Reimagine Your Next Travel Adventure
Travel has changed and TravelAbundance is reimagining your travel experience by offering expert insight into creating a safe travel itinerary. We are living in a changed world now that COVID-19 has brought to light the need for more vigilant oversight of environmental hygiene and the observance of personal space. How our public businesses are taking measures to keep customers safe will now change how we travel in the short, and possibly long term.
Our intrinsic desire to explore and see the world still exists in all of us, especially after being in social isolation for months. So given this new paradigm, how do we travel “safely”?
Erika Ritcher, the senior director of communications for the American Society of Travel Advisers (ASTA), says that whether to book now or not is a personal decision, but adds that many trips, such as safaris or popular wedding and honeymoon destinations, can take between nine and 12 months of planning.
"There's very attractive pricing right now and flexibility in booking," Ritcher said.
Travel Informed
The travel industry is adapting to ensure that the world keeps traveling. TravelAbundance will always have a pulse on industry and government communication and regulations to ensure that timely and pertinent information conveyed to you. Here are a few relevant sources about changes already being made that will affect us all:
Gratefully, we are already seeing many clients reaching out, asking questions about making plans and booking trips to encourage commerce within the travel industry. The most important question asked is;
“Where is it safe to travel?”
Our first recommendation is to think about traveling regionally, or within the mainland United States, through this summer. As of today, international travel is still restricted by the Federal Government. The uncertainty about the continued spread of COVID-19 will likely keep some type of restrictions in place for the foreseeable future.
Some adventures that we often recommend include:
US River Cruises
Explore the waterways and hidden communities along our country’s rivers on the American Cruise Line. These smaller cruise lines are much smaller than traditional cruise lines with fewer passengers, thus offering more space for passengers.
Luxury Spa/Beach Escape
Treat yourself to a retreat into relaxation. Texas offers a large number of world-class spas, retreats and wellness centers within reasonable driving distance from the Austin area. Let our team of luxury experts curate a relaxing escape for your travel tribe.
Great American Road Trip
Make relaxation your destination and explore our great American gems. Our travel professionals have itineraries that include landmarks and natural beauty throughout our country. Plan your family adventure and create those moments that everyone will remember for a lifetime.
Rail Across America
Take your Great American Road Trip on rails with Amtrak and explore beyond the freeway. Amtrak is currently offering extended rail tour packages through 2020.
National Park Tours
Discover some of our country’s national treasures and learn about the heritage native Americans. Indulge in your next travel adventure. TravelAbundance offers custom itineraries, glamping packages, and private tour guides. See our nation's treasures like no one else.
Travel Informed
Outside of that, being aware of the level of transmission for the region being considered is imperative when assessing risks. The CDC has provided an interactive map displaying Geographic Risk Assessment for COVID-19 Transmission. For further reference, National Geographic is providing a detailed, county-by-county map of current COVID-19 cases across the United States. Being informed will help you make the best travel decisions for your family.
Ensuring you have the correct Travel Insurance policy has proven to be critical given our current times. The only policy type that would cover cancelling because of a Pandemic is CFAR, or Cancel for Any Reason. These policies are typically more than standard policies, but they provide coverage up to a certain $ amount. We highly recommend taking Travel Insurance on every trip and for those that travel frequently looking at an Annual policy is also a good fit. Our advisors with the help of our Travel Insurance partners can help guide you to the best policy.
Create a Travel Tribe
Keep your COVID-19 risk exposure nominal during this time is always top priority. Part of that is deciding who is in your travel tribe (i.e. who you travel with). Take measures to ensure that all tribe members are well and not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 prior to travel. Precautions could also include group testing prior to travel.
Beyond summer, our recommended destinations will vary based upon how our world adapts over the next few months. Many folks have already adjusted their travel plans since restrictions are beginning to lift. As your travel advisors, we will continue to make every effort to ensure you are informed and comfortable with the modifications being made to ensure your safety in the wake of COVID-19.
While no destination is safe from disease, being aware of where health and hygiene is worth taking under advisement when considering travel plans moving forward. According to the 2019 The Legatum Prosperity Index, the top 10 healthiest countries in the world are:
1. Singapore
2. Japan
3. Switzerland
4. South Korea
5. Norway
6. Hong Kong
7. Iceland
8. Denmark
9. The Netherlands
10. Austria
On behalf of our team, we appreciate your continued trust. Now, more than ever, traveling and exploring our world and understanding global culture is an important part of life. Our mission is to design amazing and memorable luxury escapes with Safety at the forefront of everything we do for you and your family. Travel is, and will always be a pivotal part of keeping our world connected.
Travel smarter, travel informed, travel safe. TravelAbundance creates dream adventures perfect for your family. We are looking forward to creating positive memories in our future by giving us all something to look forward to on the calendar!
