World Cruises and Travel agents have been on the forefront of how the pandemic has affected travel. We have insights into vendor cultures and know who is doing the best job. We are here to guide you through this complex situation and time.
1) When can I travel?
This is the number one question we are hearing. The answer is dependent on factors such as where you want to go, and local travel rules which are subject to change.
2) Where can I go?
While resources like the state department travel advisory site or the various information sources driven by tourist boards or other government entities are a good place to start, they generally tell you about what you can do now and not when you will be able to travel. Keeping an eye out for articles and news stories of places opening for travel is one way to keep ahead of this question. But another is to understand that if you book now and are not able to travel later, you need to make sure the booking comes with cancellation and future travel credit, so you aren’t hit with penalties.
3) Should I book now, or should I wait?
Current thinking is that airfares will likely rise significantly as pent up demand for travel builds. We have seen this in previous cycles when travel was impacted by world events. Airlines are beholden to their shareholders and generally raise the cost of flying as soon as they start seeing demand rise. Booking in advance can help lock in rates before they skyrocket.
4) Will I need to wear a mask?
The short answer is: “probably.” In fact, it is wise to bring along a supply of masks. Most venues that have reopened require them, Many cities have ordinances that also demand that one wear them in public. This may be the new normal for a while. Remember when we could board airplanes without the strict rigmarole we have now? At first people complained about new security measures, but later many saw it as a safety measure and eventually it just became routine.
5) Will I need to quarantine?
There are two answers to this one: First look up the rules for the destinations you are traveling to. When quarantine restrictions apply, they usually have an expiration date along with the rule. That being said, it is a fluid situation and one that needs to be monitored closely. Again, if you are worried about getting cold feet, having a good travel protection plan is important and we can guide you with the best plan. The second part refers to a possible quarantine mandate when they return from overseas places. These are typically mandate by the state of their residence. A complete and up to date state guide can be found at the AARP website here.
6) Is it safe to fly?
Several statistical studies have shown that planes are far from the most likely places to be infected by the virus. One of the reasons is that all airlines are mandating mask being worn during the entire flight and that the air in modern aircraft cabins is replaced with new fresh air every two to three minutes, and most planes are fitted with air filters designed to trap 99.99% of particles This is far better than any office building, cruise ship, or almost any other venue. But as with everything else, following best practices for personal safety is recommended.
7) What are the safety measures being taken by the hotels and tour companies?
Since every company has their own protocol We will check for specific information with the hotels, tour operators and cruise lines to assure you have the safest situation possible.
8) What type of Covid-19 test do I need?
More and more destinations are requiring a Covid-19 test for entry. Some of them offer dispensation from quarantine if you have a recent negative test. It is a fluid situation and changes in the rules occur every day. Tourism board websites generally have the latest information as to what rules are in place. For a list of European tourist board web sites click here.
The best (and most widely accepted) test is the molecular or PCR test. This is the test where a technician inserts a long cotton swab in a patient’s nose to collect a sample. It is the most accurate type of test according to the FDA and usually does not need to be repeated. Travel certifications generally require a molecular test.
So when should you schedule your molecular test? If you schedule your test too close to the departure date, you might not get your test results back before departure. If you get the test too early, you run the risk of being exposed while waiting for the results. It is probably best to schedule it four- five days in advance then quarantine while they wait for the results.
9) What if I want to cancel?
Booking with the right company and having the right travel insurance has never been more important.
10) When is my agent traveling?
We are hearing more and more clients asking us this. We are closing watching the situation and right now we have two trips scheduled. The Galapagos Islands for April 19, 2021 and a unique Egypt tour with an extension to Jordon on October 18, 2021. Details here
1) When can I travel?
This is the number one question we are hearing. The answer is dependent on factors such as where you want to go, and local travel rules which are subject to change.
2) Where can I go?
While resources like the state department travel advisory site or the various information sources driven by tourist boards or other government entities are a good place to start, they generally tell you about what you can do now and not when you will be able to travel. Keeping an eye out for articles and news stories of places opening for travel is one way to keep ahead of this question. But another is to understand that if you book now and are not able to travel later, you need to make sure the booking comes with cancellation and future travel credit, so you aren’t hit with penalties.
3) Should I book now, or should I wait?
Current thinking is that airfares will likely rise significantly as pent up demand for travel builds. We have seen this in previous cycles when travel was impacted by world events. Airlines are beholden to their shareholders and generally raise the cost of flying as soon as they start seeing demand rise. Booking in advance can help lock in rates before they skyrocket.
4) Will I need to wear a mask?
The short answer is: “probably.” In fact, it is wise to bring along a supply of masks. Most venues that have reopened require them, Many cities have ordinances that also demand that one wear them in public. This may be the new normal for a while. Remember when we could board airplanes without the strict rigmarole we have now? At first people complained about new security measures, but later many saw it as a safety measure and eventually it just became routine.
5) Will I need to quarantine?
There are two answers to this one: First look up the rules for the destinations you are traveling to. When quarantine restrictions apply, they usually have an expiration date along with the rule. That being said, it is a fluid situation and one that needs to be monitored closely. Again, if you are worried about getting cold feet, having a good travel protection plan is important and we can guide you with the best plan. The second part refers to a possible quarantine mandate when they return from overseas places. These are typically mandate by the state of their residence. A complete and up to date state guide can be found at the AARP website here.
6) Is it safe to fly?
Several statistical studies have shown that planes are far from the most likely places to be infected by the virus. One of the reasons is that all airlines are mandating mask being worn during the entire flight and that the air in modern aircraft cabins is replaced with new fresh air every two to three minutes, and most planes are fitted with air filters designed to trap 99.99% of particles This is far better than any office building, cruise ship, or almost any other venue. But as with everything else, following best practices for personal safety is recommended.
7) What are the safety measures being taken by the hotels and tour companies?
Since every company has their own protocol We will check for specific information with the hotels, tour operators and cruise lines to assure you have the safest situation possible.
8) What type of Covid-19 test do I need?
More and more destinations are requiring a Covid-19 test for entry. Some of them offer dispensation from quarantine if you have a recent negative test. It is a fluid situation and changes in the rules occur every day. Tourism board websites generally have the latest information as to what rules are in place. For a list of European tourist board web sites click here.
The best (and most widely accepted) test is the molecular or PCR test. This is the test where a technician inserts a long cotton swab in a patient’s nose to collect a sample. It is the most accurate type of test according to the FDA and usually does not need to be repeated. Travel certifications generally require a molecular test.
So when should you schedule your molecular test? If you schedule your test too close to the departure date, you might not get your test results back before departure. If you get the test too early, you run the risk of being exposed while waiting for the results. It is probably best to schedule it four- five days in advance then quarantine while they wait for the results.
9) What if I want to cancel?
Booking with the right company and having the right travel insurance has never been more important.
10) When is my agent traveling?
We are hearing more and more clients asking us this. We are closing watching the situation and right now we have two trips scheduled. The Galapagos Islands for April 19, 2021 and a unique Egypt tour with an extension to Jordon on October 18, 2021. Details here
