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8 Things to Know Before Booking Your First Getaway Post-COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic mitigation efforts gain ground, more people get vaccinated, and the world starts to reopen, a lot of people have travel on their minds. After all, we’ve spent the past year and some change confined inside the walls of our homes — we could all use some R&R! We understand that traveling in a post-pandemic world may still cause some anxiety. That’s why we’ve put together this list of eight things to know before booking that first post-COVID-19 vacay.

Research Your Destination Before You Start Planning

The COVID-19 testing and quarantine requirements will differ pretty significantly based on where you're going. For example, if you’re booking a Saint Lucia all-inclusive vacation package versus more of an off-the-beaten path trip to Mexico, you will likely run into different requirements for each. This is why you have to research the country of your intended vacation before you start planning. You can’t just book the first deal you see on Google and then start to look into requirements and find out you need to spend 15 days in quarantine before you can start your vacation. Some resorts now offer complimentary COVID-19 tests for guests, as do some airports. So, it’s an excellent idea to brush up on your resort and the country’s latest protocols and find out where and how you can access any required testing or quarantine.

Make Sure You Gather Your Documents

There are more documents necessary when traveling in the post-COVID-19 world, including COVID-19 test results, vaccination cards, medical clearances, and any quarantine release documentation. It’s vital that you have all of the appropriate documents and that you keep them safe while traveling. These documents can be the difference in you returning home on time and possibly being able to enter your vacation destination country in the first place.

Get Used to Changes

Vacations are going to look a bit different from normal for the foreseeable future. This means more lines and longer wait times as capacities are reduced and social distancing remains top of mind, no more buffets or in-flight snacks, and the list goes on. A big part of the new norm will be contactless check-in at hotels, restaurants, car rental counters, etc. You should also expect to see greater room between you and other travelers or diners (a welcome change, if you ask us) and temperature checks before entering many businesses. Pack your patience as the world adapts to life after the pandemic.

Prepare for Higher Prices

Once more and more countries continue to reopen, prices for travel are expected to skyrocket. So, try to take advantage now while the prices are still relatively low. Thanks to recent changes, you will likely be able to cancel or modify your trip later if you buy it now for a good price.

Vaccinations and Testing

When COVID-19 tests became more accessible, they became integral in the return to safe travel. A negative test eases the traveler’s own worries when traveling and interacting with others and is also required to cross borders, including the United States'.

Now, as more people get vaccinated, many countries are considering vaccine passports to replace testing requirements.

Post-COVID-19 Logistics

Before the pandemic, you could book a trip and only worry about whether you really need to pack that extra suitcase full of shoes. Now, there’s a lot more to worry about, including COVID-19 tests and restrictions, whether or not you need travel insurance, and whether or not you will even be able to find a rental car. The logistics for travel post COVID-19 can be quite dizzying but not impossible. We recommend allowing yourself much more time between booking the vacation and leaving for it so you can get all necessary logistics sorted out without having to overpay because you are doing everything last minute.

Staying Safe

Even vaccinated travelers need to take steps to keep themselves and those around them safe while traveling during the pandemic. That means not forgetting to wear your mask — even outdoors if the situation calls for it. Bring hand sanitizer with you and remain 6 feet apart from people not in your immediate travel group.

Traveler’s (Insurance) Dilemma

The pandemic has taught us just how quickly things can change out of nowhere. This means that travel insurance is more important than ever. Check and make sure your travelers insurance policy will cover the cancellation of your trip due to unexpected illness (including coronavirus), medical expenses should you become ill while you’re traveling, and any possible trip extensions if you’re too sick to return as scheduled.

Some countries require travelers to carry medical insurance for COVID-19 — so that’s another thing to check for before booking your getaway.

Safe and responsible traveling is possible in a post-pandemic world; it just takes more planning and patience — and don’t forget the hand sanitizer! We can’t wait to see which countries reopen for American tourists next!

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