By Martin Owen
I’ve been in the travel and tourism business for a long time and consequently, rather like medical doctors, am often asked for advice and opinions when I meet people in a social situation. Luckily, the questions I’m asked are not usually of a serious nature. Normally it’s limited to ‘where should I go for my vacation?’, or ‘which airline is best?’. Invariably questions that are difficult to answer objectively. They always rely on an element of personal opinion. My experience leads me to ask a few questions – what do you like to do on vacation, are you a luxury lover or is saving money highest on your wish list? Then I can offer an informed, hopefully professional suggestion. As you can imagine, with the on-going pandemic I’m often asked ‘is it safe to travel?’, ‘should I go on vacation?’ Or ‘should I cancel my vacation?’.
Truthfully, those are all questions that you can only answer for yourself.
However, after seeking information from other long-term professionals and industry experts, I can offer some pointers that may assist in your decision. None of this is political, I would stress. I’m just putting information in front of you that comes from my fellow travel gurus.
Firstly, all depends on to where you intend to travel, and how you plan your transportation. International travel is a major issue. Many international destinations do not allow arrivals, certainly not for leisure reasons. If you did manage to travel from the USA to places that would allow you to enter, getting back into the USA could be extremely problematic. The requirements for vaccination, proof of negative COVID tests and the need to quarantine on arrival or return (or both) plus the very high cost of the various tests can all be prohibitive. Added to all that is the fact the requirements change rapidly, even while you are en route. So, if you are considering international travel, you must, and I repeat – must – take advice from a travel professional who is constantly monitoring the situation. That professional should be in touch with you constantly while you are traveling and be in a passion to help you if needed. I would suggest that on-line travel agencies may not be in a position to offer that assistance.
For travel within the USA, the situation is different. Some areas are requesting that you don’t travel regardless of your vaccination status. As I write this (at the beginning of September) Hawaii is one such area. As I said above, the situation changes almost daily.
In some cities, particularly outside Florida, there are requirement for people entering restaurants and attractions to show proof of vaccination. If you’re not vaccinated that may affect your ability to enjoy your travel experience to the full. It may be worth taking that into consideration before you travel.
If you are planning to fly to your vacation, be aware that the current, and for the foreseeable future, requirement is that you wear a face mask for the entirety of your check-in and flight. If you’re not concerned with that – no problem, but if you don’t wish to comply the requirements you should take that into consideration. Similar requirements apply to train and bus travel.
For those of us in Florida and on the Northern Gulf Coast in general, we are used to tourists behaving much as in the past. Yes, there have been capacity restrictions in restaurants and attractions, but in general our summer vacation period has seen high booking levels and the industry as a whole has had a very good season.
What I am learning from my industry colleagues domestic travel depends on your vaccination status and how much disruption you are willing tolerate. Naturally as well as the effects on your own enjoyment experience, it’s worth considering things like how medically stressed is the area which you are planning to visit. For example, if you were on vacation and you were taken ill or involved in even a minor accident, would the local medical infrastructure be able to treat you?
Lastly, I will give you two pieces of advice.
If you are planning to travel do not book anything that is ‘nonrefundable’. If you are forced to change your plans either from your own decision or something forced upon you, be absolutely sure that you can get your money (or the majority of it) back. Remember that although many travel companies are very fast to take your money when you book, there seem to be a good number that take a an extremely long to process a refund, if they indeed do refund.
Secondly, take travel insurance. Yes, it’s an additional cost to your vacation, but in relation to the totals cost of your trip, it’s a very small amount.
If you are traveling, enjoy your trip. Remember that hospitality workers have been under intense stress for many months and restaurants and hotels are suffering from low staffing levels. Please be considerate and kind to your servers, hotel staff, airline employees and others. Be patient and please tip!
Once again, travel safely, do not book anything that is non-refundable and take travel insurance!