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8 Destinations Americans Can Visit Now

 

8 Destinations Americans Can Visit Now

Written By GOGO Worldwide Vacations On October 15, 2020 

Relying on the experts has never been more important. From the latest in travel guidelines to the health standards of our partners, GOGO Vacations is equipped with the knowledge you need to travel confidently and responsibly. In order to help guide your future travel decisions, we’ve vetted all of the current worldwide destinations open to U.S. travelers.

Below you’ll find these seven international vacation spots (and one U.S. favorite) broken down by their unique travel requirements, health precautions, and best of all, what makes it a wonderfully unique destination.

 

Hawaii

What Makes It Amazing

Full of cascading waterfalls, lush rainforests, rugged canyons, and golden beaches, Hawaii is an American paradise that suits every vacationer. Whether you’re looking for family fun, thrill-seeking action, or a romantic getaway, this amazing cluster of islands offer just what you’re looking for. Drive on the scenic Hana highway in Maui, relax at a spa resort in Kauai, visit Pearl Harbor in Oahu, marvel at volcanoes in the Big Island… and that’s just the beginning.

Travel Requirements
Beginning October 15, a pre-travel COVID-19 testing option from a state-approved testing partner allows travelers to bypass Hawaii’s 14-day quarantine. Testing must be completed within 72 hours from the final leg of departure. Only NAAT tests processed by a CLIA-certified laboratory performed through a trusted testing partner will be accepted. All incoming travels must have temperature checks and complete an online health questionnaire before leaving the airport.

Health Precautions
All visitors are required to wear a mask at all airports and until they are inside their resort or hotel room. Museums, attractions, restaurants, and zoos can reopen with 50 percent capacity for indoor areas and groups limited to five people. Parks, beaches, and trails can open for groups of up to five people. Bars, nightclubs, short-term rentals, and helicopter tours remain closed.

Dominican Republic

What Makes It Amazing
Touted as the second largest and most diverse Caribbean country, the Dominican Republic is a lush tropical island filled with rich culture and gorgeous scenery. Spend a day on one of the 600 miles of beaches, dance to the distinct beat of the merengue, explore ancient relics, splash around under a waterfall, or play a round of golf with an epic coastline as your backdrop. From larger cities celebrating Carnival to the 16th century replica village of Altos de Chavon, there’s so much to do you’ll keep coming back for more.

Travel Requirements
Travelers arriving to the Dominican Republic do not need to present proof of a COVID-19 test, however visitors may be subject to on-site testing. If found positive, a mandated quarantine will be required. Americans and other foreign visitors entering the country before December 31st, 2020, will have a traveler assistance plan provided at the time of check-in at the hotel or resort. This includes emergencies in case of a COVID-19 infection.

Health Precautions
Social distancing by residents and visitors is required, including at beaches (which remain accessible). Face masks are mandatory at all indoor public places. All large events are prohibited, and entertainment venues such as casinos, nightclubs, and theatres remain closed.

Aruba

What Makes It Amazing
Conveniently located outside of the hurricane belt and with one of the lowest amounts of rainfall in the Southern Caribbean, visitors to Aruba can expect beautiful weather all year long. Soak up the sun on a white-sand beach in the morning, explore a rugged desert with tall green cacti and limestone cliffs before lunch, browse the colorful Dutch shops of Oranjestad in the afternoon, and snorkel the delicate reefs of Mangel Halto before the sun sets.

Travel Requirements
All visitors traveling to Aruba are required to complete the online Embarkation/Disembarkation card and be approved in order to be permitted entry to Aruba. The online card includes basic traveler information, health information, PCR testing information, purchase of the Aruba Visitors Insurance, and consent to Aruba government COVID-19 mandates.

Visitors from the U.S. residing various ‘hotspot’ states must take a COVID-19 PCR test at their own expense within the 72-hour period prior to their departure and take another COVID-19 test at their own expense upon arrival. The traveler must remain in quarantine while they await test results. All other visitors have the option of taking a PCR test upon arrival in Aruba or they can upload the COVID-19 PCR test during the 72-hour window.

Health Precautions
Thanks to its public health protocols, Aruba boasts very low COVID-19 cases. A nightly curfew from midnight until 5:00am has been extended until further notice. Beach weddings are permitted with a maximum of 25 people and proper social distancing maintained. Spa services are allowed to reopen as well. Masks are required in public places including public transit.

Cancun

What Makes It Amazing

Along with Cancun's sapphire waters, white sand beaches, and spectacular sunsets, you’ll get to experience markets filled with handcrafted goods, luxury resorts and spas, decadent international cuisine, and countless options for all types of water activities. From exploring the world-famous Mayan ruins (just a day trip away) touring the majestic mangroves, your epic adventures await.

Travel Requirements
Mexico’s airports and seaports are currently open, however the land border is closed until further notice. When arriving in Mexico you will be asked to show your completed health declaration form.

Health Precautions
Tourist destinations in Cancun are opening gradually with the use of face masks being mandatory. Gatherings are limited to 100 people in public places and public transport services, transportation companies, and tour operators are all abiding by the Responsible Tourism Chains guidelines. Within the state of Quintana Roo (where Cancun is located), hotels and parks are permitted at 25 percent capacity.

Los Cabos

What Makes It Amazing

An ideal location for anyone who wants to check off as many activities as possible, Los Cabos,offers plenty of experiences for the thrill seeker. Beyond the typical snorkeling and surfing, you can also swim with whale sharks, zipline 300 feet above washed-out canyons, ride camels on the beach, and rock climb the Sierra de Laguna Dry Forest for some amazing views.

Travel Requirements
Mexico’s airports and seaports are currently open, however the land border is closed until further noticet. When arriving in Mexico you will be asked to show your completed health declaration form.

Health Precautions
Tourist destinations in Los Cabos are opening gradually with the use of face masks being mandatory. Gatherings are limited to 100 people in public places and public transport services, transportation companies, and tour operators are all abiding by the Responsible Tourism Chains guidelines. Within the state of Baja California Sur (where Los Cabos is located), hotels and parks are permitted at 25 percent capacity.

 Jamaica

What Makes It Amazing

Whether you’re looking to get back to nature or immerse yourself into the music and culture scene, Jamaica is an island with something for everyone. Discover breathtaking landscapes as you wade in the pools at Dunn’s River Falls, swim in the bioluminescent waters outside of Montego Bay, or board a bamboo raft and drift down a river through the lush island rainforest.

Travel Requirements
Anyone traveling to Jamaica must submit a government travel authorization form, which includes health information, immigration, and customs forms, with in 24 hours of the travel date. Keep a copy of it handy, as you’ll need to present it when you check in or board your flight. In addition, all travelers ages 12 and older must upload a valid COVID-19 test taken no more than 10 days before your arrival. Visitors staying at locations outside the Resilient Corridors (stretching from Negril through Port Antonio) are required to remain on the property during their stay.

Health Precautions
Theme parks and zoos are open during reduced hours, but water sports and amusement parks are currently closed. Markets, pharmacies, and other shops are open, however non-essential businesses, including salons and nightclubs, are closed until further notice. No more than 15 people are allowed to gather at any site.

Riviera Maya

What Makes It Amazing
You can swim alongside sea turtles in Akumal, zipline into the sacred subterranean caverns of LabnaHa Eco Park, swim within the world’s three longest-running underwater cave systems, and visit the impressive, world-famous ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza. Of course, while the Riviera Maya is buzzing with activities, you can always end the day on a beachside hammock with your favorite cocktail as the sun sets into the sea.

Travel Requirements
Mexico’s airports and seaports are currently open, however the land border is closed until further notice. When arriving in Mexico you will be asked to show your completed health declaration form.

Health Precautions
Tourist destinations in Riviera Maya are opening gradually with the use of face masks being mandatory. Gatherings are limited to 100 people in public places and public transport services, transportation companies, and tour operators are all abiding by the Responsible Tourism Chains guidelines. Within the state of Quintana Roo (where Riviera Maya is located), hotels and parks are permitted at 25 percent capacity.

 

St. Lucia

What Makes It Amazing
Unique culinary creations, breathtaking scenery, and lively culture guarantee a trip to St. Lucia is an adventure for the senses. Learn how cocoa pods are harvested into chocolate, partake in a traditional fish fry, or visit the Castries Market at the islands capital to discover everything from unique spice blends to exotic homegrown fruits. St. Lucia also hosts several renowned annual celebrations, like the lively Carnival and the Jazz festival.

Travel Requirements
All travelers visiting St. Lucia are required to have a negative result from a PCR test within seven days of travel, as well as the completion of a pre-arrival registration form. In addition, all arriving passengers will be screened, including temperature checks.

Health Precautions
All restaurants are open for take-out or delivery service only, as seated service is currently prohibited. Hotels that have completed certification are allowed to reopen. Over 20 properties have been certified so far, and you can find the growing list here. In addition, masks are required in public places, with a few exceptions such as your resort’s pool.

Credit For The Information In This Article - GoGo Worldwide Vacations Written On October 15, 2020 

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Cruise Lines Plan To Ban Passengers From Freely Roaming Port Cities

Cruise Lines Plan To Ban Passengers From Freely Roaming Port Cities

Written By Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel - September 24, 2020

Forget the tequila shots, straw markets and jewelry stores.

If cruise lines are allowed to resume operations anytime soon, passengers won’t be permitted to roam freely around port cities.

Proposals to limit the spread of COVID-19 call for allowing passengers to disembark only if they are signed up for an excursion sponsored by the cruise line, one of a series of health protocols developed by an industry eager to resume operations after a six-month COVID-19 shutdown.

Two similar sets of protocols were submitted to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sept. 21 in hopes they will persuade the CDC not to extend its No Sail Order past the planned Sept. 30 expiration. Cruise lines voluntarily canceled trips through Oct. 31, but many would like to resume sailings in the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean before the end of the year.

The proposals, which cruise lines would implement voluntarily, include requiring all passengers and crew members to take COVID-19 tests before being allowed to board. Fewer passengers will be allowed on ships. Temperatures will be checked frequently. Face masks will be required at terminals and on board ships whenever social distancing is not possible.

Cabins will be allocated for isolating patients who get sick. And cruise lines will develop ways to improve flow of fresh air through interior portions of their ships.

The recommendation to prohibit passengers from freely roaming away from cruise lines’ watchful eyes in port cities would be enforced “until further notice,” according to protocols developed by a panel of experts, called the Healthy Sails Panel, convened by Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

The ban is intended to reduce the risk of exposure to ship passengers, crew members and local populations in port cities, the panel’s document states.

“Prior to COVID-19, cruise operators allowed for both fully curated excursions and self-guided excursions and independent exploration at destinations of interest,” it says. “However, the risk of exposure for the people in communities that are visited, and for cruise ship guests and crew, increase as more mixing between these groups occurs. Therefore, the Panel recommends that cruise operators initially prohibit self-guided tours and independent exploration and only allow certain curated indoor activities until further notice.”

A set of protocols submitted by the Cruise Lines International Association, a trade group representing 95% of the cruise industry, includes permitting shore excursions “according to the cruise operators’ prescribed protocols, with strict adherence required of all passengers and denial of re-boarding for any passengers that do not comply.”

CLIA spokeswoman Laziza Lambert said that means passengers won’t be allowed to venture off on their own. “Guests and crew would only be allowed to partake in preplanned excursions within well-defined boundaries,” she said in an email.

In recent weeks, some cruise lines have been allowed to resume operations in Europe and Asia under protocols similar to those proposed to the CDC. But on the first voyage of the MSC Grandiosa in mid-August, a family was denied re-embarkation after breaking away from the “social bubble” set up by MSC Cruises in Naples, Italy, according to a report in USA Today.

The Healthy Sails Panel recommendations say a ban on self-guided excursions should be implemented “in the startup phase” of a resumption. Meanwhile, the panel suggests, cruise lines should consider ways to make sponsored excursions more appealing, such as “reconsidering” their cost and offering a wider variety of trips to private beach locations.

Roger Frizzell, spokesman for Carnival Corp., said the protocols aren’t intended to be permanent. “Over time, in coordination with health and regulatory authorities, as well as our expert advisers, these policies are expected to be updated and adjusted as there are improvements in the general health outlook of the population, as well as additional advancements and enhancements in science and medicine,” Frizzell said by email.

Travel agents said the ban on self-guided excursions will disappoint some travelers but won’t keep most diehard cruisers off of the gangplank.

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5 Reason Why We Travel

 

5 Reasons Why We Travel
By Michelle Yang From wetravel.com

 

This Was Probably The Most Difficult Post That We’ve Ever Had To Write. After All, We Live And Breathe Travel. We Always Talk About Our Undying Love For It, The Tips And Tricks I’ve Gathered Along The Way, And How It Can Change Your Life. But If We Had To Narrow It Down To Only Five Reasons, Then This Would Be Our List. Here Are The Five Reasons Why We Travel.

 

Image Source: Changyu Hu

1. We Travel To Learn.

Whether It’s Learning A New Language Or Learning About An Area’s History, Travel Allows Us To Learn So Many Different Things. We Become Educated In The Diverse Cultures And Ways Of Life. We Learn About How Our Lives Are Intertwined And How We Can Impact One Another.

We Travel To Absorb All That We Can In The World.

Image Source: Patrick Fore

2. We Travel To Escape.

Travel Provides A Momentary Break From The Humdrum Of Our Daily Lives. It Provides Us With Adventure And Excitement. When We Venture To A New Space Or Environment, We’re Intrigued By All The Novel Things That Surround Us. We Forget About Our Jobs, Our Classes, And All Our Other Responsibilities.

We Travel To Escape Our Mundane Lives And To Move To A Different Beat.

Image Source: Jérémie Crémer

3. We Travel To Discover.

This Goes Hand In Hand With Our Previous Points, But Travel Allow Us To Discover, Whether It’s An Interesting Locale Or A Newfound Favorite Dish. We Travel To Not Only See More Of The World And The People In It, But To Also Discover More About Ourselves In The Process.

Through The Challenges That We Face And The Experiences That We Gain, We Discover Our Strengths, Our Limitations, And Our Potential.

Image Source: Zoe Baum

4. We Travel To Make New Friends.

Of Course, This One Would Be On Our List. After All, We Love Group Travel! When You Travel, You Meet People Of Diverse Backgrounds And Experiences And Every Single One Of Them Has The Potential To Play An Important Role In Your Life, Whether That Is A New Best Friend Or Your Soul Mate.

Image Source: Pavel Lukichev

5. We Travel To Experience.

We Feel Like This Last Reason Is An All-Encompassing One. We Travel To Experience All That We Can And All That The World Has To Offer. We Can Experience The Local Culture By Eating Delicacies And Dishes That Are Unique To A Certain Region.

We Can Experience What It’s Like To Communicate Solely Through Gestures When We Don’t Know How To Speak A Language. We Can Even Realize How Life In A Foreign Country Is Not That Much Different From Our Own Lives Back Home.

Experiences Help Bring Meaning To Our Lives. They Both Shape And Define Us.

Featured Image Source: Andrew Collins

 

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Where Can Americans Travel Right Now?

 

Where Can Americans 

Travel Right Now?

Article Written By Katherine LaGrave - Aug 7, 2020 - From afar.com 

With all of the rules and regulations, figuring out where Americans can travel at the moment is no easy task—so we’ve done the work for you. Here are the countries that are open to U.S. travelers right now.

This is a developing story. We will continue to update as the world changes. For the latest information on traveling during the coronavirus outbreak, visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. 

The European Union has barred U.S. travelers, and Canada and Mexico have closed their land borders: It’s understandable, then, that with all of the rules and restrictions about which countries allow what, one of the biggest questions on American travelers’ minds is where can I go, if anywhere? 

On August 6, the U.S. lifted its global coronavirus travel advisory, which had been in place since March and recommended U.S. citizens avoid all international travel due to the global coronavirus pandemic. In a press release about the decision, the U.S. State Department said it would be “returning to our previous system of country-specific levels of travel advice (with levels from 1-4 depending on country-specific conditions), in order to give travelers detailed and actionable information to make informed travel decisions.” The decision to lift the sweeping travel advisory was made with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the most up-to-date country-specific advisories are listed on the State Department website.

As AFAR's Michelle Baran reports, State Department travel advisories are recommendations, and “travelers are not required to abide by them.” Still, they're worth paying attention to, as this government-backed advice can affect everything from travel insurance policies to destinations travel companies will decide to tour. 

While the following countries are open to U.S. travelers, it’s worth doing your homework and reading up on the advisories and rules before booking, and asking the following questions:

·        Are the activities and services I’m interested in available?

·        Do the hotels have any new cleaning protocols?

·        Is there a country-wide curfew that will prevent me from experiencing what I want to?

·        Will I be tested for COVID-19 at the airport or have to quarantine when I arrive?

·        How has this country handled COVID-19 spikes in the past?

·        Do I have travel insurance that will cover me if I cancel or get sick while on vacation?

·        Has the travel advisory changed recently?

Countries that are slated to open to Americans later this summer:

·        Belize (August 15)

·        St. Maarten (late August)

·        Cayman Islands (September 1)

As of August 7, Americans are allowed to travel to these countries:

Antigua and Barbuda
Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Antigua has been welcoming American travelers since the beginning of June. To be allowed into the country, all visitors will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test. Read more about Antigua and Barbuda’s rules for entry. 

Aruba
Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Aruba opened to U.S. travelers on July 10, but those residing in 24 U.S. states—including California, Florida, Texas, and Wisconsin—cannot travel to Aruba without proof of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Read more about Aruba’s health requirements.

Bahamas
Level 4: Do Not Travel

After opening (and then closing) to Americans in July, the Bahamas is once again open to travelers from the United States—with some fine print. All travelers must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test and quarantine for two weeks upon arrival in the country. Read more about the Bahamas’ rules for entry.

Bermuda
Level 3: Reconsider Travel

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As of July 1, Bermuda has been open to international travelers. Visitors will need to be tested at least twice for COVID-19: once no more than five days before departing for the country and another upon arrival. Read more about Bermuda’s rules. 

Croatia
Level 3: Reconsider Travel

As we’ve reported, the European Union has said it will not allow U.S. travelers. But according to the fine print, countries within the EU can decide to ignore the recommendation—and Croatia has done just that. Visitors do not have to quarantine but do have to present confirmation of accommodation. Read more about Croatia’s rules for traveling to the country.

Dominican Republic
Level 4: Do Not Travel

Visitors to the Dominican Republic must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken no later than five days before arrival. Passengers arriving in the Dominican Republic will also have their temperature taken as they disembark the plane, and anyone with a temperature higher than 100.6 degrees Fahrenheit will be given a COVID test. Passengers must also fill out a Traveler’s Health Affadavit. Read more about the Dominican Republic’s rules for entry.

French Polynesia
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Comprising 118 islands, including Tahiti and Bora Bora, French Polynesia is a popular destination in the South Pacific. As of July 15, French Polynesia has reopened to travelers from all countries. Travelers must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no later than 72 hours before their flight. They must also register with the country's Electronic Travel Information System, and take another test four days after their arrival. Read more about traveling to French Polynesia.

Jamaica
Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Jamaica has welcomed international travelers back since June 15. Arriving visitors will be subject to temperature screenings and health checks at the airport. Read more about Jamaica’s guidelines for travelers.

Mexico

Level 4: Do Not Travel

Land borders between Mexico and the U.S. are closed until July 21, but American travelers are allowed to arrive by plane. Mexican states have different timelines for reopening, so be sure to check which ones are open to nonessential—that is, leisure—travel. (The state of Quintana Roo and Los Cabos are on that list.) Read more about Mexico's travel restrictions.

St. Bart’s
Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Visitors have been welcome in St. Bart’s since June 22. Travelers are required to produce a negative COVID-19 test, obtained at least 72 hours before arrival. Read more about St. Bart’s guidelines for travelers.

St. Lucia
Level 3: Reconsider Travel

As of early July, St. Lucia reopened to American travelers. Visitors are required to show a negative COVID-19 test and should expect to undergo temperature checks. Read more about St. Lucia’s rules for visiting.

Turks and Caicos
Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Since July 22, Turks and Caicos has been open to international visitors. To be allowed to enter the country, all international travelers (visitors and residents) must have preauthorization through the Turks and Caicos “TCI Assured Portal.” The following information must be submitted: a negative COVID-19 test, taken within five days of arrival in Turks and Caicos; medical insurance that covers the cost of quarantine or local care; a completed online health screening. Read more about the travel preauthorization requirements for Turks and Caicos.