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Covid Restrictions and Holiday Travel

Covid Restrictions and Holiday Travel

by | Oct 10, 2021 | 0 comments

Recently a friend traveled from Washington DC to Egypt. She discussed with me the harrowing experience of trying to get a required Covid test for travel. With recent federal guidelines, the need for Covid testing has increased, and availability has decreased. As the holidays are a busy travel season, it stands to reason travelers needing testing during the holidays will also surge.  Here are a few things to think about regarding Covid testing and the holidays.

A surge in Covid testing

Many of the issues involved with the current availability of Covid testing affect the recent executive order requiring Covid vaccination for federal employees. Companies with over 100 employees will be required to comply with the order or face significant fines. As expected, there are many questions regarding the order and implementation that need an answer.  However, the demand for Covid testing has risen, and so travelers need to prepare.

Thanksgiving travel

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s usually one of the busiest times for people to travel.  In 2020, many suggested curtailing travel during the Thanksgiving holiday, and many ignored that suggestion.  In preparation for the upcoming busy Thanksgiving travel season, the U.S. Air Travel Public Safety Act may require all passengers on domestic airlines to either be fully vaccinated, tested negative, or fully recovered from Covid.

The World and Covid

Preparing for holiday travel

In essence, travelers should be aware of travel restrictions and Covid guidelines. They should know where their Covid testing sites are. Find out if they need to have Covid symptoms or can test as a precaution. Research the timing of their test before seeing friends and family as exposure varies. It’s also good to know the different Covid test options, PCR or antigen.

As with any travel experience, preparation is critical.  Stay safe this holiday season and if you choose to travel, do it safely.

Travel is more than a physical journey.

Travel is more than a physical journey.

by | Feb 21, 2021 | 0 comments

Many people will tell you that they want to travel and have spent years saving or planning for travel yet have not done it. Traveling is more than a physical journey; it takes a lot more mental effort than most people realize.

If you have yet to travel and have a strong desire, ask yourself why not? Often people that have finally made an effort to travel will forever be travelers. I have yet to find someone who has traveled and said, “never again.”

Travelers become addicted to the people, places, and experiences they have while traveling. They become more open-minded and able to challenge their beliefs and strengths. Many think travelers focus more on the destination. Still, at the core, the destination is never satisfying because they want to go somewhere else, they set a new goal, a new destination, and it never ends.

Travel goals mean little if a traveler does not consider the process of achieving the goal. Just like setting a plan to lose weight or getting through a job interview, mental preparation is often the key to success.

To achieve your travel goal, here are five questions to ask yourself,

  1. Why do I want to travel?
  2. Where do I want to go?
  3. When do I want to get there?
  4. How much effort am I willing to give?
  5. What do I want to achieve by traveling?

I am sure that finding the answer to some, if not all, of these questions, will put you on a path to start traveling as you desire. The only way to start traveling is to do just that, start. Let me know if you find value in this piece; I’d like to know.

Five tips to claiming your space when traveling.

Five tips to claiming your space when traveling.

by | Feb 15, 2021 | 0 comments

I mentioned before about biases and microaggression often encountered by people of color while traveling. Even though I am an experienced traveler, I recently traveled and had some similar travel experiences, so I wanted to share my thoughts on how to feel more secure in your travel experience.

1.Keep in mind that you paid for the same privilege of travel no matter if you paid more or less than other travelers. Be mindful of others but always remember that your personal space is just that, and do not allow others to infringe upon your right.

2.If you have followed all the rules for the boarding process, know that you can take the time to put your items away and settle yourself in your seat.  You should always give thought to the people behind you but remember the plane can’t leave until everyone is seated, so don’t feel obligated to rush because of an impatient traveler.

3.Storage space on an airplane is shared space, so feel free to place your items where there is space.  Often travelers get quite flustered as the space above their seat is not available.  So keep an eye out for storage space as you are going to your assigned row, and if you see that the space above your row is not vacant, feel free to use the overhead storage area before your seat or after. It is easier to retrieve your luggage when getting off the plane if it is in front of you rather than behind.

4.Try always to acknowledge your seatmates if they are already seated or if they sit after you.  If they don’t respond, don’t be insulted, as this allows you to make sure you are being seen, even if not acknowledged.  Many times, as travelers of color, there can be a perception that you don’t belong in a space. Claim your right and stand by it.

5. Finally, if you have paid for a specific seat, do not feel obligated to adjust to other traveler’s needs.  It is thoughtful to help out if it fits your need but do not feel obliged to give up your seat to accommodate others, especially if your preference is not what has been offered as an alternative to you.

I hope these tips help for a more pleasant travel experience. Have you ever been made to feel as if you don’t belong when traveling? I’d love to hear about it.

COVID Impact on Travel(dated content).

COVID Impact on Travel(dated content).

by | Jan 21, 2021 | 0 comments

Even though we spent most of 2020 living with COVID and its impact on travel, it has become clear that 2021 will not be much different than the last year. The choice to travel or not will continue to be a personal choice. Here are my 5 tips on traveling during the COVID pandemic. Please note that this content is date sensitive to the fluidity of the virus and constant governmental changes. This content is also more appropriate for North American travelers.

1.International travel has been impacted significantly with COVID realities. Many countries have locked their borders and restricted travel to entering foreigners. Due to the prevalence and high numbers of Americans who have contracted the virus, some countries will not allow entry to those with a US passport.

2.In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sets regulations and offers guidelines for people to wear a mask, stay six feet apart and avoid crowds. The latest CDC order (dated January 12, 2021) for all passengers arriving in the US and the necessity of negative test result goes into effect on January 26, 2021. Travelers also need to be aware of travel restrictions, even from state to state. When traveling, the mask suggestion is relatively easy to follow. However, it can be difficult for travelers to stay six feet apart and avoid crowds, particularly at an airport or airplane.

3.In many cases, with domestic and international travel, proof of a negative COVID test is required. Many places require proof of a negative COVID test before arrival. Travelers need to be aware of these requirements as often the request is for testing “no more” than seventy-two hours before arrival. Therefore, even if you may have taken and received a negative response from your test, if not within the timeline specified, it may not meet the requirements. These regulations are often passed on to the airlines to ensure their passengers are compliant, so please check with your particular airline before travel.

4.There are different types of COVID testing available. Each traveler should do their research on testing requirements. In general, there are two types of testing, a Rapid test and a Viral test, also known as an RT-PCR test. As stated in the name, a rapid test gives results quickly, while a viral test may take twenty-four to forty-eight hours for results. An appointment for testing is often required, along with proof of identity and insurance if applicable. To be sure you meet the travel specific COVID testing requirements, travelers need to plan accordingly.

5.When requested from officials, travelers must demonstrate proof of a negative test result or face consequences that may include a mandatory quarantine at their own expense. Travelers may also face significant personal fines.

The realities of COVID and its impact on traveling has been significant. However, for many, traveling is a part of life and may be necessary. As with all travel, travelers should stay informed and plan accordingly. Have you had any experiences traveling since COVID? I’d like to hear.

Staycation tips.

Staycation tips.

by | Jan 7, 2021 | 0 comments

Being a frequent traveler, COVID left me mentally exhausted.  I was living on an island state and Singapore, took the lockdown seriously.  The missed travel opportunities left me consumed with lockdown exhaustion, so when Singapore came up with the idea of a staycation, I was immediately on board.  Here are my five tips for making your staycation a pleasure.

1. A big bed! You’ll be spending plenty of time in bed so enjoy the pleasure of a nice large bed. The hotel will make your bed every day, and you’ll feel pampered sleeping in a freshly made bed during your stay.

2. A room with a view.  Staying in is part and parcel of the staycation so try to have a room with a view.  The higher the floor of the hotel, the more you will enjoy the view. Some hotels limit guests at the pool, gym, restaurants, and most public spaces in the hotel. While I understood this safety measure, it can restrict your hotel’s enjoyment, so having a nice view can make a big difference.

3. In-room service.  Dining out can be a big part of your travel plans, and dining in during a staycation was a guilt-free pleasure.  Even if it’s one meal a day, it can make your stay feel more like a travel experience and a way to pamper yourself.

4. A bathtub.  A bubble bath can be another indulging experience.  You will want to soak in the tub as long as you desire, so first, make sure the tub is clean.  Since you’re on a staycation, taking liquids such as bathtub cleaner with you only makes sense. Take your favorite bath oils, scents, or even floral petals like roses. The best part is you don’t have to clean the tub!

5. A night out.  Even though all restaurants are not open, some will be.  Make a reservation well in advance at a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try.  I was pleasantly surprised to get a reservation at a Michelin star restaurant that previously had a six-month waiting list. There was plenty of social distancing at the restaurant. I just told the chef my preference, let him do the cooking and deciding. It was indeed a dining-by-design experience.

Have you taken a staycation? It is well worth the splurge and can maybe relieve your travel angst.  Not to mention no airline tickets! I’d love to hear your thoughts.

2021 Travel resolutions

2021 Travel resolutions

by | Jan 4, 2021 | 0 comments

It’s a new year and time for travel resolutions. Due to COVID 19 and its impact on travel, many could not realize their 2020 travel resolutions. We’re still dealing with the COVID virus, and its implications for future travel is uncertain. If we keep this in mind when making our 2021 resolutions, we may fulfill many more of our travel hopes and dreams.

Travelers should decide if they want to travel internationally or domestically. With the COVID virus and its global impact, there is much to consider when traveling. Different countries have special restrictions based on where you are traveling from or where you have traveled previously. Traveling domestically also has parallel realities, with individual US states having unique requirements for entry or stay within the state.

Travel does not need to be expensive or exotic, nor does it have to be long-distance. Consider a staycation, where you check into a hotel and explore your city from a tourist point of view. It’s always eye-opening to see the many valuable travel ideas that are within our reach without the hassle of long-distance travel.

At the end of 2021, you should be able to measure your travel hopes and dreams to your travel realities. Before COVID 19, I would have advised focusing on a specific destination. I believe focusing on a singular goal keeps you motivated to one particular intent, and there is less chance of being tempted to switch travel ambitions. However, in today’s COVID climate, when you focus on a specific destination, your travel may not come to reality due to a particular country’s restrictions.

For 2021, let us decide to travel, regardless of the destination. Traveling has so much to offer, and if we keep an open mind about our travel plans, I believe we can accomplish so much more.