After two years of cancelled flights and border closures, Australians are looking to ‘de-risk’ their holidays. But can you book a holiday without hiccups?
“Australians are scared to travel. When we surveyed Australians in November, 77 per cent of Australians said they have concerns about overseas travel. Fifty-one per cent of Australians are still planning a holiday in the next 12 months, but 32 per cent say they only plan on traveling in Australia.”
Kate Brown from research comparison website Finder is discussing the findings of a major sentiment survey conducted at the end of last year. “I suspect it’s only gotten worse since then,” she said.
It’s true that many are more anxious. So we spoke to the experts to get some tips on how we can best take the risk out of travelling.
Travel insurance
Ms Browne said that while domestic travel insurance wasn’t previously a normality, the circumstances of current travel have it back on the rise.
“For domestic travel, people don’t generally think about domestic travel insurance, but it’s highly affordable and still quite a good idea,” said Ms Browne.
“It is interesting that people are looking for that domestic travel insurance which hasn’t been a focus in the past.”
As far as international travel insurance goes, Ms Browne said you can’t get everything covered, but what’s on offer is a lot better than nothing.
“Travel insurance, if you go overseas, is always necessary and there’s a number of insurance companies now that are covering some COVID-related cover,” she said.
“There’s definitely limitations, but people think there maybe is no coverage, but there absolutely is.
“It can cover your medical costs if you get COVID overseas, changes to travel arrangements if you or someone you’re with gets infected and more. But you’re not covered for snap lockdowns and border closures. For that one at the moment, you’re going to have to wing it.”
Get adventurous
Experienced travel agent Rosa Frigel said now is the time to be adventurous and head away from big cities and busy hotels to more immersive nature and remote experiences.
“Plenty of people are seeing that it’s time to start looking more to the nature and environment and just those wonderful experiences – such as swimming with the whale sharks in Ningaloo or heading to Queensland’s islands,” she said.
People of all ages are getting out into nature for a different type of holiday and for what’s a safer option at the moment.
“I’m finding also, it’s not necessarily a 20-30 age range, even 60+ enjoying those sort of experiences. Islands holidays and snorkelling are still quite popular – such as Hayman and Heron islands – although there are staff issues at the moment. It’s a great time to head out into nature.
“Places like Tasmania and Kangaroo Island, which are normally known more to overseas visitors than to Australians, are really popular at the moment.”
Consider a new way to stay
Even those that might be used to staying in big hotels seem to be moving towards quieter and more isolated accommodation according to Ms Browne.
“We’re seeing people resistant to staying in big hotels, it’s the holiday home and the Airbnb that are looking good at the moment.”
Ms Browne said has been seeing similar.
“We saw Australians embrace this last year and the year before,” she said. “There was a real interest in things like hiring a campervan for example and taking a road trip. We’re seeing huge popularity with just a good old-school beach holiday.”
Ms Frigel said she has seen people “staying in a safari tent, when they might be used to a very different type of holiday.
“Rentals are becoming more popular at the moment … You can see people leaning more towards that type of stay.”
She also said that once you get where you need to go, it might be safer to stay put compared to moving around.
“There is a new trend also in not moving,” Ms Frigel said. “If you’re away for a month it might be better to find one place and use it as your base. Doing some day trips and that sort of thing, rather than moving from place to place in different accommodations.”
Be flexible
According to Ms Browne, to travel risk-free in 2022, flexibility is the name of the game.
“It’s important to look for flexible fares. If you’re booking flights make sure that you’ve got some flexibility built in unless you’re prepared to cop that loss.
“If you’re tempted by those super-cheap flights, definitely consider spending a little bit more and getting a flexible flight.
“And check that out with your accommodation as well, so make sure there’s flexibility there and you’ve got cancellations in place if you need to do that.”
However, Ms Browne also warns that with the increased risk of cancellation and delays you will need to be flexible with things you might not usually worry about as much, with everything from annual leave days to pet-sitters.
“The key things are flexibility in terms of your annual leave and holiday time.
“Build in an extra buffer with your budget for if you do get stuck somewhere, even if it’s just for a couple of extra days. Even think of if you’ve got someone feeding your pets or watering your plants. Remember that you might be gone a couple of extra days.”
Ms Frigel also warned that it’s more important than ever to not gloss over the fine print on your bookings.
“Look, the biggest thing, either for us as advisors or doing it directly yourself, is certainly the terms and conditions. [They] are very important to understand and asking those questions of whoever you’re booking with. Even if booking an airfare online, just have a good look at those conditions.”
Consider a travel agent
Ms Browne said now is the time of the travel agent’s revival.
“So many of us had moved away from travel agents, but now it’s kind of their time to shine.
“Because travel agents are able to give you that reassurance around things like refunds, so consider booking through a travel agent.”
As an experienced agent herself, Ms Frigel agreed.
“I’m not saying you need an agent of course,” she said, “but the travel restrictions and complications with things like insurance are more complex right now and a travel agent can do that for you.”
Essentially, a travel agent can handle the nitty-gritty and allow you to simply focus on enjoying your holiday.
More tips to travel safe
1. Make sure you copy all documents and visas
Don’t do a Novak Djokovic – make sure you’ve got the right documentation. Today, having copies of everything from vax certificates to passports are essential. That includes tickets, accommodation reservations, passports. Not everyone takes digital documents.
2. Get the right vaccinations
OK, seems obvious. But in today’s world, it’s not just Covid that causes problems at immigration.
3. Give a copy of your itinerary to a friend or family member
In the event of an emergency, it’s wise to have someone at home know your whereabouts.
This also puts your family’s minds at ease knowing what parts of the world you are in.
4. Register for Smartraveller alerts
Sign up to the Australian Government’s travel alerts and updates at smartraveller.gov.au – and register for consular help if overseas.
5. Pack a survival kit that includes:
• Panadol
• Band-Aids
• Ibuprofen
• Earplugs
• An eye mask
• Headphones
• Prescription medications
• Hand sanitiser
• Face masks (make sure you know which ones are accepted at your destination)
