Corona: 5 things that you have to consider when booking your vacation now

Travel during Corona
5 things to consider when booking vacation now

Many people could use vacation in Corona times. After all, the virus has turned the everyday life of many of us upside down – and we long for a short break from the recurring waves of infections and new variants.

The coronavirus has been changing our normalcy for a long time. But vacation is also part of everyday life. So how can we learn to live with the pandemic? And how can you book a vacation in times of Corona? We give an overview of what you should currently pay attention to when the wanderlust knocks. Because one thing is clear: if you want to go on vacation this year, you should do so with care.

1. Check vaccination status

Have you been vaccinated once, twice or already boosted? EU vaccination certificates lose their validity after nine months from Februarywhen people no refresher have received. Some countries have already drawn up stricter rules and require a refresher immediately after six months. So check out the latest regulations on a regular basis.

2. Observe travel warnings from the Federal Foreign Office

A travel warning for unnecessary, tourist trips currently applies in principle to countries that are considered by the federal government High risk area or virus variant area are classified. Even if a travel warning is not to be equated with a travel ban: The warnings are issued when travel could endanger life and limb. If travelers decide to take such a trip anyway, this can also be legal Consequences of travel cancellation or health insurance to have.

An overview of all areas for which a travel warning is currently issued is available from Robert Koch Institute.

3. Clarify quarantine conditions

The last few months have made it clear: The infection process can change rapidly. Before you choose a travel destination, you should not only find out about the current Corona numbers on site, but also about the measures to be taken in an emergency. Which entry requirements apply? What are the quarantine conditions on site? Here the Federal Foreign Office refers to the relevant countries. In the event of an infection, the local authorities decide on treatment or quarantine. These guidelines also apply to travelers and must be followed. A return journey is usually only possible after the treatment or quarantine has expired.

4. Corona measures on vacation

Inform you prior to booking about the hotel and local life. which Hygiene measures are hit? Which parts of the hotel may still be closed? Are there special pool times? Does one exist Mask requirement and are restaurants open? All of these questions should be clarified before booking so that there are no nasty surprises waiting at the holiday destination.

Checklist of questions to be clarified when traveling abroad:

5. Cancellation policy & down payments

Now comes the most important point: Even if you normally just skim through the small print, now is the time to read the terms and conditions in detail.

Package or individual trip?

Concerning Cancellations of package tours are usually easier to deal with as individually planned trips. This is mainly due to the fact that the tour operator takes over the planning and, if necessary, also the cancellation of the flight and accommodation. Up until now, a package tour could be canceled free of charge if exceptional circumstances arise that significantly impair the trip or make it impossible. A travel warning from the Foreign Office was previously considered a strong indicator of this. After about two years of pandemic, however, it has not yet been clarified in court whether this guideline still applies. This is why you should Check the cancellation options carefully when booking and try to find a solution together with the tour operator.

If you prefer If you are traveling individually, you should deal intensively with the accommodation when booking. State law is important here: “If you cannot reach your destination due to the travel restrictions of the German government, an entry ban or the location of the accommodation in the restricted area, you can cancel your accommodation under German law and claim your money back,” explains the consumer advice center. However, this does not apply if a booking was made directly with the provider under foreign law. So here you should also get the Conditions in the travel country have a look – if you have any questions, the Consumer advice center to advice.

So booking a vacation is not an easy act in Corona times – but in the process we learn to deal a little more intensively with our travel destination beforehand. Plus: You will be rewarded with a carefree vacation for the preparation.