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By Teena Monteleone

up, up and away

More Saskatchewan residents starting to travel again

Oct 6, 2021 | 9:00 AM

More people are taking trips abroad despite being in the midst of the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Terry Kaszas, a travel development specialist with CAA, said travel from Saskatchewan really increased between April and mid-August.

“It is slowly increasing again, but very slowly as everyone is still concerned with the fourth wave and waiting to see how it all plays out. Federal regulations also play into this,” Kaszas told paNOW.

Unofficial traffic numbers on the Saskatoon airport’s website show in April 2020 there were 2,925 passengers compared to 11,176 in April of this year. In August 2020, there were 23,987 passengers. This August that number jumped to 75,857.

Kaszas said the majority of his clients are heading to Mexican and Caribbean destinations. European river cruises and land tours are being booked for spring, summer and fall of 2022.

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“I think a lot of people feel it’s time to move forward. The ones that are travelling are fully vaccinated and feel very confident.”

Kaszas said so far, he hasn’t had any reports from clients encountering coronavirus related issues abroad and most sun destination properties have plans in place for the winter travellers.

“If they were to come down with COVID while on vacation, some resorts are offering complimentary stays to help accommodate quarantine protocols while other resorts may charge a minimal fee until travellers are ready to return home.”

Soon the Canadian government will require anyone who wants to travel by plane, trains and cruise ships to be fully vaccinated. Kaszas encouraged anyone wanting to go on a trip to use a travel agency since rules and requirements can change so quickly at varying destinations and they can provide the best information when it comes to insurance.

“Please make sure you use your trusted CAA Saskatchewan travel advisor. We are the most up to date to give you all the information you need to begin your journey, while on your journey and on the way back home. Things change on the fly, and we are always aware of anything and everything you may need to travel and can always be in contact with our clients as needed,” Kaszas said.

While travel has increased, the Public Health Agency of Canada is continuing to advise travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada.

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Teena.Monteleone@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertNOW