2020 has been a strange year for travel and needless to say we didn't send as many travellers as usual out on trips. However, some travellers did manage to have a much needed #macsmoment over the last couple of months.

We want to help you plan, prepare and to create your own #macsmoment next year. We know it's hard to plan when you don't know what's ahead and you may be tempted to wait until the last minute. Our priority is to ensure you enjoy a safe and happy holiday and avoid disappointment where possible. We’ve pulled together a guide to help you plan now for travel next year.

Planning a Trip:

Book Early to Avoid Disappointment

We're already seeing a lot of demand for 2021. With new social distancing measures and a pent-up demand from postponed trips this year, availability may well be a challenge. This is especially true for our most popular tours such as Tour du Mont Blanc, the West Highland Way and the Camino. Keep an eye out for special events which take place next year like the Holy Year 2021 on the Camino. These events will make it even harder to secure accommodations.

Book with Confidence

Check the booking terms and conditions for the company you are travelling with, you don’t want to lose out if something goes wrong. Our peace of mind guarantee allows you to make plans now worry-free with flexible free changes for any reason* and free cancellation should your trip be affected by travel advice. 

Accommodations

Make sure wherever you plan to stay is following health and safety procedures. We’ve always handpicked our accommodations and have trusted relationships with all our suppliers. The health and safety of our customers is our highest priority and we have sent all our suppliers Covid-19 guidelines to ensure safety procedures are in place.

Getting There

Consider how you travel to your destination. Maybe you’d prefer to take the train or ferry instead of flying. Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland and France are all easily accessible by train or ferry. Or visit countries with shorter flight times such as Germany, Norway or Italy.

Be Open Minded

We recommend being flexible with your destination choice and maybe even have a second choice in mind if regulations do change. Here at Macs we can move quickly and make changes to your trip with our Peace of Mind Guarantee*. Planning ahead is best to secure availability but don't forget to check travel restrictions for your destination as you get closer to your departure date. For information on travel restrictions visit UK Government Advice for travelling abroad.

Travelling Post Covid-19: 

Health & Safety

The health and safety of our customers is our top priority, even in ‘normal’ times we have a health and safety program. We’ve created a document outlining appropriate guidelines to help you stay safe while travelling including travel documents such as track and trace forms, hygiene such a face-coverings, social distancing and what to expect on tour. You can read our full guidelines here.

Self-Guided Travel

Self-guided means you can choose your own travel companions and don’t need to join a group. This benefit means you can have as much or as little interaction with people as you want making social distancing a lot easier. You're also less likely to be affected by restrictions such as mixing households which is harder to do when you're in a group.

Help Local Communities

We aim to leave a positive impact on the places we visit. Some communities rely heavily on tourism and have been severely impacted by Covid-19 with over 100 million jobs at risk around the world. We book those fantastic small hotels, inns and B&B's, local taxis, baggage transfers and family run businesses that rely so heavily on tourism. By travelling you can support local communities and help them keep their livelihoods. 

Think About the Small Things

Certain procedures may be in place at your accommodation, restaurants or transfer companies. This could be booking a time slot for your breakfast, set check-in times or a one-way system. It’s best to call your accommodations before arrival to double check. Remember to check local guidelines concerning Covid-19 and be aware of any changes when you are out on your trip.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

At Macs Adventure we firmly believe that human-powered travel is the best way to discover the world around you. The added bonus of going on a walking holiday or biking holiday is that you are already reducing your carbon footprint. Eating in local restaurants with locally sourced food has a triple benefit of helping the environment and local community plus the food is even more delicious because it's fresh. 

Slow Travel

Slow travel is a bit of a hit now and after months of being locked in doors I think we've all started to appreciate the little things in life. Take the time to soak up the scenery, connect with the culture, try something new and really explore the destination. Don't take our word for it:

"We had a fantastic time cycling route 72 along Hadrian’s wall. A perfect antidote to weeks of home working and home schooling. Food, weather and people were awesome as was the scenery. Thanks Macs not something we had ever done before."

Get a glimpse into what it's like out on the trail

Our very own Cara walked the West Highland Way in July 2020 and shares her experience of the "new normal" for walking holidays. Find out about Cara's experience here.

If you're eager to get planning for next year you can find some inspirations for 2021 on the Macs Adventure website or contact hello@macsadventure.com for advice or inspiration.