What You Can Expect at Hotels and Airports as Travel Resumes

As the world begins to implement various reopening strategies, so too is the travel industry and we think it’s important to take a look at what travel in the foreseeable might look like.

Although we all want to spring back into things and get back to celebrating, traveling and experience all that this amazing world has to offer, things are not going to be the “same” for a while.

As we prepare each of our clients as best as we can for their adventures going forward, we also want to share with you some new expectations to keep in mind when for your future travel.
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Moving forward, travel is going to look a bit different – at this point vendors throughout the industry are beginning to release their new policies and procedures, and we can continue seeing changes as we proceed. Please read on for some things you will most likely expect when you travel next... 

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- Good Hygiene is the Only Jean That Doesn't Go Out of Style! -

Anticipated Resort Sanitation Protocols:

Properties are increasing their hygiene and sanitation protocols (which, honestly, is a great thing!) You can expect to find new “greetings” other than handshakes and hugs, along with a contactless guest interaction experience. You can anticipate the following (but not limited to):

• Sanitation of luggage and electronic devices upon check-in.
• Expedited check-in and check-out services – many of these processes will now transition to be able to completed via the property app which you’ll be able to download to your phone or use on one of the properties electronic devices.
• Temperature and health checks may be mandated upon check-in and returning from off-site activities; should a guest present symptoms upon arrival, they may be directed to an isolation area where they will need to consult with a physician (charges may apply).
• Properties may require a review of guest travel records for the past 14 days to avoid travel from “hot spots”
• Guests may be required to complete a health declaration form confirming that they are free of any COVID-19 related symptoms, have not tested positive or come into contact with anyone who has tested positive within the last 30 days.
• Staff may be required to wear face masks – and depending on where you are traveling, guests may be required to wear face masks also in public places.
• Dining could be limited to being seated with only those you are traveling with, with tables a minimum of 6ft apart – parties of 5 or more may be required to make reservation at restaurants that otherwise do not require reservations.
• Activities may be limited to only those that don’t require physical contact or closeness between staff and guests.
• Area attractions may be closed or available with new procedural protocols.
• Some facilities or options may not be available or operational during your visit – this could mean that some restaurants may be closed or operating with limited menu’s, buffet’s may be closed entirely, some included activities may not be available, or amenities that require close contact or high risk of contact may be suspended or closed, such as swim-up bars, nightclubs etc.
  
  

Potential Enhanced Protocols for Airports:

• Face masks may be required for the duration of your time in the airport and for the duration of your flight – this will vary dependent on the airport that you are traveling through and airline carrier.
• Airports may require that only the persons traveling are allowed to enter the terminal.
• Some airport facilities may not be open/operational and/or have new dining, purchasing, browsing protocols in place.
• Airports may elect to utilize a sanitation spray throughout the jet bridge walk as you board your plane.
• Temperature checks and health screenings may be mandated – if so, and you register a temperature, you may be denied boarding.
• Arrival temperature/health screenings may also be implemented at your destination and you could be denied entry as well.
• Social distancing will be practiced in all airport areas and, as such, security screenings, checking in and, boarding processes may take longer than expected.
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Things YOU Should Consider Prior to Your Travel:

• Are you immune-compromised?
• Do you get temperatures often?
• Are you flexible and willing to adapt to potential new policies or requirements that may be implemented when you travel? (wearing a face mask, adhering to sanitation requirements, isolation if you have a temperature) 
• Are you prepared to quarantine - at your own expense - should you present with COVID-19 symptoms while traveling?

The measures listed above are going to be implemented in various locales, but are not limited to the above and nor are these measures being implemented in every destination.
It’s important to remember that we are all visitors to these other nations and each company in that destination is at the mercy of whatever new policies, requirements and protocols the governments of each nation and their states decide to implement, in addition to their own personal company guidelines should they feel the need to increase provisions. These are all subject to change at any time and may continue to evolve as the re-openings progress.

None of this means that travel is halted and services will be completely non-existent of course, but it would be smart to plan your travel with the expectation of a different reality – which is not necessarily a bad thing! I think that we can all agree that increased sanitation and hygiene protocols were probably warranted and are a good thing for the health of all of us – after all - good hygiene is the only jean that doesn't go out of style! 😉

On top of that – think about the fact that check-in and check-out will now be far more expedited than ever before and you won’t be crammed onto a beach or pool area with loungers in rows upon rows touching each other or shuttle buses full of people and those are pretty great things to look forward to!
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When you are ready to start planning your next getaway, just schedule your consultation and we can get the conversation started!

Stay safe, positive and hopeful! 
Experiences Await...
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