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April 16, 2021
It’s safe to say that after a year of lockdowns, self-isolating and adjusting to a work-from-home lifestyle that we’re all in need of an escape.
Whether you’re dreaming of escaping to sunnier climes or exploring the winding streets of London, there are sure to be considerations we’ve never had to think of before. How do you even start planning your getaway? What has reopened and what happens if the situation changes?
We’ve compiled a list to get the wheels in motion for your holiday this year to take some of the anxiety and confusion out of booking your next trip. Whether you’re visiting London from overseas or doing what we now lovingly refer to as a “stay-cation”, we want you to do so with confidence.
Our first tip is to make your plans as flexible as possible. As we’ve found this past year, things can be expected to change at the drop of a hat. It’s best to expect the unexpected, as complicated as that sounds, and here are some of the ways in which you can do that:
Buy a voucher
Many hotels, airlines, and hospitality providers are now offering their services in the form of vouchers. By purchasing a gift voucher for your accommodation or activities, you have the opportunity to schedule your trip on whichever days work closer to the time. Even better, if plans change your gift voucher will still be good to use for a few years: the ultimate flexible booking option. They also make great gifts for loved ones you know are in need of something to look forward to!
Travel insurance
Your second option for ensuring flexibility in your travel plans is to take out insurance on your booking. Although it won’t allow you to be 100% flexible, it will enable you to book with less worry.
While this option may not cover cancellations on the customer’s end (yours), you will be covered in case of another national lockdown or cancellation on behalf of the service provider. Just be sure to check the fine print to make sure your insurance option covers Covid-related damages.
Write down a list of things you want to do and then check them out to see if they are all still viable. Maybe you need to make a back-up plan, pick a different restaurant with a view, or schedule certain events at particular times based on new opening hours and days.
Many places may now require you to book a slot in advance to fulfil governmental requirements for reduced capacity limitations.
Choosing the location
Location will be an important factor in determining how much time you need to spend on public transport and around large groups of other people. Now life in London is beginning to pick back up, so, too is the footfall. In London, the Underground and bus systems are the main way of getting around so if you want to avoid these, choose any one of the Central London hotel deals available and have all the city’s biggest destinations right on your doorstep.
Check the Good To Go status
For hospitality providers, there are a number of new guidelines set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the UK government. From newly implemented staff safety practices to stricter hygiene and cleaning policies, whichever hotel you stay at should state the measure they use to keep you safe clearly on their website.
For example, all private boutique hotels under Blue Orchid Hotels have been certified “Good to Go” by The National Tourist Organisations of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and have been awarded a two-time Certificate of Assurance from Bureau Veritas: world leaders in testing, inspection and certification. For more information and any assistance required to book a hotel with Blue Orchid, we are here to help. Find out more here.
To organise your totally relaxing getaway and find the right hotel, The Wellington, London is the right choice in the heart of buzzing Westminster: located by Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye. Alternately, choose one of the luxurious apartments in Tower Suites for a more spacious and independent living experience.