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Are travelers more concerned about being sick or stuck?

Research recommended before taking off

  • What travel confidence is like in B.C.
  • Which age group is more likely to be booking travel?
  • How you can cover your bases before heading off

With Spring break just around the corner, you’re not alone if you’re itching to finally catch an international flight but also worried about COVID-19 regulations worldwide.

A recent survey conducted by BCAA found travel confidence is high among British Columbians. It also found the biggest worry has shifted since the start of the pandemic.

“We were encouraged to see that British Columbians are feeling more comfortable and travelling, with 67 per cent of them saying they’re going to take a trip this year or next,” director of insurance products for BCAA Namita Kearns, told Kelowna10.

The survey found there were generational differences in the attitudes toward travel. The most eager to take off are in the younger age range of 18- to 34-year-olds.

Older generations, those 55 and up, are more than twice as likely to have no plans to travel whatsoever.

They conducted a similar survey last August. Kearn said the biggest concern for travelers then was getting exposed and contracting COVID-19.

But attitudes have changed.

People are less worried about actually contracting COVID-19. Rather, 84 per cent of those polled expressed greater worry about getting stuck due to rules changing or testing positive and having to quarantine.

BCAA recommends that people do their research and look to protect themselves as they book travel.

“Do your research beforehand, check travel advisories, and plan ahead to minimize risk and ensure a happy and safe trip,” Kearns said.

According to the survey, the same amount of people concerned about testing positive and getting stuck plan on buying additional insurance for trips outside of Canada.

COVID-19 medical coverage helps offset costs associated with needing medical care in another country. Insurance coverage for travel delay and quarantine can help pay for unexpected accommodation costs should a vacationer need to pay for a hotel to isolate before returning home.

Kearn said the coverage is based on vaccination status and she recommends finding out how much you’re covered for before taking off.

These new insurance packages were made last year in response to the pandemic.

BCAA has more travel planning and insurance tips for travelers at bcaa.com/backtotravel.

Published 2022-03-07 by David Hanson

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