Coronavirus Travel Information

An Update from Cycling for Softies

17 September 2021

Dear all,

I hope this finds you and your family well.

The recent Government travel announcement brings some really positive news for travellers.

From 4th October 2021, the traffic light system will be simplified, leaving only a red list, with all of our key destinations on the green list. Pre-departure tests will also no longer be required for fully vaccinated travellers returning to England from any country not on the red list.

Our teams, both in our London office and our tour bases overseas, are excited to help put together the perfect post-lockdown cycling holiday for you. Our tours run right through until the end of October so whether you’re looking to travel sooner or later, we can help you.

I am sure you’re just as keen as I am to have a cycling trip to look forward to and I want you to be able to book your next trip with confidence. That’s why we’re giving you as much flexibility as possible. We are offering low deposits and the flexibility to change your date or destination right up to your balance payment date. And remember, our package holidays are protected by ABTA and ATOL bonding. If your holiday is cancelled due to FCDO advice, your money is safe, and we will rebook you for another date, or offer a refund.

Whether you prefer the ease afforded to you by an e-bike, the promise of a gourmet meal at the end of a day riding or prefer the flexibility of a single centre cycling holiday, we can’t wait to talk to you about your requirements and start planning with you. 

Stay well,

Harvey Downard

Head of Cycling - Cycling for Softies

Coronavirus FAQ's

What are the entry requirements for my destination?

The entry requirements for each country are different. Please make sure you are familiar with the requirements for overseas travel that are currently in place. We have provided some useful links below and are happy to help with any questions you may have.
Covid-19 Travel Advice - Gov.uk
Rules for Travel to France & the UK - French Consular Office
Rules for Travel to Italy - FCDO Travel Advice
Travelling during Coronavirus - ABTA

Which destinations can I travel to?

In addition to following the UK’s FCDO travel advice and the entry requirements of destination countries, we are operating our cycling holidays in accordance with the UK’s Government travel traffic light system. To find out more about which destinations you can visit please click here. Alternatively, contact our cycle experts for the latest information.

What happens if my destination changes colour while I’m away?

Our team keep on top of the latest regulations as a matter of priority. We will contact you if a destination changes colour and will work with you to discuss your next steps. 

What testing requirements are there for my holiday destination?

There will almost certainly be a requirement for you to take a PCR test. Please make sure you are familiar with the latest testing requirements here

What changes have you made to your booking procedure?

Across our cycling portfolio we have introduced a flexible booking policy giving you the ability to change your date or destination right up to your balance due date. With our flexible booking options and ABTA & ATOL bonding you can be sure that your holiday is protected should anything change before you go and that your money is always safe. Please contact us for more details.

The balance payment for my holiday is due soon – what should I do?

We understand that some guests are concerned about making their final balance payments due to the uncertainty we are facing at present. As such we are providing all guests whose balances are due soon some extra flexibility. To discuss your options, please speak to your account manager.

What steps are you taking to protect guests on your tours?

Our holidaymakers' health and safety is of the utmost importance to us and with that in mind, you will see below the steps that we are taking to protect you and mitigate the risk of contracting & spreading Coronavirus / COVID-19 while you are travelling on our tours.

• All welcome meetings will be carried out inline with appropriate advice on social distancing.
• Additional paper documents will not be handed out in your welcome meeting. Where possible we will provide digital copies by email or text message.
• You will be provided with hand sanitiser and tissues at your welcome meeting for use throughout your stay.
• Your bikes will be disinfected prior to handover and upon collection at the end of your tour.
• The vans used to transport your luggage will be cleaned and disinfected at the start of each day.
• Luggage transfer drivers will wear gloves when handling luggage.
• In addition to this, our local suppliers will be putting their own procedures in place to minimise the chance of transmission.

DO:

• Notify your Destination Manager if you are feeling unwell at the earliest opportunity.
• Meet and greet your Destination Manager and other guests without shaking hands.
• Avoid unnecessary personal contact (hugs, kisses, high-fives etc.) and passing around of objects. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Avoid close contact with people who are not well.
• Stay at home if you are sick to help stop the spread of whatever infection you may have.

DON’T:

• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
• Do not share objects that touch your mouth – for example, water bottles.
• Do not pass your phone or camera to others.

What happens if we book a UK tour but aren't allowed to take part?

If Government guidance does not allow us to run the tour, you would be entitled to postpone your departure or receive a refund. In the meantime your money will always be 100% secure - we are ABTA members and your booking will be covered by their financial protection scheme.

What about travel insurance?

We cannot give advice on travel insurance, but certain providers do appear to provide more comprehensive cover for Covid-19 than others, so we recommend you scrutinise any travel insurance policy to check it covers what you need.

I have another question that you haven’t answered – what should I do?

For any other queries, please feel free to get in touch. You can contact either reach out to your account manager directly, or reach us by phone on +44(0) 20 7471 7760 or by email on info@cyclingforsofties.com. We’re open 9-6 Monday to Thursday and 9-5 on Friday. We’re happy to help in any way that we can.