The travel industry has been flipped upside-down on its head and people are left just trying to buckle in tight to get where they need to be.
But it hasn’t been easy and our new President certainly hasn’t improved the situation.
And by the time you finish reading this sentence, it’s likely King Biden has signed yet another executive order changing travel requirements, so where can you go?
Travelers are now required to provide a negative COVID test when flying into the United States, even if they’re a citizen coming back from a weekend in Aruba (which is allowing Americans to visit by the way).
So choosing a country that doesn’t have an active battle with COVID-19 would be advisable.
But like all of us, you are surely getting that ache to start exploring vacation options.
Last year forced many travelers to seek more rural escapes and they could only go as far as the car could take them.
But this year offers more promise with countries scrounging to increase their tourism revenue once again.
So, head off to one of these destinations to forget, if only for a moment, that we are going to have a whirlwind of new burdensome policies for the next four years.
1. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has been an international hotspot for some time, with only a brief decline in tourism when resort guests began mysteriously dying.
But now you’re free to sink your toes in the soft, white sand and take a refreshing dip in its crystal blue waters with only a temperature check.
According to the country’s official website, travelers may be chosen at random in the airport to get an aleatory breath test.
However, if you do test positive or show symptoms of COVID, your day is going to look more like a scene from Taken as you’ll be whisked away to an unknown location for quarantine.
Oh, but you must wear a mask on the beach and be in your hotel room by curfew. But no need to fret because the beach is better during the day anyways!
2. Ireland
If you’ve always wanted to kiss the Blarney Stone for the gift of gab or gaze upon the rolling emerald hills, now is your time!
Americans are welcome to Ireland if they can provide a negative coronavirus test taken less than 72 hours before arrival, and then take another test 5 days after landing, at which time you will have to quarantine.
Good news is there are plenty of castles around that make quarantining feel more like hitting the jackpot.
Just be sure to pack that negative test, because if you don’t have it to show to the proper authorities, you will be facing penalties and even jail time.
3. Jamaica
Start hoarding some wet naps because nobody does Jerk Chicken like Jamaica – and this may be your best bet for a summer of fun in the sun.
And it may be one of the easiest countries to visit right now.
All Americans over 12 years of age must present an approved negative coronavirus taken within 72 hours of arriving.
You also need to fill out a form to be approved for travel, so start planning now to get the perfect room on Seven Mile Beach.
4. North Macedonia
This country may not have been your first pick for a family vacation, but it has a lot to offer – and they don’t require any testing to get in!
Stroll through the narrow passageways of the Old World bazaar and find little treasures you would never see in places like Times Square.
Or hike Mount Ljuboten on the northwest edge of the country just before Kosovo and experience a habitat booming with life.
5. Panama
Bocos Del Toro is nice this time of year – and every time of year!
The group of islands of the Caribbean are calling your name and all you have to do is provide a negative coronavirus test within 48 hours of travel.
Feast your eyes on the colorful homes placed on stilts hovering over translucent waves or gawk at the massive ships coming in through the Panama Canal.
Wherever there is sand, sun, and hospitality, the options are endless.
Don’t waste your time jumping through endless hoops just to take a getaway – go where you’re wanted and enjoy a vacation like the good ‘ol days.
