If you like to travel, you’ve probably had to cancel or postpone a trip, or several, due to the risks and travel restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus, and you are no doubt disappointed. But now, as we move from one chapter in this pandemic to the next, many are looking forward to the fall and winter months and well beyond and are wondering, “Should I book a vacation for a future date right now?” Here at TropiQ Trips, that’s a resounding “yes”!
Now is the perfect time to book your next vacation.
Here are our Top 6 reasons why now might just be the perfect time to book your next vacation:
1. Planning a new trip helps with the disappointment of canceled trips
Anticipation is the greatest joy; don’t you agree? Even if you don’t know the exact date you’ll be able to travel, there’s lots of fun to be had in physically planning your next getaway. Dig out the bucket list, pick a destination, and start the research…
More downtime means more time to plan and work with your personalized tour operator of choice (that’s where we come in) without the stress of an imminent deadline to make a decision. It also means more possibilities which equates to a whole new world of itineraries with incredible adventures.
Don’t worry if you’re not quite ready to make reservations just yet. You can work with us on your vacation plan now and just pull the trigger when the time is right. However, if you already know exactly where you want to go, booking now might just be a great idea because …
Houses on stilts in the Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro, Panama
2. Booking policies are more flexible than ever
We understand how difficult it is to commit to a trip in the age of coronavirus. Even as the US has moved into a phased reopening, there are still so many unknowns- it feels like it’s changing daily! The good news in all of this is that booking policies are more flexible and consumer-friendly than ever before.
Many airlines have changed their policies to allow you to book your flights now, and still have the freedom to change your booking for the next twelve months, no penalties!
One of the biggest challenges with booking tour packages is the deposit and payment plan. Often, you’ll pay for much — or all — of your trip in advance, and there are steep cancellation penalties. Not when you book with us. When you book a vacation with TropiQ Trips, we want you to have peace of mind. We want you to know that, if circumstances change, we’ve got your back.
Our comprehensive COVID Travel Protection Plan will allow you to book any TropiQ Trips tour or custom vacation for travel in 2020 or 2021 and cancel, change or postpone your trip for any reason up to 40 days prior to departure. You’ll receive a 100% future travel credit, valid through December 31, 2022.
Luxury vacation in Turks & Caicos
3. Start over and book a vacation in a different destination
Is your originally planned trip no longer an option due to the current reality? Is that cruise on the Med through Europe no longer feasible?
A shorter flight in a different direction might just be the perfect alternative. Many countries, such as Panama or Costa Rica, have not been as affected as we are here in the US, or have taken stricter measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Panamanians for example were and currently still are (after a week of fewer restrictions) only allowed out of their homes for 6 hours a week!
There are a lot of international destinations that actually pose a far lower risk than we are exposed to in our own home states at the moment.
Self-drive tour in Costa Rica
4. Availability is not an issue
There’s no doubt that coronavirus is putting a strain on the travel industry. Destinations will want to welcome travelers back as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.
For you as travelers, not only does this mean more availability in the most popular hotels (a lot more!), but also for the most sought-after tour guides. But wait, there’s even more! If you beat the masses, by planning and booking your vacation early, you’ll pretty much have the beaches to yourself, even during the busy dry season (Dec-Apr). Who knows when an opportunity like that will come around again?
Maya ruins of Chichen Itza, Mexico
5. Support sustainable tourism and help locals
Unfortunately, just like here in the States, people in the travel industry worldwide have had to close their businesses due to lost tourism revenue, income that they depend on to feed their families. Our local partner agencies, guides, drivers, transportation companies, providers such as hotels and sightseeing locations, are now struggling to survive. By booking your vacation, you support small businesses and their families. Starting right here in the US, and extending worldwide as you travel.
As a company TropiQ Trips, wherever possible, avoids “tourist traps” and focuses on authentic experiences off the beaten path. We include local experiences – be it tasting traditional food or visiting a community project. We prefer small private lodges & boutique hotels, carefully selected for a unique and special experience, over large chain hotels. With us, your money supports the locals, not big corporations.
In Costa Rica, for example, around 80% of accommodations are family-owned businesses or boutique hotels that have fewer than 40 rooms. This also allows tour providers to consistently implement the recommendations of the health organizations and ensures the lowest possible risk for travelers.
Garifuna drummers in Belize
6. Reopening of destinations
Most of our destinations in Central America and the Caribbean are aiming to reopen by the end of July. That is also when a lot of international flights will resume making these exotic destinations accessible again.
Bottom line
If you’re one of the many Americans that put travel on hold in favor of a wait-and-see approach, we are right there with you. But there’s no reason you should continue to put a hold on vacation planning. Now is the best time to start researching those dream trips and to work with us so you can book a spectacular vacation when the time comes. Depending on your situation and intended destination, perhaps the time to book has already arrived!
We are here for you and can’t wait to send you a free quote for a vacation to any of our amazing destinations!
Your travel might be on hold, but your dreams and plans don’t have to be.