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Travel Opens Up

Travel Opens Up

Mark Swords reveals the top holiday destinations and how to make sure your travel plans are safe during this time of uncertainty

As we move into July we are starting to see green shoots with 75 destinations that will be exempt from the quarantine. We understand that not everyone will want to travel, but there are also people that do want to travel and get away for the last chance of a summer break before schools resume in September. There has been a huge increase in UK breaks and have been booking everything from UK lodges & cottages to villas in France so people can drive and don’t need to worry about the ferry.

Now is a great time to plan and discuss future holidays. Recently we’ve seen an influx of overseas enquiries for the festive period, October half term, February half term, and people planning ahead for 2021. Without a doubt the Indian Ocean has been one of the most popular destinations for people looking to escape to surroundings with minimal people such as the Maldives and Mauritius. We’ve also seen a lot of interest for 2021 safari’s in Africa so people get that wildlife escape, knowing they’re not going to be surrounded by large groups of people.

Our focus now is around accommodation that can offer space, peace of mind and something that will make our clients feel comfortable. So, whether that be a private villa in Greece, a safari and beach stay or just spending some time in the UK.

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of booking with a company that you trust. We’ve heard stories of clients who have booked hotels and flights separately and really had to fight to get any money back from hotels, and resorts. Before you book check that your travel agent is using reputable operators that offer a full refund or will amend the holiday. Now more than ever on new bookings we are working with companies that offer that extra flexibility. Booking online is sometimes easy, but on the flipside when something goes wrong it can be extremely hard to speak to someone as the support post booking is not there.  What I can reassure you is, we are here – and not one of our clients has had to wait more than 24 hours for a response during the whole of coronavirus. If you’re thinking of booking a holiday soon my advice would be;

  • Speak to a professional
  • Ensure you have adequate protection (insurance and ATOL)
  • Check the destination to ensure there are no restrictions on arrival
  • Booking in advance is highly recommended. With all the cancellations this year, the majority of people have moved to 2021 which means a lot less availability and higher prices if you leave it too late.

Over the last month some of the most popular destinations have been Maldives, Oman and Europe. Here’s a selection of some top hotels and resorts that will give you space, spectacular surroundings and are the perfect place to relax and wind down.

MALDIVES – ESCAPE TO PARADISE

Unhurried and unspoilt, these impossibly beautiful islands promise a stay of utter tranquility and luxury. Whilst most are small enough to walk around, to explore some you may need to borrow a bicycle, but why stray from your stilted water villa, where you can relax on a daybed with the waters lapping below, or slip down the private steps into the warm sea. Arrive by seaplane into an enchanting beachfront setting where accommodation includes Beach Pavilions with individual outdoor terraces and luxurious Pool Water Villas located over-water with their own private plunge pools.

OMAN – BEACH BLISS AT SHANGRI LA AL BANDAR

A taste of Arabia at its most exotic and enticing, offering an intoxicating fusion of glamorous resorts and timeless Islamic tradition. A ribbon of coastal villages with Old Muscat at its heart, Oman luxury holidays are an enthralling blend of ancient sights and Islamic customs, sprinkled with a touch of eastern glamour. The turquoise waters of Al Jissah Bay glint and dazzle…the fjords and vertiginous cliffs of the Musandam Peninsula take the breath away.

EUROPE – PRIVATE VILLAS ON A RESORT (ELOUNDA GULF VILLAS, CRETE)

With magnificent views over the Gulf of Mirabello, this member of The Small Luxury Hotels of the World offers a rare combination of exceptional luxury, state-of-the-art amenities and bespoke service. An award-winning luxury family-owned and run boutique villa-hotel, accommodation features a collection of original furnishings and objets d’art. Sumptuous villas with up to four bedrooms all have private pools and Jacuzzi. A butler service is available to arrange breakfast, whilst candlelit dinners may be prepared by a personal chef.

Get in touch with Mark on 020 3189 1381 or email mark@swordstravel.co.uk

SWORDS TRAVEL
134 Merton Road, Wimbledon
SW19 1EH
www.swordtravel.co.uk

 

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