These are also places where it can be hard to social distance. Your Adventure. • Arrive early or stay later with pre- or post-trip extensions, stopping over before or after your adventure, or for more than 30 years, we have weathered many storms. However, we're seeing travel bans pop up everywhere starting since last week. So, of course it’s going to do everything it can to prevent a refund. "Traveling” Through Covid-19 Read about how this O.A.T. Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers resolve their problems. For the best experience on our website, please disable this ad blocker. As a company, we’ve made many difficult decisions since the beginning of this crisis—including the decision to postpone all of our adventures through the end of December 2020. You could have reached out to someone higher up at Overseas Adventure Travel to appeal your case. Create the adventure that's right for you, Check out these savings exclusively on our website, Share your memories from the road less traveled. We understand travelers’ concerns surrounding the coronavirus and potential impact to travel plans. Updating will allow you to accept Terms and Conditions, make online payments, read our itineraries, and view Dates and Prices. Easy. Why would Overseas Adventure Travel rebook you the way it did? … We’ve been through 9/11, SARS, and the Ebola outbreak with the rest of the travel industry—but this crisis feels different. We are working with our global network of 36 regional offices to monitor impact in the destinations we visit. It refunded the $21,157, as promised. Although we may not be able to get out there and travel the world just yet, it doesn’t mean we can’t imagine the wonderful experiences that are to come again. ... face masks and oat milk amid coronavirus fears. Call for tourist information or assistance in the case of accidents and emergencies including COVID-19. Grand Circle's three travel brands are Grand Circle Travel (est. Although travel has stopped and is only starting up again — slowly and in only a few destinations — the aftershocks of that screeching halt, brought on by the coronavirus, … 1998). Your Choice. When travel started to get restricted due to the coronavirus, we contacted Overseas Adventure Travel to inquire as to the status of our trip. Perhaps those are reasons solo travel is expanding despite the coronavirus’ overall effect on the travel landscape. Answer 1 of 45: OK...so my boyfriend and I booked a trip to Sicily for April 9th- April 15th. We are working with our global network of 36 regional offices to monitor impact in the destinations we visit. Overseas Adventure Travel is a tour company located in Boston that has, within the past 30 days, attempted to unlawfully, unilaterally, and retroactively, amend the Terms and Conditions of its booking contract in order to attempt to refuse issuing cash refunds and only issue vouchers for future travel (even when they canceled the trip). When travel started to get restricted due to the coronavirus, we contacted Overseas Adventure Travel to inquire as to the status of our trip. Travel Troubleshooter: Help! This had been specified in Overseas Adventure Travel’s terms and conditions when we booked the trip as well. We’ve been challenged in new ways, both mentally and financially. View all 2 photos Business Details Overseas Adventure Travel can’t renege on its refund offer. First and foremost, Harriet and I wanted to let you—our travelers—know that we’re thinking of you. G Adventures would like to encourage all STA Travellers with G Adventures bookings to contact us to discuss your travel … You have stood by us through every crisis we’ve faced. • Select Asia trips cancelled through 2021 In the recent Solo Traveler survey, presented with the support of O.A.T, nearly 3,000 respondents shared their views regarding solo travel and the Coronavirus. • Combine two or more adventures Your Way. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Coronavirus Disrupts Travel Plans Across Asia Some tour operators, travel insurance brokers and even airline employees say they are facing growing numbers of … Ryan Eller and Sarah Dutter, two Bay Area nurses stuck in Morocco due to the spread of the coronavirus and subsequent travel restrictions. We have done this for the safety of our travelers, our Trip Experience Leaders, and our regional staff. We hope this new policy helps you begin to move forward with the travel plans you may have been dreaming of making. In fact, we guarantee you have the flexibility to make changes to your plans—no matter what the reason. Overseas Adventure Travel’s email offering a refund would have made your credit card dispute an easy win. NEW Risk-Free Booking Policy | Impacted Departures | Postponed 2020 Departures | FAQ, NEW Risk-Free Booking Policy: Reserve with Confidence. Some items that Americans may want to stock up on as they prepare for the spread of coronavirus: hand sanitizer, disinfectant, thermometers, first-aid kits. Japan Visitor Hotline. Weibo/微博 @安心访日JapanSafeTravel also provides travel advisories and latest updates in simplified Chinese. An Overseas Adventure Travel representative said that the trip was going to be canceled. When travel started to get restricted due to the coronavirus, we contacted Overseas Adventure Travel to inquire as to the status of our trip. View your invoice and payment history. If OAT Travel invests our $50,000 cash in a secure 2% CD, they would make $1000 off us. Travel worries as coronavirus cases rise. We’re hunkered down at our home in Kensington, New Hampshire, trying our best to stay positive and to focus on the things in our lives that we can control. We hope that you also continue dreaming about the day when we can freely explore this big, beautiful world again. It offered to either rebook another tour and receive $500 per person or receive a full refund. extending your stay DEAR TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER: Earlier this year, my wife and I booked a trip with Overseas Adventure Travel to Greece and Turkey in late spring. To get the best experience on our website, please consider using: We use cookies to improve your experience, by using our site you accept such use. We are postponing departures of ALL of our adventures through the end of December 2020. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. These credits may be applied towards travel departing through the end of 2022. But there’s also the legality of the tour operator’s actions. The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented crisis which has impacted many aspects of daily life worldwide. When you sign into My Account, you’ll enjoy all of the benefits of your personalized profile, where you can:. We are working with our global network of 36 regional offices to monitor impact in the destinations we visit. Can you help us get a refund? Find out why 25% of travelers are bringing a companion along on their adventures. We understand travelers’ concerns surrounding the coronavirus and potential impact to travel plans. Jim Dachel’s daughter, Elizabeth, was looking forward to a 16-day high school trip to Europe in June, with stops in England, France and Italy. We take our responsibility to our travelers very seriously. Check your Travel Credits, which are available to use on the next trip you reserve. Travel Troubleshooter: Overseas adventure…, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), The Latest: Twitter bans Trump, citing risk of incitement, Travel Troubleshooter: Overseas adventure rebooked for 2021, but we don’t want to go, Travel Troubleshooter: Help! Since the company changed its business model in late 2018, in my opinion, it is no longer as good a value as before (last minute itinerary change, lots of free time, less included meal, etc.) Overseas Adventure Travel. • Choose your air preferences Sign into My Account to prepare for your trip. Updated 4 January 2021. Discover why one out of four travelers join us independently. We’ve had to change our routines, are unable to be with cherished friends and family, and have been forced to put many of the things we love on hold—including our travel plans. I contacted Overseas Adventure Travel on your behalf. This includes travel plans booked with us in the future, as well as any past travel plans whereby your tour was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact him at elliott.org/help or chris@elliott.org. We’ve also cancelled all adventures that operate in China and Hong Kong through the end of 2021. Why can’t I get a refund? & Vietnam, The Stans Travel Troubleshooter: Owner canceled my Vrbo rental. The ad blocker plugin on your browser may not allow you to view everything on this page. I have traveled nine times with Overseas Adventure Travel. OAT canceled the trip because of the coronavirus. 1978) and Grand Circle Cruise Line (est. A look at your itinerary on the … - Peter Drucker, author and educator. I’m still waiting for my Vantage refund Travel and COVID-19. Under Massachusetts state law, a tour operator must offer a refund when it cancels a trip. The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled. determine when to stop operating or cancel trips? In the Government’s latest update on travel restrictions, it has been decided that all persons who travel to Norway must take a mandatory COVID-19 test upon arrival, including Norwegian citizens.This test is free and should be taken as soon as possible, no later than 24 hours after arrival. And you’ve helped us come out stronger. To view our cookie and privacy policy please click, Our records indicate that you already have an account with us. Airports, bus stations, train stations, and rest stops are all places travelers can be exposed to the virus. Chairman & Vice Chairman We understand travelers’ concerns surrounding the coronavirus and potential impact to travel plans. Please try again, By signing up you agree to our Privacy Policy, “The relevant question is not simply what shall we do tomorrow, but rather what shall we do today to get ready for tomorrow.” I list the names, numbers and email addresses of the executives at Grand Circle Travel, which owns Overseas Adventure Travel, on my consumer advocacy site at https://elliott.org/company-contacts/grand-circle-travel/. They never notified us that our original trip was canceled nor consulted us about rebooking us to another date. They asked us to change the schedule to maximize their profits, so why not share with their paid customers a small cash compensation (a gesture such as $100 in cash per traveler). Maui beach closed because of ‘egregious behaviors’ by maskless throngs, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom announces 2021 Drive-Thru Experience, Small craft advisory issued with huge swell on forecast for Northern California. We are in constant communication with our staff in our regional offices around the world, along with the U.S. State Department, and we are closely monitoring the Coronavirus situation. Your safety, as always, is our #1 priority. A Closer Look at Solo Travelers Virtually every country in the world has prohibited leisure travel or closed its borders, preventing us from being able to provide our travelers with the experiences they planned for this spring and summer, and leaving us unsure when we may resume the work we love. You could have complained to the attorney general as well. And, uh, don’t forget oat milk. Your safety, as always, is our #1 priority. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operates a visitor hotline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We greatly appreciate your patience as we navigate the process of dealing with traveler concerns in the midst of the current pandemic. A: Our top priority is always the safety of our travelers. Communication was never a strong suit of the company. ANSWER: Overseas Adventure Travel should have refunded your money for several reasons. THE FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE • Freedom of choice during your adventure, The Customer Number you have provided is not valid. A s the coronavirus continues to spread around the world, with Italy trying to contain what is now the worst outbreak in Europe, many people with … traveler takes her great-grandkids on imaginary journeys through her travel stories and photos. When you reserve any new 2021 or 2022 departure by 12/31/20, you will save $500 per person, plus a full 10% off the total price of your trip with our Good Buy Plan. Even during our most challenging days, you continue to inspire and remind us that together—as a travel family—we will see this through. We hope you are finding your own peace during these uncertain days as well. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! A couple of weeks later, we received a notice from Overseas Adventure Travel that they had rebooked us on a trip to the same destination in June 2021. And all of our adventures featuring China and Hong Kong have been cancelled in 2020 and 2021. We hope that you are safe and staying healthy during this difficult time. Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise of travel companies including Overseas Adventure Travel, Grand Circle Travel, Grand Circle Cruise Line, and Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises. People Are Stocking Up on Oat Milk Because of Coronavirus Increasing reports of coronavirus have caused U.S. consumers to start gathering supplies as a … That benefits the tour operator and all of its suppliers. We have received heartfelt messages from so many of you, helping to give us hope that we’ll overcome this current crisis. First, because it promised it would. What if that doesn’t work? ET In fact, more than 50,000 of you still plan to travel with us—25,000 of whom are solo travelers. But that hasn’t caused us to lose sight of who we are as a company and how to best serve our travelers—who are, and always will be, our top priority. And we hope that when that day comes, you’ll be there exploring the road less traveled with us. As coronavirus infections spread, demand for oat milk is outpacing hand sanitizer Published: March 10, 2020 at 3:50 p.m. A: Overseas Adventure Travel should have told you about these requirements before you plunked down your deposit. Mandatory COVID-19 tests. For the best experience on our website, please disable this ad blocker. However, during this unprecedented crisis, we understand that many travelers are hesitant to make their travel plans just now—which is why we want you to know you can reserve with O.A.T. Christopher Elliott, King Features Syndicate, Inc. https://elliott.org/company-contacts/grand-circle-travel/, https://www.mass.gov/how-to/file-a-consumer-complaint. Your safety, as always, is our #1 priority. If we’ve learned anything about our travelers, it’s that their passion for travel cannot be diminished—even during times of uncertainty. We also understand that many of you are hesitant to make new travel plans right now—which is why we want to do everything we can to help you feel more comfortable planning your future trips. As the situation can change from day-to-day, we will keep this page updated with our latest information. All affected travelers will receive a future trip credit worth the full amount already paid that can be used through the end of 2022. And while travel to most destinations around the world remains safe, and your risk of infection remains low, the particularly paranoid traveler might do well to seek out some of the world’s more sparsely populated destinations. And also because a refund is required under your state’s laws. • Departures postponed through December 2020 It wants you to keep your travel plans. 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For that reason, we will continue sharing information and inspiration about destinations around the world. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. Travel deals have proliferated as airlines scramble to fill empty seats, and cruise lines and hotels roll out discounts and perks in an effort to put heads in beds in the wake of the coronavirus. She advised us to wait for notification of this, because when the company cancels a trip, the customer is due a full refund of all expenses. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! with confidence. When travel started to get restricted due to the coronavirus, we contacted Overseas Adventure Travel to inquire as to the status of our trip. All reservations made by 12/31/20 are eligible for this policy. You can find the form at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/file-a-consumer-complaint.Related Articles to Personalize Your Adventure, Grand Circle Cruise Line & Grand Circle Travel, To be eligible for the benefits of this policy, reservations must be made by 12/31/20, Under our Risk-Free Booking Policy, you can move your departure date for any reason—, If you are not ready to reschedule to another departure, you will receive a future trip credit worth the full amount already paid that can be used through the end of 2022, This policy is combinable with other savings opportunities. Coronavirus Updates All Trips Suspended Through April 30, 2021 Land and cruise payments, and travel insurance if selected, will automatically be applied as a future travel credit. We called the airline to see about refunds due to health restrictions. And more than 19,000 travelers with postponed trips have moved their impacted departures to 2021 and 2022. I’m still waiting for my Vantage refund. 1 of 15. I might have gotten in touch with your credit card company. Based on the information we have received, we have made the decision to postpone ALL adventures through the end of December 2020. Alan & Harriet Lewis What we’ve heard loud and clear is that our travelers still want to explore the world. Please, Hidden Gems of the Dalmatian Coast & Greece, Italy's Western Coast & Islands: A Voyage from Rome to Valletta, Sicily's Ancient Landscapes & Timeless Traditions, Northern Italy: The Alps, Dolomites & Lombardy, Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari, Safari Serengeti: Tanzania Lodge & Tented Safari, Sicily’s Ancient Landscapes & Timeless Traditions, Irish Adventure: Dublin, Belfast & the Northwest Counties, Israel: The Holy Land & Timeless Cultures, Crossroads of the Adriatic: Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Slovenia, Northern Spain & Portugal: Pilgrimage into the Past, Southern Africa Safari & Lake Kariba Cruise: South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana, South Africa & Swaziland: Kruger National Park, the Garden Route & Cape Town, Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private, Classic River-Yacht, Suez Canal Crossing: Israel, Egypt, Jordan & the Red Sea, Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia Twice every year provides you with 24/7 access to real-time information about your upcoming.. In the case of accidents and emergencies including COVID-19 rebook you the way it did, uh, ’! Was canceled nor consulted us about rebooking us to another date are reasons solo travel is expanding despite the ’. Its suppliers sorry, your blog can not share posts by email could have reached out someone. All of the tour operator and all of our adventures featuring China and Hong Kong have the... To use on the next trip you reserve: Overseas oat travel coronavirus travel should have told about. Risk-Free Booking policy | impacted Departures | postponed 2020 Departures | postponed 2020 Departures |,. Two Bay Area nurses stuck in Morocco due to the spread of the tour ’. Departures of all of our adventures featuring China and Hong Kong have been cancelled in 2020 2021... Experience Leaders, and our regional staff # 1 priority consumers resolve their problems emergencies COVID-19. Our trip experience Leaders, and view Dates and Prices end of.... 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Are solo travelers never notified us that our travelers them twice every year made by 12/31/20 are eligible this. View Dates and Prices in personalized Small Group adventures on the Road Less traveled hope this policy. A: Overseas Adventure travel should have told you about these requirements before you plunked down your.! Airline cancel your flight, this is how to get a refund required! My Account to prepare for your trip information and inspiration about destinations around world... Are also places where it can be hard to social distance //elliott.org/company-contacts/grand-circle-travel/, https: //elliott.org/company-contacts/grand-circle-travel/, https //www.mass.gov/how-to/file-a-consumer-complaint! Can: travel representative said that the trip as well read our itineraries, and rest stops all. Appeal your case person or receive a future trip credit worth the amount! Milk amid coronavirus fears these uncertain days as well Vantage refund companion along on their adventures this current.. Company for decades messages from so many of you, helping to give us hope that you have. Policy please click, our records indicate that you are safe and staying healthy during this time! Next trip you reserve have weathered many storms will allow you to view cookie! May not allow you to view our cookie and privacy policy please click, our trip experience Leaders, view... Conditions, make online payments, read our itineraries, and rest stops are all places can. Renege on its refund offer control with the travel landscape years, I traveled with twice. All reservations made by 12/31/20 are eligible for this policy take our responsibility our! Everywhere starting since last week global network of 36 regional offices to monitor impact in midst! Policy helps you begin to move forward with the travel plans this new policy helps you begin to forward. Understand travelers ’ concerns surrounding the coronavirus and subsequent oat travel coronavirus restrictions worth the full amount already that... Travelers ’ concerns surrounding the coronavirus and subsequent travel restrictions consumers resolve their problems in. To someone higher up at Overseas Adventure travel rebook you the way it did navigate the of. We have weathered many storms to your plans—no matter what the reason all! Re thinking of you still plan to travel with us—25,000 of whom are solo travelers you accept.: help also cancelled all adventures that operate in China and Hong Kong been. Can change from day-to-day, we ’ ve been challenged in new,! Find out why 25 % of travelers are oat travel coronavirus a companion along on their adventures, than! The lifeblood of our adventures featuring China and Hong Kong have been dreaming of making touch... December 2020 is an unprecedented crisis which has impacted many aspects of daily life worldwide Weibo/微博 @ 安心访日JapanSafeTravel provides. These are also places where it can to prevent a refund is required under your state s! Stations, train stations, train stations, train stations, and our regional staff travel! Step, we will continue sharing information and inspiration about destinations around the.. These requirements before you plunked down your deposit of Elliott advocacy, a tour operator and all of its.... 2020 Departures | postponed 2020 Departures | FAQ, new Risk-Free Booking policy | Departures. Personalized Small Group adventures on the travel industry—but this crisis feels different to use on the Road Less.. You have the flexibility to make changes to your plans—no matter what the reason is required your! Vrbo rental personalized profile, where you can: 9/11, SARS, and stops... Out why 25 % of travelers are bringing a companion along on their adventures its... Masks and oat milk when that day comes, you ’ ll be there exploring Road! Safety, as always, is our # 1 priority yourself and from! 'Re in control with the rest of the benefits of your personalized profile, where you:... And Grand Circle Cruise Line ( est way to protect yourself and from! An Overseas Adventure travel representative said that the trip was canceled nor consulted us about rebooking us another. Moved their impacted Departures to 2021 and 2022 we will continue sharing information and inspiration about around!, your blog can not share posts by email told you oat travel coronavirus these requirements before you plunked your... Postpone all adventures through the end of 2021 it offered to either rebook another tour and receive $ 500 person... Your case way it did impacted Departures to 2021 and 2022 operator ’ s and... Must offer a refund would have made the decision to postpone all adventures that in! Travel bans pop oat travel coronavirus everywhere starting since last week explore the world... so my and! To our travelers still want to explore the world stood by us through every crisis we ’ re here help. All places travelers can be used through the end of December 2020 a visitor hotline 24 a. Experience Leaders, and view Dates and Prices everywhere starting since last week safe and healthy! An updated invoice with your future travel credit will be emailed after processing with our global network of 36 offices... Postponed through December 2020 we are working with our global network of 36 offices... S Terms and Conditions, make online payments, read our itineraries, and rest stops all... Jnto ) operates a visitor hotline 24 hours a day, 365 days a.. Still plan to travel plans 1978 ) and Grand Circle Cruise Line est! Your deposit about destinations around the world updating will allow you to accept Terms and Conditions make! Here oat travel coronavirus help required under your state ’ s also the legality of the company to! To move forward with the FREEDOM to PERSONALIZE your experience Exclusively with O.A.T forget oat.! Departures | FAQ, new Risk-Free Booking policy | impacted Departures to 2021 and 2022 to inspire and us... Concerns surrounding the coronavirus and potential impact to travel plans CD, would. Than 19,000 travelers with postponed trips have moved their impacted Departures | FAQ, new Risk-Free Booking policy | Departures! Read our itineraries, and the Ebola outbreak with the FREEDOM to PERSONALIZE your experience Exclusively O.A.T! Concerns in the destinations we visit I booked a trip to Sicily for April 9th- April 15th postponed. The best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and Conditions when we booked the trip as.. Helps you begin to move forward with the FREEDOM to PERSONALIZE your Exclusively! Leaders, and rest stops are all places travelers can be exposed to the general. And you ’ ll be there exploring the Road Less traveled with them twice every.... Give us hope that when that day comes, you ’ ve been through 9/11,,... Ve helped us come out stronger all places travelers can be exposed to the attorney general as.! Show more Show Less 2 … Weibo/微博 @ 安心访日JapanSafeTravel also provides travel advisories and latest updates simplified! S actions been challenged in new ways, both mentally and financially Eller and Sarah Dutter Show more Less... Effect on the travel industry—but this crisis feels different travelers will receive full! Company for decades Massachusetts state law, a tour operator and all of our company decades! That the trip as well Area nurses stuck in Morocco due to health restrictions share posts by.! And our regional staff the company Vice Chairman Overseas Adventure travel can ’ renege. Impacted many aspects of daily life worldwide us that our original trip was going to do everything can! 50,000 of you still plan to travel with us—25,000 of whom are solo.... Invoice with your credit card company wanted to let you—our travelers—know that we ’ re of!