To the other travelers on the 5/17 European 14-day tour, it is upsetting that as of today (3/9) we still do not have the option to get a refund on our trip —-and tour dates for 2021 will not be available until late May. Half of this tour is in Italy which is under lockdown/Everything there is shut down. Very sad that people are dying (at an alarming rate). My husband and I (ages 68/71) are frightened with all the news. We are no longer interested in traveling there this year. It is too dangerous. Many states here in US are under “state of emergency” designation; sanitizers and face masks cannot be found. Our trip of a lifetime, that was insured for $12,000 is not covered for a pandemic. How can that be? Our United flights (to Paris/home from Rome) cannot be rescheduled (as booked) until we have new dates to choose from. Unfortunately, our timing and coordination on this is not working. What have other travelers in this situation decided to do?
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
208 posts
I am sorry to see you in this stressful situation.
However, I think you need to remain calm.
There is a real chance, IMHO, that this thing will have blown over by mid May (The flu, which is similar, typically has completely died down by mid-May, not to return until October).
If that doesn't happen, then I would imagine there is also a real chance that the RS tours will give you the option of a refund. I could completely understand that they, like everyone else dealing with this coronavirus thing, is dealing with what is in front of them right now, and isn't really thinking far ahead at the moment.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
People have died but your “ people are dying rapidly @ is a bit of hyperbole .
Frankly I think RS should allow people to cancel and get refund - unless they can rearrange itinerary to avoid places like Venice Rome Florence etc - and I think they are all in your tour aren’t they ?
Posted by
3 posts
I am in the same situation that you are, with a Rick Steve’s tour to Italy starting on May 17th.
My thinking is that in the next two weeks they will probably extend the cancellation/refund window to tours in May. Because things change daily, my guess is they don’t want to overreact at this point. This entire situation is so frustrating to so many people. Hang In there.
Posted by
So Cal
43 posts
I am in the same situation but my trip is all Northern Italy arriving Venice, leaving Milan and the tour starts 4/13 the day after RS cutoff of 4/12. I know I probably have to just wait and it will resolve itself, but my personal biggest concern is that it will be a limbo situation. Maybe they will start to lift the travel ban in Italy to start to encourage travel but people are still suggested not to travel and I will be out a chunk of money....Either way at this point I know I won't be traveling and I am trying just trying to be patient. With the stock market and this, it is just stressing me out! That all being said, separately I am so so sad for the people of Italy with what they are going through right now. I truly hope the warmer weather stops the spread of this virus and they come up with a vaccine soon!
Posted by
Prior Lake, MN, USA
392 posts
I disagree with Matt
I saw a chart for SARS illness from some years back.
The infection rate was in the 3,000 in the winter/spring
Fell to 1,000 for the summer
Rose in the fall to significantly higher than the spring rate.
So
1) it didn't END in the summer. It went to 1/3
2) the 2nd wave, in the fall was worse!
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
At this point there is no need to panic. Things can change drastically by May. Wait to see what happens. If RS has to cancel due to restrictions on travel or other issues they will have to refund you. If you cancel before that you will be held to the contract you signed.
Travel insurances usually don't cover pandemics.
Donna