Your COVID-19 travel questions: answered

Recently updated on November 27th, 2023 at 03:40 pm

After spending months in lockdown, we’re all dreaming of travelling again. And as countries begin to reopen borders and lift travel restrictions, your next trip is becoming a very real possibility. But you’re probably wondering – what will travel look like in the ‘new world’? We understand your concerns, and we’re here to answer all your COVID-19 travel questions so you can get travelling again without a worry in the world.

Where can I travel now?

Thankfully, as COVID-19 cases go down, many countries are now beginning to ‘de-escalate’ their lockdown phases. That means borders are reopening, commercial flights are resuming, international travel is starting up again, and shops, restaurants and bars are reopening. But where exactly can you travel? 

Mediterranean destinations like Greece, Croatia, Turkey and Cyprus were some of the first to welcome tourists again, while countries across Europe like Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, the Netherlands, Austria, Iceland, Georgia, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania have all reopened in the past months. 

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Destinations like Sri Lanka, Kenya, Costa Rica and Hawaii have confirmed they will reopen their borders throughout August and September, while other destinations like Egypt, Zanzibar and Cambodia have already reopened.

It’s important to note that the situation can change rapidly. Many countries are still warning against non-essential travel and are still quarantining all overseas arrivals. It’s important to check all the restrictions before travelling.

We have over 300 trips scheduled to run from December 2020 through 2021. Simply let one of our expert team members help you choose the right one for you. Get in touch and we’ll answer all your COVID-19 travel questions and help guide you to what and where would work best for your next trip.

START PLANNING: Schedule a video consultation with a Trafalgar Travel Expert

Should I avoid traveling internationally during the COVID-19 pandemic?

It is crucial to follow all lockdown restrictions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes avoiding all non-essential travel. However, as countries begin to de-escalate lockdown phases and reopen borders, you will be able to travel internationally again, with extra precautions. 

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Even in these uncertain times, we assure you that you can still travel and explore the world with confidence. In response to the changing world, we’ve enhanced our wellbeing protocols and offered flexible and risk-free booking terms, as well as introducing our 3-step travel wellbeing protocol. This has been defined by our experienced team and endorsed by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) safe travels stamp, to give you the peace of mind to get out into the world again and enjoy your trip. 

From planning to booking, we’re with you every step of the way – including all COVID-19 travel questions and 2020 travel advice. The only thing that hasn’t changed is that you’ll still enjoy the same ease of having everything take care of, combined with our rich, unique local Trafalgar travel experiences. 

Are tourist attractions open?

Many tourist attractions are beginning to reopen, however this all depends on your destination. To help you decide where to go and what to do, we’ve carefully planned our trips to ensure you enjoy the best experiences in the places you go. 

Our expert teams remain up to date with the latest openings and information, so they can optimise your itinerary. This ensures you get the most out of your trip while still enjoying the same incredible Trafalgar experience. 

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What is the cancellation policy for my travel?

Thanks to our risk-free and flexible booking terms, you can secure your dream trip with just $99. If you need to cancel within 30 days of booking, you will receive a full refund. To give you peace of mind and more time to make decisions about your future travel plans, you’re also free to change your plans up to 30 days before your trip starts. 

If for any reason you change your mind, you can choose new dates and/or a new destination without penalty on the land portion of your trip (check with your airline for their change policies and penalties).

READ MORE: Worry-free travel: Your booking is risk-free and flexible

What can I do to reduce my risk of catching COVID-19?

There are plenty of steps you can take to reduce your risk of catching COVID-19. These include washing your hands regularly, practising social distancing, wearing a mask, using a travel hygiene kit and staying informed with travel recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

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It’s important to note that the risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the WHO and government health bodies, senior citizens and those with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.

Along with our enhanced wellbeing protocols, we ask that you please take personal responsibility for your wellbeing. This begins with packing any personal protective equipment and sanitisers you require.

We also ask you to adopt physical distancing and hygiene practices throughout your pre-trip travel arrangements and follow all health instructions once you are on holiday with us. In choosing to travel, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

What we will do to reduce your risk

When you travel with Trafalgar, your wellbeing is our priority. Our 3-step distancing and hygiene protocol, which includes your dedicated always-on support team, means you can travel with complete ease and peace of mind.

We’ve introduced extra precautions on your trip including expertly-trained Travel Directors and Drivers, on-coach air filters, extra hygiene equipment and surface sanitisation, and supplier quality assurance. We will operate all trips in 2021 with a number of empty seats to always ensure extra physical distancing.

Plus, when travelling on trips of more than 20 guests (excluding in Australia and New Zealand), there will be a dedicated Wellbeing Director on hand to further support your Travel Director. They will monitor compliance and guest wellbeing and will be there to answer all your COVID-19 travel questions and concerns.

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Should an incident arise on your trip, 24/7 protocols are in place. We will assist and direct distancing, local medic support and testing. We will also liaise with local authorities to follow directives and support you every step of the way.

Where can I travel to avoid crowds?

If you’d like to avoid crowds on your next trip, it’s best to seek out lesser-known gems and wide-open spaces.

We love getting off the beaten track in destinations like Georgia, Slovakia, Poland and Estonia. We also can’t get enough of the remote and gorgeous landscapes of Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Norway, Finland and Iceland.

Wherever you choose to go, you can rest assured that our Travel Directors and Wellbeing Directors will work to ensure compliance with physical distancing measures. We will always take steps to avoid crowded places and put your wellbeing first on your trip.

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Will I lose my deposit if I cancel my holiday?

You can secure your trip with a fully refundable $99 deposit. If you need to cancel your holiday within 30 days of booking, you will receive a full refund. When you book with Trafalgar, your booking is flexible and risk-free!

Can I rebook my covered trip for later in the year?

Yes! You’ll have the flexibility to change your travel plans until 30 days before your trip. You can choose new dates and/or a new destination without penalties on the land portion of your trip (airlines impose different change policies and penalties).

What happens if I am quarantined due to COVID-19 while on a trip?

You’ll have an always-on support team made up of your Expert Travel Director, Driver and behind the scenes support team. Should an incident arise while on a trip, 24/7 protocols are in place. We will liaise with local authorities to follow directives and support you every step of the way. 

What happens to my holiday if there is a second wave of coronavirus?

If a second wave of coronavirus occurs before your departure, you can simply rebook your holiday. Thanks to our flexible and risk-free booking terms, you will be able to rebook your trip with new dates and/or a new destination up to 30 days before your trip begins. 

If a second wave occurs during your holiday, you’ll have 24/7 support with all COVID-19 travel questions and concerns. Our team is always up to date and continues to adjust to the changing regulations and advice from health authorities and local governments. They will make changes behind the scenes so you are able to enjoy your trip, even when things change.

Do you have any other COVID-19 travel questions or concerns? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll do our best to address your COVID-19 travel queries.