Keep Calm, Your Vacation is Coming Soon!

Going on a month for some of us, the effects of COVID-19, have been stressful. Some people have lost their jobs, others are forced to work from home or stay in doors around the clock. This new reality the world has had to live through, has completely shifted the way we live our lives. One thing that has been affected by the coronavirus is travel. Airlines have canceled numerous trips to help curb the spread of the virus, so much so, they are requesting a 50 billion dollar bailout from the government to help with the money they lost due to the virus. For the everyday traveler, that means that trip you planned with your girlfriends or the birthday extravaganza of a lifetime were put on hold or worse - canceled.

Finally, and this is a no-brainer, do your research. We are one world but because of a plethora of reasons, resources, and policies, some countries are recovering faster than others while some haven't been hit as hard as others. If you're planning a trip later this year, do your research starting at if there is a penalty. Reservations will be subject to availability and any rate differences. Again, all of this is hypothetical, and also for those of us who enjoy international travel, it will be dependent on how cases are looking across the world. If one country is doing well but the next 10 aren't then flights won't be heading there anytime soon so that a resurgence of infections won't occur.

Public health officials are saying that in America, if we continue with the social distancing guidelines set forth by the CDC, we should reach our peak of infections in the coming weeks and hopefully "flatten the curve" soon after that. While all of this is contingent on citizens doing our part of keeping our distance, staying in doors, and only going outside for emergencies or necessary reasons, the hope is that by June we will be able to travel freely again. Again, all of this is hypothetical and also for those of us who enjoy international travel, it will be dependent on how cases are looking across the world. If one country is doing well but the next 10 aren't then flights won't be heading there anytime soon so that a resurgence of infections won't occur.

To help plan for your future travel - whether it's at the end of the summer, in the fall, or in the winter, here are some key points to think about:

• Travel deals are still coming, look ahead and plan accordingly

• Do your research on lodging - some places are cheaper because of COVID-19

• Research how COVID-19 is affecting not only the U.S., but the places you want to visit

Travel Deals Are Still Coming

Websites like Scott's Cheap Flights are still sending deals to members with a disclaimer:

Hey everyone, wanted to flag a few things on how we're approaching cheap flights during the coronavirus outbreak (more detail here):

• We're only sending deals for travel in July onward. • We're prioritizing deals that have change/cancellation fees waived so you can be flexible. • We put together (and are constantly updating) a coronavirus resource page for you to lean on. • We're taking any flight questions and giving advice on our Twitter page.

This is helpful for those who want to get a head start on their travel plans with the hope that this pandemic will be over soon so that we can enjoy at least the second half of the year. Use my personal link here to get one month free of premium access to Scott's Cheap Flights.

Do Your Research on Lodging

Hotels, Airbnb, and other lodging sites were hit hard because of the coronavirus but looking at the silver lining, this means that some places are lowering the price of their rooms because they need the business. Doing a quick and effective search you can find some great deals in the states and internationally. Most major hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton have COVID-19 specific policies with bookings and cancellations.

Hilton: Any individual reservations you make—even those described as “non-cancellable” (“Advanced Purchase”)—that are booked between today and June 30, 2020 for any future arrival date can be changed or cancelled at no charge, up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival day.

Marriott: For guests making new reservations for any future arrival date, including reservations with pre-paid rates, between today and June 30, 2020, we will allow the reservation to be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival date.* Please note that changes to the reservation will be subject to availability and any rate differences.

While I always air on the side of caution (booking rooms that are flexible and are refundable or "book now, pay later") these polices are great for travelers who want to get good rates now but still have the peace of mind that if this virus isn't gone soon, you'll have the ability to cancel at no penalty.

Research How COVID-19 is Affecting The World

Finally, and this is a no-brainer, do your research. We are one world but because of a plethora of reasons, resources, and policies some countries are recovering faster than others while some haven't been hit as hard as others. If you're planning a trip later this year, do your research starting at CDC.gov, to find out how the rest of the world is fairing against the virus. Be sure not to make any non-refundable plans until you're absolutely sure that your trip will go on without a hitch from start to finish. The last thing you'll want is to make plans to visit a place that isn't cleared for travel.

Domestic travel will more than likely be the first thing to see a resurgence in followed by international travel. Use your best judgment when planning your trips - survey the room, listen to the recommendations of public health officials, and do not take unnecessary travel while we are under stay-at-home orders because the goal is to quarantine, defeat the virus so that we ALL can enjoy life as it used to be and continue traveling.