An invitation to travel again

The past few months has seen so many cancellations of not just holiday plans but life as we know it with social distancing becoming the new normal to help enable us all to stay safe. Now that the world is starting to cautiously re open its doors are you like me, thinking that you are ready to travel as soon as we can and can’t wait to escape the four walls or are you feeling a bit more cautious and not quite ready to dip your toes? Don’t get me wrong I do not want to put myself in harms way but at the same time I crave some return to normality as I’m sure many of us do.

Travel is in my blood and I have missed it so much. My husband often asks if we should get a new sofa or maybe the new front door that he’s wanted since we moved into our house 10 years ago, but my response is always “No… I’d rather go on holiday!” Like many of us I had my own family cruise that we were due to travel on in May half term cancelled – I knew it was coming but I was still so disappointed when I got the email that officially said it wasn’t going to be happening. I miss the excitement of going on holiday and having to think about what to wear and what to pack. I miss the arrival at the hotel and walking past the pool to check out where I think is going to be the best spot. I miss eating out at new places trying the local cuisine. What do you miss most about going on holiday?

We have had lots of time to daydream about where we would like to go once this is all a distant memory. During lockdown I have been extending my travel and supplier knowledge so my list of places I would like to go to is ever getting longer but my recent favourite is a Tanzanian Safari in a Bush Rover which is a Land Rover that turns into a camp in the middle of the Serengeti! In reality though I think the first place I will go to will be more local with a trip to somewhere in Europe, somewhere that I know and have maybe been to before and to a either a villa that is self-contained or a hotel that I know has adapted their protocols to keep their customers safe. Where would your first travel destination be?

Travel might look a bit different when we finally are able to return. For example, face coverings will be necessary at airports and on the aircraft and in public transport when you arrive at your destination. Airlines may be amending their hand baggage allowances and onboard catering will be more limited than usual offerings. Entry requirements may be different to what we are used to. Social distancing measures will be in place at hotels and accommodations with many reducing their capacity of guests to help keep us safe. Many buffet restaurants will see changes such as table service and extended opening hours. These adjustments can seem daunting, but I will always be at your side giving you all the up to date information you need to ensure you have an enjoyable holiday.

One thing that is not different is what you get from me. I will still care about your trip as if it were my own. I will still be personally contactable at any time alongside our 24/7 duty office so you can be reassured that there is always someone who is there for you. I will still give you a tickets pack but if you prefer you can view all your holiday documents electronically via our recently updated MyTC app. Your hard-earned money will still be protected by our financial trust and Atol. I will still take away the hassle of organising your trip and tailor your trip personally to you.

So, whether you choose to travel as soon as the foreign advice is lifted or decide to wait a bit longer, travel is such an enriching life experience and a time to make lasting memories, it’s something lots of us just aren’t prepared to give up. Whatever you decide to do both myself and the world will be waiting. I look forward to planning your next adventure together when you are ready.