September 2020 Newsletter for Travelers

Trust you are well and looking forward to summer, good times and socially-distanced braais this Heritage month. The country has been negotiating its way through many virtual experiences during lockdown, but sights and attractions are opening up to visitors again albeit with strict social distancing and health protocols in place.

With the easing of Covid-19 restrictions to Level 1 from midnight 20 September 2020 we can now look forward to several more relaxed regulations including the opening of international borders from 01 October 2020.

“When all else fails, take a vacation” – Betty Williams

What you may have missed:

Airports are seeing encouraging signs that there is increased confidence in their ability to provide a safe environment for passengers throughout the travel experience, from check-in to baggage collection.

As with Airports, Airlines have implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its passengers and employees on the ground and in the air.

Domestic Travel
All domestic travel for business and leisure is permitted under Level 1
Airlines currently operating are; Airlink, Flysafair and Cemair. The following Airports are operational; O R Tambo (Johannesburg), Lanseria (Johannesburg), Cape Town, George, Port Elizabeth, East London, Pietermaritzburg, Durban (King Shaka, Ballito), Margate, Hoedspruit, Bloemfontein, Upington, Nelspruit (Kruger Mpumalanga)
We are able to assist business and leisure travellers with flights, accommodation, car rental and packages as well as advise on all the current protocols and documents needed.

International Travel
All international passenger flights out of and into South Africa are permitted under Level 1. Only three airports will be open: Johannesburg’s OR Tambo, Cape Town International, and King Shaka outside Durban. Overland travellers will be restricted the few border posts that remained open during lockdown.
Travel to and from some countries may be restricted based on scientific data provided. Travellers will have to produce a negative coronavirus test less than 72 hours old (from the time of the test). If they cannot do so, they will have to remain in mandatory quarantine at their own cost. This regulation has been implemented in most countries across the world and varies from country to country. Please contact us for country specific Covid-19 regulations.

“We’ve already seen the likes of Switzerland move us to the green zone, so essentially we’re moving in the right space”, says South African Tourism CEO Sisa Ntshona.

Switzerland may serve as a good starting point for other countries to delist South Africa giving us the opportunity for a European holiday in the near future. 

Refunds and vouchers for future travel bookings.
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.
Emirates has issued a statement stating that it is making “strong and steady progress” on its commitment to customers to complete pending refunds. Since the pandemic hit, Emirates has invested additional resources to ramp up its processing capability. The airline also continues to work with industry partners to facilitate refunds for those who have booked their Emirates flights through travel agents (News Article courtesy of ASATA, Travel News Weekly).

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)

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.

Information to share

The 15th annual South African National Parks Week will be celebrated with free access for South Africans from 16 to 20 November 2020.

Several Hotels and hospitality establishments throughout the country are participating in special accommodation packages. Contact us for availability and cost.
Special Offers valid until 28 February 2021. Email us for more information, availability and terms & conditions.

Self-catering accommodation.
4* Kiara Lodge, Clarens
4* Cape St Francis Coastal Resort, St Francis Bay
4* Alpine Heath Resort, Drakensberg
4* The Anchorage, Vaal Marina
3* Dikhololo Resort, Brits
3* Little Switzerland Resort, Drakensberg
3* Hazyview Cabanas, Hazyview
3* Umhlanga Cabanas, Umhlanga

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

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