I have the privilege of re-introducing Sandy Fardie, one of the magnificent Coasters & Castles Travel Specialists that helps with this great blog. I think you will enjoy this article because it is so important to all of us at this time.
As the world starts to open up and travel begins to become a reality and not a dream for the distant future, you may be asking questions like: “I’m ready to travel again - what do I need to know?” “Is it safe?” “What are the policies of my desired destination?” “Do I need to be vaccinated?” “Where do I get the info I need?”
My husband and I recently safely traveled and returned from an amazing week at Sandals in Montego Bay, Jamaica (more on that to come in a separate blog). I’m here to tell you that traveling as we move closer to the other side of this pandemic is not as daunting as it may seem.
Everyone’s comfort level is different when it comes to assessing your personal travel risks, but be assured that your safety is the number one priority of every destination and supplier.
Travel requirements and available amenities are still a work in progress that continue to evolve and vary by supplier and destination. Our Coasters & Castles Travel Agents stay on top of these updates for you.
Many of my co-agents at Coasters & Castles Travel, like myself, have recently safely traveled both domestically and internationally. We have travelled to wonderful places like Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, Costa Rica, Mexico, Walt Disney World, and Universal Studios – to name a few!
COVID Vaccine and COVID Testing
Getting vaccinated is a personal decision. Incorporating COVID vaccine requirements into safety protocols continue to be evaluated by each supplier and destination. Vaccine policies will vary by supplier and/or destination and may or may not become a factor on your travel plans going forward.
Many cruise lines are requiring guests who are able to be fully vaccinated do so prior to boarding the ship. Some cruise lines require all guests over the age of 16 to be fully vaccinated while other cruise lines have not yet announced specific vaccine requirements. Regardless of the requirements, it is strongly recommended that those who can be fully vaccinated do so for all cruise sailings.
Almost every international destination requires a Negative COVID test result prior to entry. Vaccines are starting to have an impact on this requirement as well. For example, fully vaccinated travelers no longer need to present negative COVID-19 test results to travel to Puerto Rico if they are arriving on a domestic flight from the U.S. mainland.
International Travel - COVID Related Documentation Requirements
International Travel - COVID Related Documentation Requirements Each country has its own specific entry requirements. These requirements can include, but are not limited to, negative COVID test results; health declarations; proof of vaccination; proof of approved COVID medical insurance coverage; and individual pre-registration with the country’s official travel site.
The specific documentation needed for entry to each country is reviewed by the air carrier or cruise line prior to boarding. It is important to know that boarding will be denied without exception if your required travel documents are not in order. Currently, a negative COVID test result is required for re-entry to the USA even if you did not need it to visit a specific country. The test must be within 3 days prior to arrival back to the USA.
Passports and REAL ID You never know when an opportunity to take that great trip may come along and you’ll want to be prepared!!
Passports are required for all international travel. Most destinations, air carriers, and cruise lines require that passports do not expire within 6 months of your arrival.
Check your expiration dates and submit your renewals as soon as possible. If you don’t have a passport, it is highly recommended that you apply for one. Don’t procrastinate on this one – processing passport applications and renewals have been slower than they were pre-COVID, even those that are expedited for an additional fee.
The Department of Homeland Security has updated their policy mandating that REAL ID’s will be required for all domestic USA air travel effective May 3, 2023.
The Department of Homeland Security has updated their policy mandating that REAL ID’s will be required for all domestic USA air travel effective May 3, 2023.
Don’t Throw Away Those Masks Just Yet!
Although many US states have relaxed their rules for when you need to don that mask, please be aware that each destination and supplier can apply their own mask requirements for your safety and for those around you. Along with social distancing, masks are still required in all airports and for the duration of your flight. Noncompliance will result in being denied boarding or being escorted off the plane.
No Need to Feel Overwhelmed! No need to throw your plans out the window! Our Coasters & Castles Agents are more than excited and ready to make those vacation dreams a reality!
Your only job is to pick your destination and look forward to taking that much needed and deserved vacation! We will take care of navigating you though the specific requirements all the way up to the day you leave, throughout your trip, and when you return home!
Sandy Fardie is a Vacation Specialist with Coasters and Castles Travel. She loves planning vacations for her clients as much as she loves planning her own. She specializes in all Disney Destinations as well as Caribbean Destinations via a variety of cruise lines and all-inclusive resorts. She has experience planning honeymoons; single family and multi-generational family vacations; and group travel.
You can learn more about Sandy at https://www.travelcnc.com/sandy. Contact Sandy at sfardie@travelcnc.com and follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sfardietravel/.
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