Travel advisories are not always applicable to situations that do not require them. milestone trip Travel specialists can be a great resource, whether you are traveling to a country for the very first time or if it is your first trip. Zhang says, “This is a time when personal relationships are more important than online booking.” “Travel advisors receive a salary to keep your interests in mind and help you during times of crisis.”
Allvey explains that “often, government advisories cover vast areas but this does not accurately reflect the truth.” Your travel designer has local contacts that can give you a more accurate, up-to-date picture.
Travel insurance is available
Travel insurance can give peace of mind to travelers in the event that a sudden cancellation may be needed. “Even in the best of times, we always recommend purchasing travel insurance,” says Condé Nast Traveler Catherine Heald is the co-founder, CEO and travel expert of Travel Company. Remote Lands. Check the type of coverage as not all acts of war are covered.
Many basic insurance packages exclude war and conflict, so you may not get reimbursed for a cancelled trip due to hostilities in a particular region. The most flexible coverage is Cancel For Any Reason. These policies, which must be purchased within days of the original booking, provide partial refunds—typically 50 to 75%—regardless of your reason for cancellation. (Pro Tip: Check to make sure your credit card already includes travel insurance Double up on the same amount to avoid it.
Consider rescheduling instead of cancelling your trip
Although it’s natural to cancel a trip in the wake of alarming news, you may want to reschedule your trip instead if this is not a time when you feel comfortable traveling. “The US state department is going be very cautious. If the country is safe, then you should reschedule your trip. [by officials], take the trip if you are comfortable,” says Heald. If you do not feel comfortable, postpone the trip instead of cancelling it.
Alley is in agreement. “It’s often possible to change your plans or defer your trip, rather than cancelling it completely,” says Alley. Working with a trusted advisor can be beneficial because they are familiar with the hotels and suppliers. They can negotiate better solutions for their guests.
You can also find out more about us on our website. travel dollars can have a major impact on tourism-dependent communities—something that rings especially true during times of crisis. Even if you are not comfortable traveling, rescheduling your trip will help local businesses and economies.
Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment program (STEP).
One simple safety measure that all Americans can take before traveling abroad is to enroll in the US State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). The service is free and takes only 20 minutes. It provides updates in real time about the health, weather, security and safety of the country you are visiting.
Take a risk-based decision that is based on the personal tolerance you have for risk
Wherever you are headed, take stock of a number of factors before you cancel or reschedule any travel plans: Consider your destination’s relative risk and your own personal risk tolerance—and that of your travel companions. Consider the information and services you can access from consulates, and your personal safety network. If you have family or friends in the region of your destination, you may want to ask them how they stay safe.
From there, make an informed decision about your travel plans that you—and your travel companions, if you have them—will be comfortable with. Preparation is key to traveling. No matter where you travel, you should always be prepared for anything that may happen.
Allvey says that, at the end of it all, “traveling is a choice we make and every action has a risk.” “I believe that travel can help us to better understand different cultures and build bridges.”
This article has been updated since its initial publication with new information.
