Travel Going Forward From Here
At this one-year anniversary of the pandemic outbreak , we can start to glimpse light at the end of what has felt like an endless tunnel. In March 2020 we saw travel suspended and borders across the globe closed. And with a few exceptions international travel continues at a near standstill.
We hope to see travel return this year, likely in the summer or fall. Spain and Portugal remain under various degrees of lockdown and the borders are all but closed as of today, February 15. The infection rates are improving and the vaccines are rolling out, although somewhat slowly. Once borders are open, people are vaccinated and infection rates are lowered travel will surely come booming back. Spain and Portugal will beckon to us all.
It’s a good time to begin thinking about travel again. The planning and anticipation of a trip often provide positivity and contentment equal to or greater than the trip itself. And we all could use some happiness injection in our lives right now.
Why not activate some anticipatory pleasure by planning a trip to Spain or Portugal. We will make it easy for you. Read the pasos below and get planning.
Paso 1
Where To Go?
We are ready to start planning with you. We can shoot you some inspiring ideas on where to go, where to stay, what to do, what to eat, wines to drink. Tell us about your interests–what you want to do, where you think you want to go, how you want to travel. Are you dreaming of a small hotel or private house in the country? Or a luxury hotel in town or village? Do you want to explore a region such as Andalusia (think great tapas and street life, the great monumental cities of Sevilla, Granada and Córdoba), the stunning wine country along the Douro River in Portugal including unexplored Dão and Bairrada (great red wines), the southern Alentejo’s lonely stretches of beach, or the northern gastronomic centers in the Basque Country or Catalonia (Michelin-starred meals in San Sebastián and Barcelona)?
Paso 2
Cancelling & Postponing
We have changed our cancellation policy for 2021. Given the uncertainty around the pandemic and the possibility of covid-related travel disruptions we have decided that all deposits and trip payments made will be transferred penalty free to another trip if you need to cancel or postpone due to travel restrictions or lockdowns either in your point of origin or in your destination. Your deposits will be credited to a future trip taken by August 31, 2022. The trip payments will be credited to a future trip, taken by August 31, 2022, or if you prefer, they will be returned to you. The deposits will not be returned to you if you cancel altogether, but will be held for your future booking.
Paso 3
Travel Planning
We are offering a new service this year. Or better said, we have decided to separate out one of the main services which has been an integral part of our trips since day one, in 2008. And that is travel planning. You can now work with us for travel planning alone. No bookings, no reservations, no planned activities. Simply trip planning, for Spain and / or Portugal. Taking into account your interests, your preferences, your travel style and who you’re traveling with.
If you want a little more ease of travel and guarantees of a brilliant trip we can, once you have finessed the trip to perfection, reserve the services for the trip. The hotels, the guides, the restaurants–both fine dining spots and unsung local roadhouses (ventas)–, the wine tastings, the artisan producer visits, etc.
Paso 4
Travel Insurance
That brings us to travel insurance. If ever there was a time to seriously consider purchasing travel insurance that time is now. We offer travel insurance through TravelSafe. Insurance is the best way to protect your travel investment and guarantee you’ll be covered in the event of travel disruption, cancellation or illness.
In short, you can start planning your trip today with no obligation. We can plan it with you, and you don’t have to put down a deposit until you’re ready to reserve the trip.