Coronavirus FAQs
The coronavirus FAQs are the topic with everyone right now. My clients all have questions about their travel. Because of the questions, what if, what now, and when will this, I thought to put out a blog today with the most popular questions. Because this is such an “on your mind” topic and their numerous questions, it seemed like the right time to do an FAQs to try to address the issue. Maybe you haven’t booked with me yet, but still have these questions.
What happens if I cancel my trip?
I am working with my suppliers all over the world to minimize or alleviate any cancellation fees or penalties for my clients. Currently the best way to minimize any kind of fees is to reschedule their vacations. Currently I am focusing on March to May travel dates, as there is no crystal ball to tell us what will happen a few months from now.
Will my travel insurance cover this?
To everyone’s dismay, fear of travel, travel restrictions and border closings are not covered reasons under standard policies. However, if you purchased the Cancel for any reason policy (CFAR) then you may be able to cancel for your “bad hair day” and receive back 75% of your nonrefundable charges. This policy had to be purchased within 21 days of your deposit date. It cannot be added after the fact.
Should I cancel my trip scheduled for the summer/fall/winter?
I wish I knew when this whole pandemic would end, but unfortunately, I don’t. I am HOPEFUL that things will start to return to normal within a few months, but only time will tell. Currently, I am recommending to all my clients with travel of June on, to wait and see. If they were to cancel now, they would definitely have cancellation penalties. The airlines are not waiving change fees for travel that far out. Best practice let’s see how things look and wait. If things are not improving by then, I am sure the airlines will still be waiving change fees, as well as the suppliers.
Travel insurance?
You can apply your policy to your changed dates of travel when you reschedule. This way you have your standard policy in place for the new dates of travel, which will cover the “standard” cancellation reasons that were initially thought of for your travel protection.
How am I (Amore Travel Designs) helping you through this crisis?
If you booked your travel through Costco, you probably already know the answer to this question. They do not have personalized service. I provide my clients with one-on-one personal service, whether it’s the designing and planning or now the cancelling and rescheduling. Online booking engines (Costco, Expedia, etc.) are automated and not equipped to handle the personalized service required in these cases.
The moral of this story?
“Keep dreaming. I am here when you’re ready.” When you need me, I am here. Whether it’s to start the amazing vacation of your dreams or to help navigate through the nightmare situation we are all enduring now, having a travel advisor on your side will help to protect your vacation dollars. So once this is over, you can enjoy that “paid vacation” (We will all need it).
I hope this was helpful and useful information for you. Please reach out if you have further questions or when you are ready to book your 2020 or 2021 vacation. Reach me today by clicking here for any questions you might have, or about setting up a complimentary consultation to discuss your next vacation.
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