Coronavirus & Travel FAQs
"Every sunrise holds more promise, and every sunset holds more peace."
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve received during this time of uncertainty with Coronavirus.
I hope this is helpful in learning about how we can help you and the options you have if thinking about cancelling an upcoming trip.
What Happens if I Cancel my Upcoming Trip (for travel March through May)?
Distinct Vacations’ supplier partners all over the world are working with us to minimize cancellation penalties for our clients. Most are rolling over the funds to a future trip and waiving cancellation fees. Airlines are handling it in a similar way, offering vouchers and waiving change fees.
Should I Cancel my Trip Planned for Summer or Fall?
At this point it is really too soon to tell. I wish we had a crystal ball but we just don’t know how soon things will go back to normal. For now, my recommendation for trips from June and later is to just wait it out. The travel suppliers are currently waiving fees for cancellations through May so cancelling a future trip now may result in high penalties.
Are Travel Insurance Policies Covering Cancellations?
Fear of travel, travel restrictions, and destinations being inaccessible due to Coronavirus are not covered reasons under standard policies. The only way to receive coverage for these reasons is if you have purchased a Cancel For any Reason policy. However, this type of policy does not cover 100% (usually reimburses 50% to 75% of trip costs), and it must be purchased within 14 days of the initial deposit for the trip.
What Happens to the Travel Insurance Policy Purchased for an Upcoming Trip I’m Postponing?
The terms vary depending on your state of residence. This is currently in effect for most states with the insurance company I partner with… Travel insurance policies purchased can be rolled over to a future trip as long as there are no claims against that policy and you travel within 12 months of the original trip. Date modifications must be made by the last day of travel on your original trip.
How Does Distinct Vacations Help Me During this Time of Uncertainty?
Unlike the large online travel agencies (Expedia, Costco, etc.), we offer personalized service to each and every client. Currently these online agencies are not getting back to concerned travelers regarding cancellations or refunds. You see, they are not set up to offer this type of individualized service. Everything is automated, they are only set up for large volumes of automated bookings, and there is no human interaction. So when something happens out of the ordinary they are not prepared.
At Distinct Vacations, the custom trips we create are handcrafted and when a crisis like Coronavirus occurs we handle it with the same level of care taken to design your trip. We have a travel supplier partner in each country who works with us one-on-one to confirm all your services with the most reliable providers. As clients decide to cancel or postpone their vacations we are able to work with our partners and confirm the resolution within a couple of days.
I hope this information has been helpful. Please reach out should you need help or advice on an upcoming trip or if you’re dreaming about a vacation for later on this year or for 2021. I know this will pass and soon we'll be back to traveling and exploring this magnificent world.
Sending you all my love. Stay healthy!!
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