What’s Changed?
Remember the days when your biggest worries about travel were getting time off from work and making sure your passport was up-to-date? International travelers are now facing a myriad of new challenges for travel in 2022 (and into the foreseeable future). It’s still possible to travel successfully, but you may need to make some adjustments to your preparations, expectations, and the sheer number of processes, procedures, and forms that you’ll need to track and submit.
New Requirements for Travel in 2022
The coronavirus is here to stay, and will be endemic long after the pandemic is over. It’s not going anywhere any time soon and neither are the ever-changing requirements for just about any destination you could name. For travel in 2022, many countries are now requiring proof of vaccination, a negative COVID test, or both. Without these, you may be be denied boarding or subjected to a lengthy quarantine on arrival. Be sure to check the requirements of your destination(s) at least 30 days in advance of your departure and continue to check requirements up until your travel date. Sherpa is a good resource as are the embassy pages for the country you’re planning to visit.
Flexibility is Key
Be flexible with your arrangements. Flight schedules are constantly being updated, routes are being changed, and flight cancelations have become a daily occurrence. Your travel advisor will do their best to keep your schedule as close to what you initially booked as possible. You may need to accept a connection, an alternate route, or switch airlines altogether. Understand that everyone is doing their best in a difficult and complicated situation. Be kind.
Chose the Right Provider
2020 and 2021 taught us the importance of placing our business with the right companies. Some tour operators or cruiselines faltered and were no help at all when everything was being canceled and shut down. Others stood out like shining stars. They answered calls, cared about your disruptions, and made every effort to ensure that you would be able to travel at a future date – either with refunds or travel credits. Some companies even added features to their products to ensure that you could make travel plans with confidence. For travel in 2022, remember these companies and place your future business with them. They will continue to value your business and treat you with care.
Find a Good Travel Advisor
It (almost) goes without saying that it’s important to select a travel advisor who understands the current travel environment, is familiar with the available resources, and will be there to answer all of your questions. That support is critical to successful planning and dealing with any “in travel” issues or problems. Need help finding a testing location near your hotel, booking an alternate flight, or finding an airport hotel to spend the night before your onward travel? Assistance is only a phone call away. Look for a seasoned advisor with credentials such as a CTA, CTC, or VTA. Membership in organizations such as ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors) or accreditation with International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN) will also let you know that your advisor is a professional rather than merely a hobbyist.
An Attitude of Gratitude
Last but not least, experience the world with a renewed appreciation for what we were missing for so long. The ability to travel, experience other cultures, explore cities you’ve only read about, taste their beverages, try new cuisine, or see the ruins and cities of the ancient world is a great privilege. Immerse yourself, learn some words or phrases in a new language, engage with people, make amazing new memories, be present, and enjoy every minute of your travels. It may not be perfect (it never is), but it’s still magical!
We Can Help
Talk to a qualified travel advisor at FNS Travel Group. We’re here to help, and we’ve been staying current on all of the changes as travel restarts and evolves.
At FNS Travel Group, we specialize in custom travel itineraries, luxury and river cruises, and small group tours. We pride ourselves on creating unique, memorable, and hassle-free deluxe and luxury getaways. Visit us on the web for more information or call 855-557-5588 to speak with us about your travel plans.
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