Top Experiences of the well-travelled.
After two years of no travel, we are all longing to get back out there and see the world. Fortunately, on the Covid front, both here in Canada and around the world things have improved significantly and vaccinations have provided us a way forward to reclaiming our lives.

To get you inspired, we’ve put together some top experiences of the well-travelled. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience that will absolutely wow you, look no further!

Tracking Gorillas in Uganda
Take an expedition to Uganda and go deep into the forest to track lowland gorillas. Trek into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where half the world’s surviving Mountain Gorillas live, and get an intimate gorilla habituation experience.
http://womenstravelnetwork.ca/uganda-safari-gorilla-trek/

Angkor Wat Temple
Angkor Wat is on many bucket lists, and for good reasons. The Buddhist temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world by land area is a must-see for the well-traveled. The view at sunrise is spectacular.
http://womenstravelnetwork.ca/indochina/

Petra
Explore this ancient and beautiful archeological site in the southwestern desert of Jordan. Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and for good reason. Dating back to 3000 B.C., it carries memories of a long-forgotten civilization. The contrast between the surrounding cliffs and this marvelous site is spellbinding.
http://womenstravelnetwork.ca/israel-jordan/

Witness Spring Cherry Blossoms in Japan
The cherry blossoms in Japan is such a huge occasion that the national weather office runs a special service to predict when they will bloom. Flower festivals take place all throughout the country. Late March and early April the country’s landscapes are transformed into a sea of pink as the cherry blossoms begin to bloom. http://womenstravelnetwork.ca/japan/

Migration at Masa Mara
This is a sight to behold – one of the world’s biggest and longest animal migrations takes place each year between June and December in East Africa. Over two million animals make their way across the continent in pursuit of greener pastures.
http://womenstravelnetwork.ca/kenya-wildlife-safari/

Sunset in Santorini, Greece
The two most ideal places in Santorini are in Fira, the area overlooking the caldera, and further north in Oia, home to one of the world’s best sunsets. Be sure to make a dinner reservation on a patio to enjoy a spectacular sunset.
http://womenstravelnetwork.ca/glorious-greece/

Cooking class in Marrakesh
This ancient walled city (known as The Red City due to the color of the brick) is home to mosques, palaces, and lush gardens. Expand your tasting palette and culinary repertoire with a private Moroccan cooking class, the best way to experience authentic recipes.
http://womenstravelnetwork.ca/morocco-mother-daughter/

Galapagos Cruise Expedition
Cruise in luxury on a private yacht through this majestic archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean. Discover natural wonders & unique wildlife, up close. Snorkel, hike, island hop and more.
http://womenstravelnetwork.ca/galapagos-expedition/

It’s time to get back to travelling!
Join one of our small-group tours and connect with like-minded women, enjoy the camaraderie, make new friends, see amazing places, have unique experiences, taste local cuisine and most of all have lots of fun.

The Womens Travel Network was founded by Debbie Ross, who provides the inspiration for women only small group trips as well as some mixed company trips.  The WTN is affiliated with Worldwide Quest, a TICO Travel Agency, that provides all of the trip logistics, trip designs and details, and also looks after the entire booking process and client care before, during and after your travels.

For Reservations, To Request a Detailed Itinerary or to Discuss Trip details contact:

Worldwide Quest
491 King St. E, Toronto ON, M5A 1L9
Call:     416-633-5666 or 1-800-387-1483
Email:  travel@worldwidequest.com or Lewie@worldwidequest.com
Website: www.worldwidequest.com

For Information about the Womens Travel Network
Call: 905-771-8338 or 1-888-419-0118
Email:  info@womenstravelnetwork.ca
Website: www.womenstravelnetwork.ca

TICO REG. # 2667946

As borders re-open and vaccinations rise, Canadians are increasingly planning to travel again, according to the latest figures from the Conference Board of Canada (CBoC). Based on the organization’s latest quarterly survey, close to half of all Canadians plan to take a trip by next spring – a significant rise over past intentions.
The pandemic is still the “primary deterrent” preventing a full return to travel normalcy however a 51% favourable rate for travel in October was over double the figure from January (22%). Moreover, currently 23% of survey respondents said they would travel outside the country for leisure, compared to just 16% at the start of this year.
While the latter figure still lags at about half of historical travel intentions (most Canadians plan to travel domestically), it is more than double the proportion recorded last year. The trajectory is definitely moving in the right direction.
The biggest barrier now is more likely to be related to testing requirements and other travel protocols, rather than health concerns.
Nevertheless, CBoC data says that 86% of Canadians surveyed said they miss travel, and when they do, will take into account a series of factors, dubbed the ‘4 Ps” – personal connection, proximity, pandemic management, and price.
It’s a checklist that bodes well for short-haul destinations, especially the US, where Canadians have close, easy access, and great familiarity. And now, a fully open border.
Canadians have become more accepting of and more comfortable with the health protocols that they’ve been subject to over the last year and half.
Yet, this acceptance comes with conditions: Canadians prefer destinations where vaccination rates are high and COVID protocols such as masks, social distancing and use of official proof of vaccination are in effect and they are also cognizant of the situation (i.e. COVID rates) at home. Logistical travel concerns include access to flexible change and cancellation policies and insurance; and are more accepting of testing protocols to enter a destination than to return home.
The travel demand is there with snowbirds making a large share of winter travellers. Two thirds of all US-bound travellers plan to do so by air – which is good for airlines and the travel industry and leading to an overall forecast of 40 to 50% of pre-pandemic volume of transborder traffic – “and that’s better than the 5% we saw last winter.
There is a lot of optimism in the market. Assuming there isn’t another significant wave, travel confidence will continue to grow prompting more people to travel.

Call us to book your next adventure.
Womens Travel Network
affiliated with Worldwide Quest
Reservations: 416-633-5666 or toll-free: 1-800-387-1483
Email: travel@worldwidequest.com

Our Flexible Booking Terms as of Sept. 15, 2021

• A deposit of US$/C$500 per person is due upon registration for your land tour.
•  A further deposit of US$/C$1,000 per person is due at six months prior to your tour’s departure date.
• Your tour balance is due at 60 days prior to your tour’s departure date.

Please note:
Because we charter small ships exclusively for our group, our ship-based tours have specific booking, transfer, and cancellation conditions. These are outlined on the Detailed Itinerary for each tour.

• The Canadian government does not have an ‘Avoid All Travel’ advisory to the country or region within a country for any part of the tour.
• No region of the tour has any significant COVID-19 related restrictions.
• There is reliable airline access for arrival and departure.
• WTN/Worldwide Quest and our in-country partners are confident that your trip can operate safely and enjoyably.

Please see our FAQs or call us for more details.

Womens Travel Network’s parent company Worldwide Quest has been awarded the World Travel and Tourism Council’s #SafeTravels Stamp for adopting health and hygiene global standardized protocols.

This provides you with the assurance that we have implemented health and hygiene protocols for tour operators, as established by the World Travel and Tourism Council. The protocols cover operational and staff preparedness and the delivery of a safe experience with the goal of putting the safety, health, and security of travellers and the travel and tourism workforce at the core of the development of global protocols. Please see the WTTC #SAFETRAVELS site for more information: Click here.

These protocols will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.

When you’re ready to travel again, you have the assurance of our #SafeTravels protocols and our Tour Ready Criteria.

Our tours will proceed when all the following four-point Tour Ready criteria are met:

• The Canadian government does not have an ‘avoid non-essential travel’ or ‘avoid all travel’ to the country or region within a country for any part of the tour.
• No region of the tour has any significant COVID-19 related restrictions.
• There is reliable airline access for arrival and departure.
• Worldwide Quest and our in-country partners are confident that your trip can operate safely and enjoyably.

Travel Trends shaping the future of travel
by Debbie Ross
Every year travel trends come and go, however, 2021 is set to be one of tourism’s most significant years to date. As the world slowly recovers from COVID-19 and borders gradually start to open, we expect travel to look a little different than it did pre-pandemic. We will see emerging niches, new travel styles and a shift in travelers expectations. These are a some of the top trends shaping the future of travel.

1. Luxurious and experiential travel.
   People are wanting something that goes beyond the typical beach holiday. They are willing to spend a little more to have an experience that allows them to learn about other cultures.
2. Safety
   That is no surprise and it will be a top priority
   Attention to space, cleanliness and hygiene will be top of mind. Safety guide lines will be Tour companies and tourist attractions must do a great job of implementing safety measures..
3. Security
   With health and safety being a top priority people will look to tour companies for security and be more inclined to travel on a small group tour. They are looking for the peace of mind that comes with a guided group tour led by a specialist local guide who has first hand knowledge about the area.
4. Trips of a Lifetime
   Anytime after travel is interrupted the reopening period sees a surge in Bucket List travel. Exotic travel such as safaris or trekking holidays, more off the beaten path to lesser visited and undiscovered destinations or trips to far off places such as Australia & New Zealand, Bali, Indochina
5. The Great Outdoors
   Travellers will explore the great outdoors as its easier to carry out social distancing when you spend more time outdoors where ventilation isn’t an issue. Our Kenya wildlife safari or the Galapagos cruise expedition are perfect examples of this.
6. Multigenerational travel
   After all this time apart there will be a surge in vacations where we can spend time with family and friends. Mothers and daughters, sisters and girlfriends will be looking for adventures to share together. Our Mother & Daughter trip to Morocco is perfect for this.
7. Trust
   The value of booking with a trusted tour company for security, expert advice and up-to-date knowledge. These companies will help you navigate through the trip planning process as well as the new protocols and travel restrictions.

What’s shaping your decision making for your next trip?

Start by planning your next adventure with the Womens Travel Network 

View our Trip List

Contact us for details or to reserve your place on one of our upcoming trip.

For Reservations, To Request a Detailed Itinerary or to Discuss the Trip details contact:
Worldwide Quest
491 King St. E, Toronto ON, M5A 1L9
Call:     416-633-5666 or 1-800-387-1483
Email:  travel@worldwidequest.com or Lewie@worldwidequest.com
Website: www.worldwidequest.com

For Information about the Womens Travel Network
Call: 905-771-8338 or 1-888-419-0118
Email:  info@womenstravelnetwork.ca
Website: www.womenstravelnetwork.ca

TICO REG. # 2667946

Where can you go to heal the world and maintain optimum social distancing.
by Debbie Ross
No country has been left unscathed by the pandemic when it comes to tourism. The effects, however, will be most profoundly felt in those destinations that are most reliant on tourism for livelihoods and economic well-being. Tourism is a lifeline for the least developed countries, most notably within Africa, areas in Asia and South America.
The global economy needs a travel rebound and I’m sure you could use one too. As soon as it’s safe, make your plans count with some of these ideas to help heal the world. Whether you decide to book now or later there’s one guarantee you won’t be the only one benefiting from your long-awaited getaway.

The Moroccan desert
This is the year to visit the desert locations traditionally accessed with a caravan of camels and where the economics of tourism are a critical part of survival. Trips are customized to make a stop at stunning campsites in desert towns. Here you’ll spend time with the nomadic communities. Far from the big cities these nomads rely on tourisms to sustain their nomadic tribes, rural craftspeople and remote cooperatives. As a responsible tourist you will be helping to bolster local economy while preserving and sustaining natural and cultural resources for future generations.

Feed your spirit in Laos
Luang Prabang was named a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Vat Phou, the ancient Khmer temple near Champasak. Considered one of the sacred cradles of Buddhism travelers looking to find inner peace can do so here. Join novice monks at Wat Phu Temple in Luang Prabang or take a cruise up the Mekong to least visited devout villages. The tourism sector in Laos is now second in importance only to mining in the economy. As a whole, tourism and related services have generated over 385,000 jobs in the country, helping to improve income for the Lao people, particularly the poor.  

Breathe new life into Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Rising temperatures have made coral bleaching a pervasive and ongoing threat, 30% of the coral perished in 2016 and another 20% in 2017. If current trends continue over 90% of the reef will be gone from central and southern parts of the reef in just 10 years. WWF work with the Australian Marine Conservation Society to manage the fight for the reef campaign. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the major threats to the reef including industrialization global warming and fertilizer runoff. As the largest economic contributor to the Australian economy from reef-dependent activities in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, marine tourism supports more than 60,000 jobs and provides access for more than 2 million tourists each year.

Champion biodiversity in Ecuador’s Amazon, Andes and Galapagos.
It’s hard to believe they are all represented in one tiny country that’s roughly the size of Nevada. Ecotourism profoundly affects the Amazon. Money spent directly in the local economy helps give financial value to rainforest preservation.  With eco-tourism, income is earned from preserving the rainforest and deforestation is discouraged.
Explore inland at Cotopaxi, an active straddle volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. The volcano is an important part of the local culture and is held sacred by the Indian indigenous communities.  Tourism in the Galapagos is working because it has been developed under a systematic program that regulates how many tourists are visiting each island daily. They rotate the islands that each tour is able to take you to, and change the trails on the island, so no one trail is overrun. Here you will find a wide variety birds including Galapagos finches, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, sally light foot crabs,  sea lions, tortoises and penguins.  A nature lover’s paradise. Tourism has, for many years, been an important contributor to the Ecuadorean economy, and one of the main sources of employment for the Galapagos Islanders.

Take a wildlife safari in Uganda.
It’s one thing to view animals from the safe confines of a Jeep safari and yet another to hike through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to view the Mountain Gorillas. Almost half the world’s mountain gorilla population, around 450 of them, can be found in the 331 square kilometre park. Though still endangered, the population has been built back up over the last four decades through careful conservation efforts. This type of close encounter is restricted to a small group with a time limit set for viewing these majestic primates. Tourism dollars go towards anti-poaching and rangers protecting the animals and the once almost extinct mountain gorillas.

Responsible tourism in Kenya.
Kenya’s great Mara ecosystem is everything an animal devotee could ask for.  Maternal leopards with cute cubs, big elephant herds and millions of migrating wildebeest. Explore East Africa’s great rift valley by day citing animals and birds and then fall asleep to the grunts of hippos in the river. These trips are not only ideal for socially distant times but also critical to ensuring the future success of the area stewardship. Kenya’s people are being recognized as playing a pivotal role in the safari experience. They are the guardians of the precious wildlife, as well as being as intrinsic a part of a Kenyan holiday as the creatures themselves. Tourism has been an important part of Kenya’s recent history, resulting in the creation of vast national parks and game reserves and outlawing of hunting.  But Kenya’s ability to adapt to this shift – moving the emphasis from wildlife to people – will determine the impact that tourism has on its future.

You can help heal the world, start by planning your next adventure with the
Womens Travel Network 

View our Trip List

Contact us for details or to reserve your place on one of our upcoming trip.

For Reservations, To Request a Detailed Itinerary or to Discuss the Trip details contact:
Worldwide Quest
491 King St. E, Toronto ON, M5A 1L9
Call:     416-633-5666 or 1-800-387-1483
Email:  travel@worldwidequest.com or Lewie@worldwidequest.com
Website: www.worldwidequest.com

For Information about the Womens Travel Network
Call: 905-771-8338 or 1-888-419-0118
Email:  info@womenstravelnetwork.ca
Website: www.womenstravelnetwork.ca

TICO REG. # 2667946

This has been a challenging year to say the least and its not over yet.  Thankfully, with the introduction of the vaccinations there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It provides us with the hope of travelling in the not so distant future.  To each person travelling means something different. It could be visiting museums and galleries, taking a wildlife safari or trekking in the great outdoors.  For others, it’s trying a new food for the first time, or embracing the culture and people of a local community. One thing for sure is we are missing the experiences and personal enlightenment we gain from our travels. 

What  can travel do for you?

Travel is a chance to open up your world and be introduced to new perspectives on life.

Travel is about meeting the locals and learning about their cultures. It’s about human connection.

Travel is about the memories you create. You will remember the laughter, unique smells, fascinating sounds and the tastes.

It’s the times where you veer away from the planned itinerary.  The aha moments that teach you lessons you can’t find anywhere else.

Its the experiences that teach us to respect our ever-changing world. Sometimes we need to see it to believe it and connect us to what is happening in our world so we can become proactive  in finding solutions to climate change, over population, forest clear cutting, wildlife poaching to name a few. 

Travel can be about venturing into the wilderness and realizing just how grand  this planet is and how small you are. It can bring back feelings from childhood when you looked at the night sky and saw a million stars.

It makes us aware of the opportunities presented to us to make smart decisions for the planet and the communities we are visiting.

When the time is right, the world will need its travelers.

When the time is right, we will travel together again.

Start planning your next adventure with the Womens Travel Network

View our Trip List

Contact us for details or to reserve your place on one of our upcoming trip.

For Reservations, To Request a Detailed Itinerary or to Discuss the Trip details contact:
Worldwide Quest
491 King St. E, Toronto ON, M5A 1L9
Call:     416-633-5666 or 1-800-387-1483
Email:  travel@worldwidequest.com or Lewie@worldwidequest.com
Website: www.worldwidequest.com

For Information about the Womens Travel Network
Call: 905-771-8338 or 1-888-419-0118
Email:  info@womenstravelnetwork.ca
Website: www.womenstravelnetwork.ca

TICO REG. # 2667946

SOLO TRAVEL
No one to go with?  Don’t let that stop You!

Our luxury small group tours are designed for the solo traveler.  Womens Travel Network provides solo travelers with local guides who speak the language, arrange logistics like hotels and tours, all in the comfort and safety of being part of an organized tour. 

Solo travelers can travel to destinations that they wouldn’t be confident to book on their own. Our local guides help the solo traveler understand the history and the culture of the destination while allowing them to relax and enjoy, knowing everything is taken care of by the WTN tour host. Travel in the safety of a group takes the hassle out of planning, thus motivating the solo traveler to embark on a trip to their dream destination. 

It’s mostly women that are doing more and more solo travel and women age 55 and up.

For 17 years WTN has been offering tours for the solo traveler and over these years the number of solo travelers has increased dramatically. Europe has always been a draw but the demand for more exotic locations is changing.  Some of our top-selling destinations are Morocco, Kenya, Vietnam & Cambodia. The Solo women travelers are keen to travel to some of the world’s most remote areas, but prefer to do so in the safety of a small group with like-minded women.

As a solo traveler, standing in front of the the ancient Egyptian pyramids by yourself, in wonderment at how you can be there alone.  But not alone as you are encompassed by the safety of the group, allowing you to see parts of the world you’ve dreamed of visiting, but never thought possible.

When vacation time is limited you want to make the most of every single moment, see the highlights and have those cultural encounters. Trying to coordinate everything on your own is not only costly but also time consuming.  WTN takes care of all the logistics ensuring You, the solo traveler has the trip of a lifetime by making sure we make the most of every moment.  

Our trips have been carefully crafted to deliver a personalized adventure like no other. We create enriching and unforgettable experiences and put the best private guides at your service. I invite you Join one of our small group tours (10 – 16 travelers) to experience the exploration, connection, growth, sense of accomplishment and the joy that comes from embarking on a solo journey. Enjoy the camaraderie and security of being with a group of like-minded women and develop friendships that last for years.

Debbie Ross
Founder of the Womens Travel Network
1-888-419-0118

by Debbie Ross, founder of the Womens Travel Network

After months of lockdown, and a vaccine on the horizon, people are starting to think about where to go in 2021 and 2022. Our travelers are more interested in bucket-list experiences and outdoor adventures in remote destinations, specifically places under threat from climate change or development.

We’re starting to see an increase in bookings. However, in order for international travel to fully restart, the industry must work together to rebuild trust and confidence. WTN and our partners have implemented travel safe protocols to adapt to the new normal. Airlines have  improved airflow to ensure viruses are removed by exceptional quality airlifters. Small ships, hotels and restaurants are implementing the enhanced health and safety protocols under the ‘Safe Travels’ program established by the World Travel & Tourism Council.

As you ready yourself for travel, take a look at some of our Top Places to Visit in 2021 and 2022:

Egypt: The world’s greatest open-air museum, Egypt offers the kind of bucket-list experiences many travelers were dreaming of while sheltering at home. With construction of the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, much of the tourism infrastructure surrounding the pyramids has been moved underground so the Giza Plateau has been returned to the desert.
We’ll explore Cairo’s grand 19th century boulevards, discover ancient mosques, Coptic churches and 10th century palaces, stroll in the medieval walled city of the Mamluks and stay at the luxurious Intercontinental hotel. Explore the great pyramids from the inside out. We’ll visit some of the  best-preserved tombs in the Valley of the Kings on our 4 day Nile River cruise staying  aboard the luxurious Sonesta Moon Goddess.

Kenya: Safaris naturally lend themselves to social distancing with small boutique camps that offer private entrances and outdoor dining, offering the perfect balance of adventure and serenity.  The luxurious Sweetwater Tented Camp is a haven that looks upon a watering hole visited by a variety of animals day and night.
Enjoy game drives exploring the grassy plateau of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, 90,000 acres of unspoiled African landscape, where the Big Five roam, including the last two northern white rhinos on earth. The Masai Mara National Reserve, home to some of Africa’s best game viewing. We hope to catch the end of the annual migration when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra herds attract constant attention from top predators. This adventure offers spectacularly diverse wildlife as well as a visit of a traditional Maasai village to meet the people.

Morocco: A great destination for travelers seeking an exotic off the beaten path destination with a Western Europe feel. You’re guaranteed an enchanting vacation filled with delectable tagines, dazzling souks and awe-inspiring Saharan landscapes. Explore spice markets, bustling bazaars and remote villages in the High Atlas Mountains. We’ll make our way south across the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert where we ride camels and sleep as the Bedouin do under a million stars. We’ll spend our days exploring while dining on authentic Moroccan cuisine and our nights will be spent relaxing in stunning traditional riads and hotels. Take in the captivating culture, ancient cities, sweeping deserts, epic mountain ranges– and warm hospitality that defines Morocco. All the while you’ll have the luxury of the complete peace of mind offered on a WTN tour.

Uganda: Endowed with a varied topography and a diverse set of habitats, Uganda is a yet understated country that happens to provide one of the best opportunities for up-close and memorable wildlife encounters that we’ve ever experienced. Perhaps the country’s greatest attraction is its more than dozen species of primate, many of which we will see. These include Red-tailed Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Blue Monkeys and the ornate Guereza Colobus. Our journey begins on the shores of the great Lake Victoria, the source of the legendary Nile.  We’ll visit the impressive and thunderous Murchison Falls, which cut through a gorge channeling the waters of the White Nile. We’ll continue west making our way to the scenic edge of the Western Rift Valley. Along the way, we can expect to see many of the over 50 resident species of large mammal, including African Elephant, Lion, Hippopotamus and Plains Zebra.
A highlight will be tracking Chimpanzees at Kibale Forest National Park where there are a large number of resident chimp families in the forest. The undisputed tour highlight is our trek with our guide into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where half the world’s surviving Mountain Gorillas live, and where we may get very good views.

Galapagos: The only social distancing you need to worry about in the Galapagos Islands is staying six feet from the animals, which is not always possible when they have no fear of humans. These islands are an ideal vacation spot, with colorful wildlife guaranteed to captivate Accommodation for this journey is on The Beluga, a private yacht that is fully staffed and self-contained, with space to relax, both indoors and out much like a safari camp. 
Our Galapagos naturalist guide leads us on island walks and gives on-board talks during our discovery of these remarkable island ecosystems, skirting past nesting boobies, scouting the seas for breaching whales and snorkeling among colourful fish. Desolate at first sight, these rough and rocky isles are home to wonderfully strange and abundant wildlife. As Charles Darwin did almost 200 years before us, we will marvel at the highly adapted creatures found nowhere else on Earth. And what is so special about the Galapagos experience is that these creatures act as though humans are nothing more than a passing interest, allowing us to observe them up close and walk among them.

We’re making it even easier now to put a trip in your calendar! We know that travel is not back to normal and we won’t be back on the road until it’s safe. In the meantime, we want to make it easier for you to start planning your trip with an extension to our Flexible Booking Policy.

You can reserve your spot with a $50 per person registration fee. We’ll provide more details as soon as the travel advisory is lifted. We’re prepared with our Tour Ready and Travel Safe guidelines to optimize health and hygiene on tour and to make sure we provide you with the fulfilling experience you expect.

To book a 2021 or 2022 adventure, call 1-888-419-0118 or visit www.womenstravelnetwork.ca

7 Things You Need To Know About Air Travel Now

How we will have to adapt to changes and regulations that are being implemented during the current pandemic of coronavirus.

Due to the current outbreak of novel COVID-19 virus and the tremendous impact it is having on the travel industry, specifically on travelling by air, there are a lot of stories about the new normal of travel. So much information becomes overwhelming, and we will break it down to seven things you must know about air travel now.

This is not the first time that air travel has had to reinvent its safety protocols. Since 9/11 we are not allowed to bring water or any liquids through security check, and are often required to remove our shoes and belts. In much the same way we will have to adapt to changes and regulations that are being implemented during the current pandemic of coronavirus. You may need to wear a mask now even in a touchless empty terminal and forget about your favourite meals on an aircraft.

Prices for tickets will go up

According to IATA (International Air Transport Association) website:

If you think that airlines are struggling and are willing to give away cheap tickets, you are wrong. Airlines will jack up prices because of their debts and because there will be fewer airlines left in the market. It will still not be a monopoly but less competition always leads to higher prices. And if airlines do not go broke – they will be in major debt and take years to recover.

This would be unique to each carrier. Those with low liquidity, high costs and more restrictive government rules will suffer the most. If airlines will permanently be implementing fewer seats and restricting loads, then costs will have to go up for sure.

The International aviation authority has also indicated the air travel prices are likely to increase.

Airlines are no stranger to controversy over prices, particularly when it comes to taxes. Now new taxes are being introduced. The Austrian government will be introducing a new 30 EUR flight tax on flights under 350 km which will have negative impacts on low cost carriers. This may be a start of a new trend in Europe and worldwide.

Some airlines give you an extra bonus: for example passengers who purchase an Etihad Travel voucher between 10 and 24 June 2020 will receive an extra 50% cash value for future travel from 1 August 2020 onwards. You will need this extra bonus money because of inflation and ticket prices up in the near future.

Start getting used to wearing a mask

Masks or some type of face coverings are becoming mandatory to wear on board an aircraft. Most airlines will not supply passengers with masks. You have to bring your own mask. In Las Vegas McCarran Airport, PPE items can be bought at vending machines across the airport.

Masks are now also becoming mandatory in many airports. The GTAA, for example, is requiring everyone to have a face covering of some kind in public areas of the terminal. This includes both employees and passengers. Some operators are providing masks if required, others asking for people to bring their own. As a mandatory item, masks will be required for quite some time now.

Do not travel with 38 C or higher temperature

The Government of Canada announced on June 12, 2020, that there will be temperature screening in Canadian airports.

Air Canada and West Jet were already doing it. Temperature screening came into effect at Pearson airport on July 30, 2020. Other Canadian airports to follow.

Humans, however, can have a fever for the number of reasons: regular cold, infected root canal, pregnancy etc. Coronavirus tests being done at the airport upon arrival in some European counties. If your test is negative, you are released in couple of hours from the airport without the need of a quarantine for 14 days. Similarly, Hawaii is requiring recent test results of coronavirus test.

One thing you may see is international health passports that you will need to keep current for travel purposes. That would be interesting to do in countries that don’t have free healthcare.

Check current COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map

Empty airports

Only employees and passengers are allowed into terminal of Toronto Pearson as of June 1. All employees and passengers required to wear masks and keep social distancing.

Touchless future

There will be no tablet rental on the aircraft for a while. However if you are in an aircraft that doesn’t have an in-flight entertainment system you still can watch your favourite shows on the carriers app as many carriers now have their own app.

Social distancing paradox: because of slower processing due to social distancing in lines passengers are now required to arrive in airport 3-4 hours before their flight. However airlines are not forced to implement social distancing on the aircraft which means you may very well be sitting right next to someone who you just previously in airport kept distance from. For example, repatriation flight of Ukraine International Airlines on June 13 was completely sold out – 274 passengers sitting next to each other.

You will not give your passport or travel document to anyone anymore, you will show it with distance or put it against the glass for the officer to see. No paper boarding passes will be printed – scan from your phone only. Some airlines are taking an additional step: United Airlines will require passengers to complete a health self-assessment during their check-in.

Air travel, however, transports coronavirus. The Government of Canada created statistical chart with domestic and international flights that had confirmed cases of coronavirus onboard.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Locations where you may have been exposed to COVID-19

Travel bubbles

As countries begin to reopen, they apply a layered approach and many of them are creating Travel Bubbles. For example, people coming from Australia can only travel to New Zealand and vice versa.

There is a big push from the Travel & Tourism sector to appeal to governments to get rid of 14 days quarantine restrictions. It becomes meaningless to have a discussion about a restart of aviation if those restrictions are in place.

Read an open letter from Travel & Tourism industry leaders to the Prime Minister and Canadian Premiers on re-opening Canada to air travel

No food

There is either no food on board or fewer options now – bottled water only and no frills such as coffee or alcohol. No duty-free shopping either. You may be permitted to bring your own snacks and food. Do not expect buffets in airport lounges; however, lounges will still exist with prepackaged or plated meals, and actually touch-free lounges may be the safest place to wait for your flight in post COVID-19 world. Luxury travel resume fastest – premium travelers have money and time.

As air travel is entering a new stage in its history, it is important to stay informed.

Created by Iryna Koliuda, Travel Therapy 101