Quite frankly? Some days we actually wanted to run away from everything. We started a promising season and had a number of successful exhibitions in January. So a good start to the year and then the big shock came out of nowhere: COVID-19. A huge transition for everyone: working from home, social distancing, travel cancellations and a thousand other unpleasant topics to think about.
The new situation surrounding the Corona crisis has hit us at Active on holiday, as with countless others, both economically and personally. Europe went into lockdown and we were all asked to stay at home as much as possible and to distance ourselves from our social contacts. For an active travel organization such as Active on holiday and its customers, this is actually an impossible question, but one that we had to answer to protect all of us.
And now, after a period of uncertainty, we are happy to see that Europe is 'opening up' again and that it is once again possible to travel, enjoy a cup of coffee on the terrace and enjoy the beautiful landscape that you walk or cycle through.
On the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you will find a travel guide with the most up-to-date advice that may help you choose your destination. The travel guide indicates at which destinations which measures apply and where Dutch people can travel freely.
Several adjustments are needed to be able to go on holiday 'safely' again. For example, the one-and-a-half-meter distance rule still applies to various destinations and in various countries, there are still restrictions on the number of people allowed in a hotel, restaurant, bar or on the terrace. And face masks are also an obligation at various destinations if, for example, you want to visit a supermarket or travel by public transport.
In hotels, things have changed, especially in the area of hygiene and cleaning. Breakfast buffets are (temporarily) not possible, but instead, your breakfast is now served in your room or simply at the table.
Different measures have also been taken per hotel and per destination regarding the wellness and/or sauna facilities. Please ask us for the latest information as it currently changes almost weekly.
We hear from many customers that it is still an uncertain time and people want to wait with booking a holiday destination until it is clear what is and what is not possible. A very reasonable consideration, of course, but also one that means that the choice that will soon be available may be somewhat more limited.
That is why we offer a FREE REBOOK GUARANTEE with all new bookings. For all trips (except the partner trips / ask for the other conditions) you can change your arrival date or possibly your destination up to 4 weeks before departure! So, in addition to dreaming about your new holiday destination, you can now also book your new holiday destination with peace of mind without running the risk that your choice will no longer be available. Makes dreaming a lot more fun again, right?!
We are now preparing for the new season with many new trips and destinations. Cycling and walking are the easiest ways to enjoy a carefree holiday with existing Corona measures. In any case, all our trips have been adjusted where necessary and our overnight hotels apply the applicable rules for your and everyone's health and safety.
We hope that travelling will become easier and easier in the coming year and that you will be able to enjoy the much-needed relaxation again. We recharge our batteries and of course dream about all those active trips throughout Europe!
See you soon and stay healthy!
Edwin Schollen / Managing Director