I've been on 10 international trips with RS and loved every one of them. I sincerely hope RS can survive this terrible corona virus storm. That being said I was very surprised when I called about a domestic program being offered for August inquiring about what the social distancing guidelines will be. The representative took some guesses as to how RS would handle it (I could have done the same) but had no real knowledge of what, if any, will be in place. He said they will probably be made clear by the time the final information packet comes out. Really? I can't be the only one inquiring about this as it now looks like social distancing will be in place for the forseeable future. I would advise RS to provide their phone reps with a standard script in response to such questions. It would inspire confidence that if a program occurs in this time of pandemic it will be safe to travel. This is especially critical given the age range of RS travellers. Until there is a adequate response to the question, I hesitate to commit to any program occurring this year. I really hope RS takes this advice on board.
Pam, yes, exactly. As a healthy active person who usually travels solo, I'm as interested in the social effects of distancing as the health aspect. It's hard to imagine how distancing can work in a group…
I think you make a very good point.
To me, even prior to the pandemic, the phone staff were not adequately trained and seem to "guess" a lot of the time or I've actually had them just make up an answer (particularly about International programs). Absolutely they need a decision on how social distancing will be carried out BEFORE they sell a program. I'd not want to wait until the information packet comes out a month before travel to see if their policies are adequate for my own needs.
It irks me that RS is begging for money, asking us to do "crowdfunding" campaigns (of all the lame millennial things) but are not making or sharing information on decisions regarding issues that will affect their programs down the line. I DO realize things are changing daily and weekly on how we all deal with this pandemic but as least show that you have a plan in place and that your phone staff are informed.
What would the cancellation policy be if the social distancing measures did not seem adequate for a traveler's needs? THAT'S why you'd need the information when you could still cancel without penalty.
~Pam
Hi. I am scheduled for a Sept trip to Switzerland and I will make the decision whether to attend based on the individual country's policies and my own level of risk I am willing to take. My trip involves a lot a public transportation in country, buses, trains and of course a plane. For me I am not expecting that social distancing will be part of my decision. I know I am taking a risk to travel and I will likely postpone my trip if the rules for social distancing interferes with the likelihood of my enjoying the program without worry. I consider this a personal decision for me, whether Road Scholar has a policy in force or not.
Pam, yes, exactly. As a healthy active person who usually travels solo, I'm as interested in the social effects of distancing as the health aspect. It's hard to imagine how distancing can work in a group setting. Making new friends is one of the reasons I love travelling with RS!
How social distancing would work on a tour has bubbled up at odd moments over the last few days since you first posted. Since you've done International programs I'm sure you've experienced very close quarters on some of the group meals. The last RS trip I took was the Art of Living: Provence. It was awesome and had a lot of focus on food and wine in the group setting. The fellowship was as good as the food and drink but wow...how in the world would you do that? For instance, the restaurants we ate in in Aix-en-Provence were tiny, local places. While they usually try to seat groups away from the general restaurant customers (we do tend to be louder than Europeans!) there is no way you are not seated cheek by jowl with the other program participants.
So much to consider...
Dear Mary,
The health and safety of our participants is of the utmost importance to us. Currently, we are evaluating what safety procedures to put in place once we start operating programs again. With the diversity of our programs, it is important for us to evaluate in great detail the safety procedures for each individual program, including local regulations. Safety guidelines will be in place before travel resumes. As soon as we have finalized our safety procedures, they will be available on our website.
Sincerely,
Kirsten
Hi Pam, I've looked at that Provence trip in the past. Would you recommend it? Is there a fair amount of activity to offset some of the eating and drinking?
Hi Pam, I've looked at that Provence trip in the past. I love France and that sounds right up my alley. Do you recommend it?
Oh yes, I recommend it! I had a great time and saw a lot. There was plenty of activity. Wine is included at each meal but there is plenty of walking to offset it, lol! I'm not a huge drinker so I usually didn't have the wine at lunch because you know...then I need a nap, lol!
I thought the sites that were chosen gave a good variety of Provence. My only gripe was the walking tour day in Aix - had a class in the AM for an hour or so, then the local guide, who I think was new to guiding walked us up and down aisles at 2 local markets. She was clearly killing time until the next timed event. We did not go in the cathedral because it was Sunday and there were services going on. I'd restructure this day so the guide could take you into the cathedral after lunch.
I did a Trip Report when I came back, if you are interested. Here is the link: discussion.roadscholar.org/.../trip-report-provence---the-art-of-living-oct-12-23-2019