Coronavirus Travel: Is This Your Chance To Book The Cheapest Vacation Ever?

As the coronavirus pandemic intensifies around the world, many travelers are canceling trips and hunkering down at home while cruise lines like Princess and Viking are ceasing operations, Disney World and Disneyland are closing and airlines are slashing routes. But the savviest travelers are seizing this opportunity to take advantage of cheap travel deals on hotels, airlines, cruises and more—or just looking for ways to escape from reality. “I might as well be somewhere having fun,” one California college student told NBC News, and a Bachelor contestant tweeted, “Flights are so cheap [right now] I might risk coronavirus.”

Here, we take a look at how consumers can benefit from the shifting travel landscape, then round up some of the best travel deals right now.

Plunging Prices

Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of Embark, a luxury lifestyle and travel planning business that caters to a high-net-worth audience, is advising his clients: “Any good buyer knows to buy when a market is weak—as we like to say, ‘Don’t waste this crisis.’”

“We are not looking to be altruistic, opportunistic or insensitive to the situation,” says Ezon. “But with so many people around the globe reacting strongly to the developments, prime space at hotels all over the world is suddenly available. Airline costs have plummeted.” According to Ezon, there are even deals on business class tickets and you can use points to destinations that are typically never available like Bali. If a client is still nervous about traveling now, he is encouraging them to lock in low rates on future trips.

Roger Block, president of Travel Leaders Network, the largest network of travel agencies in North America, is also encouraging travelers to snap up deals. “Recognizing that travelers are looking for more flexibility at this time, many travel providers—including cruise lines, airlines and tour operators—have revised policies making it easier to change your plans after you’ve booked a trip. At the same time, we are seeing some very attractive offers, particularly on spring cruises,” says Block. “Prices will dip in the short term, but likely rebound as we come out of this.”

For instance, at Atlantis, Paradise Island in The Bahamas, which is easily accessible from most major US cities, the resort is reducing its rates to as low as $189 a night and throwing in up to $300 resort credits for travel booked by March 22, 2020 for travel through April 30, 2021. Topnotch, a 120-acre wooded estate nestled among the Green Mountains in Stowe, Vermont, is seeing more and more guests looking for close-to-home staycations, and the property is throwing in perks like one free 50-minute spa treatment per night as well as $50 per night resort credit that can be used toward spa, dining and tennis.

Getting Away From It All

Travelers are also looking for escapes. “We’re finding an increased interest in individuals and families wanting to get away from crowded cities to work remotely in a comfortable environment and find controlled activities for their family due to school closures,” says Curtis Bashaw, founder and managing partner of Cape Resorts, which operates eight classic American resorts in Cape May, New Jersey and Sag Harbor, New York, as well as private beach and farm cottages and condominiums with full kitchens. “Cape May and Sag Harbor have always been great retreats: small towns with fresh ocean air, many outdoor activities and drivable for many Northeast cities. And our programming will let the kids run free with fun outdoor activities.” 

In response to the coronavirus crisis, Cape Resorts is reducing tables at some of its restaurants to follow CDC guidelines of six feet of personal space and have also opened cottage inventory for weekday/working remotely stays and extended spring breaks due to unexpected school closures. Plus, the Cape May properties and Baron’s Cove are offering spring break deals that are perfect for families seeking a home away from home.

Domestic Versus Long Haul

Daniel Hostettler, president and group managing director of the luxurious Ocean House, set right on the Atlantic in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, says the property is picking up guests who are canceling long-haul trips. “We’re seeing a trend of guests and groups swapping exotic, long-haul holidays for luxurious stays a little closer to home,” says Hostettler. “This is an opportunity for guests to enjoy their favorite destination or new getaways this spring with increased flexibility.” In addition, the property—which rarely discounts its rates—is offering 30% off two bedroom suites now through May 8.

The Cruise Industry

When it comes to the cruise industry, people are still cruising and taking advantage of deals, despite the sobering headlines. “Many travelers are seeing the news and some are fearful of travel, but we encourage them to think logically,” says Michelle Fee, CEO and founder of Cruise Planners. “Sit tight, don’t cancel your long-awaited vacation, many cruise lines have modified their cancellation policy drastically allowing you to cancel up to 48 hours before sailing without penalties.”

Fee also points out that cruise lines have been implementing strict policies as well as working closely with the CDC and WHO to ensure the health, safety and comfort of guests and crew. “There are hundreds of ships and thousands of passengers around the world who have cruised recently without contracting COVID-19,” says Fee.

Outdoor Vacations

Experts are also saying this 2020 will be a big year for outdoor vacations, especially to national parks, which will see an uptick in bookings. “We’re paying close attention to sites like Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone as we are forecasting that national parks will be big winners this summer. People are generally wanting to stay away from the major crowds, but also want to take advantage of the low cost of travel right now,” says Tim Hentschel, CEO of HotelPlanner.com. “We are predicting many last-minute bookings, based on the great deals we’re seeing to major outdoor national parks across the United States.”  

Traveling Abroad

And some travelers are also still looking to travel farther afield. According to Vanessa Subramaniam, global director of customer support at TourRadar, some destinations are doing surprisingly well. “Understandably, many people are concerned about travel right now. However, we have seen a few bright spots. In March, overall bookings to Argentina, Mexico and Ecuador have actually seen positive growth compared to last year,” says Subramaniam. “Of course, these numbers could change quickly based on each destination’s current climate but I think they show how powerful the desire to travel really is.”

A note: When planning a trip, travelers should consider travel warnings from the U.S. State Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and be prepared for any quarantines or restrictions. Travelers should also consider risk factors like age and existing health issues before taking a trip.

HOTEL DEALS

Aspen Meadows Resort – Aspen Colorado

This chic, Bauhaus-style resort nestled on 40 acres in Aspen’s West End neighborhood is far from the crowds and a great base for spring skiing and spring/early summer hikes with a lovely lap pool and hot tub for relaxing in nature. The hotel is offering deals for spring from $139 a night (40% off) with its “Stay 3 and Save” promotion, while the “Closing Day” package includes craft beer/rosemary nuts, “pit viper”-esque skier sunglasses and a fanny pack (a necessity for celebrating in style) included in the already low rate of $146 a night. 

The Allison Inn & Spa – Willamette Valley, Oregon

Now through April 30, take advantage of the “Spring Stay & Taste” package with 20% off spa services, up to $250 resort credit, exclusive wine tastings at local wineries and more. 

Chatham Bars Inn – Chatham, Massachusetts

As an unexpected spring travel destination, Chatham Bars Inn boasts a myriad of engaging activities from seasonal cooking classes and mixology lessons to a weekly art series and interactive literary weekends. Now through April 30, guests booking three night stays will only pay for the price of two. Valid on new reservations on select dates through April. Rates start at $250 a night plus tax and resort fees. Book here.

The Varden – Long Beach, California

This historic 35-room boutique hotel centrally located in downtown Long Beach, within walking distance to the waterfront is offering 30% off its Best Available Rate through May 31, 2020 with a room upgrade to include complimentary parking, continental breakfast, evening wine tasting and wifi (based on availability). Call to book and use the promo code CAESCAPE.

Wild Dunes Resort – Charleston, South Carolina

Wild Dunes Resort occupies 1,600 acres of oceanfront paradise with a variety of accommodations ranging from the Boardwalk Inn and the Village at Wild Dunes to private condos and luxury home vacation rentals. The resort is currently offering a “countdown to summer” promotion with up to 30% off hotel stays and a resort credit with the best deals when you book sooner rather than later. 

Bequia Beach Hotel – St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Often dubbed the Caribbean “the way it used to be,” Bequia is a sun-drenched little island in St Vincent and the Grenadines that offers an abundance of natural beauty. Bequia Beach Hotel, a tucked-away family-owned luxury resort is offering complimentary inter-island flights (normally priced at $1,100 for two passengers) from Barbados to guests staying at least a week between April 1 – August 31, 2020. Book here.

Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort – Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

A short flight from most major cities on the east coast, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar is situated on the east end of the island on two miles of pristine beach with nine restaurants, and three pools. The beachfront oasis is offering an inclusive package, which includes F&B, daily use of tennis equipment, one complimentary round of golf per room and 10% off spa treatments. Rates start at $399 a night based on double occupancy and include taxes, gratuities and resort fees. Valid on stays of at least three nights. Offer ends December 31, 2020. Book here.

Select Hotels & Resorts 

Travel Leaders offers access to more than 1,700 of the world’s most distinguished premium properties with competitive rates and a value-added amenity program offering VIP-worthy privileges to craft memorable and authentic experiences. Booking with a Travel Leaders travel advisor also comes with very lenient cancellation policies, in most cases somewhere between 72 and 24 hours before check-in, so you can book with confidence knowing that you are not locked into reservations.

CRUISE DEALS

Windstar Cruises

The market leader in small ship cruising, Windstar Cruises operates a six-ship fleet of small sailing and all-suite ships. The line recently introduced a new Travel Assurance Policy to help take away risk, allowing guests to cancel up to 15 days in advance of a sailing and receive a future cruise credit. Rates are just $1,999 per person on its upcoming Yachtsmans Harbors of the Rivieras and $3,999 per person for the 11-day Islands & Inlets of the Inside Passage (Sept. 5-16, 2020), a roundtrip voyage from Vancouver, B.C. through the Tracy Arm Fjord of Alaska and more.

American Queen Steamboat Company

The American Countess, an upcoming 245-passenger paddlewheeler, will debut in April 2020. The fourth paddlewheeler in the AQSC fleet will sail the American South and heartland and feature four decks, including a sun deck, and 123 staterooms in four categories. Through March 31, guests can save up to $3,500 per stateroom ($1,750 per person) on select 2020 voyages. 

Royal Caribbean

Through March, the line is offering 30% Off Every Guest + Kids Sail Free. The booking window is March 4-31, 2020 for all sailings departing on or after April 4, 2020.

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