Covid Latest – February 2021

23rd February 2021

Following the publication of the Government road map on 22/2/21, it is hoped that hotels and B & Bs in England can reopen from 17 May. We therefore now have to cancel all holidays in England due to start before 17 May. We will contact all customers affected in order of date of departure.  We are waiting for announcement from Welsh government about when holidays might be able to start again in Wales and will make a decision on these holidays then.

We are looking forward to welcoming back walkers and cyclists as we move into early summer and are taking bookings from late May. Self led walking and cycling holidays are a great way to get back out into the countryside when we are able to again. Byways Breaks have always been flexible, but this last year we have had to adapt quickly to the changing circumstances. The current situation does mean that a walking and cycling holiday at the moment will be a different experience to pre Covid-19 times. For an idea of what to expect, see our information. What will your holiday be like at the current time.

We continue to closely monitor events and the impact associated with COVID-19. The health and safety of our customers and suppliers  continues to be an absolute priority. As government and public health advice changes, we will, of course, continue to adapt our plans accordingly.

We did run successful holidays in August and September last year and a huge thanks go to all the B &  Bs, hotels, people doing our luggage transfers and other partners who worked so hard and adapted so well to the circumstances. It was with their help that we were able to run safe and enjoyable holidays towards the end of the 2020 season.  See the latest feedback from customers which gives an idea of what a walking or cycling holiday was like in 2020.

While Covid continues to be a challenge we are looking forward to welcoming back walkers and cyclists. We hope everybody is managing to keep safe and well in these difficult times. Thank you for the many kind and supportive messages we have had over the last months.

New holiday bookings

We are taking new bookings for holidays in 2021 from late May in England, and a similar time in Wales, until we have further guidance about the Welsh timetable for reopening. We understand that with so much uncertainty, many people feel that it is too early to make holiday plans for this year. We do expect that when restrictions are relaxed, there will be a big demand for UK holidays. We are happy to put together possible itineraries without any commitment to booking at this stage. When you are comfortable about making a booking with us, we would then we ready to go ahead and get you booked up quickly.

If you don’t want to commit to a longer holiday we also have several short breaks, both cycling and walking, which are good for a quick getaway.

We will continue to review government and public health guidance on an ongoing basis and should the situation with covid change either nationally or locally we may need to make changes to holidays.

To answer any questions you may have about booking a holiday with Byways Breaks in 2021 we have put together some frequently asked questions below, we do however reserve the right to change this advice as the situation changes and develops.

FAQ’s

Which holidays are you booking?

We are currently taking bookings for all our holidays starting from late May 2021.

 

What happens if official advice or guidance changes?

If the UK or Welsh government changes its current guidance and it becomes impossible for us to continue with all or some holidays we will postpone or cancel holidays and will contact you as soon as possible to discuss changes with you.

 

What if Byways Breaks cancels my trip?

If we are forced to cancel your holiday or make a significant change due to Covid-19, we hope you will rebook your holiday. We will work with you to try to find a suitable alternative holiday either later in 2021 or for 2022. Alternatively, we can provide a credit voucher (valid to September 2022), or should  you do not wish to rebook we will provide a full refund.

 

What if I don’t want to travel or would like to postpone my holiday?

In light of the current situation, we will allow one free change to your booking, provided it is made with 28 days of your holiday start. There may be a slight change in price if accommodation costs change. All payments made for your original holiday will be transferred over to your booking for the new date.  We are sorry but we cannot provide a refund if you decide you do not wish to travel. In this case our normal booking terms and conditions will apply.

If you are travelling to the UK from abroad please be aware that there is currently a 10 day quarantine period when you arrive in the UK and you must have a negative test in the 3 days before you start your journey to the UK. If you are travelling from some areas of the world, you have to quarantine in government hotels at your own cost. If last minute quarantines are imposed we will either rearrange your holiday, provide a credit voucher, or should  you do not wish to rebook we will provide a full refund.

For up to date government advice see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-self-isolate-when-you-travel-to-the-uk/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-self-isolate-when-you-travel-to-the-uk 

If you decide to cancel your holiday then our usual cancellation terms apply, so for holidays cancelled six weeks or more before the start date, you will lose your deposit. See our booking terms and conditions for full details.

 

I haven’t paid the balance for my holiday. Can I delay my payment?

The balance payment for your holiday is normally due at least 6 weeks before your holiday start date. You can pay the balance in the knowledge that we will provide you with a full refund if we have to cancel your holiday for any reason.

 

Will I be covered by my travel insurance if I decide to cancel?

We recommend that you take out a travel insurance policy to cover lost holiday costs should you need to cancel or are unable to travel. Whether you will be covered will depend on the terms of your travel insurance policy and your reason for cancelling. In the current time you should ensure that your insurer will cover you for Covid related claims. You should contact your travel insurance provider to check if you can make a claim.

 

For further information, we advise the following resources:

Should you wish to discuss your upcoming travel plans, please call us on 0151 722 8050 or email info@byways-breaks.co.uk. Updates will be added to this web page as and when they become available.

 

 

Updated 23 February 2021

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Covid Latest – February 2021