I want to take few minutes to update things to consider when traveling in regards to Travel/Vacations thru at least 2021.
Bluntly COVID is going to impact Vacations and Travel for quite some time.
Here are some tips for
First and Foremost . IF you have travel already booked, DO NOT PAY OFF YOUR BALANCE UNTIL FINAL PAYMENT DATE. That doesn't mean spend the money you had planned on paying for your vacation. Find a savings account( maybe a high interest and one that doesn't restrict access to the money when you need it). Every time you plan on making a payment, stick that money in that account. It will take discipline, but here is why. If you are due a refund, it has taken MONTHS, not weeks to get that money back. That is right MONTHS. Things have gotten better with refunds as less people are booked for 2021 and people booking closer to trips, but there are still instances depending on the supplier of it taking months to see the money back.
Booking New Vacations or Travel for 2021 through 2022-
There is some optimism out there with being able to return to normal as more people that get vaccinated as there should be. The population that is hesitant about get the shots though are stalling that return normal. I highly recommend getting vaccinated as traveling to abroad or on a cruise ship maybe a requirement. Getting caught faking a vaccine card and being Vaccinated card could result sitting in less than pleasant 3rd world jail cell. We are seeing a small percentage of people falsifying that they are vaccinated right now. Hope that trend ends quickly. It should not be political and having vaccine requirements are not new. As a side note if you falsify a record, you may also be jeopardizing a transportation workers job. Every time someone is found to be falsify a vaccination requirement, an investigation is opened and your first point of travel is put under scrutiny to see if they followed the procedures. It could and has resulted in fines for the person that has checked your documents and also termination.
PAY THE DEPOSIT ONLY AND UNDERSTAND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. That is right pay the bare minimum that is required and understand the cancellation and refund policies. Then revert back to the First thing I said here about paying the Balance off. Why? What is open today for travel could close tomorrow. Example: The Bahamas reopened for travel beginning of July 2020, then not too shortly after they closed again to United States Citizens due the rise of cases in the United States. Then they opened again with more restrictive travel requirements Who will close or open next to the United States?
Refunds- While some destinations, suppliers, and cruise lines are offering full refunds. There are some that are not , even more now that are saying "Hey you booked during the Pandemic, there is no way we are going to give you a full refund." Example: Say you booked and All-inclusive resort to Mexico that included airfare through Banana Vacations because your agent found you the best price through that supplier. Banana Vacations may say" we are keeping the deposit(which total airfare more than likely was included in the deposit) and will only issue an airfare credit that has to be used by this date." There are even some suppliers, if the package is paid in full before final payment date, just issuing a credit for airfare instead of full refund. This is even happening if an area closes down due to COVID. so BUYER BEWARE and read the fine print on the cancellation policy and Refund Policy.
Still with me?
Modes of transportation- Planes, trains, Boats, and automobiles. Every company that owns one these forms of transportation are courting you to come travel with them. They are showboating their Polices and procedures that are meant to keep you "Safe" while traveling. Some are enforcing those polices, others not so much and it's not hard to figure it out who is doing what. Also if at all possible, BUY DIRECTLY from the mode of transportation company as their cancellation and Refund Programs are more upfront. Now that doesn't mean bypass a travel agent, that means Bypass places that are Discounters like Expedia, Cheap air, etc. You may get to a counter or call XYZ airlines expect help and they say "so sad you have to deal with Expedia for rebooking or cancellations." If you use a travel agent, they are going to be your advocate during this time. Just remember, a travel agent does not make policies and procedures of their suppliers.
Stay Informed about where you are traveling- There is a lot of JUNK out there in the media with COVID, Protest, and Politics. Try to find legitimate local sources about the areas you are traveling to stay better informed about what is happening in that area. They should have better up to date information than say the mass media. For example: I suggest Supporting your local tourist industry. Here we have a big draw in the Lake Michigan Shore line. Beaches in Illinois and Indiana has closed down due people not following COVID Guidelines, so people from Indiana and Illinois are flooding the beaches in Michigan at a higher rate than normal and many beaches are very crowded. A local source would have this information and lesser know beaches to travel to where they might not be so crowded.
Traveling to Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, or other Regional Theme Parks- Yes they opened and hoped that they would be embraced by the general public. Many instead are embraced by controversy. Initially crowds flocked to the parks, but that rush of people was mainly Diehard Annual Passholder and locals. So if you want the low crowds, try not visit during days when passholders might have events. Many diehards are saying with the low crowds and mask, some of the magic is lost. Plan on reduced hours, large morning rushes to the parks, limited shops/food options, and stressed workers. Many if these places will more than likely remain open as to try to keep money flowing.
Love your Travel Agent- Many have lost their entire incomes for last year as a vast majority work on commission only. With every spike of COVID, extension of No Sail Orders, and Location closing its another kick to their income. Many Agencies won't survive this. Innovative Agencies are taking the time to evolve while finding other income streams. Those income streams can be sneaky MLM scams of hiring new agents and charging them fees to make money.
Matt's Firehouse Family Vacations- My "doors" are still open and will continue to be open for the foreseeable future to service past, current, and Future Clients. I will continue booking your vacations ethically and give you the correct (sometimes blunt) information you need to make an informed decision on your travel. While I keep the doors open, I am also exploring ways to generate income in this downtime for travel. While doing so, I will not waver in the quality you have come to expect from me over the years. I am doing what I can to not catch COVID, but I do have split custody of my child, so my risk is increased from traveling between households and hope for the best. If I do become incapacitated and not able service clients, I have lined up back up agents to step in and help. My hope is it never has to come to that.
If you made it this far, here is the post from May 4th, 2021.
Things to consider for Travel during the Pandemic.
Please read with an open mind all the way through. We are still learning about COVID-19 and I want you to stay healthy.
Many in the travel industry may throw hate at me over this.
You may not agree with me and that is your right. Yes my income relies on people traveling because I have a travel agency and also working for an airline but:
1) Don't be the Guinea Pig
2) IF you must travel, be prepared to stay where you travel if you get sick until the illness runs it's course.(This could mean many weeks and in worse case death, let the last one sink in)
3) You may have to stay on your cruise ship for weeks if an outbreak occurs.
4) If you travel out of the country you may not be able to come back if transportation shuts down or the government closes the borders.
5)The country you travel to may have stricter laws and restrictions over COVID than the U.S. does.
6) Understand if you travel to or from a COVID hot spot, you may have mandatory quarantine time.
7) Your local economy and local tourist destinations needs you more than Disney, Universal, Cruise line, and other countries. (Theme park revune for Disney is roughly 37% of the company's total revune. Cruise lines will take bigger hit than Disney and universal)
😎 Are you ok not knowing if others don't care if they are sick and still travel?
9) If Traveling to warmer climates and theme parks in higher heat, can you handle a wearing a face mask or waiting outside in the heat for rides, food, and transportation?
10) If going to Disney or similar theme park, are you ok with them potentially closing indoor attractions or running half of the attractions but still charging full price?
11) If traveling during the wet season to Central Florida theme parks, are you fine gathering quickly in close spaces with people during the "sudden" afternoon thunderstorm.
12) Are you ok doing Disney or Universal with no Shows or Nighttime shows that in the past have been places of larger gatherings?
13) Policies could change after you book and companies could cancel your reservation. In some cases you may not be given a refund and only offered future credit towards another visit or cruise.
14) If offered a refund, it could 90 days or longer to get that money back.
15) Are you fine using mass transportation that may or may not be cleaned in between use? ( The major airlines don't use the same methods and they are hoping you don't research if the methods they use actually work)
16) Some destinations may hold off on opening over fear of law suits if outbreaks are traced back to their destinations.( it is already happening, this includes lawsuits against travel agents/agencies)
Here is what I suggest:
Hit your local tourist spots with caution this year adhering to CDC Guidelines. Also understand that those destinations may not be fully operational. Yes travel agents, like myself, can help you with some local vacations spots.
Start a Vacation Savings account for when the real experts(not arm chair facebook experts), doctors, and scientist give the thumbs up for the pandemic to be over.
If you have questions, please ask
Try not to make this political.
Respect other opinions.
Most of all STAY HEALTHY!
Please share if you feel you should
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