'People are feeling more comfortable': London-area travel agencies see a boost
After months of lockdowns and hesitation, a few Londoners are thinking about travel again.
A clear sign of the change is visible in some local travel agencies where agents have returned to their workstations.
Kelly Balderston, a travel agent with Robert Q Travel in London, is back to full-time and recently was joined by another co-worker at her east London satellite office.
“The last 20 months have been a challenge. We’re hoping the worst of it is over, and going into the new year we’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Balderston says light has already begun to peek through with a sudden mini-rush of travellers looking for an escape.
“People are feeling a lot more comfortable. It’s not to the levels that it should be, but it is starting to rebound.”
COVID-19 has made travel difficult or impossible since March of 2020. But with vaccine rates increasing, a push for affordable sun destinations is on.
This time people are not just looking to escape winter, they are looking to escape the pandemic reality.
“People are now thinking they just need to get south.”
But getting south, or even overseas, comes with some tension.
People are not only worried about catching the virus while away, they are also stressed about the paperwork and testing needed to ensure you don’t face a hassle getting home.
Balderston says the concerns have those who booked travel online themselves in the past, turning to agents.
“When before it was just as easy as booking a plane ticket, right now, it’s a little bit more complex. Every country, even region, has a little bit of different regulations, and it takes us a little bit of time to do the research and make sure that people are prepared when they leave the country.”
But if you are ready, Balderston says pricing has made countries including Mexico and Cuba far more affordable than they usually are during the winter months.
And in Cuba’s case, she says the island nation is providing return PCR tests to Canadians for a low rate of $30 to $35.
All the incentives have boosted her business to about 75 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, but she says not all agents are seeing those results yet.
She hopes that changes soon, but at the same time, she doesn’t want to rush customers. She is particularly hesitant with those who may not have access to proper insurance or health concerns.
“If they seem nervous. Then we really say, ‘Then wait’. Nothing is worse than putting your hard-earned money down on a trip and then worrying about going for the next three months.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.