Travel News
Now is the perfect time to start planning your 2021 trip to Europe. We are already seeing many hotels selling out in our top destinations during peak summer dates. Better to plan for the trip now and have to change it later if necessary, rather than to wait until the last minute and get left out in the cold.
If the need arises, WAC Travel is prepared to modify your 2021 travel plans as we have done this season. In the case that you are not able to travel due to travel restrictions concerning Coronavirus, you will be offered a ‘WAC Travel credit’ for your exact same trip to be moved back up to 12 months. We only request that you advise us of the change at least 45 days prior to your departure. We promise to not add any change or cancellation fees to your trip.
With our network of guides around Europe, we are staying on top of the latest information, and can be flexible to adjust your schedule as necessary. Here is some more detailed news coming from our suppliers:
Airlines and Airports
While domestic airfare prices have been quite low lately, international airfare has been higher than in previous years. We anticipate the prices to come down and stabilize. The best way to make sure you’re getting a good deal is to set up a price alert for your travel dates and book when the prices are right for you.
We have also seen international airlines begin to offer more flexibility in their tickets, including refundable tickets in the form of airline credit. This option might be appealing to travelers who may face certain travel restrictions from employers.
Airlines are requiring passengers to wear masks during their trip. Depending on the airline or airport location, you may be asked to wear your mask during the entirety of your journey or only at certain points. Many airlines are also vowing to keep seats open, to limit the number of passengers on board. As of this writing, Delta is planning to block middle seats and limit passengers at least through January 6, 2021. Both measures are effective at stopping the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Transfers
We consistently work with the same transfer companies in each location and have established relationships with them even prior to the coronavirus outbreak. All transfer companies have agreed to incorporate safety measures such as wearing masks in their vehicles and sanitizing in between guests.
Hotels
Following stringent guidelines, hotels are the cleanest and safest they have ever been. Whether staying at a larger resort or a family-run agriturismo, you can be assured that your safety is the top priority of all our hotel partners. Cleaning staff are working constantly to keep high-traffic areas clean. Check-in and check-out procedures have changed to allow for contactless or physically distanced check in. Communal areas may be closed, limited, or by appointment only, but you may want to enjoy breakfast from your seaview balcony anyway. Staff undergo regular health checks and testing to ensure your safety during your trip.
Guides
Our guides are an integral part of what makes our trips unforgettable. They live and breathe for the unique locations they love so much. Our guides have agreed to wearing masks and remaining physically distanced whenever possible. Many tours we offer take place outside in fresh air, where the risk is lower. We offer tours with private guides, offering a one-on-one experience, or in small groups of no more than 10-12 people. We have never and will never book large group tours for our clients.
Your responsibility
Guests are expected to wear face coverings indoors or in situations where it is not possible to social distance, to wash their hands frequently and to adhere to supplier and government regulations. There will also be a health pledge and a travel waiver to sign before you depart for Europe.
Even in these uncertain times, we are excited to help you plan – and to use our knowledge and connections to make sure you still have the trip of a lifetime.
Call or email us today to start planning your 2021 getaway!