Sponsored by Phil Hoffmann Travel
As the world returns to a post-pandemic version of normal and borders that were once closed now reopen, it’s time to get excited as we dust off our passports and begin to make solid plans to get out there and experience a world waiting to be rediscovered again.
It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since we had the freedom to travel from country to country, so going back out into the world can feel a little unsettling, with fears of the unknown stirring to the surface.
There are many questions around what travel looks like in this post-COVID landscape – how safe is it, will it be worth the hassle with more paperwork, extra customs procedures, and different rules for different countries. It can seem overwhelming, but if the past couple years have taught us anything, it’s how important working with an expert really is. As you navigate getting back out into the world, the team at Phil Hoffmann Travel are ready to help.
Throughout the pandemic period, the travel industry worldwide has been waiting for the day travel resumes, knowing full well there would be unchartered waters ahead that clients would need to be guided through. We’ve been waiting and preparing for this moment – now we’re ready to support travellers so that when they do get on their first plane again or go through their first customs point, they can go through prepared with more of an idea of what that will look like.
Our staff are passionate travellers so when the opportunity presented itself, Phil Hoffmann Travel Glenelg Assistant Manager Erin Nash wasted no time in getting back out there again! Erin flew to Europe for a long-awaited ski holiday after Christmas 2021, just as Australia’s international borders for outbound travel opened.
We had a chat with Erin on her return to find out what you can expect before departing but also while travelling through airports and customs in a post-COVID world of travel.
“If you prepare your mindset for things to be different before you travel, you’ll find the whole experience so much more comfortable,” said Erin.
“The most important thing to remember is that any changes that have been made are there to help keep you safe and be realistic that there will be some new procedures in place when you travel, so it’s a good idea to work with a travel agent who will help you navigate all of that” Erin suggested.
While this information is ever-changing, Erin advised of the following for travelling into and out of Australia.
· The procedure for coming back into Australia starts from the country you are boarding your flight. If you don’t have the correct documents and requirements for that country, or any you’re transiting, you’ll be denied boarding. Therefore, arrival in Australia (for a returning citizen or permanent resident) is no different to pre-COVID as everything is checked before you board the flight. When arriving in Australia, you will be required to show proof of your international vaccine certificate showing that you’ve been double vaccinated, available on the MyGov app on your phone (though we do suggest you carry hard copies of proof also). From 17 April, travellers will no longer be required to show proof of a negative RAT or PCR test to board a flight to Australia however you will need to show an approved Australian Travel Declaration – a quick form you must complete at least 72 hours BEFORE your flight departure.
· Similar rules apply to leave Australia however it’s governed by the country you are travelling to or transiting through. Every country has different requirements – from the number of boosters or when your last vaccine was administered to quarantine periods and testing on arrival, though testing and quarantine requirements are being phased out by many countries, even as we speak.
Key considerations for travelling overseas include:
· Ask your travel agent about travel insurance that will cover you should you contract COVID overseas (or on the ship if doing a cruise) and require treatment or to quarantine, as well as cancellation cover.
· Be at the airport early to allow time for any new checks in place.
· Consider flying Business class – less people to share space with!
· You will be required to wear a mask at the airport and on all flights.
It’s important to note that at this stage there are different rules for vaccinated and non-vaccinated travellers.
For travellers planning on cruising or touring, you can expect new policies and protocols implemented to keep you safe and minimise risk. For cruising, this includes (at a minimum) double vaccination required, negative RAT or PCR test required before boarding, no self-serve buffets onboard and regulations for shore excursions to uphold social distancing. You can also expect increased air filtration, cleaning, and sanitisation onboard, temperature checks and medical decks on your ship with spare cabins kept vacant for quarantining, free medical treatment by doctors onboard and credit for days missed in isolation.
New protocols in place for touring include a double vaccination requirement, a wellness director on your tour and social distancing policies in place as well as
contactless check-in at hotels, an increase in coach cleaning and sanitisation for passengers and COVID cover options when booking.
Though it can sound more complicated than it really is, it shows that now more than ever before, it’s so important to use a Travel Agent. Having an expert there for you with up-to-date advice, and one that will be there for you 24/7 should you need it when travelling is crucial.
The team at Phil Hoffmann Travel are here to help you make up for lost time and reconnect with the world as you bring your travel dreams, once more, to life.
