As the conflict in the Middle East looks set to intensify, Aussies have been assured they can still plan their dream summer holiday in Europe.
US President Donald Trump says American forces will strike Iranian targets ‘very hard’ in the coming days as the war in the Middle East approaches its third week.
Despite this, Helloworld travel agent Kim Owen told the Daily Mail that while ‘it’s a very tense situation’ at the moment, it shouldn’t stop Aussies from going overseas.
‘It would be very difficult to get to Europe in the next couple of weeks because the availability of seats on aircraft and that doesn’t matter which hub you’re going through,’ Ms Owen said.
‘But if you wanted to go in May or June, you can because we can get you through Asia to get to Europe. Why should your life change?
‘If we can get you there safely, why not? I think people will still want to go to Europe, but they won’t want to fly via the Middle East.’
Ms Owen said Aussies with pre-booked European trips will still proceed with their bookings but will face some inconveniences if they’re flying this month.
‘We’re trying to get people to their destinations however we can. I’ve got people going to Paris in a couple of weeks going via the United States,’ she said.
Aussies wanting to go to Europe still despite the conflict in the Middle East (London is pictured)
Smoke rises following an explosion during the US-Israeli strikes on Iran this month
Aussies seeking to go overseas are starting to look at alternative destinations as the Iran war rages in the Middle East (pictured, Sydney Airport)
Australia has closed its embassies in Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv as well as its consulate in Dubai, with Aussies living in the Middle East urged to return home.
Registration for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Crisis Portal is open for Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar and the UAE.
Australians have been urged not to travel to these locations, as well as Palestine and Yemen. Travel toJordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia should also be reconsidered.
Ms Owen said government warnings provided their own challenges for Aussies heading overseas as many have been deterred from booking a holiday.
‘If people have airfares booked and the airline is flying, then what do they do? Because their travel insurance won’t cover them if they’re going somewhere they’re told “do not go”,’ Ms Owen said.
‘We’re not seeing new bookings this week at all. People are cautious and that’s normal. People aren’t thinking about travelling overseas.’
Ms Owen said a growing number of Aussies are now looking at New Zealand and Asian destinations as an alternative to Europe.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has issued several warnings for Aussies in the Middle East
Machu Picchu in Peru (pictured) is an attractive destination for those looking to avoid Europe
General manager at Eclipse Travel Hilary Dubyk said her business hasn’t been significantly affected by the war in Iran simply because it focuses on wildlife and nature-focused destinations such as Africa and Latin America.
‘There has been a noticeable shift in behaviour,’ Ms Dubyk told the Daily Mail.
‘We are seeing an increase in last-minute enquiries from travellers who appear to be adjusting their short-term plans away from Europe.’
Ms Dubyk said Aussie travellers are starting to choose destinations that are further away from the Middle East and the Northern Hemisphere more broadly.
She said destinations like South America and Southern Africa are very accessible and don’t require transiting through the Middle East.
‘Travellers can fly east directly to Santiago to reach South America, or west directly to Johannesburg for Southern Africa,’ she said.
‘So it appears to us many Australians still feel comfortable travelling, they’re simply opting for destinations and flight routings that feel further removed from current geopolitical tensions.’
Peter Carter, director of Carter Capner Law, has warned Aussies looking to take advantage of the Iran war by booking cheap airfares with Middle East carriers.
African safaris are also appealing for Aussies looking to avoid the northern hemisphere
Travel agents will still find a way to get Aussies to their destinations in Europe this winter
Mr Carter said while the cheaper fares may save Aussies money in the short-term, there are risks involved.
‘Airlines never accept liability for disruption to forward travel arrangements that follow flight diversions or delays,’ Mr Carter said.
‘Most travel insurance excludes cover for expenses incurred due to war, including invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities, civil war, rebellion, or insurrection.
‘This exclusion applies to related claims, such as trip cancellations, medical expenses, or evacuations, regardless of whether war is officially declared.’
Mr Carter advised those booking a flight that terminates or transits through the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Israel or Lebanon to ask their travel insurer if they will extend cover.
‘If you don’t ask or if they refuse the additional cover and disruption to your travel schedule due to hostilities, a resulting loss of your baggage or any medical issue will put you to significant expense,’ he said.
