Since COVID-19 first surfaced late last year in Wuhan, China, the virus has become a global epidemic and a disruption to the travel industry, as well as the global economy. Unlike in the pandemic of 1918, world leaders are taking precautionary measures, as well as informing the public with honest up to date information.  While the news is disconcerting, it does help us to make informed decisions.

The most important decision I believe we can make right now is to trade our resentment, frustration, and fear for gratitude, appreciation, and thankfulness. We can take this time to count our blessings and to look for others that we may bestow blessings upon. When the world appears to be going amuck, this is the time for us to stand firm in our beliefs as well as to empower others. Many of our habits have been disrupted due to precautionary measures currently being taken due to the virus; how fabulous! This is a great time to develop new, healthier, more exciting practices in our lives, while developing a clearer vision for the future. The hardest part about change is not making the same choice as the day before, but the minute you make the decision to do so, get ready, and expect some discomfort! Do you remember when we were younger, focusing on things that made us happy, while trusting that the unpleasant things would work themselves out? This is the mindset I strive for, except the things I want now are much more exciting!

For those who have a vacation booked in the coming days, weeks or months, it’s valid to feel some trepidation. Fears of contracting the virus, or even being quarantined, are valid. For many of my clients, the biggest concern is not getting sick, it’s getting stuck. Ultimately, choosing to go forth with your travel plans is a personal call. But how do you sort through the information to make the right decision? These really are the moments when having a travel advisor is key, which is why seamless trip planning and travel perks aside, I am your number-one advocate.

Personally, I have a 20 year marriage anniversary cruise with Celebrity Cruiselines in June, and I do not plan to miss it, come hell or high-water. If the ship sails, my husband and I will be on it, and if it is not safe to do so, Celebrity has allowed guests who cancel their cruise for sailings departing up until 7/31/2020 to do so for ANY reason as late as 48 hours before sailing and get a 100% Future Cruise Credit (good until 12/31/2021) for the full amount in penalty. Many travel suppliers are accommodating travelers in this time of adversity, which is a comfort if one is intent on travel. Leaning on Psalm 91, I choose to live by faith and not by fear.

Only you can make the very personal decision about whether or not to keep, postpone or cancel your trips. Health officials do report, however, that the fastest way to return to normalcy is to stop coming in contact with others. That includes ceasing travel, except for essential and urgent reasons (like my 20th wedding anniversary). Instead of traveling right now, maybe this is the time to plan your next vacation. You don’t have to book yet, but figure out where you want to go and map out the right strategy for building up the right points and miles for those trips. Get a list going of all the places you want to see when we come out of the immediate crisis, and get excited, because this too will pass! While you’re waiting, look forward to the recovery, because it will come, and you’ll need to be ready to jump on the trip you’ve been dreaming about, because many others will be as well.

Call Sweet Magnolia Travel today to plan your next trip so you don’t have to!

Carmen Holley