TRAVEL SEGMENT

TRAVEL WRITER: AMANDA STORM

I am writing this from the airport in Antigua - that beautiful island in the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean. My daughter sent me a photo from her dorm room window in the Midwest showing snow on the ground along with a joyous text, the first day of classes had been postponed. Friends are posting photos of cats and dogs by the fire, hot cups of cocoa, or new soup recipes. employers of women globally? During my drive earlier this week, Radley Baptiste, my driver, informed me that 80% of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy is supported by tourism. I asked if there were small business loan programs or unemployment options for the citizens. “No,” he replied. “We are a small country with no one looking out for us. So now it is ‘scratch’ to make ends meet.”

Here I am, getting ready to leave behind the 365 beautiful beaches, the famed “black pineapple,” the sound of the surf, and 80 degree weather. At this moment, I feel foolish; It is a moment I have not yet experienced in my travels during this pandemic, but the thought of finding my mittens and car scraper makes me reconsider.

As a travel agency owner and it is important to me to learn first hand what is happening in the destinations where I send guests, so I have traveled twice during this “COVID mess.”

While the pandemic is affecting businesses here, the direct impact on other countries is astonishing. Did you know that 1 in 10 jobs have direct ties to tourism? The tourism industry is one of the largest Baptiste’s situation is not unique, my colleagues in Mexico, the Caribbean, Italy, and Ireland report similar circumstances. Of course, the larger countries can provide some aid to their citizens.

Often, I get the question, is it safe to travel now? Should I travel? Where can I visit?

Traveling is always a personal decision. It comes down to what you want to see and do. What memories do you want to capture? What culture do you hope to explore?

Recently, when I have traveled, the majority of people in airports and on planes are following the rules and wearing masks. You will see social distancing while waiting in lines to board, go

through immigration, and get luggage. Travelers, for the most part, are respectful of others.

Upon arrival (in both of my Caribbean destinations), I had to provide a health form, have my temperature checked, and sanitized my hands. To travel to Antigua, I had to have the PCR test completed within a specified time before arrival. I had to show my negative results to the airline (app) and physically in person upon arrival in Antigua. This same scenario is in most tropical destinations; however, Costa Rica, Mexico, and The Dominican Republic currently do not require a test for those entering. I saw the majority of locals in Mexico and Antigua wearing masks walking on the street. There are masks in taxis and cabs, on buses and in stores. At the resorts, the staff is wearing masks. Guests are also wearing masks when going into closed spaces like elevators, interior hallways, or restaurants. I was cautious and wore my mask when interacting with staff, in elevators, and did my best to socially distance myself. I kept my interactions with other guests to a minimum. I am sure they were all nice people and we could have been fast friends, but safety first! The Caribbean and Mexico are designed for social distancing. You will find restaurants are outside, outdoor pools and lounge chairs are six feet from each other. Many buildings have hallways that are open to the outdoors.

I believe you can travel safely and reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19. However, I know that not everyone is comfortable traveling internationally at this time. This is in part to work/school requirements and the new CDC regulation requiring testing to re-enter the US. As an industry, we have seen the addition of testing sites and resources throughout the Caribbean.

For those wanting to travel but feeling anxious about what to do, please reach out to your travel advisor. If there ever was a time for a travel professional, it is now helping you navigate protocols. A well-versed advisor will be able to give you advice on what destinations will fit your current vacation dreams (within or outside the US) and what destinations will need to remain on your “wish list” for a while longer.

Wishing you amazing adventures! Questions? Reach out to me at Amanda@amandastravels.com