I started our last newsletter saying that the difficult times just keep rolling in and I am afraid to say that not a great deal has changed.

After some brief positivity and respite for the travel industry with the opening of the travel corridors to the Canary Islands and the Maldives, only two weeks later we now find ourselves back in lockdown and unable to travel again for leisure and some much needed respite.

It’s been a one step forward, two steps back situation for many months now. One day a destination is good to go, the next it’s locked down; one day we don’t have to quarantine upon arrival, the next we do.

With this constantly changing landscape, our focus has had to include navigating the masses of information and ensuring we can provide clients with the necessary facts and reassurances so that when the opportunity presents itself, they can book their trip away with confidence.

The value of a reputable travel agent has never been more apparent than through this pandemic and here are five reasons why it is always best to book with one.

•    We are real people

•    We are specialists
•    We are accredited
•    We are well-connected
•    We are transparent

(Click here to read more).

Our staff are well versed with the latest travel restrictions and will ensure you are booked with a reputable ATOL/ ABTA tour operator, giving the confidence that you will be in safe hands and financially protected.

With the exception of a handful of clients booked with Ryanair whom we continue to chase daily, almost everybody that was entitled to a refund since the start of the pandemic has now received it. I have been both saddened and angered by the appalling behaviour of Ryanair and the wholly inaccurate information they put out has been nothing short of disgraceful.

I have received many kind messages of concern about the financial implications on Abbotts and I would like to reassure everybody that we are financially well placed to remain solvent for a long time to come.

We have, of course, like many, had to make some adjustments and tough decisions in order to survive with very little government assistance. Sadly this isn’t the case for some of my industry colleagues and partners, so I would urge you all to please sign the 'Save Future Travel' petition: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/552725

Several initiatives have been launched to help maintain and stimulate interest in travelling again and I particularly like this inspiring video we received this week from our friends at G Adventures:

For those considering booking a flight or holiday next year, I would certainly encourage you to start making plans now since there are some excellent deals available and amazing reductions to be had.

Many airlines, hoteliers and tour operators are offering a much more flexible approach due to the pandemic and are not applying normal penalties in respect of cancellations and amendments. Something very positive to also consider is that most of the travel insurance specialists are now including Covid-19 cancellation within their policies.

If you would like to take up any of these offers, then please don’t hesitate to contact us.

The shop is of course currently closed until the lockdown restrictions are hopefully lifted on 2 December. However, our staff are working remotely and can be contacted on 07305 623089. If you need help with anything at all, please contact staff@abbottstravel.com with a brief summary of your enquiry and a contact telephone number.

With the strangest of Christmases on the horizon, please don’t forget our Travel Gift Vouchers. They make a great 'feel good' present and offer something exciting to look forward to next year. And of course, they are also a great way to support us if you know someone will be wanting travel next year. Further details can be found here.

Finally, in a year that has been dominated with doom, gloom and much difficulty, I am sure everyone will be delighted to hear the wonderful news that Sharron has become a proud grandma to a beautiful, healthy, baby girl Ayla, born in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago.

As always, thank you for the continued kind messages of support and positivity. I hope everyone is safe, well and looking forward to better times ahead.

Julian

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It only takes a minute and helps others learn about who we are and the service you have received. 

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Or simply drop us an email at info@abbottstravel.com and we can include it on our website...