Picture it: I’m somewhere on a warm sandy beach, leaned back on a comfortable beach chair and sipping on an icy drink from a tall glass with an umbrella hanging off the side. Or maybe I’m exploring the cobblestone streets of an Italian city seeing wonderful items in the marketplace and smelling freshly baked bread. Or maybe my more adventurous side has me climbing a famous mountain in the Himalayas or hang gliding from Lookout Mountain in Georgia. A girl can dream, cant’s she?
Before all this pandemic stuff happened, my husband and I traveled more often. My favorite vacation was when my husband flew me to Myrtle Beach, SC. We stayed at a hotel resort along the many miles of sandy beaches. We enjoyed amusement parks, arcades, miniature golf courses, local music and comedians, and souvenir gift shops. Of course being so close to the ocean, there were a plethora of seafood restaurants.
My favorite souvenir were these beach cups with built-in straws. The lids had a shape of a smiling sun wearing sunglasses. My cup had the message “Summer Vibes.” And my husband’s cup said “The Beach is my Happy Place.” My next favorite souvenir was the pink crown-shaped princess coin bank. My husband tried to steer me away from that section of the gift shop before I could see it. But I and my princess radar sensors prevailed!
One night while in Myrtle Beach, I looked out at the beach from my room. I saw a bunch of little lights moving around on the ground. My husband and I went to check it out. A massive amount of jellyfish had washed ashore. People were picking them up and throwing them back into the ocean. But not me! Supposedly, these type of jellyfish were not harmful. But I didn’t want to take any chances.
There are so many places in the world to visit to enjoy relaxation, festivals, amusement parks, and other cuisines and cultures. I hope to one day return to Myrtle Beach again, among other places. It’s our hope that someday soon it’ll be safe to dust off our passports and head out to our fantasy destinations.
Whether traveling near or far, members of a Medicare Advantage plan have coverage for emergency or urgent care should it become necessary. This is true regardless of whether the type of Medicare Advantage plan is a PPO, POS or HMO. Don’t worry – these plans have urgent and emergent coverage, as if in-network, available to members while traveling.
Health Alliance is always here to help you answer these types of questions – about coverage no matter where you travel – and any others you may have about your plan. Our hope is that you and your families stay well and safe. So have peace of mind on your dream vacation. Find a warm, sandy stretch near the ocean – and I’ll bring the beach chair.
Sherry Gordon-Harris is a Community Liaison at Health Alliance. She’s a wife and mother of two boys who enjoys traveling, collecting dolls, and hosting princess parties and pageants.
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