Travelling with uncertainty
In today’s modern age it is no wonder there is always a certain amount of fear and trepidation when we hear constant news about
War, disease aircaraft issues etc….so what is a traveller to do ? First of all relax and get your information straight before making any rash decisions about your travel plans. As a travel agent I constantly get asked questions about these issues. Some of these questions include the following
-should I book now and hope for the best?
-will insurance cover me if I book and have to cancel ?
-If I wait can I get a better deal?
-what happens if I am on my trip and all hell breaks loose?
These are all valid questions for any traveller whether you are a veteran traveller or 1st timer to the Caribbean.
Here is my take on the above questions.
SHOULD I BOOK NOW AND HOPE FOR THE BEST?
This is probably the hardest one to answer…as a travel agent our main concern is to make sure the client is Safe, happy and having an amazing experience at their destination. If there are health issues like the present one with the Covid 19 virus ..I would definitely hold off booking anything till things settle down or you have a better idea in the near future
A good gauge is to follow what the airlines tour operators etc. are doing..If you do book find out what the cancellation policies are for the foreseeable future. Keep in mind things can turn at any moment.
WILL INSURANCE COVER ME IF I HAVE TO BOOK AND CANCEL?
It is extremely important to have insurance coverage for every aspect of your trip. Many clients tell me” ya ya I am covered
By my credit card” and when they need to make a claim find out they are not ….so make 100 pct sure about the coverage with the credit card companies.
Travel insurance is an expense as part of your overall trip…if you choose not to take cancellation at least have medical ..If you get ill overseas it can wipe out your finances. If you have a trip booked and an incident occurs after you have purchased your trip and you have insurance chances are you will be covered if the government issues a travel advisory against going to the affected area. In many cases as well the airlines tour companies etc will refund or give a credit.
IF I WAIT CAN I GET A BETTER DEAL?
Chances are you will! Once an incident dies down the Airlines tour companies etc are anxious to get back into the game and want to fill those airline seats buses and cruises ship cabins….As an example with the Corona virus(Covid19) people are hesitant to cruise so sales are slower . ….but once things settle down there should be some good deals especially for Asia and Europe.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM ON A TRIP AND ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE
First of all don’t panic stay calm and take a deep breath..It is a good idea to know where the closest consulate is and even better register yourself with the consulate when travelling abroad. If you book with a travel agent she or he are a good resource to help you rebook flights etc…If you book on your own you will have to deal with the airlines etc by yourself…Always make sure a family member or friend
Knows what your itinerary is. Make sure you have extra funds in case you need extra hotel nights meals etc. (usually if you do have insurance that includes trip interruption these expenses will be covered) The most important thing I think to is to have patience.Chances are hundreds of people are in the same situation as yourself…Know you will get home even if it takes a few days ….again just make sure someone back home knows your travel plans so they can perhaps intervene or help you with your situation.
I hope this information helps you to make an informed descision and remember a travel agent always has your best interests
Before during and after a trip!
