Travel latest news: Confusion over Italy's new testing rules leads Britons to cancel trips - The Telegraph
Travel latest news: Confusion over Italy's new testing rules leads Britons to cancel trips - The Telegraph |
- Travel latest news: Confusion over Italy's new testing rules leads Britons to cancel trips - The Telegraph
- Ski Deals For Winter 2020-2021 - PlanetSKI.eu
- CAN YOU SKI ON THE CHEAP AT HALF-TERM? - PlanetSKI.eu
- Is it safe to go skiing? Everything you need to know about booking a trip this winter - Telegraph.co.uk
| Posted: 09 Oct 2020 07:52 AM PDT  Holidaymakers have been left bewildered by Italy's new Covid testing rules for arrivals from the UK with some planning to cancel trips to the country. "I'll have to cancel the whole trip now. I can't take [the] risk of a [positive] test and quarantining on arrival, and no time to get test here now before. GUTTED," wrote one Twitter user in response to the rule, which was announced by Italy's Minister of Health, Roberto Speranza, on Wednesday. "We were due to fly to Bologna tomorrow but [the] airport told us need to stay in hotel room til result of covid test through which can take up to 72 hours; only there 7 nights we've cancelled trip today," tweeted Julia Carr. Britons arriving in Italy must now present evidence of a negative Covid test – or agree to take a test on arrival. The rule change, which was confirmed by the UK's Foreign Office on Thursday, means that if a UK traveller were to test positive after arriving in Italy they could face several weeks of quarantine. Meanwhile, not all Italian airports have testing facilities on site and a private test in the UK can cost around £150 with labs saying they cannot guarantee results within 72 hours (Britons arriving in Italy must have evidence of negative results from a test taken within this time frame). Italy's growing list of high-risk destinations already included Spain, Croatia, Greece and Malta, based on infection rates – the UK's seven-day rate is now 136.8 per 100,000 people, compared to Italy's 31.5. Scroll down for the latest travel updates. The Chancellor has ignored the plight of inbound tourism businesses, says industry leaderRishi Sunak has announced an expansion of the job support scheme. Travel trade association UKinbound has offered comment. Joss Croft, chief executive of UKinbound, said:
Skiers will go skiing, even if they have to quarantineQuarantine is a small price to pay for the thrill of being on the slopes this winter, results from a new survey reveal.  With ski season fast approaching the choice of viable, quarantine-free destinations for a ski holiday is limited, with just Italy, which now requires Britons to test negative for Covid before arrival, and Sweden on the Government's safe list. Skiers wanting to visit major ski resorts across France, Austria and Switzerland currently face a two-week quarantine on their return – however only 25 per cent say this would put them off going on a ski holiday this winter. New research by the Mountain Trade Network reveals 75 per cent of skiers would quarantine, for varying periods of time, on their return home if it meant they got to make fresh tracks this winter. Here's how the data breaks down:
Keen to hit the slopes no matter what this winter? Read more about the specific restrictions set to be in place in ski resorts this winter here. Which others are feasible to visit?Europe
Caribbean
Which countries can you visit without restrictions?In all, there are now just four places on the travel corridor list that have no restrictions on UK arrivals, and a further 13 with limited restrictions that make holidays feasible. These are the four restriction-free options:
Germany agrees stricter anti-Covid measures for virus hot spotsChancellor Angela Merkel said she and mayors from Germany's 11 largest cities agreed on Friday to adopt stricter anti-coronavirus measures if infections exceed a threshold of 50 cases per 100,000 population in a week. Restrictions could include tighter rules on mask-wearing, restrictions on private gatherings and stricter rules on buying alcohol, Merkel said, adding that her top priority was to avoid shutting down the economy and society again, as in the spring. "These are the days and weeks that will determine in what shape Germany will get through winter in this pandemic," Merkel told reporters. "Summer went very well overall, but we now see a picture that is cause for concern." Germany is among the destinations that Britons can visit without facing quarantine on return, although arrivals from some areas of the UK are required to show evidence of a negative Covid test, or take a test, on arrival. African nations with low Covid rates urge UK to open 'travel corridors'The UK Government is under pressure to establish air corridors with African countries that have low rates of Covid-19 in a bid to regenerate much-needed tourism, reports Annabel Fenwick Elliott.  A formal petition has been launched by the (ATTA) Adventure Travel Trade Association for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office (FCDO) to reassess its advice on countries in East and South Africa, some of which have case rates per 100,000 citizens that sit well below the UK's threshold of 20, and therefore could in theory qualify for quarantine-exempt status. South Africa, which relies heavily on British tourism, currently has a rate of 18.7; Namibia is at 18.3, Botswana is at 11.1, Zambia is at 2.6 – all destinations popular for safari holidays. In the East of Africa, home to the Serengeti and the Masai Mara National Park, Kenya's rate is also only at 2.6. An ATTA spokesperson told Telegraph Travel: "We are concerned about the crisis unfolding: for wildlife and conservation; for the African economy and livelihoods; and for UK jobs in the travel sector. We are frustrated that there is a blanket approach when many African countries are well beneath the Government's own criteria for allowing travel elsewhere." Get tested before travelling to Italy, tour operator tells customersTour operator Scott Dunn has offered comment on the rule changes for UK travellers visiting Italy. Sonia Davies, chief executive of Scott Dunn, said:
Watch: The families ripped apart by the Australian lockdownThe Australian government has indicated it will maintain firm restrictions on international travel until a Covid-19 vaccine is available and widely distributed, a move that will have a prolonged impact on many Australians, and those with family in the country. Ryanair calls on European governments to adopt EU 'traffic light' systemBudget airline Ryanair is urging European Union governments to adopt the EU's 'traffic light' system to help restore traveller confidence. The system allows travel to and from 15 countries listed as 'green' and 'amber' without restrictions. Travellers from 'red' countries might face restrictions, such as testing before departure and on arrival. The system also recommends that member states follow a regional approach to ensure regions or islands with low levels of Covid-19 do not face quarantine measures. The airline wants the system adopted "without delay" after an EU Council meeting which is due to take place in Brussels on October 13. Comment: With the closure of its pubs, Scotland has lost its soulThere is something magical about gathering in a cosy pub in a hubbub of lively chatter and fiery music as fine whiskies warm the blood, writes Gavin Bell.
Phuket has become a 'ghost town' in tourist-free ThailandMore than nine million tourists visited Phuket in 2019, making it Thailand's second most popular destination after Bangkok. Nearly all the island's 3,000 hotels are closed and the main town of Patong "ghost town," local entrepreneur Preechawut Keesin, who owns five nightclubs and around 600 hotel rooms, told the AP news wire. Pre-Covid, 80 percent of the island's profits came from tourism, a sector that employs more than 300,000 people. Tens of thousands of those who have lost their jobs have returned to their home provinces. Phuket has been due to welcome Thailand's first foreign tourists since April in a cautious experiment by the kingdom, but their arrival keeps being pushed back. Coming with a two-week compulsory quarantine and a price tag of several thousand dollars a person, it will be a limited market.    Portugal requires visitors to fill out 'passenger locator card'While mainland Portugal is on the UK's quarantine list, some Britons are still planning holidays to the country. It is worth noting that Portugal's entry requirements now include filling out a passenger locator form before arrival. Madeira and the Azores remain quarantine-exempt. Entry requirements for each include the following: Madeira and Porto Santo
The Azores
Israel-Jordan deal will cut flying times in the Middle EastIsrael and Jordan have reached an agreement on mutual overflight rights that promises to cut travel times on journeys that cross the Middle East, reports Bloomberg. The accord follows years of discussions that were accelerated by recent diplomatic breakthroughs between Israel and Arab Gulf states. It will allow planes from Dubai-based Emirates or Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi, for example, to fly across Israel and Jordan on their way to Europe, saving time and fuel costs. "UAE and Bahrain airlines, as well as carriers from all over the world, will in the near future be able to begin flying over Israel to destinations in Europe and North America, and back," Israel's transport ministry said in a statement. Easyjet holidays offers flexibility for Britons with Italy bookingsEasyjet holidays customers who have booked trips to Italy have been offered the choice to cancel for credit or a refund (depending on the date of their trip), if they no longer wish to go ahead with their booking. Matt Callaghan, customer director of Easyjet holidays, said:
A postcard from the tiny Pacific island where Covid doesn't existPockets of the planet remain untouched, including the island of Karkar, off the east coast of Papua New Guinea. Sadie Whitelocks visited in 2019. 
Spain invokes state of emergency for Madrid lockdownThe Spanish Government has invoked a state of emergency to impose a partial lockdown on Madrid after a court had struck down the measures, according to Spanish state TV. The move escalates a standoff between Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government and the Madrid regional chief who believes the curbs are illegal, excessive and disatrous for the local economy. Some 3.8 million people are affected in the capital city and nine satellite towns. Spain is recording a seven-day infection rate of 142.7 per 100,000 residents. Is this the perfect place for a socially isolated holiday?In more positive travel news, Sweden has been spared from the quarantine list, and this could be your perfect escape.  Pater Noster lighthouse, on Hamneskär island off the coast of West Sweden, lit up the horizon for sailors from 1868 and was, at the time, considered a high-tech masterpiece. It almost went into disrepair before it was saved by volunteers and reopened for visitors in 2007. Now, it's been repurposed into a nine-bedroom guesthouse by award-winning design agency Stylt. Guests can go sailing, kayaking, scuba diving or deep-sea fishing (before cooking their catch) – or else they can eat homemade dishes, many of which contain the local seaweed, at the summer café. The best bed in the house isn't actually in a room: guests can book an outdoor sleeping area on the cliffs with views out to sea. Transportation to the lighthouse is by Rib boat from Marstrand or Gothenburg. For more hotels that quietly opened during the pandemic, see here. Covid testing for Britons arriving in Italy (part two)How long until the (airport) results arrive? You'll have your rapid antigen test results within 30 minutes, which you can sit out in the testing station, or in your car if you've opted for the drive-in. What if you can't get a test on arrival? Will you be given information about where else in Italy you can get a test? Can you move about freely until then? There's no one at the airport checking your test results or forcing you into the testing station: it's up to you to follow rules. But bear in mind that if you don't, you may well fall foul of spot-checks. If you haven't been tested, a whole list of further rules kicks in. You must make your way straight to your accommodation by private transport and contact the local health authority there which will arrange tests or explain what your next step should be. Until the test is done, and until you have a negative result, it's against the law to exit your accommodation for any reason. Regional information numbers are provided on the Health ministry website. What are the rules for Britons arriving in Italy? (part one)The UK's addition to Italy's at-risk list has created confusion for some Britons, particularly around which Italian airports have testing facilities. Telegraph Travel writer and Italy resident Anne Hanley answers some of the most pressing questions: Which airports are offering tests on arrival? Healthcare in Italy is the responsibility of regions, not the state, so provisions vary between ports of entry around the country. Almost all the country's airports now have testing stations inside and/or drive-through facilities outside. It's worth checking opening information for Covid testing on airport websites; in some cases drive-through centres kick in when testing stations close for the night. Tests administered in these facilities are free. How long does the process take? Is it expecting increased waiting time now UK has been put on the red list? Returning from Athens recently, before Greece was removed from Italy's red list, I waited just 15 minutes to be tested at Rome's Fiumicino airport. But clearly, the length of the queue will depend on arrival numbers and demand. Most testing centres are using rapid antigen tests. These are very slightly more likely to return an inaccurate result than the gold-standard PCR tests but they have the immense advantage of being less invasive – a quick swab in each nostril rather than far down your nasal cavity or throat – and the result comes remarkably quickly. Tui holidays to Italy going ahead as plannedA spokesperson for Tui UK and Ireland offers comment on the Covid test requirements for Britons arriving in Italy:
The Dutch face harsh new restrictions as their country becomes Europe's new Covid capitalThe Netherlands has overtaken Spain to become one of Europe's Covid capitals, and Amsterdam is a major hotspot. What is going on?  Rodney Bolt reports from Amsterdam:
Thomas Cook refusing to sell Ryanair flightsThomas Cook, recently restarts as an online travel agent, will not sell packages using Ryanair flights, reports Which?. The company said it will only work with flexible airlines. Thomas Cook committed to only selling holidays to destinations where customers wouldn't have to quarantine on return and to places the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said were exempt from the all but essential travel guidance. If the government advice changes with little notice, Thomas Cook aims to move your destination or travel date for free. This ideally needs the airlines they to permit changes without charge. Thailand U-turns on decision to welcome back touristsThailand has done a U-turn on its plans to welcome back its first batch of foreign tourists since the government closed the borders in April to keep the pandemic at bay. About 100 tourists from China were expected to arrive this month as part of a government plan to help get the tourism economy slowly back onto its feet. However, officials have admitted that complicated processes involved in applying for and issuing special visas has set back progress. The blueprint for reintroducing foreign tourists is based on strict precautions that only allow arrivals from countries deemed to be "low-risk" and also require two weeks quarantine at selected resorts. Only '44 cases' of Covid-19 traced back to air travel, report findsThe risk of catching Covid-19 on board a plane is similar to that of being struck by lightning, a top aviation official has claimed. The CEO of the International Air Travel Association (IATA), Alexandre de Juniac, also insisted that, while flying is not 'risk-free', a plane cabin is significantly safer than other indoor environments when it comes to transmission of the virus. A new study by IATA has found that just 44 cases of potential coronavirus infections have been traced back to flights since the start of 2020, a tiny proportion of the 1.2 billion people who have travelled by air in the same time period. Of those confirmed cases, the majority were reported early in the year, before the use of face masks by crew and passengers became common practice. All Italian airports should have test facilities in coming weeks, says Italy's tourism boardCommenting on the rule change for Britons arriving in Italy, Flavio Zappacosta, manager for UK and Ireland of the Italian Tourist Board (ENIT) said:
Greek islands: Skyscanner sees bookings spike following Government updatesFlight comparison website Skyscanner says UK travellers have been reacting swiftly to changes in the UK's quarantine-list and booking holidays accordingly. Jon Thorne, a travel expert at Skyscanner, said:
Flight deals for trips to Greek islands that are quarantine-exempt include:
*Prices available on Skyscanner.net on 09.10.20 and subject to change Two specialist coach tour operators collapseSpecialist coach operators Isle of Wight Tours and Gardiners NMC Limited have collapsed. A new company, Gardiners Holidays Limited, has been set up and will trade as Gardiners NMC with a small programme of tours and day excursions for 2020 and a new brochure for 2021. Isle of White Tours celebrated 30 years of trading in 2019 and its website said it had hoped "to look after our customers for another 30". But a statement posted on Thursday confirmed it had ceased trading on Wednesday. Quarantine hokey-cokey leaves Greek tourism businesses fumingMykonos and Crete remain on the quarantine list, following the Government's latest travel quarantine-list update, but five islands have been removed. Heidi Fuller-Love reports on what the UK's ongoing rule changes mean for the Greek tourism industry.
China sees domestic tourism revival during holiday seasonDomestic tourism in China enjoyed a rebound over the Golden Week holiday, Tourism sites were visited by 637 million domestic tourists over the eight-day National Day holiday that started Oct. 1, 79 per cent of last year's total, China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism said in a statement on Thursday. Milan Malpensa airport: update on Covid-19 testsFor UK travellers arriving at Milan's Malpensa aiport, its website offers the following advice that a Covid testing area is in operation on the airport arrival floor, from 9am to 9pm each day for those who make their way to the test area by 8.30pm.
See more information, here. Bars forced to shut in four more French citiesThe French government has imposed tighter restrictions in Lyon, Lille, Grenoble and Saint-Etienne, due to high Covid-19 infection rates. The four cities will become zones of maximum alert from Saturday, meaning bars and restaurants will be forced to closed. Paris saw bar and restaurant closures come in earlier this week, following the same restrictions in Marseille last month. Scotland's new rules for bars and restaurants effective from 6pmNew restrictions introduced for Scotland's pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes will come into effect from 6pm tonight. Across most of the country these venues will only be allowed to operate indoors between 6am and 6pm and not serve alcohol. However, they can continue to sell drinks until 10pm in outside areas. But pubs and licensed restaurants in five health board areas across the central belt will be forced to close for 16 days as of tonight. Establishments in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian, and Forth Valley can only provide takeaways during this time with the temporary measures set to end on Sunday October 25. How to get a Covid test for your holidayItaly is one of an increasing number of countries demanding that arrivals from the UK present evidence of a recent negative coronavirus test (or be tested on arrival). Currently, free NHS tests (either at home or a testing site) are only available to those with symptoms of the virus and the people they live with, as well as patients heading into hospital for surgery or residents of virus hotspots. So, if you feel well but need to prove you are Covid-free, then the best course of action is booking a private test. Emma Beaumont explains where to get a test and how they work. Heritage organisations to get financial boostThe £103 million funding will support 445 organisations in England to carry out repair and maintenance work on cherished heritage sites to keep the venues running.  Sites to benefit include landmarks such as Gloucester Cathedral, Downton Abbey filming location Highclere Castle, Blackpool's Winter Gardens and the Severn Valley Railway. Organisations welcomed the funding as an "essential lifeline" to ensure heritage sites can remain open following the financial hit caused by Covid-19. Spain considers state of emergency for Madrid amid lockdown chaosSpain's cabinet is due meet today to discuss imposing a state of emergency in Madrid after judges overturned a partial lockdown that was opposed by the regional authorities. Thursday's decision effectively cancelled restrictions imposed on some 4.5 million people in and around the capital, where infections are rising sharply. Madrid's regional administration, which has responsibility for public healthcare, had strongly opposed the measures imposed on October 2 barring residents of the capital and nine nearby towns from leaving the city limits except for work, school or on medical grounds. But the central government wants a swift resolution, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez calling an emergency cabinet meeting this morning to discuss the options. National Trust to cut almost 1,300 jobsAlmost 1,300 jobs are to go at the National Trust, as it seeks to save £100m of annual costs as a result of the coronavirus crisis. The organisation, which warned in July that it might have to make 1,200 people redundant to deal with the pandemic fallout, is making 514 compulsory redundancies following consultation. A further 782 people have taken voluntary redundancy as part of cuts to jobs that will save around £59m a year. The Trust is also saving around £41m in annual costs from areas such as reducing travel and office costs and cutting marketing and print spend in favour of digital communications. The coronavirus crisis hit almost every aspect of income for the conservation and heritage charity, which has 5.6 million members, shutting all of its houses, gardens, car parks, shops and cafes, and stopping holidays and events. UK's approach to travel quarantine is 'confusing and costly', says Which?The consumer champion Which? has reacted to the Government's latest quarantine list update. Rory Boland, Which? Travel editor, said:
Australia 'unlikely to open borders until end of 2021'The Australian government has indicated it will maintain firm restrictions on international travel until a Covid-19 vaccine is available and widely distributed, a move that will have a prolonged impact on many Australians and British nationals, reports Giovanni Torre. The government is currently considering various scenarios, with one forecast included in the budget predicting the economy will suffer a A$55billion (£30.4billion) hit unless a vaccine is available by 2021, partly because of the long-term absence of international tourism and foreign students. The budget also includes a A$231million (£128million) support package for Australia's tourism body to help with marketing domestic tourism and domestic business travel, clearly anticipating the absence of international visitors for the foreseeable future. Data recently published by Tourism Research Australia shows the tourism industry has lost A$33.7billion (£18.65billion) from January to June 2020. What happened yesterday?Here are the main headlines from Thursday:
Now onto today's news. |
| Ski Deals For Winter 2020-2021 - PlanetSKI.eu Posted: 14 Aug 2020 12:00 AM PDT 14th August 2020 Last modified on August 27th, 2020 – Self-Drive holidays to Tignes, Arc 1950, Les Menuires, Val Thorens & Tignes with Erna Low Tour operators are preparing for winter 2020-2021 with some optimism, so see below if you can be tempted by some of the early bird offers supplied by Crystal Ski Holidays, Ski Amis and Ski Solutions. Deals posted on 27th August 2020Erna Low Ski Deals:New Website – Erna Low has launched its new website that includes booking incentives: offering very low deposits, a delayed final payment plan [from 10 weeks to 6 weeks]; in addition, the option to cancel and receive full refunds up to November 1st 2020. Should the FCO advise against travel (as with season 19/2020) full refunds will be given on all package holidays booked. Erna Low suggests the best and most popular ski resorts to be accessed by car this winter include Flaine, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Tignes and Arc 1950: Arc 1950 New YearThe village is truly car free, all guests arrive and park in a huge underground car park under the village. Erna Low offers 7 nights in ski in-out Arc 1950, France, for New Year with a saving of 20% on the accommodation price. A two bedroom apartment for 6 people was £4,390.50 and is now £3,501.80 (£584pp) including Eurotunnel with Flexiplus. For the week commencing 26 December. All apartments have access to a pool, hot tub and fitness facilities and the resort offers a programme of activities for children during the week, and a creche for younger children.  Erna Low offers 7 nights in ski in-out Arc 1950, France, for New Year with a saving of 20% on the accommodation price. Save 20% January 2021 in Les MenuiresLes Menuires is a brilliant family resort located in the heart of the Three Valleys. It gives access to hundreds of kilometers of pistes whilst being the perfect places for both little ones and adults alike to learn in. Erna Low can offer 20% off accommodation in Les Alpages de Reberty, in a 2 bedroom apartment sleeping up to 6 people. This was £1,725.11 and is now £1,412.30 (saving £312.81) including travel by Eurotunnel. For arrivals on 09 January 2021 – just £283pp for a family of 5. This residence offers doorstep skiing, spacious apartments and features a pool and spa complex. Flaine in Half TermFlaine is a great resort for self-drive holiday makers as it is located in one of the closest ski areas to Calais, the Grand Massif. It is a wonderful family friendly resort with lots on offer. Erna Low can provide a 2 bedroom 6 person apartment in the 5★ Les Terrasses d'Helios at a cost of £3,807.06 including a flexiplus ticket on the Eurotunnel – £635 per person based on a family of 6. This is for the week commencing 13 February 21 and includes a 10% discount on accommodation [the cost should be £4262.27]. This residence offers ski in-out access, an indoor swimming pool and spa facilities as well as in house childcare facilities and a ski school meeting point. Early Easter in TignesWith many schools finishing for Easter in March this is a perfect time for skiing as it offers wonderful value particularly in the resort of Tignes. Made up of a few villages Tignes has a huge variety of accommodation and activities as well as being a 'snow-sure' resort. Erna Low can offer a 2 bedroom 4/6 person apartment in 4★ Le Nevada at a cost of £2,070.56 – £346 per person with the Eurotunnel Flexiplus ticket. This includes a 10% saving for the week beginning 27 March 21 when booked by December 1st. This is a well positioned 4★ residence in the centre of Val Claret with a swimming pool and spa facilities. It is also just 150m from the slopes.  Erna Low can offer a 2 bedroom 4/6 person apartment in 4★ Le Nevada at a cost of £2,070.56 – £346 per person with the Eurotunnel Flexiplus ticket. Easter in Val ThorensVal Thorens is a sure favourite on the British market with its high altitude, 'guaranteed snow' and it is part of the largest connected ski area in the world. Val Thorens has something to offer everyone, why not try the zip wire over the resort or the longest toboggan run in France. Erna Low has many accommodations in resort but a popular choice would be Le Hameau du Kashmir Residence. They can offer a 2 bedroom 4 person apartment including a Flexiplus ticket on the Eurotunnel for £2361.50. Just £591 per person based on 4 people sharing this beautiful 4★ ski in-out residence with a relaxation centre, restaurant, lounge and playroom for children. Erna Low can offer flights from 21 UK airports direct to the mountains with resort transfers/car hire, or great value self-drive ski holidays including Eurotunnel crossings. Contact Erna Low on 020 7584 2841 or visit the new website here. Crystal Ski Deals:Customers can get their ski essentials in one easy bundle, including 30% off your lift pass and equipment hire or carriage on the holidays listed below. Mayrhofen, AustriaCrystal Ski Holidays offers a week's bed and breakfast board basis holiday at the 3 ★ Hotel Obermair from £499 per person when booked online (based on two sharing) including flights from London Gatwick to Innsbruck and transfers (price given is for departure on 12thDecember 2020). Direct flights available from all major UK airports. Also includes 30% off lift passes and equipment.  3 ★ Hotel Obermair, Mayrhofen, Austria from £499 per person – including flights to Innsbruck. Departure 12th December 2020 Bansko, BulgariaCrystal Ski Holidays offers a week's half board basis holiday at the 4 ★ Hotel Lion Bansko from £449 per person when booked online (based on two sharing) including flights from Bristol to Sofia and transfers (price given is for departure on 2ndJanuary 2021). Direct flights available from all major UK airports. Also includes 30% off lift passes and equipment. Sauze d'Oulx, ItalyCrystal Ski Holidays offers a week's full board basis holiday at the 3 ★ Hotel Miravalle from £495 per person when booked online (based on two sharing) including flights from London Stansted to Turin and transfers (price given is for departure on 28thFebruary 2021). Direct flights available from all major UK airports. Also includes 30% off lift passes and equipment. Visit www.crystalski.co.uk website or telephone on 020 8610 3123 All prices quoted above are correct to the particular product package at the time of TUI issuing the price package/packages to the publication. Price was quoted on 26/08/20.Prices provided are subject to change and have limited availability. Terms and conditions apply Crystal Ski Deals:Customers can get their ski essentials in one easy bundle, including 30% off your lift pass and equipment hire or carriage on the holidays listed below. Borovets, Bulgaria Crystal Ski Holidays offers a week's half board basis holiday at the 3 ★ Hotel Samokov from £527 per person when booked online (based on two sharing) including flights from London Gatwick to Sofia and transfers (price given is for departure on 19th December 2020). Direct flights available from all major UK airports. Also includes 30% off lift passes and equipment. Bardonecchia, Italy Crystal Ski Holidays offers a week's self-catering basis holiday at the 3 ★ Residence Tabor from £485 per person when booked online (based on two sharing) including flights from London Heathrow to Toulouse and transfers (price given is for departure on 17th January 2021). Direct flights available from all major UK airports. Also includes 30% off lift passes and equipment. Niederau, Austria Crystal Ski Holidays offers a week's half board basis holiday at the 3 ★ Hotel-Pension Hannes from £555 per person when booked online (based on two sharing) including flights from Birmingham to Innsbruck and transfers (price given is for departure on 27th February 2021). Direct flights available from all major UK airports. Also includes 30% off lift passes and equipment.  Stay at 3★ Hotel-Pension Hannes in Niederau, Austria from £555 per person for one week – Crystal Ski Holidays Visit www.crystalski.co.uk website or telephone on 020 8610 3123 All prices quoted above are correct to the particular product package at the time of TUI issuing the price package/packages to the publication. Price was quoted on 12/08/20.Prices provided are subject to change and have limited availability. Terms and conditions apply. Ski Amis Ski Deals on Catered Chalets:Ski Amis is offering 20% off all catered chalets for winter 2020-2021. To benefit from this discount, Ski Amis requires full payment by the end of October. Prices start from £239.20 per person for one week. Ski Amis will be offering a full refund if restrictions relating to Covid-19 are in place that would prevent you from travelling. See here for full details on Catered Chalets  Chalet Christine (La Tania) – One of Ski Amis Catered Chalets that sleeps 28-30 Telephone Ski Amis on 0203 411 5439 or email sales@skiamis.com for a personalised holiday quotation. The sales office is open from 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. Ski Deals from Ski Solutions:Check out the early bird offers for ski holiday from Ski Solutions that include…
Discover their deals in separate categories, compiled for ease of browsing… To find out more speak to Ski Solution experts on 020 3944 5286  Check out ski savings with Ski Solutions Looking ahead to Half Term 2021 – how about skiing in Norway?February Half Term 2021 ski holidays are on sale Visit Norway Home of Skiing website for the full Norwegian picture of what is on offer at all its ski destinations – Beitostølen, Geilo,Hafjell, Kvitfjell, Myrkdalen, Narvik, Norefjell and Voss, they each offer a unique experience. Stay at the 4★ Myrkdalen Hotel in Myrkdalen for a ski-in, ski-out experience. The hotel offers three restaurants to cater for those post-ski cravings. Stay 7 nights on half board basis priced from £875 pp (£3,500 total) for the half term week based on two adults and two children in a standard room including flights and resort transfers: Further Norwegian offers from Ski Safari include:4★+ Vestlia Resort in Geilo, – seven nights' half board from £1,065 pp. #LETSGOSKIING#WINTERISCOMING Keep up to date with our latest information on Covid-19 – Coronavirus Impact on Skiing and Snowboarding – Italy Appears to be Keeping Covid-19 Under Some Control  Deals for next winter |
| CAN YOU SKI ON THE CHEAP AT HALF-TERM? - PlanetSKI.eu Posted: 13 Jan 2020 12:00 AM PST 13th January 2020 | Jane Peel, Chief Reporter Last modified on January 16th, 2020 If you're trying to book you'll struggle to find a bargain. Flight prices are soaring. PlanetSKI readers give their advice. If you're tied to the school holidays you may well have already booked your family trip. But what if you've only just decided to head to the hills? What can you expect to pay? A lot depends on how convenient you want your travel to be but it's fair to say it is unlikely to be a low-cost holiday. February half-term is the most popular time to the hit the slopes in Europe. And with the large majority of the UK's school pupils off at the same time, the demand for ski holidays – whether package trips or independently arranged – pushes up prices. We looked at the costs in 2019: The situation in 2020 doesn't look great, especially if you go for some of the notoriously pricey routes. "London Gatwick to Innsbruck with Easyjet 15th to 22nd February is now £1,508 per person, including one item of hold luggage! What a bargain," one of our readers complained.  Easyjet at Innsbruck Fraser Wilkin, Managing Director of Snow-Wise, has been putting together tailor-made ski holidays to the Alps for more than 20 years. He remains convinced that prices are continuing to increase disproportionately on the key holiday dates. What's more, he says, it's becoming more difficult to find ways to avoid the highest prices by travelling to less obvious airports. "Airlines have now become wise to just about all 'back-door' routes," he told PlanetSKI. "Munich, Milan and Basel remain slightly cheaper options but it's all relative, and it's easy to lose perspective. "However, due to the crazy prices on mainstream routes, for example Gatwick to Geneva and, of course, the infamously expensive Gatwick to Innsbruck, these 'alternative routes', which are typically upwards of £600 now seem like a bargain!" We carried out our own research on the morning of Monday 13th January. We looked at a small selection of flights on different routes, travelling out on either Saturday 15th or Sunday 16th February and returning a week later. FLYING TO GENEVA The cheapest we could find travelling from any London airport was on Easyjet from Luton on Saturday 15th on evening flights. The return price for one adult with one 23kg hold bag was just over £537. It is a little more expensive from Stansted – coming in at just over £571, with the outbound flight at an unsociable hour, requiring a 4am check-in. Cheaper than any of the London flights are the evening flights from and to Manchester, at less than £445. These flights get you to Geneva at 10pm on Saturday night. That's not necessarily going to be ideal if you have a young family in tow and a 3 or 4 hour transfer to resort. If you want to travel at family-friendly hours such as lunchtime or mid-afternoon, the return flight from Manchester with one hold bag is £760pp.  Geneva Airport FLYING TO INNSBRUCK Saturday to Saturday flights on Easyjet from London Gatwick are a whopping £1,509pp with a hold bag. Reduce the cost by travelling Sunday to Sunday instead (£848). British Airways has Saturday to Saturday London Heathrow to Innsbruck flights for £910 (also including a 23kg bag), or Sunday to Sunday from Gatwick for £707. The cheapest way to fly direct to Innsbruck appears to be travelling on Easyjet from Luton on the Saturday (just over £600). You can do it cheaper still via Austrian Airlines as long as you don't mind going via Vienna, and putting up with the consequently longer journey time. A return flight from Heathrow to Innsbruck (Sunday to Sunday) with one 23kg hold bag is £482.91. But it'll take you five hours from take-off to final touchdown.  Austrian Airlines at Innsbruck GOING BY TRAIN Many resorts in France, Austria and Italy are accessible by train. You could cut your costs and your carbon footprint at the same time. Expect the journey to be longer and, in some cases, involve several changes (not to mention potential disruption if the French strikes are still going on). We found the prices below on the Trainline website. London to Innsbruck (for many resorts in the Austrian Tirol) – £352pp if you travel out from London St Pancras on Saturday morning and back overnight on Friday/Saturday, leaving Innsbruck at 2044hrs. There are three changes on the way out and two on the way back. Worth it for what is possibly the cheapest way to get to Innsbruck at half-term? London to Oulx (for Sestriere and nearby resorts in Italy) – £568pp travelling from London St Pancras via Paris, departing at 0922hrs on Saturday 15th, arriving 2033hrs. Our friends at Snowcarbon tell us it costs around €40 Euros for a taxi from Oulx station to Sestriere. The return journey leaves Oulx at 1628hrs and picks up the overnight Eurostar in France, getting back to St Pancras at 0705hrs on Sunday. London to Moutiers (for Les3Vallees and other French resorts) – £464pp leaving London St Pancras on Saturday 15th at 1224hrs. However, there is no availability to return the following Saturday. Departure on Sunday 23rd at 1250hrs, arriving back in London at 2200hrs. The journey involves two changes outbound and inbound.  Travelling to the slopes by train PACKAGE HOLIDAY Is it more cost effective to forget independent travel and go for a package? We looked at the website of UK's biggest ski tour operator, Crystal Ski, to find out what's available. There are plenty of half-term holidays, including some big discounts. As long as you don't want to fly from any of the London airports, that is. The only half-term holidays we were able to find with London flights are in Lapland. If Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow airports are accessible to you, it's good news. All the prices below include flights and transfers. 7 nights' bed and breakfast in chalet-style accommodation in Söll, Austria from Saturday 15th for £729pp, flying from Manchester to Salzburg. The accommodation is said to be a minute from the ski bus and you can enjoy to the vast SkiWelt ski area.  Crystal's Haus Pirchmoos in Söll There's a self-catering studio apartment in Pas de la Casa, Andorra, with Sunday flights from Edinburgh to Toulouse for £739pp. Or half-board in a hotel in Samoëns in the Grand Massif ski area of France for £949, flying from Edinburgh to Geneva (Saturday to Saturday). NORTH AMERICA Flights across the Atlantic are generally more competitive than they are to the Alps during February. Skyscanner found us a London Heathrow return flight to Denver, Colorado, on Saturday 15th for £509 (baggage extra). The return flight has one stop in Phoenix and arrives at 0940hrs on Sunday 23rd. Of course, you would have to deal with a 10-hour flight, jet lag and expensive lift passes. But, then again, the snow in North America at the moment is spectacularly good, as our editor, James Cove, is finding out. He's currently in Utah.  James Cove in Utah Last winter James was living in Innsbruck in Austria. In the busy half-term week he skied in resorts with lower costs and little-known ones offering uncrowded slopes too. He skied Axamer Lizum, Muttereralm, Patscherkofel and Nordkette. READERS' ADVICE We asked you for your experiences and advice on skiing at half-term. Go to our post on the PlanetSKI Facebook page if you want to add yours. Damien Crabman told us it was not a good time to go skiing. "Busy and expensive. I used to work out in St Anton for a cheapish UK chalet company. "For a family of 4 with hire and lessons and flights, you're looking at about £10,000+ during half term." Odile Churchward-Gogniat says: "The only way to make it relatively 'affordable' is to book early – or last minute and be prepared not to go. "We pay 3x a much and more to rent a place when UK grandkids come for half-term, but that it is the way it is." We've had a lot of suggestions for keeping the cost down. They include going to Norway, the Pyrenees, travelling to Italy by coach, booking everything a year in advance, or going in the Easter holidays instead of half-term. Fly to smaller airports… One reader suggests flying to Basel airport in Switzerland, which is cheaper, smaller and less busy than Geneva. "10 min free bus to the train station and the world is your oyster for Switzerland using a train transfer pass," says Sacha Zog Zvegintozov. "Same price from any airport to any resort. Many Swiss resorts have a train station….from different UK airports it cost us less than £500 for 4 including bags and ski carriage but booked very early." Drive…  Driving in the Alps Several say driving is by far the cheapest way to get to the Alps for a family at half-term. "We always drive," says Joanne Congdon. "We travel from the UK to Switzerland twice a year and driving and using the Eurotunnel has always been so much cheaper than flying. "We get door to door in 16 hours and it costs us £500 to £600 for fuel and the tunnel both ways. "And we take as much as we wish." Daniel Robinson agrees, saying it costs him around £400 to drive from half way up the UK, inclusive of fuel, tolls and Channel crossing. "Driving costs about the same as normal flights for two or three people," he says. "Therefore if there's more than two of you, it makes sense to drive. "But with flights costing £1,500pp? You could each afford to hire a luxury car and drive there separately." Book early or take a day off school…. An ex-teacher suggests planning your trip well in advance or take a day off school to travel on Friday. "Try to book flights as soon as they are released," says Trista Thompson. "BA release theirs 49 weeks ahead of travel. School or local authority should release term days a year in advance. "As soon as booked flights, hunt down privately owned accommodation and book car hire. "Other option is to fly Friday to Friday.. often much cheaper. And if you get late flight home you gain an additional day on the slopes." Ski at Easter … Euan Smith lives in York in the north of England and says he can't face the long drive. Instead he saves money and avoids the February crowds by taking the family holiday later in the season. "I reckon we save between £2k and £3k for our family of 4 by going at Easter and avoiding half term. "Plus, I get to squeeze a long weekend in with friends earlier in the season with the saving." Don't go to the Alps…. Bryn Williams says his family always to Andorra in the Pyrenees at half-term. "Booked last week, return flights from Manchester, transfers, hotel & breakfast, mountain pass with lunch vouchers £804 each."  Andorra, Pyrenees Vanessa Fisher told us of a good deal going to the French Pyrenees. She found a half-term fllight from London Gatwick to Toulouse for just under £332 return and a one bedroom apartment (sleeping up to 4 people) in Ax-les-Thermes in the French Pyrenees for €1,113. Use your brain…. Bob Weeks says this is a 'stupid article really' as anyone with an ounce of brains knows that if you want cheap(ish) flights in the school holidays, but especially at February half-term, you have to book as soon as they are released. "If you haven't got an ounce of brain, then sorry, you just have to accept it." Fair enough! |
| Posted: 06 Oct 2020 04:30 AM PDT
It's that time of year again – as the mercury plummets and winter approaches, thoughts turn to booking a ski holiday Except 2020 has been a year like no other and snow-sport fans who are keen to return to the mountains have more questions than ever before to consider before they book their winter escape. Skiers have every right to be hesitant about booking their next trip to the slopes too – last season the coronavirus pandemic left the hopes and dreams of thousands in tatters. Since then, despite some brief respite in the form of travel corridors, things haven't got much better as travel restrictions continue to change at the drop of a hat and a resurgence in cases across Europe brings with it a risk of further lockdowns. Luckily there's still some time until the snow starts falling in abundance and lifts in ski resorts begin to turn for the 2020/21 season – anything could happen before then, including the introduction of airport testing. Here we answer the top queries from our readers regarding booking their future ski holidays; from alternatives to flying to which operators are offering Covid-19 guarantees and when is the best time to book. HowHow should I book my ski holiday?The key this winter will be to book with a trusted operator who can guarantee your money is safe. The best way to do this is through a tour operator with official Atol bonding. This bonding protects your money in case of financial failure, as does - in most cases - paying for your holiday with a credit card. Package holiday providers, including those that are members of Abta or Abtot, also have a legal responsibility for your safety, so they won't take you to a destination that the FCDO advises against (currently the majority of ski destinations), and they are legally obliged to refund you for a cancellation – though be prepared, many have been taking weeks or months to do so.  While less secure if the business goes bust, smaller operators, which aren't bonded by the likes of Atol or Abta, are doing their bit to reassure customers too. Covid-19 guarantees, which offer a full refund or free amendment of your holidays to a new date (either this season or next) if they are forced to cancel due to the pandemic, are the new normal for most. It is important to check the small print before booking and ask questions if you're unsure. When beginning your research look back at how an operator responded to the pandemic last winter and what customer feedback has been like since, regarding refunds and cancellations. Below we've listed the current terms and conditions and Covid-19 policies for a number of leading operators and agents to give you an idea of what to look out for. Is it safe to book independently?There are always risks associated with booking independently, however some travellers, especially those who favour multiple short breaks throughout a season appreciate the flexibility it provides. Check your accommodation provider and airline's terms and conditions carefully before committing. The ever-changing travel rules have forced airlines to cancel flights at short notice, as they consolidate their schedules – if this happens you are entitled to a refund or credit voucher to use for an alternative flight. Many independent hotels are offering their own versions of a Covid-19 guarantee, which have flexible cancellation policies and offer refunds if you can't travel. It is important to remember however if you cannot travel because of coronavirus and you have paid for your trip in full, you may face difficulty when trying to get your money back and are at the mercy of each individual supplier. Most travel insurance policies won't cover this. You also do not have the same repatriation protection as those on a bonded package, therefore if a country were to go into lockdown again you'd be responsible for getting yourself home. Will I be able to get insurance?Many travel insurance companies have now started to sell policies again and nearly all will cover you if you get ill – but as is always the case with ski holidays it's important to check they also cover the specifics required for winter sports. Relatively few providers offer Covid-related cancellation cover, however exceptions are winter-sport specialists MPI Brokers, as well as AllClear and CoverforYou. Some of the very few companies that can arrange insurance if you travel against FCDO advice include Campbell Irvine and Battleface. WhenShould I wait until the last minute to book?If you can afford to be flexible with your holiday dates, choice of destination and budget, leaving it until the last minute to book could pay off. This will enable you to watch how things unfold over the next few months and react quickly if travel corridors are reintroduced or revoked once more – or even better if airport testing gets the green light. If you're in a position to drop everything and head to the slopes you may also be able to benefit from any last-minute deals operators will inevitably offer to fill spaces. Be prepared though capacity in chalets and the number of flights scheduled is likely to be reduced so spaces will fill quickly.  Or should I book now?If you're restricted to travelling during peak periods of the season, such as school holidays in February and at Easter, it would be wise to book now. Some operators – especially smaller ones – are already close to fully booked for these dates, because so many skiers had their holidays cancelled last winter and opted to transfer their booking to 2021. This also applies to those keen to book a catered chalet holiday this winter, due to a combination of Covid-19 and Brexit there are significantly less available, especially since Crystal Ski has pulled its entire catered chalet programme for this winter and Inghams and Esprit have reduced theirs. If you're certain you'll want to go skiing when/if restrictions are lifted as long as you book with a trusted operator or agent (see above) it would be wise to secure your spot sooner rather than later. As an incentive to book early many operators are offering freebies, including complimentary child places, free places for large groups and deals on equipment hire and lift passes. WhereWhere should I go skiing this winter?Our ski holiday tracker will help you keep up to speed with restrictions in Europe and beyond, which destinations are currently accessible to British skiers and snowboarders and what resorts are doing to prepare to welcome back visitors to the slopes safely. To give you an idea, it's unlikely trips across the Atlantic will be back on the cards come December, but resorts across Europe, including lesser-known destinations in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, are gearing up to start the season as planned – those with high-altitude glacier slopes have already opened. All the big-name destinations in France, Austria, Switzerland and Italy, that are popular with British holidaymakers, are introducing measures such as social distancing in lift queues, pre-booked lift passes, table service in bars and restaurants and face coverings on lifts – wherever you go the ski holiday experience is likely to have changed somewhat.  WhatIs it safe to fly?How you choose to get to the mountains is down to personal preference. While some might despise the thought of spending a day in a loaded car driving to the Alps, others might still feel nervous about the prospect of flying or using a train. Recent research suggests there is likely to be increased interest in self-drive ski trips, which offer the chance for couples, families and groups to travel directly from their home to their accommodation without being in contact with a single person. Much of the Alps are easily reachable in a single day of driving, with many French ski resorts, including popular winter boltholes Chamonix, Flaine and Morzine, between eight to 10 hours from Calais. The likes of Erna Low and Peak Retreats specialise in self-drive, self-catered packages – agent Ski Solutions has also launched self-drive options this winter. Eurostar has taken the bold move to cancel its direct train service to the French Alps this winter, however tickets for indirect serices, which involve catching the Eurostar from London to Paris before connecting to a high-speed TGV service to the mountains, have gone on sale, with flexible booking conditions, allowing customers to rearrange free of charge up to 14 days before departure. Social distancing and masks are mandatory onboard. What type of accommodation should I book?Chalets: If you're a family or large group keen to be catered for this season, chalets are still available. A long-term favourite with British skiers and snowboarders, catered chalets have undergone numerous changes in recent years – Covid-19 will inevitably lead to more. With the departure of Crystal Ski from the market this winter the focus has shifted from large chalets, run like hotels, to smaller, more luxurious properties, where guests can enjoy personal service. It is also becoming increasingly more common for groups and families to take over an entire chalet for a week's holiday – even more so in the age of social distancing. Contactless chalet service, where a host will cook, clean and leave meals out for guests without actually seeing them, is on the cards from the likes of Consensio and Bramble Ski, as is the introduction of PPE and heightened cleaning protocols. Chalet specialist Mountain Heaven have also addressed the issue of the host's night off – guests can now order a meal to be delivered to the chalet, rather than having to venture out to a busy resort restaurant. Hotels: Hotels in Europe have had a headstart when it comes to adapting to the new normal. Many have been allowed to reopen during the summer months and have gained vital experience in processes such as contactless check-in, Covid cleaning protocols, social distancing in restaurants and changes to the traditional breakfast buffet. Locally-run establishments are particularly in tune with local regulations – in Austria all staff that work in the tourism industry are being tested regularly so that hotels can be marked as Covid secure. Couples and families will find hotel deals for this winter with the major operators easy to come by.  Apartments and self-catered chalets: As with self-drive, interest in self-catered apartments and chalets will inevitably spike this winter as they present the chance to remain in your own bubble with limited social interaction – ideal for families or groups of friends. Luckily the variety and quality of accommodation has increased twofold in recent years and it's totally feasible to mimic a hotel stay but with the benefit of having an entire place to call your own. Self-catered ski holidays do require some forward planning however – whether you decide to take supplies from home, stop to shop at a big supermarket on route or use a meal delivery service once you get to the resort, here are our top tips for planning a successful DIY ski trip. WhoWho should I book with?Trust, reputation and bonding are more important than ever this winter. Below we list the current booking policies and Covid-19 guarantees being offered by some of the leading ski operators and agents. Crystal Ski Holidays has a number of Covid-specific terms in place to provide extra security and reassurance when booking, in addition to its usual bonded guarantees. These include: If a customer is diagnosed with Covid-19, or is showing symptoms and needs to self-isolate before they are due to travel, they can amend their holiday free of charge – the same applies to anyone who can't travel because their local area goes into lockdown. If there are local restrictions in a resort which mean you can't ski, customers will be proactively contacted so they can amend or cancel their holiday free of charge. If customers need to quarantine when they arrive or return from a destination, they can also amend or cancel for free. And all importantly if the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to a destination, customers can amend or cancel for free. Inghams and Esprit Ski, HotelPlan's leading ski brands, have brought in an 'In Safe Hands' promise, detailing extra measures being put in place to keep customers and their money safe in addition to usual policies. This includes the option to change holiday plans with no amendment fees up to the date their full balance is due, plus a Covid-19 specific refund promise - if guests have to cancel a holiday because of Covid-19, customers can pick another trip or get a full refund. What's more, if a customer contracts the virus within 14 days of their holiday they can move it to the same holiday at a later date in the season. Ski Safari has changed its booking conditions to give customers more flexibility and has lowered its deposits to £100 per person. It has also removed any fees on changing a trip, up until the date the final balance is due. If a trip is forced to be cancelled because of government advice the operator, which is Atol protected, will do everything it can to find an alternative trip, or offer a full refund. Alpine Elements is giving customers the confidence to book early with a 100 per cent refund guarantee on all ski holidays booked during September – customers have until 28 days before they depart (when the full balance is due) to receive their money back. This is in addition to its Abta and Atol bonding on all bookings and free alternation of trips or refunds should plans change. Ski Solutions is now offering flexible booking options to its customers as well as its usual Abta and Atol guarantees. The agent has reduced deposits from £250 per person to £150 and removed amendment fees up until 12 weeks before departure. Mountain Heaven has introduced a Covid-19 guarantee to give extra peace of mind on top of its Abta and Abtot bonding. Should a resort have to close or travel restrictions, such as quarantine on arrival in France or Switzerland, and government advice prevent customers from travelling they will receive a full refund if an alternative trip can't be arranged. Skiworld is continuing to run chalet holidays this season and is assure customers they can book and travel with confidence. As well as offering protection through Abta bonding and Atol membership it has also introduced a Covid-19 refund guarantee, which offers to pay all money back or an alternative trip should the operator be forced to cancel because of the pandemic. It has also reduced deposits and extended its payment deadline, to 10 weeks before departure. Ski France is offering guests full refunds up until 24 hours before departure, in an effort to encourage them to book. The policy applies to all bookings of its own hotels, self-catered chalets and holiday apartments made up until October 31, 2020. Guests are required to pay a 10 per cent deposit and full payment four week's before they travel – however if their plans change they have until the day before to cancel and still receive a full refund. Club Med is offering guests extra Covid-19 cover as part of their booking. In the unfortunate event of a guest contracting the virus while travelling with Club Med, medical expenses, including testing, transportation, extra accommodation (if a stay in hospital is required) and GP appointments, will be covered as part of the holiday package. The all-inclusive operator is also offering refunds, vouchers or the choice of a new date for bookings that are forced to be cancelled because of the pandemic. What elseWhat if the UK goes into a second lockdown?Another key thing to consider, of course, is whether your plans might be scuppered by what happens in the UK. Even if your chosen destination stays open, an uptick in coronavirus cases in your area might mean that you are subjected to another lockdown. So, before booking, you need to check explicitly the policy of the operator or airline you are dealing with and whether they will allow you to cancel without penalty. Can I book lessons, equipment and lift passes?Covid-19 has forced certain parts of the ski holiday experience into a digital evolution. Many resorts are encouraging guests to pre-book refundable lift passes online before they arrive, to save queues at face-to-face service kiosks. Equipment hire shops are also following suit and requesting prior booking online, to reduce time in store where masks will be mandatory. In France resort bosses have announced that masks will also be required when gathering at the start and end of lessons, but not when on the slopes – group sizes are likely to be kept small, with increased demand for private tuition. In Austria masks will be required whenever social distancing cannot be maintained and lessons will be capped at 10 people. In an effort to reassure customers many resort bosses and local businesses, such as the Ecole du Ski France, Intersport Ski Hire and Ski Bro, a digital platform to find ski guides, are offering flexible cancellation terms and full refunds if your holiday doesn't go ahead. |
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