Almost out of the Dog House

Thailand

Not that your dog house is not a lovely oasis of comfort and style but to be in the same place for over a year without being able to see friends, family or the random stranger from Adam is quite a hefty challenge. Of course who could have told us that we would be living through a strange and uncertain time such as this. Now that the protocols are being relaxed, travel bans are being lifted as more countries are opening up just in time for the summer months. You are probably looking to make travel plans in the next 6 to 12 months, right? Well, so is everyone else!!

When we finally get the green light to travel freely there will be a huge rush as people are literally bursting at the seams to go somewhere, anywhere... Many of us are just waiting for our long lost and well deserved vacations. We are literally waiting to pull the plug, to go see friends and family that we have not seen in well over a year or more.

But whoa! Don't get trampled in the madness. And don't get left out either by being too late. Talking to your travel agent is the surest thing to get first hand, up to date information on all the changes and regulations that vary from destination to destination as a result of the pandemic. If you don't have your agent on speed dial now would be a good time to get it.

If that is not enough and you want more convincing, here are 10 reasons to grab your notepad and start to narrow down your travel destinations and things to do now. Call your agent to secure your next trip.

Vietnam

1) Avoid the rush and plan ahead

With social distancing protocols in place, hotels and cruise ships have already been operating at limited capacity per government regulations, and so there are less room accommodations to choose from which creates more demand than supply. To ensure you get the exact accommodations you want, it’s best to plan ahead and book early.

2) Flexible Change and Cancellation Policies

Take advantage of flexible cancellations before they are gone. Now is the time to book your future vacation because cruise and tour companies have very flexible cancellation policies in place. Hotels have reduced the days their final payments and penalty kicks in and airlines are still waiving change fees. Some even extend through 2023.

3) It’s the Price for me

It is that simple. Who does not want the lowest price for the greatest value? You get that when you book early and lock in lower pricing. Remember, booking with a Travel Agent means you can pay in increments.

4) Don’t miss out on your bucket list vacation!

By the time sailing resumes in some destinations such as Alaska, they will have gone through a 2-year pause. That’s three years of pent-up demand!! If Alaska is on your bucket list this is the best time to book your space or you may run the risk of getting no availability and have to wait another whole year to do so. Take advantage of the low minimum deposits too.

5) Stop Streaming

After more than a year of being locked up and self quarantined, running only to the store then back home, staring at screens and streaming films, the outside is calling. We need to wander. We need a change of scenery. Grab that vacation deal before it is gone. Call your trusted travel agent to go through your options.

6) Grab these deals!

I have never met a traveler who does not like a good deal! To kick start travel the cruise lines, tour companies, and resorts are offering better-than-ever deals and exclusive offers. These deals however are only for a limited time, and prices and offers will expire! Combined with your travel credit from the previous year you may very well pay next to nothing for your next trip.

7) A Vacation is good for your health!

Studies suggest that going on vacation improves reaction time and people who vacation generally live longer and certainly fuller lives. There is no better time and place to refresh and renew. After 2020? Whew! Pull the plug! Literally. Revitalize your mind, body and soul with a getaway to your favorite destination or cross a new one off your bucket list.

8) Get The Biggest Bang For Your Buck

Don't wait – your Travel Advisor can help you navigate through the many travel offers and understand any new policies or safety protocols for your specific itinerary. Different and specific Covid protocols exist by country, by resort and by Cruiseline. Your trusted travel agent is trained to help you find the best value from redeeming your travel points, to bundling your hotel, flight and transfers or an all inclusive pre and post cruise packaging.

9) What are you waiting for?

You deserve this getaway! Procrastinating on booking your vacation now most likely will mean another year of your couch. Don’t get shut out! Take in the view of a different scenery in 2021. Go someplace you have never been before. We don’t need to be reminded of how fragile and short life can be. If you still have doubts, call your travel agent with your burning questions.

10) Your Travel Agent is a great source of information

It is the travel agents job to stay on top of updates and changes in the industry and give you the real low down of what is happening. They have intimate knowledge of destinations, resorts and cruise ships because they have been there on familiarization trips either physically or virtually and have open communication with them. For unexpected emergencies on your trip, for quick solution to your travel problems, for having first hand knowledge on current events in a destination, it is always a good thing to have the assurance of a trusted travel agent.