TRAVEL SAFELY

PROTOCOLS AND GUIDELINES FOR TRAVELING DURING COVID-19

Since our first trip over 24 years ago, safety has always been a priority at Velo Echappe’. With the present situation with Covid-19, outdoor recreation continues to be one of the safest ways to travel and explore the world. We’ve consulted with health experts at one of the nation’s top hospitals, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha, to adapt our on-tour protocols while maintaining the level of luxury and service you’ve come to expect from us. UNMC has one of only two Biocontainment Patient Care Units in the United States. At the onset of the Covid pandemic when Americans were being evacuated from overseas, they were flown to Omaha where they were quarantined at UNMC while the doctors determined what the disease was. Thus, the UMNC doctors are truly some of the world’s leading experts on the virus.

One of life’s most precious gifts is your health! If you care for it, your life will be richer in experience and you’ll be able to achieve more of your goals and dreams. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) warn that COVID-19 and its variants are primarily spread through direct, person-to-person contact or being in close proximity to an infected individual. Thus, we are focused on reducing the risk of transmission on our trips in the following ways.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ARRIVING SAFELY

  • We ask that you arrive for your tour in good health and fully vaccinated. You will need to supply proof of your vaccination before your departure and we require that you have your vaccination card with you at all times while on our trip. All of our North American and European guides are fully vaccinated.

  • Health Questionnaire - All guests will be required to fill out a health questionnaire regarding potential Covid exposure.

  • Temperatures will be taken on arrival. A reading of ≥100 degrees will prevent any person from joining the tour. If you have to self-quarantine, this will be at your own expense. In addition, our guides will provide information on the nearest medical facility to seek further evaluation.

  • Face coverings or masks must be worn over your nose and mouth in situations where distancing is not possible or where required by local regulations and CDC guidelines—including while in the van or at indoor public settings. Face coverings will not be required while riding if a safe distance is maintained on the bikes.

  • Velo Echappe’ is encouraging all guests to bring their own face coverings on trip. Guests should always have a face covering readily available to wear when needed.

  • Face coverings must cover both nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.

  • Please take note of and follow any travel restrictions or quarantine requirements in your intended destination.

KEEPING SAFE WITH SPACE

  • With Covid-19 in the world, it’s necessary to operate trips with a smaller number of guests and more vehicles so there is enough ample space between guests and staff. Whether it’s only 2 guests or a max of 12, we keep the groups small.

  • To ensure proper physical distance in our support van, seating will be assigned. Transfers will be kept to a minimum.

  • While riding, you’ll be asked to maintain a distance of at least six feet from your fellow cyclists.

  • We work with the best hotels in the region who have implemented proper physical distancing by limiting the in-person presence of employees and guests in communal spaces (like restaurants and lobbies).

SANITIZATION AND MEALS

  • Velo Echappe’ requires that all our vendors and hotels adhere to strict operating and sanitizing standards.

  • Our guides will clean every piece of gear and equipment thoroughly and regularly—including bikes, computers, and van surfaces.

  • We’ll supply you with your own disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer to use as you prefer.

  • Meals: You will have various options available each day for dining. First, if possible, we will eat outside when we can. Other options include in-room dining or on your own at a private table. You have flexibility to insure your health and peace of mind!

ITS YOUR VACATION

  • In addition to flexible dining options, you’ll also enjoy greater flexibility when it comes to joining social activities, local artisan visits, sidetrips, etc. It’s your hard-earned vacation so there’s no pressure to join if you feel safer sitting it out. Your peace of mind is worth it!

  • Private Trips: If you have family or a group of friends that want their own private trip and custom itinerary, please get in touch with us. This is what we specialize in and has been our niche for the past 7 years.

  • Custom Trips: Let us create your own unique trip through our custom trip options. Please contact us for more details. Thanks!

  • Single Supplement: Insure that you have your own room for the duration of the trip. This option is available on every departure.

  • Self-Guided Trips: Put our 25 years of experience to work for you by designing a self-guided adventure!