Friday, October 23, 2020

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