According to a recent report from American Express, the majority of U.S. consumers surveyed say they are missing travel right now. I couldn't agree more! Almost half surveyed said it was taking an emotional toll and causing increased stress, which leads to anxiety.
It sounds like we are suffering from "Tripaphobia" - the fear of not having any trips currently booked and nothing to look forward to. With the current COVID-19 situation, I completely understand why consumers are nervous to travel again.
I want to share six things I learned that will help you plan your next adventure.
1. The 14-day COVID-19 self-quarantine is no longer recommended!
Travelers returning from a trip outside the country - or their state - no longer face recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to self-quarantine for 14 days upon return. For more information, click here to read the article from USA TODAY.
2. Dubai is the first airport to employ Coronoavirus sniffing dogs!
Travel & Leisure magazine reported that "the Dubai airport is the first real-world example where dogs are being used to sniff out COVID-19. The dogs do their work from afar, never coming into direct contact with potentially infected or fearful humans. Samples are taken from travelers’ armpits and placed in steel containers designed to allow a dog’s snout to fit inside without disturbing the sample. Test results, which are said to have a 92 percent accuracy rate, are returned in less than a minute." Now that is a good dog! I am sure that other major airports will soon be using these amazing animals.
3. Delta Airlines have vowed to keep their middle seats empty into January 2021!
Forbes announced that Delta Airlines have extended their "no middle seat policy" to January 2021. Health experts agree that having that additional space between passengers does make a difference. The article stated that "in extending its seat blocking policy, Delta becomes the first major air carrier to extend the practice into 2021. Other major carriers including Alaska, Southwest and JetBlue also have middle-seat blocks in place, though none of the other carriers have yet extended the practice into 2021 as yet."
4. Jamaica Requires All U.S. Visitors to be Tested for COVID-19
Travel Weekly announced that effective August 20th, residents of all U.S. states are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited lab within 10 days of their intended travel date. This precaution is reassuring for travelers who want to enjoy the beaches and culinary delights of Jamaica!
5. St. Kitts and Nevis reopening borders, but you’ll need to quarantine!
Click here to read more.
Feel safe traveling to St. Kitts and Nevis because they only have 17 reported cases of COVID-19 and zero deaths.
6. Even During a Pandemic, San Diego remains a hot destination!
Local tourism officials in San Diego county have reported an increase in hotel rooms being booked. With new safety protocols in place to ensure that travelers feel comfortable, San Diego is one of the top five destinations in hotel capacity in the country right now.
If you have travel questions or travel concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us for information. We would be delighted to provide you with travel options and pricing.
