Planning ahead

Whatever you buy make sure it is 100 % refundable; the price won't be as low in those cases

I will definitely keep that in mind. Thanks for the heads up!

Margaret, we are all wishing for a speedy recovery, and hoping we can get back to leisure travel soon. That said, it's anyone's guess as to when that's going to be possible (or wise). We have a lot of rough sledding ahead of us all before we can see that again.

Worth keeping in mind: the vast majority of airlines "load their schedules" into their systems about 11 months in advance. That's as far ahead as you can book a flight (on almost all airlines), so right now, the farthest out you can "see" is February 2021. Unless you are planning a winter trip, you're going to need to hold your fire (which is a smart thing to do anyway, and there's no telling what travel to Italy might be like 11 months form now or even further ahead). There's nothing wrong with dreaming and planning, just don't write anything down in ink...

Thank you David, you are absolutely right! I have been thankful that I would even be able to travel again but you are right. We won't know how long or ehat the repercussions of this will be. I will just write down my plans for now and hope by 2021 the world will be free of this horrible pandemic. Once it is safe to travel again, I will never delay a trip because I know we are never guaranteed anything, including good health. Take care and thank you!

Margaret, it's great that you're thinking about this trip next year. I went on the VFR tour in October 2018 and it was excellent. Like David and others, I don't think it would be wise to make any plans "in ink" yet. Not only are tours and flights not yet scheduled, but Italy's tourist infrastructure might look very different a year or more from now. I expect a lot of hotels will go out of business, for example, including some of those that usually host RS groups. So the RS folks will have to rebuild some of their tour plans for next year. Some airlines might not get through this period either, so schedules for next year can't be counted on.

One thing I would suggest, if you have the time and budget, is to fly into Venice at least a few days before the tour starts, and fly out of Rome at least a few days after it ends. I did both, and felt that I had a much better experience in both cities for the extra time. You could even add time in Florence by returning there (high speed train) after the tour ends in Rome. The tours are great but they don't cover everything you might want to see -- if they tried to they'd be a blur.

Thank you Dick and sadly that will probably be true about some hotels and even airlines not making it through. It is a horrible situation all around. I think I will start writing down my plans of what places I will definitely need to add to the trip this next time around for whenever I do get to go. Thanks so much for your suggestions! Take care, Margaret

Good for you Margaret. I don't know when you will be travelling but February/March prices will be lower than if you are travelling at a later time in the year.

I always buy nonrefundable flights and take out insurance and until this year have never run into any problems. Even with my nonrefundable this year, worst case scenario is I wll be able to change my flight dates (though it might be a date I'm not interested in/can't make, or will likely be more expensive.)

Your statement: "It's probably crazy to be thinking so far ahead in light of all that's taking place" -- might be spot on.
Currently, public health experts are making no predictions about when, or if, the virus will go away.
Maybe better to wait some before getting into detailed planning?
Just a thought and wishing that all of us will stay well.

How many nights on the ground are you planning?

Cancelable hotel reservations can be made on booking.com. Flights are usually scheduled last. If flying out of JAN, it will probably be a FCO round trip on Delta, immediate train from the airport to Venice [direct at 10:53 and 13:53, others you change downtown], Rome at the end.

Thank you Gunderson, I always liked cooler weather to travel in. I don't do well with the heat so colder weather is better. Thanks so much and take care! Margaret

Hi Kent,
Going to wait on booking anything.

Hi N_Kingdom,
Whenever I finally do get to travel I am thinking about 10-12 days if I don't schedule with RS but I think that will be the trip I will do once travel is once again happening. Take care, Margaret

Margaret,
We also have been dealing with illnesses and have had to cancel several trips. But we need a trip to look forward to do O understand your dilemma. This time is different.
So hang tight but be ready to book when everything gets better. Wishing you a wonderful future trip!

Nothing wrong with thinking and dreaming ahead, and being optimistic (and flexible) about plans. I have at least 5 trips in my head. Keep in mind for when you start planning that cancel anytime travel insurance has to be bought within not more than 21 days (and sometimes less) from your first trip payment. Have fun wherever and whenever you go.

Thank you Suki and KC! I hope we all get to do the trips we are dreaming about. Suki I wish you the best of health so you can travel again in the future! Take care, Margaret

One of the joys of personal travel is planning ahead - anticipation! Planning often takes more time than the trip itself (and in a sense this is part of the journey) as we contemplate the places, people and experiences ahead. When the pandemic is over, you'll be among many glad travelers - as we celebrate life!

Garrison

Thank you Garrison, I agree and just thinking of the sites I want to include in the trip brings me good thoughts and energy! I know all of us will be thankful when this horrible time in history will be over and we get to see the places we might have only dreamed about. I appreciate your post and everyone on here! ❤

The expert's are saying this virus will pop back upin the fall...so keep that in mind.