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 va cation
plans into the fall months or into 2021. These incen tives
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.
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.
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 com plicated
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.
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 Caroli nas
for more than 40 years. She can be reached at Rfishkin@
MannTravels.com and wants to hear your wander list.
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