Holiday expert Julie Macdonald can help you navigate the ever changing travel landscape

Whether it’s a staycation, a cheap and cheerful week of fun in the sun, or a once in a lifetime trip to one of the wonders of the world, there’s nothing like a change of scenery to raise the spirits. “Holidays will never be the same,” says independent travel agent Julie Macdonald, of Not Just Travel.

For Julie, the relaxation of restrictions means she can once more share her passion for seeing the world while taking the stress out of the planning of holidays for others. It was that passion that brought Julie back into the industry just over a year ago, after 20 years in finance.

“Then, just as things were really starting to fly at the end of January, everything began to tumble down as Covid-19 struck,” she says. “It has been a tough few months but the experience is something that can only strengthen the company.”

Unlike online travel sites, Julie offers a one to one service, devising bespoke itineraries. It is something she enjoys doing having originally worked in the business as a resort manager in The Algarve and Goa many years ago.

“Then my time was taken up organising transfers, accommodation, checking health and safety at hotels, and setting up excursions,” she recalls. "That background has been really important from the point of understanding that attention to detail is really vital.”

Attention to detail has never been more important than now, as the world slowly opens up, and with many nervous about a tourist landscape very different to the one we knew in March.

“People are thinking more about their holiday plans,” Julie explains. “Rather than just booking the usual two weeks in Majorca, they are thinking a bit more about where they want to go and how they want to spend their time there. There’s an increased interest in villas, which allow a good degree of social distancing, and many people are choosing to go further afield. I think we will find more and more people choose to have fewer short breaks and instead, have one longer holiday to maximise their time away.”

Which is where Julie comes in, the Linlithgow-based travel consultant can plan every detail of a trip, ensuring things run smoothly.

“The main worry people have right now is, what happens if there is a second wave? I can reassure clients there are some really low deposits out there right now, as low as £30 per person, while other suppliers, are offering flexible policies that, if you book before the end of July, waive any amendment or cancellation fees.”

The most important thing about travelling in the future will be to plan ahead, Julie stresses. “Be prepared, there are many things you need to be doing now in advance of travelling, and many of them I can do for you.”

There are also some things you could do for yourself, she adds, sharing her Top 5 post-lockdown travel tips:

1: Check in online to avoid standing in queues.

2: Download your boarding pass to your phone - one less thing to carry.

3: If driving to the airport, use the car park next to the Terminal and walk rather than use a shuttle bus.

4: Take your own food and water on flights as there might not be any for sale.

5: Know how many masks you will need for your flight - you shouldn’t wear the same mask for more than four hours.

Despite having no income for the past four months, Julie remains buoyant, as she says, “I still get a buzz from organising other people’s travel because I can advise on those little changes that will make all the difference. And I think that with all the uncertainty out there just now, people appreciate the fact they can pick up the phone and talk to someone.”

For more information call Julie MacDonald 0800-001 6250, email [email protected], visit facebook.com/juliemacdonaldnjt or go to www.juliemacdonald.notjusttravel.com

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