An Update on Travel During COVID-Times

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We asked travel expert Marcia Simon for a refresh on current travel conditions. Here’s what she had to say…

by Marcia Simon, CTA

During a flight to Jamaica last month, I had a short conversation with the woman sitting next to me. She was born in Jamaica, lives in New York, and was on her way to her mother’s funeral. Her mom died from COVID.

I felt her sorrow, and asked myself, as others have echoed, “Why are you going there now? Do you feel safe?”

The answer was, “Yes. I feel safe – mostly. Travel puts life in perspective.” 

The COVID risk may never go away. How you travel can help to minimize it.

Fully vaccinated travelers have a lot more options, since many countries only allow vaccinated people to cross into their borders. It’s not just about getting onto the plane and through passport control. Restaurants, museums and shops in many countries require proof of vaccination to go inside.

Many countries require a negative COVID test prior to boarding your flight, although there’s a trend to waive this requirement for fully vaccinated travelers. 

Choose a hotel that has received its country’s “clean standard,” assuring that precautions are in place to create the safest possible environment. Hotels generally require masks in the lobby and interior public spaces. Sanitizer stands are placed at the entrance to restaurants and gift shops. Your room may not be cleaned daily, so you’ll have to make your own bed and reuse towels unless you ask for more frequent service. Find out if the hotel offers onsite COVID testing for your return flight home, and if there’s a fee. As of this writing, a negative COVID test within 72 hours of boarding the plane is required for ALL people entering the United States.

Restaurant buffets are different. Helping yourself is off limits. Instead, masked servers gladly fill your plate with anything you point to. Outdoor tableside service is preferred, weather permitting. Keep in mind that a resort that advertises five restaurants may only have two open at one time. This allows for thorough cleaning, and also keeps hotel costs down when operating with limited occupancy.

Always carry your CDC vaccination card (or a copy) and keep a digital copy on your phone. It’s now as important as your passport… speaking of which – if you haven’t traveled these past two years, check your passport expiration date. Even expedited passport processing may take as long as 12 weeks. If ever there was a time to consider travel insurance, this is it. 

And remember that conditions may change between the time you book your trip and the time you travel. Travel requires a little extra work these days, but it’s a beautiful world. Experience it, stay safe, and enjoy!

Marcia Simon is a travel advisor at Friendly Group Travel. To connect, send email to welcome@friendlygrouptravel.com, call 860-395-7244 or follow @friendlygrouptravel on Facebook and Instagram.

Pictured above – a September afternoon at Couples Swept Away on Jamaica’s seven-mile beach by Marcia Simon.