Up-to-the-Minute Travel Insights From AIG Travel Guard

A recent nationwide survey of 735 American travelers, conducted by Ruf Strategic Solutions on behalf of AIG Travel Guard, found that 33 percent of those polled said that they end up not using two or more vacation days each year. Some 13 percent of those polled said they have been forced to cancel or postpone a scheduled trip last year due to a work related conflict.

The average number of vacation days per year in the U.S. is 13, according to a 2007 study by the World Tourism Organization (published by Pearson Education, as Infoplease). However, nearly 60 percent of travelers polled state that their dream vacation would last a month or more. Traveling for more than a month doesn't seem to be a problem for professionals in other countries, as the average vacation days are 28 in the U.K., 26 inCanada and an admirable average 45 days per year inItaly.

Despite the lack of vacation time, polled travelers do know what they want in a dream vacation. When asked if money were no object, 45 percent of those polled said their dream vacation adventure would be an around the world cruise. A month-long tour ofEurope, an African safari, exploringAustralia and traveling to a remote island without phone, e-mail, etc., were also listed among dream vacation adventures. Of those travelers polled, 55 percent said they would choose significant others/spouses to accompany them on their dream vacation, followed by 22 percent wanting their immediate family to travel with them.

Seeing new places and experiencing new things is the best part about taking a vacation, said 70 percent of travelers in the survey. Another 17 percent just want to get away from the daily routine and pressures of everyday life. Close to 40 percent prefer to explore a destination on their own, while 30 claim the best part of a vacation is participating in guided sightseeing excursions.

A travel insurance plan, like those sold through AIG Travel Guard, can cover any vacation -- whether it's a dream vacation, or what you can do right now. When cancellations and postponements arise, travel insurance can reimburse travelers should they need to cancel for a covered reason. AIG Travel Guard offers a Cancel for Any Reason option as well as Cancel for Work Reason option on select programs for those canceling a trip simply because they change their mind -- or work forces them to cancel -- if purchased within 15 days of initial trip deposit. For more information, travelers can visit http://www.TravelGuard.com.

Travel Beat is a new survey offering the latest traveler insights conducted by Ruf Strategic solutions on behalf of AIG Travel Guard.

About AIG Travel Guard

AIG Travel Guard is one of America's leading providers of travel insurance plans for more than 6 million travelers each year. Travel insurance plans through AIG Travel Guard are distributed by more than 12,000 travel agents acrossthe United States.

AIG Travel Guard is a wholly owned subsidiary of AIG Travel, Inc., a member company of American International Group, Inc. (AIG). American International Group, Inc. (AIG), a world leader in insurance and financial services, is the leading international insurance organization with operations in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions. AIG companies serve commercial, institutional and individual customers through the most extensive worldwide property-casualty and life insurance networks of any insurer. In addition, AIG companies are leading providers of retirement services, financial services and asset management around the world. AIG's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as well as the stock exchanges inIreland andTokyo.

Insurance is underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., a subsidiary of American International Group, Inc., with its principal place of business inNew York, NY. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. All coverages may not be available in all states.

About Ruf Strategic Solutions

Ruf Strategic Solutions delivers a full suite of marketing intelligence solutions to help organizations acquire new customers, retain existing customers and develop one-to-one relationships to maximize profitability. Founded in 1976, Ruf Strategic Solutions helps organizations maximize the return on their marketing investment through superior customer intelligence. Ruf's unique ability to integrate vast arrays of data, technology tools and 30 years of expertise, empowers organizations with truly actionable and measurable intelligence. Through Customer Relationship Marketing (CRM), Ruf's clients are able to use consumer insight to reach their target audiences through multi-channel marketing. Ruf currently services many market leaders in a variety of industries. For more information, visit http://www.ruf.com.

     CONTACT INFO:

     Dan McGinnity
     AIG Travel Guard
     800-826-7791 ext. 1485
     dan.mcginnity@aig.com

     Brian Major and Erin McKeon
     MMG Mardiks
     646-442-6764 or 646-442-6767
     bmajor@mmgmardiks.com or emckeon@mmgmardiks.com

SOURCE AIG Travel Guard

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