Shawna LevetHow You Can Help Your Clients Travel During COVID
As 2021 bookings continue to rise, it’s important to know how to prepare your clients for travel during COVID. Flexibility and preparedness are key ingredients for safe and smooth travel during these times. Flexibility is required both on the part of the traveler and the agent as they navigate the inevitable changes and travel regulations that arise. But with careful research done in advance, your travelers can plan a much-needed getaway for the upcoming year!
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan!
➡️ Related: 5 Ways to Prepare Yourself for a Travel Comeback
? Assist them in booking travel with flexibility
If an outbreak occurs at your traveler’s final destination they may wish or be required to postpone their trip. A postponed trip will affect many pieces of their itinerary such as air travel, ground transportation, accommodation, and tours. This is where you come in! Be sure your clients clearly understand the rules to rebook each part of their journey. Luckily, most travel vendors are very understanding and accommodating during this time.
? Help them find requirements for their destinations
As countries slowly re-open, each one will have different rules for travelers to follow upon entry. Some require COVID tests immediately followed by self-quarantine until results are in. Others require a full 2-week quarantine before going out in public. Before your clients book a trip, make sure they know what the entry requirements are. Make them aware of other restrictions such as restaurants closing, mask mandates, etc. Be sure you and your client continue to check these rules as the trip approaches so there are no surprises.
➡️ Related: Central America Reopening Guide
? Reconfirm flights for changes and cancellations
We always recommend reconfirming flights before your trip — but this year it is even more important! Schedule changes and cancellations can occur at any time. Do not let your clients get caught off guard. Stay one step ahead and reconfirm flights before their trip. The best place to get the most up-to-date schedule information is the airline’s website!
? Encourage them to arrive early
While most airports are a bit less crowded than usual and airlines have improved their on-time records during COVID, it’s still important to get to their airport early! There are a few more unknown factors to navigate. Social distancing requirements and new boarding requirements may require travelers to slow down a bit as they move through the airport.
? Be patient with your travelers!
Some of your clients might not be ready to travel for a while — and that’s ok! Remind your clients that you will be ready when they are ready.
Be patient as your clients seek to make their travel plans and navigate the new unknowns. It’s a difficult time for everyone and a little reassurance from a trusted travel expert (you!) will go a long way with your clients. Let them ask as many questions as they need to feel comfortable. If you are unsure how to answer a question, it is better to say “Let me get back to you!” rather than make a guess.
Some of your clients might not be ready to travel for a while — and that’s ok! Remind your clients that you will be ready when they are ready.
➡️ Read next: How Travel Agents Can Avoid Fraudulent Bookings
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