When I last posted it was to discuss what to expect during Summer 2021 Travel. As to be expected during these uncertain times, a lot has changed in the last couple of months. But before I get into that, here’s a fun fact. The U.S. consumes more ice cream than anywhere else in the world except New Zealand! And color me surprised but the state that eats the most ice cream is California! Eighty-seven percent of Americans have ice cream in their freezer at any given time. What’s in your freezer?
So what can you expect for Fall 2021 Travel?
CRUISES
Cruises have finally resumed. Despite several attempts during the early summer, most cruise lines ended up pushing back cruises until this fall to be sure they could comply with all the health protocols required by the CDC to ensure passenger safety. As to today, 205 cruise ships will set sail this month, including Disney Fantasy, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, and Carnival Glory. Most river cruises resumed in early summer. Click here to read all about what to expect in regards to cruises through 2022! You will probably be quite surprised!
FYI: Two start up airlines launched recently in the U.S., Avelo Airlines and Breeze Airways.
MASK MANDATES
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has extended the mask mandate on all public conveyance, which includes airplanes, trains, buses, and public ferries. The mandate has been extended until January 2022, but I expect it will be extended again unless the virus numbers have gone down significantly by that time. And in case you were wondering, other countries are typically requiring them, as well. For example, most major airlines, trains, and buses in Europe require masks. If you have an issue with wearing a mask, please do not travel. It is not fair to other travelers who are following the rules to have to endure a delay, missed connection, or forced landing due to insubordinace. Like it or not, the mandates are being enforced. No exceptions. So again, if you have a problem wearing a mask, just don’t go.
FYI: Despite the rise in COVID cases across America, U.S. air travel was up 18% during Summer 2021.
WHERE ARE THE UNVACCINATED UNWELCOME?
The list is growing of places refusing entry to those who refuse to vaccinate. As of today, here is the list where you cannot go if you are not vaccinated:
Auguilla, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Estonia, France, Germany, Greenland, Grenada, Israel, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Turks and Caicos.
EUROPE
As of a couple of days ago, The European Union downgraded the travel safety status of Americans from ‘green’ to ‘red’. What this means is that those who are unable to show proof of vaccination will have to deal with additional hurdles to enter many of the 27-member EU countries. This includes multiple PCR tests, quarantining in designated hotels, and other requirements.
FYI: I strongly recommend ALL travelers check the CDC and foreign government sites for the latest warnings and restrictions before booking any travel and be sure to keep checking up until departure. Most travel companies are allowing cancellations without penalty with a few restrictions in light of the worldwide COVID situation. Be sure you understand your terms and conditions for all travel, from airlines to tours.
WHAT’S OPEN, WHAT’S NOT
Here’s the kicker. Just because you can go to the destination you want to go to, doesn’t mean you should. Be sure to check on local situations before committing to a trip. Many museums, bars and restaurants, and tourist attractions remain closed or have restrictions, such as curfews and limited hours of operation. So be sure you will be able to see the things you are going to see and enjoy the experiences you want to have. Otherwise, it may be better to postpone your trip a few months. That said, there are some good travel deals right now and many are being offered with an “open” travel date. So you may want to lock in the price and hold off on committing to a date right now.
Click here for the latest virus travel advisories for every U.S.state!
PACKING FOR FALL 2021 TRAVEL
- Be sure to bring extra masks depending on how long your trip will last. And travel size hand sanitizers that will fit in your pocket.
- Buy travel insurance and have the paperwork with you to be able to text or call if need be.
- Keep your passport on your person. Do NOT check it in your luggage. You will need it during your checkpoints. Also, you don’t want it to get lost if your luggage gets lost or stolen. I have missed connections before and parted company with my luggage on more occasions than I want to count. Be sure to check all the information on your passport is correct (most especially the name spelling and expiration date). Most countries require a passport to be valid for six months after a trip. If you need a new passport, do it ASAP, even if you do not plan to travel soon. Like everything else, the lag times are significant with passport processing.
- Allow ample time for airport lines. TSA is short-staffed in many places so delays can result in missed flights if you have not allowed enough time to get to your departure gate prior to take-off.
- Last but not least, be sure to have proof of vaccination and/or PCR test results with you throughout your travels.
SIX HOTTEST DESTINATIONS FALL 2021 TRAVEL
East Africa, Iceland, U.S. National Parks, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Florida Keys (think Key Largo not Key West), and Costa Rica. Do your research and make up your own mind as to whether you feel good (safe) about traveling to these places or anywhere else. The list of the five worst places for COVID in the U.S. changes weekly and this is true for the rest of the world. I have provided information to aid in travel planning, not to tell you whether you should or should not travel. That is a choice only you can make. I have curtailed my usual extensive adventure travel for the past year but have done some traveling exercising caution, including a recent trip to Costa Rica.
FYI: The most visited national parks are the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Yellowstone, Zion, Grand Tetons, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Coming Soon!
I will be posting almost exclusively about Halloween and lots of fun fall events by mid-to-late September. I’ll keep you informed on what’s open, what to expect, where to go and what to do, etc. I will post important travel updates regarding Fall 2021 Travel but otherwise will be taking a break from my usual travel blog under the end of October.
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Terrance Zepke studied Journalism at the University of Tennessee and later received a Master's Degree in Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina. She has studied Parapsychology at the renowned Rhine Research Center. She began her career as a freelance writer and photographer, ... 
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