He was recently awarded the title of National Travel Guru for North America by Online Travel Training, and his 40-year career has seen him involved in all aspects of the travel industry, from corporate, group and retail to the luxury sectors. And now he’s joining Travel Eye CI as a guest columnist.
May we introduce Gary Hudson, our new ‘travel guru.’
Now based in Jersey, Gary’s globe-trotting adventures have seen him bask in the luxury of Richard Branson’s Necker Island, fly in style on Concorde, and face more than a few travel mishaps along the way. He’ll be sharing his advice, insight and travel tales in his weekly column, which we hope you’ll enjoy.
This week, Gary explores the question of what we should be doing with our travel plans – cancelling or rebooking. Postponing, he suggests, might be the kindest thing for industry right now.
‘Firstly, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Gary and I’ve been active in the Channel Islands travel industry for close on 40 years – and what an industry.
‘Like all business it has its ups and downs, but this latest virus pandemic has thrown a curve ball. I’m not a virologist, or epidemiologist, so I can’t say how long this crisis will last. However, I do know the travel industry.
‘Travel is very instrumental in modern times for all, and is about having a fun and uplifting experience, so l thought for my first travel article with Travel Eye CI, whilst not ignoring the current situation, l would concentrate on the future.
‘We are islanders, we all have the need to travel, whether it be for work, visiting friends and family, or simply to have a break from the routine, and almost certainly a good proportion of the islands’ population have had their travel plans cancelled, disrupted, or had the need to amend due to this current unprecedented crisis.
‘Naturally, our first thought, after the initial shock, is either how to get monies paid returned or, if like me, how to rebook and, more importantly, when.’
Should I cancel or postpone?
‘As most of the airlines and ferries servicing the islands are now offering free amendments (subject to any fare difference), the action to change is pretty straightforward. However, the big question, is when to change or, if you have to, cancel. There are many websites offering advice on this, including recent or upcoming law changes (at the time of writing this article, more amendments were being proposed) concerning flight cancellation, especially in Europe, so l won’t dwell on this, except to say that if everyone cancels without thinking ahead, what do you think our islands’ travel links will look like when ‘normality’ returns?
‘To have the many choices we are used to – which thankfully hadn’t been too decimated after the unfortunate demise of Flybe, due to other carriers stepping in – airline and ferry operators need to have cash flow. Advance guaranteed income by advance bookings is very integral to their business model. So, back to my initial question, do you cancel or change?
‘Many will be hesitant to change. Maybe you can’t rearrange that meeting or attend an event and the time has passed, but maybe you could change it for a weekend break, a visit to see Mum, Dad or the kids? The dilemma now is when do l travel?
‘I often hear, “If l change, the airline may go under before l travel.” Who knows? It may do, but it certainly will if we all cancel and claim refunds. But l believe governments worldwide will not want to be associated with any commercial disasters during this crisis. l’m suggesting, while there are no guarantees, that changing to later travel dates will not only help the economy, but will give you something to look forward to in these stressful times, and you could be ensuring that the islands’ retains all its travel links, that we so appreciate.
‘Now, when do you book your new travel arrangements. That is a personal choice. There’s no right and wrong, but l would suggest that if you have a reservation in March, April and May for none essential travel, I would transfer it now, while fare difference could be still low, or no charge at all. I’ve just transferred an Easyjet flight at no extra cost, free amendment and no fare difference. But if you wait, then these differences could increase.’
What about my summer holiday?
‘So, we’ve covered flights and ferry travel, what about those summer holidays? Well, this is more of a minefield, as you have the mix of flights or ferries, ground transportation, accommodation, which you may have created yourself by using a mix of various operators, so therefore won’t be covered by the extra protection organised packages enjoy. Alternatively, you may have booked directly with an operator or through a recognised bonded travel agent, of which these are many good ones throughout the islands.
‘Here the same question applies: refunds or transfer, with pretty much the same answer. Most operators are more than happy to transfer holidays or offer credits for you to rebook later. However, if you cancel, they’re reluctant to refund for the same reasons as the airlines and ferries: cash flow. I understand it’s a personal choice how you move forward, but again when we come through this crisis, do you want limited choices of operators, who could control the market, pushing your future holiday prices higher, or a vast selection we are now accustomed to?
‘As previously mentioned, there are many good travel agents within the islands, who l know are under pressure right now. Even so, they’ll happily guide you, if booked with them, through your options. Personally, l still would want that holiday, so I’d be transferring to better times.’
When should I (re)book my holiday for?
‘Looking to the future, when will restrictions be lifted on travel? If booked, can you transfer that long awaited holiday from March, April and May through to October and November? l would do so, as price difference, if being applied, should be minimal. Equally, you may be able to transfer to more peak dates at little extra.
‘If you haven’t booked, do you take advantage of the many holiday deals coming up for later 2020, and 2021? Yes or No. It’s a difficult question, surely? Not really, if you see a cracking deal, and it’s too good an opportunity to miss, then l would suggest considering it. For peace of mind just check the amendment and cancellation policies, which in light of recent events will most likely change. Better still ask your travel agent to do this, who will so at no extra cost.
‘As l’m not a health expert, l can’t of course say we will be clear or this pandemic by summer or even Autumn, but at least changing or booking new travel arrangements for later in the year gives you something to look forward to in these dark times of this pandemic.
‘We all love to travel, so once normality returns, let’s get moving.’
