Global Health Travel Update
A travel update on the the global health crisis. Covid-19 appears to be in retreat in most parts of the world. We have weathered worse than the Corona Virus over the millenia and always rebounded. So whilst we advise caution and patience we look forward to helping travelers explore the world again.
Each country is at its own stage of reopening and has its own rules. Before you travel, it is important to check on each one before committing. Some countries currently require a 14 day self quarantine (some at your expense and others at theirs) and others a COVID-19 test certificate showing clearance within the last 72 hours of landing.
In late February Blue Danube Holidays contacted all our guests and postponed their travel until late 2020 or 2021 according to their preference, penalty free. Guest who booked flights with us received 100% reimbursement. All small ship cruises we offer were suspended for summer 2020 and guests with full payments were credited immediately.
We are pleased to announce sailing from August, 2020 onwards. Low risk packages like Travel Waiver Plus are available, so you can book with low risk and peace of mind.
Each country has its own new safety and hygiene regulations and these are fluid. Each ship has new hygiene procedures in place.
It is best to contact us to get the latest of the exact countries you will be visiting and which ships you will be sailing.
For more information contact us:
Phone: 1800 770 7148 (Eastern Standard Time)
Email: Contact us
Please do not take travel advice from any social media outlets as they do not control the veracity of the material and are not legally responsible for what is said on their platforms.
Places we recommend you get good information include:
- International Air Transport Association
- World Health Organization
- US State Department
- European Commission
- UK Department of Health and Social Care
Checklist for Travelers
- Contact us to discuss where and when you propose to travel.
- Ensure your passport has 6 months validity, dated from the end of your trip.
- Check the Visa requirements for the countries you are traveling to call us to get clear advise
- Print your vouchers and all other travel documents and pack them in your carry on luggage.
- Travel insurance is a must for all travelers. We can provide a great travel insurance options for North American residents Here.
- Check if your tour includes airport transfers at the start and end of the tour. If not and you would like this service, please contact us.
- Most group and private tours provide for one bag per participant and 1 piece of hand luggage. Check with us for more.
- For early flight arrivals, the room may not be available until check in time (often after 2pm). Early check in can be requested, however, it is contingent on the hotel’s occupancy on that day and cannot be confirmed prior. The hotel reception will store bags and make available seating areas and in many cases a restaurant for refreshments. Reception will be happy to give directions to a local restaurant or café. Getting out on foot is a great way to orient yourself to a new city.
- Extra night’s accommodation and city tour packages are also available on request and preplanning them will reduce any unwanted excitement.
- If there are special attractions, you want to see on your “leisure days” on tour be sure to mention them to us or to your tour director so arrangements can be made.
- If WIFI access is important to you check with us beforehand as some tours /cruises offer this as part of the package and others do not.
Be Prepared for Differences
- Hotels make money by selling you food and refreshments in their bar or restaurant. Plenty of your favorite beverage will be available downstairs and in fact your new favorite coffee shop is waiting for you to discover right around the corner where you can order a coffee and watch the locals.
- I once phoned reception to ask for an iron and was told that THE iron was being used by another room. Again, they make money with the laundry service. As I was in the same city or a week, I ended up walking to the local supermarket and buying a cheap one. So be prepared with ironless shirts and packing clothes in a manner that will ensure less creasing, see the Youtube video below.
- A majority of buildings in the old towns were built centuries ago and do not have elevator. You might have to carry your own bags up the stairs. Packing light will help you in this instance and also allow you space for gifts.
- Be patient, on a group tour there will always be the straggler, who has difficulty being on time or there are often elderly people who just don’t move as fast. This is often built into the tour so please be patient and kind.
- Wear Comfortable shoes. In Europe, the Romans used cobblestones to build the roads and some of them are still being used today. And in other countries many of the roads are unsealed and narrow, with skinny sidewalks. So wear sturdy but comfortable shoes.
- Clothing is important for two reasons. The first is it protects you from the weather and is vital in your level of comfort. The second is it communicates who you are in a few seconds to those you are about to meet. Smart travelers tend to be a little more formal and stylish. So, it won’t hurt to balance style with comfort. Sweatpants and sneakers are comfortable, but you will get the table next to the toilets every time. Layers help with warmth and shawls or wraps will help with the sun or cold and will also help enter in religious institutions.
Here is a great Youtube Video to help packing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVhv9iqu5OE
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