If you’re like us, you’re itching to dust off those skis or wax that snowboard in anticipation of hitting the Northern Hemisphere slopes this winter. With an end to lockdown now in sight and a somewhat clearer path to reintroducing international travel, we think it’s time to start getting excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
We have been eagerly following the news to see what’s happening overseas and we were happy to see Canadian borders opening back up to fully vaccinated international visitors in early September. This follows the US opening up a few weeks earlier. In further good news, Qantas and Air Canada will both reinstate flights from Australia to North America in December.
We totally understand that the opening-up of travel will bring with it many questions and concerns around safety. We understand your hesitancy, we feel your uncertainty and we appreciate your concerns.
Now more than ever we believe that what we all need is a helping hand as much as a leading one, and genuine reassurance from those we can trust that we are in safe hands. We have fought and worked tirelessly to be here to support our clients, both old and new, to give honest and unbiased advice. We have always been partners and advisors, and we’re putting our decades of experience, expertise and service to best use, guiding each of you at every stage.
Check out our Covid-19 Travel Hub, where you can view the travel restrictions currently in place for each country, along with airline safety policies. Down below, we also provide a snapshot of what to expect on the ground at a resort, such as Whistler in Canada.
CASE STUDY: Whistler, Canada
Whistler is now open and ready to welcome visitors. In line with Canadian Government regulations, all international visitors must meet Canada’s entry criteria, including proof of full vaccination, along with a valid Covid-19 negative test result (taken no more than 72 hours before arrival in Canada). All visitors must upload proof of vaccination and a quarantine plan into the secure ArriveCAN app.
In the resort itself, health and safety remain top of mind. Whistler’s Doors Open Directory, available online, provides a detailed overview of how local businesses are upholding the highest of standards, with stringent health and safety protocols in place for retail, accommodation, transportation, activities and dining. In many instances this results in reduced capacities, to ensure a smooth and hassle free stay (and to avoid disappointment!), visitors are strongly advised to plan ahead and make restaurant and activity reservations.
Here are some of the protocols they have in place to help visitors navigate adventuring on the mountain safely:
- Breathing easy on trails but carrying a mask for busier spaces
- Masks are mandatory when with people from outside your group (including guides)
- Book activities with only members of your household or travel group
- Helmets, gloves, and all gear is cleaned and sanitized every day
- Plexi-glass separators are in place if your activity involves dining
Don’t forget to renew your passport!
Yes, it’s been gathering dust on the shelf for over 18 months now, but it’s worth digging out your passport and checking the expiry date. If it’s close to having only six months validity left, we recommend renewing it now so you’re ready when borders open. If a passport expires, it is a much more arduous and expensive process to apply for a new one, rather than simply renewing your existing passport before it expires. We hope to be sending you out into the world again soon.
Ready to start planning your Northern Hemisphere escape? Drop us a line at [email protected]