Realistic Optimism from Chic Locations – 25 Feb 2021
The “roadmap to recovery“ projection from Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the 22nd of February gave us all a little glimpse that there was light at the end of the tunnel after almost a year of Covid distress. Still some way to go but it was cause for optimism.
OK, the cheerleading from PM Johnson was quickly diluted by two of his more cautious ministers, who added several if and buts into the discussion, and more should be made clearer from Mid-April.
At Chic Locations, we feel that travel to some destinations will be very realistic from Mid/late May onwards.
This will include travel to Greece and its spectacular islands, Turkey and maybe the Canary Islands. In the Indian Ocean you have The Maldives with its one island – one resort policy, Seychelles and Sri Lanka. And specifically Antigua, Barbados, Grenada and St Lucia in the Caribbean.
Many of these have already opened their gates to UK travellers, subject to some Covid testing and limited quarantine. Indeed, some like the Maldives were enjoying record UK arrivals until our Government put a temporary stop on travel.
They all are just awaiting the UK green light once again.
Much of South East Asia remains closed to most international travellers. Several false starts here aligned with regional promises quickly overturned by central Government. Realistically we think late June/early July might be possible, but this depends on how quickly the various countries want to restart tourism. With areas like the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean, the economy is totally dependent on international tourism. They have little else.
This is in contrast to countries within SE Asia where there are alternatives to tourism with a significant domestic source of business not found in the Caribbean or Maldives. So, overseas Governments have decisions to make and, without a doubt, some will find it easier than others.
Chic Locations have always had a reputation for complete flexibility. This was firmly ingrained into our business thinking even before the challenges of Covid 19.
The management team are proactive and imaginative. This continues in our dealings with our hotel partners and with most of the airlines. Yes, there are a few of the airlines that still have a myopic view on things, totally out of touch with reality but fortunately, there are alternatives to most places.
We are not going to make any rash promises about every holiday being guaranteed to operate as booked. There are so many factors beyond our realistic control, not least Government whims. You can be assured each case will be reviewed on a helpful individual basis.
Personally, I would exercise caution when booking anything that is instant purchase/non-refundable. This might look attractive but the low price comes with a risk. A saving of £200 plus might look attractive now, maybe less so three months down the line.
So we approach the spring and summer months with cautious optimism. Covid continues to be unpredictable and the best-laid plans might have to be changed, but there is realistic light and hope.
The magic of the Mediterranean, Caribbean and the Indian Ocean await you with open arms and big smiles.
David Kevan
Chic Locations
“There’s no such thing as the best hotel, just the right one…”
Click for Booking Terms, Price Guides & Flight Information
All price guides are Per Person Sharing Double Room (Entry level), based on travel between May and/or June when prices are generally at their lowest and include promotional offers.
Supplements will probably apply at other times, particularly mid-summer in the Med, and for rooms and/or transfers arranged for single travellers.
For example, the Caribbean and Indian Ocean prices for winter can be approximately double the May – June level and about 50% more in Asia.
For the Mediterranean & Canary Islands, Caribbean, Arabia and the Indian Ocean (except Sri Lanka) price guides generally include airfare and transfers.
*For Sri Lanka and Far East we show a per person per night hotel guide, excluding air fare, as arrangements tend to be individually tailored multi-centre itineraries.
Please refer to Travel Advice on our home page or look at www.fco.gov.uk as the Foreign Office may have issued specific destination information on safety and terrorism.
Click for our CHIC Locations Booking Terms & Conditions PDF
