A TRAVELER’S PEACE OF MIND

By Roni Fishkin

Our passports may have been tucked away in a drawer, collecting a bit of dust over the last few months. But, despite the travel pause, our wanderlust is still alive and well.

Many of us have spent part of our isolated days thinking about when travel will be safe again, where in the world we want to explore and how best to go about having these new and exciting experiences.

But the questions of how best to travel, what will have changed and what we should do differently as we embark on these new adventures is top of mind. Here are a few ideas…call it a Travelers’ Peace of Mind.

1. POSTPONE, DON’T CANCEL

Most travel companies are offering incentives to push vacation plans into the fall months or into 2021. These incentives can range from a $50 gift card to a big bonus worth an additional 50% of the cost of a trip booking. It’s in your best interest to consider these promotions as an opportunity to get an upgrade or spend an extra night or two while away. In many cases, these options are unprecedented and worth taking advantage of as we probably wont see such rich offers again any time soon.

3. PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE

There are a wide variety of travel insurance policies…and, unfortunately, many people learned this the hard way during the ban on travel this year. While protecting travelers if they get sick before or during vacation, most insurance did not protect people if they simply chose to cancel.

Make sure your travel adviser walks you through the complicated fine print of any policy you purchase. “Only Cancel For Any Reason” insurance is just that, but the cost of that is often an obstacle.

2.USE A TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL

According to Forbes magazine, travelers using advisers instead of creating a DIY vacation are experiencing much less stress during this turbulent period of cancellations and re-bookings.

A good travel adviser can be an advocate, a time saver, an experienced voice and a budget savior. Don’t make the mistake of leaving home without one on your side.

4.CREATE A WANDER LIST FOR YOUR WANDERLUST

Use this time to create a travel wish list…your own personal wander list of places you want to visit. What are your priorities? Among your considerations, include your age and physical abilities when placing the order. If you have always wanted to see Macchu Picchu or hike in Patagonia – perhaps you go there sooner and leave the luxury cruise in the Med for a time when you might not want to have the physical exertion be part of your vacation plans.

Stop postponing your dreams. If you have always fantasized about seeing the glaciers on an Alaskan Cruise or visiting the Taj Mahal or walking through the spiritual Angkor Wat ... Plan now, travel later!

Roni Fishkin is the Director of Marketing at Mann Travels, a locally-owned, full service travel agency serving the Carolinas for more than 40 years. She can be reached at Rfishkin@MannTravels.com and wants to hear your wander list.