It’s April 22 and the lock-downs around Europe and the world are either happening or scheduled to happen over the next two to three weeks. Better information and pressure from the “stir-crazy” public and economists will probably lead to the opening of businesses and shops soon after. Perhaps the toughest step after that will the psychological step required to get out and about and balance the risk of infection and the need to live a normal and proper life. Although vaccine tests have already started, it may well be up to a year before an effective vaccine is produced and no one can expect the current situation to be accepted and possible until then.
Time should quickly push the over- and under-hype in the media and social media give way to facts and, hopefully, that will encourage people to take suitable steps to remain healthy and safe while in the knowledge of the real level of risk. Golf – with its wide open spaces – should be one of the first leisure activities to be reopened (it was also the very last to be closed).
Obviously I speak to lots of clients and it’s a very enjoyable part of my job. Every one of them is missing normal daily life, friends and golf. Some of them are currently being cautious and others want to get out and out.
I am suggesting the following in order to maximise the changes of a relaxed and successful holiday:
- Choose an easy to access destination – either taking your car or a well-scheduled flight route operated by a well-known airline. This will help you get home if you need to get home
- Make sure the country of your holiday has a good medical reputation
- Go for smaller, more spacious resorts and hotels that are open at least most of the year as seasonal resorts are often manned by part-time and/or less-qualified staff who may not be as attentive to health, safety and cleanliness than a full-time hotelier
- Do not opt for a better price by taking advantage of “pay now, no refund” deals as these are far harder to obtain refunds for – even if the hotel has to close
- Pay by credit card and ensure your holiday insurance provides good cover – this will ensure your are protected in every sense
- Choose an established tour operator or agency, members of either TTA, ABTA, ATOL or CAA, as they are legally obliged to have financial insurances in please should the hotel or any supplier or the operator cease to trade
So choose safe and be safe.
Morgan