Search Results for: covid

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Five Tips for COVID-Friendly Travel

Guest post by Jesse Clark

5 Tips for COVID-Friendly Travel

The United States and many other countries are starting to round the corner on the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an exciting development, even if this global event will likely stretch on for a while longer. For many people, the option to travel is suddenly realistic again. Of course, you want to continue being safe, even as case counts drop. The following five tips can help you enjoy safe travels, presented by TravelsandEscapes.net.

1. Remember General COVID Safety Tips

Vacations are about relaxing and getting away from the rigidity and rules of everyday life. However, that doesn’t mean that you should lighten up on COVID safety, according to the CDC. Remember to practice social distancing and to wear a mask when appropriate. Additionally, if you have not yet received the vaccine, discuss the options with a medical professional. Keep in mind that some destinations may require vaccination for travel.

2. Consider Alternative Travel Options

Think about your options for traveling. Getting to and from your destination is likely the riskiest part of vacationing in terms of COVID. It can be hard to socially distance when on a plane or train. Consider other options such as taking a road trip in your car. Alternatively, some airlines and train operators have special plans to help protect passengers. While it may not be feasible for everyone, in some cases, you may be able to charter private transportation. Explore your options and choose what you feel most comfortable doing.

3. Make Sure You Know Your Destination’s COVID Rules

Keep in mind that wherever you are traveling may have different rules for COVID than your home. This is especially significant in international travel. However, it can also be the case when traveling between provinces or states, and even cities in some cases. There may be both stricter and more relaxed rules. In either case, be prepared to read up on and comply with destination regulations and for general cultural shifts regarding COVID.

4. Look for Private Accommodation Options

Crowded hotels and resorts can become disease hotspots. Instead, consider renting private accommodations such as online homestays. Many options can be as affordable as a hotel room or other traditional accommodation. This is a great choice if you are planning a group vacation. You can get together with friends and family at a destination while still socially distancing yourself from strangers.

5. Pack Smart for the Situation

Traveling during a global pandemic can be an anxiety-provoking experience. Make it less stressful by packing intelligently. For example, you should ensure that your travel documents are easy to access. A passport wallet can help with organization, and use a luggage tag to clearly identify your luggage, especially if you are traveling with others with similar bags.

You also want to stay up to date with the latest news for both your home and your destination, so take measures to keep your devices juiced up by investing in a reliable charger. Consider setting up news alerts for your phone, smartwatch, or another device. However, if you are feeling worried, try limiting yourself to checking the news once per day or less. Doomscrolling is hurting more than helping.

As the situation improves, COVID-friendly travel becomes more possible. For many people, the recent improvements in the state of the pandemic present an exciting opportunity to travel. However, that is no reason to throw caution to the wind. The above tips can help you enjoy your trip while staying safe.

For more tips and travel ideas check out http://travelsandescapes.net/

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COVID Testing and Travel

Here are some facts I picked up from trusted sites.

The Wall Street Journal reported that all travelers, including US citizens, will need to provide proof of a negative coronavirus test. This will happen on January 26, most likely. This is a directive from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Airlines must confirm the negative test for passengers prior to boarding. Those with the correct documentation will be allowed to board. If you do not have this, you will be denied boarding flights to the US.

This test must be within three days of the departure date.

If you have recovered from COVID-19, you will need documentation of that.

The CDC also recommends travelers get tested again three to five days after returning home, as well as quarantine for seven days after travel.

Of course, this does not eliminate all risk. It is one more step combined with staying at home, wearing masks, and social distancing.

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Planning Safe Family Travel During COVID-19

Planning Safe Family Travel During COVID-19

Guest Post from Jesse Clark

Soulful-travel.com :: Jesse@soulful-travel.com

“Not all who wander are lost” — J.R.R. TOLKIEN

How does a traveler cope with stay-at-home orders? In a word: creatively. Right now, it’s important for people to limit long-distance travel in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Fortunately, as Travel and Escapes helpfully explains, there are ways for your family to satisfy wanderlust without doing too much actual wandering.

Here’s a look at how to plan a great — and responsible — family vacation.

Going Camping

Head to a nearby campground for a socially-distanced nature vacation.

Local Parks

You might be surprised by all that city and state parks have to offer.

Backyard Adventures

Don’t underestimate the staycation potential in your own backyard.

COVID-19 has complicated travel, yes, but you can still satisfy the urge to get away. Nature offers us tons of safe, socially distanced opportunities to unplug and recharge. There are hidden treasures all around you — now is your chance to discover the wonders right under your nose.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

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Travel to France

Some of the latest requirements if you plan on traveling to France from t he United States. These were compiled from the State Department, posts from The Points Guy, and information from the French travel sites.

There have been many updates and changing protocols surrounding COVID-19 for visiting France. Here are some of the most recent that took place January 3, 2022.

Fully vaccinated travelers from the US who are 18 and older may enter France by showing proof of vaccination, results of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within 48 hours prior to departure for France and a sworn statement attesting they do not have any symptoms of COVID-19 nor have had any contact with any confirmed cases  of COVID-19.

Currently, France recognizes vaccines approved by the World Health Organization and European Medicines Agency. These are Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson. Those who have received a full dose of a WHO licensed vaccine not approved by the  EMA require an additional single dose of an EMA approved mRNA vaccine, either Pfizer or Moderna.

Travelers are considered fully vaccinated 28 days after receiving one dose o f a single-does vaccine, seven days after days after receiving a two-dose vaccine or seven days after receiving an additional dose of an EMA-approved  mRNA vaccine for those who received a WHO-licensed vaccine not approved by the EMA.

Per the U.S. Embassy in France, the  card issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considered “sufficient proof of vaccination for entry.”

Entry requirements for unvaccinated travelers may only enter France if they possess a compelling reason for travel,  including students and those transiting France for less than 24 hours.

Unvaccinated Americans approved for entry must show a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) performed within 48 hours before departure and are also subject to a second test upon arrival. They must quarantine for 10 days, followed by an additional test.

Testing, vaccination and booster requirements apply to travelers who are 12 and older, and American visitors must show results of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours to enter the country.

“Travelers under age 11 are treated as vaccinated regardless of their vaccination status and do not need to have a COVID test. Travelers ages 11 through 17 are treated as vaccinated if they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian,” says the embassy. “Travelers in this age group traveling independently must meet the rules applicable to adult travelers.”

A French health pass is required to access most indoor public spaces, including restaurants/bars, museums, entertainment venues and sporting facilities. It’s also necessary for long-distance travel throughout the country on public transit. A health pass can be obtained for $40 by showing proof of vaccination at a local French pharmacy on a walk-in basis. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers can obtain a temporary 24-hour pass by taking a rapid antigen test at a pharmacy. Temporary pass holders will need to procure a new pass after the 24-hour period.

The French government previously announced they expect use of the “pass sanitaire” to continue through at least July.

As of Jan. 15, all travelers to France age 18 and older must show proof of a COVID-19 booster shot taken within five to seven months after their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in order to retain an active health pass. Prior to this date, the booster is only required for those 65 and older.

Face masks remain mandatory for all those in indoor public spaces throughout the country and are required outdoors in Paris as of Dec. 31, 2021, including in markets. Outdoor mask requirements vary throughout France, so consult local authorities before visiting your destination.

For more travel information on France and to see how the rules are evolving check out https://travelsandescapes.net/?s=france

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Holiday Travel Plans

Are you planning holiday travel this year? If so, here are a few things to remember.

If your holiday travel plans include flying, chances are those planes are going to be full. TSA tells us domestic travel is at 90% of pre-pandemic limits.

This also means airports are going to be busier. More people. Take plenty of masks and social distance yourself. Take the correct face masks. You need ones that cover your nose and your mouth. Check the CDC guidelines to see which ones are the best. If you are unsure, check out this site https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

Don’t forget your hand sanitizer. Keep one with you, put one in your carryon, have an extra in your luggage. You will not regret having more than you think you need.

More and more your holiday travel plans will include being asked to take COVID-19 tests. Before. During. After traveling. Plan accordingly so you know which tests are accepted and where you can find them.

Some hotels are requiring rapid tests upon check-in and some even then ask for another one in five days.

Check the testing and vaccine requirements for your destination included in your holiday travel plans. You may need to make appointments for testing. You also may have to wait to get your results.

If you cross international borders, you may be asked to quarantine for 10 to 14 days. If you test positive, plan on being quarantined.

It seems not every airline and every hotel have the same requirements or take the same precautions when cleaning. For safe holiday travel, take sanitizing wipes so you can clean your tray tables, doorknobs, TV remote, light switches, and anything else you need to touch.

The best thing you can do for your holiday travel plans is to get vaccinated.

For more travel tips, check out https://travelsandescapes.net/2021/12/02/vaccination-card-2/

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Vaccination Card and Traveling

By now, you may have been vaccinated for COVID-19 virus and have a record of that. Do you know what to do with your vaccination card when traveling? Take a look at some of the most recent suggestions concerning your vaccination record and traveling.

Should You Have Your Vaccination Card With You When Traveling?

Travel and medical experts agree that it is a good idea to keep your card with you. You may also want a digital copy. Your original paper card is what you will need to travel anywhere that requires proof of vaccination. Why? Because of now the US does not have a universal digital health pass or vaccine passport.

Should I Laminate My Card?

Most experts agree to NOT laminate your vaccination card. Once it is laminated, nothing can be added to it. Instead, you could put it in a plastic sleeve where you could remove it if necessary. That way, if new boosters are required your card is easily accessed.

Is a Photo of my Card Enough?

Sometimes a photo of your vaccination card is okay. Many times, restaurants accept that. If you are going to use a photo, remember to take a picture of both sides.

Can I get a Digital Copy?

Each state maintains its own records. So, your digital vaccination card may or may not be easily obtained. Check with your healthcare provider to see how to obtain this.

What is a Vaccine Passport?

This is basically any documentation that shows you have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Many countries only accept US travelers if they have been vaccinated and can show proof.

Do I Need Proof of Vaccination to Travel Domestically?

Not right now. Hawaii does require a 10-day quarantine if you do not have proof of vaccination.

For more info on traveling, vaccinations, and COVID check out https://travelsandescapes.net/?s=covid

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Holiday Travel Plans

If you are thinking of making holiday travel plans this year, here are some things to think about.

Are you flying? If so, book your flights as soon as you can. This means in the next day or two. Seriously. You have probably read about current flights being disrupted and those have the potential to disrupt your holiday travel plans even more. Last minute flight changes seemingly happen regularly, prices increase as we get closer, and more families just want to travel.

Santa Catalina, CA

Where are you staying? If your holiday travel plans include Airbnb or VRBO instead of hotels, these companies have already begun to sell out in some popular vacation sites.

If you plan on venturing outside the US, check your passport. If you need to renew it plan on about 16 weeks turn around time. Same goes for a new one. Expedited service is no better. Think about where you are going. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months at the time of travel. Check your expiration date before you make those holiday travel plans.

London Tube

Do not forget about COVID-19 restrictions. Check, check again, and check once more for any testing and quarantine requirements before you finalize any holiday travel plans. Each country has its own requirements, even if you are just passing through on a connecting flight. Be sure to check closer to your departure date as well. You may need a digital health pass like France requires. You should have copies of your tests, vaccinations, etc. Make several copies to be safe.

Also, remember the US still requires a negative COVID-19 test for all returning passengers entering, over the age of two.

If you plan on taking gifts on a flight, remember you cannot take wrapped gifts. TSA will probably inspect them. It would be best to ship them in advance.

Be sure to check out my posts on packing, packing lists, and what to take. Travel safely this year, wherever you go. https://travelsandescapes.net/category/travel-tips/packing-travel-tips/

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International Travel

If your plans include travel out of the US, you need to pay attention to these restrictions and additional requirements.

You will need to have a COVID-19 test to come back into the US. Plan for the time and extra expense.

Make sure you know the guidelines for the country where you will be traveling to, as many are different.

You may need to quarantine.

Rules change daily it seems. Check with the US State Department before you plan your trip, before you buy tickets, and before you leave for the airport.

You can even register with the State Department so you receive alerts and info while you are traveling. Check here https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/

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What Vaccinations are Required for France?

Traveling to France is on my list. Therefore, I have read a lot of sites and posts about Covid-19 and vaccinations in France. I want to know in advance what vaccinations are required of me, where I can go, and what I can do before I plan my trip.

What Does France Require?

French President Emmanuel Marcon introduced new Covid-19 regulations for vaccinations this summer. These mandates will start in August. They include limiting places with more than 50 people, like bars, cafes, trains, planes, etc. to those who are vaccinated or recently tested negative for Covid-19.

What if Americans Have Had Their Vaccinations?

If you are a vaccinated American, the white card issued by the US CDC does not always serve as the French Health Pass.

What is a French Health Pass?

Bring your card showing your vaccinations with you to France. Any willing French doctor or pharmacist can enter the vaccination information in the French system. This will generate a printout with a QR code. You can then create a paper or electronic version of the French Health Pass.

How Can You Do This?

How can you find a pharmacist to do this? Many pharmacies offer antigen tests free to Americans, with results in 30 minutes.

What is Acceptable?

The French Consular office in D.C. and the U.S. Embassy confirmed the CDC-issued white vaccination card is considered acceptable proof of vaccination for entry to France. If you are flying on Air France, check ahead of time. There have been flights that did not accept the vaccination card and wanted the French QR code.

Can you show your digital copy from your phone? Possibly, depending on where you are and how strict that establishment is.

What About Unvaccinated Americans?

As for Americans, if you are unvaccinated, you will be required to show a negative PCR test or rapid test taken within 72 hours prior to departure for France.

Bottom Line…

If you are going in the near future, check your airline, hotel, and other important places you will be to see what exactly is required. Right now, it can be a little confusing.

More information and tips about traveling can be found at tips/http://travelsandescapes.net

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Vaccination Card

Should you laminate your vaccination card?

According to several sites, it may not be a good idea to laminate your COVID-19 vaccination card. Why? The ink on the vaccination card can become illegible.

Some cards the label is placed on the card mentions the vaccine brand and lot number. Those have been printed on thermal printer labels. If you put that through a thermal laminator, they will be completely black and illegible.

Instead, CDC officials recommend making photocopies of the card and taking a photo of your original.