It goes without saying but the global pandemic has truly made traveling challenging these days. As 2020 was the year of trip cancelations, it is understandable that globe-trotters are excited to see the world again this year. But even with vaccine rollouts and countries re-opening their borders, travelers still need to prepare for the worst-case scenario. Just this month, trip nightmares circulated all over social media and the news—be it from canceled flights, sudden lockdowns, and overcrowded airports. So, how can travelers protect themselves from trip disruptions? Well, here are 3 practical tips from our experienced travel agents at Viyahe.
Because of health risks, travel requirements continue to change on a daily basis and one of the common complaints of tourists are these unforeseen changes. Passengers who neglect to check requirements, such as proof of vaccination, negative PCR test result, and travel clearance, get turned away. Our travel agents strongly advise to research these pre-travel requirements first before booking a trip. If you find the requirements attainable, then you can book your trip. And once you’ve booked your trip, monitor your origin and destination’s protocols daily in case of any changes. Surely, you don’t want to be surprised at the airport!
Just because borders are opening in major cities around the world, that doesn’t mean that it could stay that way in this pandemic. If a country experiences a sudden surge of COVID-19 cases, citizens and travelers should expect another lockdown. So, to protect your bookings, make sure that you purchase tickets and accommodations with flexible terms. Most airlines offer flights with one-year ticket validity and rebookable options. Airlines have also promised to accommodate full refunds to customers, although this process may take longer than usual.
Reputable hotels are usually flexible, given that the second option for stay dates does not fall on a high season or special holidays. Just make sure to inform your hotel about any cancelations within 24 hours.
If you are a frequent traveler, an annual insurance plan can be a great benefit for you. Any emergencies related or happened during your trip, such as getting sick or hospitalized, stolen items, and flight cancelations, can be covered or refunded by your insurance provider. But if you only travel once or twice a year, short term insurances are also available and very affordable. Plus, knowing that you are insured for your trip will just give you peace of mind, right? Trust us, having insurance will help you travel with confidence.
At Viyahe, we make travels smart and hassle-free. If you need help in planning a smooth-sailing trip, just leave a chat on the Viyahe app and our live travel agents will guide you every step of the way.
