3 easy methods to secure your holiday travel against pandemics

Thinking of a getaway to Israel? Unfortunately, it's closed to international visitors for two weeks and now requires quarantine. Considering a trip to Morocco? That country has entirely halted air travel for the next two weeks.

The omicron variant has many understandably worried about their travel arrangements, as several nations have implemented travel restrictions in reaction to this new, potentially more contagious strain of coronavirus.

Even if you manage to enter a destination, you might encounter strict testing or quarantine protocols — and simply returning to the U.S. could become more challenging.

A lot remains uncertain as the busy holiday season approaches, with countries striving to balance public health measures against the economic impacts of new restrictions and closures. However, there are straightforward ways to protect your holiday travel plans and be ready for whatever unfolds in the coming weeks.

Use points and miles to book your journey

We often discuss leveraging your hard-earned points and miles, not just because we enjoy saving money and flying first class.

If you need to cancel your trip unexpectedly, you can typically reclaim your points and miles with ease. Most airline loyalty programs, from domestic options like United MileagePlus to international programs such as Singapore's KrisFlyer, generally refund miles from canceled award tickets promptly.

Some programs, like ANA Mileage Club and Avianca LifeMiles, will process refunds for award tickets within a week.

Keep in mind that airlines may impose fees for redepositing miles, although these fees are often waived for elite status holders.

This policy applies not just to flights — your hotel reservations are included too. Most hotel award nights can be canceled right up until your check-in time.

Adjusting or canceling travel plans made with points and miles is straightforward; unlike booking through an online travel agency, you can contact your airline or hotel directly regarding your reservation. Plus, if you're an elite member, you might get to talk to a representative faster. This can save you significant time, especially during peak holiday seasons.

Using points and miles for my own travel has saved me hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars when cancellation was necessary. Just days before the World Health Organization labeled the coronavirus a pandemic in March 2020, I canceled a dream trip to Istanbul, Turkey, on Turkish Airways, which I had booked with my Aeroplan miles.

Shortly after canceling, Aeroplan refunded the miles to my account, and I received a refund for the taxes on the award ticket just a few days later.

Sure, if I had paid in cash, I probably would have received a refund, but it would have been a lot more complicated.

Consider getting travel insurance

Travel insurance is a great way to protect your travel investment.

Sadly, not all travel insurance policies cover COVID-19-related costs, even if you booked your trip with a credit card or through a third-party service. To get that coverage, you'll need to find a plan that explicitly includes COVID-19.

Insurance comparison sites like InsureMyTrip and Squaremouth can assist you in selecting a plan that suits your travel requirements and budget. Typically, a policy costs between 4% and 12% of your overall trip costs, depending on the plan chosen. So, if your vacation cost $2,000, anticipate paying between $80 and $240 for a standard, comprehensive travel insurance policy.

If you seek flexibility — for instance, if you prefer not to travel due to the new variant — consider opting for a cancel-for-any-reason policy. This add-on allows you to cancel for any reason, including pandemic-related concerns. However, this isn't insurance you can acquire last minute before heading to the airport. As we mentioned before, you typically need to purchase cancel-for-any-reason insurance within 14 to 21 days of your initial payment for vacation costs.

Additionally, you must insure 100% of your trip expenses and cancel your trip at least 48 hours prior to departure to qualify for a refund of up to 75% of the trip cost.

Steer clear of nonrefundable travel

That low fare might end up costing you more in the long run.

Given the current uncertainty in travel, situations like the new variant are precisely why we strongly recommend avoiding nonrefundable bookings. Don't misunderstand: a good deal is appealing. However, the lowest rates often come with the most restrictions. These aren't just limitations like not being able to check a bag or select your seat. Generally, you won't receive a refund for a nonrefundable reservation — even if your plans change due to factors beyond your control.

There are ways to adapt your plans, such as modifying your travel dates, but you'll still be responsible for the cost of the flight.

Nonrefundable travel can be worthwhile at times, especially if you land an incredibly cheap ticket. Yet, with the current volatility in travel, it may be wiser to invest a bit more in a refundable ticket for added peace of mind.