End of Year Reflections

Dear friends,

As we approach the end of another year dominated by Covid, which has admittedly continued to test our industry’s resilience to the max, we are choosing to reflect on the positives and are, as ever, looking optimistically to the future.

Along with the wider world, Omicron has caused us unwelcome disruption the last few weeks and, whilst we are keeping a very watchful eye on the ever-changing situation (whilst simultaneously banging our heads against the wall), our main reflection is that it has been absolutely wonderful to once again have the opportunity to send so many people away over the last few months. Encouragingly we continue to have lots of bookings departing over the next couple of weeks and into the New Year. It would seem, despite the challenges that Omicron has thrown at us all, it has not destroyed the deep-rooted passion for wanderlust amongst our clients.

Indeed, over recent months we have never felt more wanted! Whilst traditionally our mandate has been to predominantly match and execute the ultimate holiday experience to the right destinations within the given timeframe and budget, we genuinely feel our role as operators has now taken on an additional element of critical importance. Against a backdrop of a continually changing landscape in terms of PCR requirements, including when (and often where!) tests need to be performed and what forms, declarations, print outs and even QR codes are needed before even stepping a foot into an airport, we fully appreciate travel at present may seem incredibly daunting and all rather exhausting.

That is where we step in. We are working tirelessly to keep our fingers firmly on the pulse so we can navigate you step-by-step through the process in order to take the stress and worry out of the equation. For after all, a holiday is meant to be just that, and not a struggle! Similarly, for peace of mind, for those who have unfortunately had to cancel last-minute, we have managed to either refund in full or postpone/rebook every single booking, often within a matter of days.

So, as you take much needed breaks over Christmas, and discussions around the table may turn to holiday plans for next year, rest assured we are on hand to help more than ever before. As many of our clients who have travelled with us recently will attest to, never has a holiday been more appreciated and the decision to travel seemed so justified.

May we therefore wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas, and a brighter and well-travelled New Year.

Toby & the ET Team