You’ve probably heard the age-old phrase “knowledge is
power” and like anything in life the more we know about something the better
prepared we can be. The travel industry has succumbed to many disasters prior
to our current crisis and it has always bounced back, it is resilient like
that. Why? Because travel is one of the greatest and most fulfilling gifts we
have and for the vast majority of us it keeps us going. Be it a local weekend
getaway, an interstate trip or an overseas holiday, travel gives us something
new or comforting to look forward to. Once travel restrictions are lifted some
of us may jump in head first and some may wait a while longer, whatever it may
be, travel is here to stay.
Updates to domestic travel in Australia – as at 4 August 2020
Qantas have implemented several new protocols to minimise contact where possible at both the airport terminal and on board including encouraging customers travelling to complete their flight check-in online, capacity restrictions and enhanced hygiene practices in the airport lounges, simplified inflight meal service to limit contact, supplied reading material is temporarily paused and further enhancements to their Fly Well program including supply of inflight masks and sanitising wipes pack, the existing hospital grade air filtration system and enhanced aircraft cleaning including disinfection of all high contact areas. This is in addition to their current ‘Fly flexible’ policy which allows for one free waiver of the change fee if you decide to change your Australian domestic travel date. This is subject to certain date and other conditions.
Virgin Australia also are currently offering a Flexible Flying policy which allows again for one free waiver of the change fee to change your date of travel, subject to certain date and other conditions. Updates to their health and wellbeing protocols include an encouragement towards online check in prior to arriving at the airport, increased sanitisation of check in areas, social distancing on boarding and disembarking the aircraft, the existing hospital grade air filtration system, simplified inflight catering and socially distanced inflight seating where possible.
Hilton hotels throughout Australia are offering greater booking flexibility subject to certain conditions and implemented a global program for an even cleaner and safer stay for all guests, ‘Hilton CleanStay with Lysol protection’. This is in addition to social distancing practices throughout the hotel with some reduced amenities that can incur high traffic for enhanced safety.
Journey Beyond Rail have introduced JourneySafe COVID protocols that go beyond the government and industry standards for an enhanced experience and include: exceptional hygiene practices throughout the entire journey, a ‘fit for travel’ screening prior to travel for both guests and staff, increased training on COVID safe practices and physical distancing measures wherever practical plus more flexibility with bookings, rescheduling and cancellation options.
AAT Kings have further enhanced their already high standards by: training all travel directors in new and enhanced hygiene standards, increased sanitisation on board their luxury coaches and added hygiene protocols in accordance with the World Health Organisation, only working with partners of equal COVID safe standards, smaller groups to allow for further social distancing and keeping up with government advisories and alerts on a daily basis.
Travel better in the future
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Continued support for our beautiful country
It is suggested that as travel restrictions begin to ease
that it will start with domestic for the time being, meaning a holiday in our
country will be there if we want it. And we should. Not only will we be giving
our tourism industry a much needed boost, but our country and people have so
much to offer. Our vast, stunning and
diverse landscapes provide the ground for something Australia does well - very
well in fact - and that is unique, once in a lifetime experiences. Not to
mention nearly every climate-based holiday at our fingertips, World
Heritage-Listed sites and the fact we live in one of the safest countries in
the world with leading services and facilities.
Hygiene
From contactless options, social distancing and additional visible measures from the likes of airlines, hotels and tour operators, cleanliness guidelines will be further enhanced and in place to make travellers feel assured and comforted. As for travellers themselves, hopefully there will be greater importance on correct and frequent hand washing and coughing and sneezing etiquette, which has got to be a bonus.
Sustainable travel and the environment
Pre pandemic, these were some of the most talked about
concerns of the tourism industry. We have all seen the seemingly crystal-clear
waters of Venice, which yes may have just been the result of dirt not being
roused by the gondolas, but nevertheless it still stunned the world. We have
seen global pollution levels in some parts drop to levels not seen by this
generation, with the visible sight of the Himalayas in Jalandhar, Northern India,
not seen in decades, as one example. The struggles of over-crowding from
tourists was also a big issue becoming alarming for some historical and
significant sites in recent years, which surely has to be addressed now. What a
perfect time to put in place restrictions or limits to then reap the rewards of
sustainable travel and environmental benefits. Perhaps even travellers themselves
will take this into greater consideration for future holidays.
Great value and greater flexibility
According to leading industry profiles, predictions are that
once travel restrictions are lifted and it is safe to venture out again,
travellers will benefit from great value holidays from airlines, hotels, tour
operators, attractions and those generally larger volume of people operators.
This may be a short term offering but certainly a beneficial one for many as we
continue to find our feet and wings again. There may also be greater
flexibility to begin with as operators offer further peace of mind for those
returning to travel straight away or potentially even longer term
flexibility. The hot tip from industry
experts is to not just look out for the cheapest price but perhaps the greatest
value to you.
Contingency plan
Contingency meaning: a future event or circumstance which
is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty or something
that might possibly happen in the future, usually causing problems or making
further arrangements necessary. If the pandemic has taught travellers
anything, it’s that things can change very quickly on a global scale. Enter the
travellers contingency plan. This may come in the form of allowing an additional
percentage amount on your total travel budget to allow for the unforeseen
immediate costs you may face should unexpected events occur. Or it may just involve
a plan of action should things not go to plan. Knowledge is power and we can
travel better for it.
