Where Can I Go?

Well, my friends, optimism is in the air as the world begins to heal and open back up. It is all slow and measured, as it should be, but each day there seems to be more good news to celebrate.

If your passport has been gathering dust, it might just be time to shake it off and start planning!

There are many places that have recently opened or have been open. I won’t cover all of them in this post. This is  just a small sample to inspire you! So, let’s get to it. Where are some of the places you can go right now????

Photo credit: Hari Nandakumar from Unsplash

Alaska

Mainland Alaska has been open and booking for a while. It is actually becoming very hard to find availability right now.

Last month, lots of changes were made to open Alaska cruises for the summer season. We are over-the-top thrilled to be able to offer this option for our travelers and to provide some much needed support to the communities on the cruise routes.

With so much of this state accessible only by water or air, cruising is such a great option to check out this magnificent landscape, animals, marine life, and native communities. And there are many cruise lines starting up again, with most beginning sailings in July or August. Which means lots of options for travelers. From families to couples to luxury to adventure seekers. And this option does not require a passport or testing to arrive or on departure. 

Ships are filling fast so, if Alaska is on your radar, connect with us soon.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has successfully been open for some time now. I wanted to mention it here as this lovely paradise of a country is so easily accessible from the US.

There is a reason why the unofficial slogan for Costa Rica is Pura Vida (meaning enjoy life). Costa Rica has everything - beautiful beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, incredible flora and fauna, wellness programs, adventure opportunities, a slower, relaxed pace, and the friendliest of people.

There are lots of options available, depending on what you love to do. Or mix it up and combine a few. With easy flights from the US and no testing requirements to enter, Costa Rica makes for a beautiful travel option right now.

There are some other requirements to enter and protocols to follow but the travel industry in CR has made everything super easy. If you want more info, just reach out and we can fill you in.

Photo credit: Patrick Baum from Unsplash

Spain

We are beyond thrilled that Spain is now open to vaccinated US travelers! Spain is beautiful and quirky and full of history. And the food??? I could go on for days. There are so many areas to explore. Madrid and Barcelona are just the tip of the iceberg. There are lovely towns and beaches and mountains and all the things!

Spain requires proof of full vaccination from an authorized vaccine. There are still protocols in place such as masks and social distancing. And many tourist sites have reduced capacity and hours so preplanning is required. Restaurants and tapas bars have reopened but are working at reduced capacity.

The great news??? Spain is a top tourist destination and going now means NO CROWDS! So, if Spain is on your list, let’s start planning today!

Photo credit: Darryl Brooks from Unsplash

Italy

Lovely, gorgeous Italy is open! Italy took a different approach. US travelers, regardless of vaccination status, can travel to Italy for leisure but only on “Covid Free” flights. You must be have a negative PCR test before boarding and will be tested again on arrival. If the second is also negative, you can freely travel within the “yellow” and “white” zones in the country.

Not all flights are deemed “Covid free” so it is imperative that you check with your airline before booking a flight. But the selection for flights has expanded and there are options from Delta, American, United, and Alitalia, from many major airports in the US.

Many major tourist sites are operating on reduced capacity and hours and preplanning is critical. Timed passes should be purchased ahead of time for the sites that are important to you. It may be impossible to procure them spontaneously.

And, just like neighboring Spain, this is a great opportunity to travel this very popular country with few lines and no crowds. Yes, masks are required and everything is reduced capacity. But guess what? No problem as there are so few people traveling there comparatively speaking. What a perfect summer destination!

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Paris

I was speaking to some of my travel partners in Paris this afternoon and they were so excited to tell me that - one - as of today (6/17), they were no longer required to wear masks outdoors and - two - that they had run into US tourists on the street. They were sooooo happy! Their joy and optimism could be felt acrosss the ocean!

Yes, France is open and ready to welcome you, too! Well, if you are vaccinated, that is. The US is still considered an “amber” country in the color-coded system they use to determine entry requirements. Which means that, if you are fully vaccinated, you still need to submit proof of a negative PCR test and full vaccination before boarding your flight. For those not vaccinated, you must provide a “compelling reason” to be traveling and vacation is not on the list.

My partners also told me that it is the perfect time to come. As they noted, “you will have the Louvre almost to yourself”! Masks are still required indoors and restaurants are only serving outdoors. Major museums and sites are on timed passes so, again, the preplanning thing. But all that is minor compared to the experience of France without the crowds!

Photo credit: Axis DMC

Jordan

I am literally dancing in my chair as I write this. I am hoping to be in this beautiful country in September with some of my colleagues. Long on my bucket list, I am taking Jordan out of the bucket this year! I will be scoping it all out for all of YOU, always on the lookout for the very best authentic experiences. And my travel partner in Jordan has promised me some great surprises!

Entry into Jordan requires proof of a negative PCR test. If you are unvaccinated, you must also take a test on arrival. Vaccinated travelers (with proof) are exempt from this second test. There are a few other requirements but none present a hurdle too high.

So, if your radar lights up like mine when you dream of floating in the Dead Sea, camping in Wadi Rum, visiting Petra at anytime of the day or night, sharing meals with a Bedouin family, exploring the city of Amman, or any other of the many treasures Jordan has to offer, get in touch! Better yet, maybe you can join me in September!

Photo credit: Sutirta Budiman from Unsplash

Kenya

Kenya has successfully been open for months now. If you have ever dreamt of an Africa safari, NOW is the time to go! Prices have never been better and safari is the perfect destination for this moment. Outdoors, naturally socially distanced, and small lodges make for a very safe environment during these times.

I have been in awe of the stories that my colleagues have been telling me of their travels to Kenya. While often there are many safari vehicles at any given event on the Masai Mara, I have heard tale after tale of being the only vehicle in sight. Just unheard of! And the upcoming months will be the perfect time to view the famous river crossing of the great wildebeest migration.

Kenya does require a negative PCR test, regardless of vaccination status. Together with a health form, Kenya has made ease of entry and departure a priority, along with the safety of their citizens. If safari is on your list, let’s see when we can get you there!

In summary ….

I could fill page after page with all of the other magical places that are open or opening - Rwanda, Tanzania, Croatia, Mexico, Egypt, Ecuador, Peru, Ireland … the list goes on. And more of the EU will be opening over the next few weeks. Bottom line, you CAN travel safely and responsibly IF you want to. I completely understand that our personal comfort levels vary. No one is saying you should travel, only that you can.

Given the past year with all of its pain and craziness, I hope you will understand if anything in this post changes in the future. These requirements noted here are true, to the best of my knowledge, at the time of writing this post.

For ideas or any updated requirements, it is best to check the US embassy in the country you are interested in. They seem to have the best up-to-date info. Tourism boards are always a good resource, too. And, please, feel free to reach out to me at any time. It is not a bother. It is what I do, every day.