And Planning for 2021!
W'ere trying to think of something nice to say about 2020.
Okay, here goes: Nobody got killed by the murder hornets.
As far as we know.
Dave Barry
As for me, 2020 offered one stellar event; a first grandchild!
But, my year in travel? Almost a complete washout.
So I sit with sleeves rolled up awaiting the vaccine as soon as those more deserving than me get theirs. And then, hopefully, I will be able to rejoin the world.
Since March I've been so impressed by the travel industry. All four of my 2020 AirBNB hosts (despite three bookings with "Strict" cancellations), graciously allowed me to postpone my bookings into 2021). Likewise nearly all airlines offered vouchers and/or refunds.
Only one hotel the "Oriente Palace Apartments" in Madrid (booked through "Hotels.Com") refused repeated requests for a postponement and enforced full "no-show" charges for nights I could not travel to Spain. Then, adding insult to injury, Hotels.com awarded me free night credits for the paid, but unused nights, only to subsequently take them back. This former lifelong Hotels.com / Expedia customer will simply use up my accumulated free nights and move on.
So here's what I learned from 2020
• Travel is a privilege that I'd sorely taken for granted.
• The travel industry stepped up; adjusting cancellation dates, relaxing change fees, offering vouchers etc.
• Airline and hotel employees are just flipping amazing. If you have doubts click the video link from (one of Roadboy's favorite hotel chain's) Spain's RoomMate Hotels.
• Despite many positive benefits, travel insurance clearly excludes losses due to pandemics.
• In many instances it is actually better to pay a few bucks a night extra for reservations I can cancel.
• If your remain patient, courteous and persistent most travel companies will try hard to please you.
And what are my considerations for future travel?
• I'll be looking for opportunities that support a healthy world and highlight local foods and culture. I'll be avoiding packaged tourist "experiences".
• I will attempt to travel to countries that need my travel dollars.
• I will avoid nations that ignore human rights and are led by morally corrupt psycho's: China, Hungary, Iran, Isreal, the Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey all immediately spring to mind.
• I will try to reduce my carbon footprint riding a bike and using public transport wherever I can.
• I'm deferring the purchase of stuff, opting instead to spend more on travel. An "I'll go there someday", attitude assures that you'll grow too old to travel before you realize that you missed out on the whole world.
Roadboy's Travels © 2020
