Post Pandemic Travel- What you need to know
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed nearly every aspect of our lives, especially travel planning.
With frequently changing international (and domestic) travel restrictions, quarantine policies, guidelines, and an overwhelming amount of misinformation, now more than ever you need a trusted travel advisor to help you navigate the new travel landscape.
Whether you’re looking to travel later this year or beyond, planning a vacation post COVID will take extra effort and attention to detail.
Here’s what you need to know on planning travel during these uncertain, unprecedented times.
Flexibility Is A Must
This has been the most important factor in planning travel since the pandemic began. The world is changing in real-time so flexibility in your destination, travel dates, and supplier policies are essential to planning a vacation post COVID-19. Many of our preferred travel partners are extending final payment deadlines, offering penalty free change waivers, and more flexible cancellation policies.
Knowing Quarantines Guidelines & International Entry Requirements
The number of COVID-19 cases are rising & falling every day, and the rules and guidelines regarding travel are following this trend. We’ve already watched border re-opening requirements change for several countries. And we’re seeing similar changing protocols for domestic travels. Bottom line you’ll need to keep watch on the quarantine and entry requirements over time as they are subject to change.
What About Travel Insurance
Most standard travel insurance policies do NOT cover cancellations due to COVID-19. If you want coverage for cancellation due to COVID concerns we recommend purchasing a CFAR (cancel for any reason) policy. Travel insurance is still available for travel interruptions & medical coverage during travel. As always, you need to assess your risks and purchase travel insurance for what you want covered.
Scoring Unbelievable Deals
As the world is slowly re-opening hotels, tour companies, and airlines are offering deep discounts and deals for travel later this year and into 2021. If you know travel is in your future invest now and take advantage of these historically low rates.
Inconsistent Safety Protocols
Every hotel, resort, airline, theme parks, and tourism supplier are following their own health and safety protocols. There are currently NO central governing guidelines or mandates but from our experience and research majority have implemented enhanced cleaning, wearing face coverings and promoting social distancing when possible. Some are requiring health declarations and temperature screening in addition to other health and safety protocols.
Massive Passport Delays
The US State Department temporarily suspended passport processing in March creating a massive backlog of applications. If you do not have a valid passport and have not already submitted a renewal or new passport application it will likely be 9-12 weeks before your application will be processed.
When you’re feeling safe and ready to explore the world again our team of professional travel advisors are here to provide invaluable advice, insider knowledge and the peace of mind of knowing someone is there to assist you with questions or issues before, during and after your travels. We’ll make navigating vacation post COVID easier and less stressful so that you can focus on that much needed relaxing getaway or exciting adventure.
Contact us and we’d love to discuss how we can make your travel dreams come true!
