The traveler is more resilient than before the disease. Travel advisors reported last week that bookings remained intact despite the omicron variant of Covid-19 spreading rapidly around the world.
Omicron has caused some cancelations and rebooking headaches, as with any other Covid-related news. The good news is that most of the people who want to travel aren't worried about the new variant.
Travel restrictions and flight cancellation are things that are impacting travel in some cases.
Karen Magee, senior vice president and general manager of In the Know Experiences, part of Internova Travel Group's luxury division Global Travel Collection, said there have been some issues. Some clients have become more concerned by those issues.
She said that they are all aware of travel restrictions because of how clearly advisors at the various brands within Internova Travel Group and In the Know Expeiences of Global Travel Collection have been communicating prior to their travels.
"They're very flexible in making adjustments, if that's necessary," said Magee. Travelers who test positive during their journey have been worked with to make sure they're in a safe environment while they ride out their quark.
Travel restrictions likely aren't going anywhere, either, as omicron continues to spread. In the Know Experiences has shared some advice with its advisors, but more leniency is expected.
I'm sharing that advice with you.
Expectations should be set up in advance of international travel. We've given our advisors resources and guidance to navigate the policies so they don't have to.
If the clients decline to sign a waiver, the travel insurance will be offered to offset any potential costs.
Communication of cancellation terms is very important. Clients should assume they'll be able to receive a credit, as partners have generally been very accommodating.
In the Know Experiences suggested that advisors recommend the following.
Extra precautions should be taken in the week leading up to your trip to reduce the chance of a positive test.
Follow the health safety guidelines put in place by the hotel and airline carriers.
Even if your destination doesn't require a test before you leave, you'll need to test negative before you return to the U.S.
If there is a limited availability of tests in your destination, you should bring the antigen test kits. We recommend eMed.com. It's accepted as a formal antigen test because it's virtually proctored.
Every person has to decide their comfort level in navigating their life and travel based on personal and family circumstances, as we've advised from the beginning of the Pandemic. There's a new level of risk involved with the recent frequencies of transmission, and there are also measures that you can take to mitigate the impact of those risks, and that's why we're here."
