So we’re halfway through 2020 and several months into the pandemic. It has been a long, hard spring for most of us, but things are slowly getting better. Many states are now in Phase 2 or 3 of their re-opening. We are starting to think about traveling and summer vacations.
Some of us won’t be comfortable going anywhere anytime soon. But many of us will be traveling. Travel Weekly conducted a survey recently that revealed that 78% of us have already or plan to soon book travel. I have just gotten back from my first trip post-virus outbreak. I will share more about that later in this post. I was careful during the trip but am still self-isolating for a week or two just to make sure I didn’t pick anything up. Please be a responsible traveler and do the same upon your return from any trip.
I’m going to update all the travel information I gave you a month ago, starting in the same order:
Flights
Effective May 11, face masks are required for all passengers (flight attendants were required to wear them effective May 1). Most airlines will distribute sanitizing wipes or gel as well. The cleaning protocol will include sanitizing high traffic areas, including arm rests, seatbelts, window shades, seatback screens, and lavatories. Airplane HEPA air filters remove 99.97% of airborne particles throughout the aircraft to ensure you are breathing clean air. aircraft manufacturer Boeing just announced a “Confident Travel” initiative to weigh new technology like ultraviolet light disinfecting systems that can help reduce the transmission of pathogens on board.
Please be aware that some airlines are NOT social distancing on the flights, meaning if a flight is crowded, you may have someone sitting next to you or on both sides of you. Also, while a mask is required in the airport, when boarding, and while moving through the airplane, it is not mandatory while seated. If someone refuses to wear a mask, there is not much a flight attendant can do other than to relocate you IF the flight is not too crowded.
Food service will be limited during this initial phase. Alcoholic beverages will only be available to first class passengers. Also, first class passengers will board last on planes so that they are not exposed to all the passengers who normally walk past them to reach the other cabins. Lastly, many airport lounges are closed or offering limited amenities, at least through June. Check out #flysafe for the latest news.
Hotels & Resorts
Nothing much has changed in this area since I posted a few weeks ago. All chains are ramping up their cleaning procedures to meet new health and safety guidelines. Marriott International will be using electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectant to sanitize all surfaces throughout their properties. They are also testing ultraviolent light for sanitizing room keys and shared devices. Hyatt Corp is hiring hygiene managers to ensure all cleaning practices are being closely followed. Other chains are doing similar things to keep staff and guests safe, such as Hilton’s CleanStay with Lysol program. They consulted with the Mayo Clinic to get the best information on disinfecting protocols.
Social distancing will remain in place in all travel venues, including lobbies, restaurants, and airport lines. Furniture is being rearranged to reflect the six foot rule. Glass partitions like you see in the stores are being set up at front desks and similar areas. Hand sanitizing stations will be plentiful.
Mobile check-in will be offered. Housekeeping will be limited to protect guests and staff. There will not be any mini-bars or in-room coffeemakers initially. However, no contact room service will be available.
Rental Properties
Plan to book well in advance as these are sure to be popular for the foreseeable future. Many of us feel more protected from the virus in a private property than in a large resort or hotel. That said, be sure to read their cancellation policies and know all the surcharges before booking. I just returned from renting a cabin in the mountains. The nightly rate was reasonable at $167 a night. However, after I paid the mandatory insurance, owners fee, pet fee, cleaning fee, and taxes, the rate was closer to $400 a night! And if I cancelled less than 14 days prior to check-in, my refund was 0%. I found these fees and policies comparable across the board so it wasn’t just the rental company I used. Click here to get AirBnB’s cancellation policy. Click here to learn about the cancellation policies for Hotels.com. Or go to the website for the property in question to find out their cancellation policies.
Tours & More
Great news! Carefree Bookings are being offered by Overseas Leisure Group. This is a luxury travel operator representing 1,000 destinations and experiences in thirty-four countries around the world. They are currently offering an amazing guarantee. If you book through OLG, no deposit is required and there is no cancellation fee. If you do not make the payment within seven days of travel, your booking is automatically cancelled without penalty! This incredible no money down and no payment until a week before you trip is good for travel between June 1 – October 31, 2020. Check out CareFreeBookings to learn more.
Cruises
Amazingly, cruise bookings are strong for the last quarter of 2020 and for 2021. The top destinations are the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe. Most cruise lines will not resume operations until at least July 1. Click here for a complete list of cruise lines and sail dates.
The cruise industry has taken unprecedented measures to ensure the safety of their crew and passengers. For example, Carnival Corp (one of the biggest cruise companies and parent company of Cunard, Holland America, and Princess) has created a Health Operations Center (HOC) that will work in conjunction with on board cleaning crews and medical staff. The HOC is comprised of epidemiologists, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and medical directors who will look after passengers on every cruise.
Moreover, frequent sanitizing of public places and high traffic surfaces, such as slot machines and fitness machines, will be done. Sanitizing stations will be all over the ship and all laundry will be cleaned using hot water and and high heat dryers. Overnight, electrostatic cleaning applications will be applied all over the ship, including crew quarters, public restrooms, hallways, and all restaurants. If buffets are offered, I would avoid them for now.
Theme Parks
SeaWorld and Busch Gardens re-open on June 11 and Dollywood re-opens on June 15. Disney World will re-open on July 11. There will be reduced capacity allowed, so reservations will be required, as well as temperature checks for all park visitors. All patrons over the age of two will be required to wear a face mask. Employees will be required to wear a face mask and have their temperatures checked at every shift. Social distancing will be enforced and sanitizing stations will be all over the place. There will be 24/7 cleaning crews too. Lastly, for the time being, fast passes and extra magic hours will not be permitted.
National Parks
Most national parks are at least partially re-open. Click here for a complete, up-to-date list of park hours and amenities. FYI: I was in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park a couple of weeks ago and I will tell you it was very busy. However, traffic moved okay and people were social distancing rather well in the park, but not in Gatlinburg. The sidewalks and businesses were crowded and less than 10% were wearing masks.
Travel News & Trends
South Africa will not re-open for tourism until February 2021. Click here for more information.
Rwanda stopped issuing gorilla trekking permits on March 21 due to the virus threat to the gorillas. They have not announced a date to resume operations. Click here for more information.
East Africa has suffered a locust plague that has been devastating. Many lodges remain closed. Click here for more information.
New U.S. passports will be processed during Phase Two. Click here for more information.
I highly recommend travel insurance for most trips and be sure to read the fine print and know the cancellation and refund policies for all aspects of your trip. Click here for more information.
Nearly all major events, including Munich’s Oktoberfest, Tokyo’s Olympics, and Spain’s Running with the Bulls, are cancelled for 2020. Be sure to check that tourist attractions you plan to visit are open when you plan to travel.
Las Vegas has re-opened as of June 4. Only a handful of casino resorts have actually re-opened (including Treasure Island, Bellagio, Wynn, MGM Grand, New York-New York, Caesars, Rio, Circus Circus, Golden Nugget, and the Venetian) with a gradual re-opening of the rest planned for the next several weeks. Social distancing is being enforced on the slot machines and gaming tables by limiting players and spacing. The pools are open but protocols must be followed. Day clubs, night clubs, shows, poker rooms, and buffets are a no go. Not all resort restaurants are open either. This is a gradual re-opening designed to prevent an outbreak of the coronavirus. Protocols, such as stringent cleaning and non-invasive thermal cameras at entry points, are designed to keep all guests and employees safe. Good news! Traffic will be lighter and parking is free for the foreseeable future!
Here are some helpful resources:
Coronavirus Travel Regulations
Online Map Showing Which Countries Are Allowing Travel
State by State Travel Regulations
CDC Covid-1p Travel Recommendations
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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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