Travel increased as vaccination rates rose, the number of COVID-19 cases fell and people were ready to move out of the city. But with soaring travel costs and the pandemic still upon us, summer vacation travel is a mixed bag this year. Here are some considerations when making plans.
Airlines are struggling to bounce back from cuts to equipment and staff during the pandemic. The economic lesson is that with reduced supply and increased demand, prices have risen. But you may be able to save some money if you do your homework.
• Travel agents can help you find options, understand the risks and rewards of purchases, and decipher the jargon, including non-changeable, non-refundable, flexible exchanges, use of frequent flyer benefits, etc.
• Flexibility on departure and return dates can help you find deals.
• If you use or expect to use a particular airline, sign up for emails with promotions it offers.
• If you book your own flights, plan ahead. Check sites regularly for offers. When you buy, see if you can change your ticket if a cheaper option comes up on the same airline.
• If you use a travel website to book, make sure you understand the policies regarding bookings, refunds and changes.
• If the airline changes or cancels a flight, know what your rights are. Will it cover meals for delays, overnight you in a hotel, book you with another airline?
• Be your own problem solver. If you’re standing in line for customer service after a problem, you and everyone else in your party can look for solutions on your phone.
A quick search for train journeys on the Internet yielded many opportunities for adventures. You can book a trip yourself on Amtrak or find travel packages with tour companies that offer meals and tours or independent tours. The above list for homework also applies to trains.
• Amtrak’s website, amtrak.com, says it has “more than 500 destinations.”
• Sleeping places are available.
• Search for discounts for family groups, seniors, military, veterans, groups, and more.
• Depending on the trip, the scenery can be spectacular. If it’s a family trip, plan activities to keep everyone entertained.
Greyhound is not your parents’ or grandparents’ bus. According to the website greyhound.com, the new buses will have Wi-Fi, individual power outlets and extra legroom. There are also private bus companies that offer specific destinations and tours. Do your homework to understand your purchase.
Car trips are ideal for holidays closer to home. New Mexico and our neighboring countries have a lot to offer. Lots of family memories were made on a road trip!
You have many choices. Prices have gone up, but deals can be found. Hotels and motels offer a wide choice. VRBO (Owner Vacation Rental) and Airbnb offer options that range from apartments to entire homes, studios to multiple bedrooms, kitchenettes to full gourmet kitchens. Many people bought RVs during the pandemic, and some may be offering rentals to others. Camping varies from rustic to ‘glamping’. Searching the internet offers a wealth of options.
• Use established, well-known sites to book.
• Know the policy for changes or cancellations.
• Remember camping reservations.
Please check your destination’s COVID-19 situation and travel requirements before traveling. States and local communities may have their own requirements. Countries may have their own entry and exit requirements.
Beginning June 12, the CDC will no longer require airline passengers traveling to the U.S. from a foreign country (U.S. citizens, U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and immigrants) to have a negative COVID-19 virus test or documented recovery-from-COVID -19 before boarding their flight.
non-U.S. citizens who are non-immigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa) must prove that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling to the United States by air from a foreign country.
The CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks on indoor public transportation.
Vacation is an investment of time and money. You take out car insurance in the hope that you will not have a car accident. Travel insurance can give you similar peace of mind for your vacation. The cost of travel insurance has risen. View plans for medical reimbursements, travel interruptions or delays and cancellations. Look at ratings and financial assessments. There are internet sites that compare insurance policies. Although not an endorsement, friends have used squaremouth.com.
Have fun, take lots of pictures and mail a postcard to a friend.
