Dealing with COVID-19 as a Traveler

Due to safety concerns for ourselves and others from the Corona virus (COVID-19), Pepe and I decided to cancel two trips we had already booked. It was heartbreaking having to postpone San Diego and Cancun, both planned for March 2020. However, it was for the best. San Diego and Cancun will be there once the impact curve has been flattened. Our focus at the moment is to remain home, safe, and in-turn hope people do the same to slow/stop the spread.

Other than remaining occupied with our full-time jobs, we are spending a lot of time staying physically active, and researching new destinations to visit once it is safe to travel. Future travels are clearly dependent on what happens with COVID-19. However, vacation packages are definitely cheaper as we price-forward. An example is the Cancun travel booked for March. The same exact travel package is $1000 cheaper in mid-June, when in reality, mid-June is typically a peak travel time with schools and colleges done for the summer.

Hotels and airlines will be desperate to make up the lost revenue from lack of travel. However, I caution you from booking any travel until it has been advised safe to travel. Although airlines are offering a no cancellation fee, the funds paid towards the ticket will not be refunded back to the method of payment if a traveler does need to cancel due to COVID-19 staying around longer than predicted. Instead, travelers will receive the cost of the ticket in future credit with the airline. If you’re okay with funds being tied up with a specific airline, go ahead and book that future travel! If not, begin planning by making a list of places you would like to visit, track prices, and keep a spreadsheet with your research. We will be able to travel again soon. Until then, stay safe and healthy, enjoy the downtime, and use it to plan your next vacation!