Wondering if you can take your usual winter escape to a sun destination? Or usual Christmas vacation to Europe? I know its a confusing time to travel, and hard to know if you should even think about traveling right now.
With that in mind, I just wanted to give you a few updates from the travel industry as it stands today. As you know, everything changes quickly, however there do seem to be a few glimmers of hope when it comes to being able to travel, whenever you might be ready for it.
Update #1 – Airlines – Various airlines are now offering complimentary Covid-19 insurance on their flights and Vacations packages. Dates and coverage varies per carrier, however they generally will cover these types of things:
- Emergency medical and hospital costs for outbound travellers if diagnosed with COVID-19 while outside of Canada, for up to a maximum limit of $100,000 CAD/$200,000 CAD (depending the carrier) per insured person;
- Quarantine accommodation costs/expenses when the traveller tests positive for COVID-19 on the trip up to a $$ per day and $$ per person:
- Air evacuation and in certain cases, ambulance transportation costs related to COVID-19.
Amongst other coverages. Airlines are really doing their best to offer peace of mind and encourage travel for this winter season, so these coverages are part of that overall strategy.
Update #2 – All Inclusives – A popular type of travel many people tend to be thinking about this time of year is All Inclusive vacations to sun destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean. The All Inclusives I have been in contact with recently have a wide range of Covid-19 protection procedures, which vary from reduced capacity at their hotels (generally between 30-50% capacity); ceasing buffet service; social distancing in all common areas, including chairs at the pool and on the beach and of course, increased cleaning and sanitization of all public areas.
Depending on the resort, some are even offering free medical insurance, which includes coverage for Covid-19 infection related expenses.
Update #3– Covid-19 Tests Required – Many countries are now requiring a negative Covid-19 test in order to enter the country, or avoid the quarantine requirement. Some countries are offering it at the airport, whereas others require that you show proof of a negative Covid-19 test within a certain number of days before you arrive. Generally all of these tests do have a cost to them, and it varies per testing centre.
FOR BC BASED CLIENTS: Covid-19 Testing is now available at YVR (Vancouver International Airport) – Once you have had the nasal swab, testing takes 24-48 hours to complete. You are then emailed the date and time of your negative test results, which you can take with you to countries that require a negative Covid-19 test upon entry.
Information is being updated at a constant basis, but I just wanted to give you some info as to where the travel industry is at right now, in case you are considering traveling this winter, or are just curious as to how things are progressing when it comes to traveling.
Please let me know if you have any questions, or were looking into any destinations. I would be happy to connect with you and answer any questions you might have. Contact me today.
Stay safe!