The headlines are changing daily and the information is developing even as you read this, so we understand it is hard not to be concerned how Coronavirus (COVID-19) will effect your upcoming travel plans. 

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We at LaVon Travel do not take this concern lightly and it is our priority to give the utmost attention to our clients to work through every question and concern they may have regarding their plans. Although we are not experts on this virus or nature of the disease, we do believe in being a trusted, empathetic resource to our clients so they can make the best decision for themselves.  To that we would like to provide some helpful tips and guidelines to take into consideration before, during and after your travels.

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1) Protect Your Travel Investment – By Seeking Professional Advice.

For those who have a vacation booked in the coming days, weeks or months, it’s valid to feel some trepidation. Fears of contracting the virus, or even being quarantined, are valid. While we as advisors can never make a decision for you on whether to travel, our job is to be a resource to you that’s on your side during this challenging time. A travel advisor knows if or when airlines, hotels, cruise lines and tour operators have waived change and cancellation fees (many have). We are here to provide expert advice, point you int the right direction for unbiased information and deliver support where needed.  Instead jumping to decisions based on the deluge of information from the media, reach out to your advisor to find out their inside knowledge on the destination you’re traveling to. It is important that you have all your options in play and your advisor will do their very best to make those very clear.  It’s our goal to be responsible and respectful of your time and the travel investment you have made.

 

In addition through years of personal relationships and partnerships we have access to real-time information from our on the ground partners to arm our clients with the facts needed to make confident decisions, provide informed answers to any “What would you do?” concerns, and handle the logistics that sometimes can’t be avoided, from last-minute flight changes to spring break contingency plans. 

 

2) It's Still Ok To Travel - Just Be Mindful Of Who You Trust

We recommend you stick to the same trusted resources that we do for your information.  The CDC (Center for Disease Control) and WHO (World Health Organization) and the State Department. 

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While we have seen travelers postpone or cancel trips to Italy and Asia, travel has not come to a screeching halt.  Many of our travelers are choosing options closer to home be it the Caribbean or within the states to experience something new.  Ask your travel advisor about options where you can travel that don't have concerns.​

  

3) ENTRY & TESTING REQUIREMENTS

The recent CDC ruling , effective  January 26, 2021 requires all air passengers entering the United States, including all American Citizens, to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 3 days of departure of their first flight segment headed into the USA. For more information please Click Here to Read the CDC’s FAQs.

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Foreign Destinations

• COVID TEST: Each destination has specific COVID TEST requirements that you should review with your Advisor

• CERTIFY: Many destinations require health and certification forms to enter. You will not be allowed onto your flight without the official certification confirmed in writing. Thus, we suggest filling it out at least 24 hours in advance. You must have your test results uploaded to the application.

• INSURANCE: Discuss Insurance requirements and have PROOF of Insurance as required to travel enter certain destinations.

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4) Plan Now - Travel Later (With Insurance)

Traveling is meant to be fun, tranformative and educational. The recovery from all this will come and now could be a good time to look forward to grabbing great value on a vacation you have been waiting to take for quite some time.  Speak to your travel advisor about booking ahead for late 2020 and 2021 trips.  Many travel companies, hotels, airlines are offering relaxed deposits and cancellation penalites to encourage those who are looking for the next window of opportunity to travel rather than living in forever realms of fear.   

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Travel insurance is always a good idea.  While “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance policies may partially cover trip cancellations and adjustments related to the coronavirus outbreak, there are some restrictions, and the policy has to be purchased within 21 days of making an initial trip deposit. If you want to book a trip for later this summer, we highly recommend that travelers tak a CFAR policy. 

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At LaVon we are dedicated to ensuring you as our clients feel comfortable and safe, no matter where in the world you go, and deliver your options in the most factual manner possible. 

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