Cancel? Change tickets? Continue with the initial plan? Here is the guide to solve your doubts!
As the world watches how the coronavirus (Covid-19) evolves into what could soon become a pandemic, many travelers have wondered what this situation means for the trips they had booked.
If your destination is China or Italy; or anywhere that is not near the current outbreaks, here it is everything you should think about before modifying or canceling your travel plans.
1. CHECK THE SPANISH GOVERNMENT WEBSITE AND SET UP ALERTS
Here you can access updated and official information from the Ministry of Health on the evolution of the coronavirus.
Also, the Coordination Center for Health Alerts and Emergencies of the Ministry of Health (CCAES) has prepared a document questions and answers about SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 which is under permanent review and is available here.
In this document we find the** health recommendations and preventive measures** for travelers heading to the affected areas – China (all provinces including Hong Kong and Macau), South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Iran and Italy (Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont regions).
Lastly, in the International Vaccination Centers you can expand the information on the preventive measures to be implemented by travelers.
Keep in mind that these recommendations can change quickly , so it is necessary to review them as the beginning of the trip approaches.
2. VISIT THE GOVERNMENTAL WEB PAGES OF THE COUNTRIES TO WHICH YOU PLAN TO TRAVEL
If you plan to travel to a country that has had an outbreak (or in some cases, neighboring countries), the greatest risk is not always that you are exposed to the virus, but that **you could run into travel delays, inspections, and potential quarantines when return home or go to a second destination. **
For example, United Kingdom has announced that travelers who have visited anywhere north of the city of Pisa in Italy will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
Make sure you know the policies of the places you plan to visit, and also keep in mind that outbreaks – and therefore related policies – are evolving rapidly.
3. CONTACT THE AIRLINE AND KNOW THE CANCELLATION POLICIES AND CHANGES OF ITS ROUTES
To know service interruptions and high costs what can mean the change or cancellation of a flight , you will need to contact your airline directly.
Iberia has temporarily suspended all its flights with Shanghai by the spread of the coronavirus, a measure that began on January 31 and will continue until the end of April. Customers who have already purchased tickets to China can request Iberia the refund or a change of date to fly.
Other airlines that have suspended their flights to China are: American Airlines (until April 24), Air France, Austrian Airlines, British Airways (Until March 31st), DeltaAirlines (Until April 30), KLM (until March 28), Lufthansa (until March 28) and Qatar Airways.
In the case of Italy, Iberia and Vueling are making adjustments with "tactical" cancellations or lower caliber aircraft, waiting to see how the situation evolves.
If you choose to change your plane ticket to travel elsewhere, you may have to pay the costs related to the change of flight , unless covered by travel insurance. Check your airline's website to see your current policy regarding rebooking or canceling travel due to coronavirus, or contact their customer service directly.
If your flight has stopovers, You should also visit the website of the airports you will pass through to find out the mandatory checks which can cause delays.
At our guide updated daily , you can access information on the cancellation policies of each of the airlines that operate in our country.
4. WRITE AN EMAIL TO YOUR HOTEL
If you have a reservation in a destination with an outbreak, especially in the areas that are currently on lockdown, the accommodation may offer a full refund or a new reservation if you cancel or postpone your trip.
If you travel elsewhere, policies vary and will likely be followed the accommodation's standard cancellation policy. If you travel to multiple destinations, inform each hotel of the other destinations you will visit to ensure that you will not be subject to quarantine policies upon arrival (which would be in line with local government policy).
As well as understanding the financial obligations of changing your trip, accommodation can also provide useful information about what the situation is like at the destination.
5. TALK TO YOUR TRAVEL AGENCY
If you booked with a travel agency, or booked day trips or activities, contact those providers as well. They can have your own insurance policies to cancel.
In some cases, even if the hotel or airline does not offer the option to reschedule your trip free of charge, the agent who booked your trip may have their own offers that allow them to do so.
Even if you're not considering cancellation, make sure you ask about possible trip or tour interruptions that will affect your experience (and make sure you have an answer, up front, about how you will be reimbursed or compensated if that happens).
6. CONTACT YOUR CRUISE COMPANY
After the coronavirus outbreak on the Diamond Princess cruise ship and news that a second ship was turned away from international ports, some cruise lines are allowing guests to book or postpone upcoming cruises due to concerns about possible infection or disruption to your trip.
If you have booked a cruise, contact the cruise company directly for details on your policy. Because many companies are prepared for a variety of scenarios, they likely have a plan in place.
7. CHECK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICY
As a last resort, much of the above may be included in your travel insurance –depending on the type of insurance you have contracted, if you have–.
While most policies don't cover reasons you might cancel due to coronavirus (such as new travel warnings for your destination, city lockdowns, or just not wanting to go), policies with a "cancel for any reason" provision will have your back. Read the small print of the policy you purchased and contact your provider to clarify any questions.
If you did not take out travel insurance, you should know that the trip can be protected with your credit card. Some cards include travel insurance as an added benefit, although coverage varies greatly. Check your credit card provider's website or contact them directly for more information.
8. CONSIDER WHEN YOUR TRIP IS PLANNED FOR
If you leave within the next two weeks, Follow the steps above to find out about your options as soon as possible. If your next trip is within three months, keep an eye on the information and monitor the situation, but take some time before reviewing your plans.
The situation has changed overnight, making it impossible to know which parts of the world will be affected within several months.
9. MAKE A DECISION THAT MAKES SENSE TO YOU
There is no single, universal answer to the question of whether or not you should cancel your trip. Consider all of the above and weigh the costs and possible inconveniences against your personal risk, depending on your health history and your destination. If in doubt, contact your GP to discuss your concerns.
If you have any symptoms of the virus, such as a fever or cough, even if it is the result of the common flu or other illness, keep in mind that you may be flagged down at checkpoints or asked to quarantine depending on the destination you are heading to, which could have a noticeable impact on your trip.
10. FOLLOW THE GENERAL PRECAUTIONS BOTH AT HOME AND ABROAD
Whatever your decision – stay home or go on your journey – make sure you wash your hands frequently, disinfect objects that are touched regularly, and follow the steps you normally take to prevent the common flu.
And while you should avoid being around sick people, it's also important identify and reject the stigmas surrounding the virus.
Article originally published in the North American version of Condé Nast Traveler.