COVID Wanderlust
I have traveled during COVID…safely. I am not here to judge those who have or have not. It was my choice and I am ok with the decision I made. Now that being said I typically do a big trip in February for a week. This year…. I probably will not do that. The new CDC mandate that goes into effect Jan. 26th requires that everyone get a COVID test at max 3 days prior to returning to the United States. And while I won’t get into the politics and policies around COVID testing in the U.S. , other countries simply do not have the capability to test every citizen let alone tourist. So what are we talking about then you might ask….. Well there are some options still available for those that are planning or had planned for a quick getaway this winter. I’m going to share my finds for safe travel and testing in the Caribbean, staycation options for New Yorkers, and travel spots in the U.S. that have recently come on my radar.
Tulum Dec 2020
ISLAND DREAMS
I crave the sun. Like on a regular basis, especially during winter in New York… seasonal depression is real. So if you are needing a break and the Caribbean is you need, I got you. Your biggest decision is going to be where you stay. I would suggest NOT using an AirBNB during this requirement time. These countries still need your business so resorts are working diligently to offer testing on site. This means your trip needs to be longer than the 4 day quick weekend because lab turn around time is not going to be in your favor. Be Clear about your timeline. Additionally testing is free in most of the United States however this is not the case in other countries. The cost can be anywhere upwards of $200.. so please add this into your budget.
Participating brand resorts in Mexico are:
Secrets, Dreams, and Breathless
Grupo Xcaret Resorts
Palace Resorts
Playa Hotels & Resorts
The Palladium Hotel Group and Viva Wyndham
Club Med Cancun
Planet Hollywood Cancun
Hilton Los Cabos
Waldorf Historia Los Cabos
Jamaica Aug 2020
Aruba is making things super easy for travelers and at the time is going to serve as my top suggestion for places to go. The island has 3 certified testing centers . PCR testing is currently available for between $75 and $125 with results returning as fast as 24 hours. In some instances you can even schedule for the lab to meet you at the hotel. The Dominican Republic is also prepared for onsite resort testing for incoming travelers. The same hotel family groups as Mexico however an interesting deal with the Playa Hotels and Resort collections are offering free testing for guests staying at minimum of 3 nights on site. If your results are not returned by the time you flight departure they will cover the cost of the hotel until received. And if you do test positive and have to quarantine… they are offering a 50% discount for that 14 day stay. —- This is also important to consider should you test positive overseas, you WILL have to stay for quarantine.
Other island choices such as Jamaica, St. Kitts, and Turks & Caicos are making efforts as well to encourage tourism. In my opinion Jamaica was fantastic and safe when I went in August. They tracked you from an app the minute you left the plane and resorts truly held to the 30% capacity. In true fashion they have not fallen short during this new mandate. All Royalton resorts in Jamaica offer free antigen testing for guests and Karisma Hotels & Resorts are offering free quarantine should you test positive. St. Kitts already required testing before leaving so their structure is standard and fully in place. Hotels are arranging onsite testing for guests upon arrival. In Turks & Caicos testing turn around time is averaging about 36 hours.
Slopes 2020
STAYCATION IT IS
If your are in New York I have some suggestions for you that won’t involve testing unless you choose to. (I actually recommend to test 3 days after any activity outside of home routine) American Dream in New Jersey is open and fun for all ages. The mall offers mini golf, indoor waterpark, and indoor skiing. A hotel is onsite as well if you want to pretend to not be near the city for awhile. Our indoor skiing trip consisted of 20 min private lessons and bunny slope for and hour and 1/2. For those with more experience the lift and steeper slope is available. This experience was fun all around and really gave a feeling of ski weekend minus the liquor and hot tub. Would definitely recommend going early to avoid the crowd and face masks are required the entire time.
Upstate New York has never been hotter than right now. Business is booming for bed and breakfasts and quaint little snow covered towns of the Adirondack Mountains. Couples trips, girls trips, or just some time alone this may be the break you are looking for. Towns offer great food, great views, and quiet moments tucked away behind the trees. I would suggest using AirBnB, HomeAway, or Visitadironack in order to help you find your perfect cabin.
EXPLORE YOUR OWN BACKYARD
I have spent so much time traveling overseas that I think I’ve forgotten about some awesome places to visit right here in the US. I guess everything isn’t about a passport stamp. ASPEN, CO —- Seems to be the go to move for a lot of folks this season. Colorado offers excellent views, mary jane is quite legal, and the upscale atmosphere doesn’t hurt either. There is more to the town than just skiing. There are several great restaurants and spa package options. Hotels and hot tubs will be a must after a day on the slopes. This getaway is great for couples or groups. Solo can be your scene to…. completely up to you.
Dallas, Austin, or Houston TX are my next hidden gem choice. I have not visited any of these places but please know they are on my immediate list. With weather currently ranging from low 60s to high 70s TX could be just the change of pace you need. Austin offers hiking, bbq, and even a winery tour. It is seemingly the best of every world. In Dallas there are horse tours, great food, and museums abound. Nothing short of a good time no matter what you are into. Houston is much the same…. from a Galveston Day trip to crazy cool art installations. One of these cities has exactly what you need.
Sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what we need to recharge. Quarantine has been difficult for all of us for many different reasons. There are ways to travel safely and within your comfort level. If you are not in New York check with your closest major city. Book the suite, order room service, and pretend that it’s Tahiti. Do what works for you! Stay safe and keep your mask up! Use the comments and let me know where you’re going or have already been.
And as always thanks for sharing with me today.
