Your Safety Is Our Priority

Thank you for your interest in traveling with Bus2alps. In response to COVID-19, we have updated our procedures and staff training and added new precautionary measures to prioritize the wellbeing of our travelers, staff, partners, and destinations.

Our History

Our “Safe, Responsible Travel Policy” is based on recommendations from the World Health Organization and industry guidelines from the World Travel and Tourism Council and the Adventure Travel Trade Association.  

Our “Safe, Responsible Travel Pledge” policy will be continually adapted according to local public health recommendations and travel restrictions. We continuously monitor the COVID-19 situation here in Europe. We are staying up to date with the official information provided by the CDC, the US State Department, the World Health Organization, and the European Union.

Before Your Trip Departs

Book with confidence (and flexibility) 

We understand that you are excited to travel, but may be hesitant to book a trip right now.  We have adjusted our cancellation and refund policy to give you greater flexibility in changing your travel plans. If Bus2alps is forced to cancel a trip due to unforeseen or changing circumstances you will be refunded 100% of the cost of your trip. 

Pre-Trip Health Declaration

Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, has exhibited symptoms or fever within the past 14 days, or has been in close contact with someone who has, will not be able to join the trip.

Destination Evaluation & Local Partners

We are working with all our accommodation, food, and experience providers to ensure that they are conforming to local regulations. Additionally, we require increased cleaning protocols, hygiene records, and follow recommendations and guidelines from the CDC and WHO. Pre-trip departure risk assessments are centered around ensuring your safety and wellbeing.

Flexible Cancellation Policy

To allow you to plan in advance and book with confidence we have adapted our cancellation and refund policy to minimize your risk should conditions change. Our flexible cancellation policy:

a. Up to 90 days prior to departure 100% refund
b. Up to 60 days prior to departure 100% minus €200 reservation fee, OR 100% travel credit
c. Up to 14 days prior to departure 50% cash refund or  75% travel credit
d. Up to 24 hours prior to departure 50% travel credit.
e. If you are currently serving the US Armed Forces on active duty, or if you are a spouse or family member of a person on active duty and you are not able to attend your trip due to an unforeseen change in deployment status, you may cancel at any time up to 24 hours before departure and receive a 100% refund on the cost of your trip.

During The Trip

Arrival and Check-in

Your trip leader will inform you of any updates to local conditions, restrictions, and any updates to the planned itinerary due to changing circumstances.

Personal Protective Equipment

We require that all guests bring their own face masks to ensure compliance with local regulations and recommend that everyone bring their own hand sanitizer.  Masks must be worn when social distancing of at least two meters cannot take place.

Buses

Our buses are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before the start of your trip and regularly throughout as standard procedure. Our drivers are trained on the latest hygiene protocols and will clean and disinfect all surfaces including handrails, door handles, tables, seating areas, and overhead rails on a daily basis. Sanitizer must be used in every transitional period; guests will be required to use hand sanitizer provided by your guide, before entering and exiting the bus. 

Travel Bubble

We have adapted our group sizes to comply with local distancing requirements.  Throughout the trip, we will do our best to maintain our “Travel Bubble” of Bus2alps travelers.  Where this is not possible we will require all travelers to wear masks according to local regulations.

Self Screening

Out of respect for everyone on the trip and the safety of our host destinations, we ask that all travelers monitor their health throughout the trip.  In the event a traveler becomes ill or displays symptoms of COVID-19 our trip leaders have been trained in detailed protocols to follow.

After Your Trip

If for any reason you are not feeling well at the end of your trip it is important that you let us know.  In addition, we will follow up with a post-trip survey to inquire about your experience on the trip and to check in regarding any health developments you might have experienced.

Any traveler developing symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days after the end of the tour is required to inform Bus2alps so that we are able to notify all travelers on the tour of a potential exposure. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How have the Bus2alps staff prepared for my upcoming trip?

  • We have rigorously reviewed all our operational procedures and implemented additional precautionary measures to ensure your safety and the safety of our partners, suppliers, and destinations
  • All crew undergo additional safety training before leading groups to review safety protocols as well as highlight any updated procedures in light of potential COVID-19 developments
  • We have 24-hour Emergency Phone support from headquarters should the on-the-ground crew need any guidance or assistance

What safety measures are Bus2alps partners and suppliers taking?

  • We working with all our accommodation suppliers to ensure local law adherence 
  • Additionally, we require increased cleaning protocols, hygiene records, and follow recommendations and guidelines form the CDC and WHO
  • Frequent risk assessments are centered around your safety and wellbeing

What happens in the event of travel restrictions changing (before the trip)?

  • We will make our best effort to communicate any modifications to the trip’s itinerary within 48 hours of the new restrictions or 24 hours before the departure date depending on if/when the travel restrictions transpire
  • Should the trip be unable to operate due to COVID-19 new travel restrictions, guests will be notified and given options to change or cancel

Should I have travel insurance?

  • We highly recommend purchasing 3rd party travel insurance in advance of your upcoming trip

Will there be temperature testing?

  • A self-declaration form stating that the guest does not have COVID-19 must be completed and submitted to your guide before entering the bus.
  • The guide will test each guest’s temperature before entering the bus each day

Do I have to wear a mask?

Yes, on the bus and according to local regulations.  When worn the mask must cover the mouth and nose and be secure under your chin

  • Must be worn on the bus at all times
  • Must be worn in all public buildings where required by local regulations
  • Must be worn when social distancing of at least two meters cannot take place where required by local regulations 
  • We recommend that each guest packs 3-4 reusable face masks or one N95 per day

Will we be required to use hand sanitizer (on the trip)?

  • Sanitizer must be used in every transitional period; guests will be required to use hand sanitizer provided by your guide, before entering and exiting the bus
  • We highly recommend that each guest packs his/her/their own private hand sanitizer and apply after touching public surfaces 

What cleaning measures are being implemented during transport?

  • All coaches are thoroughly cleaned before each trip starts and regularly throughout as standard procedures
  • All frequently-touched surfaces of the bus will be sanitized daily
  • Passengers will occupy the window seats only in each row

What happens in the event of a guest contracting COVID-19 on the trip?

  • We will provide a Bus2alps representative to support them throughout the initial hospitalization or quarantine period. This can include facilitation of connection with local health care providers, facilitation of translation services, finding a quarantine location if needed. It is important to note that although Bus2alps will help facilitate the required support of the guest, any additional costs incurred are the responsibility of the traveler

What if a guest tests positive for COVID-19 within 2 weeks of the trips end?

  • Guests who fall ill post-trip will be required to notify Bus2alps for contact tracing purposes
  • Bus2alps will inform the remaining passengers of potential exposure

What happens in the event I need to cancel my trip due to changing circumstances or health conditions?

  • In response to the current uncertainty surrounding travel in Europe, we have adapted our cancellation and refund policy to give you the maximum amount of flexibility.
  • The following cancellation policies apply:
    • a. Up to 90 days prior to departure 100% refund
      b. Up to 60 days prior to departure 100% minus €200 reservation fee, OR 100% travel credit
      c. Up to 14 days prior to departure 50% cash refund or  75% travel credit
      d. Up to 24 hours prior to departure 50% travel credit.
      e. If you are currently serving the US Armed Forces on active duty, or if you are a spouse or family member of a person on active duty and you are not able to attend your trip due to an unforeseen change in deployment status, you may cancel at any time up to 24 hours before departure and receive a 100% refund on the cost of your trip.

Customize Your Trip

Experience Europe Your Way!