• Sherryann Charlton

Things You Can Do Now To Prepare For Travel Later

By now, cabin fever is setting in, and you're just itching to escape. I know I am. I want to resume traveling, but I understand the need to stay put and practice social distancing. However, I can dream and prepare for the future, and so can you. The present-day scenario worldwide is hard, and traveling seems remote at the time. But even bad times won't last forever. Soon the dream of traveling will become a reality. Start planning early; do a lot of research regarding destination, accommodation, sightseeing, cultural events, etc. This way, by the time we can resume traveling, you would have checked off all the essentials.

When will we be able to travel again?

Its clear no one knows when we will be able to travel again. A few things we should consider as we daydream about future getaway· When can we travel again? When is a responsible time to travel again, meaning what are we doing stop to the spread or flatten the curve· When will the government ease travel restrictions to make international travel a reality?

Here are my top 8 tips to start preparing for your future travel

Although I cannot provide a definite timeframe for future travel, I can provide some tips to help you with the planning process.

Take a look at your current travel plans for the year

Break it down by Immediate: Cancellation is definite

· Can you reschedule or get your money back?

Near future (5-6 months from now)

· Can you cancel or reschedule? If so, what are the penalties for cancellation and rescheduling

No plans /way into the future (6 months plus)

· Prepare a contingency plan for your future travel.

Revamp Your Current Bucket List

Once we emerge from self-isolation or government-imposed isolation, we'll feel the need to travel like never before. Now is time to look at your current bucket list and perhaps revamp your list. Your new journeys should be transformative and inspiring. It should be a counterbalance to the drama we experienced these past few months.

Research Your Destination

You can research your future travel destination by watching videos like YouTube and google · Google can be your best friend. You can find comprehensive guides for most destinations.· Youtube, not only you get to see a visual of the destination.· Social Media: FB, Instagram Pinterest is littered with destination material.· Travel Blogs Travel bloggers make suggestions. You can contact them for experience sharing by commenting on their blogs, vlogs, or following them on social media handles like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Decide on Domestic vs. International

I believe once travel resumes, international travel will be complicated for a while. For the immediate future, I would plan on domestic travel rather than international. Not that any one country is safer than the other, relatively new immigration restriction can make things complicated. Instead of focusing on popular American cities like New York City, Las Vegas, or Miami, domestic travel considers sharing different travel experiences like a visit to wine country during harvest season, mountain railway packages, or riverboat experiences. Good news the United States has some of the world's most spectacular parks, landscapes, wilderness, etc. Consider these as options as you plan your staycation..

Expect Flight Schedule Changes

Let's face it until we have a handle on covid19, and the travel industry will continue to see changes to travel. When you book a flight for future travel, book it with the expectation of changes to the schedule. Add a buffer to long trips. For example, if you're planning a trek to South Africa, maybe add an extra day of travel to your plans. Nonstop flights may not be available right away; long connection times may be the new norm.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is always recommended when traveling. But now more so than ever. Benefits of travel insurance· Protect you against trip cancellations and interruptions· Protects you against certain financial risks or losses that can occur while traveling· Travel insurance is designed to cover unforeseeable events.

Start Putting Your Travel Essentials In Place

Passport: If you plan on traveling internationally, you'll need a passport. Additionally, ensure your passport does not expire within six months after the commencement of travel. As some countries may not allow entry. Your passport is your true identity outside your resident country. And in case you lose it, you would be in big trouble. Save yourself and have at least one copy of your passport.

Visa: Research the countries on your list. Make sure you have got the right visa, or you would not be allowed entry. A little mistake would end up costing you thousands of dollars and lots of trouble.

Plan Your Activities In Advance

Plan your significant activities so that your trip covers as much as possible. Also, you can calculate the cost of activities and make adjustments in your savings and expenditure accordingly. Some tours or activities might need a reservation beforehand. So, planning and booking will save from last-minute unexpected costs and disappointments. The general rule is - the shorter the trip is better to book your activities in advance. The longer is the trips you can book some activities as you go.

Use The Services Of A Travel Agent

Consider collaborating with a trusted travel agent. You're less likely to face disappointment if things go array. Your travel agent will be your advocate at all costs. Your trusted advisor role is to make sure your travel is filled with moments you'll never forget. It's important to us that your time away is spent well. We help guide you, offer suggestions and recommendations. We provide personalized attention; we ensure your travel dollars are well spent. We take what's is necessary to travel your style and curate a fantastic experience for you. Travel agents provide expert guidance, value, personalized service, customer advocate, and we save time.