We know that travel is especially difficult right now. But alongside the latest COVID-19 travel advice and updates, Ask2travel wants to continue to inspire you with new travel content so that when the world opens its doors again, you’ll be ready.

Many of us haven’t managed to get away as much as we’d have liked in 2020, so if you’re planning a post-lockdown adventure, it makes total sense to want to maximize your time on the road. A multi-country holiday offers the perfect opportunity to make up for this summer’s lack of adventure, and tick a few places off your list in one go.

A multi-destination trip can also give great insight into local life. For example, you can travel to the Croatian capital, Dubrovnik, for beautiful 16th-century architecture, and then hop across the border into Slovenia to visit stunning Lake Bled.

Other benefits of a multi-country holiday? It can save time and be far more cost-effective than taking three separate trips. For example, if travelers from the US can take a flight to Aruba and then island-hop to the Dominican Republic (which are both open but have quarantine or negative COVID test requirements), they can make the most of their time instead of flying back to the continental United States between trips.

Tips to reduce risk on your multi-country holiday

  1. Be flexible and informed

Bookmark each destination’s government pages to check the restrictions for the countries you’re planning to visit, so you can check in regularly before your departure date. Bear in mind that travelling in the era of COVID-19 requires more flexibility than you may be used to. You might need to change your plans quickly if travel restrictions change, so always keep an eye on the relevant embassy and government information pages.

  1. Invest in complete coverage travel insurance for a multi-country holiday

The only way to protect your multi-country holiday money from unexpected changes is to invest in complete coverage travel insurance. Check official insurance websites for policy changes due to coronavirus, as certain existing policies may now have stricter cut-off dates in which you can claim compensation for a canceled trip. Talk to your insurer, study policy fine prints. Bear in mind that it can be difficult to be covered by travel insurance if you fly somewhere against your government’s advice.

As a travel incentive, some airlines are offering free COVID-19 insurance cover. For example, Emirates has a free global coronavirus coverage that’s valid for 31 days from the time that you take your first flight.

  1. If you’re on a multi-destination road trip, take precautions every time you stop

This includes wearing a mask (especially in countries where masks are mandatory in public), paired with frequent hand washing, and using hand sanitizer whenever a sink is not available. Check the World Health Organisation (WHO) website for tips on hygienic best practices when traveling.

  1. Book hotels with free cancellation

This summer, many travelers were caught out by last-minute changes in government travel policies. Inconvenient as it is, this is an occupational hazard for travel during coronavirus. To protect yourself financially in case this happens, book hotels that have free cancellation as an option.

  1. Book free cancellation throughout your multi-country holiday

For the same reasons as above, it’s imperative to book car hire with free cancellation when taking a multi-country road trip during coronavirus.

If you book a package multi-destination holiday, it might be easier to claim a refund if circumstances change. If you book flights plus car rental or a hotel via the same booking agent, they may have a free cancellation policy. It’s important to check this with your agent or package provider if they offer this.

  1. Research a back-up plan

Multi-country holidays during coronavirus must be flexible, in case travel restrictions change while you’re away. For example, you might want to travel from Albania to Serbia, but you’d have to drive through Kosovo which is open to US travelers under a Level 4 Health Advisory – Do Not Travel by the State Department. Instead, consider changing your route to fly instead of drive. Ideally, you can book flexible car rentals, hotels, and flights, so you can cancel or rearrange plans as needed.

source: skyscanner.com

photo copyright: nextavenue.org