The impact of the covid-19 outbreak hit literally all industries, including travel. People from all around the world are affected and travel is right now highly restricted. Unfortunately, more questions appear than answers when it comes to assessing the true impact of the coronavirus on everything around us. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about coronavirus travel.
Should I fly?
If you need to travel soon, you have to seriously consider whether or not this is a good idea. If you are older, suffer from a chronic condition or are immunosuppressed, you need to talk with your doctor to understand travel risks.
Also, you should check the travel notices issued by the CDC. If you want to travel to a country that is listed as very high risk, the best thing you can do is to postpone your flying plans.
What about important events?
Some might want to go abroad as they want to participate in an important event. Maybe they want to go on a honeymoon or attend a conference. There is a pretty good possibility that this will not be possible anyway because of restrictions that apply to the destination. Even if it is, there is a risk that you are going to get stuck in another country if you leave now. If an outbreak starts and the borders get closed, it will be very difficult to get back home.
Can I travel on a cruise?
Some mistakenly believe that cruises are safe during these times. The case of the Diamond Princess Cruise is proof that this is not the case. A cruise can quickly turn into a dangerous environment because of the confinement and the closeness to numerous other people.
Can I travel for a family reunion?
When thinking about festivals, family reunions, and conferences, there is a high possibility that they won’t happen. The news is filled with events being canceled, which clearly messes up plans for countless people. Conferences are not held and it is recommended that all family reunions are put on hold. In fact, you should only gather 3 people tops in any one place (with the exception of a larger family, of course).
Will I get a refund after canceling my trip?
Most travel insurance plans will not help you get your money back after canceling a trip due to the coronavirus pandemic. In order to cancel and get a refund, there needs to be a reason for it. An example of this would be if the flight was canceled by the airline. Unfortunately, in this case, you need to carefully read your policy and to ask the travel agent.
Is train travel safe?
The only reason why train trips are considered by travelers is that they believe they are safer than air travel. In reality, air travel is much safer, when you take the right precautions, of course. If you absolutely need to choose between flying and taking the train, the best thing you can do is take the plane.