Castles and Cruises: Expert's Essential Travel Tips

STORY BY EMILY BAIR, VACATION PLANNER AND DISNEY SPECIALIST

It’s Wave Season... The most popular time to book your 2022 Vacations!

After 18 months of delaying travel, the demand for a vacation is at an all-time high. Many popular travel destinations are open to visitors but how do you know what to expect? With Covid still circulating around the world, you never know how the travel protocols will be when you arrive for your vacation.

Here are some vacation options along with current protocols that are currently in place:

The Orlando Theme Parks

Both Walt Disney World and Universal Studios have been open since the summer of 2020 and with great success! Neither requires proof of vaccination status or Covid tests to visit. I love planning Orlando theme park vacations because, during times of uncertainty with other vacation spots, we know what to expect and how to prepare our guests when they venture to the parks. Head to Walt Disney to enjoy the iconic parks and resorts based on your favorite Disney tales. Character meet and greets (from a distance), attractions, parades, and nightly firework displays are all open for your enjoyment. Protocols: What has changed at Walt Disney World? There is now a park reservation system to monitor the number of guests in a given park in a day. Masks are required indoors and on all forms of Disney transportation but not as you explore the parks outdoors. Restaurants are still not seating at full capacity. Unrelated to the pandemic, Disney has replaced the Fastpass system with a new in-app feature called Disney Genie Plus.

Choose Universal Orlando to ride the fastest and tallest roller coaster in Florida! With the recent addition of the Velocicoaster and the ever-so-popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you will get your fill of thrills! Staying at a Universal Resort puts you minutes away from the park entrances and the ease of transportation to the parks truly makes you feel like you are on vacation. Protocols: What has changed at Universal Resort Orlando? Masks are currently required indoors.

Luxury Resorts of the Caribbean and Mexico

If sunshine and sand are more your speed, there are many options for an island escape. The entry protocols for Covid testing vary by destination. And everyone ages two and up will have to test 24 hours prior to your return back to the United States.

Mexico

Famous for all-inclusive resorts, Mexico caters to every budget from value resorts to super luxurious! And don't forget about Cabo! Fishing, scuba diving, marine life, and fine all-inclusive resorts are easy to find there.

Protocols: Some resorts require masks indoors. Covid tests are not currently required to enter Mexico.

St. Lucia

Famous for hiking their pair of Mountains called the Pitons, St. Lucia also offers beautiful waterfalls, a “drive-in” volcano, relaxing volcanic beaches, reef diving, snorkeling, and sunset cruising. The Sandals brand of resorts are popular adult-only locations where you can stay at one and play at three. Protocols: A negative Covid test is required for entry.

Turks & Caicos The Cruise Industry

Cruising started back in June 2021 after over a year of a "No Sail Order." Guests are now enjoying cruising all over the world with success. All cruise lines are currently mandating the Covid Vaccine to board their ships. Some cruise lines require ages five or twelve and up to be vaccinated, while other cruise lines are requiring all guests aboard to be vaccinated. Many lines are sailing at reduced capacity which makes it a nice time to sail with fewer passengers onboard. A Cruise with Confidence Policy for all cruise lines gives guests peace of mind when booking that a future cruise credit or full refund can be issued for any interruptions to your vacation.

Known for the most pristine beaches and water with upscale and luxurious accommodations. Some of the most Instagrammed spots are here. Protocols: Ages 16 and up must be vaccinated to visit. A negative Covid test is required to enter the country for all ages 10 and up.

Other Domestic Travel

Travel within the United States has become more popular during the pandemic due to fewer travel restrictions and the comfort of knowing you will not be delayed on your return home. Alaska is booking quickly for the summer of 2022 as a popular spot for wildlife viewing, salmon fishing, dog sledding, and glacier experiences. National parks such as Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Zion are very popular as well. Protocols: Some locations require a negative covid test for entry into restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. New York City is currently requiring ages five and up to be vaccinated to enter quite a few venues.

International Travel

Many international destinations are open for travel with certain restrictions. Each country varies and it is definitely best to have someone help you track the current rules for entry as they quickly fluctuate. All visitors ages two and up re-entering the United States must show proof of a negative Covid test within 24 hours of arrival.

Due to the many changes and unknown factors with travel in current times, one thing is certain...Enlist the services of a travel advisor to share experiences and expertise in navigating our "new travel norm!" This is the best way to avoid unfortunate mishaps along the way.

Together, we can get you back to travel in 2022!

Emily Bair is a travel agent with Castles and Cruises Travel Agency who has been assisting clients with vacations for over five years. She grew up in Florence and has briefly lived in different states in the U.S. and in Italy. She currently resides in Florence and is also a registered nurse who has worked in Labor and Delivery at McLeod Regional Medical Center for almost 25 years. Her love for Disney and travel, known by her friends, led her to being invited to join her agency and from there, she has branched out to send clients all over the world! Contact her for all of your travel wishes! 843-319-8739 | Emily@CastlesandCruisesTravel.com Facebook: CastlesandCruisesTravel.EmilyBair