Cherie Richards, chief of staff at Not Just Travel, talks about summer holiday bookings and offers those in the industry a mental health reminder.
What will the future of travel look like? As I write this month?s column, international leaders are meeting in Cornwall for the G7 summit and one of the key issues to be discussed will be Covid-19 and how to keep the world moving but in a safe and secure way.
One of the key things that could be discussed could be the ability for fully vaccinated people to travel again from later this summer. The new 'Green List' is expected to come out later this week, depending on the Government?s decision on if further lockdown restrictions will be lifted. So, in the next month we should also have a clearer picture about the easing of restrictions.
Clear guidance is needed to help both customers and the travel industry to move forward. Our travel agents have been offering support and guidance for holidaymakers who do want to go abroad. We are working hard to help consumers make the best and most informed choices for them ? including helping book PCR tests and Covid travel insurance.
The industry is doing its absolute best and we are seeing strong sales for UK breaks and seacations, it is hoped that with simplified guidance in place for international travel, that fully vaccinated people will soon be able to travel further afield in confidence too.
At Not Just Travel, we are doing everything we can to make this process as easy for our Travel Consultants as possible by providing up to date information on what the 'Green List' means in practice so that Travel Consultants can help their clients by providing simple and easy to follow instructions.
We also have the PCR tests available to buy so that people can be readily prepared to fly and so that removes a layer of concern and worry from the process. We are seeing good sales to the UK and seacations around the UK, as people look to make the most of the Great British holiday this year. At the end of the day, we are all looking forward to a break in one shape or another this year and we are doing our best to provide the best experience for our customers whether here or abroad.
One reminder I just wanted to give everyone reading this is to remember to check in with yourself, your colleagues and friends. As a mental health first aider, it?s important that I make sure my friends, family and colleagues know they are supported and able to talk.
The last year and a half has been a busy time for us all, we have worked so hard to help customers all through lockdowns and through changing guidance and advice. Remember, you also deserve a holiday and a break! Make sure that you also book yourself some time off in your busy diaries to enjoy time with your family and friends ? whether it?s a few day trips, a UK break, or seacation. It?s important to look after your own health and wellbeing as well, and remember that it?s OK to not be OK, but please keep on talking.
