12 Essential Tips When Traveling During COVID-19 (2020).

Dec 1

I know this could be construed as a controversial topic. What? You’re traveling during COVID-19?

I decided to write this article after a recent visit to St Thomas. In November, 2020 my husband and I took the risk and went away to the Caribbean for 5 nights and 6 days. On this journey we found out….people are traveling. So, why not put together some tips for the would be travelers? The ones that are willing to get back out there and travel again.

You would be surprised who is traveling. Most people we saw in the airports and at the hotels were the older generation. (50s to mid 60s). The millennials were there but not many of them. Families with young children and 30-somethings were scarce.

There are some things to consider and guidelines you should follow before you make the plunge and decide to travel again. Put your thinking cap on and plan accordingly.

Where are you going? To help you decide, visit your state or country’s travel advisory for COVID-19. It was pretty easy coming from NJ. We could go to the USVI or Hawaii and maybe a handful of other states without having to quarantine for 14 days. We chose St. Thomas. (USVI).
Keep in mind when choosing a destination. Think outdoors, perhaps a warmer climate. Or some activities that will require you to be outdoors. There are not many indoor shows or concerts happening around the world anyway. Pick a place that has national parks, hiking trails, beaches, outdoor eating venues, botanical gardens.
When it’s time to book a room or rental. Make sure there is some access to a private outdoor space like a balcony or seating preferably with a view. Especially if you get there and decide to stay within the confines of the resort or rental.
Check with your destination’s visitor bureau. In our instance, the USVI was accepting visitors from mainland USA but you had to be tested negative 5 days prior to travel. There was also a form to fill out and the paperwork must be presented upon arrival at St Thomas. You may want to get tested anyway and bring your negative results with you.
Purchase trip medical insurance and check cancellation and change policies prior to booking. You do not want to be paying for a trip you never got to take. Or end up in a medical facility far from home. Just be prepared. It’s worth the peace of mind. Call your health insurance provider to make sure you are covered while traveling. And be aware of any co-pays in advance.
When searching for flights. Book a non-stop. This will minimize any exposure during a layover. Luckily United had reasonably priced direct flights to the Virgin Islands from Newark, NJ.
Consider renting a car. This will also minimize your exposure or you exposing others. In the Virgin Islands, you drive on the left side of the road. If you are not comfortable with this...don’t do it. Taxis are fine.
Prior to departing - keep yourself healthy. Get lots of rest, drink lots of water. Keep aware of your social distancing.
Make sure all your travel documents are up to date and valid.
Read up on your choice of accommodation. Check Tripadvisor and Youtube videos for recent reviews on your destination. Call in advance to go over any concerns you may have or questions about protocol.
Book your tours in advance and have a plan of what you want to see and do. Viator is a great place to view deals and get ideas of activities available and currently open and running in your destination.
We decided to keep our first trip short - 5 nights and 6 days. We had an early flight so would get to St Thomas in the afternoon and on the return booked an afternoon flight so we had the morning and took our time to get to the airport. You may want to refrain from a 2 week holiday out of the gate. Keep your first trip short but long enough to enjoy your time away.
***Choosing the right credit card could also be beneficial, and may offer mileage rewards or access to airport lounges. If you would like to learn more read this article featured on Money.Com: https://money.com/best-travel-credit-card/

In the end we had an amazing time. The service was friendly and glad to see us. The beaches weren’t crowded, no wait times at the restaurants. We took a kayak tour and snorkeled in the beautiful Caribbean. We purchased items from local vendors and tipped everywhere. Remember, this pandemic has affected everyone around the globe. We rented a timeshare with a kitchenette, so we had some meals in our room and a balcony with a view. Everyone we met was friendly and having similar experiences. It was comforting to meet other people from around the country. Confirming we are all in this together.

Picking my son up from college the week of Thanksgiving.

We got home safe, sound and tan! Of course that week before Thanksgiving we picked up our son from college. Who proceeded to tell us that his roommate tested positive for COVID!

We had to get tested and quarantine! That’s life. Fortunately we all came up negative and are safe and well.

If you do plan on getting out there again. Be prepared and wear your mask.

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