COVID-19 NOTICE: Right now, we are all taking life day-by-day. Travel plans have to be cancelled and loved ones have to be separated by closed borders and travel bans. We don’t know what the next 6 months will look like. To keep my days in social distancing ticking over, I want to keep doing what I’ve always done. Keep sharing nice things I’ve seen and nice places I’ve been, and keep your and my travel dreams alive. Because one day, when we’re ready to poke our heads out of our front doors again, when planes are back in the sky and the travel bans are lifted, we will see more of the world together.
Travel bans, cancellations and disappointment
It feels like I can’t remember what we used to talk about before COVID-19? Borders are closed. People are stuck in countries that aren’t home. Weddings are being cancelled. We are finding new ways to live in solitude, while trying to find solidarity. Every one of us is living with our own fears, disappointments and anxieties in this new world.
Everyone is allowed to feel the way they feel right now.
Your feelings are valid. Your disappointments are valid.
Many of us are waking up to the news that our upcoming travels are being cancelled or postponed and it’s totally OK to feel sad and disappointed about it. You can even cry if you need to. Some people are losing thousands on non-refundable flights and accommodation, while others will thankfully be able to re-book their trips once the world has returned to normal.
Le Boat Vacations Are Allowing Passengers to Re-Book Any Holiday Up to 48 Hours Before Departure
Personally, I had a trip planned with Le Boat for later this year, which is off the cards until further notice. But Le Boat is working hard to be able to offer passengers as many options as possible to make their dream boating holiday a reality, implementing a new policy to give customers additional peace of mind during this period of uncertainty.
Read: Everything you need to know about a houseboat holiday in Venice
Le Boat passengers will be able to book any holiday departing on or before the 30th of June 2020, with the added reassurance that they’ll be able to cancel up to 48 hours before departure. If your trip has to be cancelled, you can either amend your existing booking to cruise on a later date in 2020 or receive a full booking credit which can applied to any future Le Boat holiday departing in 2020 or 2021.
Read: My guide to a houseboat holiday in France
So no matter what happens over the next few uncertain months, at least you’ll have that dream boating holiday to look forward to. The policy includes all Le Boat holidays, whether existing or new, departing on or before 30th June 2020 to any Le Boat destination.
Le Boat has routes and boats in Canada, France, England, The Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Germany. Their boats range from budget to premier, so there’s something for everyone, on every budget. The two houseboat holidays I have done with Le Boat have been some of the most incredible trips of my life! It’s basically like a road trip, but you take your hotel with you. You can stop anywhere along the way, ride your bicycle, find little cheese shops and wine farms and markets and restaurants. You can wake up on the canals to swans right outside your window. It’s pure magic!
These are really uncertain times, but knowing that you have a boating holiday to start planning as soon as reality becomes recognisable again is a bright light at the end of the tunnel! Like I said yesterday, the tourism industry needs us to see it through this time, so if you have plans to travel in the future, book now to help them keep the lights on and the boats afloat.
My Top 5 Reasons to Book A Self-Driving Barging Holiday in France with Le Boat Vacations
1 Le Boat has been in the business for over 40 years and they know pretty much everything there is to know about barging holidays in Europe.
2 Le Boat’s local team is based in South Africa, so they understand what it’s like to travel as a South African (and spend your hard-earned ZAR overseas) and they can advise on everything from which route is right for you to what visa documents you’ll need. The process is super smooth from start to finish, and they are always just a phone call away if you need help.
3 It’s a really affordable way to see Europe. Think about what you’d normally spend on accommodation and car hire per day. Barging means that you’re effectively cutting your costs in half.
4 It’s such a fun and unique experience. You’re always on the move, but you’re always together. I loved the fact that one of us could be driving while the other was preparing lunch. Having all your stuff with you is so nice, and not having to pack up and move every night is a dream. It’s also awesome being able to charge your devices at any time (never have a flat battery again!).
5 There are so many routes to choose from. With routes in 9 countries, you can do a Le Boat holiday every year!
To find out more or book your future trip with Le Boat visit their website www.leboat.co.za.
*Personally, I am suffering financially during this uncertain time. This post is sponsored by LeBoat Vacations, and will help me to earn a living while all my other travel-related work is cancalled.
