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What We Learned About Travel Since Covid

\We are so grateful that we are once again able to travel to not only Walt Disney World but all around the world.  Visiting Walt Disney World, and Disneyland, and taking amazing cruises have always been a big part of our world.  When Covid hit, what we always knew about travel and the ability to travel changed drastically.

Since returning to travel, there are a few things that we have learned.  We wanted to share this learning with all of you so you too could benefit from what we have discovered.

canceled flight
Credit: Canva

Travel Insurance Is Important

Travel insurance is something that we always recommended when people were traveling outside of the country.  Now, travel insurance is something that is absolutely necessary.  For those traveling outside of the country or on a cruise, travel insurance should be something we all add.

The world is constantly changing right now and as policies, requirements, and Covid variants change it is important to have protection to help yourself.  Not only will travel insurance help if the vendor has to adjust plans, but it will also help you in many areas.

Many policies offer help with situations like canceled flights, lost luggage, and illnesses.  These are unfortunately all experiences that are happening more and more right now as we travel.  You want to make sure that you are protected and have some support especially when outside of the country.

Although the Disney Company as well as Universal have been super helpful when it comes to helping Guests modify and change their plans, it doesn’t mean that you won’t want travel insurance for domestic travel.  Once again, we are seeing a lot of issues with canceled flights and travel insurance can help with additional expenses that might arise because of this.

If you never purchased travel insurance before, moving forward it is something that should be part of your travel budget and plan.  Don’t get stuck with major expenses that could have been covered.

Airplane
Photo Credit: Travelocity

Be Flexible

This is something that we are learning in all aspects of our world, but it definitely applies to travel.  We all need to be flexible with our plans.  Unfortunately, areas of travel are still trying to catch up with the demand.  Because of this, there are often situations that require a little more flexibility.

Flights continue to be inconsistent in a lot of areas.  Knowing this, give yourself some flexibility in your travel plans.  Book that earlier flight to give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination.  If you are cruising, make sure you fly in the day before your cruise.  This will give you a lot of extra time if things go wrong with flights to still get to the port on time.

When heading home, although we all love booking that last flight out so we can savor every minute of the vacation, these flights are typically the ones that will be impacted the most.  Weather, flight crew issues, or plane issues typically show up in those later flights.  If you absolutely have to be back the next day, make sure you book an earlier flight to once again give yourself lots of time.

crowds- Disney Tips
Credit: crowds- Disney Tips

People Are Ready to Travel

We always knew that people liked to travel, but since Covid, we have quickly learned how much traveling means to people.  Since many haven’t traveled in two years, we are noticing that all destinations are busier than usual.

At Walt Disney World, we are seeing the Parks be busier and wait ties be longer than in past years have been.  Disney Resort rooms are booking up quickly with less availability and room categories.

Because so many families haven’t traveled in a few years, we are seeing that their budgets are a lot higher than normal.  This means that a lot of those more deluxe experiences such as deluxe Resorts, suites, and signature dining experiences are being booked up more than ever before.

Knowing this, it is important to book those reservations quickly.  Once you know your travel dates, we recommend booking.  Doing this will give you the best chance of obtaining the Resort and room categories you want.

Travel has become even more important than ever before since Covid.  Make sure you don’t miss out by booking early.

Memory Maker Family
Photo Credit: Disney

Travel Is More Than a Vacation

Even though deep down we always knew that travel was more than just a vacation, this became even more clear after Covid.  Traveling to our favorite places isn’t just about roller coasters or seeing fireworks.  Travel is about so much more.

Covid reminded us how important travel is because of all the special moments it provides with those we love.  Travel allows us to step away from our daily routines and responsibilities and allows us to take some time to really embrace time with those we love.

Although we love the moments on Splash Mountain or singing along at the Frozen Sing-Along, it is the quiet moments together during a vacation that we end up cherishing.  As Walt Disney himself wanted, the Disney Company provides us with a place where we as adults can once again be kids.  We can laugh, cry, and scream right alongside our little ones as we create magical moments together.

Covid taught us a lot about the world, ourselves, and travel.  We are grateful that we are once again able to enjoy travel and all the magical moments that it provides us with our loved ones.  If there is anything else that Covid taught us it is that we can’t take things for granted and that included the ability to travel.

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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