My Guest Blogger - Craig Fish
This article will take approximately 3 minutes to read
Published 18 Mar 2022 in Phil's blog
With Phil on holiday this week, the blog has been handed over to our guest blogger, Craig Fish, Travel Manager at Your Co-op Travel Gloucester. Craig gives us an interesting insight to how Travel has been over a difficult last two years, the positives to come for Summer 2022 and his favourite holiday hotspots. Take it away Craig…
There’s never a dull moment in travel! Everything that happens in the world, either economically, politically, environmentally, or socially; affects travel businesses everywhere.
As a group, we’ve obviously had the severe impact of the pandemic to manage but are really pleased to say that with our resilience and determination, we’re seeing a positive outlook for 2022 and beyond. Unfortunately, we are now seeing the horrific events in Eastern Europe which naturally will affect the cost of living for everyone.
Over the last few weeks, it’s great to say we have seen the strongest recovery in travel since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. My guest blog today will tell you a little bit more about our journey in travel over the last 2 years, during the anniversary of the UK going into the COVID-19 Lockdown…
How has the Gloucester branch been Craig?
It certainly has been a crazy two years, a time when the travel industry has literally stood still. Thankfully, over recent weeks, our members and customers are certainly feeling more confident to travel. As a result, we are seeing customers old and new coming through our doors to book their next holiday with us. This has been fantastic for us here in Gloucester, as we recently relocated to a shiny new brand travel branch, in December 2021. It’s been great to see so many colleagues booking with us for the first time too. With colleagues taking advantage of the recent enhanced discount and our price match guarantee, there’s really no reason for colleagues to book anywhere else. It’s been nice to show Society colleagues that we can book their favourite holiday brands and save them some pounds too.
To complement this, our branch sales for January and February have been strong and we have seen a rise in our travel money sales. All in all, the team and I have started this year feeling very positive and looking forward to a much busier year ahead.
What’s been most difficult since COVID-19 struck?
Well, the job role has certainly changed over the last two years. Now, more than ever, we’re here to guide people from the moment they book until they make it away! Things are changing all the time but it’s pleasing to see that travelling is getting even easier now, as from today (Friday 18 March) if you’re returning to England you will not need to get any COVID-19 tests, fill in a passenger locator form, or quarantine.
We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to ensure everyone gets away on holiday hassle-free, prepared, and ready for a well-earned break - after all, holidays are not meant to be stressful!
What are the benefits of using a travel advisor?
Given the last two years of uncertainty, I guess my question would be why wouldn’t you? There are so many benefits to having a travel advisor on hand to help you with the end-to-end process of travelling. From planning that perfect trip together, getting first-hand knowledge of resorts and destinations. It’s a way of having someone on hand to guide and walk you through the ‘new’ way of travelling, and the ever-changing entry rules and requirements.
Our members and customers can relax knowing that we can take all the worries out of travelling overseas with the added benefit of us only being an email or call away for any extra advice or support. I personally feel now more than ever it’s time you should be using a travel advisor and making use of our expertise.
How has the Ukraine situation impacted member & customer travel plans this year?
Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine at this awful time.
We are seeing that despite the awful ongoing events, our members and customers do want to have something booked in the diary, something to look forward to and escape the everyday challenges that we are all facing. I do feel very optimistic about what the next few months ahead will entail for the travel industry. The demand is there, and the priority is ensuring that we have all the information we need on hand to help us guide our members and customers through this journey. Where necessary, we can help people change destinations to ensure that their holiday can go ahead or amend to a later date when they may feel more confident to travel.
What advice would you have for anyone travelling this summer?
Always book in advance. We have all been there when they don’t have the jeans left in the size we want! Holidays are very similar. People have been rebooking or moving holidays for the last two years and this has really impacted availability. Just last week, I was unable to get a water bungalow in any of the Sandals resorts due to these being sold out until May 2023. It’s important, to avoid disappointment, and to get the best deal, that you are super organised and book up well in advance!
For those of you travelling this summer, the most important thing is that you travel stress and hassle-free. Take the time to speak to your travel advisor, run over anything you are uncertain about and be in the best position to make sure you get off on that dream holiday. Most importantly, now more than ever, ensure you have good travel insurance to travel with.
The Your Co-op Travel insurance covers everything you may need, including COVID-19 cover. Colleagues can take advantage too, with their exclusive travel discount which can help cover extra costs like travel money and excursions while abroad. If you haven’t already used it, click here to find out more.
Have you been anywhere since the pandemic began?
Like many of us, my overseas trips were cancelled in the last two years, but I have used this as an opportunity to spend some time holidaying in the UK. Last year, I visited North Devon and Wales as well as exploring cities such as London and Manchester. That said, I cannot wait to get back on a plane and I have some exciting trips planned this year.
Where is your favourite holiday spots?
Working in the travel industry I get asked this question a lot. To be honest, it’s a tricky one to answer. I have been fortunate enough to work within travel since I was a teenager and have travelled at every given opportunity. I’ve seen some amazing sights such as the Pyramids, the Taj Mahal and Petra. For me, each destination offers a new and unique experience and I love nothing more than getting out and exploring. I spent my 21st birthday travelling India and for me, India is certainly up there as one of my top destinations.
What would you say to anyone unsure about travelling?
Travel! The answer will always be go and travel! The benefits by far outweigh the reasons not to. For those that are unsure or worried, use a travel advisor to get the information you need, and you cannot go wrong. One of my favourite quotes from the Dalai Lama is “once a year, go somewhere you’ve never been before.”
The world is a big place, with so much to offer and so many exciting memories to be made - take advantage and make the most of it whilst you can.
Thanks for taking the time to read my guest blog and if you enjoyed it, feel free to leave me a 'Heart' above or comment below!