As Covid restrictions fall away, travel has settled into a new normal. Here’s what to expect NOW when you travel outside the US:
No masks (unless you want to wear one)- On two recent trips to Europe, I was never asked to/expected to mask up. This included on four transatlantic flights, aboard trains in five different countries, public transport in numerous cities, and two river cruise ships. Some people still wear them; most do not. But it’s your choice.
Travel requirements will continue to change, and will vary from country to country. Having a good travel agent on your side is more important than ever. Another good resource is Sherpa, found here.
Like masks, COVID tests have gone away. They’re still available—but no longer required.
Some more general use observations
Passports- Make. Sure. Your passport has at least six months of validity past the return date for any international trip. Check it now. Passport applications are painfully slow right now, and if you discover last minute that yours is expired, or doesn’t have six months of validity left past your trip, you may be staying home. Check it now!
Insurance is more important now than ever, too—especially coverage that will help with COVID-related expenses and also covers delays and interruptions, of which there’ve been many this year. I’ve personally used an Allianz policy for several years— and can get you details on their plan options and a quote.
Other travel snarls- Transport strikes seem to be coming more often in Europe these days. I got caught in one in March 2023, when widespread planned German transport union strikes shut down both major airports (Munich for two days, Frankfurt for one) AND the rail system for a day. HUGE mess. Fortunately, I was able to get ahold of my airline and come home a day early. Messed up some plans, but didn’t ruin my trip. Quick action, a good travel agent, and insurance can’t prevent problems, but they can sure help when one arises.
Another word on travel agents (I am one so may be a little biased here): Just as you can book your own flights and select your own hotel or cruise cabin, you can learn the in’s and out’s of your destination, the airports you’ll use, trains vs. planes vs. cars, etc. Or, you can seek the help of someone who’s been doing this for years, who knows which suppliers have been good to work with during COVID and which haven’t, and who’ll be there to help you if you run into a problem.
Just as I use an expert in taxes to do my year-end accounting and filing, an expert in dentistry to clean my teeth, etc., I advocate for using an expert travel advisor who knows what they’re doing.
If you want to put my expertise in travel to work on booking your next cruise or trip to Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, Japan, or wherever else in the world you’re heading, call or email me. I’d love to help.
