To Travel or Not to Travel? That Is the Question.

If there’s one thing the pandemic gave to travelers, it was cabin fever. In 2020, the travel industry took a nosedive. Fewer flights were taken, 557 million fewer flights to be exact. Hotel bookings were down considerably. In essence, everyone just kind of battened down the hatches and stayed put.

2021 saw a slow recovery of the travel industry as shown in the Monthly Travel Data Report put out by U.S. Travel Association. This however does not represent a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels.

Now, as 2022 looms, what’s the future look like for travel? Are we approaching some semblance of normalcy? Is a travel boom on the horizon?

According to Destination Analysis, 82% of Americans are ready to get back to traveling. But being ready to travel and being safely able to travel, are two separate things. Is it safe to start traveling once more? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the vaccine is both safe and effective in reducing the risk of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. It’s even likely that the vaccine offers at least some protection against the new Omicron variant according to information from NDTV.com.

Based on the above information, it should be safe to start traveling once again. Still, there is no crystal ball regarding the future. No one can say when these uncertain times might come to an end. Should you consider big plans for the 2022 travel year, or should you wait a bit longer? That’s the million-dollar question.

If you do decide to book a 2022 trip, there are some things to keep in mind. Staying vigilant regarding these items can save you time, frustration and money.

First, use the uncertainty of the situation to your advantage. Travel Zoo lists its weekly top 20 deals for traveling. Stay on top of the deals to save the most money. Don’t see the trip package at the price you want? Keep watch as prices fluctuate over time. 

It’s interesting to look at prices for flights and hotels. When dealing with hotels, procrastinating can get you the best bargains while the opposite is generally true when looking at flights. This is all according to Kayak.com. Of course, if you want hotel reservations at a specific location, then it may be wise to just book in advance, pay more, and not risk finding the ‘no vacancy’ sign up in the virtual window. 

If you do decide to take the plunge and resume travel in 2022, it’s important to mitigate risk as much as possible. Dan Drennen, Director of Sales and Marketing at Travel Insurance Center^® has some suggestions when it comes to reducing risk associated with traveling during the 2022 travel season.

Consider Coronavirus-Friendly Plans

Dan recommends that all travelers consider purchasing Coronavirus-friendly travel insurance. This type of protection can provide a way to hedge against financial risks related to travel during the pandemic. Coverage may include costs connected with travel delays, emergency medical and evacuation, trip cancelation and interruption, and the like. Despite these uncertain times, you can schedule trips with confidence because of the financial protection available through these plans.

Consider a Cancel For Any Reason Policy

An important point to consider, according to Drennen is the option to purchase a Cancel For Any Reason insurance policy. This is one of the most effective options for protecting your travel investment during these uncertain times.

Three Points Concerning Cancel For Any Reason Eligibility

1. The policy must be purchased within 21 days of your very first trip payment or deposit. If you go beyond that time frame, then Cancel For Any Reason insurance policies are not an option. 
2. You must insure the full, pre-paid, non-refundable cost of the trip. 
3. If you do cancel for any reason not covered under the standard trip cancellation provisions of the policy, you must do so 48 hours or more before departure. Therefore, time is of the essence in procuring this type of coverage.

The Travel Insurance Experts at Travel Insurance Center^® specialize in finding the best travel insurance options for your specific needs and budget. If you have questions or need travel insurance, don’t hesitate to reach out by clicking here, or by calling 1.866.979.6753.