ZIKA IN THE CARIBBEAN
Latest News and Information - February 6, 2016
How it Affects Your Vacation
If you have been watching the news these past few days/weeks, you know about the virus sweeping the globe right now. Unfortunately, the Dominican Republic is on the list of affected countries. What is worse, the virus is carried by mosquitoes who live and thrive in a tropical environment - and whose bite is a common side effect of the Caribbean vacation.
While many of those afflicted with Zika experience pretty mild side effects and recover quickly, there is cause for concern among pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant) who may be exposed - as the effects are most harmful to a developing fetus.
With that in mind, I have compiled information from the CDC and Apple Vacations for your review. I have also included the "official word" from Copa and Delta Airlines, for those guests who have booked air through me. For those that booked air on your own, I encourage you to visit the website for your air carrier to see what their response is to this health crisis.
If, after reading this information, you wish to explore your cancellation or rescheduling options, I encourage you to contact me.
Official Word from Apple Vacations
For pregnant women and their traveling companions with Scheduled Air and Land-only packages:
Some scheduled airlines and hotels are allowing
cancellation or changes for passengers traveling to affected destinations. Apple Vacations will honor
scheduled airline policies and will make every effort to reduce hotel penalties. Apple Vacations will waive
its own change and cancel fees for scheduled air and land-only travel but will enforce any airline or hotel
penalties. Allowed refunds will be issued to the original form of payment. A doctor’s note on official
letterhead must be provided (send with booking number to customercare@applevacations.com).
As always, passengers with AV-OK Vacation Security may cancel for any reason. Depending on the
coverage purchased, passengers will receive refund in either vacation certificates or in their original
form of payment (less the non-refundable AV-OK plan payment).
Latest News from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
This site is being updated as news develops, so check back often.
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/zika-virus-caribbean
Official Word from Dreams Resorts
COPA AIRLINES - Zika Update
Due to the outbreak of the Zika Virus, health authorities recommend that pregnant women avoid travel to those countries in Latin America and the Caribbean affected by this virus. Copa Airlines will assist those pregnant woman that contact the airline, providing flexibility in the reschedule of their trip. For more information, visit:
http://www.copaair.com/sites/cc/en/noticias/pages/alerta-internacional-por-el-virus-del-zika.aspx
DELTA AIRLINES - Zika Update
Customers with current reservations who are concerned about travelling to destinations reported by the CDC to be affected by Zika Viral Illness should call 1-800-221-1212 and speak with a Delta Representative.
Customers may qualify for a change to alternate destinations, travel dates or a refund. Customers may make fee-waived changes to future reservations/tickets. However, changes need to be made by February 29, 2016.
Upgrading Your Experience Since 2010
I handle every booking personally to ensure that you get the very best value for your vacation dollar.
Know of someone who is looking to travel? Please share my info with them! Referrals are crucial to my business, and I would be honored to help your friends and family members plan their next big adventure!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS! I AM DELIGHTED TO WORK WITH YOU!
Happy Travels!
Melissa Land, MBA, ACC
Chief Escape Officer
Elevation Travel
Email: bookit@goelevationtravel.com
Website: www.goelevationtravel.com
Location: 27070 Sun City Blvd., Menifee, CA 92586
Phone: (877) 294-3918
Facebook: www.facebook.com/elevationtravel
Twitter: @elevationtravel