage. This can add up. I recently broke my wrist in a city where I don’t have coverage, and my insurance is paying. The costs have been HUGE. I would have been out about $10 thousand if I wasn’t insured, and I’ve seen the bills. All I had to pay was the deductible.

Medicare does not pay for health care outside the U.S., which is Step 4 and 5, and in some instances Step 3 in 5 Steps to Solo Travel. There may be a few exceptions in very limited circumstances. Some say travel medical insurance is essential for senior travelers.

If Covid is a concern, you can find travel insurance policies that cover Covid-related medical expenses if you contract the virus during your trip. Some who do cover this include: John Hancock, HTH Worldwide, GoReady, AXA, Nationwide, TravelSafe, USI and AIG.

Emergency medical evacuation coverage

This is also important coverage again for Step 3, 4 and 5 travelers, especially if you’re going to a remote area where quality medical care might be hard to find. Emergency medical evacuation insurance pays to get you to the nearest adequate medical facility. You can find coverage of $1 million per person from plenty of firms. If you have one you recommend, please let me know.

Topic: Special issue on Train Travel

Train travel is reliable ground transportation that is appealing to those who prefer not to fly or drive. As a passenger, you can do what you want. You may choose to enjoy the scenery, sleep, work, play, or make a friend.

My most recent train trip was from San Diego to San Luis Obispo the weekend of July 4. I took an Amtrak surf liner train from Solana Beach, California to Guadalupe, California on a busy Friday afternoon. We departed at 12:40 PM and I was able to get a seat on the top deck of a two deck train and stored my luggage above my seat. Many people were standing in the aisles for up to 20-30 minutes as it was a holiday weekend in a touristy area. The train stopped several times before going on a break in Los Angeles. The crew changed here.

The direction of my train car changed in Union Station, Lost Angeles. That was so strange for someone like me who is directionally challenged. I stayed in the same seat, but I felt like I was going in a different direction.

And from Los Angeles heading north we went to another several stops and the conductor also reminded us that we would be slowing down to 15 miles an hour in certain spots. This is due to recent accidents on the train involving pedestrians. So the train was a little slow in some areas. That did not matter to me. The view from the train car was outstanding along this journey. I had ocean views the entire way from Santa Barbara north to near San Luis Obispo.

We arrived in Guadalupe at 8:35 pm, 40 minutes after our scheduled arrival. It was late, and due to the lack of cell service in a remote area, it was hard to send messages that we’d be late. The train station was small, without even an office; it's a parking lot.

The return trip was so different from the way there. Instead of searching many cars for a seat, I was the only one in my “Business Class' ' car when I got aboard in Guadalupe. The operator greeted me with a smile and a welcome snack kit, including some goodies to drink and eat. A few people boarded during the journey, but mostly I had the cab to myself. When it gets dark on July 4 it’s spectacular for watching fireworks. I would suggest you book yourself on a train next July 4. Find a place where you can see a lot of fireworks and enjoy the moving show.

You may have traveled by train in several other countries, so tell me about your train travels. Train trips that I have taken include across the US plus in Japan the shincasen, China’s high-speed trains, Kenya, Chile, plus eurail travel throughout France and Germany.

Today’s Mistake - Not sleeping on the plane to Europe and jet lag

My first trip across the Atlantic Ocean was a jetlag disaster. It was a Step 4 trip. I arrived in London at 9am and was so tired I could not think straight. I got myself a hotel room and all I did was want to sleep. I put my head down and then was awoken by someone who wanted to paint the room. Of course, I said no, but he kept banging. He said he couldn’t get paid until he painted. So, eventually, I let him in to paint and he did and then he left. My mistake was not sleeping on the plane, and not adjusting my sleep cycle to be in a new time zone. Don’t do what I did. Get your time shifted before you get to the airport and sleep on the plane if at all possible.

Today’s Travel Advice: Tips on train travel:

Use trains as an alternative to other transportation, such as driving or flying commercial airlines. It's easier to board and unboard than on a plane with the challenges of airports. Most trains run on a regular schedule and are reliable and safe. I would recommend you take a trip on a train due to the convenience and embrace the relaxation. When you arrive at your destination, you will be more refreshed.

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