Travel Safely: Topdeck’s Focus on You

Picture this: borders start to open, and travel is the topic of conversation again (although, you may never have stopped dreaming about it!). But what does travel look like post COVID-19? How is Topdeck going to keep you safe while travelling the world?

Great questions. And Topdeck’s answers will continue to evolve as they learn more about keeping your health protected while travelling on the road. Once announced, you can be assured all Topdeck’s actions will fall in line with government regulations, World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines and industry best practice.

Topdeck’s Commitment to You

Book with Confidence

Topdeck know you're still keen to travel, and that you might be feeling a bit nervous about booking right now. They understand that. So to help ease those nerves, they’ve added some extra flexibility for all new bookings until further notice, allowing you to change your departure date or trip up to 40 days before travel - with no changes fees or penalties. Terms and conditions apply.

Topdeck Hygiene Standards

All coaches are thoroughly cleaned before each trip starts and regularly throughout as standard. As soon as Topdeck are back on the road, your Topdeck Crew will pay extra attention to cleanliness ensuring all surfaces including handrails, door handles, tables, seats, air-conditioning filters and overhead lockers are cleaned and sanitised throughout the duration of your trip. With plenty of hand sanitiser available for your use!

On the Road Partners and Suppliers

Topdeck take their supplier and partner relationships very seriously and in response to COVID-19, there are no exceptions. Topdeck are working with all accommodation and experience suppliers to ensure cleaning protocols, hygiene records, customer ratings and risk assessments are centred around your safety and wellbeing. This is new to everyone and while no one, including Topdeck, has all the answers right now, they actively working on it. All information regarding changes Topdeck implement for your safety will be readily available via the Topdeck app and highlighted in your departure briefing.

Crew Training

Let’s face it, their Crew are already everyday hero’s in Topdeck’s eyes. But they hear you, travelling is going to need to be a little different in the future to best protect your health and wellbeing. So, before Topdeck hit the road again, all Crew members will undergo further training to equip them with the skills required to keep you as safe as possible.

What About Me?

Ready for your next Topdeck trip? Don’t stress. Topdeck have got you. Every trip starts with a full briefing of what to expect – this will now include the do’s, don’ts and recommendations to help you travel safe. However, it's vital you take personal responsibility for your own wellbeing before, during and after your Topdeck trip – adhering to hygiene measures as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). These will include regular hand washing and sanitising, no sharing of products or food and wearing a face mask and gloves as required. Be sure to download the Topdeck app ahead of your trip departure to stay informed on the most up-to-date advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be changes to seating arrangements on Topdeck coaches?

At this point in time, Topdeck haven’t made any concrete changes, but coach suppliers and government regulators are currently auditing industry best practice. Once new information is supplied, Topdeck will ensure their trips are compliant. Topdeck’s priority is to keep you as safe as possible.

Will there be issues crossing borders when travelling? Will we have to quarantine during our trip?

Two great questions! Topdeck are monitoring smarttraveller.com.au and gov.uk as well as tracking all border restrictions and travel quarantine measures to guide their decisions – both for destinations they travel to, and where their Topdeckers live. It’s unlikely Topdeck will commence travel before they can run their trips completely, as intended. However, the situation is ever-changing, and Topdeck will provide any updates and alterations to your trip as soon as they are able. For your own safety, it's vital you're fully compliant with guidance issued from your country of residence and destination of travel.

Do I need to be tested for coronavirus before, during and after my Topdeck trip?

This will depend entirely on what measures specific countries adopt. Whatever those measures are, Topdeck will enforce for the safety of their passengers. Topdeck are monitoring the situation and following advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and industry best practices. Topdeck will provide all additional information via their Topdeck app prior to your departure.

What if I start to feel unwell during my trip?

Speak up. Let your Trip Leader know as soon as possible so they can help you. Feeling unwell on a trip can happen from time to time – the Topdeck Crew are already trained on what to do when this occurs. The Topdeck Crew will receive additional training specific to coronavirus safety, to ensure they’re ready and prepared to focus on your wellbeing.

Are the hostels and hotels we stay at during our trip safe to stay at?

Topdeck are actively working with their accommodation suppliers to ensure their cleaning protocols, hygiene records, customer ratings and risk assessments are in line with government regulations. When Topdeck commence travel again, it will be because it is safe to do so. Rest assured, your safety and wellbeing while travelling with Topdeck is their number one priority.

What is my personal responsibility to stay safe?

Based on government recommendations, World Health Organisation (WHO) and other industry advice, Topdeck will be taking precautions to help keep you safe. Topdeck understand there is a lot of uncertainty and risk that comes with travelling in the near future but must ask that you take responsibility for your own wellbeing. Topdeck will guide you through this, sharing all the information you need before your trip starts. This includes, ensuring you have personal protective equipment and sanitisers, are adhering to physical distancing and hygiene practises and follow all health-related instructions while travelling.