These are unprecedented situations and some of the most challenging times we have seen in the travel industry. Travel has come to a crawl around the globe as airlines, cruise lines and hotels curtail services, and countries are closing down borders and imposing mandatory quarantine periods. We understand how these concerns are weighing heavily on your day-to-day life and impacting any thoughts you might have about your current or future travel plans. 

 

We are very proud to say that our advisors have been working around the clock to navigate through the changes that are rapidly taking place.  We continue to provide the information, guidance and assistance you need to re-route trips in progress, re-book planned travel over the next few months, and review future travel options. 

 

Thank you for your messages of support and for your understanding and patience as you’ve been working with our advisors.  During a time when so many people are uncertain if they should continue with their future travel plans, having an expert travel advisor by your side is a MUST. 

 

We are here to support you, but we need your help too.   Our agency is a local small business. When you are ready to start traveling again, we will need your support. Please contact our local agency rather than reserving directly when you are ready to make future travel plans. We genuinely appreciate your referral of friends and family as well.   We are available and here to help you now and we will be here when you are ready to travel again.

No matter when or where you are traveling, having a trusted travel advisor can give you peace of mind.  Please know we appreciate your loyalty, friendship and we are here to help. During this uncertain time, please stay safe, stay connected, and together, we’ll get through this.

Resources for Travel During Coronavirus Outbreak

 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) resources:

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are monitoring the situation in real-time. Both organizations have issued guidance for preventing exposure to respiratory illnesses. The CDC also has a page on travel as well as a page outlining what you need to know and how to protect yourself.

 

Travel warnings and advisories:

The U.S. State Department issues up-to-date travel advisories and warnings.

 

Please note, the U.S. Department of State has officially urged all Americans to reconsider travel with a Global Level 3 Health Advisory – Reconsider Travel. In addition, many countries have begun implementing strict screening procedures in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. See a list of embassy websites for country-specific COVID-19 information. Foreign governments and tourism bureaus also maintain information about the spread of coronavirus in their countries.

 

Arrival restrictions:

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a Notice of Arrival Restrictions outlining the process for American citizens, legal permanent residents, and their immediate families who are returning home after recently visiting certain European countries, China, and Iran.  It also has a very useful graphic about returning to the U.S.

 

Other travel news:  

• Members of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world's largest cruise industry trade association, have voluntarily and temporarily suspended cruise ship operations from U.S. ports of call until April 14.
• In addition, most major theme parks have announced closings through the end of March.

 

Practical advice when traveling:

If you do travel in and around impacted countries, be prepared to follow the CDC recommendations for health screenings and quarantines. Practice good hygiene, good hand hygiene, cover your cough, avoid contact with symptomatic people, stay home if you are ill, and use a disinfecting wipe to clean hard surfaces while traveling.

 

Whether traveling domestically or internationally, we recommend you purchase travel insurance for an additional layer of protection. Only certain “cancel for any reason” policies will allow you to cancel your trip without a specific incident.

 

When traveling internationally, we encourage you to enroll in the STEP program. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. As an enrolled traveler, you can receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in a destination country, help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, and help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.

 

What if I have to change my immediate plans?

Many travel providers have introduced flexible policies in the event your plans change or you want to make future plans. Please contact us to assist you. Also, if you’ve purchased travel insurance, check with your insurance provider about your plan’s coverage. No matter when or where you are traveling, having a trusted travel advisor can give you peace of mind.