As the coronavirus continues to take its toll on global travel, many people are wondering whether it’s safe to take their spring vacations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended avoiding travel to places with Level 3 travel notices. That includes China, Italy, South Korea and Iran.
If you’re older or have a chronic condition that same advice is being applied to Japan, which now has a Level 2 travel advisory.
Bloomington Travel Leaders manager Debbie Isom says outside of those areas, whether or not to travel is really a personal decision.
Isom’s office has been flooded with calls the past couple weeks.
She says if you’re planning on canceling a trip, when you booked it may determine whether you’re reimbursed.
“Everybody is doing something a little bit differently,” Isom says. “They’re all trying to be very helpful to the person, perhaps offer a future cruise credit, so 100 percent of your amount, but available up through December 2021.”
She says many airlines are still enforcing penalties if you booked a flight before March 3.
Some tips for safe travel include:
- Check with the U.S. State Department and the official tourism bureau of the destination you’re traveling to for up-to-date information.
- Purchase travel insurance for domestic and international trips.
- Don’t travel anywhere that makes you uncomfortable.
