Mark and Isobel McCardie, Not Just Travel, talk about rising client enthusiasm for holiday bookings, and how they best prepare for the constantly changing traffic light system for travel.
This summer really has got everyone thinking about their next big adventure. We?re based in Scotland, where restrictions on travel are still a little different to England but that?s not impacted on the enthusiasm for booking a holiday for now or in the future. We?ve seen a huge number of staycations being booked, and if people want last minute trips abroad, we have been giving them all the advice they need to let them make the best choice for themselves and their families.
For customers looking at their overseas options, we?ve been emphasising the importance to book a package through ABTA bonded and ATOL protected agents like ourselves, as we have heard of people not being able to get their money back on villas and flights booked individually, especially now with the added complexities of the ?amber plus? situation.
Having that protection with our bookings and the knowledge to give them sound advice makes all of us agents invaluable to customers.
Given the complexities and shifting sands in rules and regulations, we decided to focus on more of what we could control. Short term this was domestic trips and ?lates? while still heavily pushing autumn/winter 2021/22. If and when destinations go green/amber, we can advise our customers looking to get away the best options at that point in time. As we know, not all traffic lights are created equally!
One of the top destinations for our Scottish clients has been the north of England, with lodges in Northumberland being incredibly popular. There?s lots of lovely options for breaks and everyone wants a hot tub with their lodge this year. These have been extremely popular with families.
Other popular destinations are the Highlands and Islands, with popular routes like the East Coast 500 ? a circular route around the Highlands, being very busy, as people seek out parts of Scotland they haven?t before ? and boy, are they in for a treat!
