Travel Guard® North America Names Dr. Gary Feldman World's Unluckiest Traveler®

STEVENS POINT, Wis., Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The votes are in. After a year of collecting unlucky stories from worldwide travelers and tallying votes from across the nation, Travel Guard North America, (www.TravelGuard.com) has named Dr. Gary Feldman of Ventura, California, the "World's Unluckiest Traveler" and winner of a $10,000 dream vacation.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110120/CG33231)

More than 4,000 people from across North America voted for Feldman's story, which recounted a medical mission to Vietnam that went terribly wrong. While sightseeing just days into his month-long trip, Feldman stepped to the edge of a cliff to answer nature's call but slipped before he could zip. Feldman fell 30 feet, breaking both of his legs. Ten screws, two surgeries and a metal plate later, his tale of tumultuous travel has resulted in a $10,000 dream vacation anywhere in the world and the title of "World's Unluckiest Traveler."

"Dr. Feldman is certainly worthy of the title 'World's Unluckiest Traveler' and the reward for his tale, a $10,000 dream vacation," said Dean Sivley, CEO of Travel Guard North America. "We hope the dream vacation will help Dr. Feldman make up for some of his past bad luck, especially since he travels often to help others.  Dr. Feldman, and all of the stories submitted are proof that even the most experienced travelers are not immune to travel mishaps, making travel insurance all the more crucial."

Feldman's submission was chosen from those of 11 finalists who competed against each other throughout December, 2010.  In total, more than 800 trips gone bad were entered in the search. More than 10,000 people registered to vote. Feldman was one of 11 finalists chosen monthly since January, 2010. A randomly-selected voter who voted for Feldman's story will also walk away with a $10,000 dream vacation.

Though Feldman is still recovering from his injuries, he does not plan to spend his dream vacation relaxing on the beach. Sub-Saharan Africa, New Zealand, Russia and Antarctica are potential destinations, but he hasn't discounted another medical mission to Vietnam.

For information on the search for the World's Unluckiest Traveler, please visit www.travelguard.com or call 1.800.826.1300. Travelers seeking more information about travel insurance and assistance plans through Travel Guard can contact their travel agent, visit www.travelguard.com or call 1.800.826.1300.

About Travel Guard

Travel Guard, a Chartis company and worldwide leader in travel insurance and assistance, provides products and services to millions of travelers around the globe, including a wide range of emergency services through its wholly-owned assistance centers located in Asia, Europe and the Americas.  Travel Guard helps leisure and business travelers alike solve problems and manage risks.  Travel Guard's global reach, unparalleled service quality and proven operational capabilities allow clients to receive best-in-class care.  Travel Guard's suite of technology platforms enables seamless integration with all major travel distribution systems and supplier channels.  The travel insurance products marketed by Travel Guard are underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries and affiliates of Chartis Inc.  For additional information, please visit our websites at www.travelguard.com and www.travelguardworldwide.com.

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Travel Guard's sponsorship of the World's Unluckiest Traveler Contest is not intended to represent in any respect that Travel Guard's insurance plans cover any of the events depicted in any single entry. For full and complete insurance coverage details, please contact Travel Guard directly.

SOURCE Travel Guard