Socrates is quoted as stating “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
As we enter the third year overshadowed by a global pandemic it is important to embrace the new normal as it relates to everyday life; social distancing, mask wearing, capacity limits, virtual work and the daily uncertainly of what will be. A month ago we were spending weekends away and reconnecting with family. Today we are back in our homes, working and socializing over zoom, cancelling current plans and fretting about future ones. It doesn’t frustrate me anymore, instead like Socrates noted, I am focused on building a new normal that incorporates what is, what can be, and what will be.
We still have plans to travel this year. Unless the government restricts us from doing so, we are still allowed to cross the border, board a plane and a train, and stay in foreign lands. We just have to know how, and therein lies the issue. Don’t fight because it’s not like it used to be, rather embrace how it is and move on with your life.
So as far as I can tell this is the new normal;
- Everything changes on a regular basis. Flights, itineraries, testing procedures, masking policies and vaccine requirements are different in almost every country and even across different airlines or cruise lines. Don’t assume because it was one way when you booked that it will be the same by time you travel. Stay on top of the changes and be prepared to adapt at the last minute.
- Know which tests you need to leave and return at any given point. Know where to get the correct testing done and be prepared to pay the cost. Consider it part of your travel budget. Be sure to understand the requirements to re-enter Canada from an international destination. The Government of Canada website clearly states those requirements and provides a step by step guide to completing the ArriveCAN application, which can be found at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/arrivecan.html.
- Know the cancellation and refund policies for all stages of your travel. Airlines, cruise lines, hotels and tourist destinations all print them clearly on their web pages or in their contracts. Get used to reading them so you are not “surprised” if you cannot get your money back. This is an important step before making your final payment. If they cancel you may be entitled to a refund but not if you cancel. This late in the game nothing should come as a surprise.
- Understand the vaccine requirements for your destination. There is discussion on the news about making a double dose and a booster the new definition of “fully vaccinated”. This is indicative of how desperately we are trying to get the pandemic under control. Consider the requirements for children if you are travelling as a family. Do they need to be vaccinated, and if not, how comfortable are you taking them to the destination. Lack of proper vaccinations or testing are the most common reasons to be turned away from the best laid plans.
- Check your travel insurance carefully. Some policies will cover if the government recommends “avoiding non essential travel” but will not cover if the government “restricts travel” to a particular country or part therein. This is not new but it is new as it relates to covid. Some travel insurance providers offered a plan for the unvaccinated, at an increased premium of course, but have since removed that option now that you must be vaccinated to get on a plane or train. Find out if the company you are travelling with requires out of country medical insurance and if so with what limits. Not only is it important to carry good out of country medical insurance when you travel, it may now be mandatory in some instances.
- Don’t wait for prices to go down at the last minute. That is so 2019. Now companies are more likely to increase the price or refuse last minute bookings due to a change in capacity limits.
- Don’t book a cruise for a particular port and then get upset if your cruise does not stop there. Read your contract. Cruise lines have every right to change or alter the itinerary for the safety of the passengers. This could be because the port is not safe, the weather is not cooperating or the government at your destination is turning away cruise ships. You are not entitled to compensation for these last minute changes.
The omicron variant is wrecking havoc in the world at this time and it is affecting more than just travel. We are better prepared now than since this started to get on with our lives. A large portion of the population is vaccinated resulting in a reduction in severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths. Restrictions have replaced lockdowns. It’s not perfect, but it is the new normal. At the risk of overusing the wise words of another, Maya Angelou once said “If you don’t like something change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” Welcome to 2022!!