Planning a luxury vacation today is possible — whether you want to sip espresso from a treehouse in Costa Rica or trek into the highlands of Iceland. You’ll just have to adjust your trip to reflect the new normal in a post-pandemic world.
As travel bans lift, many people are dreaming up their next vacation. If you’re one of them, it’s time to think about how the recent healthcare crisis has changed the travel industry. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip around the new normal for travellers.
1. Plan for multiple COVID tests
While many countries are loosening border restrictions to allow visitors once again, you’ll still likely have to undergo two COVID tests: one before you take off and another after you touchdown.
If you’ve had your jab and wear your mask, you should pass these tests without worry. However, there is still a chance you could test positive, even if you don’t exhibit symptoms.
2. Have a quarantine plan
Many countries ask for your quarantine plans, travel, and contact information before boarding, so make sure you’re prepared.
3. Don’t use your emergency fund
In the worst-case scenario, a 14-day quarantine could be on the books. Can your budget handle a mandatory stay like this?
If you have plans to let your emergency fund handle this, you might want to think again. An emergency fund is for unforeseen expenses. And although quarantine isn’t guaranteed, it is a possible travel expense. You should save a special cushion for this expense.
Why? Because you could have a truly unforeseen expense waiting for you back at home, like weather damage to your home or a stalled car. Luxury travelling on a budget is all about thinking five steps ahead like this.
If you’ve drained your savings, a cash advance can act as an emergency safety net for these expenses. Finding an online cash advance is convenient, and you can apply for one in a matter of minutes. But it doesn’t beat having a fully stocked emergency fund. So, try to save a little extra for your quarantine.
4. Get a jump on vehicle rentals
Here’s something that might surprise you: booking your flight will be easy. What’s hard is securing a car rental.
Many rental companies sold off their vehicles to stay afloat during the pandemic when demand was low. They’re still working on getting their inventory back to normal levels, so there may not be as many vehicles available to rent during your vacation.
If you plan on road-tripping, make sure you rent the vehicle before you do anything else. Reserving your car early not only guarantees you have a vehicle, but it also locks your rates in case prices increase.
5. Get an EU digital certification
If you live in Europe and are travelling close to home this fall, consider signing up for a COVID-19 certification. This EU-wide accreditation indicates you’ve been vaccinated or tested negative for the virus and lets you move freely across borders.
The digital cert comes as a QR code, so it’s easily scanned from your phone. Best of all, it’s free.
6. Invest in good travel insurance
Travel insurance was always a good investment, pre-pandemic. Like an online cash advance, it’s a safety net for when things go wrong, like if your flight gets cancelled or you get sick or hurt abroad.
With all the uncertainty following the pandemic, having insurance has never been more important. Your insurance plan could insulate you from COVID-related trip cancellations, plus medical benefits.
Bottom line
Planning a luxury vacation today is possible — whether you want to sip espresso from a treehouse in Costa Rica or trek into the highlands of Iceland. You’ll just have to adjust your trip to reflect the new normal in a post-pandemic world.
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels
