It’s hard to believe that it’s November already. I’m partial to the month of October, as it’s my wedding anniversary month. I’ve been lucky enough to be married to my husband for 27 years now. It’s been a great ride so far and I can’t wait to see what the next 27 or more bring us. We try every October to travel for our anniversary, and believe it or not, this year was no exception!
Travel is possible now, but it is still a very personal decision for many.
It’s no secret that the travel industry has been turned upside down this year due to COVID. Slowly but surely, travel is coming back, and destinations are welcoming tourism. In the last 2 months I have visited both the Dominican Republic and Mexico. I visited both to check out resorts and have firsthand experience with the current travel protocols. I did extend my stay in Mexico and had Steve join me for an early anniversary getaway. I also rode out Hurricane Delta, but that’s another story for another time. Long story short, my resort was far enough south we did just fine through the storm.
Both of the destinations I visited (the Dominican Republic and Mexico) are doing a good job of managing tourism with regards to protocols and expectations. As of this time, neither destination requires a COVID test as a stipulation for entering the country, but both have health screening measures in place.
Getting to the destinations obviously involved air travel. I experienced 2 different airlines and had positive experiences on both. Some airlines are still blocking the middle seats, some are not. Flights are starting to fill to maximum allowable capacity on the flights. Several months ago, flights were largely empty, or cancelled. While many airlines have dramatically decreased their flight schedules world-wide, the flights to popular tourist destinations are increasing again. Masks are required in airports and social distancing is requested. I had a couple of hours before my flight out of Houston recently and stopped counting after I had counted 200 hundred of those little round social distancing stickers throughout the airport. I decided I was bored at the airport, but not that bored! Masks are required on flights for all guests over a certain age. Each airline has their own age policy, so it is important to check prior to flying. Airlines are not making any exceptions to their policy. If there is some reason you, your loved one, or children cannot wear a mask, flying may not be the best option at this time.
In many destinations, shared transportation to resorts is being limited to only those families or guests traveling together, otherwise, private transportation is being highly recommended if not required. Masks are often required in the transfer vehicle; this is to help protect the driver as well as the guests.
Resorts in destinations accepting tourism have multiple health and safety protocols as it relates to guest safety and staff safety. Resorts have very strict criteria that has been imposed by their local and national governments that they must comply with in order to open and accept guests. At this time, all resorts have a guest capacity limitation and it varies from 30% – 60% depending on the local government requirements. Most resorts have implanted some form of “touchless” check-in procedures and all staff throughout the resorts are wearing Personal Protective Equipment. Hand sanitizer is plentiful and will be offered any time contact is required or prior to dining. In some areas, theaters, bars and nightclubs are not yet allowed to be open, so the resorts are being creative with the use of open air or outside venues for evening entertainment and activities.
Dining has also evolved with increased precautions to prevent the spread of viruses. Resorts no longer have true buffets; all buffets are either staff assisted buffets or have turned in to more traditional dining with wait staff. Most resorts are not using paper menu’s if they can avoid it. QR codes are now the norm in most restaurants, much like we have seen here in the states. You can use your smart phone camera to hover over the QR Code and you will get a prompt to open the menu. Mexico is also using this technology for health screening survey at the airport.
Some acti
vities and tours are limited in some destinations, but more and more are coming back with each passing week. In the beginning, it was mostly only outdoor activities where social distancing could be easily accommodated. We are now seeing more and more facilities, attractions, and activities being adjusted to accommodate social distancing. Many destinations do require the use of masks if in public places, so it is important to check prior to your activity.
As of now, there are several Caribbean destinations and a few other international destinations open to travel. Travel requires with regards to COVID testing requirements vary significantly and are changing often. I spend hours each day checking for changes and updates to make sure all guests are well informed.
If you would like to see specific travel information for a variety of airlines, cruise lines, resorts, or other travel related information, feel free to check HERE
If you have questions about a specific destination and are ready to plan your travel, I’m here to help you when the time is right for you.
Happy Travels,
