There are so many rumors flying around these days it’s hard to know what’s real in the world of travel. We all have questions. We want to know - when will this end? When can we travel safely? What precautions are airlines and destinations putting in place?
Some of these questions I have answers to, and some are just unknowns at this point. Here is my best answer to the most frequent question I’m being asked right now.
Q: Should I cancel my trip scheduled for June? (Or July, or August or….you get the point).
A: I do not have a perfect answer for this one, and certainly not a one-size-fits-all answer. We don’t know exactly when this will all end. Predictions for COVID-19 change daily - sometimes hourly, and there are LOTS of variables.
Here are some factors to consider:
Where is your destination?
Some of the hardest hit countries (like Italy) may not be ready for travelers by June. Countries that have not been hard hit may still have open borders. But consider these questions - is the country you’re potentially traveling to one where you’d be ok being quarantined? If the country is open - are you ok with tourist destinations being closed while you’re there? If you’re going to an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, and you never intended to leave the property - you’re probably ok with tourist destinations potentially being closed. But, if you were scheduled for Paris - you’re probably going to be pretty bummed if the Louvre is closed while you make your once in a lifetime trip.
Where do you live?
Some states (Massachusetts) are responding to this by shutting things down - as opposed to Georgia that is opening up. Are you ok being quarantined upon your return if it is required by your state?
Before you make a decision - read the terms and conditions of your resort, hotels, airlines etc. Find out what the cancellation and rescheduling terms are. Many resorts and tour operators are being generous with rescheduling - some are even offering a free night’s stay. You may need to balance out when you need to cancel or reschedule with your resort or tour operator with how far out airlines have extended their waiver on change fees.
This is one place I can get to work for you - if you booked with me I’m already on this! I have had success extending paid in full dates for many of my clients. This has given them time to see how the world looks closer to their travel dates and has allowed for airlines to extend the change fee waivers. If you did not book with a travel advisor you can of course do this on your own as well. My advice is to sit down with a cup of coffee and a book though - some of these hold times are outrageous these days!
Last (but absolutely not least) are YOU comfortable with the idea of traveling?
If you’re just not ready - that’s ok! I only ask that if it is possible to reschedule as opposed to cancel - try to do so. Remember that the travel and tourism industry has been dealing with this since January - and we've been hit hard. Many of us are operating our own small businesses. This includes travel agents and people in the thousands of destinations around the world - from large cities to small villages to which we travel and send our clients. By traveling and giving small business owners your business you can help support so many people.
Please remember to be kind to those you speak with on the phone (even though I know this is so frustrating for all of us!). Remember that we’re watching our colleagues and travel partners be laid off, we’re listening to beloved resorts discussing potential permanent closure, and our income has ground to a halt. We’re also truly saddened to be spending our days dismantling our clients’ dream vacations. We love helping our clients, and this isn’t fun for anyone.
I hope you’re all able to stay safe and healthy, and once it is safe - I look forward to helping you plan trips and seeing your beautiful travel photos from around the world.
In the meantime I'm working on my list of dream destinations - and it's getting pretty long! Here's a sneak peek at one place I have my eye on... can you identify this iconic bridge?
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