Whilst we wait for news on when we may be able to holiday again, we thought we would share some tips for booking a holiday in 2021. From our experience on owning group accommodation, having opened briefly, but successfully in the summer of 2020 even with a pandemic present and having gone away ourselves last year, here are a few thoughts that may help you with the planning of your holiday.
Cancellation Policy
Even if there are Terms & Conditions on the website you are booking through, it is always worth checking what the cancellation policy is currently, as many places may not have the most up to date information on display given how many different scenarios there are with the ever changing rules throughout the UK. There may also be a time scale as to when you can cancel without any financial implications, so do be aware of this. Rooms and holidays cottages can often be rebooked, but not if you have left it to cancel a few days before for example.
Refunds versus Re-booking
If this makes a difference to you, it is worth knowing, if you do have to cancel due to anything surrounding Covid-19, if you will receive a full refund, if your deposit is retained by the company, or if you will be issued a credit voucher to book again within a time limited period.
Note that deposits were traditionally put in place by accommodations and hotels to stop people booking and then not arriving and often they are what keeps that business afloat.
Some companies like Trailfinders for example, ring-fence your booking money, which means it is not used until after you return from your holiday, so if they have to cancel the holiday, the cash is there to refund you, as it has not been spent elsewhere to operate the business.
Booking Fees
If you book through a booking platform in particular, be aware there may be a booking fee that is non-refundable. Whilst the holiday accommodation may be willing to fully refund your payment, the platform may still retain the booking fee as part of their business model.
Activities away from the crowds
If you still feel nervous about crowded holiday honey spots this year, consider if your accommodation owners have more local knowledge to advise on places to get away from the crowds. If they live there, they will know where and what time of day the summer crowds flock to and where you can find your own little piece of paradise beyond the obvious.
Eating and Drinking
You may have booked a catered hotel, or have a holiday where you are going to cater for yourself. However if you are thinking of going out to eat and drink, again it could be worth checking with the holiday accommodation as to what opened in 2020 and what you can hopefully expect to be available in 2021 and if you may need some recommendations, or to book in advance. They may even have the names of local caterers and chefs that could come and cook a special meal for you, if you don’t wish to dine out just yet.
Self-contained versus bigger hotels
Hotels, B&Bs and holiday lets will all have a varied level of who you will come in to contact with during your stay and of course, you know what you feel more comfortable with. All businesses associated with tourism have your safety as the prime concern presently, so it will simply come down to what your preference is on social distancing.
Government Guidance
We know lots of people feel bombarded by depressing news so turn it off and hence are not aware of Government law that tourism, holiday accommodation and hospitality have to adhere to. So when ‘two households only’, or ‘rule of six’ are in play, they are not being awkward with you if they say they can or cannot accept your booking, but to be honest, simply can’t afford a £10,000 fine if they are in breach of the law.
You can always find the most up to date guidance on the Government website.
https://www.gov.uk
Sustainability
On a slightly different note, if lockdown has made you appreciate your natural surroundings more, then you may want to consider a holiday that has the environment and sustainability as a concern in its green policy. Many businesses are making changes to how they operate, what they offer, or how they affect and involve the local community also now and this may be something that is of value to you.
