Who is ready to travel?  (My hand is raised!)

With the second quarter of 2021 already in full swing, some destinations are already welcoming travelers back! 

And, as quoted from The Washington Post, “Whenever Americans start traveling again, they will quickly find that travel planning looks significantly different in the era of covid-19. Instead of scouring the Internet for the best deals and new destinations, they will have to study border restrictions and quarantine requirements.”

That is where I come in- to assist my clients -- as a travel professional whose job it is to navigate the complicated landscape of traveling during the pandemic.  I may have stopped planning trips when the pandemic started but I have continued to study the industry as it pertains to my present and future clients.

The two big questions now are:

1) What do I need (healthwise) in order to travel and

2) Where am I able to travel?

The answers to those questions are not crystal clear.  Many countries in the Caribbean allow Americans to enter, typically when armed with negative COVID test results.  And in addition to test results – travelers must be sure they have the CORRECT COVID test results.  In addition to this -a pre-travel screening authorization may be required. Then, there must be flights available to the desired destination.  So, travel now requires much more than just “jump on a plane and go!”

With the vaccine now available, several countries are relaxing restrictions for vaccinated travelers which may mean the traveler is allowed to bypass quarantine and/or testing requirements.   The specific requirements vary from destination to destination.

As of today, April 9, 2021, the following countries are open to Americans who have been vaccinated, although there may be other restrictions/requirements in place:

Belize, Croatia, Ecuador, Estonia, Georgia, Guatemala, Iceland, Montenegro, Poland, Seychelles, Slovenia.

What is a Vaccine Passport?

In my last newsletter I mentioned that I had read about the possibility of a vaccine passport  as a pre-requisite for travel to some destinations.  Now, it seems like more than just a possibility. You’ve probably heard the term “vaccine passport” or “immunity passport” more than once. It seems like these digital health passports will likely be a crucial part of the travel industry as it rebounds.

Israel, for instance, became the first country to implement the concept in late February with its “Green Badge” system. Fully vaccinated Israeli residents have access to activities like sporting events, concerts, swimming pools, and restaurants, as long as they present their vaccination certificate with a QR code.

Denmark and Sweden have also announced plans to have vaccine passports in place by the summer, while the European Union has proposed a “Digital Green Pass” that would allow inoculated residents to travel more freely between its member countries. The E.U.’s plan would also take into account testing and statements of recovery to avoid discriminating against citizens without vaccine access.

Currently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a physical vaccination card that tells you key facts about your inoculation, including the date you received the vaccine and the type you received. For now – if you want to travel - treat this piece of paper like your passport and safeguard it.

So, whether or not one agrees with the concept, the list of countries, cruise lines, tour operators, and venues that are asking travelers and visitors to provide proof of vaccination is growing. And with each addition, that vaccination certificate looks more likely.

ARE YOU LOOKING TO TRAVEL IN 2021? 

Don't be like this newsletter and delay in getting out there!  The travel surge has begun!  People are getting vaccinated, destinations are opening and the demand for travel is growing.  Which means that travel suppliers are scrambling to have the necessary supply available. . .whether it be available flights, available space at hotels and resorts, available staff to meet the needs of people ready to travel. And the economic fact is that if demand is more than supply. . .you know the answer.

Upcoming travel for me will be in June to the U.S. Virgin Islands. I'm looking forward to visiting St. Thomas, and touring the island and visiting hotels and resorts. Depending upon COVID protocols I may get over to the BVI.  (BIG SMILE ON MY FACE!)

Just for fun - check out this video -- at the time it was a new world record for the longest Riverdance line -- took place in Dublin, Ireland.

The Passion Play of Oberammergau

The history of the Oberammergau Passion Play begins in 1633. In the midst of the Thirty Years’ War, after months of suffering and dying from the plague, the people of Oberammergau pledged to act out the play of the suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ once every 10 years.

 Since it was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, 2022 will see the 42nd instalment of the play that the citizens of Oberammergau have maintained through the centuries with unique continuity. Click here to see a  video about the Oberammergau Passion Play.  

Many ways to see it - including in conjunction with a river cruise.  I have decided I  have an interest in seeing it-- so I may do a shorter trip later in their 2022 season.  If you have an interest in joining me - let me know.

2022 Bermuda Getaway Cruise from Norfolk, VA

I know that some people want to wait a bit longer before they cruise so here is the perfect cruise for your consideration . . .in 2022!

A 6-Day cruise on the Carnival Magic, departing from Norfolk, Virginia. And what a great itinerary with 2 1/2 days ( 2 overnights) in Bermuda and two days at sea.

Bermuda is set apart by its location and way of life; it's where cultures, genuine hospitality, adventurous spirits and a certain mystique swirl together.  It retains it's very British culture as well as it's island flavor. For over four centuries Bermuda island has welcomed adventure seekers, explorers, and romantics alike.

Q & A

 1.  Are you joining a specific group if you want to join this blocked space?

No - only if you want to -- you may be a honeymoon couple who wants to dine by themselves and not be part of a group.

 2. I am holding four more balcony slots. The price per person of $1,181.68 includes taxes, fees, port expenses and prepaid gratuities. Extra amenities may include onboard credit, bottle of wine, photo credit - etc.

 3. If you are interested what is the next step?

A $25 deposit is due per person.  Yes, only $25 deposit! Or full deposit of $250 if you wish to pick your exact cabin location.

 4. Do you need travel insurance?  YES and once you express interest in this trip you will be sent two options (and policy information) for travel insurance.

A flyer may be found on www.wildbluetravel.net 

Speaking of cruises. . .

Large cruise ships still are not allowed to sail from US ports.  Several cruise lines are choosing to homeport in other destinations as elsewhere in the world – cruises have been active for quite a while with very strict protocols and they have been successful.

To date, Royal Caribbean is planning to cruise from Bermuda and Nassau and Celebrity is cruising from St. Maarten.  NCL states it will be sailing from Montego Bay, Jamaica and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Viking cruise line will open up summer sailings to Bermuda and Iceland in June, requiring guests to be both inoculated as well as undergo saliva PCR tests at embarkation and "frequent" testing throughout the journey.Viking will homeport in Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda, for 8-day sailings on the Viking Orion, featuring picturesque cobblestone streets in St. George's, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and dreamy pink sand beaches. Bermuda requires visitors 10 and older to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test no more than five days before arrival and fill out a travel authorization online.

For its trips in Iceland, the company will use the Viking Sky for 8-day roundtrip itineraries from Reykjavik circling the island, complete with stunning waterfalls and puffins on moss-covered cliffs. Iceland welcomes fully-vaccinated travelers from any country with a vaccine that meets the requirements, including the U.S.Virgin Islands.

Most cruise lines that are returning to sailing are requiring all embarking crew and guests to have been fully vaccinated prior to sail date. In some cases only adults will be required to have vaccination while children will require a negative COVID test. This requirement may differ according to region and country obligations.

If you have an interest in cruising – please contact. As with everything else during the pandemic, change is the only known certainty.

And. . .smaller cruise ship lines will still be cruising from some US ports with fully vaccinated guests and crew.

TidBits

If you have received your COVID vaccine; keep your vaccination card safe and carry it with you when you travel, in case requirements change.

The new normal requires travelers to be more informed, so here you are: CDC  and the World Health Organization, websites you may find useful with travel and life in general.

Please check out my website, www.wildbluetravel.net. which is always a work in progress. If you have pictures and recipes you've collected in your travels and destinations, I've love to add them to my website. Please send an email to mary@wildbluetravel.net or you can take a copy of a pix and text it to me as well --

434-917-0871.

And please, if you do travel during COVID-19 - travel responsibly. Do if safely, respectfully and thoughtfully - for yourself and for others.