Travel and COVID – 19 Update

This week’s travel and COVID – 19 update finds that our country has moved from 100,000 confirmed cases to 278,000.

The death toll has just passed 7,000, and we’re being told that the next two weeks might bring upwards of 100,000 deaths.

As I sit here in my home office, I find it quite difficult to wrap my brain around all of this.

Are the virus models right? Will our friends, family, clients, and readers be safe? How bad is the stock market going to get?  When will the stock market return to past levels?

And of course, will we have enough toilet paper? 🙂

I’ve talked to over 200 of our clients since this all began.  The overwhelming compassion for our team and business has been remarkable and appreciated. Together, we’ve been sorting out what to do with travel plans booked in May and June.

Everyone’s situation is a little different.  Consequently, there is no one size fits all answer. Therefore, let’s take a peek at a few thoughts:

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Travel and the COVID – 19 Coronavirus

• More Travel Suspensions. As we work our way through this mess, we are finding travel suspensions moving farther into the future. Many travel brands are beginning to suspend operations in May.  In addition, a few have suspended all the way through June.
• The U.S. International Travel Advisory. The international “Do Not Travel” advisory is still in effect (link). Therefore, until we get past this and get airports and cruise ports accepting international guests, we all won’t be going anywhere
• Don’t Overreact.  It’s no secret that our 24/7 media is politically divided and motivated.  Listening to too much of this can create a bit of panic.  And panic creates decisions from fear instead of logic and clearheadedness. Take your news in small doses.  Remember that many of the talking heads have motivations behind their reporting. Consequently, get the news you need and then find something else to occupy your time.  Go for a walk. Read a good book about travel.  Or perhaps, read this article: What We’re Doing Until We Travel Again.
• Cruise Lines Going Out of Business? I am beginning to hear this concern more and more.  While I have no inside knowledge, I’m not concerned about this at the moment.  If a travel brand begins to have cash flow issues, the capital markets are awash with money at historically low-interest rates.  If we’re still in this mess a year from now, then let’s all start to worry. But I don’t see that happening.  Do you?
• Travel Dreaming. Did you know that the most exciting part about travel is the beginning dream stage?  It’s true. People find more joy dreaming about travel than they do actually traveling.  For this reason, try reading the article: Why We’re Going to Keep Talking About Travel. Or perhaps, CLICK HERE, find a country that you’ve always dreamed about visiting, and explore the options.
• Mississippi River Cruise? Viking just opened up their Mississippi river cruises.  How about a 15-day journey down the Mississippi from St. Paul to New Orleans?  I’d be up for that.  To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Ashford Castle

This Too Will Pass

I keep saying this, but it’s true.

There IS life on the other side of COVID – 19.  And I promise you this: when we get on the other side, there will be a rush of new travel bookings.

Therefore, give consideration to booking something now in perhaps the late-fall or 2021 to beat the crowds.

To explore all of the possibilities, CLICK HERE.

Carol and I had to cancel our trip to Ireland this May.  So for us, we’re going to dream about a two-night stay in Ashford Castle and when we might rebook our trip to Ireland with our friends from Luxury Gold.

For more information about our services, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here), and we’ll reach out to you.

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