Travel is complicated at the moment. You might spend more money - and you're likely not going to have the same experience you would have had pre-pandemic. But we're not in a pre-pandemic world - and the travel and tourism industry was hit hard. It's going to take us a while to recover - and we can't hide that. So to start - why travel now? Here are a few reasons I've heard this week (and I love them all).
Because we want to rejoin the world!
We're ready experience other cultures and adventures with our families again.
We want to put our money and our time to support small businesses around the world.
We need to get out of the house!
This being said - here's what you need to know for planning travel right now.
1. Availability is seriously limited. This is not only for travel this spring and summer - but we're seeing inventory dwindle for December 2022 at this point. There is a MASSIVE pent up demand for travel from 2020 and 2021. This includes family vacations, honeymoons, weddings, and family reunions. MANY people pushed out their dates instead of cancelling. This means that weddings from April of 2021 are already booked for April of 2023 - along with their 75 wedding guests taking up resort spots. If you're planning travel for any time in 2022 or 2023 you need to start not only planning - but be prepared to book now as well. If not, the proposal I send you is going to be meaningless once you're ready to book.
2. Airfare pricing is astronomical. Am I happy about this? Not at all. What this means for my clients is that half the budget (or more) is being eaten by the airfare. That means paying way more than you're used to overall - or staying at hotels and resorts that are at a lower price point than you're used to. Will air pricing come down? Honestly - I chucked my crystal ball in the garbage at some point during the pandemic. I'd like to say that it will. In reality? I just don't know.
3. All pricing is higher. Resorts, hotels, transfer companies, and tour and excursion companies are dealing with: limited income since 2020, higher operating costs, and staff and workers who have been dealing with sickness,limited income - and like the rest of us - childcare issues. These companies must comply with the destination requirements and also with requirements around the world. They need to have rooms or wings set aside in case travelers need to quarantine. They're responsible for keeping travelers safe (way more cleaning and sanitizing measures, less seating in restaurants), and this comes at a higher cost. Which leads to higher costs for us.
What I think is particularly frustrating for people is that despite the rising cost we also have:
4. Less amenities and more limited service. Companies big and small have been forced to trim back their employees. On top of that they're often operating with less employees day to day because of call-outs due to COVID. What does this mean for you? It could mean housekeeping isn't as on point as they typically are. A pool bar might be closed for three days. Resort restaurants are operating on a rotational basis. Towels at the pool aren't being replaced. Maintenance is taking longer to appear. You get the picture.
Trust me when I say I am just as frustrated as my clients (if not more so). I'm a perfectionist, and believe me when I tell you that I want your vacation to be perfect. Unfortunately this is just the reality - and I think in order to enjoy your vacation - you need to know what to expect.
5. Compliance with quarantine rules from countries around the world. Resorts have been charged with keeping in compliance with and enforcing quarantine rules around the world. They are now the ones coordinating testing so you can get back on the plane and get back home. If you test positive in your destination - the US airlines (per the CDC) will not let you back on the plane without either a negative test or having been quarantined for a certain number of days. Your resort is not going to be happy about this either. This is not their choice, and certainly is not what they would like to be doing - employing doctors and nurses to administer tests, and then quarantining families on vacation. Trust me when I say they want this to end as much as you do.
How can you deal with all of this?
Plan earlier than ever before. The earlier you plan the better chance you have of getting the resorts and room categories you want in the destination you'd like to be in. And remember that even if small (or sometimes big) things might be missed at your resort or in your destination - you can still have fun traveling. Because you're with your family and friends, and you're celebrating surviving the past two years that have been traumatic for so many.
Also, yes, pick up the phone and ask for those extra towels again. Because chances are the front desk has half the staff they used to have - and yeah, they definitely forgot about you. While you're waiting at least you could have views like this:
For more in-travel what to do - check out our blog post: "What Should I Do If...?"
In need of some pre-travel tips? Read our to-do list: What To Do Before Traveling Internationally.
What about day of travel? Check out our day of travel tips: Travel Day Is Here!
Noticing all of the flight cancellations and wondering what to do? Read my thoughts here: What You Need to Know If You're Flying Any Time Soon.
Looking for some pre-travel luggage info? Check out our: What You Should Know About Luggage.
Looking for Vacation Inspiration? Follow me on IG at Vacations by Jillian and sign up for my mailing list below!
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