A few years ago, after visiting Iceland for the first time, one of my goals was to return during the warmer months. When I received an email from Icelandair announcing a fare sale, I saw the perfect opportunity.
I planned an itinerary that included three days in the Faroe Islands followed by five days exploring Iceland. My routes were mapped out, rental cars reserved, lodging booked, and even the ferry tickets I would need to reach some of the places on my itinerary had already been purchased.
Before I go any further, let me add something.
I consider myself a budget traveler. I don’t always book the nicest hotel rooms, I don’t always choose balcony cabins on cruises, I often fly basic economy when it makes sense, and I generally look for ways to stretch my travel budget without sacrificing the experience.
So, when Icelandair asked, “Would you like to add travel protection?” my first thought was, “No, thank you.”
I stared at that screen for a few minutes before reluctantly adding the coverage, convinced I had just spent money I would never use.
As it turned out, it was one of the smartest travel decisions I’ve ever made.
Three weeks before my departure, my son was injured. It quickly became clear that there was no way I could take the trip I had spent months planning.
I canceled my rental cars, my hotel reservations, and all but one of my ferry tickets. The largest expense, however, was my airfare—approximately $1,200.
After contacting the airline, they provided the necessary claim forms for my son’s physician to complete. Because I had purchased travel protection, my claim was approved, and I received a full refund for my airfare.
That experience completely changed the way I think about travel protection.
Today, I view it much the same way I view insurance on my home or my car. I hope I never need to use it, but if something unexpected happens, I’m grateful it’s there.
The cost of the protection was only a small percentage of my total trip cost, but the value it provided when I truly needed it was enormous.
Sometimes the purchase you hope you’ll never use turns out to be the one you’re most thankful you made.