Our COVID-19 Response
The COVID-19 pandemic has swept the rug out from under the travel industry.
Currently, there is a lot of uncertainty about the future of travel, and the situation is constantly changing. What this means for the AstridTravel Club is that we must be fluid in our response to the changing environment. Just like you, we are keeping an eye on the latest news and analyzing the data coming out of the CDC, the WHO, and other reputable organizations. We have taken all the available information into consideration and have come up with a series of Traveler Health and Safety Policies that are to be implemented immediately. We will continue to modify and update these policies as new information becomes available to us.
1. Travelers on all ATC Trips must take a COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to travel.
Requiring a COVID-19 test prior to travel is the first step in ensuring the health and safety of all of our ATC Trip Participants. Travelers who test positive will not be permitted to attend their scheduled trip. Furthermore, the ATC will not be held responsible for payment repatriation. It is for this reason travel insurance is REQUIRED for all international ATC Trips and STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for all domestic ATC Trips. More on this below.
2. We recommend that travelers on ATC trips wear face coverings.
Many places are already requiring patrons to wear face masks. Indoor spaces like airports, airplanes, stores, restaurants, museums, etc. are expected to be extremely vigilant about this. In order to comply with these requirements, we recommend that travelers come prepared with their own face coverings should they need to use them. In circumstances where masks are not explicitly required, such as outdoors, the use of a mask will be left to the traveler’s discretion.
3. We’ve adopted a more flexible cancellation policy.
Cancel your trip 90 days or more prior to departure, and you will receive a full refund of any monies paid to the ATC within 10 business days. No questions asked.
As always, if the ATC cancels your trip, you will receive a full refund. Similarly, if for some reason we are unable to reach your destination due to circumstances such as a travel ban being issued by the US State Department, you will receive a full refund.
We are a small company that prides ourselves on our integrity. We are not a mega corporation and we will communicate and work with you to return your money ASAP.
4. Travel insurance is REQUIRED for international trips and STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for domestic trips.
This has been a standard in our travel policy, but we find it important to reiterate here.
In the event that you are unable attend this trip due to an illness (including COVID-19), family emergency, missed or canceled flight, act of terrorism, natural disaster, etc., Astrid Solo Travel Advisor, AstridTravel LLC, the AstridTravel Club LLC, nor any affiliated person or party will be held responsible for payment repatriation. As stated above, if you test positive for COVID-19 72 hours prior to travel on an ATC Trip, you will not be permitted to attend, and we will not be able to refund the cost of your trip.
It is for this reason we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you purchase travel insurance to cover any potential costs you are not able to recoup. Be sure to speak with a travel insurance representative and confirm what circumstances are and are not covered under your chosen policy. Protect yourself against any unforeseen trip disasters and purchase travel insurance.
5. We will make every effort to allow last-minute bookings.
We understand that travelers may be hesitant to book a trip until almost the last minute. If you wish to join an ATC Trip that departs in 1 week or less, contact us and we will make every effort to make it happen.
Our trip style - built in protection.
Traveling with the AstridTravel Club means there is no need to worry about being cooped up with a large number of people. All AstridTravel Club Trips are designed for small groups of travelers, and most trips regularly operate with fewer than 6 participants. You will also never have to worry about sharing your room with another person because all AstridTravel Club trips feature private, luxury accommodations. Designed with the solo traveler in mind, all ATC Trips feature ample leisure time, and room to breathe. Nothing is mandatory, and travelers should feel comfortable to find space and alone time when they need it.
Moving Forward
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a strange sense of quiet across the globe. With less cars on the road, less industrial activity, and less noise, the world has had a moment to breathe. Our hustle-and-bustle lives have suddenly come to a halt and forced us to find stillness.
For us, we’ve had time to really think about the future of travel and what role we wish to play in it. As we watch small businesses go under, we are more motivated than ever to support them when we are able to travel again. As we watch the skies of Los Angeles and the canals of Venice suddenly turn clear, we are challenged to consider what we can do to keep them that way. As we watch the world outside our homes turn from spring to summer, we find ourselves dreaming of places where we can find an escape amidst the beauty of nature.
All of this has inspired us to critically analyze every trip we offer and question how we can be better. How can we be more environmentally conscious? More sustainable? How can we support local businesses and fight to retain the unique character of their communities?
We’ve spent this time working on an entire portfolio of new, United States-based trips designed to support the country we love by highlighting its diversity and incredible natural beauty. We’ve created trips from coast-to-coast, each designed to incorporate more time spent in nature, being active, and promoting our overall wellbeing.
Moving forward, the AstridTravel Club is choosing to focus on health. We are dedicated to doing what we can to promote the health of our bodies and minds, the health of our society, and our world. We believe that travel, done responsibly, has the power to enrich all of those things.
Things are indeed changing, and we’re dedicated to changing them for the better.
Here’s to your health,
The AstridTravel Club Team