Over the last several months, the world has come to a standstill. Restaurants closed, stores limited their hours, and worldwide travel came to a screeching halt. For months, people stayed inside their homes, only leaving occasionally for essential reasons. Now, approximately eight months later, countries are beginning to reopen and the world is getting used to a “new normal.” Luckily for those who are explorers at heart, opportunities for travel are beginning to come back around. 

What does the “new normal” of the travel industry look like? For now, flights are significantly emptier than before, hotels have initiated new cleaning routines, and tours are somewhat smaller and socially distanced. Continue reading to discover the safest ways to travel during a worldwide pandemic and the safest places to visit, along with which countries have reopened their borders to international travelers. Begin booking your 2021 adventures today!

Methods of Travel

When traveling during a worldwide pandemic, it’s important to stay safe and healthy. The majority of companies in the travel company have implemented a wide variety of safety precautions and guidelines. Safe travel methods are essential when it comes to traveling during a pandemic. Below are some of the safest methods of travel in today’s world. 

Road trips

Road trips are one of the safest methods of travel during this time because it keeps your interactions with other people to a minimum. It is also a perfect vacation for travelers on a budget! The Wander Camp has a variety of different sites in the US, making it the perfect destination at the end of a road trip! Explore the country from the safety of your own car. 

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals are the renting out of a furnished apartment, house, or resort condo to tourists as an alternative to a hotel. You can book your very own vacation rental on websites like Airbnb and Vrbo. Most vacation rentals are professionally cleaned between bookings and follow strict COVID guidelines. A benefit of vacation rentals is that they are typically larger than hotel rooms and require little to no person-to-person contact. 

Camping

Although camping is not everyone’s favorite activity, it’s the perfect source of entertainment in today’s world. The perks of camping are that it is completely isolated from the world and other campers and it is the ideal activity for escaping the regular routine of daily life. There’s nothing like a little fresh air, a crackling campfire, and a beautifully starry night to get just the break that everybody has been looking for. 

Flights

Lastly, flights are also remarkably safe during the reign of the coronavirus. Airports and planes are considerably emptier than usual, and most airlines require patrons to wear a mask at all times and enforce strict social distancing guidelines. Flights are also remarkably inexpensive at the moment, so don’t hesitate to buy a ticket to that place that you’ve been dying to go to!

Countries Open for International Travel

For many months this year, most countries have been closed to travelers for international travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has several resources for finding out the level of disease risk in each country as well as guidelines to follow while traveling. It’s important to research and follow these guidelines in order to keep ourselves and others safe. Below you will find a list of nine countries that are currently open for international travel. 

Bahamas

Starting on November 1, 2020, the Bahamas is planned to eliminate the mandatory 14-day quarantine. Vacationers must fill out an online health visa and present negative COVID-19 test results within five days before travel. 

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is allowing visitors from most US states and plans to allow all US citizens to travel within their borders starting on November 1, 2020. Visitors must complete a health survey, test negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours of travel, and show proof of travel medical insurance. 

Croatia

Croatia began allowing US tourists within its borders in July! Travelers need to present a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of travel. 

Egypt

All international visitors to Egypt need to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours before arrival. Many temples, archaeological sites, and museums are open to visitors. 

Kenya

Kenya has recently reopened to US citizens with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 96 hours before arrival and those who can pass a mandatory health screening. 

Maldives

All tourists visiting the Maldives must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of arrival. 

Rwanda

International visitors to Rwanda must present a negative COVID-10 test taken within 120 hours of arrival as well as a second test taken upon arrival. Guests must shelter in place in their respective hotels until they receive their results. All Rwanda National Parks are open. 

Tanzania

Tourists wanting to visit Tanzania must fill out a health surveillance form, participate in a health screening and possibly be tested for COVID-19 before arriving in the country. 

Turkey

US citizens traveling to TUrkey must complete a health information form and consent to being checked for coronavirus symptoms. If you show symptoms, you will be asked to take a test. 

Travel during these uncertain times has the capacity to be perfectly safe as long as travelers follow health and safety guidelines and choose vacations and activities wisely. While there can be many risks and restrictions for traveling during a pandemic, there are also many methods to do so safely. It’s time to resume exploring the world, whether it be virtually, staying in your own country, or planning trips for 2021!

Book now, pay when the country reopens! Book your 2021 adventures today with Acanela Expeditions for only $1 and save up to 50% off! 

*Please note that travel regulations are due to change in accordance with country regulations. Before you make any travel plans, we recommend doing your own research or reaching out to our team. We want you to make informed decisions about where to travel based on your own situation and personal levels of risk. 

**All information contained in this post can be found here.

Post written by Abby Kimball