Saturday, October 24, 2020
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
Saturday, October 3, 2020
Sunday, September 27, 2020
Friday, September 25, 2020
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.
Saturday, September 19, 2020
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)