How to plan a last-minute holiday during COVID 19

How to plan a last-minute holiday during COVID 19. Image credit: Supplied

How to plan a last-minute holiday during COVID 19

(Partner Content) With the rollout of the vaccine and as countries start to open up again, booking a last-minute holiday has never been more tempting. Let’s examine how to do it properly.

How to plan a last-minute holiday during COVID 19

How to plan a last-minute holiday during COVID 19. Image credit: Supplied

Travelling at the moment can seem like risky business. Countries have been changing their entry requirements daily, making booking a family holiday a big gamble. Maybe booking late because of the changing restrictions might make the last-minute holiday more appealing.

We’ve made a list of a few things you should keep in mind when you’re next browsing. 

Be Flexible With Dates 

Last-minute travel necessitates flexibility. Being flexible with your travel dates will enable you to get better discounts (and this advice applies whether you’re travelling during COVID-19 or not).

Travelling on Christmas Day will most likely be less expensive than on Christmas Eve, as fewer people are ready to give up December 25 for a plane or train ride.

Be Flexible With Plans

In addition to being flexible with dates, if you’re planning to travel now or shortly, keep in mind that limits are constantly changing, and you could end up with a cancelled trip or the need for isolation when you return.

It’s a good idea to give some wiggle space in your travel plans and have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.

Read The Small Print

Check the cancellation restrictions for your airline, tour, and accommodation before booking. Many airlines have relaxed their regulations and now provide flexible booking choices, making it easier to adjust your plans if necessary.

Check whether your hotel permits you to cancel or amend your reservation at short notice when making your reservation to avoid being caught off guard if travel restrictions in your area change.

Take Out Travel Insurance

At the moment, travel insurance is confusing, with different carriers offering varying degrees of coverage for COVID-related cancellations. Whether you currently have travel insurance – such as an annual policy – check the fine print to see if any restrictions and conditions are in place for coronavirus cancellations and interruptions.

If you’re planning a last-minute vacation and don’t yet have travel insurance, you’re less likely to be covered for coronavirus, but please shop around to see what’s available. Some travel insurance search engines will let you filter by COVID-19 protection, which will make your job easier.

Chat With a Travel Expert

If you’re looking for a decent last-minute discount, talking to a travel specialist might be your best choice. They will not only be able to find the best value tours for your money, but they will also help you obtain a refund if you require one.

Remember it’s a travel expert’s job to know the best way to go about planning your vacation, and they are only too keen to help, so let them!

Look Into Group Tours

Now is an excellent opportunity to go on a group tour. They allow you to cram many activities and sightseeing into a long weekend, week, fortnight, or more extended period.

If you book last-minute, you’ll have a pre-planned trip waiting for you, with no planning required on your part. When you book closer to the time, you can find some excellent prices on excursions, and many operators provide flexibility so you can re-book for a later date if your plans change.

Travelling To and From South Africa

Botswana, Lesotho, the Kingdom of Eswatini, Namibia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe will require checks to cross South Africa’s land borders. These checks have been in operation in 20 sites since February 2021.

Border patrols have increased, and a ticketing system is in place to monitor the number of Covid tests conducted at the border.

Fake COVID-19 test certifications aren’t as easy to get away with, so don’t consider that an option. International visitors to South Africa must follow strict health measures. On arrival in South Africa, you must present a paper copy of a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before your departure.

However, if you want to travel by plane, there is good news. Currently, around 40 countries are enforcing low restrictions for South African travellers. This includes a lot of African countries like Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal, Tanzania. It also includes countries that are a bit further afield, such as Mexico, Ecuador and Ukraine. 

Remember that this could be subject to change. With that being said these are probably good countries to start with when planning your last-minute holiday. Whether it’s a Tanzanian safari you’re after or a beach holiday in Mexico. 

Entry Requirements

Whether you’re a local returning from a holiday abroad or someone looking to travel to a beautiful country, visitors must have a medical certificate indicating a negative COVID-19 test result. Except for children under the age of five, all passengers must take the test.

Additionally, travellers must download the COVID Alert SA application to their smartphones. If they contact somebody who has tested positive, the app sends them notifications and essential information. The purpose is to reduce the chance of COVID-19 spreading.

All visitors to South Africa must also fill out a Traveler Health Questionnaire (THQ). The South African THQ makes it simple for authorities to keep track of all arrivals’ health status.

Last-minute trips are fun and exciting for everyone involved. Although you’ll miss out on the significant build-up that you once had leading up to the day of the flight, you’ll have plenty to do getting all your paperwork in check and packing for what will be an adventure of a lifetime.

To avoid any surprises at the airport, it’s best to double-check the rules and regulations each day.