Can I Safely Travel in 2021?

So the question is, “Can I safely travel in 2021?” We are eight weeks into 2021 and this is a question that still seems to be challenging to answer, but given the progress that has been made during these critical weeks, my answer is “I think so” but you need to know some things before you start packing.

We are still dealing with this pesky virus, but there are two great vaccines available and another one in the pipeline. It is predicted that all Americans that want to be vaccinated will be by sometime this summer. The UK Prime Minister just promised that all adults will have their first shot, at least, by July 31, 2021. The process has been slow as the hiccups were worked through, but the numbers are trending positive. Few countries have gotten the virus under control yet, especially with new strains emerging, but Taiwan and New Zealand are two examples we should all aspire to.

Click here for official CDC Covid travel information by destination!

AIR TRAVEL

If you need to fly, choose your airline carefully. Delta is continuing to leave a seat between passengers until May 1, whereas all other U.S. airlines are no longer doing so. However, Alaska Air is blocking middle seats in Premium Class. All airlines require masks and are following strict cleaning protocols. That said, if you can afford to travel First Class or Premium Class or have enough miles to upgrade to them, you may want to consider this option. These seating categories provide greater social distancing and a better flying experience overall!

FYI: Most commercial airplanes are equipped with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which “block and capture 99.97 percent of airborne particles over 0.3 micron in size.

The U.S. now requires anyone flying to the U.S., including Americans returning home, to show proof of a negative test for COVID-19. There is ongoing discussion about requiring proof of vaccination “vaccine passport” before travel but that policy is not yet widespread, probably because vaccinating has not reached most of the population yet. Qantas Airline is the first to require international passengers to be vaccinated. For now, most airlines will not require it but being vaccinated will allow fliers to skip getting tested before and after their flights.

CRUISES

Cruise lines continue to work with the CDC to determine how to safely cruise. Most cruise lines have yet again pushed back their cruise dates to May 1 or later. Canada has just announced that no cruise ships will be permitted in their ports until 2022, which will have an impact on Alaska cruises. Other protocols may include arrival appointments to the terminal for crows control, limiting sailings to seven days, no-touch food and beverage service, reduced number of passengers, pre-screening passengers and crew, daily temperature checks for passengers and crew, face masks required outside of guests’ cabins, and enhanced sanitation protocols.

Click here to read a report by CLIA about cruising in 2021!

FYI: There are some great price incentives being offered on cruises and tours, so you may want to lock in these prices by booking your trip for end of summer or fall. If time comes and you do not feel safe to travel, cruise lines and tour operators are promising customers they may reschedule. Always read the fine print. You may not be able to get a refund but can change your departure date without penalty or apply your deposit towards a different trip.

TOURS

Tour operators are working hard and getting creative to revive the tour industry. Nearly all are offering no penalty cancellations and date flexibility, smaller groups, blocking seats on transport, private transfer service to and from airport or other pick up point, customizing itineraries to allow for safe bubble travel, and strict sanitizing protocols.

HOTELS

Their new motto is “Leave guests alone.” This means that once you check in, no one will enter your room unless you request cleaning or other service. No contact check in and check out is another way hotels are keeping guests safe, as well as contactless payment throughout your stay. Making sure guests are well spaced out throughout the property and exceptional cleaning protocols are also a priority. If you have any concerns, consider alternative lodging, such as rental properties and campgrounds.

SO CAN I SAFELY TRAVEL IN 2021 OR NOT?

That is the question and the answer is like everything else with this global pandemic–murky. Many places (and most cruises) still have bans so the decision is made for you. If there are restrictions, such as a negative test, but you may still go, should you? Only you can answer that question. We are a very divided world when it comes to our safety levels. Some people see no problem traveling anywhere and doing anything right now while others feel safer staying at home until more of the world has been vaccinated. If you are climbing the walls to take a proper vacation, feel safe in doing so, and are willing to follow whatever safety protocols are currently required, here is what you need to know:

Americans are allowed to travel to the following countries with certain restrictions but this could change at any time: Albania, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bonaire, Botawana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Cambodia, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, French Polynesia, Guatemala, Honduras, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, St. Barts, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Turkey, Turks and Caicos, UAE, United Kingdom, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Zambia.

Click here for official U.S. State Department Covid Travel information!

You will notice that many of these places are in the Caribbean. If you can fly first class or on a private charter (or drive to Florida and take short flight from there) and stay in a resort or rent a bungalow and avoid crowds and/or wear masks and use hand sanitizer, this is a safe, fun, and relaxing option. Safaris are another fun, safe, and adventurous option. The parks have far fewer tourists than normally (which is a good thing!) and you are safe in private and small group game drives and in the lodges and resorts. The tour operators and lodges/resorts are doing a great job with safety protocols. The only sticky point is the flight. If you can fly direct or limit to one-stopover, that is better. If you can fly first class or Premium class, that is better.

FYI: There are some other places that are open to Americans but I did not include them as they are either not tourist destinations or I do not feel they are following strict safety protocols. For example, travel is permitted to Kosovo but there is a nationwide curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. I don’t think you should travel somewhere that has infection rates high enough to merit a dinnertime curfew.

U.S. TRAVEL

Of course, many folks will opt to stay closer to home through 2021. Road trips, camping trips, recreational vehicles, national and state park vacations, and staycations are all good options. I have taken this past year to explore more of America. In fact, my new book, THE QUIRKY TOURIST GUIDE TO SAVANNAH, was just published in late January. I did a quick check while writing this blog post and discovered it is #14 in Amazon best seller ranking, so yeah! Since I am from the Lowcountry, I know Savannah well. However, I got to sneak in another “research trip” since I was working on this book, so that was a highlight for 2020! I am working on the next book in my WEIRD & WONDER TRAVEL SERIES, so be on the lookout for more on that book, which will share some of America’s wackiest MUST VISIT roadside attractions.

Anyway, the point of this post is to say that this is a new year with new travel possibilities. What you do is up to you, but I hope you will get out there–go somewhere and do something. Last year was pretty horrible for most of us, so let’s make the most of 2021. We deserve it! My advice is to plan for August and later to be on the safe side. In the mean time, pack, plan, and dream!

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