“How could you possibly know how to plan your first post-pandemic trip when you don't have a clue what the post-pandemic world will look like?” – wrote one user on one of the leading digital platforms in the United States. This question is aptly suitable since we have no idea when it will stop.
Like any other industry, the travel industry, too, has extensively suffered due to the spread of the novel coronavrius around the world. Travelers have been tasked with putting vacation plans on hold and staying home to help stop the spread. Even though it is hard to say when fully-fledged travel will resume, it is for sure that “not all future travel is off the table”. To ascertain this, famous psychologist and executive director at Behavioral Associates, Robert Reiner says, “I’m reminding people this thing is not forever. It has a beginning, middle, and an end.”
The truth is that the unlock process around the world has begun. Despite many restrictions are still in place, people have slowly started planning their trips in certain areas as they wish to stretch their arms and legs. Since the virus has not been well-contained yet – considering the community spread in the USA that has taken the cases to 3.83M (as we are writing this piece), it is a challenge to safely explore the world. As per a poll conducted by National Geographic and Morning Consult, “2 percent of 2,200 Americans would jump on a plane now and only another 8 percent would consider it later this summer.”
Compared to the United States, the Caribbean region is doing pretty well. The COVID cases are under control, but that doesn’t simply allow travelers to move wherever they want to. If you develop a bit of cabin fever and want to lie out on a beach, what better location you could ask for than the Caribbean region? Having said that several health and safety questions keep tormenting – Do you have to wear a face mask on the beach or in the public area? Is it essential to take a COVID test before arriving? What are the top places to visit in the Caribbean during the pandemic? What should be the best place to stay in the Caribbean – a lavish vacation villa or a swanky hotel?
If you have planned for a leisure trip to the Caribbean amid the Coronavirus outbreak in the coming months, you should know the islands that are opening their borders to welcome vacation-seekers. In this travel guide to the Caribbean amid the pandemic, we will assist you to take the call.
Travelers gearing up for a Caribbean vacation, particularly amid the COVID outbreak, shouldn’t expect a thundering welcome – as not everyone is willing to open their borders anytime soon. Islands like the Cayman Islands, Curacao, or Guadeloupe are not thinking. Contemplating these places would surely jeopardize your summer fun.
Before you embark on the trip, check-in on the coronavirus updates with the local government and tourism board. Let’s dive in and read on about the places to visit in the Caribbean in terms of safety.
The dual-island country – Antigua and Barbuda – reopened its borders for visitors, allowing foreign travelers to fly into the country via the international airport on Antigua. While visiting this dual-island country, you must keep two options in mind –
What else? While getting around, ensure you have a mask on (in all public areas). If you need to interact with others, maintain a 6-feet distance. Places like beaches may not ask you to wear a mask as you can maintain social distancing without any problem.
Best Places to Visit in Antigua and Barbuda:
Antigua and its sleepy sister island, Barbuda comprise an island country that is known for its pristine stretches of sand sprinkled beaches and excellent surfing and snorkeling spots. Some of the top places to get around include Half Moon Bay, 17-mile Beach, Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, Dickenson Bay, Stingray City, Frigate Bird Sanctuary, and Museum of Antigua and Barbuda.
How to Choose a Safe Stay in Antigua & Barbuda?
One of the major reasons why we wouldn’t recommend staying at hotels when you are traveling to this beautiful paradise is because hotels have other guests and staff, too – with whom you anticipate interacting. There are numerous other reasons why Antigua villa rentals should be booked in advance for a safer trip with the family. Browse Search Home Rentals, find a perfect sumptuous place for your family, and book the rental directly with the owner to save some bucks. Simple?
On 15th June, Jamaica reopened its borders. Now, international travelers are flocking to this beautiful island country, adhering to its rules and guidelines. Those traveling from Texas, New York, Florida, and Arizona are required to show proof of a negative COVID. Also, Jamaica vacation rentals that are allowed to accommodate guests must pass a Coronavirus Compliant test. The tourism minister of the country, Edmund Bartlett said at a press conference in early June, “The most important thing is to be able to trace the visitors and to contain their movement.”
Best Places to Visit in Jamaica:
Lush rainforests, emerald mountains, powder-soft beaches, extraordinary coral reefs, a brilliant blue sea, and a plethora of thrilling activities will ensure your Jamaica vacation is super-fun. One of the most sought-after vacation destinations in the Caribbean region, Jamaica is always bustling with a Caribbean run and African charm.
The next vacation destination in the Caribbean should be Aruba. It has reopened its borders for the Caribbean, Canadian, and European visitors on 1st July. From 10th July, it has reopened its borders for the U.S. vacationers. If you are traveling from the United States, you must be aware that it requires visitors to fill a health questionnaire form and upload the negative test results within 72 hours of arriving. At Queen Beatrix International Airport, you can take a test upon arrival. Only after receiving approval to visit (after receiving the negative result once you have filled out that Embarkation and Disembarkation – ED card), you are all set to fly.
Best Places to Visit in Aruba:
Recognized for its gorgeous blonde beaches, best wreck diving spots, and wind-sculpted desert landscapes, Aruba has everything for an ardent beach lover. Relatively dry with incessant fine weather, Aruba makes one of the best vacation hotspots in the entire region. Visit any day or month, you will not regret it.
Top Beaches:
When it comes to the best beaches in the world, Aruba has plenty of them. It offers an abundance of beaches including Druif Beach, Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, Arashi Beach, Bachelor’s Beach, Black Stone Beach, Baby Beach, and Malmok. Each of these beaches is known for something or the other. Heading to the southeast, you will find the beaches less populated.
Top Attractions:
Had enough of beaches? You may like to visit around the colorful cities including Oranjestad. It is the capital and cruise port of this beautiful tiny island. The pastel-hued buildings, museum, entertainment options, restaurants, and galleries will keep families with kids busy. Aruba Historical Museum, Arikok National Park, Boca Prins, California Lighthouse & California Dunes, Natural Pool, the Butterfly Farm, and Philip’s Animal Garden are some of the leading attractions on the island.
The next destination that you should plan on booking your trip to the Caribbean is Barbados. It has reported having only one active case between 17 June and 7 July, which has led the local government to decide to reopen the borders.
It is mandatory to take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours (to enter the island nation). While you wait for the results, the officials would ask you to quarantine for a minimum period of 48 hours. Also, you need to fill an ED card (Embarkation/ Disembarkation card) to confirm that there’s no symptom within 3 days of departure.
“Barbados is actively looking to bring tourists back” – this has brought smiles to many travelers. However, one has to follow the travel rules to stay safe. Maintain social distancing whenever it is required. Wear a mask while roaming around in the markets or city centers. Many Barbados vacation rentals allow its guests to stay longer and enjoy the island nation. To inspire people to travel and enjoy work from home, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has proposed a one-year visa. The main purpose of this is to allow travelers from different countries to enjoy a vacation while working remotely. She said at a conference, “This will allow people from the United States, Europe, and Latin America to come and do their jobs digitally for a couple of months and then go back home if they feel they can work better in a more relaxed atmosphere such as next to a beach.”
Best Places to Visit in Barbados:
The most sought-after places to visit in Barbados while maintaining all the security guidelines –
As of 7th July 2020, the Bahamas have opened doors for all international tourists. They are required to take a test upon arrival. However, these travelers must show negative COVID results.
Visitors to the Bahamas can reach either by private planes or yachts. No matter what mode of transportation you choose, you can’t escape filling out a “travel health” card or questionnaire.
Best Places to Visit the Bahamas:
There’s no dearth of the amazing range of things to see and do in the Bahamas. Made up of more than 700 beautiful islands, the Bahamas is made of landscapes that not just beach lovers but also nature enthusiasts would fall for. Some of the best places to visit when in the archipelago are National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, Long Island, Andros, Paradise Island, Elbow Cay, Grand Bahama, Downtown and Bay Street, Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Pirate Museum, and Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Park.
Social distancing should be carried out while roaming around on the island. All the villas, condos, and apartments have enhanced safety measures. The owners have made disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, etc. readily available.
Another topnotch destination that has opened borders recently in the region is the Dominican Republic. The island country has officially reopened its borders on 1st July, which has tempted many to book family-friendly Dominican Republic vacation rentals by owners. Adjacent to the villas and swanky apartments are numerous striking restaurants and bars that maintain all the hygiene protocols. You can also try your hands at horseback riding, boating, zip-lining, and sightseeing. However, certain cleaning precautions must be in place.
As per the protocol followed by in several countries, you will also have to fill out a health questionnaire. You might even be asked to check with the regular customs forms confirming you have negative COVID results in the past 72 hours. If possible, give them your contact information even you have got your temperature checked while deplaning.
Best Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic:
Are you all set for a Caribbean holiday? What better place could you ask for than the Dominican Republic? The island is replete with plenty of Spanish heritages, clear water, and a plethora of off-shore activities including whale watching and deep-sea fishing.
"Whenever you travel, even before the coronavirus, you run the risk of encountering new infections. Right now that risk is heightened since we know that there's active transmission of COVID-19 in every state, as well as most countries," says Dr. Michael Ben-Aderet, an infectious disease specialist.
There are always challenges when you step out of your house. Even if the Caribbean islands have started welcoming international travelers, considering the following points would put you in a better position.
Considering a trip to the Caribbean? You are in luck. Most of its island nations are now reopening their borders for international travelers.
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