What’s a traveler (or a travel operator) to do, when a volcano erupts in Iceland?
This past week, I have been asked one question many times: “What can you do when a volcanic eruption disrupts all of your travel plans?”
First, I make sure that all of my employees and customers are safe.
As long as everyone is safe, I’d chalk this up to a delay that can’t be helped. Many people were supposed to leave on a trip and had to cancel. That is not good, because you wait sometimes months to go on a vacation, then something like this happens, and you have to rearrange everything. Your excited anticipation leads to disappointment… and inconvenience. But again, the big picture to me is, safety first.
How can you rationalize a volcano?
You can’t. All you can really do is work with what you’ve got, and do what you have to do. That may mean:
- Switching your trip to a different destination
- Or picking a different date (so far, many of our travelers are doing this – they still want to travel to Europe and they’re rebooking for later in the year. It’s great to see).
No matter what, remember the most important thing; you are home, safe, and able to choose what to do on a future date. I believe that things do happen for a reason.
Working Together
I am grateful I have a great team in place on the road, helping our travelers affected by this natural event. They are working around the clock to make sure everyone is comfortable, safe and taken care of. It’s a nice feeling – knowing you can depend on your team, knowing your customers are in the most capable hands.
If you can’t travel, what do you do in the meantime?
As Bill Belichick, coach of the Patriots, often says, “It is what it is.” You can’t fight Mother Nature. Just be thankful that even though you might be waiting in some airport or stuck at home and changing arrangements, that you’re safe. And now there is really only one thing to do – wait for the dust to clear.
It always does.
These things do happen and we all continue traveling the world. That’s enough for me.
posted by Dan the CEO
Dan Sullivan, Jr., President and CEO
Collette Vacations
Tags: Current Events, Eyjafjallajokull Volcano, Iceland, Travel News
5 Comments to “What’s a traveler (or a travel operator) to do, when a volcano erupts in Iceland?”
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In times like this, especially if you are stranded somewhere, it is important to remember that a little kindness and an upbeat attitude goes a long way.
I agree we should rely on professionals to care about our needs.
It is a comfort to know that know matter what, Collette Vacations always places the safety of its travelers first. I am confident that no matter if I were stranded in Europe or here at home that Collette would take care of me. Thank you for applying rational and sound logic to the travel industry. Collette sets the standard. Thank you.
Thank you Collette,
We just got back from your Shades of Ireland tour,
during wheich the airlines closed due to the volcano. Our flight out was cancelled 4/20/10, but we flew out the next day. Some of our group is still in Ireland waiting a return flight. Our tour manager was the Best. She took care of everything, kept everyones spirits high. Stayed with us until we got thru the airport. She was great. Collette took care of all of our extra expenses, kept us in a fine hotel, provided meals and transport to the airport, even had a driver waiting for us at DFW airport when we arrived. We had no worries. We had a fantastic time in Ireland. We are planning our next trip with Collette.
Thank you
I was away with my dad and grandparents in London England when the volcano errupted. we had lots of fun and as soon as you could collette got us home:) thanks!