Where Can I Even go?
Many of our Blue Pineapple Travel clients are ready to go somewhere. They know that the world doesn’t look the same, and it’s hard to muddle through what you can and can’t do right now. We absolutely put our clients’ safety first, but we want to help you if you want to go somewhere do so safely and legally.
So a I have few thoughts on this subject, knowing that everything can change on a dime! I have personally traveled to a variety of places so far, and have reflected on what feels safe and what doesn’t. I am very obsessive about testing myself, social distancing, and mask wearing before, during, and after travel. I do think it’s so important to know that things are not the same right now no matter where you go, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still be wonderful.
Also note, this is FAR from comprehensive, but it’s a good starting place if you are ready to start thinking and planning! If you have a destination in mind, we can help you sort through it, but sometimes it just helps to see what you can and can’t do!
Domestic travel!
Domestic travel has by far been our most popular travel right now. It is still important to keep in mind that some states have different rules and regulations for travel and when you get to where you are going. We have had a lot of interest in national parks, but some of those require reservations now as well, so it’s good to work with your travel advisor even when doing a domestic trip. That said, we have some great domestic options that you might now have considered before! You can go clamping, you could go to a dude ranch, or you could go to a great beach resort. Not many of our clients have been hitting up big cities for right now, but that might change. Our clients have been enjoying places where there is plenty of space and they can find some privacy and room from others. And finally, Disney World is open! There are rules and regulations and changes about your trip, but there are also lower crowds and very short lines. If you are craving some Mickey, this is one of the first times we have seen some of the best deals in years for the rest of this year.
Mexico
The press on travel to Mexico has left quite a few people confused. The land border between the US and Mexico how been strictly regulated, but flights actually never stopped throughout the entire pandemic. The air border is and has been open. For some time, resorts and hotels closed, but many of them have reopened. I have had the opportunity to go to Los Cabos already, and we have had many clients fly into Cancun to travel to Rivera Maya, Tulum, Playa Mujeres, and Playa del Carmen. The tourist areas of Mexico with the great beach resorts are largely open for business with new protocols. I was absolutely blown away by the protocols that I saw in destination. If you have the risk tolerance to fly, and you want a getaway, Mexico is open for business. Beyond domestic travel, Mexico has been the easiest and most popular among our clients. They also do not require COVID testing or additional insurance (though we of course suggest standard coverage before you leave your house right now!).
Caribbean
The Caribbean is a patchwork of beautiful islands with amazing cultures and different governments. That patchwork is part of what we all love about this part of the world, but it also means we have had to keep a very close eye on where you can go and how to get there! Some highlights as of right now include that the Dominican Republic annoucened that they are no longer requiring COVID tests upon entry starting mid-September, and they are providing COVID coverage for all travelers and guests to the country. Jamaica has developed a tourism corridor of resorts where you allowed to go. COVID testing for Jamaica is required and the types of accepted tests are changing, so you just need to keep a close eye on your state and testing requirements. St. Lucia has an amazing handle on COVID locally and is also open with testing before travel. St. Lucia is one of our top travel destinations for romance travelers, and it’s exciting to watch their successful reopening! I have been in Aruba for almost a month and love being here! They do require testing and insurance (and the test type and timing depends on your departure state), but they actually just decreased the cost of the COVID insurance for travelers! Antigua has been open for a few months now, and they have been fairly consistent with their entry standards, which is enticing. Turks and Caicos is also open with testing, and I’ll be real, it’s one of my favorite destinations. You can also hit up St. Barth’s with testing, and there are so many private villa options there so you can have plenty of space. Some destinations like Bermuda and Barbados have very strict entry policies, but are courting long term travelers (like what I am doing) with work visas for up to a year that are fairly easy to get your hands on! There are of course so many more option and locations that we are watching closely, but this is a quick run down and update!
Beyond!
Not all of this is widely published, but there are some other places you can go. Costa Rica is slowly reopening to the United States state by state. I got off a zoom call yesterday with a supplier in Croatia. They are welcoming Americans (with testing), and she told me that she has met quite a few American travelers while she has been there for work. She did mention that many of them are staying for longer periods of time right now. I would be lying if I said I didn’t start googling flight options after that call! The Maldives have opened to us, but you are only allowed to go to particular resort islands (which is typically where people are going). French Polynesia has opened with testing, and if you are dreaming of isolating in an over the water bungalow, it is available now! The other options I think are really interesting is that Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda have reopened. When I think about travel that is actually safe once you get there, safaris and treks actually do make a lot of sense. They tend to be outdoors, very private, and focused on activities that are naturally socially distanced. Plus, I have wanted to see gorillas for ages!
What about a quarantine when I get home?
One of the most common questions we get is “what about a quarantine when I get home?” This is a little tricky depending on where home is. If you live in Georgia like me, you don’t have a required quarantine at all. The United States as a whole has no quarantine requirements. I have personally chosen to test myself after flying and when I get back home. I also have gone back to my mostly quarantined at home life when I get home (which honestly is similar to what I do when I travel!). Your work is where you really should check. If you country and state do not have quarantine requirements, your job might, and that’s what I would suggest checking!
Is traveling right now for everyone?
Absolutely not. We are not out here pushing people to take unnecessary risks or to do things that are unsafe. We do not think you should put yourself in harms way (now or ever). But, if you are ready to get out, and you want to get away, we want to help you through it. I can tell you that from the hotels and resorts I have visited, and the people I have talked to (from a distance), the folks that work in travel and hospitality are so excited to see the people that are ready to travel. And I am happy to see them too. All that said, there will be a time when we can move freely again. If you want to plan for next week or for 2022, we are here for you to find the trip that fills you with the joy and excitement that travel brings to all of us.
