Traveling in 2022

New Year, same old Covid. So what does traveling in 2022 look like?

Unfortunately, traveling in 2022 looks much like it did last year. I’m going to break it down for you as best I can (remember that with Covid, things are always fluid, meaning they change quickly!)AIRLINES (Traveling in 2022)

AIRLINES (Traveling in 2022)

The bad news is many flights have been cancelled during the past few weeks due to pilot and crew shortage, as well as weather challenges. So be sure to keep this in mind as you make plans. MASKS are still being required on board and in the airports. Sadly, we are still having trouble with troublesome passengers. So alcoholic beverages are still banned on many flights. Also, as of the end of January, American Airlines and Alaska Air are the first U.S. airlines to announce they will only have one drink service on domestic flights regardless of the length of the flight. According to the airlines, they believe it will help keep masks on passengers who might otherwise remove them to leisurely drink a beverage. And they are also wanting to limit interaction between the flight attendants and passengers for safety reasons.

As far as international flights go at this time, all passengers flying into the U.S. (regardless of vaccination status or antibody status) must provide a negative COVID test. As far as travel to other countries go, every country has their own entry requirements. So you must check with each country or territory you plan to visit to find out specifics about vaccinations and boosters and testing protocols. Make sure you have an approved vaccination, such as Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J. The same is true for masks. Some countries are requiring masks everywhere in public while others only require it in limited circumstances.

FYI: Please be aware that you are responsible for the cost of COVID testing except in rare circumstances. Testing is government subsidized in some places, such as resorts in the Dominican Republic, Maldives, and Mexico. An important distinction you should be aware of is there are different COVID tests, including PCR, lateral flow, and antigen. If you get the wrong test or do not get your results in the time allotted (24-72 hours typically), you will not be permitted to travel. And if you test positive and are required to quarantine, the cost is on you. If you have to change your ticket(s) because of testing positive, you will most likely be required to pay a change ticket fee.

CRUISES (Traveling in 2022)

Cruises have resumed but many are being cancelled for various reasons. Crystal Cruise Lines just cancelled all cruises and has filed for bankruptcy. Again, I recommend you are well versed on the cancellation policy for the cruise line (or travel company or airline) you have booked with. The CDC has issued a Level 4 “very high risk” warning for cruises.

EUROPE (Traveling in 2022)

Most countries in Europe are requiring vaccination for entry. France is in the process of passing a law requiring vaccination for entry. Vaccination is mandatory for ages 50 and older to enter Italy. Everyone 14 and older must be vaccinated as of 2/22 to enter Austria. No one is permitted to enter Germany unless vaccinated. Only those in the EU are allowed in the Netherlands. Everyone must be vaccinated to enter Belgium, Czech Republic, Spain, Finland, and Sweden. Be sure to keep checking on vaccination policies as they are continually changing.

FYI: Do not book non-refundable travel in 2022. Be certain of change/cancellation policies before you book. Buy travel insurance! Document everything and keep copies of copies (on your phone and print outs).

Israel, Canada, Australia & New Zealand (Traveling in 2022)

No one can enter Israel without being vaccinated and having a negative PCR test. No one but New Zealand residents are currently being allowed to enter New Zealand. Australia has just opened back up and requires anyone outside of Australia and New Zealand to prove vaccination and negative test results. Canada also requires vaccination and negative PRC test within 72 hours of flight or border crossing. The CDC has issues a Level 3 “high risk” warning for Canada.

FYI: Anyone can get into any National Park in America for FREE on January 17, April 16, August 4, September 24, and November 11.

TROPICS (Traveling in 2022)

Most of the Caribbean with only a few exceptions require vaccination and negative test results. Thailand requires a 7-10 day quarantine at your own expense and negative testing, also at your own expense. Costa Rica is wide open, meaning no testing or vaccination required. However, those who are not vaccinated must buy travel insurance, including full medical. The Dominican Republic is also wide open but may require a random breath test (?) if you are showing symptoms or report having symptoms. Mexico is also wide open. No vaccination or test or quarantine is required to enter the country. However, you must test when you re-enter the U.S. (and probably most other countries) within one day of departing flight. The CDC has issued a Level 3 “high risk” travel warning for Mexico.

FYI: As of 5/2/23 (it was supposed to be 5/2/22 but was pushed back), Homeland Security is requiring a Real ID at all U.S. airports. A standard DL will no longer be accepted, but other forms of ID, such as a passport, will be accepted instead of a Real ID.

SPECIALTY TRAVEL (Traveling in 2022)

If you are planning to go on safari or take a rail trip or some other kind of specialty travel, you will have to check for safety protocols. Be advised that in addition to COVID vaccinations, you may be required to have other vaccinations. For example, when traveling to much of Africa, you may need Yellow Fever, Cholera, Hep A, and Typhoid vaccinations. Check with your county health department to learn exactly what you will need before booking any travel. Please do not travel to South America without malaria meds.

FYI: Good resources for travel warnings, airport info, health info, etc.: TSA, CDC, and U.S. State Department

SUMMARY (TRAVELING IN 2022)

So should you travel now with all the uncertainty and protocols? That is a question only you can answer. I am fully vaccinated and have traveled domestically and internationally during the last couple of years and there is no doubt it is much more challenging now. You do have to worry about protocols being changed before you get home. Or in my case, I had travel protocols tightened up less than two weeks before my departure and loosened up again four days before my return! You also have to think about if you get sick overseas. Are you prepared to quarantine? Are you financially able to quarantine? Are you prepared to wear a mask as required? The scary thing is that even if you are vaccinated, you can still get sick with COVID (or the flu or lots of other illnesses). To be honest, I don’t think COVID is going anywhere. But I do think it will become more manageable and less dangerous over time, like the flu. Yes, I know the flu can kill you, but most healthy people don’t die from the flu. It is usually only the elderly and those with serious chronic health issues that are at high risk.

So think it through carefully and decide what is best for you and your family. There are lots of travel options that are fairly safe if you are not comfortable traveling abroad or on a cruise right now. I don’t recommend staying home until COVID is gone because like I said I don’t think it will disappear, at least not anytime soon. So be smart and travel to safer destinations and at off times instead of peak times=peak crowds.

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