It’s been a long 16 months, waiting for some positive news, but someday is finally here!
Like me, you may have tuned out to the news a long time ago in hopes of protecting your mental health. The headlines were too much. Covid was the only thing that was making headlines and none of it was good news.
With over 200 supplier partners sharing information, my inbox was overflowing too…and to be 100% honest, I tuned them out too because it seemed there was little hope for our industry. There certainly weren’t any clients knocking down my door or ringing my phone wanting to plan travel in such uncertain times!
Instead of dwelling on things beyond my control, I spent the “pandemic pause” working on my business, improving systems, investing in training with travel partners, improving my social media presence & marketing. I planned to be ready when “someday” arrived so I could resume doing what I love – helping people plan dream vacations without worry and stress. Travel planning has always been complex, but now, more than ever, a travel professional should be your new best friend!
Well, recently the travel industry headlines have done a serious shift and can no longer be ignored!
The long-awaited news delivered this week hinted our government would soon announce details regarding changes to the quarantine protocols where fully vaccinated travellers returning from abroad could skip the mandatory quarantine. More details will be made available in the coming days, but this is a HUGE step forward towards getting the travel industry back on its feet.
Other recent eye-catching headlines include announcements from several cruise lines that they would be resuming cruising out of non-US ports such as Nassau, St. Maarten and Athens. And most recently, reports from cruise lines that are cleared by the CDC for “test” cruises from the U.S. and Celebrity’s announcement that they would be the first cruise line to deploy a ship from U.S. waters in more than a year, as they have met all the CDC requirements and standards.
Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise lines will also be returning to service starting in July. While crew members will be required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, Royal Caribbean is strongly recommending the same for all guests, if they are eligible for a vaccine. Further announcements regarding other measures in place for those who are unable to verify or are unvaccinated will be announced at a later date.
If you have Future Cruise Credits from previously cancelled trips, now is the time to start planning your next cruise. Give me a call!
Airlines are working hard to prepare for the return to the skies and have been focusing on safety above all. Many are offering flexible change and cancel terms, travel protection and Covid-19 travel insurance to help you feel confident in planning future travel. Recognizing that travel will look a bit different, Westjet has created a series of “Travel Ready” videos on topics from packing to what to expect when you land and everything in between to help you prepare and welcome you back.
I’ve seen a huge uptick of travel enquiries the past few weeks and airline and tour operator phone lines are jammed, resulting in long hold times. Rather than wait on hold to have your questions answered, why not reach out to your trusted travel advisor (me) to start the planning? You’ve got better things to do than sit on hold all day!
I’ve heard from so many of my clients that the first trip they’ll take when it’s safe to do so will be to reconnect with their family and loved ones. Wouldn’t it be cool to plan a memorable reunion vacation together in the tropics? Hotels and resorts in sun destinations are ready and waiting for you. They’ve been practicing Covid protocols for over a year and with reduced capacity requirements, they’ll be booking up quickly, so don’t delay if you’re planning a beach getaway this winter. Let’s get started planning!
Wellness travel will be the hottest new trend for 2022. Over the past year, we’ve come to realize the true value of good health. Wellness vacations come in as many different styles as there are travellers, so if you’re wondering what is out there to suit your needs, please reach out to me. You deserve it!
Small group tours are perfectly positioned for the boom following the pandemic. G Adventures, specializing in small group tours (average group size of 12 guests) for more than 30 years, is in the business of changing people’s lives through small group adventure travel and powerful experiences in some of the planet’s most incredible places. They empower curious travelers to do good while simply having the time of their lives! Sound intriguing? Offering several different styles of travel from 18 to Thirtysomethings, Classic, Marine, Rail, Active, Wellness, Local Living (the hottest new thing), Family travel and National Geographic Journeys, there’s something for everyone!
Cambodia temples
I traveled with a G Adventures group in October 2019 to Cambodia, Vietnam & Thailand and this was the most exhilarating, eye-opening, life-changing trip of my life! Why not let me help you learn more about how small group adventure touring can change your life?
Is Machu Picchu or a wellness retreat on your bucket list? Email me > kathylynne@fentontravel.ca to inquire about how you can join one of my groups in 2022. Check out this video on Wellness travel options with G Adventures.
Still a bit reluctant to venture too far from home? That’s OK! Why not plan something amazing for this summer or fall right here in Canada?
Explore the Canadian Rockies by rail with the luxury train company, Rocky Mountaineer. I’m thrilled to be travelling with them this summer on their two-day First Passage to the West itinerary from Vancouver to Banff and I’ll be sharing my experience on social media and in my blog which you’ll find on my website at www.fentontravel.ca. Ask me about their Canadian Resident offers and find out how Alberta and BC residents can ride the rails for FREE.
How about exploring the Maritimes? I was hoping to visit Newfoundland in June with some colleagues, but sadly, we had to reschedule for next summer. This has been on my bucket list for some time, but it can wait. Newfoundland recently announced it will open its borders to fully vaccinated travellers in July. I’ll see you next summer Newfoundland!
