Be prepared to pay more for the privilege of travel this winter.
Experts say that while airfares have so far remained steady, experts predict a price spike for fall and winter flights as demand returns.
Canadian Press reported earlier this week that experts feel demand could rise further if remaining COVID-19 restrictions such as vaccine mandates are lifted, encouraging travellers who were previously hesitant to fly due to the restrictions.
“No doubt,” said Martin Firestone, president of insurance provider Travel Secure Inc. “My gut tells me with the removal of restrictions, more people than ever will travel.”
Firestone told me that will create “full planes, few seats and higher prices.”
He told CP that the potential influx of travellers also could cause repeated delays and disruptions.
Wendy Davis of Zebrano Travel, a high-end travel agency in Toronto that’s part of the exclusive Virtuoso Network, told me that she’s extremely busy.
“Clients are booking multiple luxury trips. They waited 3 years (and they’re) ready to plan and go on trips that were cancelled & ready to travel and not putting things on hold, knowing what just happened with Covid coming so unexpectedly and stopping all travel. There is no time like the present!”
Just for fun (well, kind of), I went onto a few websites and looked for deals for a random date in early February, when many Canadians are fed up with winter and looking for some sun.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Air Canada was showing direct flights from Toronto Pearson to Montego Bay (return, of course) from Saturday, February 4, 2022 to Saturday< February 11, 2022, for $1041.21. Air Canada showed flights on the same days between Vancouver and Maui from $627.43. WestJet was showing direct, non-stop flights between Toronto and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic from $998.65 for those February dates. For a flight between Calgary and Cancun on those dates, WestJet showed the lowest price as $851.71.
The Mayan ruins at Tulum, south of Cancun. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Price increases are certainly an issue, but Davis said she’s explaining the situation to clients, and that they’re willing to pay more to travel.
Still, there are issues. Canadian passport renewals are still slow, and she said a client of hers this week cancelled a proposed visit to Africa because the weren’t sure their daughter’s passport would arrive in time. She’s also still dealing with refunds from insurance claims and cancelled flights, which is one reason why hiring a professional travel agent remains a great idea.
“Clients need us more than ever,” she said. “We know the suppliers who will come through, who have kept their staff, who have maintained higher standards. We know our insurance plans, and we know our cancelled policies for all suppliers.”
Davis said Europe and Hawaii were top choices for her clients this year, and that most flights appear to be on time these days with Air Canada. For winter, the Caribbean is quite strong, especially for festivals and special occasion trips.
“We’re seeing very high prices from our luxury hoteliers, especially for suites and villas, she said. Trips to Chile, Patagonia and Peru also are popular, as are first-ever visits to Australia.
PHOTO COURTESY CELESTYAL CRUISES
CELESTYAL CRUISES WILL END COVID TEST AND VACCINATION RULES
Celestyal, the award-winning, number one choice for travelers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, has announced the removal of its COVID-19 vaccination, proof of COVID recovery and pre-departure testing requirements for all guests on sailings commencing on or after March 2, 2023, unless required by local regulations.
All Celestyal crew members will continue to be fully-vaccinated, and the company encourages guests aged 12 and over to be fully-vaccinated. Regardless of vaccination status, Celestyal will continue to recommend that all guests get tested at their convenience prior to travel to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. Testing results will no longer be required to board Celestyal’s ships. For the remainder of 2022, Celestyal will maintain current, relaxed protocols, which were previously announced.
“The health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve is our top priority and we continue to monitor and adjust to the evolving global situation,” said Celestyal’s Chief Commercial Officer, Leslie Peden. “Our crew will continue to maintain our stringent hygiene protocols based upon the most up-to-date guidelines from the European Healthy Gateways, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and Greek health authorities. We look forward to welcoming all guests for the immersive experience that we are known for as we explore the unique destinations of the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean.”
Celestyal’s health and safety measures are continuously evaluated and adjusted based on new and updated prevention, therapeutics and mitigation measures.
For more information visit https://celestyal.com/us/, contact your travel agent or call +1.877.222.7405
