Traveling in the Time of Coronavirus

In these times of full-blown Coronavirus emergency, where restrictions—entirely logical—reign supreme, all we can do is move forward with confidence, hoping that soon we’ll be free from the constraints that have inevitably kept us from living a “normal” life. Quarantine affects everyone, no exceptions; some, having already planned weddings, have had to come to terms with the situation by cancelling their arrangements.

Churches, restaurants and any venue that might host a crowd are currently closed by decree. There’s no use dwelling on it. Instead, let’s explore how to salvage our plans—and, more importantly, how not to dash our hopes for a brighter future…

Some two million of our fellow citizens have, in recent weeks, been forced to relinquish trips scheduled for April and May. “Au revoir” honeymoon, both in Italy and abroad. Very few people, at the moment, feel determined enough to book new travel—near or far. Unsurprisingly, tour operators, airlines, cruise lines, specialist websites and the like are rolling out promotional strategies that allow free cancellation up to just a few days before departure.

The Touring Club Italiano has embraced the same approach for holiday villages in Campania, Puglia and Sardinia, within protected areas and national parks. On the Tremiti Islands, at Marina di Cammarota in Cilento, and in La Maddalena, its TCI4YOU campaign offers discounts and penalty-free cancellations up to 21 days before arrival for anyone who books a stay by the end of the month.

Sea-travel incentives are also on the rise. Costa, for example, grants the right of withdrawal until April 30 and extends substantial benefits to its customers. The same applies to Grimaldi Lines, which cuts fares by 30% on routes from Italy to Spain, Greece, Malta and our domestic islands when you book by June 15—and by 20% for bookings made by September 15, 2020.

Strict Measures—and Flexible Policies

We know airports have imposed stringent rules, yet many carriers have already adjusted their offerings to safeguard globetrotters. Portugal’s TAP, for instance, allows free ticket modifications—no service fees—for tickets issued between March 8 and March 31, 2020. Change requests must be made at least 21 days before the original travel date, but beyond that, customers enjoy full flexibility. Korean Air is doing even more, permitting changes through February 25, 2021, for requests submitted now.

You Might Also Like: Author’s Travels (Part One)

A Unique Offering Among Many
Our advice is to keep visiting the websites and social media pages of international carriers to stay up to date on measures that, as we all know, are constantly evolving.