Book With Confidence: What does that mean?
Let’s talk turkey about travel during Covid…
It’s been nearly a year since Covid-19 came crashing into our world. I think I can count on one hand the number of hugs I’ve enjoyed from extended family and friends in the last year, and my lifelong passion and artistic outlet, theatre, has all but dried up. One of the things keeping me afloat in the past year has been dreaming of all the travel I want to do once the world has returned to some semblance of normalcy.
Another thing? Doing just a little bit of travel now…
Straight talk, travellers: I am a cautious person. I was rockin’ the mask in the grocery store before Fauci said it was cool, and if Grandpa couldn’t stretch it out comfortably on the ground between us, you’re too close. I may not appear to be a high-risk person for serious Covid complications, but I do have asthma and I know what it feels like to struggle to breathe (short answer: it’s terrifying). So you are not going to find me flouting any CDC guidelines, is what I’m saying.
My family and I went on a great trip to the ocean this past summer for several days that scratched the travel itch for me, and still felt safe and comfortable for everyone in the family. Travel for me, in the time of Covid, has meant 1) adventures closer to home -no international travel for me, 2) private accommodations -like a vacation rental, 3) activities and locations that allow for fun and social distancing -lots of outdoor activities in less populated locales, and take-out and cooking at “home” instead of dining out.
I’ve also been booking travel right now for further down the road, because when the opportunity arises to stretch my wings a little further and get back to some of the activities I miss, I am ready!! (And they are some great deals right now!)
I feel confident doing this for some important reasons I want to share with you! 1) I am super committed to staying informed about Covid-19, CDC and WHO rules and recommendations related to travel, and industry developments as they unfold and change (which seems near constant right now!). I’m a little obsessive about staying informed… 2) The travel consortia I belong to has developed a fantastic program for advisors called “Book With Confidence,” which I am participating in and offering the benefits to all travellers interested in booking with me.
All travellers’ bookings will be put through the Book With Confidence Vacation Health and Safety Checklist. This checklist will inform you of all the precautions being taken by the suppliers of all aspects of your adventure -from what to expect on the plane/train/bus, to disinfection protocols at your destination, to any rules and regulations from the time you depart on your journey to the moment you return home. The checklist can be customized with up to 198 different actions taken to protect you and your travels.
All travellers will also have access to the Book With Confidence Vacation Health and Safety Guide, an exhaustive booklet of tips and guidance for when traveling during Covid. I’m planning on highlighting some of the information contained in the book on this blog, because I think it’s such great, valuable info for travellers to have. This guide is constantly being updated, and sources information from the CDC, WHO, and leading epidemiologists.
You can absolutely rely on Tapestry Travel to have all the information on entry requirements for your destination, all the latest health and safety info pertaining to your adventure, a thorough understanding of cancellation policies should you need to cancel or are forced to cancel because of changing Covid situations, assistance in rebooking a cancelled trip or in getting a refund, recommendations for travel insurance suppliers and info on what travel insurance will and will not generally cover.
If you find yourself thinking right now, "Hannah! This seems like a lot of information to keep track of! And a lot of time involved managing it!" You're right!
And that’s why now and in the coming years it’s going to be so valuable to work with a travel advisor when planning and booking your adventures. You’ll save yourself time and can feel confident that you and your travel investment are taken care of by someone that will always look out for your safety.
Everyone will feel comfortable travelling in their own time, and different travel situations are going to feel comfortable for people at different times. I’m so happy to help you get back out there when it feels right for you.
Until next time, Travellers!
-Hannah