As the Go Ahead team considers where to travel in 2022, the well-being of our travelers and staff is our top priority. We tap into our EF Global Safety Network of industry experts, and consider guidelines released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and the U.S. Department of State. Plus, our 24/7 Emergency Service Team and Safety & Incident Response Team closely monitor each destination to identify potential risks, infections rates, healthcare accessibility, and local regulations. The most up-to-date information about impacted departures is available here.

We then review each country we visit on tour to assess any border restrictions, and confirm flights are operating between the U.S. and that destination. We are continuously communicating with our suppliers to review and uphold our safety protocols and safe travel standards, and are working with our local staff to thoroughly understand the environment of our destinations before we travel there.

It’s important to us that we are providing our travelers with immersive, cultural experiences, so we also carefully assess whether points of interest are open to travelers and whether new policies and social distancing standards will inhibit a traveler’s experience.

Your well-being is always at the forefront as you explore the world on tour with us, and we’ve put new protocols into practice so that you can feel confident as you choose where to travel in 2022 and 2023. Some of our new, enhanced measures include strict adherence to health protocols, extra sanitization of private motor coaches, on-tour experiences with physical distancing in mind, smaller groups for your comfort, and more.

We’ve also made a new EF COVID Care Promise. This industry-leading commitment is provided at no additional expense to our travelers. If a traveler is either diagnosed with COVID-19 while on tour or required to quarantine on account of COVID-19 while on tour, EF will provide or arrange for support including lodging, meals, translation services, and more. Get more details about our EF COVID Care Promise here.

You’ll also now be required to complete a COVID-19 Safe Traveler Agreement before you hit the road. This agreement helps promote the well-being of all our travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and outlines the expectations we have for our travelers prior to departure, while they are on tour, and when they return home from tour. It will pop up in your online account 30 days prior to your departure, and it must be signed 72 hours before your first flight. If you’re traveling with anyone under 18, you can complete their form as well.

As you plan travel for 2022, you should be sure to arrive earlier than usual at the airport to allow additional time for potential health screening and social distancing protocols. Airlines and airports will enforce their own health and safety measures as countries open for travel, and travelers should adhere to the guidelines in place. For additional information about your flight, visit your airline’s website.