If you’ve got plans to go on your trip of a lifetime this spring or summer, there’s no doubt news of the uninvited Coronavirus has crossed your path. As an expert in the Travel Industry, I am well aware that Coronavirus (CoV) has spurred some chatter.

There is no doubt that some people are rearranging itineraries or cancelling trips. Regardless, if you’re wondering whether you should travel abroad during this time, here are six things you should keep in mind:

Stay Healthy and Happy

The Coronavirus has been most dangerous to elderly people with pre-existing medical conditions. If you have pre-existing health conditions and/or concerns about traveling abroad at this time, seek advice from your doctor.

Know How Coronavirus Spreads

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Coronavius can be transmitted between animals and people and seems to spread through coming in contact with the virus directly – via sneezing or coughing of an infected person – or indirectly – via touching a countertop that an infected person has sneezed/coughed on. 

The best ways to protect yourself from the virus include:

• maintaining a safe distance of three feet from others to avoid coming in contact with infected coughs and sneezes.
• Avoiding touching your face or mouth.
• Washing your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water.

If you have more questions about Coronavirus, you can review the WHO Coronavirus Q&A section.

Be Prepared for Travel Restrictions 

Various countries are placing travel restrictions and quarantines strictly based on where people have traveled. You may be able to travel outside of the U.S., but if cases worsen, getting back in may require a 14-day quarantine.

In my opinion, quarantine is another term for 14 days to spend alone doing whatever I would like. I recently picked up crocheting and a quarantine would give me ample time to work on my new skill.

Get Ready for Flight Cancellations

If flight changes are made due to Coronavirus, (for example, some flights in and out of Hong Kong have been cancelled) some airlines will not notify passengers until two weeks before the flights scheduled departure.

If you have international flights scheduled, call the airline you’ve planned to fly with at least four weeks in advance so that you can have extra time to make itinerary changes if needed.

Potential Flight Rerouting

Delta has reported that Seattle is no longer receiving flights from South Korea as an effort to reduce the spread of Coronavirus. As a result, some flights are being redirected to Detroit, Michigan.

Consider Trip Insurance

At Alpenwild, we always recommend trip insurance. Most people assume that trip insurance will cover any and all trip cancellations, but that is incorrect.

Most trip insurance companies will only refund trip costs due to trip provider cancellations, severe illnesses, and death. They usually do not cover instances in which people decide not to go – even if due to a virus infestation in their destination.

As always, I recommend trip insurance but be sure to read and research various policies so that you are aware of your insurance benefits and holes in coverage.

Despite the Coronavirus outbreak, I still plan to hike in Switzerland this summer. Will I be taking precautions to wash my hands, call the airlines, and buy trip insurance? You bet! However, I am also crossing my fingers that the peak-season travel crowds will be smaller this year.

If you’ve got travel planned for this summer, consult with your physician, stay updated and informed on the latest travel news and as always, have happy travels!

What are your thoughts on this? Will you sit tight as the Coronavirus spreads or continue to travel as you are able? We’d love to hear your thoughts below.