Biola University Chorale sings for Weimar Mayor at Rathaus

Wishing everyone a safe return home

The Biola University Chorale under the direction of Mrs. Shawna Stewart is on it way home. The singers are scheduled to arrive at 7:05 pm on Lufthansa 452 at Los Angeles LAX airport which depa. We wish everyone a safe and smooth return home.

Czech Concert Promo for the Biola University Chorale

Koncert s americkým sborem potvrzen

Vydal Josef Říha v Nezařazené

V pátek 13. dubna od 17.30 hodin vystoupí spolu s CHDS a CHPS vynikající americké univerzitní těleso Biola University Chorale s dirigentkou Shawna Cross Stewart. V podání pěveckého sboru z Kalifornie zazní především kompozice starých mistrů a spirituály. Biola University Chorale přijíždí po 16. hodině do Chlumce a po vystoupení v kostele sv. Havla je pro hosty ještě sjednána večeře v restauraci „U Richterů – bowling“. Pátek i sobota tedy budou v Chlumci patřit sborovému zpěvu. Po pátečním sborovém koncertě se v sobotu se uskuteční Krajská přehlídka Celostátní přehlídky školních dětských pěveckých sborů.

An appreciative audience of about 150 to 200 enjoyed the recital in Thomaskirche in Leipzig.

Biola to sing at J.S. Bach's tomb on Thursday, April 12 at noon

A special highlight awaits the singers of the Biola University Choral Ensemble on Thursday, April 12, 2012 as they continue their journey in the footsteps of the great composer Johann Sebastian Bach to Leipzig. Not only will the choir under the direction of Mrs. Shawna Stewart be visiting "his church", but also present a short concert at his tomb.
The great Thomaskirche is one of the main highlights of Leipzig, a town many refer to as the “City of Music.” Thomaskirche houses many renowned musicians, including the Boys Choir, as well as the final resting place of the grand composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Today people come from all over the world to the Church of St. Thomas to experience church services, unique performances from the Boys Choir and the Gewandhaus Orchestra, as well as intricate organ concerts.

Thomaskirche once served as a critical pawn during the Christian Reformation, as Martin Luther often preached in the 12^th century church. In 1355 the original Romanesque chancel was remodeled in a Gothic scheme, coinciding with the congregation’s split from the Roman Catholic Church.

Johann Sebastian Bach served as the choir director at Thomaskirche from 1723 until his death in 1750. A statue of Bach standing outside the church’s entrance was dedicated in the composer’s memory in 1908. Although renovations in the mid-1800s resulted in the removal of all Baroque equipment, a commemorative Bach organ, in the style of the original used by Bach, was installed in the sanctuary in 2000. The older romantic organ also remains, but is considered “unsuitable” for playing Bach’s music and is only used when appropriate.

The roof’s unusual 63 degree angle and sanctuary’s intricately designed vaulted ceilings result in unbelievable acoustics and highly complimentary reverberation.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Concert in Beautiful Schloss Ettersburg.

The appreciative audience was so thrilled by the concert, that they would not leave before an encore.

C

Concert in St. Christophorus Kirche

The people of Tiefurt including the pastor were very moved by the concert in their lovely church.

Biola concert in the media

THEATER, OPER, KONZERTE

Konzert: Biola University Chorale

Der Biola University Chorale aus La Mirada, Kalifornien (USA)

Mi 11.04.2012 19:00

Eintrittspreis:
5,00 €

Veranstaltungsort:
Schloss Ettersburg (Ettersburg)

Der Biola University Chorale besteht aus 33 Sängerinnen und Sängern, alles Studenten und zum Großteil mit Spezialisierung in Stimme und Gesang haben. 

Der musikalische Schwerpunkt des Chors reicht von klassischer Literatur über zeitgenössische amerikanische Musik bis hin zu Jazz, Gospel und Spirituals. 

Der Biola University Chorale tourt jährlich national, alle 
vier Jahre international. In Europa war die Gruppe schon in Deutschland, Österreich, Ungarn, der Tschechischen Republik und Italien.

Jedes Jahr ist der Biola University Chorale Gastgeber eines zweitägigen Festivals fϋr Chöre aus Schulen und Universitäten.

Jeden Frühling präsentiert der Chor gemeinsam mit 
dem Biola Symphonie Orchester ein bedeutendes Werk, u.a. Waltons Belshazzar’s Feast, Beethovens Symphonie No. 9, Poulencs Gloira, Orffs Carmina Burana, Mendelssohns Elijah, Verdis Requiem, Mozarts ‘Coronotion’ Mass in C Dur und J.S. Bachs Magnificat. Zusätzlich zu vielen Konzerten an der Universität gibt der Chor auch Vorstellungen in umliegenden Kirchen.

Shawna Cross Stewart ist die Dirigentin sowie Leiterin Choral Activities an der Biola University in La Mirada, Kalifornien. Sie unterrichtet auch Kurse im Dirigieren, sowie Chor-Methoden und Chor-Literatur. Zuvor unterrichtete sie Chormusik an der John Brown University.

Frau Stewart erhielt ihren Abschluss in Choraldirektion von der Eastman School of Music. Zur Zeit arbeitet sie an ihrem Doktor in Musik an der University of Southern California, wobei sie die Gelegenheit hatte von Helmuth Rilling und Rene Clausen unterrichtet zu werden. Außerdem engagiert sich Frau Stewart in Kirchenmusik und hat in und um Los Angeles schon verschiedene Kirchenchöre geleitet.

Veranstaltungsort:
99427 Ettersburg

Mayor's Reception in Weimar

Two concerts for Biola University Chorale today

Media coverage for the first Biola University Chorale Concert in Germany

THEATER, OPER, KONZERTE

Konzert: Biola University Chorale

Der Biola University Chorale aus La Mirada, Kalifornien (USA)

Eintritt frei (Spenden für die Kirchgemeinde erbeten)

Mo 09.04.2012 19:30

Der Eintritt ist frei

Veranstaltungsort:
Lutherkirche (Apolda)

Der Biola University Chorale besteht aus 33 Sängerinnen und Sängern, alles Studenten und zum Großteil mit Spezialisierung in Stimme und Gesang haben.

Der musikalische Schwerpunkt des Chors reicht von klassischer Literatur über zeitgenössische amerikanische Musik bis hin zu Jazz, Gospel und Spirituals.

Der Biola University Chorale tourt jährlich national, alle
vier Jahre international. In Europa war die Gruppe schon in Deutschland, Österreich, Ungarn, der Tschechischen Republik und Italien.

Jedes Jahr ist der Biola University Chorale Gastgeber eines zweitägigen Festivals fϋr Chöre aus Schulen und Universitäten.

Jeden Frühling präsentiert der Chor gemeinsam mit
dem Biola Symphonie Orchester ein bedeutendes Werk, u.a. Waltons Belshazzar’s Feast, Beethovens Symphonie No. 9, Poulencs Gloira, Orffs Carmina Burana, Mendelssohns Elijah, Verdis Requiem, Mozarts ‘Coronotion’ Mass in C Dur und J.S. Bachs Magnificat. Zusätzlich zu vielen Konzerten an der Universität gibt der Chor auch Vorstellungen in umliegenden Kirchen.

Shawna Cross Stewart ist die Dirigentin sowie Leiterin Choral Activities an der Biola University in La Mirada, Kalifornien. Sie unterrichtet auch Kurse im Dirigieren, sowie Chor-Methoden und Chor-Literatur. Zuvor unterrichtete sie Chormusik an der John Brown University.

Frau Stewart erhielt ihren Abschluss in Choraldirektion von der Eastman School of Music. Zur Zeit arbeitet sie an ihrem Doktor in Musik an der University of Southern California, wobei sie die Gelegenheit hatte von Helmuth Rilling und Rene Clausen unterrichtet zu werden. Außerdem engagiert sich Frau Stewart in Kirchenmusik und hat in und um Los Angeles schon verschiedene Kirchenchöre geleitet.

Veranstaltungsort:
Dornburger Straße
99510 Apolda

Veranstalter:
Incantato Tours
12101 Baywoods Drive - Suite 101
Tega Cay, SC 29708

Don't miss tonight's first formal concert for the Biola University Chorale in Apolda

First performance venue: The stunning Ordenskirche in Bayreuth

The Biola University Chorale will be the featured guest choir here for Easter Monday Service on April 9 at 9:30 am. 
Construction on the Ordenskirche in Bayreuth began in 1705 and was completed 13 years later in 1718. It is in a fairly central location near downtown Bayreuth.
Probably the most stunning feature of the church is the intricatly designed alter made of pink marble.
Above the alter is a beautiful depiction of images from the New Testament.
A somewhat unusual characteristic of the church is the baptismal font. Usually these are located off to one side of the nave, however, in the Ordenskirche it is located in the center of the church. It is constructed out of pink marble and was completed in 1716, two years before the actual church. Translated, Ordenskirche means church of the order. The founder of the church, count Georg Wilhelm, decided that all of the knights in his order were to appear in church every year the day it was founded. Addtionally, the families of the order depicted their family crests inside the church.

Home away from home: Arvena Kongress Hotel, Bayreuth

The Biola Choir will spend the night of Sunday, April 8th, 2012 in Germany at the Arvena Kongress Hotel in Bayreuth. The hotel itself is located in a quiet area of the city but is only about 10-15 minutes walking distance from the historical city center. On Tripadvisor and other websites, the modern four star hotel is often praised for its exceptionally friendly and helpful staff. Each of the 196 rooms is modernly equipped with a full bathroom, direct dial telephone, flat-screen TV and in-room safe. Additionally, all rooms offer air-conditioning, and WiFi is available throughout the entire hotel free of charge.
The Arvena Hotel also features a sauna and wellness area on the seventh floor, complete with a steam bath and terrace, as well as a gym area with cardio- and exercise equipment. The two in-hotel restaurants offer seasonal international and regional fare. Breakfast features a typical German selection such as breads with meats and cheeses, muesli, fruit and juices.
For more impressions of the Arvena Hotel, browse the gallery on their website.

Wishing the Biola Chorale a safe journey to Germany

Dear Members of the Biola University Chorale, we wish you safe travels and a smooth journey to Europe where your Incantato Tour Manager Karolina Zadrazilova will be waiting for you at Munich airport. Enjoy the flight with Lufthansa, Auf Wiedersehen, Sandra and Team

What to pack: Size Matters

Dear Travelers, please remember to pack light. There is no charge for ONE checked bags on international flights as long as your suitcase is within the weight limit of 44 pounds. Remember, you are only allowed ONE checked suitcase per person coming on your Incantato Tour plus ONE small/normal size carry-on as luggage capacity on the bus is limited. Please go to the Lufthansa website for detailed information on what is considered a carry-on and a checked bag, but please keep in mind that we can only fit ONE checked bag per person on the coach. For most people, packing is the most difficult part. The solution for many is to just pack as much as you possibly can into your suitcase and backpack, but as a colleague explains it: "You'll be thanking me later when you don't break your back from having to carry everything on your own. Don't do it!" Her advice: "Pack as lightly as you can. The best way to get it all to fit nicely into your suitcase is to fold it nicely and then roll it tightly. It can all fit into your bag like a puzzle." Keep in mind, however, that many cathedrals have a dress code and will not allow you to walk in if you are wearing tank tops or shorts. A scarf is a good solution to this code. And shorts should always go to your knees (both for Ladies and Gents). Incantato also plans a farewell dinner for the tour groups, so bring something comfortable and dressy. Here are a few things that we think are essential to have to be comfortable with what the weather brings (April in Central Europe is still spring time - it will very likely be quite humid too) and with the weight of your bag - remember, we allow only one checked bag per person and a small carry-on such as a bag pack or small duffel. Yes Ladies, you may have a small purse in addition, gents a camera case is fine too, but again, you will be the one carrying it all from the bus to the hotel and vice versa, so better test if you can move all your travel belongings without needing to make two trips or help from someone else. A sample packing list (just a suggestion!) * Rain jacket, maybe with fleece insert * Umbrella * An adapter plug/converter (if bringing electronic devices) * Camera and batteries or charger with adapter * At least two pair of jeans/pants, ladies may want to bring a couple skirts or dresses too * a sweater or two * Plenty of shirts, including a polo or two and at least two dress shirts (Europeans dress much more formal than Americans) * Plenty of undergarments and socks for daily changes * A watch, make-up and jewelry if applicable (carry on any valuables) * Choir music and attire * Don't forget shoes, we recommend a maximum of three pairs (tennis shoes, good everyday shoes, dress shoes). Bring nice concert shoes, but make sure that you will be able to walk long distances in them. Europeans do not wear flip flops other than to the pool or at the beach. * Put all liquids that are in your carry-on into a zip-lock bag. And remember the 311 rules.* All scissors, fingernail clippers, etc. are better packed in your check-in luggage along with liquids over 3 ounzes. Bring enough contact lense solution and prescription medication that you may need for the whole duration of the trip. If you forget anything there are plenty of little "pharmacies" where you can by shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

Money Matters

Money is a delicate subject. The exchange rate at the moment is not the best as it changes multiple times for the last few weeks (1 Euro= $1.35 to $1.49). And yes, it is possible to travel in Europe on a small budget. You may want to bring some Euro already with you, they can be obtained at your bank with advance notice or at the airport (higher fees). From our experience, a good way to access your money is to have a debit card; this allows you to withdraw money from any ATM machine with only being charged a small withdrawal fee. The fee differs between banks. Be sure to call your bank before your departure to tell them where you are going and for how long so they won't freeze your account. Also remember to bring your four digit pin. The debit cards given by the bank has the compatibility of Visa, MasterCard, however, Visa is the most widely accepted worldwide. If you bring cash, you can exchange it but you will lose more money as they charge for their services. Most places in Europe won't accept traveler's checks anymore. Also, be prepared to pay for water and a fee for restroom use (between 30 to 70 Euro cent). Last not least, there are no free refills on soft drinks in Europe which is why most Europeans ask for little to no ice in their drinks. Remember that two meals daily are covered as part of the WRA Incantato Tour - breakfast and usually dinner, sometimes a lunch instead. In addition, we suggest you have some spending money available and our recommendation is around 12 to 15 Euro per day for the meal not included, snacks, drinks, postcards, some souvenirs. It is not imperative that you have this amount of money. There are many ways to lower your expenses such as: · Most restaurants have menus outside so you can check their price range. · Venture off the main roads to find a restaurant. These usually have more character, better food, and better prices. · Bring your own water bottle. Most places have good and safe tap water to fill up with. · Buy food from the "convenient" stores. You don't have to sit down in the restaurant for every meal. · Shop around for souvenirs; many stores have the same things on sale for very different prices. Sometimes you may even be able to use your haggling skills for a real bargain. This is particularly true when buying from street vendors. But be careful, if it is too much of a bargain, you may not be buying a real fancy bag, but just a knock-off - Versaze instead of Versace ; ) Last not least, remember that your Incantato Tour Manager Karolina is with you pretty much 24/7. She is a native of Central Europe and a highly skilled professional, she is there to help you make the right choices.

Biola University: Confirmed Flight Schedule

Here is the updated flight schedule as of March 27, 2012. Please prepare to be at the airport 2.5 hours prior to departure!


Departure to Europe:
Saturday, April 7, 2012 Lufthansa LH 453 leaves Los Angeles (LAX) at 9:10 pm
arrives in Munich (MUC) at 5:30 pm on Sunday, April 8, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012 Lufthansa LH 1691 leaves Prague (PRG) at 12:55 pm
arrives in Munich (MUC) at 1:55 pm

Return to US:
Lufthansa LH 452 leaves Munich (MUC) at 3:45 pm
arrives in Los Angeles (LAX) at 7:05 pm

We proudly present te Biola Chorale Concert Ca

Wartburg - a castle with over 900 years of history

Once you visit Warburg castle you will see it sitting on a steep hill, overlooking the beautiful and quaint city of Eisenach in Thuringia, Germany. You will walk over a draw bridge to access the castle. It is one of the oldest and best preserved Romanesque castles in Germany. Built in 1067 and attributed to Count Ludwig der Springer, the castle grounds display art treasures collected over centuries including medieval musical instruments. In 1999, the Wartburg castle was added to the list of the UNESCO world heritage sites. The Wartburg used to be an important place of courtly culture: Medieval singing contests were held here.  The legendary Minnesingers' Contest or "Singers' War" dates back to 1206. Although it was only a legend, this courtly and knightly epic vividly depicts the rule of landgrave Hermann I and the Thuringian court as its centre.
The Wartburg became the refuge for the German church reformer Martin Luther, who was excommunicated by the pope and outlawed by the emperor. He sought refuge in the bailiff's lodge at the Wartburg. During the months of his protective custody, he lived and worked in a sparsely furnished room, today known as the Luther Room. In only 10 weeks he translated the New Testament from the original Greek texts into German. Two and a half centuries later Johann Wolfgang von Goethe stayed at the Wartburg Castle for five weeks in 1777. His visit there is characterized by his enthusiasm for nature. Today the visual knowledge of the decayed buildings that Goethe preserved in his drawings is invaluable. Another stepstone in history was the Wartburgfest of the Student's Association. On October 18, 1817, 500 students gathered for the Wartburgfest, the first middle-class democratic public meeting in Germany. They met at the Wartburg for the 300th anniversary of the Reformation and the fourth anniversary of the Battle of Nations at Leipzig against Napoleon's rule. The students fought for a unified Germany under the motto, "Honour - Freedom - Fatherland." 
 

Meet the Biola University Chorale

The Biola University Chorale

The Biola University Chorale is comprised of 34 voices from various disciplines on campus, with nearly eighty percent being voice majors. Dedicated to excellence in performance and literature, the Chorale offers a varied repertoire from traditional choral works to contemporary genres such as jazz and gospel.
The Chorale tours domestically each year and internationally every four years. In Southern California, the Chorale annually participates in prestigious area festivals, as well as hosts a two-day invitational high school, community and Christian college choral festival every November. Each spring they join forces with the Biola Symphony Orchestra for the performance of a major choral-orchestral work. In addition to a yearly season of many Biola-related concerts, the Chorale also performs at notable area churches.

Meet Ms. Shawna Cross Stewart

Shawna Cross Stewart

Shawna Cross Stewart conducts the Biola University Chorale and the Vocal Jazz ensemble.  As Associate Professor, she also teaches the conducting classes, Choral Methods and Choral Literature. Previously, she was an instructor of choral music at John Brown University and the director of Choral Studies at North Dakota State College of Science.
Ms. Stewart is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music with a Master of Music in Choral Conducting. She is a Doctorate of Musical Arts candidate in Choral Music at the University of Southern California. In addition to her doctoral studies with William Dehning, she has had the privilege of receiving instruction in conducting from Helmuth Rilling, Kenneth Jennings, Donald Neuen, René Clausen, Donald Hunsberger and David Effron.
Ms. Stewart has been active in church music ministry. In Los Angeles she has held short and long-term positions at several area churches including the Crystal Cathedral, Whittier Area Community Church and Granada Heights Friends Church.

Home away from home: Ibis Hotel, Prague

After leaving Germany behind, the nights of Friday, April 13th, and Saturday, April 14th will be spent in the Czech Republic. While in Prague, the Biola Choir will stay at the three star Ibis Hotel near the Wenceslas Square, which is centrally located and very accessible. The castle and historical part of town are easily reached by foot.

The 181 rooms are outfitted to international standards, including air conditioning, internet connection, telephone, TV and a full bathroom. There are several breakfast varieties available according to preference, but traditionally an all-you-can-eat continental buffet is served. The in-house restaurant specializes on a variety of seasonal cuisine. There is also the option of using the sauna, indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi and fitness center at the hotel next door, although a fee does apply.

Home away from home: Balance Hotel, Leipzig

The last stop in Germany for the Biola Choir will be in the historical town of Leipzig. After the recital at the St. Thomas Church, the night of April 12th will be spent at the Balance Hotel. It is situated in a central, yet quiet location not even two miles from the city center. It can be easily reach via the city's tram system, especially since public transportation is included in the hotel fare.

The hotel restaurant is well known for its elegant yet local cuisine. Breakfast is also offered here. And for a delicious and inexpensive snack, there are two bakeries next to the tram station down the street. All 126 rooms are spaciously decorated and feature WiFi, TV, telephone and a free coffee and tea bar in every room. The use of the sauna and fitness club is included in the room fare.

Home away from home: Leonardo Hotel, Weimar

Talk to your friends at Fullerton College about this great hotel and the wonderful town it is in. Just like the singers directed by Mr. John Tebay, the Biola Choir under the direction of Mrs. Shawna Stewart will be spending the nights of Monday April 9th, Tuesday April 10th, and Wednesday April 11th in the beautiful city of Weimar. 
The modern four star Leonardo Hotel is within walking distance of the historical old town and immediately next to a park by the river Ilm. The location also accounts for the beautiful park and river views from many of the 294 rooms.
All rooms are decorated in a classic and comfortable design. They feature a telephone, satellite TV, WiFi and a full bathroom in addition to air conditioning in all areas of the hotel. There is an extensive breakfast buffet in the mornings, while international and local specialties are served a la carte during the day.
Relaxation is also provided for in the health club, situated under a large domed glass roof. In addition to the indoor swimming pool; a whirlpool, sauna, solarium, fitness area and beauty & wellness center are also available for use. Two bowling alleys and a billiard table provide for additional entertainment.
For a full tour of the hotel, check out the official hotel video.

Bayreuth, Germany: A town inspired by Richard Wagner - and a true royal fairy tale

The festival city of Bayreuth in Upper Franconia (Oberfranken) is relatively quiet most of the year until the Richard Wagner Festival settles in for 30 days every summer. Bayreuth features a wealth of impressive baroque and rococo architecture. Though he only lived in the town for a relatively short period towards the end of his life, Richard Wagner casts a long shadow over BAYREUTH. For most of the world Bayreuth and Wagner are simply synonymous, as though outside the extraordinary annual social and musical spectacle known as the Festspiele, no other Bayreuth existed. The peaceful life of the small Franconian town ended in 1876, when the Richard Wagner Festival began. By 1873 Wagner had already moved into his home, which he called "Wahnfried". The town councilors rightly expected the Festival to stimulate and develop the town. After the death of Wagner, the Festival continued under the direction of his widow, Cosima. High-ranking musicians and writers, but also more and more prominent people from business and politics among the visitors, were the reason that the Bayreuth festival was firmly established in the cultural and social calendar of Europe from 1888 onwards. Yet the town you actually see owes to the passions of another remarkable individual, the Markgräfin Wilhelmine (1709–58). The eldest daughter of Friedrich Wilhelm I of Prussia and the sister of Frederick the Great, Wilhelmine was groomed by her Hanoverian mother for marriage into the British royal family. But the plans were thwarted by her father, who – partly for political reasons, partly out of loathing for his wife's British relatives – married her off instead to a minor royal and distant relative, Friedrich von Brandenburg-Bayreuth, the future margrave of the insignificant Franconian micro-state of the same name. Despite its unpromising start, the marriage was a happy one, and with her aspirations to enter the glittering world of the London court thwarted, the intelligent and educated Wilhelmine decided instead to bring worldly sophistication to Bayreuth, embarking on an extravagant building program whose fruits still grace the town today. Wagner's Festspielhaus may have a superb acoustic, but it's notoriously spartan; Wilhelmine's opera house, on the other hand, is a Baroque gem. Her Baroque quarter of town wraps itself around the eastern and southern sides of the diminutive Altstadt all small and compact enough to be explored easily on foot. The extensive Hofgarten stretches east from the center to Wagner's Villa Wahnfried, while his Festspielhaus is on high ground north of the center. It's also worth venturing out of town to see Wilhelmine's summer pleasure palace, Eremitage.

Bayreuth is quite the paparazzi hotspot during the Festspiele in late July and August, when the most surprising celebrities can be seen affecting an interest in the Ring. For the rest of the year, it is a quiet and stolidly respectable sort of place, but Wilhelmine's magic ensures it's worth a stay of a day or two.

Gentle reminder: Do not forget to obtain travel insurance

Dear Biola Travelers, 
As indicated on your registration form, it is mandatory for all tour participants to obtain travel insurance to protect your investment in case you have to cancel for a medical situation, loss of luggage or various other reasons.
Our recommended insurance option is described below along with an online link to Travel Guard. We highly recommend this company based on a long and excellent relationship. 
TravelGuard has a variety of policies including a family plan.
In order for us to keep track of travel insurance for your group, please sign up through these links connected with Incantato Tours.
Click here to get a Travel Guard Insurance quote.

Travel Insurance

Incantato Tours strongly recommends getting Travel Guard travel insurance for your upcoming journey as they have been a very reliable partner and provide excellent services, but we also know that you may have a different preferred supplier or are already covered under another policy. Again, travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage is mandatory for all Incantato Tours travelers. 
Not only are you covered medically should anything happen when traveling, but with TravelGuard's policies, you also protect your investment should you have to cancel or interrupt the trip.There is also coverage for delayed and lost luggage etc.
Here is a direct line to purchase travel insurance online and can you do so with your credit cards and also select the option that is best for you.





In the meantime, have a look at the most comprehensive coverage option The Protect Assist Gold below.


Protect Assist (Gold) -

Comprehensive Travel Protection for the World Traveler

Trip Cancellation JUST ADDED! - Trip Cancellation due to employment loss or layoff if employed with the same employer 1 year or longer Trip Interruption and Travel Delay Emergency Medical and Emergency Medical Transportation Baggage and Travel Document Protection Baggage Delay and Lost Baggage Tracking NEW - Cancel For Any Reason option now available NEW - Cancel For Work Reasons option now available NEW - Children age 17 and under covered at no additional cost IMPROVED -Trip Cancellation limit increased to $100,000 (from $15,000), IMPROVED - Trip Interruption coverage increased to 150% of Trip Cost IMPROVED - Travel Delay required hours reduced to 5 hours (from 12) ProtectAssist special features: Best coverage for Weather Related Cancellations Pre-existing Condition Exclusion Waiver* Default/Bankruptcy Protection* $50,000 Flight Accident Insurance* 24-Hour "LiveTravel" Travel Agency Emergency Cash Transfers Identity Theft Restoration * These additional benefits apply If you are purchasing within 15 days of making your initial trip deposit or payment, however, coverage may still be purchased at any time up to 24 hours prior to departure. Increase your coverage with these valuable additions to your Protect Assist Plan: Cancel For Any Reason – 50% reimbursement of nonrefundable expenses if you cancel your trip for any reason, up to 48 hours prior to your departure. Only available when this plan is purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment. Cancel For Work Reasons – Offers additional work-related reasons for cancellation or interruption. Also includes our exclusive “Business Assistant” services if you have work obligations during your travels. Only available when this plan is purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment. Umbrella Package – Medical Expense limits are doubled and coverage is upgraded to primary. Emergency Medical Transportation limits are doubled and benefits upgraded to take you home or to the hospital of your choice. $25,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage will be added Optional coverages cannot be purchased separately. Must be purchased with base ProtectAssist plan.

Comprehensive non-insurance travel services* automatically included with plan!With the ProtectAssist plan, every customer also has access to these valuable travel services when they travel:
· Arrangements for last-minute flight changes
· Hotel finder and reservations
· Rental car reservations
· Emergency medical assistance
· BagTrak® -- lost baggage tracking
· Pre-trip health and safety advisories
· Live e-mail and phone messaging to family and friends
· Cash transfers
· Airport transportation
· Golf course reservations
· Event ticketing
· Floral services
· Identity Theft restoration

Business Assistant* (available when Optional Cancel for Work Reasons coverage is purchased)

*Non-Insurance services are provided by AIG Travel Assist.

Eligibility
Citizenship: All Nationalities
Residency: United States
New York, Oregon, and Washington residence please call to purchase
Some rider options are not available and other restrictions may apply
Destination: Worldwide
Ages: All Ages
Max Trip Length: 365 Days