Your May 2021 guide to holiday booking
When it comes to planning your summer getaway for 2021, there’s a lot to consider. Should you plan a staycation? If the light is on amber for that longed-for destination abroad, should you get set to go? Or is it all a bit more complicated than that?
We spoke to Emma Baker at Holsworthy Travel, knowing that her 32 years of experience in the travel industry would help to throw some light on the big question, ‘should I stay or should I go?’
Emma is open and honest about the travel industry at present: “Holiday bookings are of course more challenging at present and different tour operators are following their own policies, so there certainly isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Every holiday will be different based on the destination, the travellers, the date and so on. It’s so important to seek advice from somebody with the relevant experience and contacts.”
With that in mind, you may find that a staycation is the right fit for you this year. If this is the case, there are plenty of ready-made packages to consider that could provide the relaxing break you need. There is a high demand for staycations this year, so it’s absolutely worth checking with your travel agent to find a great package holiday that fits the bill for you. From Dartmoor to the Cotswolds, Brighton to Edinburgh, Holsworthy Travel has some fabulous UK getaways available at present.
However, with the weather looking dull for the weeks ahead, you might really want to get away somewhere that offers a tad more escapism. Is that possible at the moment?
Emma advised us: “Above anything, I would reiterate that it is so important to book your holiday with somebody that has experience in the industry. Whilst we don’t have a crystal ball, an experienced travel agent will have contacts and will be able to find out about the policies tour operators are currently working under. That could be the difference between whether or not you can get a refund if your destination’s colour-code changes later on.”
Whilst in the main you will find that a refund will be offered if your destination arrives on the red list, there is a lot more confusion with amber countries. For some tour operators, the usual cancellation fees will apply if you cannot travel due to the isolation requirements on return. Others are more lenient and have some flexibility, and this is where a travel agent with experience and contacts is so important.
“I’m spending a lot of time talking to other agents and to tour operators,” Emma explained. “Things are changing frequently and there are a lot of guidelines to get our heads around, so I can’t imagine trying to handle that independently at the moment. It’s important to put your trust into a good agent, who will keep you as informed as possible.
“You will of course also need to be patient if changes do occur; we will always do our best for you, but processes and policies are regularly updated so there may be some bumps along the road!”
Whilst your travel agent can navigate a lot of the challenges for you, you need to be prepared to meet individual guidelines as well if you decide to go ahead with a foreign holiday. For example, the Covid tests that are required at various intervals before and after travel are the responsibility of the traveller, so these need to be taken as necessary in order for travel to occur as planned.
The travel industry is ever-hopeful as it finds its feet again following a very turbulent year – as are the tourists who are desperate for a getaway! We will be checking in with Emma monthly over the summer season to find out her most recent updates at Holsworthy Travel and to share her words of advice with you. Let’s hope for exciting adventures ahead!
With thanks to Emma Baker, Holsworthy Travel