Travel Xcursions With Leslie Reber

Well worth watching to understand how Covid restrictions has affected Travel advisors

Good bye 2020!!! The year that will be forever etched in history books and in people’s memories. A year which caused many to suffer financially, and a year that was especially difficult on the travel industry. Travel agents receive all their income from commission and last year with cancellations our commissions were recalled. Agents who care about their clients continued to work without pay to insure clients who were away when shut downs happened got home, clients who had s...pent their hard earned money on a dream vacation although lost the dream did not loose their money and clients who wished to rebook were advised accordingly. Never have we as an industry worked harder with no money coming in and no support from the industry itself. I’m proud to say that every one of my clients whose travel was impacted by Covid-19 got safely home, and ones that had not yet travelled have all received full refunds (although it did take some months to get their refunds) Potential clients have avoided the hassle and wait for refunds or future travel credits because I advised against booking with information I receive about postponed sailings, hotel closing and openings, and quarantine rules. I have given my clients my expertise and I believe I have proven to them how much I value them. I, and other agents like myself, have proven our value even when not being paid and that’s why people should always use a travel agent. As 2021 approaches I wish you all good health and much happiness and safe travels regardless of how near or far your travels take you. HAPPY NEW YEAR!! See more

It’s been a very tough year for the travel industry and all of us who get an income from it. There is hope in the future and here is something that made me smile. WestJet helping Canadians.

Starting next month, a joint pilot program will safely explore using a rigorous COVID-19 testing and monitoring program to reduce the mandatory quarantine perio...d for returning travellers. Travellers who participate will receive a COVID-19 test upon entry into Canada before proceeding into quarantine. Once the test comes back negative, they will then be allowed to leave their place of quarantine so long as they commit to getting a second test between days six and seven at a community pharmacy participating in the pilot program. Participating travellers will be closely monitored through daily symptom checks to ensure that the pilot is not resulting in any increased risk of exposure for Albertans. They will also need to follow enhanced preventative health measures, like wearing masks in public places and avoid visiting high-risk groups. Participants will also be required to remain in Alberta for the first 14 days, the period normally associated with a quarantine. Learn more: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-travel-advice.aspx

Although staying close to home and enjoying close friends and family has been great for rekindling with who we love most. Its my hope that soon we will be able to explore the world, have different experiences and make new friends.

The world is starting to open again slowly but surely. I’ve been assured that travel will be back very soon, and all those places we’ve longed to visit will open up and be safe to visit again. For now, enjoy all the wonders close to your home and make memories from places that are near, rather than far away. When travel resumes and you are ready to make memories elsewhere give me a call, I would be happy to assist in making your dreams come true once again!