Having just completed two trips during the pandemic I thought I would share some tips on how best to navigate thru all the covid protocols
1. Invest in some KN95 masks. I paid $50 on Amazon for 100 of them and they have been my best investment so far as they have much better protection than all the other available masks.
2. If you are on long haul travel days take at least 4 more masks with you and change them every few hours. Otherwise they get damp.
3. Make sure ALL and I mean all of your bookings are refundable regardless of the cause. Do not accept credits as they may make you wait and often the credits expire.
4. All airports are pretty much the same - wear a mask, keep your distance and have plenty of hand sanitizer. I noticed signs in the airport for people not to fill their personal containers with sanitizer.
5. Have all your documents ready and almost all airlines, cruises and hotels would appreciate a paper copy of you vaccine receipt, pcr tests etc. I find its best to have both a paper copy and a copy on my phone/ipad.
6. Be ready for extremely busy airports. I found all airports more crowded then before the pandemic and the line ups long so always go 3 hours before your flight (both international and domestic). I would rather wait a bit longer at the gate then not get on the flight.
7. Be prepared for packed flights so have a mask, wipes and your own bottle of water, as the airlines don't come around offering water. Note Westjet only offers ice to those buying alcohol and they just give one wipe.
8. Hotels (not all but most) are asking for proof of vaccine. They will provide you with a list of the protocols they are following to keep you safe.
9. Book your PCR or antigen test as soon as your vacation is fully booked. That way you will get the time slot you want. Note I was booking mine for 48 hours before the flight so I had time if something went wrong but now some countries are asking for 24 hours.
10. Cruiselines want your business but the cruise experience is much different. You wear a ribbon on RCCL to show you are vaccinated and can go into the vaccinated only areas. If solo you will sit alone in dining rooms. You can only book shows on board the ship, no pre-booking. Be prepared for constant cancels and re-schedules of shows and shore excursions.
11. Finally check and recheck the changing requirements for entry into the countries you are going to, the cruise line, airline and hotels. Mine changed every few days.
Be very flexible if you want to travel.
I hope this helps
Marcia
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