Category: Travel

The pandemic has effectively put a halt to many of our travel plans. Due to border closures, flight cancellations, and lockdowns, it was essentially impossible to travel safely back in 2020. But now that more people are getting the vaccine and economies are starting to recover, traveling is certainly back on the table for many folks.
In fact, a recent survey highlights how an increasing number of American consumers are starting to be more hopeful, with 72% saying that they’ll definitely travel this 2021. With that in mind, let’s take a look at four travel trends that we should all expect after the pandemic.
 

More ecotourism destinations

Sustainability is shaping many of the world’s industries today. The travel industry is not exempt from this, as people are now becoming more conscious of how their individual actions impact the environment. Because travelers are now more careful about the way they travel, we’ll see more ecotourism destinations pop up. Simply put, ecotourism destinations are tourist areas that aim to conserve the environment and educate tourists, while sustaining the wellbeing of the local people. Ecotourism destinations are also a way for tourism-reliant countries to swiftly recover from the pandemic, because these kinds of destinations appeal to today’s travelers.
 

Funding travel through personal loans

The pandemic has made everyone more conscious about how they spend their finances. However, a lot of people are also thirsty for rejuvenating vacations after more than a year of stay-at-home measures and social distancing. In this regard, people are more likely to fund their travels through personal loans instead of credit cards. For one, personal loans have lower interest rates and can be flexible, as long as you have a good credit score. Travelers can use personal loan calculators to see their potential loan options and calculate their monthly payments. On the other hand, some credit card interest rates are outrageously high because they hold more risk to the lender. So it goes without saying that after the pandemic, we’ll likely see more people choose personal loans over credit cards to fund their travels.
 

Longer vacations

After the pandemic, people will have more freedom to choose longer vacations. Work culture has essentially shifted during the pandemic and more people now work remotely. An unintended consequence of this is the reframing of leisure. Now, people can work anywhere they want, which then leads to longer vacations in relaxing destinations. Instead of using traveling to escape their mundane work life, the lines are being blurred and people can easily take a breather by stepping away from their desks. These kinds of work-vacation lifestyles can prevent burnout and make people more productive.
 

Vaccine passports

During the pandemic, not a lot of people had the luxury of entering another country due to strict quarantine measures. However, now that vaccinate rollouts are ongoing, quarantine measures may become a thing of the past. This means that travelers will have to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to travel freely. As a direct result, vaccine passports could encourage more people to travel to international destinations as they start to feel safe again, and put the horrors of 2020 firmly in their rear view mirrors.

If you’re craving an antidote to the increasing amounts of stress and isolation of this year, we have a full calendar of retreats in 2021 and 2022 that you can safely escape to and have a much-needed retreat! We’ve made a number of updates to our safety guidelines, flexible booking conditions, and trip departures. The safety and wellbeing of our travelers and leaders remain our top priority. Save now and travel later! Starting tomorrow 10/1, save $200 off all retreats! Combine with Early Bird offers for up to $500 off with promo code RETREAT200. Ask us about our risk-free flexible booking policies.
As the world begins to open up again, we look forward to safely giving you a much-needed retreat to find your true nature!

Check out our 2021/22 Retreat Calendar.

Coronavirus made its first mark in December and then in some parts post-February. Little did we know back then that our lives were going to change forever. From worrying to stressing, from
having panic attacks to being borderline depressed- this is the new normal for many of us. And the number keeps increasing every day. What seems like one lifetime ago, we used to go
travel to all the places that piqued our interest, and come back refreshed and rejuvenated. Everyone has almost forgotten what travel used to feel like. However, many people are trying to shift back to the life of normalcy and make efforts to plan, organize, and execute travel with their loved ones. After all, everyone deserves it.

While for many traveling still seems to be a bleak possibility, some countries have opened their doors to tourists by showing caution and a lot of courage. This decision is mainly based on the
fact that many heavily depend on tourism for their revenues. The safety lies in your hands first, and therefore, there are specific sets of things that must be kept in mind if you are traveling in
the coronavirus time. Following are recommendations and tips if you plan a trip away from current conditions, if only for a little while:

1. Get permission from Authorities.

With the coronavirus cases rising with every passing day, governments are adopting stricter measures to contain the spread and restrict movement. While the travel industry is trying to make a comeback, you must travel by keeping certain things in mind. One of the most critical things which should be kept under consideration is getting permission from the authorities.
Travel in the times of coronavirus is not about cleaning your car, sanitizing its seats, packing up roof rack accessories, and getting ready to be on the move. If you are traveling in such times, you must keep in mind getting the pass/permit to cross boundaries across different states. Many countries have already started issuing electronic passes online.

2. Prepare for the worst.

Prepare for the worst circumstances. Carry extra money, carry international credit cards, enable net banking, and carry emergency supplies. Being prepared for the worst is an extremely crucial tip that you must keep in mind while traveling in the times of Coronavirus. The truth is that nobody anticipated the coronavirus outbreak. Several passengers and travelers got trapped where they were. So many people remained stuck at one particular destination for months because an unexpected lockdown was announced.

Similarly, it is essential to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances, and in case the virus takes a sharp turn, and the cases start spreading even more rapidly. It is imperative that you either wait for a vaccine. If not, you can be extremely careful and mentally prepared for any adverse situation regarding the virus. This includes carrying all medication, health insurance, digital currency, and more.

3. Travel only when necessary.

The rise of this virus has dried off the aviation and travel sector. Hotels are vacant, and not many people are traveling. One crucial tip to keep in mind while traveling under these circumstances would be to move only when necessary. If you are going during such times, you must make sure that you follow all the safety measures and scan through the hotel that you will be booking. Under such situations, it is critical to book a hotel offering sanitization, health checks, and proper cleanliness to provide travelers the best experience.

4. Remember to protect yourself.

If you are wailing by the beach or trekking in the mountains, you must protect yourself. Therefore, you must wear a mask and gloves at all times, irrespective of whether you see people around you or not. Even while you are shopping at malls or visiting the slightest of crowded places, always remember to sanitize your hands when you touch any surface. Moreover, ensure you do not come in contact with anyone who is sneezing or coughing. Be especially conscious if you are touching an elevator button or exchanging currency notes with a vendor.

5. Avoid eating out

One of the best ways to keep yourself safe while on vacation in times of coronavirus is to avoid eating out. This alternative saves you some bucks, but it also helps you cook your meals. You
can do this only when you book an Airbnb or a hotel that provides you with basics like an electric kettle or a microwave to cook in. Cooking your meals will drastically reduce your chances of catching the virus. In such a case, all you need to do is pack some basic food with you in your suitcase or at the maximum, visit the nearest grocery store to buy basic meals which can be cooked on the go.

Few of such portable food items include sandwiches, toasts, noodles, etc. You should also pack along a few alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages so that you don’t have to buy them. Keep
your purchases to a minimum while traveling since this will decrease the probability of you coming in contact with the sellers, touching the notes they carry, or even the items that you buy.
If you do buy something at all, make sure you wipe it with a sanitizing cloth to kill the virus.

If you’ve been bitten by the travel bug, you know how much fun it is to plan your next getaway. The only problem is that most of us have to save money in order to afford travel. Unfortunately, this means that many people put off travel or avoid it altogether, assuming the cost is out of reach. We know the costs of traveling can add up, but there are surprising ways you can save money on just about every travel-related expense, which makes it much more affordable than you might imagine.

Start Saving Before You Go

Saving money on big-ticket purchases like airfare and accommodations certainly makes a difference, but many people overlook how much all the small things add up. The reality is that it’s easy to save on the small things through websites like Rakuten that have coupons for all kinds of travel gear.

Make sure you always use these online deals, whether you’re shopping for more expensive items like luggage and outdoor gear or smaller items like toiletries and snacks for the road. What’s even better is that you can often find cashback offers, which is the perfect way to stash extra savings for your travels.

Book Budget-Conscious Accommodations

When we suggest booking budget-conscious accommodations, that doesn’t necessarily mean booking a budget-quality hotel (although there are some great budget hotel chains to choose from). Some of our favorite money-saving tips from The Huffington Post include staying outside of a city, opting out-of-room upgrades, and choosing a rental rather than a hotel if you’re traveling with a group. It’s also smart to ask for discounts. Booking through a travel agency is a great way to get a lower price, plus many hotels offer discounts for AAA members, veterans, and senior citizens.

Don’t Fall for False Savings

We all have access to the internet, which means anyone can take it upon themselves to search for travel deals online. There are good deals to be found, but you may run into hidden costs. For example, Forbes explains how using a budget airline doesn’t always add up to the savings you expect because many charge for checked luggage and other amenities that are included on other carriers.

Don’t Let Sightseeing Bust Your Budget

After accommodations and transportation, spending money while on your trip takes another big chunk of your budget. Saving money on tours is another benefit of booking through a travel agent, but you can still reduce sightseeing costs when traveling on your own. Our top tip for adventure travelers is to explore the outdoors. Exploring on foot is free, and it gives you a more authentic experience, whether you’re in a city or visiting a natural wonder.

For urban travelers who want to see multiple tourist sites, it may be worth purchasing a city pass. Many big cities offer these, and the amount you save is significant if you plan on visiting enough attractions. And while using a city pass is already a good deal, you can often get them at a discount to save even more.

If you think about any trip you’ve taken in the past, you’ll probably remember how the experience of being somewhere new is what made it amazing. What does that mean for budget-conscious travelers? It means you can save money by skipping some excursions, eating in more, and staying in a mid-range room. You can do all of this without missing a thing, which means your next great vacation may be closer than you think.

During this time where your travel plans may have been impacted by COVID-19, you may wonder what are your options when canceling or rescheduling a flight and what are the next steps.

Whether you have purchased a flight with airline miles, a debit or credit card, or rewards here are some tips that you will hopefully find helpful.

The Golden Tip: During this time, the airlines want you to continue to travel. They have instituted policies, many of which you will find below. Know that there is also some flexibility. For example, if your retreat was postponed until July 2021 and the airline is only offering the option a credit through 2020, let them know your situation and that you are requesting an extension to travel next year. Whatever your story is, know that it is very common right now and the airlines want to do their best to help you.

Scenario 1: You booked your flight with airline miles

If you used airline miles to purchase a flight, go directly to the airline you booked with for flight cancellation information.
Many U.S. airlines are offering reimbursements, no-fee cancellations, or credit-earning opportunities for flights canceled due to COVID-19. You can read official statements and other information from the following U.S. airlines, below, including any elite status extensions.

Delta Airlines

Flight change and cancellation policies

If you wish to cancel your flight, you can do so through May 2020 and receive a flight eCredit for use through May 31, 2022. This includes customers who:

• Canceled a flight for March, April or May of 2020
• Already have eCredits from a flight canceled in March, April or May 2020
  You also have the option of rebooking your flight with a waived change fee up to one year from the date of purchase. To qualify, the ticket must have been purchased between March 1, 2020, and May 31, 2020. Additional information can be found on Delta’s coronavirus travel updates page.

Delta Medallion® Program

Delta Medallion Members’ 2020 status is extended through 2021. This means whatever elite status you earned with Delta this year will extend through January 31, 2022, or the end of Delta’s Medallion year. Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) will also extend into 2021.

You can expect an extension of six months to a year for all other Delta programs and credit card-specific benefits. More detailed information can be found here.

“We are continuously monitoring how coronavirus impacts travel and will make additional adjustments to support our customers’ needs as the pandemic evolves,” said Sandeep Dube, senior vice president, customer engagement and loyalty, in a statement.

American Airlines

Flight change and cancellation policies

You’ll receive a waived ticket change fee when rebooking American Airlines flights that were:

• Originally purchased prior to March 1, 2020, for flights departing through May 31, 2020
• Booked between March 1, 2020, and April, 30, 2020

You can also cancel flights that meet the above requirements for no additional charge and then rebook with a waived change fee at a later date. More information on American Airlines’ policies can be found here.

AAdvantage® program

American Airlines released a statement late last week confirming miles scheduled to expire between April 2, 2020, and June 30, 2020, will receive an extension.

“Miles that were set to expire during this time will now expire on July 1, if there is no additional activity in your account during that time period,” said American Airlines in a statement. “You may have previously received an email advising that your miles would expire soon. We’re taking action to protect the rewards you’ve earned in this time of uncertainty and reduced travel opportunities.”

Additionally, American Airlines has stated elite status will be extended through January 31, 2022, including those set to expire January 31, 2021. AAdvantage members should see these changes reflected in their accounts by May 15, 2020.

The airline also announced lowered elite qualification requirements for 2020, which you can view, here.

United Airlines

Flight change and cancellation policies

Flight change fees are waived for tickets that are issued by April 30, 2020. You’ll have 12 months to rebook the ticket free of charge.

If you cancel a United flight, you’ll be awarded an electronic travel certificate for use within the next 24 months from issue date. For more information, you can read United’s guide to canceling and rebooking flights.

United MileagePlus® program

MileagePlus® members will receive an extension of their elite status through the end of the 2021 program year (January 31, 2022).

United also stated its lowering Premier qualification thresholds for 2021 status levels by 50 percent and offering membership and subscription benefits for an additional six months. You can read more details, here.

Southwest Airlines

Flight change and cancellation policies

Southwest Airlines has a long-standing policy that allows you to cancel or change flights without a fee. In light of current events, the airline has made modifications to its policy.

“If your plans change or if you decide to postpone your travel, the funds used to pay for your flight can be applied to future travel as long as you cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure,” said Ryan Green, SVP and chief marketing officer, in a statement.

Upon cancellation, you’ll receive travel funds, or credits, valid for one year. Travel funds issued between March 1, 2020, and May 31, 2020, are valid through June 30, 2021. Additional information can be found on Southwest’s official coronavirus travel information page.

If you’d rather rebook, flights scheduled between now and April 30, 2020, can be changed to a date at least 60 days from the original departure date and won’t incur a fare difference charge.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® program

A-List and A-List Preferred Members whose status expires December 31, 2020, will receive an automatic extension of their status through December 31, 2021, including members with elite statuses earned through a Southwest promotion. If you’re currently enrolled in a Southwest promotion to earn elite status and have yet to reach the flight requirements, you’ll now have until October 30, 2020, to do so.

Additionally, those who earned a Companion Pass with an expiration date of December 31, 2020, will get an extension through June 30, 2021. Learn more, here.

Alaska Airlines

Flight change and cancellation policies

You’ll receive flight credit certificates toward future Alaska Airlines flights purchased:

• On or before February 26, 2020, for travel through May 31, 2020
• Between February 27, 2020, and April 30, 2020, for travel through February 28, 2021

Flight credits must be used by February 28, 2021. In both instances, you can also cancel your flight for no fee and receive either a credit certificate or funds deposited into your online account.

Saver fares aren’t eligible for trip rescheduling, but you can still cancel.

Links to additional coronavirus travel information from Alaska Airlines can be found here.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan™

Whichever Mileage Plan status you currently hold with Alaska Airlines will be extended through December 31, 2021.
In regard to companion certificates, those expiring in 2020 are now extended until December 31, 2020, for travel up until November 26, 2021. You can read more, here.

Jet Blue

Flight change and cancellation policies

As of April 7, 2020, JetBlue is waiving flight change and cancellation fees for travel dates up until May 31, 2020. Flights can be:

• Rebooked for travel through January 4, 2021
• Canceled in exchange for JetBlue Travel Bank Credit (expires 18 months from the date issued)

You can read more information on JetBlue’s travel alerts page.

Didn’t see your airline?

Here are a few additional U.S. airlines that have commented on ticket changes and cancellations:

• Allegiant Air
• Frontier Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines

Scenario 2: You booked your flight with a debit or credit card

You’ll have the best luck reaching out to the airline — rather than your issuer — to cancel and collect reimbursement for a flight booked with your credit card.

“Airlines are offering very generous refund and fee waiver policies related to COVID-19,” says Ted Rossman, industry analyst at Bankrate. For nonrefundable tickets, “Customers should know that they probably won’t get the actual money back — instead, the airline will hold it and apply it towards future travel.”

Delta Air Lines, as noted above, is offering eCredit equal to the value of your original ticket for future use with the airline.

“Look for an expiration date on those funds,” Rossman says. “And know that you might have to pay a fare difference if your eventual ticket cost is higher than what you already paid. Still, this is a very good deal.”

It’s important to note that for refundable tickets (such as tickets purchased with trip cancellation coverage), you’ll be refunded in U.S. dollars, rather than flight credits.

Trip cancellation and interruption benefits

Typically, travel credit cards offer trip cancellation protection, but it likely won’t cover broader coronavirus concerns.

“Credit card trip cancellation protection typically doesn’t allow you to cancel just because you’re afraid you might get sick,” Rossman says.

For example, American Express’ trip cancellation and interruption FAQs sheet for COVID-19 states, “Fear of traveling due to sickness, epidemic, or pandemic (such as the Coronavirus) is not a Covered Loss under your American Express Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance benefit.”

You may, though, be able to submit a claim if you fall under one of the traditionally covered situations, like accidental injury or harsh weather. American Express’ list of approved situations conveniently includes “quarantine imposed by a physician for health reasons.”

Trip cancellation policies for an issuer can vary based on the exact card you own, so make sure to sign in to your online account for benefits information on your specific card.

Scenario 3: You booked your flight with credit card rewards

It’s not ideal, but whether or not your credit card rewards are refunded can vary based on your issuer’s guidelines and the COVID-19 cancellation policy of your airline.

Chase, for example, is offering the option to submit a trip cancellation request for flights booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and trips paid for using rewards earned by an eligible Chase card. You must first confirm that your airline has waived trip cancellation fees.

“If you booked with points or miles, you should get those back (not a dollar equivalent, but the actual points or miles),” Rossman says — and most likely with a waived redepositing fee.

If you transferred your rewards to book a flight

In many instances, you cannot undo a rewards transfer from your credit card to an airline partner. If you booked your flight in this manner, reach out to your airline, rather than your issuer, for reimbursement information.

Is your flight a few months down the road? Consider this

“If your flight is scheduled for early summer or later on in the year, there’s no reason to cancel or pay a change fee,” says Rossman.

“A lot of people are confused about what to do with trips in May, June, etc.,” Rossman says. “I recommend waiting for now. We can hope things will improve quickly, and maybe you’ll be able to travel as planned after all. But if not, then the fee waivers will likely be extended, or maybe the flight itself will be canceled.”

Source
Updated 5.4.20