Dust off those passports and get ready to travel, but be prepared for the challenges that may lie ahead! Effective yesterday, the CDC has stopped requiring a negative COVID test result for those returning to the USA, and the floodgates have opened. Up until yesterday, testing to return had been mandatory for all travelers. A negative COVID test taken within one day of your return flight was required. This resulted in many people were putting off travel until that requirement was lifted. With the fear of being unable to return home essentially eliminated, demand has spiked, and potential travelers have questions about what’s open and available. What can you do to avoid some of the “peak season” pitfalls?
Plan to Arrive Early
As you may have seen in recent news articles, air travel was already overburdened for summer travel. Ticket pricing has been rising in response to fuel prices, labor shortages, and an (already existing) high level of demand.
All of this pent up demand means that you should plan as far in advance as possible. Be sure to arrive 2 or 3 days in advance of any cruise ship embarkation. Flying in and arriving on the day of embarkation was already a risky proposition. With the “testing to return” requirement gone, it’s even more so.
Airlines are still making schedule adjustments and canceling flights, airports are short staffed, and lines are LONG. Plan to arrive at the airport 3 or more hours in advance to ensure that you can clear through security in time for your boarding. Understand in advance that some things are out of your control and even with the best of plans, you may very well miss your flight. Pack your patience, and plan accordingly.
Look for Alternatives
Be aware that many hotels, guides, drivers, and excursions are already sold out. You may want to consider a cruise as an option to a land tour. River cruises and ocean cruises still have availability, and there are some very attractive pricing discounts still in effect. With a cruise, you won’t have to worry about finding hotel availability in multiple locations, and your excursions have already been planned and secured. Bonus: you won’t have to worry about finding a rental car!
If you have your heart set on a independent land tour, self-drive vacation, or a city-center stay, consider bumping it to next year so that you can have the best possible experience and still find availability of some of the most popular hotels and the excursions that sell out well in advance.
There is also some limited space on some escorted tours. Group tours, especially those that are “small group” can be a great value and some of them offer exclusive experiences that would be difficult to secure on your own. These tour companies have already secured both the space at the well-located hotels, the guides, and the experiences along the way.
Be flexible in terms of the timing of your trip and what you’d like to experience, and be ready to make some concessions or compromises. What was already a very busy summer in Europe and beyond has just gotten much busier now that the testing to return mandate has been rescinded.
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 evolves and adjusts.
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.
Join our Facebook Group, River Cruise Questions, and ask our other members about their experiences!
