Travel news

Planning travel in 2019 and planning travel in 2021 are two very different things. While it was once relatively rare to have a flight cancelled or rescheduled, these changes are more common as airlines adapt to government restrictions, border closures and passenger demand. Skyscanner is offering the following top tips for anyone considering travel this year...

Opt for flexible fares

While non-refundable flights and set dates used to be a way to save money on bookings, this will not be an ideal strategy for 2021. Despite this, there are plenty of deals available. The catch? Flexibility is key.

When booking your flight or accommodation, opt for those with generous change and cancellation policies so that, if your trip must be rescheduled, you won’t lose out financially. Check out our guide on how to plan travel during Covid-19 for more tips and advice.

Check official advice

Last year revealed how quickly a national or local government can close borders. Before you book, consult local government advice as well as the official government advice to discover where you can travel.

You’ll need a green light from both destinations. As your departure date, approaches stay alert for any restrictions that may cause your flight to be cancelled.

Remember stopovers

Every destination has its own set of rules when it comes to handling stopover passengers. Some destinations allow travellers to move freely through their airport without a special visa or quarantine restrictions. Others may require a quarantine upon arrival or ban travellers from passing through altogether. When booking your flight, check the restrictions of any destinations you’ll be passing through on the way to your final stop.

Get insured

Travel insurance is certain to be vital for planning that winter getaway or summer holiday in 2021.

Before you choose a plan, take a close look at the terms and conditions. Many travel insurance companies will not cover any issues that arise from “known events”, like the Covid19 pandemic. Other policies will only cover travel to certain destinations, typically those considered low risk when it comes to Covid community case transmission. Check the fine print so you know what the plan is if your trip is cancelled or if you fall ill while abroad.