In figures released today, Travel Guard reports the average cost of tripscovered through the company's plans in September and October of 2008 dippedonly slightly compared with the same period in 2007 -- from $2,057 to $2,009.While many media reports conclude that Americans are staying closer to home,this is not the case for Travel Guard clients. The number of clientstraveling outside of the United States has dipped only slightly, from 79.5percent in 2007 to 78.7 percent in 2008.

Americans also appear to be reacting to airline capacity cuts by bookingtravel and buying travel insurance earlier in advance of departure. Based onTravel Guard customer data, consumers are booking their travel and buyingtravel insurance plans an average of 151 days -- or more than five monthsprior to their scheduled departure date. "That's a good idea," says TravelGuard spokesperson Dan McGinnity.

"If you're planning a leisure trip in 2008 or early 2009, we stronglyrecommend you book your flight well in advance, especially if you are going toa popular destination," said McGinnity. "With fewer flights and fewer seatsavailable, it's the best way to assure you get where you want to go."

Travel insurance is particularly important for travelers who arepurchasing trips or making partial deposits well in advance of their departuredate, McGinnity noted. "Travel insurance covers you from the moment youpurchase your plan until you return home from your trip," he said. "If you'rebooking further in advance, you have a longer period of time to cover yourtravel investment. A comprehensive plan through Travel Guard can reimburseyou for nonrefundable airline tickets and other expenses if you have to cancelyour trip for an unexpected family illness, injury, severe weather or a hostof other covered reasons."

Travel Guard offers a number of comprehensive travel insurance plans thatprovide reimbursement for trip cancellation, as well as interruption, delaysdue to covered reasons, lost, stolen or delayed baggage, and emergency medicalexpenses, including medical evacuation. Most plans also include a full rangeof personal and travel assistance services that consumers can access beforeand during their trip. For example, customers can call before they travel andget information on visa/passport requirements, inoculations, luggage shippingservices and more. They also have access to Travel Guard Assist's 24/7LiveTravel emergency travel service in case they need to rebook cancelledflights and make new travel arrangement or hotel reservations.*

For more information about Travel Guard's selection of travel insuranceand assistance service plans, travelers can visit http://www.travelguard.comor call Travel Guard's World Service Center at 1-800-826-1300.

About Travel Guard

Travel Guard Group, Inc. ("Travel Guard") (http://www.travelguard.com) isone of America's leading providers of travel insurance plans for more than 6million travelers each year. Travel insurance plans through Travel Guard aredistributed by more than 12,000 travel agents across the United States.

Travel insurance plans through Travel Guard may include coverage for tripcancellation, travel interruptions and delays, emergency medical expenses,medical evacuation expenses, and lost or delayed baggage. Most plans alsoinclude 24-hour travel assistance services* for emergency medical assistance,last-minute or emergency travel changes, lost luggage tracking, pre-triptravel advice, and more.

The travel insurance offered through Travel Guard is underwritten byNational Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., with its principalplace of business in New York, NY. The Policy will contain reductions,limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions. All coverages may not beavailable in all states.

* Assistance services are provided by Travel Guard Assist. Contact: Dan McGinnity/Carol Mueller Brian Major/ Erin McKeon Travel Guard MMG Mardiks 800-826-7791 x14850/13050 212-219-7560 ext. 6764/6767 dan.mcginnity@travelguard.com bmajor@mmgmardiks.com carol.mueller@travelguard.com emckeon@mmgmardiks.comSOURCE Travel Guard