Globetrotting 2.0

Traveler in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

CAA Travel Consultant Alice Martins answers your pressing questions about travel’s new normal

With 24 years in the travel business, Alice Martins has seen it all—though a global pandemic was a first. “We’ve dealt with viruses before, but never on this level,” says the CAA Travel Consultant. Working out of the Empress Store in Winnipeg, Martins now has a renewed sense of optimism—thanks to widespread vaccination efforts and new industry protocols. We asked her to field some queries about the state of travel today and what the future holds.

I’ve been fully vaccinated and had a booster. Can I travel?

Rules, recommendations and travel advisories at home and abroad are constantly changing. Be sure to check on current Canadian protocols and those at your destination before booking a trip. Most countries require proof of vaccination and/or a negative Covid test or re-testing at the destination airport. There may also be a quarantine requirement. Canadians returning home still need proof of a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of arrival.

I have a voucher for a vacation cancelled due to Covid. How do I rebook?

CAA can help! Talk to a CAA Travel Consultant who can review your options. Bookings are increasing and space is already limited in some destinations. Even if you didn’t book through CAA, we can re-book your vacation and help redeem your travel credits.

I’d love to take a cruise in the future. Are cruise lines accepting reservations?

Absolutely! We’ve seen a real uptick in cruise bookings for future sailings. Ocean cruising is still in demand, but there’s been a surge in European river cruise bookings. But keep in mind: Cruising will be different. Passengers may experience health screenings, questionnaires and touch-less purchases. Ships have enhanced sanitation and ventilation systems, but expect limited capacity on shore excursions.

What should I expect when I fly again?

Masks will likely be required—both at the airport and on board planes. You can also expect increased cleaning and sanitation, enhanced health screening, and physical distancing. Flight delays and changes are very possible, so flexibility is key.

Do I really need to buy travel insurance?

Insurance is a must—now more than ever. With CAA Travel Insurance during a level-3 Covid travel advisory, travellers are eligible for emergency medical coverage for Covid-related illnesses that occur while travelling, provided they’ve received at least one vaccine dose at least 14 days prior to departure. Visit caamanitoba.com/covidcoverage for info.

I was travelling when the pandemic first broke out. What happens if I get stuck again?

First, call CAA Travel. Nobody wants to feel like they’re in it alone when things go wrong. We helped hundreds of Manitobans get home when Canada closed the borders. And we’ve been helping passengers affected by the pandemic for nearly two years. If something happens during your trip, we are here for you. When you are ready to travel again, visit caamanitoba.com/travel or call 1-800-564-6222 to speak to our travel experts.