Tales From the Front Lines - Sarah Tengler, Impact Vacations

TravelPulse Canada is proud to support Travel Advisors around the globe. Our "Tales From The Front Lines" series is designed to give consultants a voice during the COVID crisis and bring professionals together. Enjoy today's submission.

"COVID19 has affected everyone in the travel industry. From us travel agents, to airlines, cruise lines and more. Though many clients have been affected due to cancellations, postponed trips and trying to get refunds, a small group of travelers is more than happy to have a travel agent on their side.

Impact Vacations deals with clients with special needs and as complicated as travel can be sometimes, the additional needs some travelers have create additional worries for the families traveling with them. COVID19 shutting down the world left many stranded abroad with no idea how to get home.

In March when the cruises began to restrict people boarding and then shut down all together, we had families who were still at sea. Would they be able to get off the ship? Would we be able to get them home? Could their additional needs be accommodated on last minute changes to get them home?

One family traveling with PTSD was cruising the Caribbean and their debarkation port was closed before their return to port. Spending hours watching the news and contacting port authorities, the cruise lines, trying to figure out where they would get let off their ship, how they would get back to their car in Baltimore and if they could even come home.

A family of 9 was also cruising the Caribbean who were supposed to debark in San Juan. San Juan closed their port 1 day prior to their debarkation. The ship was rerouted to Miami so spending hours to change their flights home, contacting the airlines and finding a new flight where their wheelchair could also be accommodated in cargo.

It is now more important than ever to book your future travels through a trusted travel advisor. We are a part of your communities and want to ensure your trips are safe, enjoyable and protected. We cannot wait to travel again when the world opens. Travel and experiences will be more important than ever."