Page 11 - HC B2B Spring21

our city as soon as they step off of the plane.
Another perk of the remodel that goes hand in hand (socially distanced of course) is that they had already planned for everything
to be touchless in the bathrooms. Helena Regional was thinking one step ahead of COVID without even knowing. There are no doors into the bathroom, and motion sensor operated flush systems, soap dispensers,
contact and reduce the spread of germs whether COVID had happened or not.
The Airport Commissioners, Jeff Wadekamper and the team at the airport have a positive outlook and are ready to get back to more people safely traveling and enjoying all the hard work and dedication that has been poured into our local Helena Regional Airport.
Price Simpson Harvey, travelers from all over can enjoy our airport and feel welcomed to
sinks and hand dryers. With this plan already in place, they were able to ensure less touch
Visitors Center Display at the Helena Regional Airport
Shannon Welnel- Cruise Planners
Shannon Welnel is a local travel agent through Cruise Planners. Although Shannon is affiliated with Cruise Planners, her specialty is in all-inclusive Mexico trips, where most people tend to book vacations through her. In addition to cruises, and all-inclusive destinations, Shannon has a long list of certifications, contacts and vacation getaway destination deals. Planning vacations can be stressful, especially with constantly changing protocols due to COVID. If you are looking to plan a vacation, it’s important to look at how travel has changed, how to have a fun and safe vacation, and perks of using a travel agent like Shannon.
How has Travel Changed
Numbers are at a low in the travel industry, not just when it comes to airports, but to the hospitality industry as well. However, less people traveling has its perks when it comes to booking a vacation. Generally,
destination resorts are packed, and finding a pool chair is nearly impossible, but with a lower capacity at resorts, you may even get first dibs on a row of chairs for the whole family. Although having a poolside chair may be great, one slight downfall to COVID is buffets, especially on cruise ships. As it may still be all you can eat, having to tell the server “a little more, a little more, a little
more, okay that’s good,” for every course may not be as appealing as piling your plate sky high all on your own.
Aside from having an almost guaranteed pool chair, excursions tend to have much smaller and more intimate groups. Since many destinations are limiting their numbers allowed on tours and adventures, you will be able to have a more individualized experience and not have to worry about being with a ton of people. Many people have missed trips in the last year or have had to cancel vacations, which may have led to more disposable income from saving this last year to spend on more expensive, extravagant trips. While you would think travel prices would continue to stay low to entice more people to travel as restrictions start to lift, it is more likely that prices will be on the rise once things are back to full capacity, as people will be eager to travel and willing to pay premium prices.
Tips and Tricks to Have a Fun and Safe Vacation
As travel begins to pick back up, it’s important to continue to be accountable for yourself. Following mandates as they apply federally and locally, washing your hands, sanitizing, keeping your distance when and if it’s necessary and staying up to date on protocols.
When booking a vacation, especially with mandates regarding COVID testing or documentation before or after you leave or enter the states and other countries, it may be best to investigate staying at an all-inclusive destination. While Airbnb and VRBO are great options to have your own space, Shannon recommends staying at a resort. Staying at an all-inclusive resort gives you access to your room, food, drinks, and
a pool and excursions depending on where you stay. Staying at a resort is easy and less hassle then finding your own place, food and adventures, and in today’s case, your own COVID tests. Some resorts have made it easy to test to fly back into the states by providing on site testing. In order to come back to the states, you must test negative, but what happens if you don’t? If you test positive, you will have to quarantine for the
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SPRING 2021 B2B - A Publication of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce 11