It’s clear that COVID-19 is here today – at least for the foreseeable future – but many countries have relaxed travel bans and replaced them with strict prevention measures. This is great news for those whose wanderlust has been yearning to hop onto a plane, a train, or even drive somewhere spectacular, close to home.
The good news is that even the most luxurious of locations has a range of special offers to entice travelers to visit, with many going the mile to reassure guests with their health and safety protocols. They’re also being incredibly creative in coming up with new memorable experiences, to make the chore of travelling in a pandemic even more worthwhile.
Some basics to look out for before you book include a clear regular screening policy for guests and staff, boosted cleaning protocols – particularly in public spaces, and a flexible booking policy that allows you to postpone your booking should have to self-isolate after exposure, or even take time to recuperate from unexpected illness.
Some of the great offers from hotels and hotel groups worldwide include:
While many hotel groups offer points-based loyalty schemes, there are often tight restrictions on just how those points can be redeemed. Look out for hotels and resorts. that have adapted their points systems to encourage bookings – there are some great deals on offer, not to mention an opportunity to finally put your rewards points to good use.
There can be no safe travel without social distancing, which is why The Capital Apartments and Hotels, with properties across South Africa, has created a series of outdoor events and experiences that bring people wanting to socialize together – but making it possible for them to keep apart. Add in some great offers for apartment hotel rooms for the night, and there’s no reason to languish at home if you’re in South Africa.
Some hotels have gone as far as offering a COVID-19 specialized service, creating a safe home-away-from-home haven to rest and recover. Le Bijou in Switzerland offers apartments that can be operated without staff, and thoughtful care, monitoring and support services, as well as well-equipped home offices in each apartment for those that may test positive but still feel
healthy.
At a time when we crave travel but need isolation, look out for venues where you can marvel at your location, but feel safe in isolation. For example, each property in the More Family Collection offers a Treehouse Experience, where guests are completely off-grid, surrounded only by the majesty of the African landscape. The Small Luxury Hotels
of the World is a great resource to find even more beautiful, yet isolated
destinations.
Travelling during a pandemic is going to be … interesting at the best of times, so be sure to follow all travel safety protocols required by your home and destination countries and travel service providers. While taking every precaution to prevent exposure is just the smart thing to do, make sure you’ve allowed for enough flexibility in your plans should you need to interrupt your travels with a spell of self-isolation for your own protection. It’s worth checking what your travel insurance provider does and doesn’t cover too, as many will have adapted their cover for the current environment.
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