By Danny Almon, Travel Columnist
Many Tour operators are reporting record booking levels, greater even than 2019, pre-Covid. But what is it really like out there…? Numerous travelers I have spoken with have had good experiences with their travel: nothing more than normal problems such as minor delays with their flights, no cancellations… travel seems to be getting back to normal.
However, we are noting price increases, sometimes significant, and particularly down south. Best deals are available 8 – 10 months out. One hint for keeping costs as low as possible: organize a group trip with 10 or more friends. There are often discounts and, in many instances, for a certain number of travellers, a complimentary trip, the value of which could be shared among all travellers. For example, a trip costing $2500 pp could have a return to the group of about $1900 which could be divided up among those travelling. Different resorts and tour operators have different incentives. Check with me concerning details.
Travel Insurance:
Be sure to check your source of coverage to ensure that you DO have coverage. Travel insurance usually costs in the vicinity of 8 – 10% of your trip. Keep in mind that you pay house insurance and car insurance without ever hoping to get a return on your investment. The same attitude should be present for travel insurance. Losing your trip costing $6000+ is a pain in the wallet but you can recover from that. A $100,000 or more bill for medical care in a foreign country can cripple you for the rest of your life.
How is Covid affecting travel at present?
We know the latest round of Covid vaccinations are available and that should be helpful as it has been in the past. However, we all know easily catchable Covid is all around. Perhaps, in my mind, for most who are affected, no worse than the effects of pre-covid flu symptoms and often, from reports, not much worse than a cold.
Violence and war events:
How are they affecting travel? In short, the same way they have always done: if war is in the area close to where you’d like to travel… don’t travel there. Pick another destination. But we also know – except for Ukraine and Russia, lately – that war and military action generally runs its course and then diplomacy sets in.
Looking for pricing down south? We specialize in Florida travel (theme parks) and all-inclusive resort travel. Did you know that booking through a travel agent usually doesn’t cost more but you have the booking done right and have the protection of the agent prior to, during and after travel.
Contact me, Danny, at 902 431 4932 or danny@almontravel.ca .
Website: Home – Award Winning Travel Agency Halifax NS | AlmonTravel
Image by Freepik
