What’s it like traveling in 2020?

A large airplane flying over an airport runway.

     I’m going to be honest, it’s not as enjoyable. Some of the best parts of travel are meeting new people, exploring the country and going out to eat. With the new rules and regulations, this becomes difficult. Even when a country is listed as open, we noticed they are not fully open. 

     My first trip since the Covid-19 pandemic was to Morocco. It might sound crazy, but we booked our ticket 4hrs before the flight. The reason being, we needed a negative Covid-19 PCR test in hand to fly and didn’t feel comfortable purchasing a ticket until then. Although this sounds easy it becomes very tricky, very quickly. Each country has its own rules and restrictions so it’s important to research this extensively before booking. For example, what kind of Covid-19 test do you need? A PCR, NAAT or Rapid test? How many hours before flying is that test acceptable to the airline? What are the procedures and restrictions of the country once you arrive? For example, is the country you’re flying to under a curfew? Are the popular tourist attractions closed? Do you need a negative Covid-19 exam to get back home? You’d be surprised to see just how many restrictions a country who is technically “opened” has. 

Many countries are requiring a negative COVID-19 exam to enter. Each country has its own rules and restrictions so it’s important to research this extensively before booking. For example, what kind of Covid-19 test do you need? A PCR, NAAT or Rapid test?

Each country has its own requirements but they are typically 72hrs or 96hrs.

Will you need to take another COVID-19 test upon arrival? 

You’d be surprised to see just how many restrictions a country who is technically “opened” has. Are the popular tourist attractions open? Make a list of things to do and places to go prior to leaving. Reach out to them and ensure that they are not only open, but also accepting new reservations. With new social distancing rules, entry to many places is limited. 

 

Many countries have a curfew in place so please look this up before traveling. For example, if your flight arrives at 11 PM and the curfew is 10 PM, there are no restaurants or stores open for food including hotels. 

Research your countries rules and regulations for flying home. Is there a mandatory 14 day quarantine? Will you need to take another COVID test?