Who, what, when, where, why and how are the 6 basic questions used to arrive at answers for information gathering and problem solving. So why not use this tried and true way to look at the problem, that we all have, travel in the time of Covid-19. From your local weekend getaway to international travel, what’s the answer?
My first venture out - A day trip to Sonoma, CA for a socially distanced lunch on an outdoor patio. After Shelter in Place for 10 weeks it felt like a vacation!
Disclosure: I am referring to vacation travel, not business or family emergency. I am not recommending anything. This is all informational. My goal is to educate, equip and empower you, to make the best decisions, for you and your loved ones.
Who is going to travel?
Travelers, by nature, are adventurous souls. That said, everyone has a different tolerance for risk. There is no right or wrong, as long as you follow the CDC and other health organization guidelines. Ignoring them is totally irresponsible and puts lives at risk; yours and others.
Some people have had Covid -19, been tested and have antibodies. That person may feel more willing to travel. Someone with a compromised respiratory system, may not be willing to even venture outside their home. These are opposite ends of the continuum. In the middle are those that are willing to travel, observing the guidelines of mask wearing, social distancing, washing hands and wiping surfaces with steri cloths. Others will not travel until there is a vaccine and/or cure. A range exists within these options. These are all very personal decisions.
What is happening now to travel?
The world is beginning to open up. Domestically some states and regions are more open than others. Even CA & NY are beginning to relax Shelter in Place, in stages. Internationally we are starting to see countries and regions open their borders, starting in June and July. Nothing is back to pre Covid times, but tiny steps are beginning to happen. We still have to see where; US citizens can enter without quarantine. After all, we have managed this pandemic, worse than any other country. Countries that have 0 or low Covid cases, may not want to chance US citizens bringing the virus back.
When can you travel?
Some of this goes back to who. If you are in the, there must be a vaccine and/or cure group, then you have a wait ahead of you. For those who are willing to travel, using the CDC guidelines, you have more options based on your tolerances. Here’s my advice. I would wait to see how things go, as places open up. I don’t recommend being the first to go to an international destination. If all goes well, I think 4th quarter 2020 will be viable for certain places. For domestic travel, trips can happen sooner. More about this as we move on.
Where should you consider?
Warm destinations, with wide open spaces and outdoor activities. Think golf, fly fishing, hiking, biking. Destinations that have had low Covid impact or have recovered and have 0-few new cases. The Caribbean meets all of these criteria. Now is the time to enjoy nature, in more remote areas. Those breathtaking places, where you’ll have the beach to yourself.
The world class cities will still be there. You don’t need to go while the museums, restaurants and landmark sites are closed. Rearrange your Wanderlist. Is this your year to take that road trip to see the national parks? Maybe just a weekend away, to that charming little village, within driving distance?
Why should you travel?
Travel is healthy for your mind and your body. Study after study has associated travel with increased happiness, creativity and well-being. Taking time to disconnect to reconnect with your family and loved ones, not only improves those relationships, but all your relationships. People who travel are promoted more often and make more money. Travel creates memories that are shared for a lifetime. Travel is educational, on so many levels. It broadens your horizons and opens new doors. New experiences and new friendships enrich your life.
Has Shelter in Place and being distanced from your loved ones, made you want to plan for some quality time together?
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”
How can you travel?
This is for you, if you have decided you are open to traveling before the vaccine and/or cure is in place.
These are the important considerations. Avoid crowds, take private tours, be out in open spaces, only stay in hotels and rentals that are professionally managed. You want to be sure the sanitation procedures are rigid. For now, I would avoid owner run B&B’s, Air B&B and any other similar rental systems, that do not have professional management, inspecting properties, to be sure they are up to standards.
Domestically:
You can do day trips or weekend getaways to cute little towns or seaside communities near were you leave. Check to see what the restaurant situation is to be sure you can dine. In some places, only hotels are opening. Restaurants may only be take-out. That’s fine, you just want to know what to expect.
Ready to go further, think national parks. The parks have been gearing up for this. They have instituted sanitizing and safe practices. However, information centers and other self-guided experiences may be limited or not open at all. Private guides with private vehicle have access that are not available on your own. We have some fabulous private itineraries planned for parks in Alaska, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, and Montana. More as more states open up. Combining a luxury mountain ranch, with a national park visit could be a fabulous summer option. Maybe this is the time to learn fly-fishing or rent a lakefront house with no one nearby. We have lots of ideas.
Internationally:
The Caribbean, Mexico, Africa and Europe are slowly opening up. I would consider these destinations as early as 4th quarter 2020. My mantra to clients, with regard to cancellations, has been “Wait & See”. It has worked very well and clients have gotten the best results. I feel this applies equally well to 4th quarter bookings. These destinations will be opening June and July. Let’s sit back and observe how it goes. There will be some bumps as they ramp back up and accommodate all the new regulations as well as plans for contactless movement through airports and passport controls. If all goes well, I think 4th quarter can be a go.
Holiday Time:
If your family always goes away for Thanksgiving and/or the Holiday/New Year’s break, you still can. Rent a villa on a private beach, you’ll have a pool to yourself, the place will be sanitized before you arrive. We can even have it stocked with groceries and a private chef. It might not be the resort you always go to, but it’s a socially distanced way of being together, as an alternative to staying home.
Safari in Africa:
Talk about being remote, no crowds and out in nature. Maybe this is the time to move that Bucket List item up. Safaris usually need to be planned a year to 18 months in advance. Exactly because the accommodations at the camps are very limited. Given the current situation, we might be able to find some last-minute openings. Could this be the Holiday gift for everyone in your family?
“Vacation Do Over”
If you had a trip planned for 2020 it’s likely, you have a Future Travel Credit. Many people have asked if there will be deals and should they wait to book their trip. The answer is no. All the cancellations, worldwide, are now looking to re-book their trips for 2021. The problem is many people had already booked vacations for 2021, before Covid-19. As I mentioned before African Safaris are booked 1-2 years in advance. Families that know a milestone celebration is happening, will often book far in advance. Destination weddings canceled in 2020 are competing with weddings previously booked for 2021. There will be a lot of vacation dollars chasing the same availability's. Layer that with hotels, cruise lines limiting occupancy to maintain social distancing and there are not going to be tons of deals. I would re-book your vacation sooner than later. Most companies are offering some kind of Peace of Mind Terms and Conditions for booking now. You can wait on airfare, but I wouldn’t for the rest.
The good news is there are options for this summer and certainly 4th quarter 2020. However, to maintain social distancing and avoid crowds, the options are going to be higher end; smaller, more luxurious properties and private guide experiences.
For those who are concerned about commercial flights (and your travel budget allows), private jets are an option.
Please feel free to contact us to talk about your thoughts, concerns and dreams. We are here to give you information, so that you can make the decision that feels right for you. Everyone is different, there is no right or wrong.
Travel will come back to normal. It always has.
Until the vaccine and/or cure, there will be changes to how you do travel. How much you want to adapt to that, is your decision.
We make it easy to experience the joy of travel without the effort.
We turn travel fantasies into realities for individuals and groups.
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