Editors note: This information is current as of March 2021. All information is subject to change.
With more than a million vaccinations per day and the number steadily rising but with COVID-19 still very much a part of our lives, travelers are wondering, “Should I stay or should I go?” It’s not a decision we can make for you, but we are certainly here to answer whatever questions you have in planning your vacation. Ultimately, it comes down to your comfort level.
As for where you can go right now, we are on top of that ever-changing list. The major changes lately include the closure of French overseas departments such as French Polynesia, St. Barth’s and the French half of St. Martin. It’s also possible to visit the UK and Ireland without the long quarantines that had been part of their protocols since last spring. You do still have to have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival and isolate for at least five days then have another negative test to explore either country, but that’s shorter than 14 days. Children 6 and under for Ireland and 10 and under for the UK are exempt from testing.
How do I make plans for 2021 and beyond?
If you do want to travel in 2021, we are here to take the stress off your plate and ensure you meet all testing requirements and timelines. We also recommend that even if you think you might want to travel this year, you should get something booked. Cancelation policies are flexible and space is filling up fast, so it’s better to have a reservation you can reschedule if necessary rather than want to go and have no space. Airlines that previously had rigid rules and hefty fees associated with changing flights have become much more flexible, so there is a lot less financial risk in booking dates you might have to change later.
Even for 2022 and 2023, if you’re planning to travel during peak demand times such as spring break and over the holidays, it’s a good idea to get the space while you can. Things like 2023 world cruises are selling out in a matter of hours, so you can believe your favorite resort is going to fill up over the festive season.
Alaska is Open
Though Canada’s regulations might prevent foreign-flagged large ships from cruising in Alaska this season, there are potential solutions to that problem in the works. There are also U.S.-flagged small ships that can still bring all the wonders of Alaska without needing to stop in Canada, plus land-based options.
Protecting You and Your Investment
We’re also here to make sure if you do plan a trip, your investment is protected. There are major health and financial considerations, and we want to keep you informed every step of the way. Medevac services such as MedJet can get you transported back home in case of a medical emergency, and Covac offers coverage for getting you back home if you have a positive PCR test abroad and can’t board a commercial flight. Travelex now treats a positive test like any other illness, meaning you can be covered if you can’t go on your trip or can’t return home in the originally planned time frame. Travelex also has coverage available for those with work-related disruptions such as being laid off or being called back to work during a previously approved vacation time.
Things are still changing rapidly, and we hope to be able to soon travel the world freely. Even then, destinations might require proof of vaccination, and we’ll be on top of making sure our travelers have what they need then too. Whenever you feel up to traveling, reach out to us and we will start planning and preparing you for your next great getaway.