7 great tips for safe international travel in a Pandemic
Get vaccinated and tested before travel and before returning to the USA
You might have not been vaccinated yet for various reasons. If you want to get vaccinated, definitely do that before you travel. If you cannot or choose not to get vaccinated, most countries will require you to get a PCR test a few days before you enter the country. Be sure to check the travel restrictions from a reliable source such as the US embassy website for the country that you plan to visit. Also, according to the CDC, all air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before they board a flight to the United States.
Plan on centering your vacation on outdoor activities
This might be the perfect year to go explore the great outdoors in an exotic country. Perhaps you have never seen the jungles of the Amazon basin or the immense Himalayan mountains. This is the perfect time to go to these remote areas where there is little contact with masses of people. Jungles and mountains too extreme for you? No worries, you can have a great beach vacation on lesser known beaches like this hidden gem: Playa de los Friales.
Stay in isolated areas like airbnbs or hotels designed to avoid masses
I have traveled all over the world using AirBnB. I know there are other platforms for short term rentals. I love using these options because you have your own privacy and a unique experience staying in a place that will never be the same anywhere else. This is a great option to avoid others and many short term rental owners will give you access without having to be in direct contact.
Stay in places that have kitchens where you can prepare certain meals like breakfasts and snacks
This is another benefit to staying in short term rentals. Additionally, it is a great way to save a bit of money. Instead of going out for simpler meals such as breakfast, you can easily prepare something delicious in the comfort of your accommodation. Swing by the local market and pick up some local fresh fruit or pastries and enjoy!
Think about the climate zone and choose one where you can comfortably eat at restaurants outside
If you do choose to go out for meals, definitely check out places where you can sit outside on a lovely patio. Tropical destinations make this experience absolutely delightful. Perhaps try to avoid places that are too hot as well!
Catch up on local news to see which restrictions are in place
Each country is experiencing this pandemic distinctly. Some countries like Israel are no longer using masks and life has more or less returned to “normal” and other countries have once again demanded stay at home orders like Colombia. It is important that you know what is happening in the country that you are planning to visit. Local news and the US embassy websites have this information.
Use a local agency or contact to help plan your travel
More than ever, using someone who is on the ground can be a tremendous help in these more turbulent times. Agencies know which restaurants are safe, which hotels and restaurants are still open,which activities are available, and what the current restrictions are. They can help you discover hidden gems and amazing activities that aren’t well promoted online than can replace others if restrictions are in place. If you are interested in traveling to Latin America, Nepal or South Africa, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help!
