We've removed the Thursday Tips and Tricks (TTT) newsletter. Only keeping the Monday Weekly Recap. Let me know if you want TTT back!
What's Going on in the Travel Space
The Trump administration issued an order suspending passenger flights from China-based airlines. The order goes into effect June 16.
Remember we talked about Hertz filling for bankruptcy? Well, traders manage to increase the stocks prices by 825%. What does this mean? Hertz can stay afloat for a long-time and if business opens (aka travel resumes) before they fall again, Hertz can continue in business.
Major airlines are getting $$ help. Air France-KLM received a 10 billion€ aid package. Lufthansa received a 9 billion€ aid package. American airlines is also receiving aid ($58 billion) from the government.
Jet2 (low-cost flights) to restart flying on 1 July.
Time To Travel
Travel rebound is around the corner. Hopefully we see a take up in the travel industry soon, and countries gradually open up.
Australia and Pacific
New Zealand is finally Coronavirus-free! Does this mean that the country is open for tourism? Not really, not for international travel. However, flights between Australia and New Zealand will resume on 1 July.
Pacific islands (Tahiti and Bora Bora) are reopening on 15 July. Pacific islands also hoping to join Australia-New Zealand travel bubble.
Europe
EU to lift travel restrictions on June 15. Countries include: Member States of the European Union, Britain, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein. But note that the Britain still has a 14-days quarantine!
Travelling to Iceland? You can choose between quarantining yourself or pay $115 for an on-the-spot virus test. I think this is a genius way to encourage tourism while ensuring that the traveller is responsible for their actions and well-being.
North America
Land-based travel between US and Mexico resumes on 22 June 2020.
Asia
Malaysia to resume domestic travel on 10 June.
What to Expect if you Plan on Travelling
Each country has its own precautions and guidelines to follow. Expect to see:
Social distancing measures
Places being sanitized frequently (that is a lot of alcohol smell)
Handwashing or sanitizing stations
Face-covering encouraged or mandated. Masks are mandated on planes.
Limits to the number of people allowed into restaurants, stores, and other destinations
Social distancing on planes
Longer waiting time at security checkpoints
Limits on social gathering: think group tours, meetups, gatherings
Accommodations (hotels, hostels) and attractions (Disneyland, amusement parks) could have additional stringent rules
Airport restaurants and stores probably closed
No refreshment carts for short-flights. Replaced with a food bag with hand sanitizer
Where to find Deals
Low-cost, budget airlines
Benefit: Could sink their prices even lower to try to stay afloat.
Risk: Could be bankrupt before your flight starts, and there goes your money 💸
Hub Deals: Many will offer sales and deals from major hubs and, once one major airline begins offering rock-bottom prices, others will too in order to compete.
Flexible destination: certain countries are promoting themselves as a travel destination as restrictions are lifted. Case in point: Japan, Sicily
Hotels: Some of the best hotel deals right now can be found in those popular tourist destinations that are hurting for lack of crowds.
Benefit: the hotel services are also much cheaper now, like spa, free transfers, F&B credits. Negotiate for them too, if you are keen.
What Else is Going On
#DeleteCouchsurfing is trending as Couchsurfing is taking your data has hostage, unless you pay. What happens to your miles after a company is bankrupt. China Warns Citizens Not to Travel to Australia. An interactive map on where is open for travel. Airbnb sees surge in demand for summer travel.