How To Travel Safely
As we all await the opening of more borders, you wonder about how to travel safely during and after Covid-19. Now is a good time to plan those bucket list trips like safaris, epic treks or small ship cruising. People are starting to book tours again for the end of this year, 2021 and 2022.
Airlines and small group tour companies are constantly adapting to new safety measures to allow you to book with confidence. As a result, local guides are being trained on new procedures as well. Likewise, cancellation policies are being adapted with rebooking up to end of 2021 or 2 years hence. Here is an example from G Adventures:
“For a limited time, tours departing before Dec. 31, 2020 can be cancelled and rebooked up to 14 days prior to departure and those departing between Jan. 1st 2021 and July 31, 2021 can be cancelled and rebooked up to 30 days prior to departure. Terms and conditions apply.”
If you are wanting to get going sooner than later, consider these options to allow you to feel safe as you travel. Time to get dreaming and scheming.
1. Smaller is Better
Think small! The smaller the group. the safer you may feel. Small group tour companies are revamping tours to accommodate new safety protocols. This means that hotels, restaurants, and means of transport are all being adapted. For example, G Adventures, one of our vendors, has implemented new health and safety measures on all of their tours.
In addition to that, they have created a collection of 37 new tours branded “Plus”. These 37 PLUS tours have added steps that go that extra, physically distanced mile. These tours are scheduled to run starting this October and will continue until the end of 2021.
– Group size is reduced to maximum 12 passengers (average 8 – 10)
– Private vehicles will be used exclusively (except for airplanes),
– Seating – seats will be assigned each day while traveling and vehicles are thoroughly cleaned each evening
– My Own Room- Double or single rooms only will be assigned (no multishare) or if a traveller wants their own room, they can request “My Own Room” at half price. They will also get extra leg room on vehicles as no-one will be seated next to them.
2. Self-guided tours
Self guided walking or cycling tours are a great way to stay socially distanced while exploring a country. Move at your own pace. Stop to take in a view or make a side trip. Linger over lunch or depart earlier than usual. Luggage is transferred and everything is arranged beforehand with 24/7 support. Exodus Travels is the world’s leading walking and hiking tour specialists, operating for 46 years. They are another awesome vendor for our clients.
3. Customize Your Own
Create your own tour, with your family or group of friends. You set your own travel dates, choose a group of 2 or more people, design action packed or leisurely pace, all to suit your interests and budget. Enjoy private local guides for your entire trip as well as a private vehicle and driver.
Classic Kenya Safari – Encounter the abundance of wildlife on your first game drive while gazing at the snows of Mount Kilimanjaro. Seek out the thrilling big five – elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard and lions on your unforgettable Kenya wildlife safari. Options are to add on days or other game parks. Also consider gorilla tracking in Uganda, camping in The Okavango Delta, viewing the power of Victoria Falls or sipping wine in Capetown. Other Wildlife Safaris with BenefacTours.
Annapurna Trek – Absorb the glorious views of the Nepalese countryside on this Annapurna Trek. Explore the greater Himalayan landscapes of northern Nepal, observing the Gurung, Magar and Manangi tribes and their lifestyles. Other Trekking Tours in Nepal, Kenya, Tanzania, and South America with BenefacTours.
Other ideas for tailor made adventures – Galapagos small ship cruising, explore the diverse eco-systems of Costa Rica, cycle from Vienna to Budapest, conquer Mont Blanc. Certainly you can come up with your own ideas of a dream holiday.
Leave a Reply