by Jonathan Hermann

TRAVEL SMART, BE SAFE

The world of travel has changed a lot in the last year. As every cruise line, resort, airline and transportation company has initiated a wide range of health and safety protocols, it’s also important for you, the traveler, to take these worthwhile precautions to ensure you return home from your vacation safe and sound.
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Your packing list may look a little different on your next trip.

BEFORE YOUR TRIP

  • Discuss travel insurance policies with your travel advisor, discovering what is and is not covered.
  • Get tested for COVID-19 — even though Cancun does not have this requirement, some travelers prefer to know their status before traveling so they do not unintentionally transmit the virus.
  • Pack extra safety measures, such as additional masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Bring any medicines you may need on your vacation and pack at least 15 to 30 days’ worth of extra medicine, just in case.

DURING YOUR TRIP

  • Pack your carry-on with food, a reusuable water bottle, hand sanitizer and wipes.
  • At the airport, use touchless check-in options, ditch the bins at TSA checkpoints and maintain social distance while boarding. If you arrive at the airport early, wait at an empty gate until boarding is called.
  • On your flight, wear your face mask, wipe down the surfaces you will be touching, sit next to the window to decrease people walking near you and open the air vent to increase circulation.
  • If you check bags, stand back at baggage claim until most other passengers have left.
  • When renting a car, use advance check-in online or via the rental company’s smartphone app to speed the process and reduce, or eliminate, the need for person-to-person touchpoints.
  • At the hotel, use options for online check-in, mobile room key and contactless payment, and ask for less frequent room cleanings to decrease other people in your room.
  • Wash your hands frequently, especially when arriving at new locations.
  • During any activities — such as eating at restaurants or visiting attractions, wear your mask as much as possible and keep a distance from others not in your party.
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Temperature screenings are common, both at the airport and at hotels and resorts.

 “Arriving in Cancun, the customs waiting area was marked with six-foot distance reminders, which people respected. You completed an online health questionnaire before departing the U.S. and completed another one before you returned. You walked through a temperature check with a health official sitting nearby. It was all unobtrusive and reassuring. Hand sanitizer was EVERYWHERE in the Cancun airport and very visible.”

- Holly K.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now requires proof of negative COVID-19 test to enter the U.S. Many large resort chains are offering free COVID testing on-site with results in less than 24 hours as well as free or discounted extended stays for people that test positive in destination to ease concerns about international travel. Talk to your travel professional about testing options for your international vacation.

These are just a few helpful suggestions. Talk to one of our travel advisors today to learn more ways you can protect yourself and those around you while traveling.

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