We have been offering exceptional natural history holidays for over 30 years. The safety and satisfaction of our clients is something all of us at Reef & Rainforest take very seriously. Therefore we should like to clarify the situation regarding current and future bookings during the fast changing Covid-19 pandemic and to answer below some of the questions you have been asking us during the past few months:
Am I Able to Book a New Holiday With You Now?
Yes, you can certainly book with us now: many have already done so. As your holiday will probably take place some months ahead it is likely restrictions will by then have been lifted. In fact it is advisable to book now because most of those whose 2020 holidays was unavoidably cancelled are now looking to book for 2021, as well as those who were intending to travel in 2021 anyway. The combined numbers have put extra pressure on availability at lodges, hotels, resorts and other properties, as well domestic and international flights. We are already seeing limited space in many of our destinations so it’s a good idea to start the process now. Most importantly, should your newly booked tour be unable to run due to Covid-19 you can postpone your trip or receive a full refund. Please contact the team and start to look forward to your next fabulous Reef & Rainforest holiday.
What If I Book Now But Am Unable to Travel Later Due to Covid-19?
Reef & Rainforest will refund your payment were you unable to travel because of coronavirus restrictions close to the departure date. We shall also offer a refund if, closer to departure, regulations state you will have to undergo ten days or more quarantine either in the UK upon return or at your destination on arrival.
What is the Situation Regarding Current Bookings?
We are reviewing all current bookings in the light of up to date Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advisories, airline policies, international and national restrictions, and quarantine rules. We shall be doing so on a rolling basis, concentrating on those trips due to depart within a month or so. We are committed to running your holiday as booked and shall do our utmost to facilitate it. We are also willing to be flexible as regards full payment date should the need arise.
Will I Receive a Refund if My Booking is Cancelled Because of Coronavirus?
If there are good reasons why you cannot reschedule or postpone your holiday, Reef & Rainforest will fully refund all your payments if your tour cannot go ahead due to Covid-19 restrictions.
What If I Wish To Cancel Even Though The Holiday Can Proceed?
If your trip is able to be run but you feel disinclined to travel, our Terms & Conditions will apply. You could also try contacting your travel insurers to see if they can help.
What About Travel Insurance and Covid-19?
It is a condition of booking that clients take out sufficient travel insurance to cover for medical repatriation and other scenarios. Cover varies and many companies currently exclude Covid-19 factors for new policies. Therefore you are advised to shop around for the best cover. A few insurance companies have recently created new policies which include some cover relating to Covid-19: please contact us for more information.
What If You Become Insolvent Before or During My Holiday?
If Reef & Rainforest ceases to trade before you depart, or while you are in your destination, you are covered by our ATOL which means the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will compensate you for all monies paid to us and repatriate you. For holidays where you arrange your own flights, your payments are covered by our insurance with Towergate Chapman Stevens in compliance with the relevant travel regulations.
We hope the above has clarified matters but should you have any other questions please contact one of our expert consultants who will be glad to help.
Finally, we should like to thank all our clients for their kind support and understanding during these difficult times. By postponing your trips you have not only helped all those in our destinations who depend on you for their livelihoods but also the many conservation projects, national parks and private reserves who could not protect their fauna and flora without your visits.
It seems highly likely that in the wake of Covid-19 many people will choose carefully where they travel and consider what good will result from their holidays. By booking a natural history tour with Reef & Rainforest you can be confident that you will have a wonderful experience while helping preserve the planet for future generations. We look forward to hearing from you.
Our best wishes
The Team at Reef & Rainforest
