On the Go: Keeping You Safe on Tour

As the world reopens its doors and On the Go begin to operate again, the wellbeing of all travellers, local teams and the communities they visit is at the forefront of their minds and they are committed to ensuring a safe and responsible return to travel.

On the Go have reviewed their health and safety protocols in all destinations, and increased hygiene policies are being implemented locally in accordance with new national regulations and recommendations from the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travel Protocols for tour operators.

Before you travel, it is imperative you familiarise yourself with the health and safety measures and/or additional entry requirements for the destination you are visiting and the re-entry requirements for your return home.

It’s important to keep up to date with the latest COVID-19 regulations and recommendations via Smart Traveller and the World Health Organisation before you travel. To assist, On the Go have compiled answers to their guests’ frequently asked questions, read on.

How will On The Go Tours make the decision to resume touring in a particular destination?

As On the Go re-start touring, they will continue following foreign travel and health advice from government authorities. Anyone who travels with On the Go also has a duty of care to their fellow travellers and the local team to continuously comply with local regulations and laws, in addition to the ‘Travel Smart’ health and well-being guidelines that On the Go publish for touring in destination. This ensures that everyone can enjoy their travels and still stay safe.

Will my itinerary be changed due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions?

On the Go will always aim to operate their tours exactly as per the original itinerary however they may need to make some changes to the activities or destinations included on your trip to comply with advice from local authorities or updated health and safety protocols.

They will endeavour to keep you updated before departure as our local teams continue to keep abreast of regional developments, including any closures or changes to sights and attractions. An open mind and sense of flexibility will help you get the most out of your trip.

How does On the Go Tours ensure proper safety and hygiene on its tours?

In line with recommendations from the World Health Organisation, On the Go are implementing increased hygiene and sanitation standards, with a specific focus on the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travel protocols for tour operators. Specific details of the hygiene, safety and wellbeing measures that will take place on your tour can be found in On the Go’s ‘Travel Smart’ guide for the country you are visiting.

The Travel Smart guides outline key information on:

• Arrival health screening and monitoring
• Hand and respiratory precautions
• Social distancing on tour
  
• Sanitation of transportation and luggage
• Included meal arrangements
• Limiting contact/ physical touch
• If facemasks are required and where

Will I need to undertake COVID-19 testing ?

At the start of your tour you will be asked to report any COVID-19 symptoms as well as any close contact with someone who has suspected or confirmed COVID-19. If you are displaying any symptoms or have any health concerns at this time, On the Go will assist you to seek medical advice but you will not be permitted to join the tour.

All travellers are expected to continuously monitor their health throughout their travels and report any related symptoms to our local team immediately.

What if there is a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 on my tour?

If you or someone else on your trip has symptoms of COVID-19 while travelling, On the Go will assist in seeking medical care. They will follow the advice of local health authorities on whether a COVID-19 test is required, whether there is a need to self-isolate or quarantine or whether there is a risk to other travellers in the group.

Should COVID-19 be confirmed, full health and safety protocols will be followed, including informing local health authorities and the group of the potential exposure. Extensive sanitisation protocols such as deep cleaning and disinfecting accommodation and transport will then be undertaken.

Please note that while On the Go will assist to ensure that you get all the medical care you require, all expenses for testing, treatment or self-isolation will be at a personal cost.

If I test positive for COVID-19 on my trip, will I get my money back?

If you are unable to continue travel on your tour due to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19, On the Go can offer you a credit for the unused days of your tour. Further they will assist you to get all the medical care you require in country though all expenses relating to your care including testing, treatment or self-isolation (in country or at home) will be at a personal cost.

Am I expected to wear a mask on tour?

In some destinations it may be compulsory to wear a mask in public or in certain places. If it is compulsory to wear a mask in public or elsewhere this information will be noted in on the Go’s ‘Travel Smart’ health and wellbeing guide.

Where a mask is required, you will need to source your own from home. Familiarise yourself with how to safely wear, handle and dispose of masks if you need to wear them on your tour. Your international carrier, departure airport or a transit airport may require that you wear a face mask, check your airline’s guidance on this.

Do I need to bring hand sanitiser?

Yes. On the Go are working with their local teams to provide hand sanitiser, though in some locations it is still in short supply. It is recommended you pack a personal supply for times when it is not available.

Will I need to bring cash on tour?

Yes. On the Go recommend that all travellers have a contactless FX free debit or credit card to use whenever possible although there will be occasions where merchants do not accept credit/debit cards and you will need to use cash. In developing countries, the need to use cash will be more frequent. Always use hand sanitiser after you have used cash.

As a solo traveller, can I share a room with another solo travellers?

On the Go are no longer offering to match up solo travellers in twin share rooms. All their tours now offer a single room option. If you are travelling solo, you will be required to purchase a single room for your personal use.

Will I share a cabin on an overnight train journey?

If your tour includes an overnight train journey where the sleeping arrangement is a 2-berth cabin, the sleeping arrangements will be the same as if you were staying at any other hotel throughout the tour. Travellers who have booked a twin share room for their holiday will be accommodated together and travellers who have booked a single room will have a single cabin for their private use.

If your tour includes an overnight train journey where the sleeping arrangement is a 4-berth cabin, only 2 persons (your normal room share partner) will be accommodated in the cabin and the remaining 2 berths will remain empty. If you purchased a single room for your holiday, then tonight is the night to spread out! You’ll be able to choose any one of the 4 berths to sleep in and the other 3 will remain empty!

With On the Go’s enhanced protocols in place and a focus on your health and safety while you travel, you can plan your next On the Go trip with confidence that your wellbeing is their priority when you return to travel.