A Lexington travel agency says while the coronavirus has not stopped people from traveling, it has impacted the plans that were already booked. The agency says that initially, the worry was for the next few weeks, but now they're getting calls from customers who are concerned about their summer travel plans.
Avant Travel says right now, they have some clients who are traveling in Asia and as more information is released on the coronavirus, they have been adjusting travel plans. As for the rest of their clients, they're treating them on a case by case basis. "We had several, gosh, four or five cruises booked in Asia in March that have been canceled. The cruise line did refund their money. We have people that are traveling this summer that we are receiving calls that they are concerned," co-owner, Sharon Betts.
The agency says that most have not canceled their vacations overseas just yet. "People are calling about the trips that they've scheduled, people save a year in advance and book their trip in advance and now everything is changing. So they're just concerned, but most people are kind of waiting to see what is going to happen," Betts said.
Avant Travel says they have faced issues like this before, with SARS, ebola, and even the wildfires in Australia. The agents advise any travelers to work with professionals for a smooth trip. "We have contacts all over the world. And they're our preferred suppliers. And we're hearing information real time, on a daily basis. So we know what's happening at their destination. I think that has really helped and it helps people's comfort."
