What a difference a year makes (in a good way)! While last year at this time, travel was practically at a standstill, this year it seems that everyone has an upcoming trip planned, or is getting ready to book their next vacation. Increasing vaccinations and relaxing travel guidelines have people feeling optimistic about making up for missing out on their vacations last year, and many destinations and airlines are seeing huge demand as a result.
Still, things aren’t quite “normal” yet when it comes to travel – and so anyone with vacation plans over the upcoming summer will want to know what the “latest” is when it comes to COVID safety. Generally speaking, there are two important things to keep in mind:
- It is super important to check with your destination well in advance of your vacation. because the guidelines and requirements for travel vary WIDELY, and what one place requires, another may not. Your travel advisor will, of course be on top of all of this, so you can rely on her to keep you updated with everything you need to know. And it’s important to rely on her guidance because….
- Things are constantly changing. Sometimes several times in a week. So, what the guidelines are today may not be the guidelines tomorrow, and you must stay informed about your destination, so that you don’t run into problems on your way there, or when you get ready to return home. Again, rely on the help of your travel specialist, this is what they do!
So having shared those caveats, let’s take a quick look at some of the most popular destinations and see what the current travel guidance is (currently).
Visiting the National Parks: Per the National Park Service, “consistent with CDC recommendations, people who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces. Masks are required for everyone on all forms of public transportation.” In addition, guests visiting any of the national parks will likely find capacity limits, entrance reservations, one-way trails and/or temporary closures in response to local conditions. While most of the 423 national parks are available to visitors, some may not have the ability to offer the level of service available before the pandemic, and a number of the national parks are requiring advance reservations. Visitors are strongly advised to check with the individual park, well in advance of your visit, for specific information.
Visiting Hawaii: NEWLY UPDATED!! The 50th state continues to be one of the most popular vacation destinations this year, despite several strict regulations in place for all travelers visiting the islands. All travelers must have a negative test result BEFORE beginning the final leg of their trip to Hawaii. Anyone without a negative test result PRIOR to departure must quarantine upon arrival. The negative test result must be uploaded onto Hawaii’s Safe Travels website prior to departure or travelers have the option to have their results printed out prior to departure and provide a hard copy when arriving in Hawaii.
Note that at this time, vaccination status does not affect this requirement, so even those vaccinated must provide negative test results. However the Governor has just updated the state’s mask mandate, indicating that masks are no longer required outside. They are still required indoors and the requirement is the same for everyone, vaccinated or otherwise.
Adventures by Disney Group Travel: While specific requirements will always be based on the local, state, country guidelines of your destination, the most important things to be aware of on a vacation with Adventures by Disney are:
- Testing and/or vaccinations will be required before the trip, and online health assessments will be conducted before joining guided group tours for the well-being of everyone. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. All Guests, Adventure Guides and tour operators accompanying Guests in vehicles will also be required to show proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination (completed at least 14 days prior to the trip) before joining any trip.
- Face coverings are required at all times, except during designated breaks throughout the day where physical distancing is possible, when eating or drinking, swimming or in one’s own hotel room.
Globus Group Travel: Travelers embarking on a Globus Tours vacation will need to know the following:
Proof of one of the following must be provided:
- Full vaccination against COVID-19 in the form of written documentation that includes information that identifies the person and vaccination date(s). Proof of full vaccination must show that official vaccination dose(s) were administered at least 14-days prior to the start of your vacation.
- Verifiable negative COVID-19 test result in the form of written documentation, using a viral test (NAAT/PCR or antigen). The negative test result must show the test was done within 72 hours before the start of your vacation.
- If you recovered from COVID-19 in the last three months, and have met the criteria to end isolation, you may travel instead with documentation of recovery, which includes a positive test result and a letter from your health care provider that states you have been cleared to end isolation.
In addition, guests must wear a face covering that fully covers both nose and mouth when physical distancing is not possible and/or as local regulations require. This may include while traveling on board the motorcoach and while participating in certain excursions. Your Tour Director will provide guidance as to current regulations and recommendations. In addition, travelers should expect that their temperature will be taken as part of the screening process and may be taken as part of the screening process at venues that are visited as part of the tour.
Universal Orlando: NEWLY UPDATED 5/28!! The Universal theme parks (Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure) have recently updated their face covering guidelines for visitors as follows:
- Face coverings are no longer required for fully vaccinated guests.
- Universal does not require proof of vaccinations.
- Guests who are not vaccinated are still expected to wear face coverings when indoors.
- All Guests are encouraged to keep a safe distance between travel parties.
Walt Disney World: Disney also recently revised their face covering policy. Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members. Guests must wear them in all indoor locations, except when actively eating or drinking while stationary and maintaining appropriate physical distancing. Face coverings are optional in outdoor common areas at Walt Disney World Resort but are still required upon entering and throughout all attractions, theaters and transportation.
General Policies When Traveling or Flying Internationally: The CDC has updated its guidance for fully vaccinated individuals traveling internationally, confirming that they are less likely to both get and spread COVID-19. The agency says that vaccinated individuals do not need to get tested before leaving the United States unless required by their destination, nor do they need to self-quarantine after returning home to the U.S. Nonetheless, during travel these individuals should continue to wear a mask, avoid crowds and wash or sanitize their hands frequently.
Beyond these destinations and tours? As noted above, travelers must check to see what the requirements are for both their location (city/state/country/island) as well as the hotel or resort where they are staying. Every destination has to approach all of this in a way that protects those who live and work there, and every business must do the same.
And as also noted above, the value of working with an experienced travel advisor can’t be measured, especially at a time when rules and regulations are changing so rapidly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Your travel specialist will keep your safety and preferences top of mind while helping you save precious time and money in the process, and will be there to help throughout your planning – and even while you are traveling – if there’s a problem. Unlike a website and confirmation email, travel advisors don’t abandon you after you’ve booked but are there to see you through and to ensure your trip is everything you’ve dreamed of – and have waited so long for.
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Planning a vacation this year? Get your questions answered in my FREE guide: What You Need to Know About Traveling in 2021
