Hello again everybody! It seems silly to keep adding to an already crowded field of travelers who are stuck at home. I know that we’ve all been affected by the current global situation and we’re ready to move on. I hope that as the world opens back up, we begin to travel more. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to hop a flight to Greece tomorrow. The problem is: the EU is considering banning US citizens from entry.

The State Department has kindly stated that if you should travel overseas at this time, you should prepare to be out of the country an indefinite amount of time while the pandemic is ongoing. That’s a little sketchy, don’t you think? I know I certainly do. But, here’s the thing, travelers gotta travel. If you are in that category, then here are four things to consider when booking travel at this time.

Refundable Flights

Many airlines right now are offering refundable or no-fee-to-reschedule flights during certain windows of travel. It is important if you think that conditions may worsen in your destination or if you get cold feet and want to cancel. Knowing that you can cancel or at least move your flight will take some stress off of your plate.

Travel Restrictions

We in the US are accustomed to freedom of travel, so not being able to cross borders is a frustrating concept for us. It is also something that we don’t readily consider as being a problem. In this case, consider it a problem. Many countries have tightened their travel restrictions and aren’t letting certain people in. Be sure to check with the US State Department and the State Department of the country in which you are hoping to travel for restriction information. Be aware that this information changes quickly today and be sure to be on your toes.

Hotel Closures

Sometimes, the internet lies. I know that can be hard to believe, but it’s true. Sometimes, you may find yourself flirting with a certain hotel online and now that the world is opening back up, you are hovering over the Book It button. Make sure you cross reference that the hotel is open. Many places haven’t come back yet and it’s possible that your hotel didn’t update their website fully. Poke around to make sure they are open.

Medical Capability

I hate that we have to cover this one, but you will likely come in contact with Covid-19, especially with its high rate of transmission. Should the worst happen and you become a severe case, will the place you are visiting be able to care for you? Another thing we take for granted in the US is our medical capabilities. They are the best in the world.

The risk is high to travel right now. Yes, with Covid, but more so with the travel restrictions that are being placed at different borders. You probably don’t want to get stuck in another country and you probably don’t want to get stuck in a quarantine facility (especially in another country). The moral of the story is to be careful. Like I said travelers gotta travel. It’s been 4 months since we’ve been able to go anywhere and I know we’re getting a little stir crazy. We’re in this together. If you’re going to travel, be sure to dot the i’s and cross the t’s. Until next time.

Thanks, y’all!

And hey, don’t forget I wrote a book! If you haven’t already gotten your copy, pick one up today to start planning your post-Covid vacation with all the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the last decade of travel.