5 Travel Tips For A Post Covid World
Are you confused yet? Are you ready to “get outta Dodge” to explore in our brave new travel environment? Yes, I hear you. It’s a jungle out there! Traveler stories of delays, cancellations, and misinformation abound, to say nothing of the ridiculously long hold times if you need to speak to someone at your travel company of choice…if they answer the phone at all.
Fear not! Your professional travel advisor is waiting to connect and come to the rescue. After many months of fewer requests, the community of advisors who are worth their weight in gold are ready to assist. Don’t go it alone, especially now. There are many reasons you will want to create a relationship with a pro if you haven’t already. Here are just 5 of them.
Tip #1 — A Travel professional already has a relationship with the best company for your dream trip.
We advisors have now had over 18 months of learning and relationship building, and we know which company to use for every city, nation and continent in the world. Will you pay more for our knowledge and connections? That depends. There are many times we are able to SAVE customers money, but, more importantly, that relationship with the supplier and their team makes a huge difference in the support, confidence, and ability to make changes or get upgrades for my special travelers. We work tirelessly for YOU, the consumer, with the goal of creating the most memorable, authentic travel experiences you have ever had.
Tip #2 — If you are ready to travel now, check with a travel advisor to see what the requirements are for the city you will visit.
Your travel pro will continue to watch the ever-fluent travel restrictions, updating you with changes as they occur. This is a great source.
Travel Restrictions (joinsherpa.com)
Tip #3 — Get assistance navigating all of the travel insurance options out there.
Traveler needs for insurance plans differ greatly. And, for example, Costa Rica is currently REQUIRING you to have a specific amount of coverage per person, too. Do you really want to take the time wading through insurance plans? That’s what I thought.
Tip #4 — Travel professionals can save you HOURS of planning time.
Sure, many folks love the hunt…and we are grateful if you have done your research in advance and think you know what you want and where to book it. But did you know that most of our travel companies offer a price match? And did you know that many of our travel partners also consistently have $$$ off promotion codes? And did you know that your travel advisor can probably save you even more…just because we do this all day every day for people just like you who love the hunt? What might take you several hours we can do FOR you. Obviously you are in control of the details in the end, as we will want to create your trip with the same expectations you have. Enhancements may appear for you as well. You will likely get MORE for your money.
Tip #5 — Using a professional travel advisor puts them in your pocket during your trip. This alone is reason enough to contact your advisor to start planning.
Do you really want to navigate this post-Covid world alone? There are so many pieces in the travel itinerary where something unexpected could occur. Flights change or are cancelled, misconnections occur, medical emergencies cause havoc, hotels can overbook, weather can disrupt well-laid plans. How many more potential pitfalls can you think of? Perhaps you will sleep much better the evening before your trip begins if you have the services of a travel pro. it makes perfect sense, especially these days.
So, my friend, where to next?
My active trip planning for clients currently includes a large Greek 2022 cruise group, a Virgin Voyages Caribbean adventure, two different Ireland self-drive adventures, several Viking Cruises voyages on both river and ocean, Alaska cruise, Hawaii, Italy, lots of Mexico, a destination wedding group, and a ladies retreat in Florida. If you prefer not to use a passport right now, river cruising in the NW, wine country in Sonoma, our great National Parks system, and Puerto Rico and the other US Virgin Islands beckon. Heading myself to Cabo San Lucas in October, and I cannot wait to get back there. Oh, and at press time it was announced that Canada is opening their borders in early August. Yay!
Ready to reach out? I would love to work with you.
