Traveling in a Post Coronavirus World

The world was taken by storm when the coronavirus hit. Travels for spring break were canceled and postponed by many. Now, many are on edge about summer travel. Although many states are starting to reopen, some countries are not allowing international travel. Travelers are now desperately trying to figure out how they will move forward into this new unknown world after the coronavirus threat wanes. Travel will not stop, but it will certainly look quite different when it resumes once more. Every traveler will have to become much smarter about their travel habits now.

Here are several predictions for how traveling will be different in the upcoming post coronavirus world.

1. Travelers will Need To Prove That They Are Not Sick When Arriving at Their Final Destination. New “wellness passports” aside, airports in diverse tourism destinations all over the globe may begin checking for high temperatures and other coronavirus symptoms of arriving tourists in the future and for some time if not permanently. Groups that are Tour-Led (International Travel) Post coronavirus will be critical to travel to places where you can get help from local tour experts who are well aware of the realities of security and safety especially where the nearest medical facilities are in case of a health emergency. They do all of the research on what to be careful about and to keep their group members safe. It is advised that small groups should be those where all the members are well-acquainted with one another versus traveling with complete strangers.

2. People will travel in Smaller Groups that are Tour-Led (International Travel) Post coronavirus will be critical to travel to places where you can get help from local tour experts who are well aware of the realities of security and safety especially where the nearest medical facilities are in case of a health emergency. They do all of the research on what to be careful about and to keep their group members safe. It is advised that small groups should be those where all the members are well-acquainted with one another versus traveling with complete strangers.

3. Cruise Ships may not be the popular travel route for families. Cruise ships hold up to 5,000 passengers which will not be apart of social distancing at all. The general suspicion in U.S. health circles that the mega cruise ships had become massive floating Petri dishes long before the coronavirus emerged, is now becoming a more common thought. The CDC has warned about the potential dangers of mass cruising for some time.

4. Road Trips may be the new norm for U.S. Travel. Be aware that many businesses such as restaurants and hotels may be closed who were unable to survive during the pandemic. We have gotten so accustomed to hopping on a plane, when is the last time you took a good ole road trip?

If you are considering taking a road trip anticipate your needs before you go: 1. Prepare food and water for the road. Pack non-perishables in case restaurants and stores are closed. 2. Bring any medicines you may need for the duration of your trip. (i.e. Tylenol, Benedryl, first aid kit.) 3. Pack a sufficient amount of alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) and keep it in a place that is readily available. 4. Book accommodations in advance if you must stay somewhere overnight. (Be sanitize the room or area upon arrival.) 5. Plan to make as few stops as possible, but make sure you rest when you feel drowsy or sleepy. 6. Bring an EPA-registered disinfectant and other personal cleaning supplies. 7. Don’t travel if you are sick or plan to travel with someone who is sick.

Future Travel Tips CDC

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Here are some major tips regarding future travel from the CDC: 1. Don’t travel if you are sick or travel with someone who is sick. 2. Protect yourself and others during your trip. 3. Clean your hands often. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry. 4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 5. Avoid close contact with others. 6. Keep 6 feet of physical distance from others. Avoiding close contact is especially important if you are at a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. 7. Wear a cloth face-covering in public. 8. Cover coughs and sneezes. 9. Pick up food at drive-throughs, curbside restaurant service, or stores. Limit dine-in restaurants especially if that is prohibited by state or local guidance.

Here are tips for Travel Accommodations if you must stay in a hotel, motel, or rental property: 1. Take the same steps you would in other public places—for example, avoid close contact with others, wash your hands often, and wear a cloth face covering. 2. When you get to your room or rental property, clean and disinfect all hightouch surfaces. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, remote controls, toilets, and sink faucets. 3. Bring an EPA-registered disinfectant and other personal cleaning supplies, including cloths and disposable gloves. 4. Wash any plates, cups, or silverware (other than pre-wrapped plastic) before using.

If you travel, consider the following risks you might face, depending on what type of travel you are planning: Some types of travel (bus, plane, train) may require sitting next to others for a period of time. Travel may also expose you to new parts of the country with differing levels of community transmission. And, if you’re infected, your travel may put others at risk– along the way, at your destination, and when you return home. Keep in mind the following when you are traveling: Air travel: Because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights. However, there may be a risk of getting COVID-19 on crowded flights if there are other travelers on board with COVID-19. Bus or train travel: Sitting or standing within 6 feet of others for a prolonged period of time can put you at risk of getting or spreading COVID-19. Car travel: The stops you need to make along the way could put you and others in the car with you in close contact with others who could be infected. RV travel: Traveling by RV means you may have to stop less often for food or bathrooms, but RV travelers typically have to stop at RV parks overnight and other public places to get gas and supplies. These stops may put you and those with you in the RV in close contact with others who could be infected.

The last tip is to purchase travel insurance especially if you are traveling by air and out of the country. Travel insurance will become more popular now than ever before in light of the mass cancellations that became necessary in the wake of the coronavirus lockdowns around the world. Most travelers are unaware that travel insurance covers a lot more than cancellations. A wide variety of coverage, such as emergency medical, baggage loss/delay, emergency evacuation, and trip interruptions are just some of the highly compelling benefits found in a travel insurance policy. The most important part about traveling is to stay safe and adhere to the guidelines set in place.

TRAVEL INSURANCE Protect your travel investment

Beach Life

With so much uncertainty happening due to the coronavirus protecting your future travel plans are non-negotiable. Many skip the option of purchase travel insurance to save on the total cost however in lieu of recent events it is better to be prepared than sorry. Customers who ignored buying travel insurance in the past will not soon forget the financially painful consequences of these choices.

The basic purpose of a travel insurance policy is to reimburse travelers for their insured pre-paid and non-refundable trip costs if they have to cancel their trip due to a covered reason.

We will discuss Travel Insurance and upgrade options.

There are several good reasons to look into insurance, particularly when taking a long business trip, an international vacation, or any other potentially high-cost trip. Traveling hiccups have always been a thing however after the coronavirus caused the world to go on lockdown to stop the rapid spread. Travel plans were halted.

Here are some situations that really happen that we often don’t consider.

1. You’ve lost your bag. And your bag had your meds. So you need to find your bag ASAP. Who can help you find that bag or refill your emergency prescription? 2. Ah, Europe. You’ve waited to take in all the grandeur new and old. But someone not very nice just stole your passport and wallet. Yikes! You need emergency cash. You need a new passport. You need someone who can get things done fast. Who is that someone? 3. You arrive in Jamaica, but your luggage doesn’t. Who will find it? Who will pay for your travel necessities until you are reunited with your beloved bag? Who will cover all the stuff you just lost? 4. The cruise line, airline, or tour operator you booked your vacation through goes bankrupt. Yes, it happens. So what about the non-refundable expenses? And who can get you to your destination now? 5. You’re walking down a historic old street in Rio. It’s amazing. Then suddenly, ouch, you twist your ankle big time. You need a doctor, but not just any doctor. One who preferably understands English. Okay, how will you find this doctor in a city of 6.5 million people? 6. Reality is that terror can strike anywhere. Three weeks before your trip, an incident occurs where you are headed. Maybe you still go. Or maybe you decide to cancel your trip. If you do, who is going to get your money back? 7. Sun. Sand. Water. There’s nothing like the serenity of a beach resort. Unless a hurricane blows through and spoils the fun. Now, you can’t stay in the resort and need to be evacuated out. Who gets you out? Who reimburses you for the lost beach days?

The upgraded coverage has become more important now due to the world’s response to COVID-19. As travel experts, our goal is to ensure you’re safe as well as prepared while planning future travels. We hope this additional information helps as you begin to consider your fall travel plans.

Travel insurance upgrades such as ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ (CFAR) policies can make a significant difference on whether or not your travel itinerary is protected So what is Cancel For Any Reason Insurance? It’s exactly what it sounds like. You can cancel your trip for ANY REASON AT ALL, whether it be coronavirus related, a conflict with your work schedule, or simply because you’re not in favor of the weather forecast in your destination city. This policy is typically in addition to a base plan, so although you may not receive your full benefits coverage on your standard policy, the upgraded portion under the CFAR policy would be covered up to the percentage offered within your specific plan. Be prepared for additional fees as this is an actual coverage upgrade to your basic travel insurance plan and to know your cut off dates after making a selection.

There are currently states that do not allow this level of coverage, but this is changing in some places such as New York as a direct response to the coronavirus. Please check with your travel advisor or research coverage allowances for your state to confirm if you qualify. Always read the terms of the policy carefully to find out what percentage is covered.

Coverage Types: Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage, Baggage Insurance, Baggage Loss And Delay Coverage, Cancel For Any Reason Coverage, Cancel For Work Reasons Coverage, Cruise Insurance, Emergency Evacuation Coverage, Emergency Medical Coverage, Flight Accident Coverage, Flight Insurance, Group Travel Insurance, Holiday Insurance, J1 Visa Insurance, Medical Evacuation Insurance, Missed Connection Coverage, Pre-Existing Condition Coverage, Travel Delay Coverage, Travel Insurance Coverage for Pregnancy, Travel Medical Assistance, Travel Medical Insurance, Trip Cancellation Insurance, Trip Insurance, Trip Interruption Insurance, Vacation Insurance, Vacation Rental Insurance, Visitor Insurance, and Worldwide Travel Assistance.