Our Coronavirus (Covid-19) Approach
With the emergence of coronavirus and the related press coverage, it is understandable that this will have raised questions and concerns regarding making travel plans.
As your local specialist travel agent, we would like to take this opportunity to provide some reassurance and clarity. We are closely monitoring the situation as it evolves. We are receiving the most up-to-date information on any changes to travel advice from the UK Foreign Office as well as from our travel partners with the benefit of their in-destination contacts.
We are taking the situation very seriously and are here to support all our clients in helping you to make the best possible decisions for your travel plans. Everyone’s situation and circumstances are different so we always make recommendations on a case by case basis but we have outlined our general guidelines as to how we are managing the Covid-19 situation below.
Information for if you have already made a booking with us.
In this time of unprecedented uncertainty everyone in the travel industry is striving to work together on your behalf period and we are already seeing companies increasing the flexibility of their cancellation policies in response.
Alternative options that may be possible include:
- Postponing your trip to a later date or even next year. In this situation, depending on the cost of the new arrangements, you may be required to pay additional costs or be due a refund, which we can talk to you about.
- Changing the destination of travel. Again, depending on the cost of the new arrangements, you may be required to pay additional costs or be due a refund of the difference, which we can set-out for you.
Cancelling your holiday.
If you decide to completely cancel your trip instead, this will be in accordance with the booking terms and conditions. Please be aware cancellation charges are likely to apply. If this is still your preferred option, we would suggest you contact your insurance company without delay to see whether you are able to recover any of these costs.
Further Advice for current bookings
Check your Travel Insurance
We always advise travelling with an appropriate insurance policy in place for your peace of mind. This is particularly relevant in the light of Covid-19. Be aware that changes to FCO advice might invalidate your insurance cover so it is important to know the wording of your policy.
It is recommended to consider taking out your travel insurance policy as soon as possible after confirming your booking to provide cancellation cover if you are unable to travel (check policy wording). Travel insurance may also allow you to claim for any additional costs not covered by the Package Travel Regulations (e.g. disruption to travel cover). Not all policies are the same so you must check the wording carefully to ensure you are getting the cover you expect . Always check details with your travel insurance provider if you are unsure.
Useful Links for Travel Insurance Information https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/02/coronavirus-travel-help-and-your-rights/
https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/topics-and-issues/coronavirus-qa/
Information Regarding Booking a Future Trip.
As we are all aware, going abroad on holiday always involves a certain level of risk but understandably Covid-19 is currently giving travellers extra cause for concern. Past experience tells us this storm will pass but whilst the situation is still evolving you may well be feeling uncertain about making future travel plans.
The good news is the travel industry is very experienced at adapting and operating during these types of significant world events. The safety of travellers is the priority for travel companies, and our decisions will follow British Government advice as is always the case.
We pride ourselves on our excellent relationships with our specialist travel partners. They have their ear to the ground at all times ensuring we, as your travel agent, have an enormous wealth of up to the minute knowledge from countless sources to help inform our advice and suggestions for our clients. We are here to listen, understand and alleviate your concerns so do talk to us about your requirements. We would be delighted to help you plan a wonderful holiday to look forward to, always with the added reassurance of full financial protection. The silver lining might be that this is the excuse you’ve needed to try something completely different for your next trip!
Whatever your thoughts, share them with us and we will seek to find you your perfect escape.
Useful Links
Foreign Office advice
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/
NHS Health Advice
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Cruise Lines International Advice
https://cruising.org/news-and-research/press-room/2020/march/clia-covid-19-toolkit
Travel Insurance Advice
https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/topics-and-issues/coronavirus-qa/
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/02/coronavirus-travel-help-and-your-rights/
ABTA Advice
https://www.abta.com/news/coronavirus-outbreak
World Health Organisation Information
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
