Thank you to everyone who took part in our survey last month in which we asked you how Covid-19 has affected your travel plans. We’re pleased to share with you the results. This is what you said about the places you’d consider visiting, the experiences you want to have and how the coronavirus pandemic has affected your future travel plans.
Which destinations are you considering travelling to in the next two years?
Europe and the UK were high on the list, but there was also a lot of interest in long-haul destinations, including Canada and New Zealand. Just over 20% were looking to go to Iceland or Scandinavia, with many keen to see the northern lights.
It’s not too late to book a summer holiday to Iceland
Iceland has been praised for its successful response to Covid-19, controlling the virus with large-scale testing, contact tracing and early quarantine and isolation measures. Being an island and having the lowest population density in Europe certainly helped. As the country reopens for tourism, Iceland’s sparsely populated, wide-open landscapes makes it particularly appealing for those in search of a holiday with natural social distancing. The FCO has now lifted its advisory against all non-essential overseas travel and, following your return from Iceland, you are no longer required to spend 14 days in quarantine.
Plan a self-drive in Iceland this summer, with savings of up to 30%.
When do you hope to take your next trip?
Although many of those interested in booking a long-haul holiday said they did not think they would be travelling until 2022, they were still keen on planning and researching their itineraries, possibly making their trips longer than they had previously thought. In the short-term, however, they would be looking at Europe and the UK.
Travel to Scotland this summer
We are delighted to present our new collection of holidays exploring the spectacular Highlands & Islands of Scotland. From self-drives and small-group walking tours to wildlife adventures, cycling, kayaking and photography, all holidays can be arranged on a private, tailor-made basis.
Explore our new portfolio of Scotland holidays.
What types of travel and experiences are you considering for your next trip?
Wildlife and nature or a tailor-made self-drive were the two most popular types of travel revealed by the survey, with nearly half of respondents choosing these categories. Also popular were private tours, local experiences (with a host family) and motorhome touring as an alternative to staying in a hotel.
What information would you want to receive from us to reassure you about safe and responsible travel to Iceland, or other countries as we see borders re-open?
In order to consider travelling, participants in the survey felt the key things they needed to know before travel (outside of FCO advice) were:
1. Travel insurance requirements (72%)
2. Safety precautions for travel there and whilst in the country (63%)
3. Covid safety report on destination (61%)
4. Airline information and what flying will be like (60%)
5. Quarantine restrictions in the UK (54%)
6. Information on what happens if I or another passenger is infected whilst travelling (51%)
7. What is open in the destination country (51%)
Keeping you safe, informed and inspired.
Throughout the Covid-19 crisis, we have done everything possible to ensure your safety and keep you fully informed – from the outbreak of the pandemic, when we brought every one of our customers home, to our ongoing contact with clients about postponed or future trips. We’ve also refunded recoverable costs on all cancellations, kept our website updated with FAQs and offered video calls as a way to communicate with our Travel Specialists.
As travel recommenced in Europe and beyond, we also worked closely with our local partners to support the return of tourism with the utmost care and consideration. The first in our new series of webinars focussed on Iceland, helping you to plan your holiday with confidence, at every step of the journey.
Do you expect Covid-19 will change your travel habits in the longer term?
Most participants (60%) didn’t expect their travel habits to change in the longer term. Around 63% expected travel costs to increase, but said they would be willing to pay more if they could ensure ease of travel and confidence with their travel provider.
Our new Flexibility Promise.
During these unprecedented days of uncertainty in the travel industry, Discover the World’s new Flexibility Promise offers all-important peace of mind when booking your holiday.
• You can change your travel dates or destination up to 7 days prior to departure.
• You can transfer your booking to another person suggested by you up to 7 days prior to departure.
• If Discover the World has to cancel your holiday for whatever reason they will give you a full refund and not a credit note.
• If you or a member of your group develop Covid-19 symptoms prior to travel, or if any of you are forced to self-isolate and can no longer travel, Discover the World will refund all recoverable holiday costs, upon receiving written evidence.
Learn more about our Flexibility Promise.
Whilst the world of travel may look a little different, we know travel and tourism will grow. We look forward to exploring again, not by reverting back to how we travelled before, but by adjusting to a world where all activities, everything we do in the world will have changed.
To speak to us about your travel plans in a Covid world, or to go through any question you may have regarding travel at this time, simply contact us online or call one of our travel specialists.
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