International and domestic travel halted a near-standstill this year Mid-March. Thankfully travel advisories are slowly easing for general tourism. Can you or should you travel outside the United States again?
Traveling outside your front door is considered crazy to some. While airlines still offer limited flights, they tend to be for essential reasons like medical personal or to assist people in returning home from across the United States or abroad. The reopening of international borders is sure to be a slow process. Even though you can book a flight internationally, do you have permission to travel? Due to the U.S. and CDC return restrictions, is it worth your time? Also, where and when will travel be allowed again?
All great questions to ponder, but when you decide to make a move and return to travel, here are the 5 domestic and 5 international destinations ready for you!
1. Sicily- The board of tourism is ready for tourists! They are willing to pay half your expenses to visit, including half your airfare, along with 1 out of every three nights in a hotel. It is typically a touristy place to travel, and June 1st country opens restaurants up to dine-in service. However, you have to wear a mask. Things like parks have started to open as of May 4th, and by May 18th, they plan to open stores and museums. Obviously, post-pandemic airline flight schedules will be limited, so don’t expect to find many non-stop flights.
2. Greece - Although a summer trip to Europe is unlikely for most tourists. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced their reopening of Greece date to the E.U. is June 15th. Initially, the target date to reopen to all tourists was July 1st, when most flights to Greece will resume. As visitors make their way to Greece, it won’t be a regular tourist season. Visitors will be able to sightsee and soak up the Grecian sun, likely nightlife activities will be dampened and not the same as in the past. Beaches have reopened, and the Acropolis in Athens has started to welcome visitors again. This nation has been less-affected by coronavirus than other hard-hit nations like Spain, Italy, and France. At this time, the European countries are gradually opening their borders with each other. Except for Greece and Sicily, if you’re not an E.U. resident, you may not be able to enter.
3. The Bahamas- Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis announced plans to reopen its borders for travel on July 1st. He stated, “These dates may change depending on the circumstance. I want to repeat, however, that this date is not final.” The Bahamas is entering phase 2 of its reopening strategy, with the fifth and final stage allowing its to resume international travel and tourism operations.
“Our resorts, our airports, and our seaports are finalizing the health and safety protocols that will be necessary for us to provide for a reopening,” said Minnis. “Taking into account what is being done within the region and around the world, these extensive guidelines will be designed to provide for reasonable assurance that travel and leisure are generally safe. Any such reopening to commercial-scale traffic will also be dependent on the ongoing stabilization of the COVID-19 outbreak in the Bahamas.”
4. Jamaica- from Detroit to Kingston, it could take from 9-12 hours of travel. Jamaica is opening up very soon, and by June, they should be ready for many people to enjoy their summer vacations in Jamaica. However, masks seem like for now, they will be a requirement.
5. St. Lucia- The country is prepared to open as early as June 4th, 2020. The Government of Saint Lucia has announced a responsible phased approach to reopening of the island’s tourism sector. The phased approach is Phase 1: June 4th to July 31st, 2020; Phase 2: August 1st to September 30th, 2020; Phase 3: October 1st, 2020. Quarantine is not required for visitors to Saint Lucia when staying at a certified resort. Visitors who are NOT booked at a certified property will need to quarantine for 14 days, so work with a Travel Advisor to ensure you travel to certified resorts!
6. Puerto Rico- The U.S. territory doesn’t require a passport, so it’s a popular Caribean destination. Puerto Rico will reopen beaches, restaurants, churches, hair salons, and retail stores on May 26th under strict rules as the U.S. territory emerges from a two-month lockdown. A 7 p.m-to-5 a.m. curfew will remain in place until June 15th. Everyone will be required to wear a mask, whether outside or inside a business.
7. National Parks- All U.S. National parks will open on June 1st. However, state regulations will determine what life outside the parks is going to look like. By the summer, most restaurants should be open to dining-in options. If you are someone who loves road-trips, these are prime summer destinations any year, but especially now Post-COVID19 when other travel is more restricted. Another exciting option to try is by train. Amtrak is operating right now and maybe a new way to explore one of our national treasures. You can pay extra to have your own train car and secure a safe and comfortable way to get there.
8. Alaska- The state had low COVID19 numbers and is currently reopening all businesses o
n May 22nd. Alaska has a 14-day quarantine policy, which is now set to expire on June 2nd. The state has experienced some of the lowest coronavirus numbers. The tourist travel season is short. However, if you are up for a last-minute trip, Alaska might be the right destination for your summer family vacation!
9. Arizona- As of May 16th, 2020, all State of Arizona imposed travel restrictions have been rescinded or expired. Governor Ducey reopened all business, including gyms and theatres. The tourist attractions will begin to open in early July 2020. Arizona is a great summer vacation destination for your family to visit.
10. Florida- Florida has been on the early side of reopening compared to other U.S. states on lockdown. COVID19 rates have dropped in Florida since they decided to open in phases. Per the governor’s order, travelers from hot spots, like the New York tri-state area, will continue to be screened and asked to self-quarantine for 14-days upon arrival. Some of the theme parks are tentatively scheduled to open as early as June 5th, 2020. So traveling to Florida for summer vacation seems like a good bet!
If you're ready to return to travel before the end of this year, click here to schedule a planning call!
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