Secret travel

After all the travel shaming that took place last year many people just don’t want to discuss their travel arrangements lest someone will get mad at them. So travel takes place in secret, which is a shame, because there is nothing better than chatting with people about your travel plans, getting tips and advice (that you will probably ignore). Now all that thrill is taken away because of the travel advisory.

Despite the travel advisory Canadians are in fact travelling – for various reasons. Some are travelling to see family or deal with property overseas. With most people in Canada vaccinated and the strict protocols airlines have in place it is probably way safer being on a plane than being in the supermarket – especially in Alberta now that we don’t have masking enforced. Have you noticed how in the supermarkets they have started removing the dots where you have to stand to make sure you are social distanced as well as the arrows for one way traffic down the aisles. I am usually popping into the shops after work, tired and in a rush and I must confess to having gone down a one way aisle on occasion.

Of course next year everything is booking out the demand is so high but right now there are lots of deals because, let’s face it, the number of travellers has fallen dramatically. There is also that element of the unknown. Everything now is going to be new and different. Travel will never be quite the same again. Remember after Sept 11 how long everything took to get through security, no liquids, checking electronics. We take that in our stride today and never thought we would get so used to it. Now just thinking about a trip gives me a headache – and that is when I am planning everyone else’s trip. There is so much to take into account, entry restrictions, re-entry into Canada, what vaccinations did you have, where are you transiting, where should you get your COVID test.

So today I am sharing a secret. I AM GOING ON A CRUISE!!!! Seriously. But this is work. (Don’t laugh, I am serious!) Together with agency owners across the country I am joining a group to cruise out of Barbados next week. This will give me a chance to check all the protocols and practise what I will be telling you to do when you do your cruise next year. I am going to document my journey and I would love you to follow along on facebook so if you are not following me already please do so here https://www.facebook.com/thetravellady

I know the cruise industry had a big public relations disaster when COVID first hit us and there are those out there who will say “no way am I getting into a petri dish”. Frankly I think being on a cruise will be as safe – or probably safer – than being on a plane and definitely safer than being in my local supermarket. Only fully vaccinated passengers allowed on board and the ship is only one-third full. So this will be my chance to help you! What a martyr I am, hey?

More details to follow next week – in the meantime I have forgotten how to pack and my suitcase seems to have run away from home!