Collette Vacations COVID 19 travel update
Collette Tours is deciding on a case by case basis 30 to 45 days prior to travel if a tour will be operating. That being said, there are no trips operating through September 15th, 2020 and there are several trips further out that have also been cancelled.
- Departures to China will be cancelled through 2020, and will not operate in 2021.
- The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta has been cancelled for 2020
- Departures to Russia will be cancelled through September 30, 2020.
- Canadian Rockies by Rail (Rocky Mountaineer) will be cancelled through 2020, excluding September 30, 2020 departure date.
- Cancelled for 2020: Alaska Discovery, Canadian Rockies by Train (VIA Rail) & Calgary Stampede.
- The 2020 Oberammergau Passion Play has been postponed and has been rescheduled to begin in May of 2022.
- Patagonia: Edge of the World has been cancelled through March 5, 2021.
- Journey to Antarctica is cancelled through the end of 2020.
- Greece in the Footsteps of the Apostle has been cancelled through November 5, 2020.
- The 2020 Edinburgh Military Tattoo event has been cancelled as a result of COVID-19, however, tours will STILL operate as scheduled.
Guests who are traveling on affected tours will be contacted and offered flexible options.
Collette Wellness & Quality Measure
The health, well-being, and enjoyment of travelers remain a top priority, just as it has been since 1918 when Collette started. Collette Tours has consulted with health and security experts around the world in order to create enhanced protective measures for travelers.
Here is an overview of Collette’s traveling well experience.
Before Your Tour:
Cancel for Any Reason Waiver: Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel, or move your trip to a different date.
Pre Tour Health Screenings – Travelers will complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.
Private Sedan Service – Ride to and from the airport in a car stocked with fresh water and all surfaces disinfected daily and after every passenger.
Air Travel – Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing.
On Your Tour:
Smaller Groups – All Collette tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out. Collette Small Group Explorations trips travel with just 19 passengers on average, so these tours are already well-equipped to ensure appropriate physical distance. These tours include time for independent exploration and ample space between travelers on the coach while traveling between destinations.
Your Tour Manager – New and enhanced hygiene and physical distancing protocols for tour managers are in place. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations. They are available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour.
Face Coverings – Face coverings will be included with pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including motor coach and air travel.
Motor Coach – All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.
On Tour Experiences – Working closely with local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.
On Tour Insurance Coverages – When Travel Protection Plan is purchased, you will have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption and medical expenses.
Self-Screening – All travelers will be asked to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.
Hotels – Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, guest rooms will be disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.
