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Article By | Kelley Austin, Cruise Planners
As the world emerges from the Post-Covid era, travel is back in a big way.
Never has the quote by Greek philosopher Heraclitus “change is the only constant in life” been more relevant than it is in today’s world of travel. As the world emerges from and adapts to life in the post-Covid era, travel is back, and back in a big way.
Two years ago, travel to many destinations was virtually off limits; now, travel to most destinations is possible. Some destinations are wide open, yet others still have specific requirements and/or restrictions.
Travel in the post-Covid world can be successfully managed by keeping a few important points in mind.
There Will Be Changes
Regardless of the type of travel, patience is key because there will be changes. Air schedules are continually changing, destination and cruise line policies are continually changing. Patience and having an open mind to dealing with potential changes is key. The number one item on any planning or packing list right now is patience, number two is flexibility.
Check COVID Policies
Vaccination, testing, and masking policies are updated and changed frequently. Regardless of the type of travel (cruise, all-inclusive resort, international destination, etc.), there are currently COVID policies. It’s important to know them, understand them, and keep up with changes. Multi-destination trips can have a variety of vaccination, entry, and testing protocols. It’s important to check all destinations on the itinerary, not just the arrival and departure destinations.
Air Travel Is Challenging This Year & Next Year
The airlines are all struggling in the post-Covid travel era due to staffing issues and supply chain issues. Flight schedules are changing with frequency and often very close to travel dates. Always pad your schedule. If you are cruising, do not fly in the day your cruise leaves, this is inviting trouble. Fly in a minimum of 1 day early, and 2 days early if you can swing it, especially for international flights.
Get The Airline App
Make sure you download the airline app. The app is often updated before notifications are sent out. Many of the airline apps also provide luggage tracking.
Carry-On Luggage
Carry-on luggage is the way to go this year. The number of mishandled bags is at an all-time high right now, especially in Europe, but domestic travel is not without challenge. Compression packing cubes are a great trick for getting more into your carry-on bags. Only take what you really need, gone are the days of taking 3-5 extra outfits “just in case.” Many travelers are finding their bags not catching up with them for 3-7 days after arriving in both domestic and international destinations if they catch up at all.
If you must take a checked bag, it is highly recommended to take at least 3 changes of clothes in your carry-on so you have something to wear, something clean, and something being laundered, and you can alternate accordingly. Never pack medications or valuables in checked bags. Don’t be fooled into thinking non-stop flights are safe, they are not necessarily safe. If there aren’t enough ground handlers to load bags, they won’t be loaded. If there is a weight and balance issue, the airlines will take people over bags every time. Another great tip for luggage tracking is to use an Apple AirTag or a Tile for Android users.
Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is more important now than ever. However, it is important to have the right travel insurance, not just any travel insurance. It’s important to know what type of policies are available. Having the proper amount of coverage during travel and understanding cancellation coverages are important. Many plans do not provide the range of cancellation coverage that may be expected. Some plans do not provide any sort of refund, only a travel credit. Many plans do not provide significant medical coverage during travel or trip interruption coverage.
Find A Travel Professional
Work with a seasoned full-time travel professional. A travel professional will have your back and keep you updated with any changes to policies, protocols, and procedures. A travel professional can provide insight to insurance options as well as current travel conditions in destinations, at resorts, or on ships. Working with a full-time travel professional is advantageous because you want them working and available when you need them. If your chosen travel professional only works part-time, make sure they have coverage to assist you during travel.
Working with a travel professional who has “been there and done that” is priceless when plans go awry.
Take at least 3 changes of clothes in your carry-on, so you have something to wear, something clean, and something being laundered . . . Never pack medications or valuables in checked bags.