NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - They were on track to have a banner year. 2020 bookings were bustling - then coronavirus came into town.
"It has now been an ongoing thing of book, cancel, book, cancel," said Emily Barker with Warwick Travel Service in Newport News.
She and the other agents are in the business of helping families make memories and have been doing so for the past 46 years. But lately, she and her team have been helping ease the stress of putting memories on hold.
"Instead of spending six hours on hold, our clients can contact us. We have connections that don’t require a long hold time," said Barker.
The agents are now the middlemen, providing customized personal service in helping people take a vacation from their vacation.
"We get emails daily about what is happening now and what has been changing, and we can pass that on," said Barker.
Keeping up with airport rules, travel bans and new safety and sanitation measures.
"There are ongoing steps cruise lines, airlines and tour operators are putting in place to protect them," she said.
Warwick Travel says while many summer vacations are a bust, now is actually a good time to plan for the future.
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"There are great rates and opportunities to save money and you can take that vacation you thought was too pricey," said Barker. "The Caribbean is starting to open in June, and there are some great deals."
Warwick advises to keep fall and winter plans, but also purchase travel insurance as a safety measure.
"We are ready for clients to travel again and enjoy their vacation," she said
For help with your travel needs, you can visit Warwick Travel's website here.
