March 20, 2020

COVID-19 Travel Update. Flexible booking terms and advice for travellers concerned about Corona Virus.

Posted by StonehengeNews under COVID-19 Travel Update, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , |
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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

 

 

 

March 10, 2020

How to Travel Safely During The Coronavirus Outbreak

Posted by StonehengeNews under Coronavirus and U.K Travel, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , |
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The Corona virus has become the hottest topic in global news and has caused travellers everywhere a great deal of consternation. However, the fact remains that a lot of the world remains safe to visit especially if the following tips are taken into considerations

What Is Coronavirus?

First, what exactly is Coronavirus? It’s a strain of the virus that comprises such respiratory illnesses as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). This year’s novel Coronavirus is termed COVID-19 and is believed to have originated in the Hubei province of mainland China, in the city of Wuhan. It is a highly infectious disease with cold-like symptoms, including fever, sore throat, cough, and a runny nose. Since it first came to recognition in January, the disease has spread across much of Asia and the rest of the world, affecting countries such as Japan, South Korea, Italy, the United States, and Iran. This has resulted in travel restrictions or travel advisories in many locations, though many more are still viable for travel.

Castle Combe Village

Avoiding busy tourist attractions at peak times and exploring more ‘off the beaten track’ locations away from the crowds

How to Travel Safely During The Coronavirus Outbreak?

Firstly, if you have been to any area which has been severely affected, be sure not to travel until you are without a doubt unaffected by the virus. This level of consciousness is necessary to keep the spread of the infection to the minimum. If you haven’t, then following these tips will help keep you safe on your travels!

Perhaps the safest way to travel is utilising private tours and thus avoiding crowds on buses/trains. 

Tip 1: Get All Your Vaccines

While this may seem obvious, it’s important to make sure that you’ve got all your vaccines before beginning your travel. In order to find out what shots you’ll need before you go, check the CDC’s website for health information. Making sure you’re protected from as many preventable illnesses as possible is key to keeping your immune system strong.

Bring Disinfecting Wipes

Some of the worst outbreaks have been seen in locations with close contacts, such as the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan, which remains anchored just outside of Tokyo. If you’re also traveling amongst many other passengers, such as on a plane, be sure to keep your area clean. Bring and antibacterial wipes and clean your area when you arrive. This includes wiping your armrests, cupholders, tray tables and any area that you’ll be occupying.

Keep Your Hands Clean 

Doctors have ruled facemasks as ineffective, washing your hands is the most important way of preventing the spread of Coronavirus. If you’re traveling somewhere where you won’t frequently be able to wash your hands, bring hand sanitizer instead and use it frequently. Remember the length of time washing your hands is important – you should be able to sing ‘happy birthday’ twice in the time it takes to wash your hands properly.

In this same vein, keep your hands off your face, and away from your mouth and eyes. These are the higher risk areas for you to get an infection.

Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a necessity! Some US credit card companies will offer free travel insurance but you need to check and if not you’ll need to purchase travel insurance if confirmed cases of the virus begin popping up and spreading in your country of travel.

This tip also extends to refundable travel, such as train tickets, hotels, and tours. While it may cost more upfront to book, the flexibility of having refundable travel plans can pay off big in case of cancellation

Go Private! 

Health experts have warned that the virus spreads via community contact, which means you should stay away from crowded places as much as possible. This minimizes your exposure to sick people. Of course, tourist attractions do tend to attract crowds, but you should still be able to visit during off-peak periods when visitors are low. Why not book private tours at less busy times? In the UK this may mean avoiding busy London monuments like The Eye, and perhaps focusing on more rural attractions – in which the UK proliferates.

No More Handshake

As mentioned, the virus is spread from close contact, so it is best to avoid direct contact as much as possible. Despite the importance of manners, the world over, for the time being the handshake is not the best idea. In the current climate, there is no chance of offending anyone and if you really need to greet someone, why not try the Wuhan shake – tapping elbows instead!

Although it is natural to feel concern in this period as a traveller, following the advice above is a sure-fire way to keep yourself as safe as possible. As long as you are conscious and cautious, travelling to largely unaffected areas should be safe and as fun as ever. It is simply a matter of taking care of yourself.

Coronavirus – is it safe to travel to London and visit Stonehenge? Click here

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! Click here

Email the Stonehenge experts today for a prompt reply

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

 

March 9, 2020

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!

Posted by StonehengeNews under Coroana Virus Travel London U.K, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , |
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The world is gripped by Coronavirus fear and for many the idea of travelling is perhaps a worrying one. However, with only a small portion of people effected in the UK (somewhere around 0.0005%) it is still safe to travel.

Stonehenge tour

Why not avoid the crowds by booking a private tour?

Advice from medical experts has recommended avoiding crowded public places.  One of the best ways to do this and still enjoy the rich delights of British tourism is to book yourself a private tour experience as opposed to crowded coach trips or making your own way on public transport. Here I hope to relay 5 key  benefits of a private tour, especially in the face of the worlds current Coronavirus fears.

  • Avoid busy coaches and crucially reduce exposure to the Corona virus. A fact to which I have already alluded, but it is a crucial one to remember. Coaches buy nature thrust one into close proximity with a large group of strangers. It is entirely possible to get coach tours refunded and switch to a private tour – a lot of 3rd party online companies including ToursbyLocals and Viator will offer refunds as close to 48 hours before departure.
  • No need for public transport or busy coach stations – with collection straight from your door. The coach station’s themselves, as well as train stations and underground stations, pose a similar risk to the public. Private tours allow for collection right from your door, reducing the risk of exposure from low to near non-existent.
  • Coach trips cause large crowds at various monuments. Numerous coaches arrive at the same time to create ‘peak times’, which again pose a risk in the current climate. A private tour has the luxury of choice. Avoiding these peak times will not only lower risk of exposure but also make for a more relaxed atmosphere at any given monument, leaving you in peaceto admire our cultural history.
  • Safety for the whole family. Private tours are ideal for keeping your children out of harm’s way. Private toursare perfectly suited to families, keeping everyone together with no one else to interrupt the family quality time, apart from an experienced and knowledgeable guide, whilst minimising the potential exposure of your children.
  • The flexibility of private tours allows for a more sequestered experience at every turn. Private tours are ideal for finding delightful rural places to enjoy lunch, in quiet village locations. Once again, you can avoid the often-hectic services on UKs motorways and cafés/restaurants near to monuments.

Ultimately, Travel in the UK can be as safe and enjoyable as it always has been. The UK has an abundance of rural tourist destinations which are as beautiful and historically laden as any in the cities. If you follow the critical advice from health experts and book privately, it is easy to stay totally safe and have a fascinating holiday simultaneously. So why not take the private tour option this year and keep your family safe, whilst still showing them the time of their lives!

Due to this pandemic, the demand for private guided is increasing rapidly.
BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR / TRANSFER NOW – CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Coronavirus – is it safe to travel to the U.K and visit Stonehenge? Yes – click here

Email the Stonehenge experts today for a prompt reply

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

 

February 26, 2020

Coronavirus – is it safe to travel to the U.K and visit Stonehenge?

Posted by StonehengeNews under Coronavirus, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , |
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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

 

February 26, 2020

Stonehenge… and Beyond!

Posted by StonehengeNews under Stonehenge Private Custom Tour, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , |
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Already visited Stonehenge? Although the monument itself stands alone, its ancient monoliths contrasting the verdant splendor of the landscape, 5,000 years of British history standing in apparent isolation, that does not mean that you have to visit it in isolation! The local area alone offers enough history for a day’s worth of touring, let alone the great expanse of history and beauty that is England!

Bath Abbey

Visit Bath

Any sites you can think into an itinerary are possible to visit with us. With expert guides qualified to take you anywhere and (certainly more than capable of suggesting somewhere) – lets take a look at what a possible tour with us beyond Stonehenge could entail.

Firstly, Stonehenge doesn’t have to be your first ‘port’ of call – we are capable of picking you up from any airport or seaport and beginning the tour from there! From that point, the only limitation is your imagination (and of course the British coastline).

Part of England’s charm is that you can run into sites of historical significance and beauty on any journey. For example, if you arrive in London, your path to Stonehenge is positively cluttered with exciting opportunities.  Perhaps you could start with the traditional sites of London – St Paul’s Cathedral, the tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the list is pretty much endless! Moving on you could make your way past Windsor Castle, or via Winchester Cathedral (or both) – you can take a detour through New Forrest and appreciate its stark prettiness. Before or after reaching Stonehenge, you can visit the medieval city of Salisbury, with its vast cathedral and quintessentially English feel.

Castle Combe

Scenic Cotswolds Village

And that is just one example of the dizzying array of options open to a budding adventurer! There are thousands of castles, in varying states of decay – some still have royals in, some are ruins, beautiful villages, with traditional pubs serving classic British fare and ale and thatched cottages which give our countryside its essential feel,  hundreds of stately homes each with their own slice of British history and dozens of national parks, each one a unique painting of native England in all its grace, and much more beyond! Tell us where to go, or ask us, and off we go with an expert in tow.

Do you have a specific period of interest, (British History spans quite a lot!), or maybe you want to trace your ancestry and visit the sites that are significant to your own personal history – it is all possible. The true greatness of Britain is worth seeing and is in reach when you explore beyond Stonehenge!

Our tour planning department are always pleased to help you plan your tour itinerary to give you the best possible experience. Our knowledgeable, friendly qualified driver/guides will ensure that your visit is truly memorable. No one does it better! Special interests, foreign languages and themed tours (Stonehenge special access / Crop Circles / Myths and Legends) easily catered for. Half day, full day tours and extended tours departing from London, Windsor, Heathrow Airport, Salisbury, Bath, Southampton Port, Portland Port, Bristol, and Oxford

Email the Stonehenge experts today for a prompt reply

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