The beginning of every new year is traditionally a popular time to plan vacations for the coming year and while this year is no exception, COVID continues to hang over our heads and continues to affect how we travel.
As I have noted in the past, everything we have learned about travel in the past nearly 2 years, can be summed up in the following two statements:
- Things are complicated.
- Things can – and will – change.
As the pandemic continues to evolve and change, so has travel, as destinations, tour operators, resorts and hotels, airlines, theme parks, and cruise lines all work to find the right balance between staying operational, providing memorable travel experiences for their guests, and keeping everyone – both guests and employees – safe.
It’s a complicated and challenging scenario, and as the situation with the pandemic has changed, guidelines and protocols have adjusted. In some cases, many times.
So, any article that will discuss “what you need to know about travel and COVID” needs to come with the following disclaimer:
By the time you read this, it’s entirely possible that things will have changed again. So ALWAYS refer to your destination, resort, cruise line etc. for the CURRENT guidelines, and stay in contact with your travel agent so that she/he can answer your questions and help as needed.
Also, as a quick second disclaimer: this article is written assuming you are a resident of the United States. For anyone reading this who is a citizen of another country, be sure to conduct your own country’s travel requirements because *your mileage may vary* (pun totally intended).
OK, now having said all that, let’s take a look at some of most common questions and scenarios that you may have about travel right now.
Do I Need to be Vaccinated?
Possibly – it will depend on where you are going. Some countries like Mexico do not require vaccinations but there are others, including many of the Caribbean islands that do require proof of vaccination. Likewise with cruises, most cruise lines are requiring vaccinations of all eligible passengers, and a few are currently sailing with only fully vaccinated passengers. Others have limited vaccination exemptions for some cruises but those not vaccinated may have additional protocols or restrictions that vaccinated passengers may not have. Most if not all cruise lines have mandated vaccinations for all employees.
It’s important to note that, vaccination requirements may or may not follow the youngest age group that vaccinations are available for, so even though children as young as 5 are currently able to be vaccinated, not every place mandating vaccinations require them for children that young. Likewise, while boosters are available, they aren’t (currently) considered being *fully vaccinated* for most destinations. However, as with everything else, this is a fluid situation that changes regularly, and this could be very different in the coming weeks or months.
Even travelers who do not plan to leave the U.S. still need to be mindful that there may be vaccine requirements in certain states, regions, or cities to enter places like bars, nightclubs, or restaurants. A good example is Hawaii where strict guidelines have been in place for visitors since Hawaii opened at the end of last year – and those guidelines are not the same for every island. Your local and/or state guidelines and requirements may be very different from where you are traveling, so it’s important to “know before you go”!
Do I Need to be Tested?
As with vaccinations, COVID testing requirements will vary by location, but if you’re traveling outside of the U.S., you may very well need to have a negative COVID test prior to arrival. What kind of test though, is very important, as some will require a PCR test and others are fine with a rapid antigen test. Some destinations, like Hawaii, are not only specific about the type of test you must take, but also stipulate where you have it done. Likewise, it’s important to pay attention to the timeframe that the test needs to be done as well, since doing it a day too early can mean a major disruption to your plans!
While the testing required for arrival to your destination can vary, returning to the U.S. is the same for everyone. More stringent testing requirements went into effect in early December that requires all travelers entering the U.S. to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken no more than one calendar day before travel, or documentation of recovery from COVID within the past 90 days.
This becomes important for several reasons. First, you’ll want to verify your testing options with your resort or cruise line, and especially for a resort, make sure that you can have the testing done onsite. Fortunately many resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico make this easy for guests, but if you are traveling in other parts of the world, you need to know how you’ll get tested – and be certain that it’s a test that is qualified by the CDC. A recent development that will make this easier for many travelers, is the partnership between some airlines and healthcare companies to provide rapid return antigen tests to their customers. This will allow travelers to comply with new testing guidelines without unduly stressing about where to get their test done.
You’ll also want to confirm what the options are for quarantining if your test is positive, since you will not be able to board a plane bound for the U.S. without that negative test in hand (or proof of recovery as noted above). There are a wide range of options for guests who need to quarantine so it is VERY important to know what your options are before you leave. Your travel agent will be able to help.
Do I Need to Wear a Mask?
Unless you are driving to your destination, for U.S. travelers you will still – at a minimum – need to wear a mask both in the airport and on your flight. This is the law and fines are hefty. It’s also possible that you’ll be asked to wear a mask in many of the destinations that you visit, at least indoors and/or in crowded settings. Cruise lines may also require masks in most if not all indoor settings, although they will not generally be required out on deck – but again, every cruise line has their own requirements so be sure you know what yours are!
When it comes to theme park destinations like Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, masking in indoor settings has changed as the pandemic has evolved. Currently both Walt Disney World and Universal require masks for everyone over age 2 in all indoor locations and rides, as well as transportation. Masks are not required outside.
Wow, That’s a LOT to Keep Track Of!
Yes, it definitely is. And we, as travel professionals, work to keep up with it all – daily – so that our guests can travel confidently. So the key to traveling, or planning travel now, is to stay informed, stay flexible – and to be sure to work with a trusted, experienced travel advisor who can guide you through everything, so all you need to do is arrive and start making those vacation memories!
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