Traveling Safely - Part Four of Four - Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to travel, but have lots of questions?!?  That's totally okay - It would be odd if you didn't have questions, especially with everything the way it is right now.  I have compiled a list of the top 5 questions I have been asked over the past year that is travel related, specifically about traveling during the Era of Covid.  I want to remind you that things are in a constant state of change, and sometimes an answer to one question is different from day to day - but I will do my best to update this when necessary.  Without further adieu, here's my list of top 5 most frequently asked questions, in no particular order, and my honest opinion about them. 

1.  Do I have to have a vaccine to travel?

This is a great question, and I know a lot of people who are worried about this.  Right now, there are cruises scheduled to sail out of non-US ports that are requiring Vaccinations for those specific sailings.  We have no received any indication that vaccinations will be a requirement from here on out - just for these specific sailings while the cruise industry tries to get back to sailing the seas.  There are cruises currently sailing in the Asian market without vaccination requirements.  There are some European countries that are talking about opening their borders to travelers that have received the vaccine.  Bottom line, the answer is specific to the destination you are wanting to go to, so some research is required before you book that trip.  

2.  Is travel protection necessary?  

Travel Protection is always something recommended, but now more than ever Travel Protection is a highly suggested piece of mind that you can add to your trip.  Some countries require you to have a negative covid test prior to traveling there, and the window for taking your covid test is very small  - often within the non-refundable/non changeable period of your reservation.  So if you take a covid test and it comes back positive, will you lose out on the full value of your planned vacation?  Sometimes the difference is truly whether or not you got the added travel protection.  When you are booking a vacation package, you can often add supplier travel protection, but there are third parties that offer it as well.  It's not a bad idea to look around and pick the one that works best for you and your situation.  Forbes even published an article titled Best Pandemic Travel Insurance Plans 2021 - not a bad idea to check it out!

3.  Is using a Travel Agent still recommended?

For job security purposes, I have to say yes 😁 but in all seriousness, a year ago when the whole world was literally canceling travel plans, travel agents saved their clients so much time but doing the work of sitting on the phone and taking care of necessary changes/cancellations.  I heard too many horror stories about people that had either not booked with a travel agent or booked with a travel division of a big club type business that waited for days and days trying to just get through the phone lines to make changes and cancellations, and then had problems getting their refunds/credits properly.  Right now, your travel agent should be well versed in the requirements for your destination, and can properly prepare you for your trip, along with providing support when last minute changes are needed.  Booking your package with a travel agent doesn't cost you anything extra, but you get so much more.  

4.  Should I travel now, or wait for things to go back to normal?

This is absolutely a personal decision.  One side will say that you should wait until everything is back to the way it used to be - the other side will say that you should live your life now, and not keep waiting for things to get back to normal.  I personally think we have to learn to adapt a bit to current changes - we don't know how long it will be before things are back to "normal" and I question if things will ever be exactly the way they used to be.  There are some changes that I actually like and hope stick around.   If you are trying to decide if right now is the best time to go back to the theme parks - I'd love to have that conversation with you - just send me an email! 

5.  Do I need a passport? 

Even pre-pandemic, a Passport is an important document to have.  It may not be required depending on the destination you are going to, however.  If you are traveling Domestically, a passport is not currently required - however once the REAL ID act becomes enforced, if your state issued ID does not meet certain requirements, you may be required to have a Passport to travel via airplane.  If you are traveling internationally, having a passport is certainly recommended, and a definite requirement if you are traveling via airplane.  You can visit http://www.travel.state.gov for information on how to obtain a passport, including forms, fees, and how to locate a passport acceptance facility near you. 

Are there any questions you still have?  Please feel free to send me an email and we can chat further!