From visiting major modern cosmopolitan cities such as the stunning neon street lights of Shinjuku, Tokyo, to world heritage destinations packed with rich traditions and culture such as Kyoto, or the scenic powder white snow of Niseko, Hokkaido, there is so much to see and do in every city/town in Japan. Scott Dunn’s travel experts have curated several Japan travel itineraries below for you to rediscover the wonders and beauty of Japan again.

Escape to some of Japan’s most luxurious and intimate ryokans

The Japanese ryokans are some of the best places to experience Japanese hospitality at its best. Those traditional Japanese inns are often small in size, they are family-run establishments, just like a boutique spa hotel. All you have to do is relax, enjoy and use be.

In this indulgent itinerary from Scott Dunn, you’ll get to discover beautiful onsens set against incredible backdrops, feast on delicious Kaita-kaiseki dining, and discover Japan’s famed omotenashi-style hospitality that will leave you wonderfully refreshed and rejuvenated.

Explore Japan’s gorgeous natural wonders from waterfalls to cherry blossoms

Japan has gorgeous natural wonders, thanks to its varied topography and geography. They are the perfect setting for a great outdoors adventure, as well as a travel photographer’s haven. Travel out and beyond the buzzing metropolis, discover the remote islands, towering volcanoes, secret springs and snow-capped mountains. They are waiting for you to explore them!

Veer off the beaten track and venture down some of Japan’s most beautiful walking trails in Scott Dunn’s Exceptional Japan itinerary. One of the trails that guests will get to experience is the Nakasendo Trail. Lined with traditional villages and beautiful mountains, this trail follows the ancient road that samurai used to take while travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto.

If you are a Japan cherry blossom fan, you would know that March and April are the best times to visit this iconic world famous spectacle of pastel pink as the cherry trees begin to blossom with sakura in Japan. This special itinerary from Scott Dunn will take you through some of the most picturesque places to see the cherry blossoms, including stops at Hakone National Park and Miyajima Island. Plus, thanks to Scott Dunn’s intrepid travel experts, you’ll get to see the cherry blossoms at lesser-known parks and viewing points only the locals are privy to.

Time to start planning for your Japan’s cherry blossom season in March and April 2023!

美味しい! Oishii Japan’s local culinary delights

Food lovers, we know how Oishii Japan’s local culinary delights are! Japan is a food haven for foodies!

Enjoy a sake-themed day tour of Saijo where you will visit local brewers and have the chance to taste, learn and identify the subtle difference between different varieties of sake, or explore the endless maze of bars and restaurants of Shinbashi, where Tokyo’s ‘salarymen’ come to enjoy an after-work snack and drink.

In Scott Dunn’s Hidden Gem Food Tour, you’ll get to enjoy delicious snacks — such as savoury okonomiyaki pancakes and yakitori — and dine just like the locals do.

Take a cultural journey through the remarkable island of Naoshima 

Art enthusiasts will love the contemporary art paradise that is Naoshima island. Home to numerous museums and art displays, this small island began to grow as an art mecca in the 1980s: It even offers guests the unique opportunity to stay in an art museum – one designed by the famed architect Tadao Ando, and one that is equipped with stylish guest rooms and suites that boast the best views of the inland sea.

There, guests can indulge in decadent French and Japanese cuisine, pamper themselves in the nearby spa, and of course, explore the dozens of galleries and exhibitions spread across the remarkable area.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Scott Dunn and White Label PR *

The post Rediscover the wonders and beauty of Japan with Scott Dunn appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

A wide variety of travel adventures and activities await you, from trekking through the verdant jungle of Borneo in search of majestic orang utans, to cruising along the winding waterways of Mekong Delta, South East Asia has it all for us travelers. There are many destinations to visit in this remarkable South East Asia region of the world, as they start to relax their COVID entry requirements, there’s never been a better time to plan a trip. Check out this video by Scott Dunn, the beauty and charm of South East Asia!

Whether you’re planning a family retreat, a unique escapade for one, or a romantic getaway for two, let Scott Dunn bring you on a journey to uncover the natural wonders of our tropical neighbours and engage with the region’s rich and colourful history.

Indonesia 

The allure of Indonesia is undeniable – a diverse country where blue waters lap deserted beaches, rice paddles cut into hillsides and volcanoes soar over lush rainforests. The different cultures and people of Indonesia offer warm hospitality and the hotels are some of the most luxurious in the Asia Pacific. There is no better place to reconnect with nature than on Indonesia’s many island paradise.

• Family Holidays in Indonesia: From paddle boarding to parasailing, the ocean is a playground for the whole family where crystal clear waters awaits with conditions ideal for kids learning to swim. Unique accommodation options afford you the comfort and privacy of a home away from home, in an exotic setting where villas are spacious with enough rooms for kids to play, teens to bask in the sun, and parents to recline in the shade of a leafy palm. As a key highlight, navigating the far flung islands of Komodo and Flores or Raja Ampat is an extra special way to celebrate an occasion or spend quality time together, guaranteeing that both young and old are catered for from start to finish.
• Honeymoons in Indonesia: From Java to Bali and Lombok, Indonesia is arguably the ultimate honeymoon destination and it is for good reason that discerning honeymooners have long fallen under the spell of this enchanting string of paradisiacal islands. As a haven for scuba diving, white sandy beaches and utterly romantic experiences, it is the perfect place for a truly romantic getaway. Expect post-nuptial pampering and total relaxation in equal measure.
• Temples in Indonesia: Indonesia is a cultural phenomenon and a mosaic of temples, shrines and stupas, with eight UNESCO World Heritage sites to its name. From the shores of Indonesia’s low lying coastal regions, to its spongy hilltops and rice paddy clad fields, temples in Indonesia abound – seamlessly interweaving different cultures into the fabric of Indonesia. Visiting the country’s temples during regional festivals or national celebrations – such as the vibrant Bali Arts Festival or the holiest festival in Buddhism, Waisak – is a wonderful way to witness these incredible sites in all their glittering glory.
• Unique Experience: Cruise the extraordinary Komodo National Park aboard a luxury yacht for the most unique way to explore this untouched region. Stop off at the snorkelling and diving hotspots, the pristine beaches and the islands in search of the mighty Komodo Dragon before returning to Bali’s south coast for a relaxing end to your holiday unwinding on the beaches of Seminyak.

Vietnam

There are few places in the world where you can experience an exotic and rich culture the way that you do when you travel in Vietnam. A nation carpeted in greenery and studded with historic cities, it stretches along the South China Sea and snuggles up to Laos and Cambodia to the west and China to the north. There are so many fascinating places to visit in Vietnam from astonishingly beautiful scenery and beaches to evocative cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hoi An – it’s a country hard to beat.

• Vietnam for Families: Children are warmly embraced by the people of Vietnam. Kids will love the enchanting water puppet theatres, beaches, train and boat rides, and colonial city tours by Vespa. With dazzling beaches, lush mountains, fascinating hill-tribe villages, fabulous food and a deep history, Vietnam is a country like no other. Travelling with your family from the south to the north allows you to take in all that is alluring the country has to offer. From the emerald waters and limestone karsts of Halong Bay to vibrant and bustling Saigon, Vietnam has something for every member of the family.
• Vietnam Luxury Honeymoons: The different weather patterns along the length of the country make Vietnam a year-round destination, and therefore a fabulous option whatever the time of the year you are seeking a romantic getaway. From fascinating old meets new culture, fantastic cuisine, breathtaking scenery, and some incredible luxury beach properties, Vietnam is a great luxury romantic destination for two.
• Our Guide to Vietnam: With much to see and do in Vietnam, we recommend journeying like locals on the back of a Vespa through the streets of Saigon – through the central coast countryside by bike or buffalo cart and learn to fish Vietnam style. In Hanoi, meet a Feng Shui master or have a pre breakfast Tai Chi class and explore its colonial streets by jeep. Further north, trek from Sapa to Ta Giang Phinh across the waterfall scattered and undulating landscape past numerous villages, home to lesser-known ethnic groups and charming stilt houses.
• Unique Experience: Discover Hoi An’s mysterious nightlife from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter with a Street Food Tour. From the most famous white rose and fried wonton restaurant in town to the incredible BBQ specialties and charcoal grill, be sure to also join the locals with some glasses of cold beer and learn the art of Vietnamese wrap ‘n’ roll. Feast to your heart’s delight through Vietnam’s busy streets and alleyways.

Cambodia

From magnificent ancient temples shrouded in luminous jungle to blissful beaches that line the coast, Cambodia is a small country with a huge amount to offer. With the world famous UNESCO protected temples of Angkor at its centre along with its burgeoning riverside capital, Phnom Penh, dig deep for captivating insights into Cambodia’s intoxicating past – making Cambodia a country bursting with things to do, easily filling four to five days as part of a longer tour.

• Cambodia for Families: From the patchwork of paddy fields to the world-famous temples of Angkor, Cambodia offers everything for an exotic out-of-the-box family adventure. Try gourmet temple breakfasts, experience kayaking on Tonle Sap Lake, or even helicopter to remote and rarely seen temples. Scott Dunn is here to create the most amazing family for your 7, 17, and 70 year olds.
• Cambodia for Honeymooners: Epic Cambodia makes a luxuriously romantic escape in Amansara in Siem Reap and the indulgent island resort of Song Saa on Cambodian’s coast. With a wealth of unique and luxurious accommodations, private island escapes and one-in-a-lifetime experiences. Enjoy exquisite farm-to-table gourmet meals surrounded by paddy fields before going on breath-taking helicopter tours to remote locations across Cambodia.
• Our Guide to Cambodia: As Asia’s most celebrated destinations packed full of other worldly experiences Cambodia brings a sense of mysticism with an exploration of ancient temples tangled in jungle at dawn and experience the revered Angkor Wat soaring from the dusty plains at sunrise. Navigate its sleepy colonial towns and luxuriate on its glistening beaches as you enjoy warming smiles in its pristine villages. Ideal for families and couples alike, Cambodia offers visitors a wealth of experiences and insight into one of the world’s most fascinating histories where you can be sure to succumb to its charm.
• Unique Experience: Your own private dinner at the Angkorian temple lit up at night offers a breathtaking backdrop for any special occasion. Greeted at this stunning setting with pre-dinner drinks and canapés, dine on sumptuous Khmer cuisine and enjoy a traditional Apsara Dance Show for the evening’s entertainment while gaining insight into the current Cambodian cultural renaissance.

Thailand

Legendary white sandy beaches and warm people are only a small part of the appeal that draws people to Thailand. A land of contrasts, expect an overload to the senses with an eclectic mix of glistening temples, chaotic cities, and delicious Thai food.

• Thailand for Families: Thailand comes to life with a range of unique family-friendly experiences that go beyond the obvious. Take your youngest to the east coast for calm, shallow seas – perfect for new swimmers, or to the range of glimmering temples to marvel at playful monkeys and cave shrines. Many temples also have fortune-telling areas, which is an especially fun hands-on experience for children. Zip around the city in a tuk tuk and spend a day at an elephant sanctuary for the highlight of every family adventure in Thailand.
• Thailand for Honeymooners: An undeniably romantic backdrop, Thailand has the potential for many great journeys around the country. A popular option is to explore some of its dreamy islands and their luxury hideaways overlooking immaculate beaches and sapphire waters. Scott Dunn’s itineraries will take you East Coast Island Hopping, Floating Markets, and Powdery Beaches. Sample some of the most heavenly resorts and retreats in the country twinned with incredible experiences and vistas to really make your once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon an unforgettable one.
• Our Guide to Thailand: As one of the most visited of all Southeast Asian countries, Thailand is a blend of sacred spaces, refined cuisine, vibrant metropolis, incredible beaches alongside crystal waters and jungle landscape hiding ancient ruins and magnificent elephants. Encounter off-the-beaten-track villages in the northern mountains, waterfalls and boundless expanses of verdant rice paddies as you venture through the Thai culture in style and sophistication with some magical experiences thrown in for good measure.
• Unique Experience: Keep an eye out for the local wildlife including gibbons, deer, wild boars and more than 350 species of birds as you trek through the Doi Inthanon Waterfalls which plummet 70 metres before crashing into the shallow pools at the base of the falls. Spend some time here enjoying the wonderful natural surroundings before heading back to Chiang Mai.

Borneo

Borneo’s emerald rainforests and rugged mountains are some of the most diverse in the world – with an incredible array of plans and wildlife; so much so that Sir David Attenborough has described the island as one of the planet’s “richest treasure-houses”. From world-class diving through the vibrant coral reefs off Sabah’s coastline to peaceful river cruises, Borneo is a fascinating island offering unforgettable wildlife encounters.

• Family Fun in Malaysia and Borneo: Ideally suited for families, uncover the very best of what Borneo has to offer. From exhilarating water sports off Sabah’s coastline to peaceful river cruising along the Kinabatangan River in search of orangutans and proboscis monkeys, the whole family will enjoy exploring our top picks for Malaysia and Borneo.
• Borneo for Couples: Scott Dunn’s Epic Malaysia and Borneo itinerary is perfect for honeymooners. We’ve set the bar high with this incredible two-week adventure to Borneo. Get ready for wildlife encounters, lush emerald jungles and tropical marine underworlds, dine at world-class restaurants and enjoy romantic moments under the moonlight on a deserted beach. This is a unique opportunity to discover new things and relax with the one you love.
• Ultimate Borneo: Journey through the heart of Malaysian Borneo, see pygmy elephants and orangutans in the pristine Kinabatangan Wetlands area before enjoying some respite on one of Sabah’s beautiful outer islands, Gaya Island. For a truly special experience, stay at a traditional rainforest lodge deep within the Danum Valley as the perfect introduction to Borneo and its highlights, combining incredible wildlife with the stunning beaches.
• Unique Experience: Immerse in the Orangutan’s natural habitat and discover the wonders of the Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Sanctuary. Spanning 43 square kilometres and currently home to 60 to 80 orphaned, injured or previously captive orangutans, watch them learn to climb on ropes and trees in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Which South East Asia travel adventure is calling out to you?

Even though I have visited different destinations in South East Asia, there are still a lot more travel adventures for me to explore and discover. I am always seeking nature and outdoors adventures, high up in the mountains or deep into the rainforest.

There are many travel adventures out there for you in South East Asia for you to discover and explore. Which South East Asia travel adventure is calling out to you?

* Information and pictures courtesy of Scott Dunn and White Label PR *

The post Rediscover South East Asia again with Scott Dunn appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

1. Turn up the romance in Croatia & Slovenia

The stunning coastlines and islands of Croatia are a sight to behold. Revel in a scenic tour of sparkling blue waters and rocky coves on a private yacht. Delight in exquisite local catch of the day at a local konoba and head inland on a romantic stroll along the ancient cobbled alleyways of Split and Dubrovnik. Explore the enchanting historical sights and charming backstreets, or invoke your spirit of adventure on a leisurely hike followed by a picnic lunch in the mountains.

Continue your journey into neighbouring Slovenia – a charming delight for outdoor enthusiasts and culture lovers. Covered in lush forests and wedged between the mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia is a picture-perfect destination boasting crystal-clear lakes, turquoise rivers and breathtaking Alpine scenery.

Croatia and Slovenia are the perfect destinations for outdoor lovers to be one with nature.

Scott Dunn Recommends: Cook alongside a local professional chef in her 13th-century home as you source for fresh ingredients and discover the secrets behind traditional Croatian cuisine – learning through a unique culinary experience like a true Dalmation.

Best Time to Visit: June to September

2. Family Fun in Italy

Italy is home to the beautiful Tuscan countryside, plentiful vineyards, charming cities and fabulous food. Not to mention the fascinating history and architecture just waiting to be discovered. Situated in the southern Alps in the north of Italy, the UNESCO Heritage Site of the Dolomites offers dramatic landscapes with lots of sunshine and warm temperatures – perfect for outdoor pursuits for those who enjoy mountain biking, horse riding, rock climbing, and guided hikes for all levels. Pair the great outdoors with a city break in Venice for a dose of culture, or choose to relax on the shores of Lake Garda for the ultimate twin-centre adventure with the kids in tow.

Scott Dunn Recommends: Discover the delights of Sicily and enjoy an Italian countryside escape with a stay at the stunning, neoclassical hotel, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo. Book through Scott Dunn and enjoy a complimentary night when staying for four or more nights. Book here by 3 Jan 2023.

Best Time to Visit: May to September

3. A Magical Summer in the Arctic

A bucket list destination, the Arctic is a magical experience no matter when you visit, but July is the peak season for wildlife viewing. The beguiling Arctic tundra flowers in bloom paints a colourful landscape. Head across Baffin Bay and to West Greenland where you can view whales, minke, humpback, fin and even blue whales in the Arctic Ocean.

The epic landscapes of the Arctic are truly breathtaking; towering icebergs, tranquil fjords and untouched landscapes along with ancient communities and incredible wildlife. It’s the ultimate bucket list destination for the adventure seekers, with ocean voyages taking you from Greenland to Alaska (and everywhere in between). Those looking for a relaxing trip, there are also thermal springs where you can unwind and enjoy a tipple against the picturesque scenery as your backdrop.

Scott Dunn Recommends: Late Summer (August/September) is peak season for wildlife, known as birds, bears and beluga season in Churchill, Manitoba these are favourable months to view some of the Arctic’s most special wildlife. The Arctic tundra flowers are blooming creating colourful landscapes to spot arctic foxes, arctic hares and of course the polar bear.

Best Time to Visit: July to September

4. The Best of Greece

As one of the most popular summer destinations, Greece provides ample opportunity for exploration. Enjoy the plentiful soft sandy beaches along the warm summer coastline which spans over 16,000km. Peruse its vibrant and history-rich cities, or visit the ancient capital of Athens. Beat the post-summer blues and discover the colourful markets in Kos, ogle at spectacular scenery at Delphi, and sample mouthwatering cuisine. Settle by the turquoise seas of the Aegean where lazy days by the ocean await. This is the perfect destination for couples looking for a relaxing summer break.

Scott Dunn Recommends: Discover the new meanings of a Grecian paradise at Blue Palace and enjoy up to 15% off when you book through Scott Dunn.

Best Time to Visit: Generally all-year round but best to visit between May and September

5. Wildlife adventures await in Rwanda 

Rwanda evokes images of amazing mountain gorillas in the mist eating nettles on the slopes of Virunga volcanoes. Embark on breathtaking gorilla trekking expeditions in July, in the middle of Rwanda’s dry season. Living high up in the Virunga Massif – a collection of impressive volcanoes – the mountain gorilla is one of the many majestic animals that trekkers can come up close and personal with in its natural habitat. Rwanda’s captivating natural features continue to draw visitors in. From Lake Kivu and Rwanda’s majestic volcanoes, the acres of lush vegetation and dense rainforest, to the country’s beautiful wildlife and landscapes, Rwanda is a great place for nature loving travellers.

Scott Dunn Recommends: Rwanda is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world and to track these fascinating creatures, visitors require a permit. Only a limited number of small lodges and six tracking permits are issued per family per day, meaning the encounter is as intimate and as unobtrusive as possible. With only 96 permits available each day in Rwanda, it is highly recommended to book in advance to enjoy this iconic wildlife experience.

Best Time to Visit: Ultimately the best time to visit Rwanda is all year round, so long as you are comfortable with a little rain.

Which summer destination should I choose?

Summer season 2022 is here, if you are looking for destinations to travel and visit, the best summer vacation destinations by Scott Dunn would definitely be useful and informative for you! Although I have travel destinations in mind that I want to visit first, I am also open to traveling and exploring destinations that I have yet to visit!

Looking at the best summer vacation destinations recommendations by Scott Dunn, it seems like the Arctic is calling out to the wildlife and outdoors travel visual story teller in me. Or should I choose wildlife adventure in Rwanda?

* Information and pictures courtesy of Scott Dunn *

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Fully Restarting Tourism

In my earlier article “Special Theme Q2 2022 – Fully Restarting Tourism“, we are finally opening up again, more people are expected to travel again over the next few months. While we are absolutely delighted in fully restarting tourism, this is not going to be an immediate change/recovery. All these things and changes are going to take a bit of time to get up to speed, from both demand and supply side of things, my personal estimation is that it would start to peak in Q3 (June school holidays) or Q4 2022 (year end school holidays, year end Christmas festive season). 

For those who are ready to travel, we still have to be mindful, be safe, practice safety and health measures. Scott Dunn has handled many unexpected global situations and travel emergencies for guests over the last 30 years, their team has the experience and expertise in keeping guests safe on their travels, from before they depart to returning home. There are two scenarios presented by Scott Dunn that are still relevant especially during this period when the global pandemic is still ongoing. Both scenarios are first-hand personal experiences – (1) Testing positive right before a flight and (2) Testing positive during a trip.

(1) Testing Positive right before a flight

What should I do if I test positive before departing for my trip? Scott Dunn’s Service and Sales Manager, Sheena, tested positive for COVID-19 three days before she was due to fly to the US for business meetings. At that time, a negative pre-departure PCR test was required before she could board the plane and there was a stipulated seven day recovery period before you were deemed “fully recovered” and released from SHN. As such, Sheena was unable to recover in time to board her scheduled flight to the US.

Here are Sheena’s experiences and tips on handling this situation.

What is the first thing one should do when you have upcoming travel plans but test positive?

If you get a positive result on a self administered ART test but feel relatively well or have mild symptoms, I would recommend visiting a Combined Test Centre (CTC) or Quick Test Centre (QTC) to undergo a supervised ART and have your results documented. Such results of infection as supervised at the CTC/QTCs can be used as proof of recovery for exemption from Singapore’s border measures. For those who don’t feel well, it’s good to see a doctor or do a teleconsult with one. Depending on your age/vaccination status, you should receive a recovery memo on either Day 7/14 which can also be used for travel purposes (more for entering destinations than departing Singapore)

While pre-departure tests in Singapore are no longer required, it’ll be good to wait till you test negative before you start travelling. It’s the socially responsible thing to do and I personally think it’s good to recover and be feeling 100% before you embark on any adventures! Also, it’s good practice to refer to the relevant destination countries’ border measure requirements to ensure you are able to fulfil them before going ahead with any travel plans.

Once the medical side of things are settled, be sure to reach out to your insurance provider to log a case so that you will have a reference number for when you wish to upload your supporting documents for insurance claims. It is important to always make sure you purchase comprehensive travel insurance with COVID coverage that will satisfy your requirements based on your own lifestyle or concerns.

Finally, you can then proceed to cancel or postpone all your travel arrangements and remember to request for cancellation invoices or notes as supporting documents for the claim later on – all largely dependent on your insurance policy of course!

Are there precautions one should still take after making a recovery?

Don’t be complacent after your recovery! There’s still the possibility of being reinfected, so err on the side of caution. Personally for me, I tried to take it easy and avoided heavy workouts for the 1-2 weeks following my recovery, thinking it’d be good to let my body rest and recover fully.

Is it still worth taking the risk to travel?

Most of us have had no international travel in the past 2 years, so I think cabin fever is real.  Prior to this incident, I had the opportunity to travel to London for a work trip and having gotten so used to our current environment here, the change of scenery was really nice and refreshing. I personally still think it is worth venturing out (when you feel comfortable enough to) and after my London trip, I felt more confident and assured after going through all the processes in person once. In fact, I’ve booked a few other personal trips for the year after returning from my work trip to London.

What are some of your top pandemic era travel tips?

My three top tips would be to –

• Ensure that you are purchasing a comprehensive insurance plan – don’t skimp on it.
• Remember to double check destination entry requirements when you are nearing your departure dates. Sometimes there may have been updates or changes, so it’s good to confirm instead of rushing or panicking at the last minute.
• COVID is all around us, so it’s good to maintain safety measures such as washing your hands, refrain from touching your face and if there are large crowds, it’s still a good idea to mask up!

Is it worth working with a travel operator for an upcoming trip?

I think the pandemic has definitely allowed the value of travel operators like Scott Dunn to shine through. While measures have now eased off significantly, when travel was first allowed to resume, many were confused and frustrated with the ever-evolving entry and departure requirements. This is where guests really turned to us for help and guidance when it came to planning and going on holidays. Also, having not travelled for two years, many of our guests are relying on us to help guide them through any new requirements, allowing them to enjoy their long-awaited getaways fuss-free.

Additionally, we also have a 24/7 emergency hotline, which provides comfort and reassurance to our guests as they know they have someone to call for help no matter where they are or what time it is.

(2) Testing positive during a trip

What should I do if I test positive while on holiday/prior to my flight home? Scott Dunn’s travel specialist, Jean, had tested positive for COVID during a pre-departure PCR test prior to her flight back to Singapore from Sweden. On her week-long work trip in Sweden, Jean started to experience symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and fatigue but continued to test negative daily on self-administered ARTs. As a negative test was required for her to board the flight then, Jean was unable to return home on her originally scheduled flight.

Here are Jean’s experiences and tips on handling this situation.

What should travellers do if they start to feel unwell on their trip?

It’s good practice to pack sufficient ART test kits when travelling so that if you feel unwell, you can always do a self-administered test to monitor your own personal situation, especially with COVID all around us. I also usually pack a small pouch of medicines such as some panadols, some flu tablets and medicine for upset tummies. At Scott Dunn, when we have guests that feel unwell, they can let us know and we will help make the necessary arrangements to bring them to the nearest healthcare facility or get a doctor to do a hotel visit.

What should one do after testing positive overseas or prior to their return flight home?

While pre-departure tests are no longer required to enter Singapore for fully vaccinated travellers, it’s good to be socially responsible and wait till you test negative or wait out the 7 day recovery period before returning home if possible.

Also, try to self-isolate so you don’t spread the virus to your travel companions or others- ie you may need to stay in another hotel room from your travel companions to avoid spreading it to them etc. You should also inform the hotel of your diagnosis so that the staff can take any necessary precautions or let you know if they accommodate COVID+ travellers. You may also want to switch to a more affordable hotel/alternative accomodation to recover before heading home.

Be sure to reach out to your travel insurance company and let them know of the situation as soon as you can so that you will be able to make claims when you return home. As you proceed to cancel or postpone your travel arrangements, do remember to request for cancellation invoices or notes as supporting documents for the claim later on.

Any tips to help mitigate such a situation? 

As we are living in a pandemic era and you never know what may happen, it’s good to ensure you have extra backup cash in the destination’s currency while travelling – in case you need to extend your trip and cash is not widely accepted in your destination. Other than packing a small pouch of medicine, I would also encourage you to pack some small packets of laundry detergents. You may need to wash some pre-worn clothes if you end up staying longer than expected. Laundry services at the hotel can add up quite quickly! Pack extra ART test kits – these may be more costly in other countries plus if you do test negative before your stipulated date of departure, at least you can go out for some sight-seeing or shopping!

Are there any post-travel precautions to take, or any tips should travellers test positive upon returning home?

If you have travelled overseas in the last 10 days, and test positive on an ART upon your return home, you’ll need to go for a confirmatory PCR test. You can head to a Swab and Send Home Clinic or Combined Test Centre to see the doctor and get the PCR test done. It’s also good practice to inform the doctor of your travel history and positive ART result. Then try to rest up and focus on recovering!

What are some of your top tips to keep safe while travelling?

I would strongly encourage travellers to:

• Wear a mask during flights and ensure that you sanitise often.
• Try to avoid crowded areas where people are not wearing masks. (Pro tip: Hop on a private tour where possible. With a private guide, driver and car, you can minimise your contact with the crowds.)
• Always purchase travel insurance enough to cover medical and hotel costs if you contract COVID whilst travelling. If you do contract the virus while travelling, inform your insurance company as soon as you can to open a case file for you to submit your test results and daily claims when you return.

Is it still worth taking the risk to travel?

As an avid traveller myself, I still think it’s worth it to take the risks and travel as we will have to learn to live with COVID eventually. After all, even if you don’t travel, there’s still a chance of contracting COVID in Singapore as well. I would highly encourage travellers to get their booster shots so that in the event they do contract it, the symptoms would be mild.

Is it worth working with a travel operator for an upcoming trip?

The perk of travelling with a travel operator is that we understand the high emotional stress such unforeseen or unexpected incidents can bring – especially so when you or a loved one is feeling unwell, and we will be there to step in and help so that your focus can be on recovering and getting better.

Additionally, with our strong connections with local suppliers and partners on ground – as a Scott Dunn guest, you’re well looked after no matter which part of the world you are in. I think it’s comforting and reassuring to know that you know you are in good hands and not alone, stranded in a foreign country.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Scott Dunn and White Label PR *

The post A Pandemic Era Travel Guide by Scott Dunn appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.