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After spending an entire year without travel, many Americans are feeling anxious to get out there again. It is causing what we are calling "revenge travel". Some have cancelled wonderful travels they had planned in 2020 so they plan to go bigger or go longer when they can finally travel again. I know, we had to cancel our United Kingdom cruise in 2020 and now a Rhine river cruise in May 2021. So the challenge now becomes, what are the best travel choices for 2021?
If you want to travel outside the USA this spring or summer, Mexico or Caribbean are the most likely destinations. The hoteliers in Mexico moved at great speed to meet the CDC requirement that just came out in January. Americans flying back to the USA on any international flight now need an Antigen Covid test 72 hours before return home. Most resorts are offering free antigen testing on site and many are offering assistance with a quarantine stay for any guest who fails a test to return home. Resorts are operating at 50 -60% guest capacities. Remember all travel is subject to change at this time.
The Caribbean islands had low Covid case numbers and have made a strong effort to keep their islands safe. Many islands have successfully opened to American visitors since Fall of 2020 and resorts are at 50 - 60% guest capacity. All islands are requiring a negative PCR test before departing the USA. Again most resorts are offering a free Antigen test to guest before returning home. St Lucia, Jamaica and DR are in demand.
Usually spring and summer is when we are flying to Europe but in 2021 there will be limited opportunities in Europe in the first half of the year. However if you really want to travel internationally, did you know there are currently 21 countries around the world that are open to US visitors?
This spring and summer could be an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of America. Try a Rocky Mountaineer rail vacation through the stunning red rocks in Utah. If you are addicted to Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone series, why not visit Yellowstone National Park or go fly fishing in Montana. The beaches of Florida are among the best in the world but did you know you can swim with the manatees at certain times of the year?
We are cautiously hopeful that cruising will return by summer and no place offers more beauty and memorable experiences than Alaska. The first ships to return to Alaska may well be the small ships that have fewer regulations. We will also expect that small ship cruising along the breathless coast line of New England or the historical Southeast will return by summer. Experience Niagara Falls or Mackinac Island as you sail the Great Lakes. Book a memorable paddle wheel cruise on the mighty Mississippi with the music of Memphis and New Orleans. Fee l like Lewis & Clark as you discover the rivers of the Pacific Northwest.
At this time, we really don’t know where autumn and winter travel will take us but hopefully vaccines will make more travel doors open up. One thing to remember is that all travel suppliers, whether land tours or resorts or cruises, are offering book with confidence guarantees so reservation changes can be made if needed without penalty. We also want you to know that 2022 vacations of all types are currently booking about 150% higher than 2019 – which was a record breaking year for travel. So whether a Polynesian Island cruise, an African safari, a European Christmas Markets tour or wherever you want to go … now is the right time to be booking travel for winter 2021 and 2022.
Call us at Salty Breeze Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, 727-290-4998 or 888-332-8202 to talk about your travel bucket list.
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