Corona Virus is effecting all of our lives and the sad reality is that for most people travel plans have had to be postponed. In light of the growing concerns, we wanted to reassure our customers that we are following the travel news and plan to keep you updated so you can get your plans back on track as soon as possible.  We would like to update you on the current travel bans in place and reassure you we are raring to get the tours going as soon as it is safe!

covid-19 Travel U.K

Our first priority is the health and wellbeing of all our customers,

Current Travel Policy

With the World Health Organization declaring the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic last week, round the world, travel limitations have come into place. Starting with the EU, they have introduced temporary restrictions on nonessential travel to and from the EU, as part of its efforts to contain the spread. This ensues the United States’ decision to suspend travel into the US from 28 European countries.

The UK has not enacted a ban on US citizens entering the country in return, but the current Foreign office advice of caution extends to US as well as UK citizens.

Currently, The Foreign Office is advising:

“Anyone still considering travel must be realistic about the level of disruption they are willing and able to endure, and to make decisions in light of the unprecedented conditions we face.” and to “take account of the fast moving situation and plan accordingly, while flights remain available in many places”.

Currently, US citizens returning from the UK and Europe will only be allowed to travel through one of 13 US airports but won’t be tested for coronavirus on arrival. Returning US nationals are being advised to under take a 14-day quarantine as a precaution.

These restrictions are set to last a month. Crucially, although these restrictions may make returning to the US difficult in the short term, they are only temporary and regular travel across the Atlantic will return.

Your Trip

We know that many of you may be feeling an increasing amount of uncertainty and anxiety around travel plans at this present time.   and certainly in cases, where customers or those in their household may have virus symptoms, we fully recognise that travel may not be possible at this time.

Our first priority is the health and wellbeing of all our customers, so remember to restrict travel if you are showing symptoms! With that in mind, I wanted to remind you that if you need to amend your booking to a future date, or need to cancel a tour, we’re here to help.

Unfortunately, we are having to be strict with our cancellation policy in line with other operators. However, we are also prepared to listen and will review on a case by case scenario.  Most scheduled coach tours will get an immediate full refund, however due to the nature of certain tours i.e. our exclusive Equinox / Solstice tours and in particular private customised tours that have been booked in advance we have to enforce our cancellation policy.  The good news is that these tours can be amended to a future date with no penalty with a credit note supplied. Your holiday does not have to be cancelled and you can delay gratification until this summer or even 2021

In fact, we have waived the amendment fees and can also hold the cost of your booking as a credit against a future tour if you need time to decide on your plans. Here is a link to our official terms: https://stonehengetours.com/terms.html

We will offer increased flexibility on all bookings to help ease the situation surrounding COVID-19, and will offer the following options, even if a refund is not officially due per the terms you originally booked under:

  • a free of charge date change.

or

  • a 24 month credit from your booked tour date.

Please note: Date change and Credit requests must be notified in writing at least 48 hours before the original booked tour, and date change/credited tours are subject to availability and are non-transferable and non-refundable at any time. Expired credits are non refundable and not redeemable for cash.

…and the great news, It looks like by May the COVID-19 crisis will be under control and London will be open again.  It will be a fantastic time to visit Britain. Not only will the exchange rate be extremely favourable, stretching your budget immeasurably, but flight costs will also reduce dramatically. Although a crisis now, the spread of Corona could open up the excellent potential for a wonderful summer – visiting beautiful and historic Britain for less, an absence of crowds sequestering you amidst even the most famous monuments. There is so much to look forward to!

Thank you for your patience and continued support and we look forward to seeing you this summer or next.

How to Travel Safely During The Coronavirus Outbreak

Due to the Carona Virus pandemic, the demand for customised guided tours is increasing rapidly. There is never a better time to book a private Stonehenge tour!

Email the Stonehenge experts today for a prompt reply

Stonehenge Guided Tours
Operating Stonehenge Access Tours Since 1990
www.StonehengeTours.com

Tour Operations Manager

 

 

Concerns over the new Coronavirus are sweeping the globe – with cases reaching European shores people are beginning to wonder if it is still safe to travel across Europe, particularly the UK. The answer is an unequivocal yes. Of all the globes 81,229 cases, 13 are in the UK, 0.016% of the global cases.

As things stand there is very little reason to be concerned about Coronavirus – pack a facemask if it gives you peace of mind but at the moment there is no need

As things stand there is very little reason to be concerned about Coronavirus – pack a facemask (we recommend a unicorn mask) if it gives you peace of mind but at the moment there is no need

There are many reasons not to be too concerned about the coronavirus, as long as you are considerate of the symptoms and the badly effected areas. Currently, the most deeply effected countries are China (which has the vast majority of the cases), South Korea and Iran. Italy, especially northern Italy, has the most cases in Europe. So firstly, one way to ensure safe travel to the UK for everyone is to be considerate if you have travelled to any badly effected area. If you have been to these places and are experiencing flu like symptoms, quarantine yourself and even if not, it is probably best not to travel until you are certain. This is sensible practice when dealing with infectious diseases globally and will help continue to keep places like the UK safe to travel for others.

If you have not been anywhere near badly effected areas, then you are good to go! If you are still concerned however, there are a few things that could ease your mind. Less than 1% of those tested so far in the UK have tested positive for the virus (and these are people coming back from badly effected areas). The government have released statements saying the risk to individuals is low and that they are ‘well prepared’ to deal with the virus. They have been given special powers to quarantine anyone suspected of having the virus so the risk if spread is still low. Furthermore, even the worst effected country in Europe (Italy with 165 cases) has yet to close its borders with neighbouring countries. If you are still in need of some more peace of mind, then perhaps some statistics might help you, you are roughly five times more likely to win the lottery* than contract coronavirus, you are 4,483 time more likely to be hit by a car. You have roughly the same chances of being struck by lightning – probably not something that deters tourists often!

There are further precautions you can take as a tourist if coronavirus fears are still troubling you.  Why not avoid the crowds by booking a private tour? Away from crowded coaches and try travelling more rurally, away from the cities. There are hundreds of sequestered yet historically significant sites around the UK, with many an expert willing to take small groups around – avoiding the masses! (With Brexit weakening the pound and coronavirus fears thinning crowds, it’s probably the best time to visit anyway)

All of our private custom tours include optional face masks and Hygienic Alcohol Hand Sanitiser on board

As things stand there is very little reason to be concerned about Coronavirus – pack a facemask if it gives you peace of mind but at the moment there is no need. Just wash your hands regularly and dispose of your used tissues…. and enjoy your trip to the UK!

*Chance of matching 5 numbers.

10th MARCH 2020 CORONA VIRUS UPDATE – CLICK HERE

Email the Stonehenge experts today and book a Stonehenge tour!

Stonehenge Guided Tours
Operating Stonehenge Access Tours Since 1990
www.StonehengeTours.com