Finally the world is opening once more and we can look forward to enjoying everything we love about travel.
That being said the world isn't the same and neither is the process of getting away so here's my top tips to travelling in a post pandemic world.
Be prepared for changes
Wherever you travel to, flights are still being cancelled or times moved, COVID requirements and restrictions are very fluid so changes can happen at any time.
Your holiday will be different
With many destinations still operating under COVID restrictions such as face masks and social distancing, your holiday will feel different so please travel with an open mind and co-operate with guidelines. Be prepared that some hotel facilities to be restricted, numbers may be limited for tourist sights and restaurants so pre book anything you really want to do to avoid disappointment.
Book early
Never has this been more important. There's really been no such thing as a late bargain for years and this is ever more true as we emerge from the pandemic and people feel more confident to travel.
Holidays from the last 2 years have been moved, there are less flights available and many hotels are running at lower occupany levels. This all adds up to less availability especially for once in a lifetime experiences such as cruises, luxury trains and iconic hotels. Free child places are limited in the package market and family rooms at a premium.
Book a fully protected package holiday
We've all seen the rise of booking a holiday yourself over recent years - flights with the airline, hotels on booking.com, tours on Viator etc. Often perceived as being cheaper and many customers love the challenge of creating their own holiday. Of course with this comes the challenge of resolving problems when things go wrong. Who has time to spend hours on the phone to an airline or wants the risk of that 'cheap hotel' not giving them a refund when flights are cancelled?
Booking a holiday with me means all this risk and potential stress is eliminated. All my holidays are protected by ATOL so should a supplier cease to trade I find an alternative holiday for you and you receive a full refund on the original booking by claiming on ATOL.
You can still create your own holiday as many of my packages are tailormade, you just have peace of mind you'll be looked after every step of the way.
Check the booking terms and conditions
Know where you stand before paying any money. Often the cheapest package will have the most restrictive conditions or a high deposit. You often find by paying a bit more the holiday is more flexible or as with me you have a superior service. All my holidays have full COVID advice included from point of enquiry to when you return home. Direct contact details with WhatsApp for when you are away should there be an emergency or change to travel requirements.
Research travel insurance before you book
Most insurance companies offer COVID cover now but level of cover will vary. Some destinations require a certain value of cover or proof of policy at check in. Pre travel cover for COVID is essential. A tour operator will only look to move your holiday if you test positive just before departure, any refund would be an insurance claim.
Check your passport is valid
Might seem very obvious but there's nothing worse than looking forward to a holiday then finding your passport has expired. Renew it early as turnaround times are unpredictable. To travel to Europe, British passport holders now need a minimum of 6 months remaining. Any months added on top of your 10 year validity are no longer valid so your passport validity is 10 years from the issue date.
COVID tests
If pre departure tests are required, choose a reputable and reliable company. Many destinations require a negative test within a couple of days of departure so in person tests are less risky than by post especially if you are travelling on a weekend, public holiday or during peak travel times such as school holidays.
Print all your documents
To ease your way through check in and security have all your documents printed out rather than just on your phone. Be organised!
My final and most important tip is......
Go for it! Book the holiday, make memories and enjoy the world once again.