Travel Confidently with Ffestiniog Travel

When you are ready to travel again, we want you to be assured that we are doing everything possible to keep you safe. Here is a summary of guidelines that we have implemented.

Pre Trip Information

• We will monitor the travel restrictions and guidelines for your destination and keep you updated of any changes. As things can change quickly, we also recommend that you regularly check the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office Advice for the destination that you are travelling to.
• We will provide updated information on local guidelines and what to expect when you arrive at your destination with your final information pack.
• Travel Insurance – Ffestiniog Travel have always strongly recommended that you purchase suitable and adequate travel insurance cover for the duration of your holiday as part of its Booking Conditions. It is now also important that you ensure that you are covered for COVID-related cancellations and overseas assistance. Which Magazine has identified several insurance providers offering cover for COVID-19 related incidents, further details available here.
• PCR Testing – Testing requirements have been introduced by the UK government and in many other destinations worldwide. Please do check the FCDO Travel Advice for your destination.

Ffestiniog Travel has partnered with Randox Health (one of the UK government’s approved providers) and our customers can purchase tests at a reduced rate. Details on how to book your tests via Randox will be sent to you at final invoicing stage.

There is also the UK’s first Testing Comparison Site as mentioned in Travel Begins at 40, a consumer-facing website that enables travellers to compare price, availability and reliability of test providers.

Transport

• Train Travel – Ffestiniog Travel has been monitoring the impact of rail travel to and across Europe closely during the COVID-19 crisis. Please visit the COVID-19 Update page on our website for up to date comprehensive information regarding rail travel across Europe and the safety guidelines being implemented by each rail operating company. We will also monitor rail travel to worldwide destinations and update customers accordingly. All heritage railways visited will be asked to provide their guidelines to ensure they are adhering to local government guidelines.
• Flights – Guidelines will vary by airport and airline. Up to date information will be provided to you prior to departure to ensure you are fully prepared.
• Coach/Bus – All suppliers will be checked to ensure that they are adhering to local government guidelines with regards to hygiene and safety procedures. Advance information will be sent to all customers detailing steps we are taking to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission. We will let you know what to expect with regards to embarking/disembarking, assigned seating, social distancing and personal hygiene and any PPE requirements – masks, gloves, hand sanitizer etc.

Accommodation

• Ffestiniog Travel will only use accommodation providers that have stringent COVID-19 protocols in place which fully adhere with local government guidelines.

Dining

• The majority of Ffestiniog Travel tours are bed and breakfast basis only. Where meals are included, we will ensure that both hotels and restaurants used have guidelines in place with regards to hygiene, social distancing etc.

Tour Leaders

• Your tour leader is there to ensure your holiday experience is the best possible. They will be provided with updated information about each destination to ensure your safety and comfort throughout. They will ensure that all suppliers are adhering to local hygiene and safety guidelines. All tour leaders will be supported by our team in the UK who will be on hand to advise when necessary.

Book with Confidence

• We will offer you a full refund if we have to cancel your trip. As highlighted by consumer champion Which? we are one of the few travel companies who have offered refunds throughout the Coronavirus crisis on cancelled tours.

Enjoy Small Group Sizes

• Your holiday experience is our priority so we will introduce a limit of just 29 travellers for each escorted tour in our 2022 programme. However, please do note that our average group size is only 16 travellers and for our Small & Traditional tours, most are limited to 12.

FAQ’s

What happens if the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against ‘all but essential travel’ to my holiday destination?

We will cancel your trip and issue a full refund in accordance with Package Travel Regulations.

What happens if my holiday destination requires me to quarantine on arrival into the country?

You will be entitled to a full refund should you wish to cancel.

What happens if I test positive, or display symptoms, for the Coronavirus (Covid-19) within 14 days of departure?

This would be a claim from your travel insurance. You are advised to ensure your travel insurance includes cover for such circumstances. We will of course provide assistance where possible.

What happens if I test positive on arrival or during my stay in my holiday destination?

This would be a claim from your travel insurance. You are advised to ensure your travel insurance includes cover for such circumstances. If you are required to stay in the destination past your scheduled return date to the UK, Ffestiniog Travel will cover the cost of your accommodation for the first three nights, after this any costs must be covered by you or your insurer. We will of course provide assistance where possible.

What happens if my home town is placed under a localised lockdown by the UK government and I am restricted from travelling?

This would be a claim from your travel insurance. You are advised to ensure your travel insurance includes cover for such circumstances. We will of course provide assistance where possible.

What happens if the FCDO advice changes whilst I am on holiday?

We will monitor the situation closely and if the FCDO requires immediate return, we will arrange repatriation (at no extra cost to you).

Can I defer my holiday?

Yes. You are able to defer your holiday free of charge however, any additional costs incurred by suppliers will be payable by you.

What are your cancellation fees?

As per our Terms & Conditions.