Where to go in 2021

Can’t wait to go back to Paris

Dare we plan? Definitely! After a year of staying at home, many of us are eager to go somewhere and with the increasing availability of Covid-19 vaccines, we are seeing some hope of healthier days ahead. It will take some time to vaccinate billions of people worldwide and unfortunately, not all countries have the means to purchase these vaccines. But with adequate preparation, the possibility for travel in 2021 is looking up.

There are many things to consider before you’re airborne or on the road. Among these are travel restrictions, covid testing, quarantine and vaccination requirements, travel insurance, travel cancellation fees and where to go.

Travel Restrictions

For international health and travel advisories, check https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html and travel.state.gov. 

The Board of Tourism of the country you’re traveling to will usually list travel restrictions for visitors.

These are the countries that currently welcome Americans. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/us-international-travel-covid-19/index.html

Testing and Vaccination Requirements

Many countries require travelers to be tested at least 72 hours prior to departure. There are testing sites at various airports in the United States. But these sites were overwhelmed during the holidays. It’s best to get tested ahead of your travel date to ensure your departure.

The United States Center for Disease Control requires all air passengers bound for the U.S. (including US citizens and legal permanent residents) to present a “negative Covid-19 test taken within 3 calendar days of departure or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days” effective January 26, 2021. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html

Quantas Airways has signaled that they may require a vaccination certificate for future travel. Make sure to verify their requirements before you purchase your plane ticket. https://www.forbes.com/sites/grantmartin/2020/11/24/qantas-airways-moves-to-require-covid-19-vaccine-for-air-travel/?sh=103577e34e79

Other airlines and countries may follow suit.

Quarantine

Though you may have tested negative for Covid-19 prior to departure, you may still have to self quarantine upon arrival at your destination. Follow this link to find out which states in the U.S. require self quarantine: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/us-state-travel-restrictions-covid-19/index.html

New U.S. policy: Quarantine is now required for those international travelers arriving in the U.S.  https://www.cntraveler.com/story/quarantine-after-international-travel-now-required-for-those-arriving-in-the-us

Delta Airlines has set up a quarantine free corridor when flying from Atlanta to Rome and Atlanta to Amsterdam. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/deltas-covid-free-flights-europe-passengers-skip-quarantine/story?id=74778180

Travel Insurance

It’s really important to have travel insurance at this time because you’ll never know when a travel ban or lockdown is called for by your host country and you’ll need to purchase an airline ticket ahead of your scheduled departure. The insurance should cover the purchase of a new flight ticket or hospital stays while traveling. Read the fine print.

Travel Cancellation Fees

This is certainly an important consideration when purchasing airline tickets and making hotel reservations. With the uncertainty of covid variant breakouts, you may have to cancel your trip. It’s good to know beforehand how your airline and other travel providers will handle cancellations.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2020/11/24/covid-19-travel-info-hotel-flight-cancellation-policies/6398350002/

Where to go

Afar - Where we’ll go in 2021 when we can

https://www.afar.com/magazine/best-places-to-travel-in-2021

CNN Travel - 21 Places to go in 2021

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/places-to-visit-2021/index.html

Condé Nast Traveler - 21 Best Places to go in 2021

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-places-to-go-in-2021

Forbes Travel - 20 Best Places to Travel in 2021; Where to go Next

https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2020/10/22/the-20-best-places-to-travel-in-2021-where-to-go-next/?sh=1ba608ea4094

Lonely Planet - Best in Travel 2021

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel

National Geographic - Destinations on the rise for 2021

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/features/best-of-the-world-2021/

New York Times - A Very Different ‘52 Places’

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/travel/places-to-visit-vacation.html

Travel and Leisure - 50 Best Places to Travel in 2021

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-places-to-travel-in-2021

13 Things We Cannot Forget On Our First Post Covid Trip

https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/13-thing-we-cannot-forget-on-our-first-post-covid-trip

Don’t forget to wash your hands frequently, keep physical distancing, and wear a mask. Wishing you safe travels and lots of fun!

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Image by TravelswithCharie