Welcome back after two years that changed the world of travel!
It's our pleasure to welcome our returning clients with a note of encouragement, and information about the “New Normal.” Please read my essay, linked. It is important that you understand what has happened, how prices and service levels are changing, and how increasingly important it is to have the guidance and advocacy of a professional travel advisor along this route. Add the ever-evolving rules and government protocols imposed by Covid, and a major conflict boiling over in Eastern Europe – while this may well be the best time to travel again, it’s also most important that you have that support in the planning and delivery of the experience we’ve all missed so much.
It's also important to review my Fee Schedulewhich includes, in addition to my initial planning and change fees, a 15% cancellation fee for trips cancelled for reasons entirely within the control of the client. That is, not for medical reasons, but certainly for sudden reluctance to travel or fear of Covid. So please be sure you are as committed to this trip as we are.
Other changes have become necessary. We don’t want to do partial trips. There are too many elements affecting your comfort and security to not have control of the entire trip, air, cruise, accommodations, transfers, car rentals, tours both packaged and private, the works. Dining, theatre, and spa as well, if you wish. We cannot know you are safely in your resort if we don’t know how you got there. We can’t help you get off that cruise ship unexpectedly if we didn’t book it originally. So, it’s become All or Nothing. Please understand this.
Also travel insurance. Now it’s mandatory. Estimate from the beginning that it will be 10% extra for the travel insurance. We will offer it, but If you have alternate coverage that’s fine as well. There is now an Insurance Waiver that is legally required to decline our offered insurance. Again, this change is to protect you, your investment, and provide a worry-free return to travel.
All travellers must be fully vaccinated. Period.
We’ve also reorganized our team to serve you more efficiently. I (Roger) remain the one who organizes the whole experience and is always your number-one point man, but now you’ll be in direct contact with Ian on many subjects, most especially air and car rentals. You’ll hear directly from Jim about fees, insurance, concierge services, transfers, and your AXUS (smartphone app) itinerary preparation.
Welcome to the New World of Travel. We are all very excited that you have invited us to orchestrate this trip for you.