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2020 was a pretty long and rough year for all of us. If I'm going to be honest, sometimes it felt like we'd never be traveling again, but things are starting to look up! I'm here to tell you that it's possible to travel in 2021 while still being safe! Here are five must-know travel tips for this year:
1. Make sure you're insured
Purchase a travel insurance policy the same day you book the first part of your trip. This is probably the most important tip I can give you. Last year when COVID-19 hit, the first wave of travel cancellations, many trips went uninsured because travel insurances didn't cover pandemics. Some travel insurance policies now cover some pandemic-related cancellations. You must compare policies before settling on an insurance policy. If possible, purchase a Cancel for Any Reason policy. The allowed cancellation reasons are expanded if you choose this option.
2. Know the Rules and Regulations Before You Book
Before you go anywhere, you need to know the health and safety protocols of every country you plan on visiting. Policies and protocols can change quickly, so it's essential to frequently check them in the weeks and even days before your trip. When you book with me I provide country specific links in your digital itinerary. The sites you should be checking are:
3. Plan ahead of time
You can never be too prepared. With restrictions differing by location, you'll need to plan out your trip. In destinations with curfews, you need to make sure you know where you're going and around what time you will be there. Restaurants, bars, and sites may be restricting the number of visitors at any given time, have reduced hours, or be closed until a specific date. Car rentals are in high demand as public transportation is not ideal right now. Making sure your itinerary is planned accordingly will reduce stress and anxiety on your trip.
4. Keep your plans flexible
With new restrictions in place, you need to be as flexible as possible. Restrictions on being outside, on the beach, or a change in your scheduled flights are all realistic situations travelers have been facing over the past year. Your plans can change in a heartbeat, and you need to have a plan B. If this sounds like a hassle, let me take care of all the planning, so you can concentrate on enjoying your trip.
5. Take advantage of cancellable bookings.
Many hotels and airlines have adopted generous cancellation policies to get people interested in traveling again. Many hotels and airlines are making it easier to cancel bookings by giving you the option to cancel days before your scheduled trip. Although a company's cancellation policy may sound great on the surface, that doesn't mean you should go ahead and book with them as soon as possible! Not all companies are financially stable right now, rendering their cancellation policies useless in the event they close for good. If you purchase your travel insurance policy in a timely matter, you may benefit by being granted coverage for financial default of a supplier. This is another reason why a travel insurance policy is a good investment.
I hope these tips helped make traveling in 2021 a possibility for you! Whether you need a break or want to get away for a change in scenery, the last tip I can give you is to play it safe and make sure you're relaxed before you travel. It's not really a vacation if you're still stressed. Hand over the responsibility of planning and making sure you're up to date on the changing policies and protocols to me while you make the most of your vacation. Be smart and travel safe. And most importantly, remember to have fun!