Booking Travel Safely During a Pandemic

Whilst it is not advisable to travel right now, many people are starting to look at booking trips again, whether it be internationally or more locally, but now more than ever we need to be careful when booking travel. We need to make sure that we make the right choices in order to protect our health, money and wellbeing.

Free Cancellation

I’m sure in the past you’ve decided to skip out that extra few pounds on free cancellation because ‘when have you ever needed it in the past???’ However, during a pandemic, selecting the free cancellation that costs that little bit extra could actually save you a lot of extra in the long run. If travel restrictions change (and we all know that this is constantly happening) then you have that safety net to cancel your booking for no extra cost.

Flexible Flight Tickets

Many airlines have adapted over the past year and have started offering flexible tickets. This means that if you book a ticket now, you will have the option to change your flight at a later date should you no longer be able to travel. And again paying that little bit extra now for flexible flights could save you money in the future (especially with airlines who then allow this flight change free of charge). Not only does this allow you to change flights, but airlines are likely to hike up the prices of flights after lockdown so this allows you to book now and avoid those prices.

Book Through a Travel Agent

Many travel agents are ATOL or ABTA protected. ATOL protected means that if the travel agent fails so your holiday can no longer go ahead, you will be entitled to a refund. This will also protect against hotel costs and your flight home if you are already abroad. ABTA offers both legal protection to make sure you ‘get the holiday you paid for’ and financial protection in case the travel company goes into administration.

Travel Insurance

Many people were caught out last year as their travel insurance did not cover a pandemic. Make sure to book your travel insurance through a company that covers both the medical expenses and travel expenses of your trip, and specifically states that it covers COVID-related issues.

Travel Money Cards

Having a travel money card, for example, a Revolut card, can save you so much money once you have reached your destination. With the exchange rates constantly changing (especially with Brexit) these cards can get you the best exchange rate with every purchase and also allows you to avoid ATM costs in many countries.

Whilst these tips should help you to save money if you are desperate to book right now, there is also no harm in waiting to book if you want to see what’s happening with the world. Maybe try some staycations and see more of your own country whilst there is less opportunity to travel further abroad (obviously COVID-19 restriction dependent, we do not condone travelling across the UK during national lockdowns).