What will travel look like as we near a "post-covid" environment?
With vaccines rolling out we are hearing quite a bit about countries open to travelers who have been vaccinated. And travel advisor phones are slowly beginning to ring again for travel later this year. With this desire to travel again, or at least to plan a trip, comes the realization that travel is going to be a bit different for some time. Requirements will vary by the country you are traveling to and by the country you are coming from.
According to a Destinations Analyst survey in March of this 2021, 60% of Americans say they will travel in the next three months. In addition, 84% of those surveyed have, at minimum, tentative plans to travel in 2021. The survey also noted that 36% feel travel will return to normal this summer with 42% saying it will return to normal in the fall. The key decisions for consumers are vaccine rollouts, pent up demand with a “need” to for stress release, and desire to see family.
What will travel look like? That is the $64,000 question right now because it is changing rapidly and varies by country. It is best to be flexible when planning ahead and know that restrictions and requirements will change. Traveling over the next few months will have a host of requirements. Expect everything from all the requirements mentioned below to only a few of the requirements except, of course, masks at some point in your trip. As of the writing of this article, there are only minor changes if you are vaccinated so assume you must comply with the requirements. Here are some of the requirements I am seeing right now.
Masks on flights, in buildings, and open spaces when you cannot maintain required distance.
Negative Covid tests results. (yes even if vaccinated)
Covid testing before your trip.
Covid testing during your trip
Covid testing a few days before flying home if you are traveling internationally
Quarantine requirements pending a negative test result in country
Quarantine requirements regardless of negative Covid test in country
Temperature checks before and during your vacation
Vaccine requirement for adults to sail or enter another country
Adults traveling with unvaccinated children require children to have a negative test if you are traveling to a country or cruise that requires adults to be vaccinated.
Destination country mandated government health insurance
Destination country health visa or entry document to enter or exit. This is usually done online and is mainly a health questionnaire but may have a fee attached.
Passenger locator form and/or phone App
Don’t let all of this scare you if you are comfortable traveling. Your travel advisor will work with you and explain what your specific destination requires. Many all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean have free testing onsite for your return, and Mexico has limited entry requirements as of the writing of this article. Most places remain on reduced capacity and have social distancing and covid sanitation standards in place. Ask your travel adviser for help navigating the environment.
Where do travelers want to go?
Mexico, the Caribbean, Florida, and the Theme Parks are big right now. The USA, in general, is expected to increase before international travel. National Parks are coupled with the family road trip. Hawaii is coming up in conversation quite a bit as well due to the direct flights from Orlando and many other cities. It offers social distancing and a varied terrain so it has something for everyone.
Cruise fans are dedicated travelers and anxious to cruise again but that is going to be a few months away with a very few exceptions in the US. Some cruise lines have new ports in the Caribbean and will be sailing in July from those ports.
While travel may seem daunting, requirements will slowly ease as time passes and hopefully we will continue on this path to recovery without interruption. Travelers are beginning to feel hopeful again that travel is in their future.
Vibrant Travel works with curious travelers looking for authentic journeys, enriching experiences, and unique destinations. Call or schedule a consultation for more information.
407-517-4744
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