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Best Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance

Refunds you up to 75% of the total trip cost & allows you to cancel for any reason at all – no strings attached.
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  • Our picks for the best Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance plans for 2024 are from AXA, Travelex, Generali, and Seven Corners (skip ahead to view these plans).
  • Unlike regular trip cancellation insurance, “Cancel for any reason” travel insurance allows you to cancel your trip for any reason at all and still get the majority of your money back.
  • CFAR is usually only available as an optional add-on to a standard travel insurance plan. It will increase the price of your policy by around 50%, but the flexibility it offers is priceless.
  • When you cancel your trip using a CFAR travel insurance policy, you’ll usually be refunded 50% - 75% of your non-refundable prepaid travel expenses – with no strings attached.
  • The fine print: Not all providers offer cancel for any reason insurance. You are typically required to buy CFAR within 24-hours to a few weeks after making your initial trip deposit. Most plans require you to cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.
  • To help you make sense of all of the plans available, we recommend using an online comparison tool which allows you to see plans and prices from multiple companies at once.

Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance lets you cancel your trip and get part of your money back for any reason at all.

CFAR coverage adds typically adds 40% to 60% to the cost of your travel insurance policy, but there are still numerous reasons to consider investing in the coverage.

For example, you could use CFAR insurance if:

  • You have an unplanned event you can’t miss
  • You’re worried about COVID-19
  • You have a falling out with your travel companions
  • The weather conditions aren’t ideal for your trip
  • You just don’t feel like traveling

Since it’s so expensive expensive, it’s important to compare providers and policies to evaluate which is the best trip cancellation insurance for you.

So, without further delay, here are our top picks for the best Cancel for Any Reason insurance.

Other Popular Pages:
Best travel insurance Cheapest travel insurance Emergency travel medical Trip cancellation insurance Medical evacuation COVID-19 insurance Seniors' travel insurance Annual travel plans Cruise insurance
Trip cancellation insurance More
Other Popular Pages:
Trip cancellation insurance More
Best travel insurance Cheapest travel insurance Emergency travel medical Trip cancellation insurance Medical evacuation COVID-19 insurance Seniors' travel insurance Annual travel plans Cruise insurance
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Trawick International
Trawick International Safe Travels Voyager
Faye Travel Insurance
Faye Travel Insurance Faye Travel Protection Plan
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Compare plans from providers side by side
Type of medical coverage
Primary
Primary for International trips
Emergency Medical
$250,000
$100,000
Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
$1,000,000
$500,000
Covers COVID
YES
Covered
Pre-Existing Conditions
YES
Waiver Available
Extension Of Coverage
YES
In certain circumstances
Non-Medical Evacuation
NO
YES
Trip Cancellation
100% trip cost
100% trip cost
Trip Interruption
150% trip cost
150% trip cost
Travel Delays
6+ hours
$4500 limit, 6+ hours
Missed Connection
3+ hours Cruise & tour only
YES
Baggage Loss
YES
YES
Baggage Delay
8+ hours
YES
24 Hour AD&D
$25,000
NO
Flight Only AD&D
$50,000
NO
Common Carrier AD&D
NO
NO
Sports & Activities
Some Sports
Extreme Sports optional
Sports Equipment Loss
NO
YES, as baggage
Sports Equipment Delay
NO
YES, as baggage
Sports Fees
YES
YES
Rental Car Damage
$35,000
Optional
Money Back Guarantee
YES
YES
24 Hour Assistance Service
YES
YES
Cancel For Any Reason
Optional Add-on
Optional
AMBest Rating
Better Business Bureau Rating

Our picks for the best Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance

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Best for Medical Coverage

Full Policy Details

Trawick International

 4.14
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Safe Travels Voyager
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$250,000 / $1,000,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Several of the Trawick travel insurance plans rank among our top-selling plans for 2024. The Safe Travels Voyager plan is arguably the most popular among LA Times' readers thanks to its comprehensive coverage. With its higher-than-average coverage limits over many categories, Trawick Safe Travels Voyager is the ideal choice for travelers seeking comprehensive travel insurance with high levels of policy limits.

Starting with its medical benefits, it offers a good primary medical coverage limit of up to $250,000 per person for medical emergencies and covers up to a whopping $1,000,000 per person for medical evacuation and repatriation. The plan is not the cheapest on the list, but these levels make it ideal for global international travel and even travel to remote locations. The plan can also cover pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy the plan within 21 days of the initial trip deposit and before the final trip payment. This means it’s also a solid option for older travelers or those with existing health conditions.

Other key benefits include cancellation coverage, which can reimburse you for up to 100% of the trip cost, and interruption coverage which can reimburse you for up to 150% of the trip cost if your trip is cut short. Cancellation and interruption cancellation for COVID-19 sickness also come standard.

As with other plans, examples of covered reasons for canceling can include:

  • Medical Reasons
  • Hurricane & Weather
  • Financial Default
  • Employment Layoff
  • Terrorism

This plan also has the highest reimbursement limits for travel delays and baggage issues of any on our list of best travel plans for . You also be reimbursed for travel delays (up to $3,000 per person) and missed connections on cruises and tours (up to $1,000 per person).

Loss or delay of baggage is always a concern while traveling, but with this plan, you can rest easy. It offers coverage for:

  • Baggage and personal items loss up to $2,500
  • Baggage delay coverage up to $600 per person

Sports and activities are covered (with some limitations), and sports fees are included in the cancellation and interruption coverage.

Trawick Safe Travels Voyager plan also includes coverage for rental car damage up to $35,000 per person, a 10-day money-back guarantee after purchase, and 24-hour assistance service should you need help during your trip. Whether you’re looking for medical coverage, trip cancellation protection, or assistance services, this plan has you covered. Travel with confidence knowing you’re protected with Trawick Safe Travels Voyager.

PROS

  • Excellent medical coverage limits
  • Up to $2,500 baggage coverage included
  • Covers quarantine accommodation expenses

CONS

  • Baggage delay coverage only kicks in after 8 hours
  • CFAR only covers 75% of the insured trip cost

Best for Customer Service

Full Policy Details

Faye Travel Insurance

 4.5
GET A QUOTE via the Faye website
Preferred Plan
Faye Travel Protection Plan
Covers COVID
Yes
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$100,000 / $500,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Faye is a new travel insurance disruptor that offers an innovative solution to travel insurance with a digital-first approach. What sets them apart is their user-friendly solution to a traditionally bureaucratic system. With Faye, users can manage everything online or via the Faye app – including the entire booking and claims process. Although it’s a newer provider in the travel insurance industry, Faye is already rising as a fan favorite among young, tech-savvy travelers and digital nomads who want quick, convenient, and reliable travel insurance without having to go through an agent.

Apart from their online-first approach, Faye is easy to use and caters to all types of travelers including those who may want help via phone support.

Another feature that sets Faye apart from the competition is their plan offerings. Faye offers one base plan with an array of comprehensive coverage and optional add-ons to customize your plan.

Potential Add-ons include:

  • Pet care
  • Rental car care
  • Cancel for any reason
  • Vacation rental damage
  • Adventure & extreme sports

If you are looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to insure your vacation, consider opting for Faye travel insurance. *Note: Coverage limits and availability may vary by state of residence.

Read our full review

PROS

  • Friendly agents
  • Easy-to-use mobile app
  • Fast reimbursements for eligible claims
  • Prompt replies to questions

CONS

  • Long wait times for reimbursement
  • Difficulty reaching Faye outside of email & virtual chat

Best for Add-Ons and Extras

Full Policy Details

Generali Global Assistance

 4.34
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Premium
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$250,000 / $1,000,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Generali Global Assistance is one of the largest and most popular travel insurance brands in the world. They offer CFAR protection with their Premium travel insurance plan, which gives you access to 60% reimbursement when you file a CFAR claim. The CFAR reimbursment level of the Generali Premium plan is higher than other more basic plans, and also comes with extremely comprehensive travel coverage in the event that you decide not to cancel and go on your trip instead.

We rate this provider highly due to the variety of upgrades, bonus coverage, and add-ons they offer, including optional CFAR coverage and rental car coverage and automatically included coverage for pre-existing conditions.

The Fine Print: Generali Global Assistance CFAR coverage reimburses you for up to 60% of your prepaid trip costs, but it must be purchased within 24 hours of making an initial trip payment. You can use this coverage by canceling more than 48 hours before your scheduled departure date, although all insured travelers have to cancel for insurance to apply.

Read our full review

PROS

  • High coverage limits with top tier Premium plan
  • Some plans let you add on CFAR coverage
  • Pre-existing conditions covered in the Premium plan
  • Comes with 24-7 worldwide travel assistance services

CONS

  • The standard plan comes with low plan limits, including just $50,000 per traveler in medical and dental expense
  • CFAR coverage must be purchased within 24 hours of the initial trip deposit
  • A 12-hour waiting period is required for luggage delay coverage

Best Basic CFAR Coverage

Full Policy Details

Travelex Insurance Services

 4.43
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Travel Select
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$50,000 / $500,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Travelex Insurance Services offers great travel insurance plans for all types of trips foreign and domestic. If you are in the market for basic CFAR insurance, you can opt for the Travelex Travel Select plan with Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage and get 50% of prepaid travel expenses reimbursed when you cancel. This coverage can apply to any travel expenses you paid for your trip upfront, including non-refundable trip deposits, eligible purchases with a travel supplier, and more.

The Fine Print: CFAR coverage through Travelex is only available for purchase with the Travelex Travel Select plan. You must purchase CFAR within 15 days of making your initial trip deposit. For coverage to apply, you must cancel your trip more than 48 hours before your scheduled departure. Reimbursement is for 50% of prepaid travel expenses.

Read our full review

PROS

  • Plans can be customized with upgrades
  • Children 17 and under included for free with some plans
  • Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions available
  • CFAR coverage is available as an add-on to a comprehensive travel insurance plan

CONS

  • Optional CFAR coverage only reimburses 50% of prepaid travel expenses, which is less than some competitors
  • Travel Select plan only has $50,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses, which is lower than some competitors
  • The baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour waiting period
  • CFAR coverage is not available with all Travelex plans

Cheapest CFAR Coverage

Full Policy Details

Battleface

 4.33
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Discovery
Covers COVID
YES (add-on)
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$100,000 (add-on) / $500,000 (add-on)
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Battleface is a lesser-known provider and one of the few providers on the market that allows you to buy a travel insurance plan only for cancellations. This means it’s ideal for travel scenarios where you don’t need coverage for medical care, delays, or coverage for personal items.

Because of this, it’s also the cheapest CFAR plan that we found when reviewing plans from over 30 providers. Despite being cheap, it offers high coverage limits. With Battleface’s Discovery Plan, you can get CFAR coverage that can reimburse up to 75% of your total non-refundable prepaid trip costs.

Apart from this, you will also get standard trip cancellation insurance included in the plan that refunds up to 100% of your trip costs when you cancel due to a covered reason. This includes things like falling ill before your trip with COVID or other ailments, needing to cancel due to severe weather, the threat of terrorism, losing your job, and more. It’s nice to know that apart from CFAR, there are certain scenarios where you can get all your money back.

Lastly, but certainly not, Battleface is completely customizable! Therefore, if you want to add a specific type of coverage to your plan and forgo the others, you can easily add it without having to opt for other types of coverage. This type of customization means you can have complete control over the cost of your plan and get only the coverage you need without paying extra for others.

The Fine Print: CFAR must be purchased within 15 days of the initial trip payment. Must cancel at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure date.

PROS

  • Plan is completely customizable & affordable with all add-ons
  • Forgoing unnecessary coverage makes this plan very cheap
  • High CFAR coverage limit (75% of trip costs)

CONS

  • CFAR not available for trips costing over $10,000/ travel party.
  • Secondary medical coverage with $50 deductible (when choosing this add-on)

Extras provided by our cancel for any reason top picks

Our top picks for the best cancel for any reason travel insurance were chosen based on their great CFAR policies. However, that is not all they offer. We have selected providers and policies that combine their cancel for any reason coverage with other qualities. Here’s a short breakdown of the added extras that make up our top picks.

  • Trawick International’s Safe Travels Voyager:
    Safe Travels Voyager offers both CFAR coverage and interruption for any reason coverage. With this, you can claim any costs if your vacation is interrupted, not just canceled.
  • Faye Travel Protection Plan:
    Faye’s Travel Protection Plan has made our list not only for their cancel for any reason add-on but for their unique online-first approach. With their easy-to-use Faye app, all claims and bookings can be completed in one simple place.
  • Generali Global Assistance Premium:
    Besides CFAR, this Premium policy offers employment layoff coverage and cancel for medical reasons coverage. This extensive coverage for all cancellation reasons makes this premium policy one of the best. 
  • Travelex’s Travel Select:
    Travelex’s Travel Select also offers more extensive coverage for a range of cancellation scenarios. Although you can purchase CFAR as an added extra, Travelex’s Travel Select also provides coverage for cancellations due to medical reasons and work reasons.
  • Battleface Discovery: 
    Battleface’s Discovery policy is one of the most customizable plans available and focuses primarily on cancellations as standard. Customers can choose from an extensive list of added extras and choose only what they need. This customizability is what has given Battleface’s Discovery policy a place on our list of top picks.
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What is “Cancel For Any Reason” travel insurance?

Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance is a type of travel insurance coverage that lets you cancel your trip for any reason at all and get a partial reimbursement of your pre-paid trip expenses.

Generally speaking, CFAR coverage only reimburses you for 50% to 75% of your prepaid refundable trip costs that are outlined in the plan’s inclusions. This means you’ll get some of the money back that you originally paid toward your trip, but typically not all of it.

As an example, you can use this type of insurance to file a claim if you decide not to go on a trip to France or the UK because you have an unplanned event that you can’t miss or if you just don’t feel like traveling.

CFAR coverage is especially useful for situations involving COVID-19, like catching the virus or canceling your trip if you worry about traveling. However, as the name states, you can cancel for any reason.

An important point to note is that most CFAR insurance plans require you to purchase coverage within a certain window of time. This usually falls within 24 hours to 20 days of making the first payment on your trip, depending on the insurance provider. Other rules and requirements can also apply, such as canceling at least two days before you are scheduled to depart.

Standard trip cancellation insurance vs. “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage

Not all travel insurance for trip cancellation is made equal.

The majority of travel insurance plans come with standard trip cancellation insurance that applies to select scenarios mentioned under each plan.

However, CFAR trip insurance is typically available as an add-on with many travel insurance companies and gives extra coverage by allowing you to cancel for reasons not listed in the plan inclusions – hence the name “Cancel for Any Reason.” It is an optional travel insurance benefit that may be added to certain trips covered by your standard multi-trip insurance or medical insurance.

Ultimately, this is where CFAR coverage and traditional trip cancellation insurance differ. CFAR trip insurance lets you cancel for any reason, whereas traditional trip cancellation insurance can only be used for situations that are listed as covered reasons in your policy.

The “covered reasons” listed in your traditional travel insurance cancellation plan tend to be scenarios far beyond your control. Therefore, Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance is far more worth your while.

Here are some examples of when traditional trip cancellation insurance can offer you a refund:

What does “Cancel For Any Reason” insurance cover?

Because Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage can be used in any scenario at all, it can cover almost anything.

For example, you can buy CFAR coverage and use it because you broke up with your partner and no longer want to travel with them or you have a cruise planned and fear volcanic eruptions near your destination. In that case, standard cruise insurance will not cover your trip cancellation, but cancel for any reason cruise insurance will. You can also use it just because you feel like it.

It sounds too good to be true, but remember, you’ll end up paying extra for this type of coverage and you may not end up using it. This is why it makes sense for travel companies to offer this plan. However, choosing cheap travel insurance and canceling it for a reason that is not covered by its policy may end up costing you even more.

Is COVID-19 covered by “Cancel For Any Reason” insurance?

Yes, trip cancellation due to Covid-19 is covered by Cancel for Any Reason insurance.

Most travel insurance policies already cover coronavirus and all COVID-19-related issues, including treatment and hospitalization if you become ill while you’re on your trip. However, CFAR coverage takes this a step further because it lets you cancel your trip for any reason at all, including having COVID-19, having a family member with coronavirus, or even having a disinclination to travel due to the pandemic.

Does CFAR travel insurance cover pregnancy?

Yes, you can cancel your trip because of pregnancy and still receive reimbursement if you have a Cancel for Any Reason policy or add-on.

Most healthy pregnancy scenarios are not covered by traditional travel insurance. If you aren’t sure if you’ll be feeling up to traveling by the time your trip comes around and are looking for pregnancy travel insurance, opting for CFAR coverage is a great option. Make sure to check the policy details so you know how far in advance you would need to cancel. To receive the full reimbursement, most plans require at least 48 hours notice and will not cover cancellations on the day of departure.

How much is CFAR trip cancellation insurance?

As with all travel insurance plans, the final cost of your insurance coverage depends on the total cost of your trip and the destination.

However, CFAR travel insurance is typically purchased as optional coverage alongside a traditional travel insurance plan, and it can make the full cost of the travel insurance policy increase by 40% to 60%, or even more in some cases.

On another note, traditional trip cancellation insurance is typically offered as part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan and not purchased as a standalone policy. Therefore, the cost will be built into the plan.

Real-world cost example of Cancel for Any Reason coverage

Here’s an example of what it costs to add Cancel for Any Reason insurance to an upcoming travel insurance plan.

We got a quote for a seven-night trip to Alaska through Generali Global Assistance for June of 2023. The plan we pursued pricing for was for a 43-year-old individual and a total trip cost of $5,000.

In this case, the Premium travel insurance plan through Generali would set you back $257.89.

This coverage automatically comes with:

Type of coverage Coverage amount
Trip cancellation coverage Up to 100% of prepaid trip costs
Trip interruption coverage Up to 175% of trip costs
Travel delay coverage $1,000
Baggage insurance Up to $2,000
Baggage delay insurance Up to $500
Sporting equipment insurance Up to $1,500
Missed connection coverage Up to $1,000
Medical and dental coverage Up to $250,000
Emergency assistance and transport $1 million

Adding CFAR optional coverage to these travel arrangements would set you back another $128.94, bringing the total travel insurance cost to $386.83.

This also shows that adding CFAR coverage to the plan increased the cost by 50%.

How to choose the best Cancel For Any Reason coverage

To find the best Cancel for Any Reason plan for your needs, consider the following tips:

1

Shop around to compare pricing

Compare travel insurance plans and their premiums across several different providers for your upcoming travel arrangements and dates. You can do this by visiting multiple company websites and entering your information, or by using a price comparison site like Squaremouth.

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2

Look for plans with the highest reimbursement levels

Check on the reimbursement level you’ll receive if you have to use CFAR coverage. Some plans reimburse only 50% of your prepaid travel costs, while others reimburse up to 75%.

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3

Read the fine print

Make sure you know about other details of your plan, including when you can cancel and whether everyone in your traveling party has to cancel for coverage to apply.

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4

Choose a policy with other coverages and limits you need

Finally, make sure your travel insurance plan has other benefits you will need, from traditional trip cancellation coverage to baggage insurance and emergency medical evacuation insurance.

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When to buy CFAR coverage

As we mentioned, Cancel for Any Reason insurance comes with a stipulation on when you must buy the plan.

It’s typically between 24 hours and 20 days after booking your trip.

This is because insurance providers want to limit how long you have to plan ahead for canceling a trip. Most people would not buy a trip in the first place if they planned on canceling. Therefore, by limiting when you can purchase Cancel for Any Reason insurance to a small window of time before or after purchasing your trip, the insurance company can mitigate its risks.

Let’s take a look at some scenarios of when it might make sense to buy CFAR insurance:

What happens if I booked a trip and have no travel insurance?

If you booked your trip but don’t have travel insurance yet, you may still be able to purchase CFAR insurance. Most companies require you to buy this add-on coverage within 24 hours to 20 days of making a first trip payment, so you can check on timing to see if it’s too late.

If you are beyond the threshold where you can no longer buy CFAR protection, you can almost certainly still purchase traditional travel insurance up until the day before your departure.

Other travel insurance coverage to consider 

Purchasing cancel for any reason insurance is an excellent way of preparing yourself for any eventuality. In addition to CFAR insurance, you can bolster your comprehensive insurance plan with other added extras. 

To secure a fully robust travel insurance policy, consider the following coverage:

CFAR Insurance FAQ

Do I need CFAR insurance if I have trip cancellation coverage through my credit card?

It’s important to distinguish between traditional trip cancellation insurance and Cancel for Any Reason insurance. Your credit card may offer traditional trip cancellation insurance, but as a general rule, most credit cards do not offer CFAR insurance. With that in mind, you may want to add CFAR coverage if you want the option to cancel your trip and get part of your money back for any reason at all. Otherwise, your credit card trip cancellation insurance could be all that you need. It’s best to check and see what your credit card insurance policy covers before making a decision.

When is it too late to purchase Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance?

You must keep an eye out for each travel insurance company’s window for booking CFAR insurance. Most brokers let you purchase this type of coverage for up to 20 days after you make the first payment on your trip arrangements. However, some companies only let you buy travel insurance with Cancel for Any Reason coverage during the first 24 hours after your first trip payment.

Does travel insurance refund you if you have to cancel?

If you have trip cancellation as part of your coverage then you may be able to get a full or partial refund. However, this depends on the breadth of your coverage and the reason for canceling your trip. You can check the cancellation policy of your insurance and see what types of reasons are covered before canceling your trip. Buying Cancel for Any Reason coverage can help you get a refund regardless of why you cancel, whereas traditional trip cancellation coverage only provides a refund under certain circumstances.

What if I don’t have CFAR but I want to cancel my trip?

If you don’t have CFAR but you want to cancel your trip, you may be left out-of-pocket for the prepaid travel expenses you have booked so far. That said, you may have some level of coverage through your credit card provider, or through certain booking agencies like Airbnb or VRBO depending on what you bought and how. You can always check with your airline and hotel or lodgings to see if they will let you reschedule or get a refund.

Holly D. Johnson
Holly D. Johnson Finance Expert

Holly D. Johnson is an award-winning personal finance writer who covers topics like insurance, investing, credit and family finance. As a leading voice in the travel and loyalty space, Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries over the last decade.

The author has also written extensively on the power of household budgeting, and she even co-authored a book on the topic. Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love was originally published in 2017, and it teaches families how to use zero-sum budgeting to reach their financial goals. She is also the co-owner and founder of the family finance and travel website, ClubThrifty.com.

Johnson’s 10+ years of writing have focused on helping families make important financial decisions at each stage of their lives. The author also applies the financial principles she teaches to her own life, and she is currently on track to retire in her late 40’s with her partner. She currently lives in Central Indiana with her husband and children, and she is a regular contributor for Bankrate, CNN, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report Travel and many other notable publications.

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