July 2020 Newsletter for Travelers

Since our 1st Newsletter, the earth has tilted away from the sun and temperatures are very much colder in the Southern Hemisphere, Covid-19 is still spreading and tourism is still lagging. We continue to face extremely challenging situations and load shedding has complicated matters even further. We sincerely hope that you all stay healthy, stay safe and stay optimistic despite all that is happening around you.

“The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time” – Abraham Lincoln

Be assured that many tourism and hospitality sectors are lobbing with Government daily to open borders and allow for tourism to start-up again. Choices Travel will continue to keep all our readers informed of the latest changes in travel and tourism.

What you may have missed:

Domestic Travel

Domestic business travel is permitted under Level 3. Three additional airports have opened viz. East London, George and Kimberley. We are able to assist business travellers with flights and accommodation as well as all the information and documents needed to ensure a trouble-free journey.

Contact us regarding which airports are open, flight times and quotations. We can also assist with booking car rental and can advise which branches are currently operating.

Movement of persons between provinces, metropolitan areas, districts and hotspots is prohibited, except for:
Persons doing so in the course of carrying out work responsibilities or performing any service permitted under Alert Level 3, provided that such a person is in possession of a permit issued by the employer.

• Persons in possession of an affidavit may also travel for purposes of:
• Moving to a new place of residence or
• Caring for an immediate family member
• Members of Parliament performing oversight responsibilities
• Learners or students who have to commute to and from schools or institutions of higher learning during periods when those are permitted to operate
• Attendance of funerals
• Transportation of mortal remains
• Obtaining medical treatment
• Persons returning to their place of residence from a quarantine or isolation facility.

International Travel

All international passenger flights are still prohibited except for flights authorised by the Minister of Transport for repatriation of South African nationals from foreign countries and evacuation of foreign nationals from South Africa. Contact us for information regarding approved repatriation flights and booking procedures.

Support small businesses #SaySiyabonga

Thank you to everyone who has supported us to date by purchasing a gift voucher on:
Saysiyabonga.

Choices Travel Gift Vouchers to the value of R150, R200, R250 are available for use towards any Domestic, Regional or International flights and travel packages.

Valid until 31 December 2021.

Refunds and vouchers for future travel bookings, July 2020 onwards.
Refunds, as well as in some instances the issuing of vouchers for future travel, are still delayed by most airlines. We monitor refunds on a continual basis. Some airlines allow for your booking to be left open with an endorsement for future travel and other airlines require us to apply for a voucher for future travel online on behalf of the traveller.
Choices Travel is communicating with passengers who wish to take the ‘’voucher for future travel” option and are assisting with the application process for the vouchers to be issued by the airlines, cruise companies, tour operators etc. Refund applications for those passengers who were allowed to apply for a refund have been processed.

Processing of Travel Insurance Claims
Please note that since the outbreak of COVID-19 Travel Insurance companies are experiencing extremely high call and email volumes. The Travel Insurance companies are trying to accommodate all clients appropriately. Any claim will be subject to proof of refund/partial refund by the supplier or letter stating that the product purchased was non-refundable. (News Articles courtesy of ASATA, Travel News Weekly and service providers).

Information to share

Special Offers
Some of the offers in our previous newsletter (Madikwe, Lions Sands etc.) have been extended for purchase until the end of July. Email us for more information and terms & conditions.

Website, Facebook Page and Twitter

Choices Travel is proud to provide continued information on our Website, Facebook and Twitter. Please visit our new social media platforms:

Life can be complicated, but travel does not have to be…..contact Choices Travel now!

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