For those who are ready to travel, either domestically or abroad, for business or for pleasure, making travel plans for 2021 presents some new challenges. The world has changed dramatically, and navigating through some of the changes requires changing the way we approach travel and travel planning. Here are a few tips that we’ve put together over the past year that can help as you consider planning your next escape.
Nine Travel Tips for 2021
Research the requirements for your destination. Whether you’re considering going to the Caribbean, Europe, or another state within the USA , each destination has new (constantly changing) requirements for arriving passengers. In addition to a negative COVID test, proof of vaccination, or mandatory quarantine, some countries may have forms that need to be completed and/or government approvals that need to be issued. Be sure that you’ve researched extensively to uncover and meet all of the requirements well before your trip starts.
Arrive at the airport well in advance. While a couple of hours in advance may have been ample time for checking in at the airport in the past, we’re now advising arrival at least three hours in advance of your flight. Airports and airlines no longer have the same amount of staff as they once had, and bottlenecks are happening more frequently. Be prepared for potential delays so that you don’t get hung up in a line and miss your flight. For those wanting to expedite their arrival, TSA pre-check is more helpful now than ever before.
Have at least an idea of a “Plan B” for your trip. Rules, regulations, and government mandates are all changing quickly and are impossible to predict. Give some thought to what you’d want to do if your original plans fall through. That way, if your plans do become unworkable, you can make adjustments and still enjoy your planned vacation time.
Buy the Travel Protection. You don’t want to lose the money you have invested in your trip or, worse yet, become seriously ill while traveling away from home. Good travel protection will provide a trip credit or refund if you’re not able to travel. It will also provide medical coverage while you’re traveling (which most health plans don’t provide). Think of the travel protection as a vital trip component. It’s a relatively small expense and could save you thousands (if not tens of thousands) of dollars.
Download all of the apps you’ll need and familiarize yourself with them. Now, more than ever, your smartphone will play an important role in facilitating your travels. In addition to social media and photo sharing apps, there are many new tasks to perform with your phone.
Whether it’s an airline’s app for you to monitor your flights, a third party app for uploading documentation, or an online health form, you’ll need a smartphone. Note that QR codes have become commonplace in restaurants for guests to access online menus. Be be sure you know how to scan them and access the resulting websites.
Be prepared to wear a mask. While your local government may no longer require people to wear masks, airlines and foreign governments still do. Bring extras and be sure to comply when asked to put one on. Travel has changed, perhaps permanently. Regardless of your vaccination status or thoughts about wearing masks, it’s a requirement that you’ll have to comply with. Noncompliance will risk being denied access or transport.
Small is big. Whether it’s small groups, small ships, private flights or tours, they’ve become more popular than ever before. People are turning from large ocean cruise ships to smaller river cruise or expedition ships. They’re visiting smaller cites and towns rather than crowded tourist destinations. And they’re renting villas, yachts, islands, or jets just for their immediate family or group. This allows people to minimize the number of people that they’re in close contact with. Be prepared to pay a premium for this type of experience, because it’s in high demand.
Testing for return is still mandatory. In January, the CDC began requiring a negative COVID test result for anyone arriving into the US, including US citizens. If you’ve traveled abroad, you’ll need either proof of a negative COVID test result or documentation of recovery from a healthcare provider to return home. Rapid antigen tests are acceptable, and self-testing kits are becoming more readily available.
We Can Help
Need some assistance or guidance for navigating all of the changes in 2021? Talk to a qualified travel advisor at FNS Travel Group. We’re here to help. And we’ve been staying current on all the changes as travel evolves.
At FNS Travel Group, we specialize in custom travel itineraries, luxury and river cruises, and small group tours. We pride ourselves on creating unique, memorable, and hassle-free deluxe and luxury getaways. Visit us on the web for more information or call 855-557-5588 to speak with us about your travel plans.
