I too have relatives in Europe and am itching to get back there ASAP. I am hopeful of an opportunity to travel to select “safe” destinations before the end of 2021. As the Vaccine rolls out around the world, and select countries and transport providers may ask for proof of vaccination, you would hope the requirement for quarantine is reviewed and where possible relaxed. In fact the EU and a number of airlines are currently looking at Digital Vaccination Passports.

Barry Downs from Bicton Travel

Cruise is so suited to the solo traveller and as you are probably aware a number of cruise lines have ships with dedicated solo accommodation on select chips on NCL, Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, Cunard and others. Some river cruise operators also offer cabins with no solo supplement on any departure, such as Tauck and Riviera, whilst others of no or low supplement on select departures. I think the biggest difference you will notice will be around dining, you may need to make a reservation, but suspect the solo travellers will still be able to meet up with likeminded solo travellers within the guidelines of distancing etc at the time of travel.

Barry Downs from Bicton Travel

I may be biased, but cruise is the best multi generation holiday. Each member of the family can do as little or as much as you want, coming together at meal times to share the stories of the days adventure. Of course some activities can be done by the whole family to make memories that will last a lifetime, but equally your mother may be happy finding a quiet corner, whilst the kids enjoy kids club or the pool/waterpark, whilst you enjoy some me time in the spa and your partner participates in a cocktail masterclass or culinary experience… the list is endless. A number of cruise lines now have accommodation for 5, but of course interconnecting cabins are also an option to give you that little more space. Alternatively an all-inclusive resort such as Club Med would offer a similar experience but on land. Do tell us all about your holiday  after your travels.

Barry Downs from Bicton Travel

Having worked on the other side of the travel industry, in resort, assisting travellers in their time of need. I strongly believe no one should leave home without Travel Insurance. Not knowing your personal circumstances, travel type and chosen destination make it difficult to predict your insurance needs. From a post COVID question, one of the first travel insurance policies I have seen that offers coverage for COVID is NIB Travel Insurance, as a bonus they also include cruise holiday cover (whilst others may charge a supplement for cruise). NIB Health fund members also receive a 10% discount off NIB Travel insurance, but you really need to read the policy and understand the product disclosure statement, to ensure the chosen policy meets or exceeds your insurance requirements. Pop into your local travel agent, they can offer you an obligation free quote and by doing so you are supporting a local business too.

Barry Downs from Bicton Travel

In short yes and no… The pre COVID extremely low fares of $1,100 to Europe were not sustainable long term, so compared to that I think they will appear to have increased, but at the same time, the airlines will be keen to steal market share from their competitors so there will likely be some great deals to win you over. Choose a good AFTA ATAS accredited agent and sign up to their database, or follow them online, they will be sure to keep their clients updated as and when great deals are released.

Barry Downs from Bicton Travel

I’m not convinced it will be a sea of cheap deals, more an array of value ads. Globally the suppliers cannot afford a race to the bottom in a pricing war, so it would make more sense to offer a sustainable price but with bonus inclusions (stay 4 pay 3, complimentary meal/s, spa credits etc). I cant predict where will have the best deals but I do think the most popular destinations for Australians will likely be New Zealand, Singapore, Japan the Islands of the Pacific and possibly Thailand. Myself I’m holding out for a Christmas Markets cruise along the Rhine or Danube…

Barry Downs from Bicton Travel

Good question, the names of several countries have been thrown around over the last year. Much of the speculation has come from which countries the federal government has been in negotiations with like New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Singapore. 

However, realistically it will also depend on how each country’s vaccination program is rolled out and how quickly they establish a required minimum herd immunity. Another consideration for which countries we will travel to first will depend on the quarantine requirements for travellers. Ironically or not, where we will travel to first is still all a bit up in the air. 

Robert Caldwell, Flight Centre

1. Answer: Yes you can, and travel insurance remains as important as ever. Our exclusive travel insurance provider, Cover-More, has already launched new benefits for COVID-19 when Australians travel domestically, and to New Zealand.

These new COVID-19 benefits will also offer previously-unavailable protection for overseas travel to other countries as official ‘travel bubbles’ are agreed and announced by the Australian Government, and as the Australian Government lifts ‘do not travel’ advice on overseas destinations.

The new COVID-19 benefits include cover if you or your travel companion are placed into quarantine and you cannot start your trip, if the person you were planning on staying with overseas has to go into quarantine for COVID-19 and you need to find new accommodation, or if your accommodation is cancelled for a deep-clean.

The benefit of engaging a travel agent in this process is it gives you the opportunity to have a travel expert answer any questions you may have, and to guide you in choosing the level of coverage that is suitable for you and your family. 

Robert Caldwell, Flight Centre

Book NOW, many cruise lines have been reporting record sales, particularly around the launch of 22/23 AU/NZ season. You have to remember, that everyone who had cruises cancelled in 2020, many more unable to travel in 2021, so we have a high number of diehard cruise lovers who haven’t been able to cruise trying to book into 2022/23. If you have a milestone celebration, want a particular itinerary, ship or cabin, or want to make new memories with a group of your friends and family, lock in your cruise now and build everything else around it at a later date. Find a CLIA accredited travel advisor and ask them about your chosen cruise lines book witwh confidence policy. You can search for a CLIA Accredited Cruise Specialist at www.cruising.org.au

Barry Downs, Bicton Travel

A very broad question, without knowing what you booked or the type of fare/rate you booked almost impossible to answer. If you booked via a travel agent they will help you decipher the terms and conditions of the various components of your holiday and will contact their industry colleagues to advocate on your behalf. If your refund is COVID related, many travel providers have relaxed terms and conditions around COVID and the boarder restrictions. In many cases, the backlog of cancelations and refunds is starting to ease, so reach out to who you made the booking with.

Barry Downs, Bicton Travel

I strongly believe that if you wait until 2022 to book a luxury cruise you may indeed miss out. You have to remember in 2020 virtually no one cruised and it’s looking like most of 2021 cruising may not happen, so people are rushing over themselves to book for the 2022 season.  

Cruise lines are reporting very strong demand for 2022 and I have noticed that prices are not at the same level when they booked in 2018-2019 for a cruise in 2020.

Kathy Pavlidis, Travel Associates

Via their local CLIA Accredited Cruise Consultant as we are updated on all
promotions and can see real live availability into the cruise line’s inventory.

Kathy Pavlidis, Travel Associates.

This really depends on when you are cruising. If your cruise is for Europe 2022,
then you really can’t book your flights yet as the airlines have yet to release them.
People are booking cruises first and then when our borders re-open, they will book
their flights.

Kathy Pavlidis, Travel Associates.

As I love Europe, I still recommend one of the best experiences is the Budapest to
Amsterdam route. It really is one of the best ways to experience this amazing
journey.

As the suspension of cruising worldwide has impacted all cruise lines, Princess
has recently extended their FCC terms and conditions to take into account the global
suspension. I would be booking now as there will be more demand than supply.

That’s a tricky question and I wish I had a crystal ball so I could answer. I think “affordable” prices may disappear in the short term as the cruise lines need to
regroup and make up for lost ground. I believe consumers will place a higher
priority on flexibility rather than price.  But you never know what the cruise lines will do to stimulate the local market.

Kathy Pavlidis, Travel Associates.

It's never too late to book in your getaway! While I recommend booking as early
as possible to secure your deal, we still have a lot of great availability left. For a
family with two young kids I would recommend a trip up to Tropical North
Queensland in Cairns or Port Douglas. There are plenty of hotels to choose from and
lots of activities to suit any interest. My best picks are Fitzroy Island with lunch, a trip
out to the Outer Reef with Quicksilver or experiencing the beautiful Kuranda Skyrail.

Robert Caldwell, Flight Centre.

There have been so many different proposed timelines by industry and
government bodies, however it all comes down to the Australian Government
opening up the borders for citizens and permanent residents to travel freely.
Recently Qantas announced it expects international travel to resume by October and
our CEO Graham Turner predicts this happening in June this year. Fingers crossed.

Robert Caldwell, Flight Centre.

Travel operators both domestic and international want to secure future bookings
now, so there's some absolutely incredible deals on offer with steep discounts and
unheard of booking flexibility. Anyone wanting to travel abroad in 2022, now is the
time to secure their spot at 2021 prices.

Robert Caldwell, Flight Centre.

For decades travellers have been required or advised to get certain vaccinations
before travelling to different countries. As COVID-19 vaccinations are being rolled
out across the globe, airlines have started to implement vaccination rules. With the
majority of the Australian population not expected to have access to a vaccine until
in the second half of this year, there hasn't been any mention yet, when this
requirement might come into effect.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is in the process of developing a
digital pass system that will display COVID-19 PCR test and vaccination results for
passengers that will effectively act as a vaccine passport. Some airlines, including
Virgin Atlantic, Jet Blue, Lufthansa, Swiss and United are already working together to
share COVID-19 PCR test results for passengers who are using another digital app
called CommonPass. However, it is likely IATA will eventually mandate the use of
one system for all airlines.

Robert Caldwell, Flight Centre.

We anticipate as soon as vaccines have been rolled out and Australia starts to
form travel bubbles with NZ, Pacific countries, Japan and Singapore, hotel and flight
availability are going to be sparse because of pent up demand. It will be similar to
what we experienced after the Gulf War and 9/11. So get in first now while these
deals are beginning to trickle out in anticipation of the travel boom.

Robert Caldwell, Flight Centre.

When quarantine free travel returns and travel bubbles form, prices and
availability will diminish. Your best bet is to start shopping around now with all these
great deals like Contiki's with discounts of up to 25% or our packaged holidays of up
to 70% off in some cases.

Robert Caldwell, Flight Centre.