Travel Smarter This Summer
As global uncertainty continues to affect holiday plans, Maggie Maguire from One Himalaya shares practical advice on navigating disruption and why there are still plenty of exciting destinations to enjoy in the months ahead.
What a difference a month makes! When I was writing my previous travel column, I didn’t imagine that within a few weeks the US and Israel would have launched a war against Iran that would impact the global economy and, amongst many other effects, cause the biggest disruption to global travel since the Covid pandemic. I hope that by the time you read this, things have settled, but so far it’s looking like it won’t be over soon.
On a more positive note, it’s definitely spring season, summer is fast approaching and there are still plenty of great travel destinations and options to enjoy, so lots to look forward to!
Travel disruptions
I can’t ignore the fact that the Middle East conflict has seriously disrupted many travel plans, both for those already on holiday and those planning to travel soon, and has also dented confidence in travelling for many.
The Middle East, particularly destinations such as Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, is an important global flight hub, both for those heading to, for example, Dubai or the surrounding region, or transiting via to onward destinations in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Many airlines are now operating reduced and restricted services at the moment, and fares have also gone up, with fewer options available due to increased costs for fuel and the need to reroute on longer workarounds to avoid the airspace over the Middle East region.
Many travel agents and tour operators, including myself, have been busy over the last couple of weeks advising and reassuring clients, rescheduling or rerouting trips and flights, and trying to plan ahead. If you have booked with a travel agent or tour operator such as myself, this is also a good example of when having a known contact to discuss options with and who will be able to provide advice, source and sort out new flights, or change booking dates or destinations, really comes into its own.
This is also a time to make sure you have those important basics in place
Such as making sure you have travel insurance in place from the time of booking your trip, not just the time of travel. At the moment, making sure you have flexible flights is also a good call, just in case changes are needed.
Having said that, many standard UK travel insurance policies do not cover losses linked to war, which means that costs of any disruptions, changes, additional hotel nights or transport are unlikely to be covered. Policies vary and some insurers will continue to provide cover for certain types of claims for a short while, to allow travellers to leave the affected area.
If you choose to travel to an at-risk area against official government advice, your insurance will likely be void and, if you cancel your trip, standard insurance is unlikely to pay out. It’s best to check directly with your insurance provider for clear advice.
If you have booked a package holiday and a travel advisory against travel is issued, then you are entitled to cancel and get a full refund. If you need to make changes to your booking, either a current or upcoming one, speak with your airline, travel agent or tour operator who you made the booking with for refund or rebooking options.
Where’s good to travel at the moment
If you’re looking ahead to an Easter break or a summer getaway, where are the good options to visit now? Places closer to home are seeing increased bookings. For example, Italy, France, Spain, Malta and Croatia have all risen in popularity in the last few weeks.
Further afield, there’s also increased demand for the Caribbean, such as the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Destinations such as Nepal, Bhutan, India, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand are all still great options, using alternative flight routes to avoid Middle East transit, and there are also good deals for Canada and the US.
If you’ve decided to stick closer to home, there are also great UK staycations or short breaks available.
River & Ocean cruising
If you prefer to avoid flying at the moment, or generally, or like the idea of visiting various destinations without having to pack and unpack and move multiple times, consider a cruise. I prefer the smaller, more specialist cruises, but there really is something for everyone, and some wonderful river cruises as well as ocean ones.
Some ships are great for families, some for couples, others for solo travellers. Some are budget friendly, others high-end luxury. It’s a very relaxing way to travel and experience multiple destinations and activities, and how great to go to sleep and the next morning wake up and you’re somewhere new!
Easter & Summer Breaks
It’s not too late to plan an Easter break or a great summer or later getaway. Whether it’s a small group tour, a private trip or a solo adventure, there are plenty of options available.
Fancy a wonderful safari experience in Africa, India or Nepal? How about a relaxing river cruise with stop-offs to enjoy characterful towns, with visits to local vineyards, villages and historic sites? Maybe you prefer a private villa with stunning views, or an adventure-packed small group getaway.
Himalayan dreaming
Now is also one of the best times to visit Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet, my favourite part of the world, with spring landscapes carpeted in wildflowers. Visit our One Himalaya website, www.one-himalaya.com or contact us for details of world-class treks, tours, safaris and more!
Visit our website
Visit our website www.latitude55escapes.com to see our latest deals and some great travel inspiration, or follow us on our recently launched Facebook page. Our offers change regularly, so if you don’t see what you’re looking for, or prefer a tailor-made trip designed for you, just ask!
Thank you
This is my last travel column, so I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who’s read it and, I hope, enjoyed it and found it useful or inspiring.
A big thanks also to the wonderful team at LocalWomen who invited me to write the column. I’ve really enjoyed writing it and it’s been great to be part of it.
If you’re looking for your next getaway or just want some advice, contact us for a chat or visit us at www.latitude55escapes.com for UK and worldwide travel, or www.one-himalaya.com for fabulous Himalayan adventures, and we’ll be happy to help!
Whatever your travel plans, I wish you safe travels and a wonderful summer and beyond!
Maggie
One Himalaya / Latitude 55 Escapes
Email: hello@latitude55escapes.com
Email: hello@one-himalaya.com
Tel: +44 (0)28 20768975
