Are you thinking about a warm weather vacation? Here’s what to consider regarding COVID-19 risk before booking your trip.
Share on PinterestSome tropical destinations may pose a lower risk of COVID-19 to travelers than others during this holiday season. Posnov / Getty Images
When temperatures are dropping and we are firmly heading into winter, you may be thinking of visiting a tropical destination for the vacation.
While Covid-19 pandemic With travel continuing to be difficult and not a risk-free destination, there are some warm weather destinations with lower transmission rates and security protocols that can help you calm down.
Healthline spoke with health and travel experts about what to consider before booking a trip to a tropical location, why you should choose a destination, and how to stay as safe as possible during your visit.
When asked where to go for a tropical vacation this year, Lonely Planet senior editor said Alex Butler Healthline said you should keep the reality in mind that “there is some risk in traveling anywhere during the pandemic”.
However, choosing a tropical destination might be on the safer side as you can be outdoors, which reduces some of the risk of indoor transmission.
“Although there are many tropical destinations with lower COVID-19 rates than the US, you should also consider the local vaccination rate,” said Butler.
“You don’t want to run the risk of spreading the disease to the local community, so make sure not only are you vaccinated, but the majority of the people who live in your vacation spot,” she said.
DR. Abinash Virk, A consultant in the infectious diseases division at Mayo Clinic, Butler echoed, saying you should get vaccinated and “continue to mask” indoors and on flights or at airports when traveling to a tropical location.
In addition, you should practice physical distancing when traveling to countries that may have less stringent COVID-19 rules.
Virk told Healthline that you should evaluate the risk criteria a particular travel destination might fall under.
She pointed to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). COVID-19 travel advice by destination Card that can help you avoid targets that are currently classified as “high risk”.
“If someone needs to travel to higher risk countries where COVID-19 is more prevalent (present and circulating), I would limit activities that increase human exposure, especially in crowded places like market halls, concerts, etc.”, she said .
Virk added that it was safer to rent a house than to stay in a hotel, and safer to prepare your own meals instead of eating in restaurants.
Virk also stressed that you shouldn’t consider traveling at this point, especially overseas if you have risk factors for severe COVID-19.
“If such a person has to travel, they should consider how they would deal with the situation if they got COVID-19 abroad,” Virk explained.
She advised considering the status of hospitals at a destination, the availability of COVID-19 treatments there, air evacuation options (which may be limited), and the need for testing and possible quarantine on return.
“If you are staying in a hotel, what are the measures to contain COVID-19 in the hotel? Are the staff masked and vaccinated? ”She added.
Additionally, Virk suggested that you develop an awareness of the situation in a particular tropical destination before traveling.
If COVID-19 rates have worsened since you first booked your ticket, you may want to cancel your trip.
Although COVID-19 rates and recommendations are constantly changing, there are some tropical destinations that are currently less at risk than others.
However, keep in mind that traveling to any destination during the pandemic carries some risk.
In addition to COVID-19 case numbers, vaccination rates and safety protocols are other important factors to consider before booking a trip.
If you are planning a vacation to a tropical location, here are some travel destinations to consider and why.
Aruba
While the CDC rates Aruba in the Dutch Caribbean as “very high” COVID-19 levels, Butler shows that a deeper dive also reveals that the country has reportedly vaccinated about 75.3 percent of its population Reuters.
Aruba requires fully vaccinated visitors 12 and older to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of departure, or they may be required to spend $ 75 to get a PCR test upon arrival at the airport .
Unvaccinated visitors must have a negative PCR test within 1 day of travel.
You must complete a personal health assessment, purchase mandatory $ 15 insurance, and wear a mask on the plane, at the airport, and all the way to your hotel room.
For those taking a PCR test on arrival, they must remain in quarantine in their hotel room or other accommodation for up to 24 hours until the results are processed and released.
Masks are also required in all indoor public spaces such as retail stores, casinos and museums, and other popular travel destinations, according to the Government COVID-19 website.
The Bahamas
Currently, the Bahamas is classified as “very high” risk CDC. While the COVID-19 vaccination rate at the time of publication is only 33.9 percent of the total population, the transmission rates have dropped significantly, according to Reuters.
Fully vaccinated travelers to the Bahamas must still have a negative COVID-19 test performed no more than 5 days prior to arrival.
Those who have not been vaccinated must receive a negative COVID-19 PCR test no later than 5 days before the arrival date.
All children between the ages of 2 and 11 must have a negative COVID-19 test (either rapid antigen or PCR) no more than 5 days prior to arrival, according to the Bahamas Government website.
Fiji
Butler pointed out Fiji as another great vacation travel option.
Why?
Fiji will resume quarantine-free travel for fully vaccinated adults from December 1, “after more than 80 percent of the population was fully vaccinated,” Butler said, citing one Notice by the Fiji government earlier this fall on fully vaccinated adult rates.
Those who are fully vaccinated must present the results of a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours of leaving for the islets.
Then those visitors have to take another test after reaching their accommodation.
Quarantine is not required, so the Government website.
Seychelles
Butler also pointed out the Seychelles that Reuters report had fully vaccinated 87 percent of the population at the time of publication.
Travelers flying are not required to provide proof of vaccination, but must provide evidence of a negative PCR-COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure.
You will also need to get health insurance that can cover some of these testing costs.
Vaccinations are also available to visitors.
Masks are required on public transport, according to the US embassy in Mauritius and the Seychelles.
Turks and Caicos Islands
At the time of publication, Turks and Caicos, a British territory, has approximately vaccinated 73.8 percent of its population.
All tourists aged 16 and over must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the country.
Tourists are also required to present a negative COVID-19 test carried out 3 days before entering the islands.
Children under the age of 10 do not have to adhere to them.
You will also need to purchase insurance to cover medical expenses related to COVID-19 and have an online health check-up prior to your arrival.
Once you reach the islands’ borders, no additional COVID-19 tests are required and visitors are allowed to stay for 90 days.
All visitors over 2 years of age must wear masks in public spaces, a requirement that applies until November 30th.
People who do not wear masks in public places could be fined $ 550, according to the Government website.
Virk emphasized the importance of vaccination and the protection it can offer against COVID-19.
“Vaccines could make the difference between life and death,” she said. “Vaccines do a fantastic job of reducing the risk of serious COVID-19 illness.”
Her other recommendations include weighing potential risks to you or your family and reviewing your travel destination’s entry requirements and whether you can meet them in a timely manner.
Virk highlighted the very real risks currently associated with travel and highlighted another concern: “How and who will transport your body back if you die abroad?”
The above point is not meant to be scaremongering, but rather a reminder that we are still living in a deadly pandemic and every trip carries some risks for you and others.
Butler added that there is a need to look out for the people who live in these tropical vacation destinations.
“When you travel to an area with a low COVID-19 rate, the most important thing is that you are not the one to spread it. That means you have to get vaccinated before you travel and follow all local rules and regulations, ”explained Butler.
“Being a responsible traveler can also mean going beyond what is legally required. Just because a destination doesn’t require a COVID-19 negative test, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get one – before and during your trip, ”she added.
“A PCR test is reliable, but it can be expensive. You can also buy antigen or lateral flow tests that can be self-administered for peace of mind, at a lower price, ”Butler said.
We understand that you are concerned about your health and safety outside of your home and the safety of the communities you visit around the world. As the rules and requirements for travel change, we’re here to help you find your way around this complex and often confusing landscape. Whether you’re driving to a natural wonder in your state or flying around the globe, we can help you protect yourself and others.
Check back often to learn how you can keep yourself and loved ones safe on your next trip.
