Our Recent Travel to Europe
We were recently onboard an AmaWaterways ship in mid-August as they restarted river cruising in Europe. Yes, there are changes in virtually every country (similar to what we’ve been experiencing at home). Our ship, the AmaBella, required that all guests be vaccinated due to the need to comply with all local regulations for safe sailing. When moving from one area to another inside the ship, masks are worn. (However, in your cabin, sitting for a meal, or up on deck, masks are not required.)
Yes, things are evolving/changing and it’s difficult to monitor all of the requirements. BUT, once you’re there, walking along cobblestone streets, biking along the rivers, eating delicious local foods, and dining with friends, they’re minor inconveniences, and it’s all worth it! We found that we were so appreciative of the opportunity to be back in these beautiful destinations, seeing familiar sites with fresh enthusiasm, and being able to visit in what’s typically “peak season” without the typical crowds.
Recent Changes
On Monday, August 30th, the European Union recommended removing the US (and several other countries) from their “safe” list due to the current infection rates here being well above their established parameters. They will meet again 2 weeks from now and will likely recommend additional changes at that time. Each member country is able to determine if they will follow this recommendation and how to best do so. That often leaves a patchwork of regulations to sort through for any given trip.
Now, more than ever, a good travel advisor is essential in helping to navigate the regulations and all of the changes. Most of the proposed changes will mainly affect unvaccinated people who want to travel to most of these European destinations. Italy and Portugal have been quick to put their new processes and requirements in place, but we’re still waiting to hear from many of the other member countries.
We’ll wait and see what the changes are, and then we’ll adapt. It may be more difficult to travel from one country to another. Testing may be required in some destinations, but it’s widely available. And yes, for some experiences, such as river cruising, vaccines may be mandatory.
What These Changes Mean For You
I’m not seeing (or anticipating) insurmountable challenges for travelers who are fully vaccinated. People who aren’t vaccinated may have more limited destination options, and frequent testing during travel may be required.
Outside of 30 days prior to travel, there’s no benefit to worrying about current changes. With everything changing fairly rapidly (and the council meeting every two weeks) there’s a very good chance that conditions and requirements will change multiple times before your trip.
For everyone who is planning or considering travel in the next month, it’s time to research current requirements and protocols and make adjustments. Within 2 weeks of a travel date, cross your Ts, dot your Is,. Make sure you’ve filled out any required documentation and are ready and able to comply with all applicable rules.
As travel advisors, we’re closely monitoring any changes, letting clients know what they need to do, answering questions, and ensuring that everything is in order.
If you’re hesitant about travel, that’s perfectly natural. For most people, it’s been a long 18 months of canceled/rebooked trips and staying home. But now is a great opportunity to take that trip you’ve been planning (or delaying) and get back to exploring our beautiful world. Book the trip, immerse yourself in different cultures, and get back to enjoying your passion for travel. There are some great opportunities and availability for Fall and Winter at a fraction of the typical cost!
If anything changes or goes awry, your trusted Travel Advisor is only a phone call away.
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 of the changes as travel to Europe 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.
If we can help with your plans or assist with identifying your next experience, please give us a call at 1-855-557-5588, email us at info@fnstravel.com, or visit us on the web .
