Coronavirus Travel Information

Updated 18 March 2020

At Cycling for Softies we have been closely following news and updates regarding Coronavirus and how this may affect your travel plans. We have put together a list of FAQs to help answer any concerns you might have in the run up to your trip.

What is the latest travel situation?

Both France and Italy have now taken extraordinary measures to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus. These measures have had an impact on our ability to operate our cycling holidays in the short term and we are in touch with guests traveling on or before the 30th April 2020 to talk through their options. Please see below for the latest information from the FCO on both countries.

France

The French government outlined new measures on 14 March to delay the spread of coronavirus. This includes the closure of all non-essential establishments open to the public from Midnight, 14 March, until further notice (i.e. restaurants, cafes, cinemas). This includes a number of our local partners. Food shops, pharmacies, petrol stations, and banks will stay open. We currently have no clients in France on our cycling holidays.

Italy

On March 9th the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) updated their advice against all but essential travel to Italy, due to an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19) and in line with various controls and restrictions imposed by the Italian authorities on 9 March. These additional restrictions put in place by the Italian authorities are for the period to 3rd April. We currently have no clients in Italy on our cycle holidays.

I am booked to travel soon, what are my options?

Booked to travel up to and including 30th April 2020

Whilst FCO advice is inconsistent across all of our destinations, we feel that it is unlikely that we will be able to offer tours unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic in April and are already in touch directly with our clients scheduled to depart in this window to discuss their options.

Booked to travel from 1st May 2020

For clients booked to travel from 1st May we ask you to monitor the guidance on this page, and email communications directly from our team. We believe there is a reasonable expectation that the situation will improve in Europe by May to allow for the safe operation of our tours, and hence cancellations and changes to bookings departing in this period are per our terms and conditions. We monitor guidance daily and will be guided by the FCO and local authorities. We will give no less than 14 day- notice and outline to you change and cancellation options if we are unable to safely offer tours departing from 1st May. 

What happens if Cycling for Softies has to cancel my holiday due to the Coronavirus outbreak?

We hope that we do not have to cancel your holiday, but in a situation where we feel our guests’ health and safety cannot be guaranteed, your account manager will get in contact with you no later than 14 days before departure to talk through the options available to you.

Can I cancel my holiday even though you are still planning for it to go ahead?

Based on FCO advice we are currently allowing changes to bookings for clients travelling to Italy up to and including 30th April.

For all other bookings, our standard cancellation and change terms apply. If you decide not to travel and choose to cancel your holiday then our usual cancellation terms apply – please see our terms and conditions for full details.

Your travel insurer might offer more generous cancellation terms, particularly if you have an underlying medical condition. Please contact your insurer, and our team to support you with the necessary documentation for your insurer.

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

This will depend on the terms of your policy and the reason for your cancellation (for example if you are concerned about a serious underlying medical condition). You should contact your travel insurance provider to check if you can make a claim.

I haven’t yet paid the balance for my holiday. Can I pay later while I wait and see what happens?

We ask you to make the balance payment for your holiday 12 weeks before departure. You can do this safe in the knowledge that we will provide you with a full refund if we have to cancel your holiday for any reason. Our usual cancellation charges apply.

What’s happening at the airports when I arrive or leave?

Airports have introduced various measures across destinations. Please visit your arrival/departure airport website for the specific measures that have been introduced and make sure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your flight.

What happens if travel advice changes while I am on holiday?

We will respond accordingly to any advice by the FCO and we will communicate any changes to you.

Where can I check for up-to-date travel and health information for my destination?

• Travellers are advised to read the FCO travel advice for the country they are travelling to. Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

• ABTA also has updated advice and FAQs for travellers at www.abta.com/coronavirus

• The NHS website has useful information about how to take preventative measures against Coronavirus at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19

• There is also some useful information from the Italian Tourism Agency: http://www.italia.it/en/useful-info/italy-a-safe-country-covid-19.html