Booking a 2021 holiday

rothers

Others have managed to give an option without resorting to being an !!!!!! about it. Anyway, no more replies from me. Stay safe. 

blindman

To get back to your original Q and avoid the sanctimonious posts.
Your call if you want to book now to save some dosh or at least have something to look forward to.
1. If using a TA then check all the comments-good and bad -about how people have been treated by TA's and be prepare to be treated as such if all goes to worms-again.
2. Be prepared to have to cancel at short notice if\when things are not back to normal. Book with a credit card and ensure Insurance is up to the job.
3. Book cancellable options if possible.
I have not used a TA for about 40 years of independent travel and even with the hysteria that is going on have avoided any unpleasantness by doing 2 and 3.
People die, lose jobs and face personal dilemmas every day, and they will after this. 
So long as you do not exacerbate this, then do your own thing. 
Personally, I'm holding off until Sept\October as it's fine to stay here in UK for our summer and things may have stabilised by then.
Safe travels.


 

rothers

blindman said:

To get back to your original Q and avoid the sanctimonious posts.
Your call if you want to book now to save some dosh or at least have something to look forward to.
1. If using a TA then check all the comments-good and bad -about how people have been treated by TA's and be prepare to be treated as such if all goes to worms-again.
2. Be prepared to have to cancel at short notice if\when things are not back to normal. Book with a credit card and ensure Insurance is up to the job.
3. Book cancellable options if possible.
I have not used a TA for about 40 years of independent travel and even with the hysteria that is going on have avoided any unpleasantness by doing 2 and 3.
People die, lose jobs and face personal dilemmas every day, and they will after this. 
So long as you do not exacerbate this, then do your own thing. 
Personally, I'm holding off until Sept\October as it's fine to stay here in UK for our summer and things may have stabilised by then.
Safe travels.


 

That’s a great reply, thank you. I tend to go with TAs in a package holiday to be covered if anything goes wrong however I have booked a holiday in October (before all this started) with flights and hotel booked separately. It is the first time that I have done that and did it because British Airways appear to be the only airline which flies direct to Mauritius but they didn’t do the hotel that we wanted to stay at. I have paid for the flights but the hotel only required a £5 deposit (via travel republic). Everything is paid for on a credit card for the added protection. 

Could I ask why you go for independent travel rather than a package? Is it that you are travelling to places that package holidays usually don’t go to or another reason. 

Cheers. 

Sleepy_G

I can foresee this thread (or similar) generating lots more debate as the year progresses.  At some stage restrictions WILL start to be lifted and there are a lot of people who will see a holiday away from the current stresses and pressures as an essential requirement... not least the people who are under huge pressure currently and will need a chance to properly recharge their batteries.

I was considering trying to organise a group trip for summer '21 but it seems that the uncertainty across pretty much all aspects of the trip (from our individual health & jobs right through to the logistics of when, where & how much) is preventing any such conversation from happening right now.  To the OP, I'd say tread very carefully.  I'd certainly be happier booking thru a TA but with some clarity on what they will / will not refund or replace if Govt advice (or other restrictions) make your trip untenable.  

cari83

I’m in the same boat, I had planned a big Florida holiday for my family, booking now to go in may 2021. I’ve noticed the prices creeping up already and I’m concerned it will go too costly, it’s a package holiday, but I’m uncertain if we book during the lockdown that we will be told that we were aware of the situation when we booked if it does happen again. Before any negatives, I’m a nurse and we all need something to look forward to and a view to the end of this situation. 

blindman

rothers said:

That’s a great reply, thank you. I tend to go with TAs in a package holiday to be covered if anything goes wrong however I have booked a holiday in October (before all this started) with flights and hotel booked separately. It is the first time that I have done that and did it because British Airways appear to be the only airline which flies direct to Mauritius but they didn’t do the hotel that we wanted to stay at. I have paid for the flights but the hotel only required a £5 deposit (via travel republic). Everything is paid for on a credit card for the added protection. 

Could I ask why you go for independent travel rather than a package? Is it that you are travelling to places that package holidays usually don’t go to or another reason. 

Cheers. 

Hi

I tend to do unique travels 
I also like to be in control of my whole itinerary so if I a change is needed I can do so without having to involve a third party.
I find I can usually beat most package holidays for value and diversity, though there are odd occasions I have to use them to get somewhere.

If I were you I'd look at what quarantine measures are in place for Mauritius as October maybe too early for them to allow UK nations in without a 14 day self isolate period.
You may have to be prepared to move the holiday to a later date.

Good luck.

blindman

cari83 said:

I’m in the same boat, I had planned a big Florida holiday for my family, booking now to go in may 2021. I’ve noticed the prices creeping up already and I’m concerned it will go too costly, it’s a package holiday, but I’m uncertain if we book during the lockdown that we will be told that we were aware of the situation when we booked if it does happen again. Before any negatives, I’m a nurse and we all need something to look forward to and a view to the end of this situation. 

Hi
Do you need a package to go to Florida?
DIY is easy for the USA and gives you more control and flexibility IMHO.
Each to their own though.

Insurance will be the key factor I believe that will determine if anyone from the UK goes abroad in the future.

Thrugelmir

Until there's certainty over the ability to travel freely again. Then anything else is secondary. The risk is entirely down to the individual as to whether the potential financial loss is worthwhile. Travel insurance going forward may be priced very differently. Repatriation flights are costing the UK taxpayers millions of pounds. This money will ultimately be recouped from those fortunate enough to travel the globe. .