Chances are, you’ve read the headlines and seen the news broadcasts, and you might be overwhelmed right now with the amount of information (and misinformation) regarding coronavirus – or COVID-19.
If you have travel plans on the horizon, you may well be concerned about what the imminent future will look like.
We’ve pulled together some FAQs and advice, to help you feel safer and more confident about how travel will look for you in the next few months, and if you are travelling, how to do so as safely as possible.
At the time of writing, there have been just over 139,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 – over half of which have already recovered.
The main symptoms of COVID-19 are a cough, fever and shortness of breath.
Most cases of coronavirus, around 80-90%, appear to be mild, with those who are elderly and with underlying health conditions most at risk of showing more severe and/or life-threatening symptoms.
It’s understandable that you’ll want to monitor the news on this outbreak. With the spread of misinformation across traditional and social media channels, it’s best to turn to official channels for advice – we recommend the World Health Organisation website and your local government and health websites.
Currently, government advisory boards are generally advising against all, or all but essential travel to destinations where coronavirus has spread widely. Here in the UK, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are not advising against travel to other countries as a result of COVID-19 risks.
Our best advice is to monitor FCO guidance, or your local equivalent, regularly to inform your travel decisions in the coming weeks.
After speaking to our customers, many are taking the decision to continue with their travel plans in destinations less affected by the outbreak.
Ultimately, the decision is yours whether you feel comfortable travelling – and it’s definitely wise to seek advice if you have an underlying health condition.
With uncertainty looming, it may be difficult to make a decision regarding whether to book your next holiday now, or to wait.
If you’re still planning on booking future travel, check with your provider that they’re able to be flexible with your booking in case the situation changes.
Headwater provides a flexible travel policy for those booked onto affected trips (subject to terms and conditions).
If you’re going ahead with your travel plans, you may still be concerned about the prospect of getting sick during your trip. Here’s what you can do to keep yourself safer.
If you do fall ill during your travels, notify your Headwater representative (if applicable) and ensure you seek medical help immediately.
If you exhibit any symptoms upon return, follow advice from your country’s health service, as you may need to self-isolate to avoid spreading the virus to others, particularly those who are more vulnerable.
At Headwater, we work closely with our local partners and leaders to be aware of symptoms and protective measures.
With the fast-moving nature of the situation, it’s hard to give a firm answer to this question – which we know can be frustrating.
Our dedicated customer operations team are currently working their hardest to ensure all customers are kept up to date with any disruptions COVID-19 may cause to their trip.
The well-being and safety of our customers is always our most prominent concern, and this will be at the forefront of any decisions we make.
We’d like to wish all of our customers safe and healthy travels and will continue to update our website with the latest information as we receive it.
Our carefully planned walking and cycling holidays in locations all around the world let you explore at your own pace, with time to take in the local culture, history and nature along your route. Hand-picked family-run accommodation provides welcoming comfort at the end of each day, with every hotel and guest-house being chosen for its friendly atmosphere, delicious food featuring regional specialities, and unique character.
