1. We and the rest of the world are facing an unprecedented situation. As per WHO stats of today 4th April, 2020 there are 1.1 million infected worldwide and 61,000 people dead from Covid 19. That figure may double, triple, or gradually reduce. We do not know at this point.
2. There is no known date as to when the situation will become normal. The DE's and other people here do not know if it will be safe to visit Munnar/Himachal/Kashmir/Delhi/Goa/XYZ place in May/June/July/August/whenever. The WHO does not know, the Ministry of Health does not know, we are less informed than they are. So its pointless to ask. When it is safe, the appropriate authorities will tell you.
3. It is human nature to plan ahead and we must not kill our optimism. However it is recommended that you do not book non-refundable tickets for either airlines, hotels, and planned tours. take a look at the refund policies before you book, not after. There are some unscrupulous agencies taking advantage and offering super low prices but there is a possibility that the planned tour may not happen if lockdown extends and you will be forever chasing them for a refund.
4. Check your medical insurance and travel insurance T&C before booking. Most insurers will not cover you if you travel to a Covid-19 hotspot the first day you are allowed (because the wife and kids needed a break, yaar). Choose your destinations with care and stay updated with local news. Covid -19 is not a festival which will suddenly end on a specified date. It is a fairly lethal virus without an expiry date and as of today there is no cure.
5. Keep an eye on the MoHFW site https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ for updates and travel warnings.
6. Expect that prices, taxi fares, hotel fares will undergo mass changes after the lockdown is over. The taxi fare from point A to Point B in city C may be higher, or lower, or the same, there is no way to predict how things will evolve and what the demand/supply level will be. So asking about that now is pointless. Assume it is all like the stock market now.
7. Asking questions that we do not know the answer to, like will it be safe, should I cancel, will there be lockdown, will the sightseeing be open is pointless. Please save those questions for later, there are many vital issues being discussed by people in need of help, for going back to their countries, or in desperate situations.
Likewise, answering a two year old question to showcase your travel agency or guide qualifications is also unnecessary and be considerate enough to save it for later.
8. If you have any info which pertains to the current situation, please share, this is just a request to not clog up the forum with unnecessary posts.
9. At this time we are under lockdown, stay home, stay safe, and may we be back to planning future holidays soon together !
