Cancelled travel plans — not cancelled travelers
You planned on entering the new decade with a fresh perspective and a mission to cross off places on your bucket list. Now, your travel plans have been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19. Or maybe you’re on the fence about whether you should cancel your plans yourself and hold off.
You’re not alone.
Many of us have been planning for months, if not longer, for these much anticipated voyages. Some may argue the smartest choice would be to cancel both domestic and international flights upfront, indefinitely. Others are willing to ride the wave.
As someone who is booked abroad for September, I am riding the 60-day wave. I don’t want to give up on my dream that has been in the works for quite some time, but I will make an educated decision come mid-June on whether I should cancel to travel based off the available data at the time.
Health factors to keep in mind first and foremost are: whether the number of new cases have decreased, what new measures that country or state is implementing, if new treatments are available and your proximity to hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Let’s say your plans are booked sooner in the next 60–90 days. Answer this: Is this trip worth contracting COVID-19, and do I have access to the necessary resources in the event that I do contract it?
If you answered yes, continue reading to ensure you’re as prepped as can be.
- Airfare and Travel Insurance
We all know flying isn’t cheap. First things first, reach out to your airline and find out whether your airfare is refundable or not, and if they are still flying to your destination. Most airlines are offering credits regardless of destination. Delta is now extending credits through May 2022. Here is a list of airlines and how they’re responding to customer concerns around upcoming travel plans.
If you purchased travel insurance with your flight, review your policy and see exactly where you’re covered. Not only do you want to double check your refund eligibility, you should prioritize understanding the medical coverage in the event you get sick days ahead of traveling, or even once you reach your destination. The later you opt to cancel your trip, the greater the risk you carry in not receiving a refund or credit.
2. Accommodations
Whether you’re staying at a hotel, AirBnB, Bed and Breakfast, hostel, or with people you know, you should also find out whether your stay is reimbursable, or if they are still hosting tourists during your travel dates. If you haven’t yet booked accommodations but still plan on doing so, you may want to reconsider the type of place or neighborhood to follow the proper social distancing guidelines where you are. Local officials are primarily responsible for instilling their own procedures that coincide with federal regulations. Don’t forget to check that region or county’s official website for any possible travel restrictions.
3. Excursions and Transportation
In addition to airfare and accommodations, you’ll want to know whether tour guides or other group activities are still ongoing, and if public transportation is still “all aboard”. If you can take matters into your own hands by avoiding public transit and getting around by foot or your own car, that might be the way to go. How close do you plan on staying to major points of interest? Is your guide canceled or reallocating the number of tourists per group? Do your research ahead of time!
Now, have you reconsidered your travel plans? If you have, remember that you can still keep up the momentum and excitement for visiting your destination by doing a bit more planning over the course of 2020, and researching the best getaways and deals for when you’re ready.
Just because you’re not traveling, doesn’t mean you can’t reinvent the wheel and experience a “fauxcation.” Afar, a travel magazine and guide, is challenging tourists to find creative ways to bring their destination to their home through the #TRAVELATHOMECHALLENGE.
You can still keep your 2020 resolution in tact and participate like a couple who was ventured for Patagonia did, The New York Times reports. By photoshopping their social distancing activities into their would-be Patagonia experience, they were able to act out their daily itinerary into what’s becoming a fun and safe way for travelers to vacation.
In the meantime, do your homework on daytrips from your area, and hit up some national parks or beaches while maintaining a safe distance.
Have tips on how to prepare for a trip post-pandemic or ways to experience a fauxcation? Share ’em below!
