Can I really travel during a pandemic?

​2020 Came with a lot of challenges and frustrations, but I'm determined not to let it keep me down. One foot in front of the other, moving forward.

​In less than two weeks, I will be leaving the US, for the first time since the pandemic began. This seems like the perfect time to start blogging, with this being my very first post! I mean, so many people are anxious about traveling right now. How hard is it going to be? Will I have to be quarantined or get a Covid test? Not only vacations but our entire Lives Have Been Put On Hold. I get it.

​But, just like everything else, I will take it one step at a time. I will see first-hand, how today's vacationing really feels. Join me along this journey, by following my blog posts over the next few weeks.

You CAN travel safely during Covid-19! Begin by knowing that you will need to be flexible & that there will be extra steps required to make this happen. As if there aren't enough things on my to-do list for a trip already!

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If you're like me, you can't wait to travel again!

Check out our Covid-19 travel tips and click on pictures for more info.

​Research your destination's entry requirements.

Chances are, you don't have an extra 14 days to spare, being quarantined in destination. So make sure you're visiting a country that will allow you to enter with a negative Covid test, in lieu of that. Of course you'll still need your valid passport with at least 6 months left before expiration, but you may also be required to complete a pre-arrival health form or get mandatory travel insurance, if the country requires it.

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​Get help from your favorite travel advisor.

Don't know where to start? Visit your local travel agency.

Professional travel agents are immersed in all things travel every day, and stay up-to date on current travel trends, restrictions and promotions.

They'll have your back if things don't go right, and fight for you, to be sure that they do. TA's know the tricks of the trade, have personal contacts throughout the travel industry and will help you with things you never even thought of.

And best of all, their services are included in the price of the trip! You won't pay extra for a vacation package booked through a local travel agent, vs booking through an online travel site. You'll be supporting a small business and getting personal service along with it. Win/Win!

Wishing On Travel Agency of Rockwell, NC has friendly agents ready to help you, near and far!

It's always better to have a real person to talk to.

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Know where you'll be staying.

Get familiar with the new protocols & safety measures being taken. ​From the airport, all the way to your hotel room, most all-inclusive resorts like the Playa Resorts I'll be visiting in the Dominican Republic, have designed very thorough safety regimes with assistance from health and hospitality agencies. Using proven sterilization techniques, your room and it's furnishings, fixtures and services will greet you with a sanitization seal across your door. Your luggage is even disinfected before being delivered to your room! 

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Before you go, enroll in STEP.

​Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, aka STEP, is a free service offered by the US Department of State, allowing US citizens to enroll their trip with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for an extra layer of safety when leaving the country.

Have your passport number and information about your trip handy, and it should take less than 10 minutes to complete.

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It's a personal decision.

Believe me, I know. Traveling internationally during a pandemic can be scary and it may even be discouraged. BUT, travel for some is ALWAYS scary, while for others, IT'S SIMPLY A WAY OF LIFE.

For me, this is a wonderful opportunity to join my colleagues for 5 days in a beautiful and safe destination that I love. And that's a risk I'm willing to take.

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Watch for my next blog post about Getting a COVID Test for Travel.

​The Dominican Republic requires a negative PCR Covid test administered within 5 days prior to arrival, so that's my next step. Leave me a comment if you have any questions. Until next time...pray for peace and a vaccine to end this pandemic.

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