Travel Safety Verified – What Does This Mean?

While much in the world has changed as it relates to travel, one thing that has remained the same is our role as travel advisors. We are advocates for our clients – working directly with resorts, cruise lines and other suppliers – so YOU don’t have to worry about anything but having fun on vacation. We are here to answer your questions, and now with new guidelines, we know you’ll have many.

Our role as travel advisors is to make sure you understand the latest recommendations for healthy and safe travel. We are excited to share that both Cindy & Andy have completed an extensive training program to become Travel Safety Verified travel advisors. The training covered health and safety best practices while traveling; travel protection health policies; safety protocols in place at resorts, airlines and cruises; and how to address customer concerns for various scenarios.

By being Travel Safety Verified and part of Dream Vacations, we are equipped to answer tough questions about what to expect when traveling on an airplane, at a resort or on a cruise vacation; what documentation is needed; where to get tested while on vacation; what is covered under travel protection; and much more.

Now more than ever it is important to book a vacation with a travel advisor, and by booking with a Travel Safety Verified travel advisor, you can rest assured that we are well-informed on the current travel environment and you can travel with additional peace of mind.

Health Tips and Considerations for Traveling

No doubt we’ve learned lots of lessons about our personal hygiene and how to protect ourselves and others from the spread of germs. We also witnessed the world’s response to addressing the threat. Even though officials and travel suppliers are continuously evolving their health & safety protocols for future outbreaks, the following guidance should be considered to prepare and protect yourself while traveling:

• Purchase travel protection. This extreme example shows that anything can happen before and during travel. Leaving yourself and the investment you’ve made in your vacation unprotected can put you at the mercy of the travel suppliers in the event of an unforeseen situation. We’ve also seen vast discrepancies in the terms of different provider policies. Make sure you review what your travel protection options are and purchase the one that provides you the coverage needed. You should also be looking for and considering “Cancel For Any Reason” protection if it’s available since many policies will not cover you for things like the fear of travel.
• Change your mobile phone plan. When traveling outside the country, make sure you have a temporary travel plan for your cell phone inclusive of voice and data. This will allow you to stay connected and informed in case of a deviation from your plans.
• Provide emergency contact information. If something were to happen to you while on travel, it’s critical that the travel suppliers, your travel advisor, and any family members or friends have the appropriate contact information if needed. This should not be someone traveling with you!
• Always take your passport. This has always been our strong recommendation when you’re leaving the country, despite the fact that some destinations do not require a passport, just a birth certificate and photo ID. However, we’ve seen countless examples where people ended up in places they never intended due to the medical protocols and lack of a passport could leave you stranded in place.
• Pack additional medications. Another situation that presented itself during this crisis was the quarantine, either for those who were sick or those who may have come into contact with someone who was sick. Make sure to pack additional supply of necessary medication in the off chance that you are held up somewhere.

Additional Travel Health & Safety Resources & References:

• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): COVID-19 Travel Guidance
• CDC: How to Protect Yourself and Others
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA): COVID-19 Information
• Whitehouse.gov Information on Opening Up America Again
• US Department of State: Travelers