What is Traveling Like Now?

My recent trip to Turks & Caicos was a much-needed getaway but I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about it before I left. Even though I am fully vaccinated, I had so many thoughts about traveling internationally during COVID-19, so I thought I would put together some questions I have received and some that I had before venturing out of the country. Here are some answers based on my experience.

What were the requirements to travel?

Current international travel requirements are governed differently on each end of a trip. Travel TO your destination is of course controlled by the area you are traveling to. For my recent trip to Turks a negative test was required within a few days of departure. Returning to the US from any international destination required a negative COVID test within 48 hours of your return, even if you are fully vaccinated (I think this may be changing soon!). In many cases the resorts coordinate and/or offer testing onsite for the ease and convenience of their guests.

What was it like on the airplane and in the airport?

The airplane/airport experience was as you would expect. Masks are required. We had to show our negative test, required by the destination, to the Delta gate agent upon boarding the plane. In flight food service has changed quite a bit. Beer/Wine/Bottled water only and snacks in pre-packaged containers only (I miss ICE in the air, but I will survive). I am a fairly loyal Delta traveler and they did not disappoint.

Did people wear masks at the resort?

Masks were worn by resort staff at all times. Masks for guests were optional but encouraged in indoor spaces, although a tropical resort like Amanyara is very open air so there aren’t many fully indoor spaces.

What were you able to do while there, were any activities restricted?

Activities at Amanyara were in full swing. Safety precautions were in place depending on the activity but little restriction as far as what you can do!

Ultimately, even with restrictions and extra precautions needed, it was totally worth it. I knew I missed traveling but I didn’t realize how much until I actually got on the plane!