Where Can I Go?

It's becoming clearer that Covid-19 is going to be with us for some time.  I know that some people will not travel until there is a vaccine or a cure & that's OK.  But for those who want to travel & are ready to travel now with proper precautions, here is a list of places that are currently welcoming U.S. Citizens.  I would be very grateful if you contact me, your trusted Travel Advisor to help you plan your next vacation! 

CARIBBEAN / MEXICO Entry Requirements for US citizens:

(from today - subject to change at any time).

Health forms on the websites provided.

Travelers also need to provide original versions of a negative test result upon arrival. Those experiencing symptoms must quarantine at their hotels/villas until they receive a negative result. They may also be taken to a government facility and treated for at least 14 days at their cost (housing/medical).

1) ANTIGUA:

Negative COVID-19 RT PCR test taken w/in 7 ds of arrival flight (includes passengers in-transit): www.visitantigabarbuda.com

2) BAHAMAS:

Travelers must quarantine for 14 ds upon arrival, at own expense in a government facility + take a real time polymerase chain reaction COVID-19 lab test at the end of isolation: https://travel.gov.bs/international

3) BARBADOS:

Negative COVID-19 PCR test taken w/in 3 ds of arrival flight. Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) form will be available for completion 72 hrs prior to travel and submitted no less than 24 hrs before departure: https://travelform.gov.bb/home

4) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC:

Traveling to/through PUJ Airport you must show negative test results - not older than 5 ds before arrival (not just if you are staying in the DR, but also if you just transit through). Additionally, everyone will have their health condition evaluated and - if test or symptoms associated with COVID-19 are positive, there will be isolation in an authorized location mandated by the government.

5) JAMAICA:

Aug 1 - Sep 30:

Travelers from AZ, FL, NY, TX (12 years+) are required to upload a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from a College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited medical laboratory not older than 10 days of the arrival date to get a Travel Authorization: www.visitjamaica.com

6) PUERTO RICO:

Negative COVID-19 RT PCR test taken w/in 3 ds of arrival flight. A test will be performed upon arrival to symptomatic travelers. 14-day-quarantine is mandated until the traveler provides proof of a negative test result. Curfew from 10pm-5am through Aug. 15: www.travelsafe.pr.gov

7) ST. BARTH:

Negative COVID-19 RT PCR test taken w/in 3 ds of arrival flight. Travelers must take - and pay for - another test if staying longer than 7 ds, (cost 150 EUR)

8) ST. LUCIA:

Negative result from a PCR test needed - done less than 7 ds. prior to arrival. All symptomatic passengers will be immediately isolated/tested. Following positive results for COVID-19, travelers get treated at the Respiratory Hospital at their cost.

9) ST. MAARTEN:

Need negative COVID-19 RT PCR test taken w/in 3 ds of arrival flight +travel insurance: www.sxmairport.com/travel-advisory.php

10) TURKS & CAICOS:

Negative COVID-19 RT PCR test w/in 5 ds of arrival for all travelers (10+). Mandatory travel insurance that covers COVID-19 in-country medical treatment, cost of quarantine, and repatriation/medivac. Travelers start application process 72 hrs prior to arrival in the islands: www.turksandcaicostourism.com

11) MEXICO:

No restrictions

We have partnered with hotels to bring you the most attractive complimentary vacation add-ons in above destinations.

Puerto Vallarta- Covid-19 Travel

                                       Photo Courtesy of Visit Puerto Vallarta

One of my trusted travel colleagues just returned from her first "covid" trip, you know that 1st trip that you take in the middle of a pandemic because you know that this virus is not going away anytime soon.  When you're in the travel business, it's hard to stay home for any great length of time.   Though I have yet to take a trip myself, I definitely have the itch & when I do eventually take that first trip of 2020, I will do so with an abundance of caution and plan to be a responsible tourist.  I don't want to see my beloved industry become any more decimated than it already is & destinations are beginning to re-open.

However, there are not many destinations who are welcoming Americans at this point because our Covid-19 outbreak control is out of control in many parts of our country at this time.  I can't blame them at all.  Many destinations are imposing test requirements either in advance or upon arrival.  Testing upon arrival usually comes with a mandatory quarantine until test results are processed.  There are a lot of things to consider when planning a trip in 2020.

Currently, Mexico is welcoming all visitors from all countries without any testing or quarantine requirements.  Of course, this can change at any moment and as your trusted Travel Advisor when booking your trip, I would give you current information and update you as necessary through to your departure date.   I have had several colleagues and a few friends with timeshares visit Mexico in the past couple of weeks & everyone has said it was so necessary to recharge, to have that change of scenery, that they felt very safe & well taken care of while in Mexico.  I've heard many people say that they have felt safer at their resorts vs. the USA.

This is one summary from my trusted colleague, Patti, who gave me permission to share her trip review:

We left Saturday on a packed flight out of PHX.  Every seat was booked.  Masks are mandatory all throughout the airport and for the duration of the flight.  There are no services on AA flights, they hand you a paper bag with a tiny bottle of water and a bag of pretzels as you board.   They do say up front that anyone not wearing masks will be escorted off of the aircraft and not allowed to fly AA in the future so there is no messing around, you wear your mask! Upon landing and while inside of PVR airport masks are required.  Nothing is needed as far as testing etc to enter Mexico.  They take your temperature when you are in line at Customs and that is it.  The scent in the airport was of cleaner. You can tell it is constantly mopped, and disinfected. Very clean.  Our transfer was there waiting ( LOVE Mayaland!) and our driver was wearing a mask as well and for the duration of the transfer.   As we drove through downtown on the way to Garza Blanca, I noticed most all stores and restaurants are open.  Tourists and locals alike were lining the streets.  Most locals were wearing masks, even outside as they walked. They are NOT mandatory there.
 Arriving at the hotel,  ALL hotel employees wore masks and that never changed.  Guests are not required to wear them anywhere, but I think they wanted the guests to feel comfortable.  The Greeter, the front desk, concierge, all waitstaff at every outlet, pool servers, groundskeepers, housekeeping etc.. all had masks.  The changes to the resort were evident but in no way took away from the experience, it actually made it better.  Lounge chairs at the pool and beach were grouped in two’s with space between others ( love that).  The hotel is at maybe 50% occupancy so restaurants weren’t crowded, plenty of space.  If you wanted to use the gym you made an appt to be sure there wouldn’t be too many in it at one time.  Each time you jumped on the shuttle to go to the upper towers the driver had hand sanitizer he plopped in your hand as you boarded.
 The best part was everyone seemed happy.  The staff was happy to have guests again.  The guest all seemed so happy and relaxed.  I talked to many over drinks in the pool that said they were always hesitant to go to Mexico but decided to go now as they wanted to go SOMEWHERE and they could not believe how beautiful it is and how safe they felt.
 Please, sell Mexico with confidence.  They love having tourists back and no country takes better care of you than Mexico.  The people, the beaches, the service, just that feeling of AHHHHHH.  Relaxation.  

She will be returning to Puerto Vallarta in a few weeks with her daughter and youngest grandson (about 6 months old) and staying at another resort, which I know will be equally as wonderful.

I realize that traveling right now is a very personal decision and rightly so.  I also know that some feel it's completely irresponsible to travel non-essentially right now & that's OK.   There are those who might argue that mental health and well-being is worth taking that trip & that's OK.  The world-wide economy has taken a huge hit with Covid-19 & can't sustain much more.  The world wants to get back to some version of "normal",  I know we all do.   If you feel that you do want to take that vacation to recharge, to change your scenery, I would greatly appreciate if you contact me for my assistance to book your trip.  This is how I make my living.

Never hit a "BOOK NOW" Button EVER Again...PLEASE

Travel & tourism account for 1 in 10 jobs worldwide. 🌎

I am that 1 out of 10. 🙋🏼‍♀️

Many people surely think that my job working in the travel business is to travel for free (I wish!). ✈️🛳🏖🕍⛩

In reality, 90% of my job is spent sitting at my desk designing itineraries for couples, families and clients from around the world. I spend hours, weeks, sometimes even months working on single trips, making sure every detail is thought out and planned. And truly I LOVE doing so!! ❤️

The travel industry has been dealing with the Coronavirus since January — an additional two full months before it really began impacting daily life here in the US. 😢

Fun fact: travel agents only get paid after their clients actually travel. Many agents have been refunding their hard-earned money back to their clients by the thousands. They’ve spent these last four months working tirelessly to negotiate refunds, postponements, and cancellations. And most haven’t had new trips booked now for months.

But we do it without question because we have wonderful, personal relationships with our clients - something that credit card companies & Expedia do not.  We also know travel will come back stronger than ever once this is all over.

**So when you do decide to travel again - PLEASE use a travel advisor. It doesn't matter who, or what company - we're all on the same team. But please use a live person. Do not click a “book” button on a website ever again.**

Of course, I'd prefer that person to be ME! 

To my industry colleagues - you are warriors. Until we all travel again. **Written by a friend in the industry**

Our First Hotel Stay & Restaurant Outing during Covid-19!

No doubt 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us.  Between stay at home orders, places being closed up for months and months, mixed messages from the media &; Scientists, I think that we all feel as though we've been put through the spin cycle in the washing machine at least 100 times.

I am grateful that Bill's job is considered essential & that I have been able to collect unemployment.  A bit humbling as I've never applied for any Government program for assistance my entire life & have always been gainfully employed since the age of 15.  Even though I am still working in the Travel Business, most of the work that I'm doing is not bringing in any income.    I think a lot of people don't understand how Travel Agents get paid.  If we don't charge fees of our own (which many agents do, I never have but am considering putting some changes in place going forward), we don't get paid until clients travel and take the trip.   So though I've been spending plenty of time the last three months canceling trips & rescheduling trips, I am essentially doing all of this work for free.   It can be downright depressing to be honest & I am not a person prone to depression.

Add to this, we are travelers!  We love to travel.  We have been home since January 4th.  This is just not normal for us.  We've had 2 cruises cancel on us & I had my conference get canceled.  We are hopeful that our cruise in September will happen as planned, but we wait and see for now.   I have made frequent trips to "El Patio" & am getting a noticeable tan that looks like I've been on vacation.  I call it my "Quaran-TAN".

Bill & I always do something special for our Anniversary.  We both agree that it is the most important day on the calendar for both of us.   We have been successful in always doing something & most cases it involved at least an overnight stay somewhere.   Initially, I would have been flying home from my conference in Orlando the morning of June 10th, we figured we would go to dinner that night and then the next day head away someplace for a long weekend.  I never got around to planning this because of Covid-19 & the uncertainty that brought to our lives.

Imagine my excitement when San Mateo County announced last Friday that restaurants could begin to open up for outdoor dining.  A quick check on my weather app determined that the weather would be favorable, I checked my Open Table app to see which restaurants were ready to be open & secured a dinner reservation for our Anniversary.   Then over the weekend, I caught a Facebook post for the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay announcing that their Ocean Terrace Patio was open for sit-down service.  The traveling wheels in my head began to spin around a bit.  I asked Bill, "Do you think you can take off Wednesday?"   I then explained that if he could, we would drive over to Half Moon Bay Tuesday evening, check-in to the hotel for 1 night and then we'd have the entire Anniversary day to spend together before dinner that night.  He texted his boss, day off was approved, so I began to put the plans in motion.

I was actually surprised to see that the rates at the Ritz Carlton did not reflect any sign of our current economic times, it was either going to be $500+ for the night or 60K Marriott Reward points.  I have a hard time parting with that much cash or points for one night under normal circumstances.  No TA rates to be found, so I decided  to pull the trigger and use my 60K Reward points to book a room, just a standard room.  I REALLY wanted a fire pit room though, but that was going to either be another 60K points or $325 additional to the points.   I am really good at asking for favors and perks on behalf of my clients, but I usually SUCK at asking for favors for myself.  Another colleague of mine encouraged me to reach out to the sales department at the hotel.   Through another colleague, I was able to get email addresses for the sales people, I emailed & asked if they might be able to upgrade us to the fire pit room.  Sure enough, it was not a problem.  Not only did the hotel upgrade us, they gave us a free glass of wine at the Ocean Terrace.

We really enjoyed getting OUT.  We really enjoyed having conversations with the staff and even some of the other guests who were also dining at the patio.   We had a nice long conversation with Erin who works in the Accounting department.   She was walking around to see if anyone needed help & ended up clearing our dirty dishes from our table, which started the conversation.  The Ritz never closed, but of course scaled back on staff, so most on board had to wear multiple hats during the last three months.  She said it's really hard for them because "rules" make it very difficult for them to deliver the Ritz Carlton expected experience, but they are doing the best that they can to make guests feel welcome & taken care of.

We had dinner Tuesday night at the Ocean Terrace and food & service was great.  We enjoyed sitting there watching the sunset and we could not have had a better evening with regard to weather.  We spent the rest of our evening outside by our fire pit enjoying the bottle of wine that we brought from home & we had thought ahead to order a cheese platter "to go" from the Ocean Terrace for the late night munchies- it was perfect.  With the current restrictions, there is no room service and the restaurant closes at sundown.

We woke up on our Anniversary late, sleeping in was needed & the bed was so comfortable.  We got ready leisurely & then visited the Ocean Terrace for lunch before leaving the resort.   Again, excellent service & when the waiter learned that it was our Anniversary he comped our drinks.  Those are the things that they can do to bring that Ritz experience right now.  They made us feel special.

On our way home, we stopped at the Filoli Gardens to visit.  Neither of us had ever been & we thought it was a nice outdoor activity for our Anniversary.  The place is beautiful.  I was not thrilled that a mask is required during your entire visit.  We were definitely more than 6 feet away from anyone else during our visit, so I think that policy should be relaxed.  The county policy says "face coverings are required if you can't maintain the 6 ft. social distance", so I think Filoli takes it a bit to the extreme.  We did take our masks off when we were far away from others.  In 80 degree heat, they are not comfortable at all.






We then had dinner in downtown Redwood City at Arya Steakhouse.  Again, they bent over backwards to serve us & make sure everything was perfect.  We asked my brother to be our "Uber" driver to/from dinner so we could enjoy our cocktails and not worry about driving home, he was more than happy to do that for us.  I'm not comfortable yet getting into a stranger's vehicle during the Covid-19 health crisis.

It felt amazing to "travel" even if only for 1 night.   It was nice to be at a restaurant, 3 times in 2 days!   As for Covid-19 protocols that I witnessed:  

At the hotel:

• you can only valet park your car but the valets are using hand sanitizer in between handling cars.  When we left, we still used a wipe to clean all surfaces in the car.
• I had checked-in via the mobile app, so the front desk clerk only had to verify information. I did not need to present an ID or credit card.  There was plexi-glass to divide us & she was wearing a mask.  There was also a barrier to prevent you from leaning against the front desk, keeping social distance.
• Signs all around the hotel advise to wear a mask in all public spaces.
• Signs at the elevators ask you to wait for the next empty elevator car so that you do not ride with people outside of your group.
• Masks are not required once you're sitting at the outdoor dining/patio area & they are not required as you walk around outside as long as you can maintain social distancing.
• Hand sanitizer stations are located around the resort.  
• Most doors have handicap buttons at hand & foot level, so you can easily tap with your elbow or foot to open the door without touching.
• In the room, there were no glasses. 
• Currently, there are no bellboy services but they will provide you with a cart so that you can bring everything to your room.
• Currently, there  is no room service or indoor dining.  We were told that the Conservatory was open for breakfast.  You have to call in the order & then pick it up to either eat outside or in your room. 

At the Ocean Terrace Patio at the Ritz:

• All staff were wearing masks and gloves.
• They sanitize each table once guests leave & then change gloves afterwards
• All tables were easily 6 feet apart, so social distancing was easy.

At Filoli Gardens:

• masks were required for the entire visit both indoors and outdoors.  
• the paths were all marked with one way arrows dictating which direction you visit the gardens
• limited bathroom facilities available & signs that require only one party in the bathroom at a time, there were about 8 stalls in the woman's bathroom, it was not a busy day so this was easy to follow

I'm looking forward to more adventures, but will be proceeding with caution of course.  We can't afford to let our guard down when it comes to Covid-19, so wash your hands,  don't touch your face (I touch mine so often it's hard not to!!), make good use of your knuckles/elbows when touching public surfaces & wear a mask when you are unable to maintain social distancing!  Be Safe!

National Travel Agent Day

It's my day!!   National Travel Agent Day is celebrated the first Wednesday of May each year, typically smack dab in the middle of National Travel & Tourism Week.  It's been a difficult year for travel.   2020 started out promising to be a banner year for myself & so many of my colleagues.  Then COVID-19 happened.  Never has my industry experienced a catastrophic event of this magnitude. Ever.  

I put my heart & soul into planning each & every trip for my clients, so to spend the last few months dismantling trips that took hours, days, weeks or sometimes months to plan is heartbreaking.   Thankfully, most of my clients have simply moved their trips to later this year or to 2021.  I know that travel will return.  In fact, to my surprise today I received a trip request for 3 corporate travelers planning a trip for June 1st.  I know that my Corporate "road warriors" are eager to get back out to doing what they do best, meeting their clients, training their clients, making sales calls etc.  Though platforms like Zoom & GoToMeeting have been life-saving tools for all us during this isolation period, I truly believe it does not replace that face to face contact that we crave, even if it must be from 6 feet apart for now.  

My vacation clients are eager to plan their next trip, they are just waiting it out right now to see when destinations will be welcoming tourists once again.  I anticipate the USA, Canada, Mexico & the Caribbean to be the "hot" destinations for awhile.  Personally, I plan to travel as soon as we can & hopefully before our planned Disney Cruise in September!   

In the meantime,  I'm  so honored to fill the role of helping my customers dream for now; I'm so looking forward to turning those dreams into reality soon. Thank you for being my customers and friends!

One of my colleagues posted  this meme, which made me smile.  

Plan for the Unexpected!!

Though we'd all love to believe that our vacation will go exactly as how we dreamed it would.  Sometimes "stuff" happens.    Here are some tips of things that you should do so that you are prepared "just in case"

• Pack 14 days of extra medication — In the event of unexpected travel delays and emergencies,  bring additional prescription medication for at least two weeks beyond the length of the cruise. Also  bring a list of the names, strengths and dosages of all medications in case refills are required. 

• Provide Emergency Contact — It is critical that you provide an emergency contact & phone number with your Cruise Line/Tour Company and/or Travel Advisor. The emergency contact should not be traveling with you. 

• Mobile phone instructions — You should enable an international travel plan inclusive of voice and data. Cell phones will not work the same in all countries without an international plan and Wi-Fi is not as available in many countries. An international plan will enable you stay connected at a reasonable rate and ensure you can be contacted. 

• Purchase travel protection — It's always a good idea to  purchase Vacation Protection, or some other form of travel protection, not only to protect them from any losses stemming from unforeseeable circumstances during their vacation, but to give them confidence to make new plans with the "cancel for any reason" coverage.  (CFAR insurance is usually an upgraded policy) 

• Practice healthy travel habits — According to the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the simplest and most effective way to prevent illness, is to take extra care to practice basic health habits, including:

• Washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds
• Taking advantage of hand sanitizer wherever it's available
• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing using a tissue or your bent elbow. And always dispose of the used tissue and wash your hands afterwards
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands
• Avoiding close contact with sick people 

• Be aware of latest health advisories and new travel restrictions

Travel Insurance - Not All Plans are Created Equally

Travel Insurance is a topic that I am very passionate about & do encourage my clients to always insure their trip because you never know what might happen that would force you to cancel your trip.  Or worse, you get sick while traveling and end up needing medical care which can be expensive.  Travel Insurance is there to help you navigate foreign medical care systems & assist with payment of any claims while traveling should the need arise.  People assume that they will have coverage from their credit card or from their own personal medical insurance carrier, but you have to do your due diligence by looking into the details of those coverages.

As detailed by one of our trusted Travel Insurance providers:

Did you know…

•

Medical   evacuation costs can be on average $25,000 within North America, as   much as $100,000 from Europe, and $250,000 globally, depending   on location.* Schengen   Area Visa requirements include a minimum $50,000 USD emergency   medical coverage, including urgent health, emergency hospital treatment and   repatriation.

•

A nurse   escort costs on average about $11,000 within North America and about $25,000   from Europe.*

•

Medicare/Medicaid   and health insurance carriers may stop or decrease coverage once a person   leaves the U.S. or their coverage area.

•

Hospitals   outside the U.S. may ask for payment prior to treatment and may not   let you leave the country unless treatment is paid in full. (Having a  the correct travel insurance plan means our travel assistance provider can guarantee payment up  to the coverage amount shown in the Policy.)

•

If you clients have a medical emergency while traveling, the insurance company's travel assistance   provider will assist with foreign and domestic medical arrangements, so you can focus on recovery.

•

There are so many options with Trip Insurance & my job is to help guide you to the plan that is going to fit your needs the best. Emergencies are expensive, don't you want the peace of mind when you're traveling to know that you have insurance, to know that you have a 24/7 assistance line that you can contact for help & guidance? What's the plan if you don't have travel insurance?