I'm really not sure if we are considered post-pandemic yet, but hopefully, these tips will help you to travel during this time that has more regulations, restrictions, and rules than ever before.
Since February of 2020 travel has definitely changed, and changed again, and again. I believe we will continue to see changes for a while yet, maybe some will stay with us forever. Covid may have changed some aspects of travel the way 9-11 did.
If you plan on traveling in the next 6 to 12 months these tips should help prepare you.
Check the expiry date on your passports: I can't stress this one enough. Even if you do not plan on traveling in the next couple of months, pull them out and see if they have expired since you last traveled, or if they will be expiring in the next 6 months. If they have or will be, renew them now. If you haven't heard, getting a new passport, or even one renewed is taking quite a few months right now. You don't want to decide to plan a vacation and then have to deal with renewing it and possibly not getting it on time, or having to go stand in the horrendous line-up at the passport offices all over the country.
Book ahead: Travel is back with a vengeance. With demand for travel so high, flights, hotels, rental cars, etc are selling out. To make sure you are not disappointed book ahead. You can also check out one of my previous blog https://www.toesinthesandtravel.ca/post/bookwintervacationinjune for more details about this
Check entry requirements: Before you book anything be sure to check for the country or countries you would like to visit, as well as returning to Canada. Many countries still have strict vaccine and quarantine rules in effect when you enter the country, and of course, every country's rules are slightly different If you use a travel agent, like me, I make sure you are aware of all these requirements before booking, and before you travel if anything major changes.
Travel insurance: Travel insurance is always important, but right now with all the changes to protocols and flights that are happening it is even more important than ever. There are different types of cancellation insurance available, even some policies that have cancel for any reason. You can also get interrption insurance that will cover quarantine expenses should you need it while away, and medical insurance that will cover covid-related medical expenses. Some countries are requiring that you have covid insurance to enter the country. I can help guide you to find the best policy to suit your needs and make you feel more comfortable with booking in advance, as well as when you're traveling.
Take masks: Yep, mask mandates have been lifted in almost all places in Canada, but they are still mandatory in certain areas of Canadian airports, and on all flights for the entire duration of the flight unless you are actively eating and drinking. Plus, not all other countries have gotten rid of masking so wherever you are going they may be required.
Check flight statuses: Right now flights are constantly changing and even being canceled. Airlines try to keep everyone up to date but sometimes emails get lost or go into a junk file. Before you head for the airport check your flight status, and keep an eye on it even after you check-in for your flight.
Get to the airport early: Currently, airports and airlines are buzzing with more passengers than ever and are understaffed. Airline check-in agents are having to verify even more documentation than normal so it's taking longer. Airport security is busy, and line-ups are long. Be at the airport earlier than you normally would. For domestic flights, the airlines are recommending 2 - 3 hours before departure, and for transborder and international flights be sure to be at least 3 - 4 hours before departure.
ArriveCan: Don't forget to you need to download and complete the ArriveCan app before returning to Canada. This is linked to your passport so if you don't do it you will be stopped at Canadian customs and it will take you longer than necessary to get out of the airport when you just want to get home. When you book with me, I send you all the links that are needed so you have a trouble-free travel experience.
Pack your patience: Probably the most important tip I can give you at this time is to be patient. Airlines, airports, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and all other tourism-related businesses are running with not enough staff at the present time. The tourism industry was hit hard by Covid, there were a lot of people who took early retirement, and many that just went to work in more stable industries, so until travel is more certain to not shut down again we are going to see staff shortages. This will mean you have to be flexible, flights may be delayed and some even cancel and you will be put on alternate ones, baggage may be slow coming out on the luggage carousel, customs may be backed up, and service in restaurants and hotels may be slower than normal. If any of this happens, take a breath and remember that not everything happens on our schedule, and we are fortunate that we can travel and explore this big world. Sometimes the best travel stories come from unexpected changes.
If you are thinking about traveling in the near future reach out, I would love to chat with you and help you navigate through the current travel restrictions and create some new memories!
For more details or to book a vacation contact me: toesinthesand@tpi.ca or 403-348-1644
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