Is it really OK to travel. The answer to this question depends on you.

  Since COVID we have to do everything responsibly and that includes traveling. So the  answer  to my question is to is it ok to travel, it’s a  is yes for me! I’m ready to travel, I’m ready for a break from the USA, a break from the news and a break to be pampered on a Caribbean spa and am also ready to abide by all the rules and responsibilities even before I get to my destination. This is one of the biggest changes.  First thing when travelling is  that you have to be prepared.  Prepared for all the changes testing, probing, temperature checks, Social distancing and most important wearing of masks are some of the new requirements. Some destinations like Mexico currently do not require testing but should you? I would but that’s my personal decision. I would want to know that I do not have the virus and work even harder  at not getting the virus. So testing yes I would do testing before travel even thought the destination does not need it. Bear in mind 95 .% of the Caribbean destinations  requires testing prior to travel. From 72 hours to up to 7 days before travel, you have to upload or walk with  your negative PCR test to show the airline agent before you are allowed to check in. This is part of the new normal.  Some destinations requires pre authorization and you need to get approval even before you go to the airport.  Some destinations require health insurance, and you need to get this before travel.  Some destinations have made it easy as they can provide the health insurance for purchase. Currently,  the USA has just lifted the level 4 for travel advisory which was a do not travel recommendation. However they’ve listed most of the Caribbean islands at either level 2 or 3 and even level level 4 for travel advisory for some destinations. Now if you live in the United States of America you know what’s going on you should be aware that the Caribbean has done a very good job in containing the  Covid virus. The virus was contained very early on,  and borders were closed and destinations were on lockdown for weeks to control the spread and conduct contact tracing.  Its not over yet but with protocols in place, travel can be safe. This is a very good thing. The Caribbean may not have all the health care resources like the USA but they have really good procedures in place for  residents and visitors. This is where the responsible travel comes in. You have to be ready to abide by all rues and regulations or face fines and even jail. Yes jail as not everyone takes this pandemic seriously.  So follow those rules, practice social distancing, follow those floor markers, use the sanitizing stations and wear those masks. Before your leave your home for a vacation, I recommend isolating or making sure you do not have the virus before you travel.  Get the PCR test done. Most  Caribbean destinations requires PCR  for entry and not rapid testing. Why the The PCR?  PCR tests are used to directly detect the presence of an antigen, rather than the presence of the body’s immune response, or antibodies. By detecting viral RNA, which will be present in the body before antibodies form or symptoms of the disease are present, the tests can tell whether or not someone has the virus very early on. This is the main reason why PCR tests are highly recommended or preferred. “PCR gives  a good indication of who is infected. They can be isolated and get in contact with people they’ve been in touch and this has worked very well. Some destinations are requiring double testing. So even though you arrived with your negative PCR test, you must conduct a test on arrival at the airport and wait for results before going out in the general population. Every destination is different and  this is one of the main reasons why a travel advisor is always highly recommended when planning and booking a vacation. Travel advisors have done their homework and and is aware of the daily changes of entry protocols. They are aware of which destination opened and closed and allows USA residents.  They are your best friend and is looking out for you So call your travel advisor and start planning your 2021- 2022 vacations. There are some great deals out there so get on it. This is the  time to really bond with extended family and friends.  So many loved ones were lost  and are still dying in this  pandemic and so many zoom funerals.  I had to do my dad’s funeral via zoom, this is not something I would like anyone to experience. Let’s not wait for a funeral to celebrate life or to meet with family.   Call your travel advisor and Plan that trip and call Hope to see you on a Caribbean trip soon.