As Panic and Paranoia Strike

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The Coronavirus situation is a scary one, but should we cancel or stop traveling?

As the media reports crate an element of fear, people are bridging on panic.  Second guessing whether or not they should take a cruise at all to any given destination, or go anywhere for fear that they can be quarantined for a long period of time.   Fearing that they can be one of the unfortunate who may develop this virus and further more pass away as a result of it.

For one, I am not qualified nor can I give comment on the accuracy of the reports or the risks involved if you were to continue with your plans.  It appears a lot has to do with your current health status.  If you are for the most part very healthy, and don't have any respiratory, heart issues or diabetes,  the risks of you getting the common flu are greater than you getting the corona virus.

It also depends on where you are going or are planning to go.  If your plans include travel to China in the very near future, odds are your plans have been cancelled for you.  Depending on your airline, travel operator, or cruise line's policies, these will determine your compensation.  In some cases it is credit for future travel.  For others a full refund.

Travel to places like South Korea, Iran,  and northern Italy should be monitored and discussed with your travel advisor/agent or travel operator that you booked through.  Do know that not all of Italy is currently in danger.  Only Venice and Milan are in lockdown.   Cities located midway or further south such as Rome, Naples, or Sicily are currently not being affected and travel to these areas can continue as normal. 

My recommendation, along with the majority of the travel industry is to stay in contact with your travel advisor/agent, and to monitor the situation at hand.  Be certain that they are for you.  Their commission and livelihood depends on it.

Travel Protection

Be aware that very few Travel Protection policies will cover you if you cancel due to the Coronavirus.  Even if you have a pre-existing condition.  Many policies would not cover you for pre-existing conditions even before this outbreak.  The only policies that may have some coverage if you were to elect to cancel are those policies that enable you to cancel for "Any Reason".  In this event the odds are you will not receive 100% of your investment back in cash.  Only a portion, and may be in the form of a future travel credit.  To be covered for medical reasons you must actually be ill and get a signed statement from a physician that you cannot travel because your condition will not allow.

Unless you are willing to lose most, if not all of your investment, stay calm.  Wait and see.  As it gets closer to your departure date the travel operators will make qualified decisions as to whether to continue or cancel their plans and notify your or your advocate accordingly.

As for travel to anywhere else in the world.  Don't miss out!  We can't live in a bubble.  Just be prudent with your hygiene habits.  Wash hands regularly.  Use disinfectant (hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes) every chance you can.  Most especially prior to eating.  

Here's wishing you good health and happy travels!