How to Handle Vietnam Vacation Plans during Covid-19

Even though we already have various kinds of Covis-19 vaccine in the World, so much of the country and the world is still under quarantine and lockdown, traditional travel plans still may not be on the table. Your summer travel plans and vacation checklists may need to shift—or be canceled altogether—to protect your health and the health of the people you meet when you're out and about. 

The Travel Detective and CBS News travel editor - Peter Greenberg said:

"We've gone from a whole society of FOMO to FOGO—fear of going out”. 

"But we've evolved into a species where we don't just want to travel, we need to. So it's not a question of whether or when or even to where, it's going to be how we travel."

Here's what to consider when you're making travel plans during the coronavirus crisis if you need something to look forward to beyond your next staycation.

Don't discount the big hotel chains

It may feel safer to ask your tour operator/ travel agent for safe accommodation, but the chain hotels are looking for ways to ensure the safety of their guests and their staff, too.

Hotels are doing away with many potential touchpoints by allowing smartphone key access to rooms, removing unnecessary objects like hangers and magazines, and even putting a "seal" on the door after it's been thoroughly cleaned to their new standards, so you can feel confident that it's safe and virus-free.

On the other hand, a hotel is not the only accommodation choice; a warm homestay or cozy room in the local community can be the best option to explore natural beauty, and cultural differences in the destination.

Time your cancelation correctly

If you decide to cancel your travel plans, start with the hotel and any tours and activities you have planned.

With airline tickets, it's best to wait until the bitter end if you're looking for a refund.

Look at the potential benefits of the voucher

If you can afford to leave the money—and still want to take your planned trip eventually—it may be smart in some cases to seek out a voucher instead of a refund.

Don't give up

You might have to be tenacious (and on hold for a long time) to get the solution (read: refund or cancelation voucher) you want. 

Not getting your case for a refund or voucher heard in the calls? You may get more leverage from the customer service reps who monitor the company's social media accounts.

Look into your travel coverage

Credit cards can be an avenue of last resort to help you recoup some of your cash through their insurance or a chargeback. Separate travel insurance may be able to help in some circumstances, too.

Pay a little more for flexibility

Not sure if you're ready to commit to traveling—or you're worried about how fluid the coronavirus situation could be? It may be worth it to pay a little extra for a fully refundable booking for future trips you plan.

Ask about travel company’s availability

The travel industry is in flux, and you definitely don't want your money to get caught up in that if a company you've booked with closes permanently. For future bookings, ask if the tour companies you're considering puts your money into escrow, rather than paying for the expenses of your trip with someone else's trip deposit.