Travel is irrelevant at the moment and with much uncertainty as to what future coronavirus restrictions might look like, it’s unclear what summer vacations, if any, can be safely booked. .
Stays are expected to gain popularity this year, with major booking sites including Airbnb reporting that searches for June, July and August have already doubled for 2021, compared to the previous year.
But for anyone hoping to go abroad, ABTA, the UK’s largest travel association, advises people to book package holidays.
The association claims that these vacations offer travelers the greatest protection in the event of cancellation of their trip or extenuating circumstances preventing them from traveling, North Wales Live reports.
To help you with your summer vacation plans, here’s everything you need to know about the latest travel tips from the experts.
Travel abroad
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) advises holidaymakers wishing to book a summer vacation to book a package as it offers the most coverage.
An ABTA spokesperson said: “The lack of travel opportunities over the past year has led to a huge pent-up vacation demand, with many people looking to book a getaway to a favorite destination or explore somewhere on their own. bucket list.
“Our research shows that vacationers are 20% more likely to book their vacations with a travel professional now than before the pandemic, primarily for the added protection that comes with booking a package tour and the advice available from a travel agent. travel expert.
“Package vacations offer the best form of protection, and in addition to the usual protections, many ABTA members also offer more flexible cancellation and rebooking policies.”
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MoneySavingExpert.com has issued advice in the wake of the airlines’ recent update on overseas travel and the introduction of hotel quarantine by the UK government upon return from multiple countries.
They said, “With canceled package holidays you are entitled to a full refund within 14 days. Package vacationers whose trips are canceled are also entitled to a full refund under the Package Travel Regulations. “
The same goes for package tours if a foreign ministry issues a warning for your destination, even though the trip has not been canceled.
They added, “Further, package travel regulations state that if ‘unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances’ occur which ‘significantly affect the performance of the package’, you are liable for a full refund even if YOU cancel. So it can offer some protection if you can’t get to your destination. “
Stays
However, if going abroad is not on your horizon and you are planning a stay closer to home, this is the protection you might have if your plans change due to covid.
Booking sites, including Airbnb, have announced that searches for summer stays for June, July and August have doubled for 2021, compared to the previous year.
We’ve taken a look at where you stand with AirBnB if you need to cancel your getaway at the last minute, but be sure to check directly the website you’re booking on to see what protection they offer you.
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According to the Airbnb site, you can get a full refund as long as you cancel at least 24 hours in advance if your host has a flexible policy, or at least five days in advance if they have a moderate cancellation policy. .
He says, “You will always have these options:
- Refund according to your host’s cancellation policy
- Full refund in cash by submitting official documentation for review
“If you are sick due to a COVID-19 infection, this is still covered by our standard extenuating circumstances policy, and you can choose ‘I have an extenuating circumstance’ when you cancel. “
CEO Brian Chesky said, “Once people feel safe traveling, they will. But it will be different from before the pandemic.
“Travel will be seen as an antidote to isolation and disconnection.
“People don’t usually miss landmarks, crowded shuttles, queues and lobbies packed with tourists. What people want from travel now is what they’ve been deprived of – spending time with family and friends. “
Planning to go on vacation this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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