Traveling During the Pandemic

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Let's be honest about this – these days it’s hard to dream about travel. But then again, it is all some of us dream about. Coronavirus successfully tied us to home and hearth, and even the mere mention of travel throws some of us into a panic. Others of us long for a beach, a lounge chair, and an umbrella drink. Take heart! Throughout the world, nations are slowly opening their arms to tourism, but cautiously. Strict protocols are in place to protect their citizens as well as visitors. Testing is becoming streamlined, and response times shortening. When traveling out of the U.S., be ready to take a COVID test, and have the results available upon arrival at your destination. Some countries are even making tests available upon arrival if you just didn't have time to get that test before taking off. In the Caribbean, week after week more destinations are throwing open their borders and inviting tourists to come back and enjoy their pristine beaches, snorkel or dive their iconic reefs, and enjoy their five star resorts, hotels, and restaurants. These countries depend on tourism dollars and need people to visit. You are going to see more and more re-opening with accommodations in place to make it easy for you to visit. The protocols for travel are the same as those we have come to expect here at home. Recently, we spent 10 days in the Mexico’s Riviera Maya, and could not have felt safer. Greeted with a thermometer and hand sanitizer eve rywhe re we went, from taxis to restaurants and even the shopping mall, it was clear that Mexico is serious about conquering coronavirus. People were expected to wear masks, and social distancing was practiced. "I'm so glad we didn't let these protocols prevent us from our travel plans," Kristen W. said from the patio her and husband Scott’s swimup casita. "This trip is exactly what I needed to reset from months of forced isolation. I would hate to have missed this experience." We totally concur with Kristen. The enthusiasm that the Mexican people had for us proved that they are just as ready to "get back to normal" as we are. 2021 is forecasted to be the year of travel. After months of lockdown I think we’re all ready to get away and feel free again. The silver lining? As tourism starts to ramp back up and restrictions are lifted, expect that there will be lots of great deals out there. But also expect that as people begin to reschedule their 2020 trips that things will fill up quickly. Book soon to ensure you don't miss out. My point? Travel my friends. Are you ready to head a couple of states away to visit that national park you’ve always wanted to see? Swimming in the cenotes in Mexico still on the bucket list? Looking to go back in time and traverse the Mississippi on a paddlewheel steamboat? It’s time. Get back out there and see what this world and its amazing people have to show you. It's time to contact your favorite travel advisor and get started planning to get back out there.