Coronavirus Travel Information

An Update from Cycling for Softies

30th June 2020

Dear all,

We hope that this letter finds you and your loved ones safe, healthy, and happy.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to change how we all live our lives, however, whilst a cautious and pragmatic approach is still required, we can see the blue sky beyond it. After 3 months of restrictions and challenges, we are delighted to be able to begin operating some tours once again in the coming weeks and months.

By now we have already reached out to all our customers booked to travel until the end of September, providing them all with some extra time to make a well-informed decision on their holiday plans. We will now begin following up with these customers to finalise their plans in departure date order. We have said before that we have the nicest clients in the world and that is really proving to be true as we work together on this. We truly appreciate their support and understanding and look forward to giving them the holiday that they all deserve after the last few months!

Given that we will be working to a shorter operational season, we’ve seized the opportunity to get off to an early start on our preparations for 2021. If 2020 is too soon for you, we’re here and open for business for forward bookings. 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 offering as much flexibility as possible. We’ve reduced our deposits and removed any amendment fees so you can change your date and destination for no cost, up to 12 weeks before departure. We will also be honouring 2020 prices for 2021 bookings until further notice.

Maybe this will take you to one of our ‘Eco-Friendly’ destinations, accessible by high-speed trains from London, or to one of our decadent ‘Indulgence’ tours in France and Italy. Or perhaps something a little closer to home, like our e-bike tours in the Cotswolds and Sussex, or a self-drive holiday to Normandy or the Loire valley. 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

I’m booked to travel in July – what should I do?

We have taken the decision to work through each booking individually to provide the best possible service to you, in a friendly and personal way. Our account managers are pro-actively contacting all our guests booked to travel up until the end of July to talk through the options available to them and to work out the best steps to take for each individual booking.

I’m booked to travel in August (or later) – what should I do?

We are currently working through bookings departing up until the end of July. We understand that our guests travelling later than this may still have some concerns about their trip and invite you to make contact with your account manager if you have any questions that you would like us to answer. In the meantime, rest assured that we will be in touch promptly should we receive any news pertaining to your booking.

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.

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.