After a difficult year, dreaming about a post-pandemic trip may be exhilarating for those suffering from stir-craziness. But with everything so uncertain, preparing to be flexible is the key. Here are a few tips you start with when planning a getaway this year.
Flexible Booking Policies
Hotels, airlines, and tour companies have now made it easier to cancel trips within weeks or even days of your departure date. When booking, take into consideration the number of COVID-19 cases and how the situation is developing in the place you’re looking to visit.
Read the Fine Print
The travel industry has suffered a blow following reports of passengers stranded on cruise ships rampant with COVID-19 cases even though the CDC has lifted its No Sail Order. Some lines have delayed their restart dates, so it is recommended to avoid booking right now. If you do, take advantage of the lenient cancellation or change policies but remember to read the fine print as you may not get your deposit back.
Follow Destination-Specific Advisories
The Department of State and CDC both maintain travel warnings for different areas of the world, providing risk ratings by country and advising against all unessential travel. While this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t book travel, you should continue to check-in frequently as your trip approaches and prepare a backup plan.
Get Travel Insurance
Before the pandemic, most travel insurance policies didn’t offer the most comprehensive coverage, but that’s not true anymore. New policies have been introduced that cover pandemic-related cancellations, but they tend to be pricey. You are more likely to spend less if you avoid the insurance altogether and book with providers that let you cancel without penalty.
Talk to A Travel Adviser
Consult a pro who understands travel insurance, confusing entry requirements, and more which will help you reduce the odds of disaster. Keep up on various pandemic entry requirements, hotel modifications, and cleanliness policies, since things can change fast.
Keep Your Mask On
Vaccinations are just beginning and mitigation strategies such as mask-wearing and social distancing will be needed for another year to prevent consequent outbreaks. The same strategies you’ve been following all year, such as washing your hands, not touching your face, and keeping physical distance are going to be important.
