The choice to travel is yours alone. What's most important is that you feel comfortable, safe and supported throughout the process, from the minute you find an itinerary that intrigues you to the day you return home from your dream trip.

At Arrangements Abroad, our bespoke programs have always been tailored as small-group experiences. Below, take a look at the special steps we've taken to keep you healthy and safe when you're ready to experience the world again.

Staying Informed

You can count on us to do the research. From the global to the local scale; from health guidelines to international travel advisories, our team tracks what's happening in every destination on our itineraries and how each trip may be impacted. The most stringent and recent guidelines from the WHO, the CDC, The U.S. State Department and from local authorities at your destination direct the way we approach travel. And we collectively stay updated on new regulations and implement recommended and approved best practices during every trip. Leading up to your departure, information related to your destination will be communicated to you directly by your dedicated Client Services Associate, so you'll be just as up-to-date as we are.

Keeping You Healthy

We implement special measures to keep you in fine fettle. At the start of every trip, we'll screen the health of all arriving guests and Tour Directors. Please know that any guest or staff member who exhibits symptoms on arrival that might endanger others will not be permitted to participate in the program.

Before every trip our team will identify medical facilities equipped to provide the best possible care in each destination on the itinerary. And, our staff have special protocols in case a participant arrives sick or becomes ill during the trip, not only to provide the ill person with the best care, but also to protect the health and safety of the rest of the participants.

Traveling Safe with Expertly Trained Tour Directors

You'll be in good hands for the duration of your program. Arrangements Abroad's Tour Directors are trained to encourage social distancing and health and safety measures, based on the latest guidance from respected sources. At the start of your trip, your Tour Director will familiarize the group with guidelines for healthy travel. We will also provide personal protective materials, including masks, individual bottles of hand sanitizer, wipes, and gloves; and our motor coaches will be stocked, too. If you have a mask or other personal precautionary items you prefer to bring along and use, of course you are welcome to do so.

Enjoying Small Groups & Private Access

You're sure to enjoy the special attention that stems from our expertise as a small group tour operator. Our land trips generally range from 15 to 30 guests maximum, and our chartered boutique vessels offer small-ship cruising experiences. Whether by land or by sea, private visits and access are hallmarks of all our unique programs! You'll venture off the beaten path to lesser-known gems of art and culture; and enjoy exclusive before or after hours visits to iconic museums and historic sites often bustling with visitors. Rest assured we work with local experts to arrange tours of busy sites during quieter moments when you can best enjoy space to explore.

Traveling Aboard Small Vessels

We assure you that the operators of our boutique cruises are compliant with current Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) protocols for onboard health and safety. And all our partners, including riverboat and train operators, have implemented CDC- and WHO-approved preventive measures, including the required disclosure of health and travel information from all guests, staff, and crew prior to embarkation; and the rigorous sanitization of vessels before and during each trip.

Throughout your cruise, ethanol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol will be available in all cabins and in public spaces. Public areas will be sanitized one to four times per day, and frequent touchpoints will be sterilized at least once per hour. Staggered lecture times and meal seatings will be offered, with served courses rather than buffets. And of course, you'll enjoy the pinnacle of luxury and service onboard, as always.

Fine Lodgings and Dining

As on our charter programs, Arrangements Abroad is pleased to work with the top land operators in each of our destinations. You can be sure that the accommodations and dining establishments we use throughout your trip excel in their cleanliness and adherence to proper health and safety precautions that ensure your well-being.

We make every effort to use small hotels with private outside entrances or individual bungalows. Throughout your stay, ethanol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol will be available in your room and in public spaces. Rooms, public spaces, and frequent touchpoints will be sterilized often.

Throughout your program, you're sure to delight in your dining experiences too. Meals will be served outdoors whenever possible (weather permitting), and staggered seating times will be offered, served by wait staff wearing proper protective masks and gloves. Establishments we use will operate at reduced capacity to ensure adequate space for every individual, and adhere to social distancing guidelines to ensure your utmost comfort and safety.

Comfortable and Clean Transportation

Bring your walking shoes, as you'll have ample opportunities to stretch your legs during your trip! Our programs are designed with stays in centrally-located hotels so iconic sights are within easy walking distance. For our guests who may not be comfortable on foot, we can arrange for transport over short distances by private car.

Of course, for some special visits, drives may be necessary. We employ reputable coach operators whose vehicles are thoroughly sanitized before each use; and drivers wear masks and gloves at all times. The maximum occupancy of each bus has been reduced to limit the number of people gathered together and increase your personal space onboard. Each coach will generally carry 50% or less of its true capacity.

Whether you are an avid or new traveler, here are some general reminders and health tips for you as you prepare for your journey and while you are traveling to reduce your risk of getting sick. These are compiled from a variety of sources* including government, global institutions, and news channels.

• Pack disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer to use on common surfaces you encounter, e.g. restroom handles, armrests, and airplane tray tables.
• Wash your hands, frequently, with ample soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Alternatively, use a minimum 60% alcohol-based sanitizer. (Viruses that cause colds can live on your hands.)
• Avoid touching your face and avoid sharing cups or utensils.
• Cover your own coughs and sneezes with your elbow.
• Keep a safe distance from others (ideally 6 ft or more).
• Get the flu vaccine - it's never too late.
• Generally, practice healthy habits: sleep, stay hydrated, and eat nutritious food!
• When possible, reserve the window seat on your plane (where you will have the least contact with other travelers and/or recirculated air).
• While on the trip, if you start to feel ill or show any symptoms (cough, fever, difficulty breathing, sore throat, aches, congestion), for your comfort and the safety of the group, let your Tour Director know immediately. Your Tour Director will help you take the next necessary steps for your care and comfort.

*Sources include, but are not limited to: U.S. State Department, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), United Kingdom Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel Advice, Australian Government - Smart Traveller, Cruise Lines International Association, and The New York Times.