Traveling with Holbrook during COVID-19

January 10, 2022

 

Dear Holbrook Travel community,
For over 45 years, we have endured many turbulent times in travel by putting our travelers first. Safety and security are imbedded in our core principles, and during the challenges brought on by the pandemic, our commitment to you remains firm. Over the past year we have adopted many new safety processes and protocols to monitor COVID-19 developments. As we did with the Delta variant, we are closely following the recent news on the new Omicron variant globally and within our destinations.  
To prepare for the new realities of travel, our team works carefully to ensure safety protocols are in place across all aspects of operation. Together with our in-country field partners, we continue to follow guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of State, the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and authorities within our destinations for updates and direction.
Below are the steps we are taking to provide confidence for our travelers to move forward with making plans at this time. We continue to respond and enhance these measures as public health recommendations evolve.

 

1. Risk-free booking terms

Registrations made for travel completed between now and December 31, 2022 are fully refundable with no cancellation penalties until the final payment deadline. Exceptions to this policy for a few programs will be noted on the individual trip web page under pricing details.

Additionally, if travel bans are enacted that prevent US citizens to travel to a destination (like in March 2020), Holbrook will cancel the program and provide a full credit for land services. This would not apply to programs that are in progress requiring an early return, to COVID travel concerns in general, or to CDC and/or and US State warnings against travel.

2. Smaller groups

We have always operated small group travel for reasons of impact and community engagement. Now, on most programs, we are planning average group sizes of 10-14 travelers, with a maximum of 16. If requested, we can limit the size below 10.

3. Enhanced health & safety protocols

Safety and security have always been our top priority, and now we are providing additional cleaning, monitoring, and physical distancing measures on all our programs. In each destination, we are following extensive cleaning and sanitation protocols. Learn more about our Enhanced Health & Safety Protocols. Please note that each country has its own Covid-19 safety protocols for entry and travel within the country. Your Holbrook representative will have this information for you. 

4. Vaccination Policy

For the peace of mind and protection for participants and our in-country teams, Holbrook Travel is requiring that all participants be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their program. Minors not eligible for vaccinations are required to have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours of travel. Travelers must carry proof of vaccination during their program.

5. COVID-19 Testing Policy

While vaccines are highly effective against COVID-19, Omicron, Delta and other variants may cause breakthrough infections. Holbrook recommends testing prior to travel, and is requiring it if specified by a destination. The testing required may be either RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen and should be taken within 3 days prior to the group departure date. We will continue to monitor the entry requirements for our destinations and for re-entry into the United States to keep you updated about the latest news. We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance that covers COVID-19.  Holbrook Travel recommends the Trawick Safe Travels Voyager insurance program. Note: To cover the expense of in-country quarantine up to the specified amount, you only need to purchase post-departure travel protection.

6. Itinerary adjustments to avoid high-touristed areas

Most of our programs do not focus their time in large cities. On the days where we do visit high-traffic areas, we are adjusting the program, either by going at off-peak hours or visiting an alternative location.

7. Dining protocols

We are working with our suppliers and restaurants to follow safety protocols, including extra room at tables or private seating. All food preparation follows strict protocols, including mask usage.

8. Single-friendly policy

We have increased the number of single rooms available and lowered fees wherever possible. 

9. Independent and private groups

We have increased our offerings for those who wish to travel in a private group with family or friends. Additionally, we have extended the final payment deadline on most of these programs to 45 days before departure (not including cruise programs). Please refer to your contract terms for details.

10. Our team is here to help you prepare

As always, our experienced professionals are here to provide advice and answer any questions as you prepare for your program. Please don’t hesitate to contact your Holbrook Travel service team, as they are in constant communication with ground staff and stay up to date on local restrictions and regulations.

 

We hope these measures will alleviate many of your concerns and give you the confidence to reserve programs in advance. For air travel, airlines have adopted health and safety precautions, including mandatory face covering and temperature checks before boarding. Please refer to their respective websites.
Finally, we strongly urge our travelers to take out additional travel cancellation insurance. This information is available on our website or by talking to one of our travel specialists.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. When you are ready to travel, we will be there for you.