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New York-Based Travel Agents with A-List Connections

Planning travel through CIRE Travel gives you access to A-list connections in the travel industry. Our New York-based travel planners put their industry relationships to work for an exceptional experience. Perks, waivers and upgrades. Enjoy them all with CIRE.

Corporate, Vacation and Honeymoon Travel Planning

Our travel planners micromanage every detail of your reservation. We’ve ensured our clients arrive at their destinations during volcano eruptions, snowstorms and when they’ve overslept. Just one call to CIRE, and it’s handled. That’s all you want to hear.

Wherever You Travel. Whatever You Do. CIRE Travel’s Got It Handled.

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Our Favorite Places: Esther’s Brooklyn

Even if you call New York City home, chances are you’ve not explored the corners of all five boroughs and their very different neighborhoods. Not to mention, there are always new places to experience and things to do popping up. If you have always wanted to plan an NYC vacation, take some recommendations from Esther on her favorite Brooklyn haunts.

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Successful bookings and prosperity to our partners!

Travel agents throughout the United States have enjoyed our services for many years and those of you who have not booked with us, we look forward to working with you. Our progressive attitude toward technology and excellence in service will take us aggressively into the future. Everyone at Downtown Travel is eager to work with you so please use this site to find an international fare, to book your clients, and to stay in touch.

Downtown Travel was established 30 years ago and has expanded into one of the largest consolidators to Europe. In the last five years we have become an undisputed leader in selling travel to Eastern Europe.

The name Downtown Travel is synonymous with quality and dependability. It is our ability to provide travel agents with professional quality service along with a diversified array of travel destinations, which distinguish us in the marketplace.

Downtown Travel is a 21st Century Full Travel Service establishment committed to bring the highest level of quality service to our customers. It is our customer service, which is the reason for our continued success and enables us to provide meaningful work and opportunity for the personal growth and security of every employee.

We recognize the importance of all of our customers for the accomplishment of our purpose. We dedicate ourselves to excellence in providing a host of services. In addition to these services, we insure the following:

• Friendly and Courteous Service
• Fair and honest treatment in all customer transactions
• Quality of all products and services
• Guaranteed satisfaction of every transaction

Our high standard of excellence has been recognized and rewarded by various segments of the travel industry including awards and citations from numerous carriers.

We offer flights to destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.

Use the arrows to scroll through the regional carriers.

Downtown Travel works with over 100 major carriers and our group department is very well informed of their networks. We will do the research for you to the destinations you need and offer you the most competitive itineraries and rates.

Please e-mail your request to: [email protected] or click "Request a group quote" to send your groups instantly through this website.

We will do our best to quote the best possible group fare for your request within 24 to 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.

Upon confirmation, we will send you the contract with terms and conditions. You will be required to pay a deposit depending on airline policies. Full payment will be required at the time of ticketing. Usually, Group tickets once issued are non-refundable.

For any questions please call 855-558-0221 .

Holidays with Downtown is a global tour operator that provides guaranteed departures to over 63 countries, and English and Spanish language tour guides worldwide. FIT programs anywhere and group handling from 10 to thousands. The premier booking engine for luxury, safaris, heritage, festivals, religious, and cultural tour packages.

In the growing digital age, speed and convenience have become paramount for the travel industry. We aimed to create a clean OTA-like solution for the booking needs of travel agencies, hosts, and consortiums.

We have created TheBestAgent.Pro a simple and intuitive, point and click, online portal to make it as easy as possible for the agents to book and ticket for their clients without having to pick up the phone or leave the house. Our proprietary tool is the only of its kind that requires zero GDS knowledge and allows users to ticket themselves 24 hours a day.

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• New York City

New York City Vacations: The Big Apple

New York City is known for its iconic landmarks. There’s Central Park, the glittering lights of Times Square, and Broadway. Get cultured by the masterpieces at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, step back into the Jurassic at the Natural History Museum, or admire the architecture of the Guggenheim. Stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge and admire New York City’s skyscrapers, or enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city from Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building. With a Liberty Travel New York City vacation package, discover the city’s neighborhoods, main attractions, and get hard-to-find tickets.

New York City at a Glance

Currency: U.S. Dollar ($)

Tipping Customs: Tip anywhere between 20-25%, unless service charge is added

Language: English

Popular Drink: Cosmopolitans, Craft Beer, and Cocktails

Must Eat: Pizza

Power Up: Type A or Type B plug, 120 V (the standard in the United States)

Weather: New York has all four seasons. In the summer, temperatures can be quite hot and humid. Fall and spring bring milder temperatures, with winter temperatures ranging from the teens to the high thirties. Pack a rain jacket for spring and fall and layers for winter.

Best Time to Visit: Year-round

New York City Deals

Meet our new york city experts.

Andrew Tidd

Jenine Williams

Sandy Mesenburg

Nikki Joyce

Tanya Economou

John Henry M.

Top Things to Do in New York City

Stroll a Park Venture beyond Central Park to the Highline, Prospect Park, Governors Island, and Bryant Park, near the New York Public Library.

Catch a Show on Broadway The glittering lights of Times Square draw crowds, but this area is best-known for its Broadway shows; speak to your Liberty Travel consultant for harder-to-find seats like Hamilton.

City of Museums Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum, the MOMA, and the Guggenheim, but venture off-the-beaten path for the Frick, the Morgan, the Cloisters, and other gems.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island While you can see the statue for free on the Staten Island Ferry, this icon is worth a proper visit—just plan well-ahead if you want to visit the crown.

Mingle with the Locals Spend a Sunday morning in Greenwich Village, the Upper West Side, Harlem, or Park Slope and do Sunday like a New Yorker.

Our Commitment to You

For over 70 years, the one-on-one personal experience has been at the very heart of Liberty Travel’s mission. It's what we've always done, and now it’s more important than ever.

We’re committed to serving you through:

• GUIDANCE with our expert insight and travel knowledge.
• VALUE with irresistible rates, offers and benefits.
• PEACE OF MIND to book with confidence.
• SERVICE by being by your side before, during, and after your trip.

Real people helping real people. Beside you every step of the way.

The Liberty Travel Experience

At Liberty Travel it’s the people who make a difference. Our travel experts craft the perfect trip for every traveler through our award-winning customer service. Real people helping real people. Beside you every step of the way.

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We are honored to be named United States’ Leading Travel Agency at the 30th annual World Travel Awards. Thank you for trusting us with crafting your incredible vacations.

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Liberty Travel is dedicated to helping you get the best value and greatest experiences out of any trip. One of our Travel Consultants will respond to your enquiry within 1 business day.

If you would like to speak with a consultant now, please call 1-888-343-2128 .

A Liberty Travel consultant or one of our third party independent advisors who are part of our member network, Envoyage will contact you within 1 business day. If you would like to speak to a Liberty Travel consultant or one of our independent advisors now, please call 1-888-343-2128 . A non-refundable consulting deposit may be required to start the planning process for certain multi-city itineraries based upon complexity. This consulting deposit will be applied towards your final trip cost at the time of booking. You acknowledge that by submitting this inquiry form that your information may be disclosed to our third party independent advisors who are part of our member network, Envoyage for the purpose of facilitating your inquiry and your travel services booking. Accordingly, you are deemed to consent to the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information by us to our third party independent advisors who are part of our member network, Envoyage and relevant travel service providers for the purpose of facilitating your inquiry and your travel services booking and in accordance with the Liberty Travel Privacy Notice .

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Welcome To Valley View Travels

I want to talk about the value of using a travel agent for your next trip  .

We search ALL the sites to make sure we find you the best possible price! 

We read tons of reviews, look up photos and choose places WE ourselves would book, based on your budget. 

We respect YOUR budget- just let us know your budget and we’ll do our best to make it happen and if we can’t we will tell you 😏

Our job doesn’t end until you get back from your trip. We help with any issues during your trip and make sure we’ve got your back! 

We do an actual happy dance when you book with us!  Your business helps support our family!! 

And the BEST part?! 

Our services cost you NOTHING!!!!! 🌟 

So next time you do some online vacation shopping, or need a hotel for a business trip etc, just pause, and remember we would LOVE to help you!  

💜💜💜 Ellie 

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BECOME A TRAVEL AGENT

Learn More Here

Hi and welcome!  I’m Ellen but my friends call me Ellie!  I’ve been a stay at home mom for forever it seems and now that my kids are slowly leaving the nest I wanted to have my own business and travel the world!  

So I became a home based travel agent!  And let me tell you it’s amazing!  I’m able to book other people’s trips and make commission… which would otherwise go to big companies like Expedia or Apple vacations etc. but when I book the trips the commission comes back to me and helps feed my ever growing teens!  

I’m also able to save a ton on my own travel.  Disney, Universal, resorts, cruises….yep I get a discount because I’m a travel agent!  Did I mention I love it!?  

So that’s me :) 

If you think this is something you would love to do as well let me know! 

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Specialty Travel

Around the World on a Private Jet

Touring around the world aboard a luxury private jet is the ultimate stress free and relaxed way to travel. All details are taken care so you can enjoy every moment of this fantastic journey.

• Touring in groups of 12 - 15
• First Class Cuisine Onboard
• Luxury Hotels and Deluxe Rooms
• All Gratuities included
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New Zealand

This one of a kind exclusive travel experience focuses on New Zealand's North Island which enjoys a subtropical climate and a diverse spectacular landscape.

• Full Day Private Helicopter Tour
• Spa Treatment On First Day
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Honeymoon Specialist

Classic Travel now provides a honeymoon specialist to work directly with couples in order to create their ideal honeymoon.The wedding planning is difficult enough – leave the honeymoon to us!

• Your Own Honeymoon Specialist
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• Unique & Romantic Destinations

This trip will lead you through the lush landscapes and sleek cities of Vietnam and Cambodia, and there’s really no time like the present to experience such an amazing trip. The beauty of both...

• Visit World Famous Angkor Wat
• Experience Pristine Beaches
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Defining travel style

Classic Travel Service is a luxury travel agency in New York City that is a proud member of the Virtuoso network. The combination of being located in New York City since 1982 and Virtuoso affiliation guarantees our global connections with the best hotels, cruise lines and tour companies. Our client base is diversified; arranging travel for some of the most recognizable names in art, fashion and finance.

Classic Travel Service through classictravel.com offers the ability for our members to book our hand-picked luxury hotels online, many of which include exclusive Virtuoso offers and amenities only available to Virtuoso affiliated travel agencies and not available on your own. Depending on your rate and hotel choice, you may choose to pre-pay for special restricted rates or book a flexible rate that allows billing only at check-out. Register now to become a member and easily manage your hotel bookings and at the the same time have access to an experienced travel advisor. Contact us directly or email us .

We are defining Travel Style!

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Vacation envy starts here

Featured in, next-level travel powered by tech and the human touch.

Our travel advisors have the tools, insights & connections to build your dream vacation. Get VIP recommendations & perks, a seamless booking experience — and maybe a cool new friend along the way.

Destinations near and far, we do it all

Buzzing cities, tropical islands, remote escapes and everything in between. Our first-hand intel and insider expertise covers the globe.

Designed for every type of traveler

... whether you're planning a bucket list adventure, family reunion, solo trip or weekend away. If it's on your list, we book it.

Travel like a VIP with our partners

Unlock perks and upgrades at thousands of hotels around the world — including Four Seasons, Andaz, Kimpton and more — at no extra cost.

Hotels with Perks

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Featured hotels

Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection

This serene casita resort features bird-song-filled acres of untamed tropical forest, a coffee farm, equine stables, organic chef’s gardens and a wellbeing center.

$100 hotel credit.

Breakfast daily.

Extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Chablé Yucatán

This luxury Mexico resort was founded on the basis of Mayan well-being, and offers thoughtful immersion into the country’s vibrant culture.

$100 hotel / resort credit.

Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Domaine de Fontenille

This restored 18th-century home sits amid an organic garden and 17th-century vineyard in Luberon, an idyllic hilltop region in Provence.

Complimentary experience.

Welcome note & amenities.

One-way airport transfer.

Why We're Different

Customized travel planning for your style, expert advice from people who've actually been there, free upgrades, spa credits and more — we got you, relax, you're in good hands.

Fora Advisor Christina P.

Christina was extremely thorough throughout the process. She handled everything every step of the way. Honestly, it felt like she was right by my side throughout the entire trip. I could not have experienced this trip without her.

Booked travel to Illinois with Christina P.

Fora Advisor Katrina F.

Katrina was incredible every step of the way. She helped us tighten up our itinerary and made great recommendations for hotels and restaurants that worked really well for our family. I would highly recommend anyone thinking about how to make their trip perfect go straight to Katrina.

Booked travel to California with Katrina F.

Fora Advisor Melissa F.

I was impressed by the high level of professionalism in planning and organizing my trip to NYC. Attention to detail and genuine care for my particular interests - great restaurants and seeing the best of the city - were evident in every step of the planning. I highly recommend Melissa!

Booked travel to New York City with Melissa F.

Fora Advisor Thomas S.

Thomas was amazing. He got us a free room upgrade, free breakfasts for 5 days (an ~$270 value), a $50 room credit, early checkin, late checkout and more. I am referring him to all of my friends who like to travel in style.

Booked travel to Washington DC with Thomas S.

Fora Advisor Sequoia A.

Managed expectations and helped deliver the experience I was looking for. Kind and professional. Facilitated everything so I could fully enjoy myself without worry or any kind of stress arranging my stay.

Booked travel to Mexico with Sequoia A.

Fora Advisor Jill M.

Jill is amazing - so professional and goes above and beyond to accommodate her clients and their particular requests and booking preferences. She always find exactly what we need and want! Highly recommend.

Booked travel to Portugal with Jill M.

Looking for travel inspiration?

Are you the go-to person for travel tips.

Turn it into a dream job. We'll show you the ropes and make you look great. Work from anywhere, flexible or full-time — the best gig you didn't know existed.

What travelers say about our advisors

We got you., what is a travel agency.

A travel agency supports a team of travel advisors who sell, curate and book travel. Travel advisors consult with clients on where to go, what to do and where to stay. In addition to planning and booking trips, advisors communicate with hotels and other partners (tour companies, cruises, etc.) to ensure each trip goes smoothly.

What is the difference between a travel advisor and a travel agent?

The terms travel agent and travel advisor are used interchangeably. The original term was ‘travel agent,’ but the industry has gone through a bit of a rebrand to showcase the breadth of work that a travel advisor does. We use both, but typically refer to our network of travel advisors simply as Fora Advisors.  

Fora Advisors (a.k.a. travel advisors / agents) work with clients to understand their travel needs and handle all the travel arrangements, from booking a hotel for a long weekend to planning a honeymoon to securing a room block for a corporate conference.

What are the benefits of working with a travel agent?

Working with a travel agent helps you level up your travel experience. A travel agent handles all the logistics — on-the-ground transfers, hotel and tour bookings, itinerary planning — so you can get the most out of your trip, without any of the stress. 

Plus, our Fora travel agents have insider access to over 5,000 preferred partnerships, meaning you get complimentary perks, priority upgrades and so much more at thousands of locations around the globe. We put serious time and airline mileage into visiting these properties in person so we can give you the up-to-date intel on your destination. We also maintain close relationships with hotel management so you’re treated like the VIP you are from the moment you arrive.

In other words, working with a travel agent unlocks a secret travel world you need to be a part of. But don’t just take our word for it… we have tons of 5-star reviews from happy clients.

Will I get perks & benefits when I work with a Fora Advisor?

Yes — big time. Our travel advisors have access to upgrades & perks at over 5,000 partners around the world. Plus, our partnerships with brands like Virtuoso , Four Seasons , Rosewood and beyond — as well as with smaller, independent boutique hotels — ensure you get treated like a VIP wherever you travel to next.

What types of travel can I book with Fora?

You name it, we book it: resort vacations, safaris , city breaks, vacation home rentals, once-in-a-lifetime adventures, weekend escapes…We do it all.

Do Fora Advisors count as Disney travel agents? What about cruise travel agents?

Absolutely. We provide comprehensive training on just about everything in the travel industry, so our advisors are well equipped to curate any client’s dream trip. (Read more about the benefits of booking with a cruise travel agent .)

I’m planning a group trip. Can Fora Advisors help?

Of course! The more the merrier. Whether you’re organizing a family reunion, honeymoon , bachelorette party or company-wide retreat, we’re happy to help. Just get in touch with your Fora Advisor to begin the process.

How do I make the most of my experience when planning a trip with Fora?

Tell us everything. Let us know if you love golf, must have access to a kids’ club or have a soft spot for off-the-beaten-path travel . Serious allergies or dietary restrictions are also very helpful information to share. That way, we’ll only show you options that fit your wants and needs. We also love to hear about your favorite hotels and trips you’ve enjoyed in the past, because that clues us in to your travel style.

If you’ve never worked with a travel advisor before, get our guide on what to expect when booking with a travel agent .

Wait, I kind of want to be a Fora Advisor myself. How can I join?

We love to hear it! We have a guide on how to become a travel agent . Then, when you’re interested in transforming your passion for travel into a meaningful career, apply to become a Fora Advisor today . 

Full Service Luxury Travel Planning

Relax & Reconnect...

We book 4 & 5 star hotels & customize extraordinary luxury vacations.

Explore the world...

We make it easy to plan your bucket list adventure.

Expeditions

No ship is alike...

We can research & book your perfect luxury expedition experience.

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How We Help

Seamless travel planning.

How long does it take you to plan a vacation?  Elli Travel Group helps clients save time & add value, by booking customized adventures. The planning checklist is extensive, so let us do the heavy lifting.

Access travel Perks

Our rates are the same as published rates.  Working w/ Elli Travel's team of luxury travel advisors unlocks access to VIP services & travel perks at fine hotels & resorts like Four Seasons, Belmond, Rocco Forte Hotels, St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, & more. Looking for an adventure? Leverage our relationships at Abercrombie & Kent, Backroads, and others.

First Hand Expertise

We are passionate about travel, & we travel too!  Our luxury travel advisors share their first-hand travel experiences to curate your perfect trip.  We leverage our long standing relationships and local contacts to create your travel memories.

Why Miss Out?

Complimentary breakfast for 2 in over 1,200 hotels & resorts around the globe...

Start your vacation in style w/ a resort, spa or food & beverage credit ...

Let us add you to the priority list for upgrades & early check in...

Wifi & a  welcome amenity are included at many of our partner properties...

Elli Travel's Luxury Travel Blog

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Award Winning Travel Advisors. Conde Nast Top Travel Experts.Remarkable Travel, Tailored to You Divine provides ... Read more Full-Service Luxury Romance Travel Planning for Trendsetting Travelers At Divine Travel, our luxury travel experts execute your travel dreams flawlessly. The Divine team has scoured the ...

Hotel Direct

Save up to 35% on Honeymoon Hotel stays by Booking Direct. Click on our website for no vendor fees to book Hawaii, ... Read more Jamaica, Grand Cayman, St. Lucia, British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Key West, Miami, New Orleans. Click the link to access your exclusive Hotel Direct ...

Hellenic Holidays

Hellenic Holidays is a business that coordinates Greek wedding vacations for newlyweds all across New York, New York. ... Read more Led by a team of travel agent professionals, Hellenic Holidays makes a way for all couples to enter their new chapter Greek-style, with a vacation tailored to the honeymoon of their ...

Trekk The World Travel

Operating out of New York and Long Island, Trekk the World specializes in luxury romantic adventures. At Trekk the ... Read more World, we understand that a honeymoon is the first chapter in the beautiful journey of a lifetime together. Led by the experienced and visionary Mercedes Altman, our expertise in luxury ...

Time for Travel

TIME FOR TRAVEL LTD is a full service travel planning corporation specializing in Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, ... Read more located in Davidsonville, Maryland. Whether you’re dreaming of a destination wedding or lavish honeymoon we have the expertise to make your dream a reality. They’ll take the time to ...

Lana's Travel

Lana's Travel is a travel agency in Staten Island, New York, specializing in destination weddings and luxury vacations. ... Read more Owner and operator Svitlana has the expertise to curate the perfect getaway for you and your partner-to-be. Lana's Travel also employs a team of passionate travel agents who ...

Simply Mary’ed Destination Weddings & Honeymoons

"All you have to do is say I do" Simply Mary’ed is here to ensure that you have a seamless planning process for your ... Read more Destination Wedding and/or Honeymoon. Mary Hanna, the founder of the service, has a passion for exploring new places around the world and is dedicated to the coordination of your ...

Remarkable Honeymoons

Remarkable Honeymoons is a travel service in Bend, Oregon that is committed to wedding travel planning. This service ... Read more shoulders the stress of honeymoon planning so couples can enjoy the romantic getaway they deserve after their big day. This travel agency pledges to be there for couples at any time ...

Golden Ticket Vacations

Da luxury travel.

D.A. Luxury Travel is a trusted, well-traveled and dedicated team of luxury designers that approaches our client’s ... Read more honeymoon itineraries as an opportunity for creativity and originality. We enlist the assistance of our invaluable global partners to create a one-of- a-kind extraordinary honeymoon ...

Honeymoons, Inc.

Honeymoons, Inc. is an Atlanta based agency serving clients across the USA looking for beach destinations to honeymoon, ... Read more wed or just rest and relax. Since 1997, our dedicated team has specialized in all-inclusive honeymoon and wedding packages in the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, and Costa Rica. Our ...

Don't Trip... Just Travel

I provide the best value for your travel dollar. I'll inform you about all your choices, and let you know about special ... Read more promos. and advise you and your guests on the quality of a particular destination. I furnish maximum choices, giving you a variety of travel options from competing suppliers. I'll ...

Easy Escapes Travel, Inc.

Easy Escapes Travel, Inc. is a full service travel company, servicing clients for over 16 years and specializing in ... Read more Destination Weddings & Vow Renewals, Honeymoons and Adults Only Escapes. Our team of travel experts have traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Tahiti and ...

Sandy Feet Weddings

Sandy Feet Weddings can make your Dream Wedding come true with the perfect beach backdrop while your closest friends and ... Read more family celebrate with you. Having been in the industry over 30 years we have visited almost every resort we recommend and have personal contacts at each property. We will ...

Create The Moment Travel

Create the Moment Travel is a travel agency located in New York, New York that provides services to couples throughout ... Read more the country. The company specializes in helping couples plan for destination trips around the globe at places such as Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, the South Pacific, Bahamas and ...

Elite Travel Management Group

Elite Travel Management Agency is a premier travel agency located in Palm Harbor, Florida, specializing in honeymoon and ... Read more destination weddings. Planning an event or vacation from miles away can be stressful, difficult to coordinate, and you may have no idea where to start. Elite Travel Management ...

Solstice Travel

My name is Joyce Jeanty and I am the owner and operator of Solstice Travel. I am an independent travel consultant. With ... Read more over 14 years of coordinating travel needs and room accommodations in the hospitality industry I’ve developed a passion to pursue being a travel agent. My responsibilities in the ...

Nepal Hiking Team

Nepal Hiking Team is a travel company nestled in Kathmandu, Nepal. It has been tailoring more than hundreds of tours ... Read more packages throughout Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet since its inception. Nepal Hiking Team presents different travel related services like tour packages, trek packages, peak climbing ...

Otium Travel

Otium Travel is a travel agency based in New York City. With acute attention to detail, these professionals can help you ... Read more plan the trip, destination wedding, or honeymoon of a lifetime. Travel Advisor, Daniel Goldstein specializes in designing unique and luxurious honeymoons and bachelor and ...

Dream Vacations

Let me start by saying Congratulations! Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and when it comes to destination ... Read more weddings, it can be even more overwhelming. That's why hiring a destination wedding planner like myself can be a game-changer for your big day. A wedding planner can help you navigate ...

City Sightseeing New York

City Sightseeing New York provides hop on, hop off boat tours on New York City harbor. Our fleet of sightseeing cruises ... Read more provides you with the best view of Statue of Liberty, NYC skylines and bridges. Come ride with us on a cruise to learn more about the famous city. The twilight cruises provides ...

Susan Shek Photography

Based in New York City, Susan Shek Photography provides modern wedding photography and videography services. Susan found ... Read more a passion for documenting the sentiment and feeling of happiness in love and choose to focus solely on engagement sessions and weddings. Her work combines unconventional and ...

Luxe Tribes

At Luxe Tribes we plan bucket list destination bachelorette getaways, honeymoons and destination elopements based on ... Read more your budget. Situated in the heart of New York City with a global team that spans over 9 different countries. Luxe Tribes is a seasoned global travel agency for all of your ...

Carolyn Waffle Certified Travel

Carolyn Waffle Certified Travel is a travel agency located in Binghamton, New York, specializing in destination weddings ... Read more and honeymoons. Carolyn Waffle is the owner and main operator. Her fine attention to detail and dedication to planning special events allows each and every couple to relax and ...

Wedding Travel Agents in New York City

The City that Never Sleeps is an emporium of wonder, adventure, and discovery. Local New York City travel agents can help couples navigate this urban jungle for NYC wedding activities , or assist in their efforts to go abroad . Whether these plans are formed to propose or spend a romantic honeymoon together, The Big Apple’s travel industry has it covered.

Choosing a Travel Agent in New York City

Travel agents can demystify a destination, helping couples distill the information they need in order to have a great wedding celebration. There are many New York City venues scattered throughout the world-famous urban terrain to choose from. Because of this, having a travel agent to explain the gist of an area, and give a sample itinerary, can be extremely useful. Likewise, for those based in the city wishing to journey elsewhere, travel experts can provide a helping hand in determining what destination speaks to a couple’s needs. The cost of using a travel agent can vary based on length of stay and the extent of the services, so choosing an agency that is inline with wedding goals is ideal.

Options for Travel Outside of New York City

Some couples may find that planning travel to or from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is better suited to their wedding objectives. Philadelphia travel agents are ready to help organize destination services for pre-wedding parties and other Philly wedding essentials . As of 2015, Philadelphia was declared a World Heritage City, adding to its appeal for holidaymakers. Trendy quarters mixed with rich historical contexts make this city a sight to see as well as an ideal backdrop for ceremonies and receptions alike.

What To Know About New York City

• Why is New York City called “The Big Apple”?

The historic origins of New York City’s nickname are associated with horseracing prizes, so-called big apples, in the 1920s. The nomenclature gained popularity in the 1970s following a tourist-attracting ad campaign.

• What is the tallest building in New York City?

The One World Trade Center, otherwise known as the Freedom Tower, is the tallest building in the city, reaching a height of 1776 feet.

• When purchasing items in New York City, is sales tax included?

No. Sales tax is not included in New York City products’ price tags, however, there is no sales tax applied to clothing and footwear items costing $110 or less. Other items, or those above the established threshold, are subject to a 4.5-percent New York City sales tax as well as a 4-percent New York state sales tax.

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How to Get the Best Car Insurance

Ryan Brady is a lead writer at NerdWallet and authority on car insurance and life insurance. Ryan enjoys unraveling complex insurance topics to help people make smarter financial decisions. His work has appeared in TechCrunch, MarketWatch, Yahoo, Nasdaq and more.

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For a lot of people, buying car insurance is like buying sliced bread. It’s not the most exciting purchase, and the options all seem similar. So thrifty shoppers might simply reach for the cheapest thing on the shelf. But like cheap bread, cheap car insurance may leave you wishing you spent a little more on quality.

“The cheapest is not always the best,” warns Jessica McNally, an agency owner with Goosehead Insurance in Dallas. That’s because there are lots of factors that make up a car insurance company. And while price is one of them, it’s best to look at the bigger picture.

Here’s what to look for when picking the best car insurance company.

1. Choose a financially stable company

The best car insurance companies have plenty of money on hand to pay for customers’ claims. It’s important to check an insurer’s financial stability before buying a policy, especially if it’s a smaller insurer you’ve never heard of.

There are several independent agencies that evaluate the financial strength of insurance companies. One example is A.M. Best. You can use its online search tool to find an insurer’s financial strength rating. Companies with a rating of A or higher are considered to have an excellent ability to pay out customer claims.

2. Check customer satisfaction ratings and reviews

Not every insurer is customer-first. That’s why it’s important to research the customer satisfaction of insurers you’re considering.

You can turn to surveys from companies like J.D. Power to find insurers with the best customer satisfaction scores [0] J.D. Power . Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources . Or, if you don’t mind doing a little detective work, you can compare customer complaints against insurers by using the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ website . But take other people’s emotionally charged comments about companies or agents you might read online with a grain of salt, McNally advises.

3. Look for convenience

A great auto insurer should offer multiple ways to manage a policy. For example, some insurers allow customers to use a mobile app to file and track claims. But it’s hard to tell how simple it’ll be to file a claim or perform other essential tasks, like paying your premium, before becoming a customer.

Some telltale signs that an insurer will be easy to work with are high mobile app ratings, flexible customer service hours and an easy-to-use website with helpful content. Consider asking a company representative to walk you through the claims process to learn what you’ll need to do if you have to file a claim. And pay attention to how the company communicates with you. "If they don't properly communicate, well, that's a warning sign," says Michael DeLong, a research and advocacy associate for the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America.

4. Pick an affordable company

Car insurance premiums are stretching to record-breaking heights [0] U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS . Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources , and almost half of U.S. consumers shopped for a new car insurance policy in the past year, according to an April 2024 report by J.D. Power [0] J.D. Power . Half of Auto Insurance Customers Currently Shopping for New Policies, J.D. Power Finds . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources . The best car insurance companies offer competitive rates and a variety of potential discounts.

It’s not hard to get car insurance quotes online from many companies. Make sure you compare the same coverage options throughout the quote-gathering process. And don’t forget to look for car insurance discounts, like breaks for being a good driver, paying your premium in full or driving a new car.

More tips to find the best car insurance

When shopping for the best car insurance, keep the following tips in mind.

Assess your needs. Before buying car insurance, take a moment to reflect on what’s important to you and your family. For example, maybe you prioritize affordability and a well-polished mobile app, but don’t need accident forgiveness .  

Consider small insurers. There are lots of small insurance companies you’ve probably never heard of. These regional insurers may provide lower rates and better customer service than the big companies you see advertised on TV.

Work with an independent agent. While it may be easy to get quotes yourself, independent car insurance agents and brokers can streamline the process. These experts vet companies and compile quotes from small and large insurers on your behalf. Independent agents and brokers can especially come in handy if you have a less-than-perfect driving record and can’t find insurance on your own.

Do your research. Search online for recent mentions of a company in the news before buying a policy, recommends DeLong. If you find a company has lots of recent lawsuits against it, you may want to think twice about signing on the dotted line. “And if they've had to pay out settlements, that's an even bigger red flag,” DeLong says.

Shop around once a year. Make a practice of shopping for car insurance every year — especially if price is important to you. Insurers adjust car insurance rates regularly, so what might have been the most affordable option last year may no longer be a bargain.

On a similar note...

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• Best for customer satisfaction
• Best for older adults
• Best for long-term care
• Best for high returns
• Best for agent support
• Best for term life
• Why you should trust us

Best Life Insurance of June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Life insurance is as complicated as the policyholders and beneficiaries who use it. That means there's no single "best" life insurance company. Instead, you can find the best option based on what you want or what you prioritize.

Summary of the Best Life Insurance Companies

• Best for customer satisfaction:   State Farm Life Insurance
• Best for older adults:   Prudential Life Insurance
• Best for agent support:   New York Life Insurance
• Best for long-term care:   Columbus Life
• Best for high returns:   Allianz Life
• Best for term life:   North American Company

Best Life Insurance Companies of 2024

While there is no such thing as the objective best life insurance policy, you will be able to find the best insurance policy for your specific needs. Here are our picks for the best life insurance companies, whether you want to use your life insurance policy to build wealth through cash value or you're just looking for a term life insurance policy .

Best Life Insurance for Customer Satisfaction: State Farm Life Insurance

Bundling is standard, and agents often quote with multiple discounts.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Best in JD Power customer service ratings
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Company offers a range of different insurance products to meet buyer needs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Agents are knowledgeable about its products
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Life insurance products are conservative and limited
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers may be subject to multi-year waiting periods before they qualify for full payouts on life insurance policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. State Farm agents cannot offer alternative options if State Farm is unable to bind a life insurance policy

State Farm is one of the insurance industry's most prominent insurers offering auto, home, and other insurance. Bundling is standard, and agents often quote with multiple discounts. Its term, universal, and whole life insurance products are no exception.

• Life insurance products include term and permanent life
• Ranks highly for customer satisfaction

State Farm Life Insurance gets the best life insurance ranking in J.D Power's Individual Life Insurance Study, with a score of 843/1,000. The company is also ranked A++ with AM Best for its financial stability with term, universal, and whole life insurance options. 

All State Farm policies have to be purchased through a State Farm agent. Your agent can help you bundle and save or buy one policy. State Farm is also among the companies offering "survivorship universal life insurance ," which means the policy covers two people, and it kicks in after the second person dies. Couples looking to maximize their death benefit for beneficiaries with one premium payment each month may enjoy lower overall costs.

State Farm agents can run quotes and compare options to find the right plans for each applicant. The range of options, discounts, and familiar name all contribute to the popularity of State Farm's life insurance.

Read our State Farm Life Insurance review here.

Best Life Insurance for Older Adults: Prudential VUL Protector Life Insurance

Offers aggressive financial plans.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states (New York residents may have different plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Buyers can withdraw money to pay for nursing home bills due to severe illness or disability
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Knowledgeable agents who can walk you through your options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Financial returns are limited
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited policy options for seniors and other groups who might struggle to find life insurance

The aggressive financial plans offered by Prudential may appeal to many younger buyers and those with a stable income. However, those with lower income or buyers who aren't sure about the financial system may be more hesitant to engage with Prudential. Like many other industry giants, Prudential is working to change this perception.

Prudential Life Insurance is available in all states except New York. New York residents can buy the Pruco Life of New Jersey VUL Protector plan. This plan allows buyers to pull money out of their plan to pay for nursing home expenses. Cash value policy premiums are fixed, so you won't have to worry about extra costs later on. Internal costs are low, which minimizes risk. Due to age, many older adults want a safe investment option for their money. Prudential VUL Protector invests to avoid loss. That also means you're not as likely to see big increases in your available funds outside of what you deposit.

Read our Prudential Life Insurance review here.

Best Life Insurance for Long-Term Care: Columbus Life Insurance

Offers lien method to makes it easier to calculate the financial impact of pulling money out early.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Buyers can pull money out for medical and other bills in the event of disease or disability
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Columbus uses lien method to simplify accelerated death payments
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Company offers a wide range of riders to customize policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may be higher than competitors
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Term policies are not guaranteed to be converted to whole

Best for long-term care and accelerated death benefits.

Columbus Life offers a wide range of riders to customize your policy with affordable premiums. The company also allows you to convert term policies to whole life insurance policies until the end of your term (generally around age 70). For this and many other reasons, customer satisfaction is high.

When using living health benefits (otherwise known as accelerated death benefits), buyers are allowed to pull money from policies early to pay for medical bills, living costs, etc. under certain circumstances. Most companies use a discounted death benefit, which reduces your final payout using two models. Columbus uses the lien method, which makes it easier to calculate the financial impact of pulling money out early.

Best Life Insurance for High Returns on Income: Allianz Life Insurance

Offers life insurance policies for foreign nationals with H-1B visas.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Plans offer high returns on investment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Great for investment and long-term retirement planning
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. May increase your income by as much as 20%
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Allianz offers plans for foreign nationals including H-1B visas
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans are meant specifically for high-income adults, alternatives may not be offered

Best for investing and high returns on income.

Allianz Life plans are geared towards high-income adults looking for more tax-free income. Allianz offers a 40% multiplier bonus with a 1% annual assets charge. In short, the professionals managing your investments take 10%. Overall, your investments would pull in an extra 14%-1% asset charge. This means you end up with 3% more than what you deposit every year your life policy is active. This plan offers strong returns when using a life policy to supplement your retirement savings. Allianz also offers specialized plans to grow your income by as much as 20% according to some estimates.

Of note: Allianz also offers plans for foreign nationals, including those with H-1B visas.

Best Life Insurance for Agent Support: New York Life Insurance

Offers aggressive financial products and extensively trained agents.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong life insurance options for financial planning and wealth building
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policies available nationwide
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Knowledgeable life insurance agents
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. May require a medical exam
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers looking for more modest policies may not find the most competitive pricing

If you're preparing for a comfortable retirement or looking to build generational wealth, New York Life is one of the strongest options. If you have questions or genuinely want to understand your life insurance options, New York Life agents are among the most qualified professionals in the business.

• Life insurance provider with policies available across the US

New York Life Insurance agents go through extensive training before they ever hit the sales floor. What does this get you? Policies vary widely, and New York Life offers both large and small payouts. Some policies have significant penalties for early withdrawal, but taking a loan offers more options. Whatever your questions, New York Life agents are trained to offer comprehensive support giving you accurate information about its policies every time. The company comes in at position eight in J.D. Power's latest life insurance customer satisfaction study.

Read our New York Life Insurance review here.

Best Life Insurance for Term Life: North American Life Insurance

Offers term policies alongside accelerated death benefits for critical, chronic, and terminal illnesses and more.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers accelerated death benefits for critical, chronic, and terminal illnesses
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers conversion for life policies up to 70 years old
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Term policies can be renewed up to age 95 for qualifying applicants
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not all term policies qualify for renewal or conversion

Best Term Policy.

North American Company offers term policies alongside accelerated death benefits for critical, chronic, and terminal illnesses and more. The company allows one conversion on a 20-year policy at 15 years or 70 years old (whichever is earlier). The conversion cannot happen later than the five-year marker regardless of which policy you choose or the length. North American Company also offers a term policy with a lower premium renewable up to the age of 95 for qualifying insureds.

Types of Life Insurance

While there's many different types of life insurance policies , broadly speaking, there are two types of life insurance: temporary and permanent. Let's go over each in detail.

Temporary life insurance

Temporary life insurance is often called term life insurance. This type of policy covers you for a set amount of time before expiring, usually between 10-30 years. If you pass away after your policy expires, your family won't receive any benefits. Additionally, your policy won't accrue cash value like a permanent policy. That said, some term life insurance policies offer a conversion from term to whole life insurance, so you can extend your coverage. 

Because its benefits aren't guaranteed, term life policies are generally cheaper than permanent life insurance. That said, the vast majority of term life insurance policies never pay out. on

Permanent life insurance

Permanent life insurance is an umbrella term for a variety of life insurance policies that will insure you indefinitely and guarantee a payout as long as you maintain your policy. Policy types that fall under permanent life insurance includes:

• Whole life insurance
• Universal life insurance
• Variable life insurance
• Variable universal life insurance
• Simplified life insurance
• Guaranteed issue life insurance

These policies vary widely in purpose and intended buyers, but all guarantee death benefits to your loved ones. Some permanent life insurance policies, like whole, universal, and variable have a cash value component , which you can use as a savings tool or to leave your heirs a larger death benefit.

How to Pick the Best Life Insurance Policy for You

Finding the right fit in life insurance starts with finding a trusted insurance agent. Because there are so many state regulations, shopping for homeowners or auto insurance can be easily done online. Life insurance is not required. So it's a voluntary purchase. Many buyers don't know what they need or when they need it. Before making your selection, consider a few things:

Some companies will sell you a policy for your child as soon as they're born. While this may seem morbid, early sign-up means lower rates for a policy your child could enjoy in the future. Regardless, early sign-up equates to more policy for lower premiums and a higher likelihood of acceptance. At 20, you may be healthier and be able to pay into the policy for a longer period compared to when you're 50 with more age-related conditions.

As a general rule, never agree to more than you can afford. For the average life insurance agent, their job is to sell you a large policy with a large commission. Consider not only how much you make now, but how likely your current income is to continue. If you work on a project basis and your project is scheduled to end in 12 months, you may want to reconsider a policy premium outside your monthly savings.

How much are you prepared to buy? Some people only want a small policy to cover funerals and other end-of-life expenses. Others build a life policy into their retirement plan. Whatever direction you're going, involving a financial planner could help you make the right decisions. Depending on the carrier, customers can also compare set limits with index universal life policies, which set no limit. These policies never expire, and the value builds over the entirety of your life.

Living Benefits

Life happens unexpectedly. You could be healthy one day and in the hospital the next. Many life policies offer living benefits. These allow you to draw a limited amount out of your policy to cover medical and other bills you cannot pay while sick.

Much like a 401(k), many life insurance policies have penalties for early withdrawal. No matter what policy you want, this question is critical to an informed decision. It's a question of how early you can withdraw and how much you'll lose from the total to have the money in 10 years instead of 30 or after death.

Some policies require insured parties to pay premiums for at least one year before any significant payout would be available. Suicide exclusions are common. Even with no medical exam policies, the company may still do a check for known conditions. An insurance company has to mitigate its risk.

Flexibility

Once you've been denied a life insurance policy, a mark goes on your record. No matter the reasons, other insurance companies may deny you coverage based on the first denial. So consider your whole situation and choose your policy carefully before you submit any applications. Some policies have greater flexibility if you lose your job or otherwise can't make payments. Others will lapse if you miss even one payment.

Payment Type

Even within whole life or term life insurance policies, customers have the option to choose guaranteed fixed or variable rates. Some have guaranteed payouts, but you'll need to ask your agent for details.

What is your intended use? Why are you shopping for a life insurance policy in the first place, and what are your goals? Many successful financial planners also have a background in life insurance. So while they may not be able to find you a specific life insurance policy, financial planners can help you set out a blueprint for your purchase.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed the Best Life Insurance Companies

In life insurance, it's easy to get "sold a bill of goods." Many life insurance agents pass a state test to be thrown into the deep end. Agents sell the company product, but not all know the products. In this vein, we look at the products each company offers. We also look at agent training.

A good life insurance agent may not volunteer all facts upfront. But a company's agents should answer questions about its products accurately and in a way the average consumer can digest. Agents should be able to inform you about the long-term benefits and limitations. This will help customers find the right policy for their long-term plan.

We consider affordability, policy sizes available, and performance for a comprehensive assessment in our insurance rating methodology . If you can, we recommend also working with a financial advisor to make a plan for your future with life insurance.

Our Expert Panel for The Best Life Insurance Companies

To inform our choices for the best life insurance companies, we spoke with the following experts:

• Paul LaPiana , head of product at MassMutual
• Barbara Pietrangelo , CFP, CLU, and chair of the nonprofit Life Happens
• Wykeeta Peel , Corporate Vice President and Market Manager, African American Market Unit at New York Life

The Experts' Advice on Choosing The Best Life Insurance for You

How much life insurance coverage do you believe the average buyer should have.

Paul LaPiana, Head of Product at MassMutual

"There are different approaches to determining how much life insurance you need. One is the 'human life' approach, which estimates the current value of your future earning potential. Another is securing specific coverage to pay off debts such as a mortgage or provide for the education of children. A comprehensive protection plan should provide the right amount of coverage over the course of your working life and into retirement."

Barbara A. Pietrangelo, Chair of Life Happens

"There is no one-size-fits-all life insurance policy because everyone is different. One way to get a rough estimate is to multiply your income by 10 to 15; another is adding $100,00 to that amount, should you have a child and anticipate college education expenses.

Your best bet is to talk to a financial professional or use the Life Insurance Needs Calculator on LifeHappens.org to analyze what's right for you."

Wykeeta Peel, Corporate Vice President & Market Manager African American Market Unit at New York Life

"As you consider what policy best meets your needs, it can help to answer four key questions: First, how much death benefit do you need? Second, how long will you need that coverage? Third, what is your budget (or how much monthly premium can you afford to pay?), and finally, what is your investment risk tolerance?

To determine how much death benefit makes sense, it's helpful to think beyond using life insurance to cover funeral expenses and consider whether anyone is relying on the policy owner's income to maintain a lifestyle, pay rent or a mortgage, or fund a child's education and for how long.

There are various rules of thumb regarding the right amount of Life insurance coverage. Some tips can be found online, but they only provide an estimate and don't necessarily factor in an individual's specific needs. In my opinion, human guidance, powered by technology, is required. Basically, it comes down to how much money your loved ones would need to remain on firm financial ground if your earnings were no longer in the picture and that is different for everyone."

What is the biggest opportunity you see for improvement in the life insurance industry?

"Increased accessibility through digital and other channels as well as through underwriting enhancements. Increased tailoring of products and features. And an increased emphasis on health and wellness programs."

"Having enough qualified insurance professionals to walk potential buyers through the multiple benefits of life insurance will be pivotal to the growth of the industry. Education is a key factor here, as professional agents also need to be able to explain life insurance and its benefits in an easy, digestible way, especially when there are so many misconceptions about life insurance."

"The need for life insurance is greater than ever. In fact, a recent New York Life Wealth Watch survey found that 37% of adults have been thinking about life insurance more often these days – and half of adults report that financial products that provide protection (50%) and reliability (50%) are more important now compared to last year. This may be especially true for middle-market and Cultural Market families.

Our organizational structure of having Cultural Market agents embedded in the communities where we live and work allows us to understand the needs of diverse communities and develop solutions that resonate with them."

What advice would you give to buyers who are debating whether or not to buy life insurance?

"It is difficult to say with any certainty how healthy you will be years from now. That's why securing life insurance, and insuring your insurability, today, when you are the youngest you'll ever be again, and perhaps your healthiest is a wise decision."

"Do you love someone? If the answer is yes, then life insurance is certainly something you should consider. Many buy gifts and experiences to express their love, but haven't considered that life insurance is just another way to say I love you. Nothing says support like ensuring your family's financial security and peace of mind."

"If you have someone depending on your income, you should consider purchasing life insurance. A death benefit from a life insurance policy can replace income from the loss of a breadwinner, ensure a family can stay in their home, fund educational or retirement expenses, address debt and so much more.

A life insurance policy can also help you grow your family's wealth over time. Once the risk of an unexpected loss has been managed, you can begin to think more broadly about your family's financial future. Life insurance can enable your mindset to shift from death to growth."

What's the most important thing buyers should look for when choosing a life insurance agent/company to buy from?

"With life insurance, you are securing a future commitment that may be decades away. Research the company behind the policy to ensure it has high financial strength ratings, longevity, and an excellent track record of paying claims."

"When looking for an insurance agent or company, be sure to do your research. When comparing companies, be sure to remember that the policy features that fit you and your loved ones best is the most important factor. Don't automatically assume you should buy from the higher-rated company.

If the policy from the other company has more of what you're looking for, it might be the better choice. If you're unsure where to start, try the Life Happens Agent Locator to find an insurance professional in your area."

• "The insurers' track record: At its core, life insurance is protection - a hedge against the unexpected - and you are paying premiums in exchange for the promise that the insurer will be there when you need them, so the financial strength and track record of the company backing your policy is critical.
• Customer service: Are service professionals available by phone and digital channels? Is there is an online dashboard where you can manage your policy? Beyond ensuring assistance is available after you purchase a policy, it's also critical to ensure you have access to trusted advice and guidance before you buy.
• Flexibility in conversion: How easy is it to change? Life can be unpredictable and while term insurance can cover your loved ones through a critical period of time, you may decide that access to cash value is an important piece of your strategy.
• Accelerated online applications : Online applications are convenient but don't replace human guidance. Keep in mind that accelerated online applications may have a maximum coverage amount, meaning that you may not be able to get all the coverage you may need exclusively through an online process.
• A range of payment options: It's important to understand how often you're required to make premium payments and whether and how often you can change the frequency of payments."

Best Life Insurance FAQs

According to JD Power's 2023 life insurance study, State Farm is the highest-rated life insurance company when it comes to overall customer satisfaction. However, you still may want to shop around for quotes from various insurers if you're looking to purchase a new policy.

There isn't one best life insurance company, because the best option for you will depend on the type of policy you're looking for. It's best to work with a qualified insurance agent to help you find the best coverage. If you're deciding between multiple similar options, it's also worth consulting J.D. Power's life insurance customer satisfaction study . The latest study ranks State Farm as the top pick for individual life insurance, outpacing Nationwide by three points.

The best type of life insurance policy for you will differ from someone else's, as your policy should be tailored to your needs. The best policy for you will be affordable and will offer the benefits best suited to your situation. For example, some policies are only meant to cover end-of-life expenses such as burial and funeral arrangements, whereas others include living benefits like a cash value insurance plan , which you can borrow against during your lifetime.

Some life insurance policies are advertised as "no medical exam." This doesn't mean the insurer won't ask you about known conditions or look at medical records. Policies with no medical exam also tend to offer lower benefits with higher premiums. Most companies have a network of medical examiners, some of whom can come to your home. You can find our guide on the best no exam life insurance here.

Each situation is different and requires a knowledgeable life insurance agent to assess your best options. Bring all your questions and the coverage you're looking for to an insurance agent near you to explore your options.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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2024 Total Eclipse: Where & When

Eclipse explorer.

For a mobile-friendly or full-screen version of this interactive map, visit go.nasa.gov/EclipseExplorer .

The Monday, April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse crossed North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The total solar eclipse began over the South Pacific Ocean. Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that experienced totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT.

The path of the eclipse continued from Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveled through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse. The eclipse entered Canada in Southern Ontario, and continued through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton. The eclipse exited continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.

This table provides the time that totality began in some U.S. cities in the path of totality. These areas also experienced a partial eclipse before and after these times.

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