Travel ‘bubbles’ could be the answer
Niagara industry expert Lorraine Simpson says deals happening between countries that have controlled COVID spread
The doors to the world of travel may be tentatively beginning to open.
And “bubbles” of safe travel are the start of it.
“I do think you will soon be hearing of agreements between countries that have successfully controlled the spread of COVID-19,” said travel expert Lorraine Simpson, a Pelham resident and owner of Lorraine Simpson Travels.
The term “travel bubbles” has been bandied about in recent weeks, she said, saying some countries are cautiously beginning to allow travel to and from areas deemed safe.
On Monday, France opened its doors to other European countries and Greece lifted its ban on flights from Italy, Spain and the Netherlands but maintained its ban on flights from Britain. German tourists are allowed to vacation on some Spanish islands as part of a pilot project aimed at restarting the tourism industry.
In Canada, there is talk of “travel bubbles” between eastern provinces.
“I don’t have a crystal ball, however many more flights are being added from July 1 from Canada,” said Simpson.
While the Canada-u.s. border remains largely closed, there is no ban on leaving Canada. Though there is an advisory in place, travel is not illegal.
A global advisory issued by Canada’s Foreign Affairs Ministry in March urged people to avoid non-essential travel abroad, to slow the spread of the potentially deadly virus.
“There are several flights from Air Canada operating, however you must be aware of restrictions upon arriving in another country and returning to Canada,” said Simpson.
Niagara relies heavily on tourism and it’s not alone in this.
“A huge portion of the population in every country relies on tourism in some way,” she said. “It is all very well to open the shops, but if you stop people from moving around the economy can’t recover.”
The financial cost to businesses has been devastating and many won’t survive.
Travel agents have continued to work even as pandemic restrictions play out. However, their work has involved helping stranded travellers return home and negotiating refunds to those forced to cancel vacations, visits home and destination weddings.
“People were calling me, a woman who was stuck in Morocco who booked online and told me no one was answering phones at the call centre. She said, ‘I didn’t book with you but I am stuck,’” said Simpson, who was able to make some calls and get the woman home.
She said she doesn’t expect to make any money between now and November, but adds she’s also an expert in the art of pivoting.
She has moved much of her business online, and from her new travel shop in Pelham she’s training travel agents how to do more and advising people who would like to plan their own destination wedding POST-COVID-19.
“We have to be able to offer more,” said Simpson.
She started out as many travel advisers did: with a homebased franchise, a computer and very limited resources.
Within five years she was selling more than $4 million a year and collecting multiple awards on a regular basis.
Now a regular on national television, Simpson is arguably the most visually recognized Canadian travel media professional today. She has twice earned the Magellan Award, which honours the best in the travel industry.
Simpson enjoys sharing her love of world travel when she hosts small groups with doorto-door service, like the foodie tour to Vietnam with celebrity chef and friend Massimo Capra in February, a Christmas market river cruise in November, and an Andrea Bocelli concert at his villa next July (this year’s trip was just cancelled).
She also regularly shares her travel tips with “Cityline” TV viewers about locations, types of travel, cruises, all-inclusive opportunities and destination weddings, one of her original areas of expertise.
Her Instagram followers are treated to travel anecdotes, such as the time she talked her way into a meeting with Cambodian royalty and the day her boyfriend ate a crisply cooked tarantula.
There are many options online for people unable to satisfy their love of travel, such as virtual tours.
Her recently opened travel emporium is located at the corner of Pelham Road and Highway 20 in Fonthill. She carries travel items and gifts, such as specialty pillows, scarves and home décor, but also uses the space to teach classes. This is where she remotely films travel segments for “Cityline.”
She welcomes the community to drop in — there is ample room for social distancing and browsing. She will also be on hand to answer questions about travel.
As the world prepares to reopen, there are important changes to keep in mind, she said.
Airlines are increasing hygiene protocols to ensure onboard transmissions remain low. Some airlines are using UVC lights to clean surfaces, said Simpson.
“As an added precaution, you’ll want to bring your own supply of disinfecting wipes to wipe down tray tables, seat arms, windows and walls,” she said. “Most airlines have made the middle seat unavailable, to help maintain social distancing.”
Some airlines, such as Emirates, are checking all passengers with a fast-track test before travel and some airports are testing on arrival.
A person tested on arrival in Vienna, for example, will not have the results right away but will have to provide an address where they will be staying and would be informed if they have the virus.
“All countries are different, and you must research for the most up-to-date information of where you are travelling to and their rules. They change often, so beware,” she cautioned.
And yes, most airlines will demand people wear a mask.
“They can be any kind of face covering, and do not have to be medical grade. However I suggest taking a few so you have a spare in your purse or luggage,” said Simpson.
“As soon as I can, I will be travelling and documenting how it all looks and feels so I can report back exactly what new travel looks and feels like.
“Measures are there to protect you and your fellow passengers. It is not the fault of anyone implementing the measures. Remain calm, kind and courteous.
“We will be able to start to travel safely once again.” Follow her on Instagram @lorrainesimpsontravels for updates. Her store is at 1501 Pelham St.