Everything You Need to Know About Traveling in 2021
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March 5, 2021
Wow, I can’t believe I finally traveled internationally for the first time in well over a year! I have done some domestic travel–all road trips besides Key West last month–but my first international trip was to Mexico and now that I’ve been through it, I’m happy to share all the changes that have been put in place for international travel.
First of all, those traveling with a US passport are only allowed to enter certain countries. Right now, that list includes Mexico, The Bahamas, Colombia, Morocco, South Africa, and more. We are banned from 93 countries as of the writing of this post. You can view a full list with details here. While it is of course extremely important to be careful when traveling during 2021, it is possible. And even enjoayble.
Pre-travel
If you’re like me, then traveling is essential to your quality of life. I’m happier, more successful, and all-around a better person when I travel. So after a year-long break of being inside my home 24/7, I’m ready to find a way to live safely and healthily in 2021. The first step to that is frequent testing. It is my responsibility to make sure I am healthy before I travel, not just after. I recommend getting tested, then quarantining for at least 5 days and then getting tested again before a trip. This is the best way to ensure a healthy trip.
The Journey
Be ready to wear your mask from the moment you step foot outside your door until your arrival at your destination. Masks are required in airports, on planes, and in most public places, so this is a must! I highly recommend traveling with Delta. Not only do they fully block middle seats, but they provide hand sanitizing wipes several times throughout the flight and strictly require the wearing of a face covering at all times. They also board the plane back-to-front, providing for the least amount of contact as possible. While I do bring my own hand sanitizer as well, it’s nice to know that Delta is taking that extra step to ensure cleanliness and safety for all passengers.
Re-entering the United States
As of January 26, 2021, The United States requires a negative covid test in order to enter the country. This is required for both US citizens and anyone else entering the country. All passengers must take their covid test within 72 hours of departure. A rapid test is acceptable, as long as it is a viral test that is either an antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Many resorts have testing on-site, making this requirement much more manageable. The airline is responsible for checking the test results before boarding. I personally was asked for my results before dropping off my bags. I was not asked for my results again past that point, even at US customs.
Post-travel
The CDC recommends that travelers get tested 3-5 days after travel AND stay home or otherwise self-quarantine for 7 days after travel. Even if you test negative, stay home for the full 7 days. If you don’t get tested again once you are back, it’s safest to stay home for 10 days.
So that’s it! Honestly, I felt safe the whole time during my trip–including the traveling part. Anyone who is traveling right now is well aware of the risk, and we’re all trying to stay safe and healthy. I won’t be getting back to my usual packed travel schedule, but after traveling internationally once, I can say that it is very doable while staying safe and healthy.
Will you be traveling in 2021?
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Photos by Ryan Carpenter and Jake Meyer.
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March 3, 2021 @ 7:15 pm
I want to travel in 2021, but probably won’t until midsummer, or until both my husband and I are both vaccinated. I miss traveling a lot!
March 4, 2021 @ 10:27 am
I’m sure you do!! I had missed it like crazy! I can’t wait to be able to get the vaccine. I’m so glad there are great options in place to keep us safe in the meantime, but I know that will make things even better!
March 4, 2021 @ 7:26 am
I’d love to travel again, but I’m not sure if it will happen this year. Hopefully, in the summer or fall after my husband and I have been vaccinated and re-acclimate to being around people again.
March 4, 2021 @ 10:26 am
The vaccine will make it so much easier for sure! I hope y’all are able to get it soon 🙂
March 4, 2021 @ 8:57 am
You really took all the precautions, which is awesome. I don’t plan to travel again for quite some time – unless it’s a road trip just an hour or so away to an Airbnb or something – but it’s good to know that it is possible to go further 🙂
March 4, 2021 @ 10:12 am
It is definitely daunting at first, but traveling is such an integral part of who I am. Taking all of the precautions and visiting places that are more remote and take COVID seriously puts my mind much more at ease!
March 4, 2021 @ 9:34 am
Love it!! So … Morocco next?
March 4, 2021 @ 10:10 am
You know I’m down!!! One of my favorite trips everrr
March 4, 2021 @ 9:58 am
I’m going to Hawaii next month and can’t freaking wait! A negative test is required for everyone flying to the islands, which is really the only reason I feel safe going there right now. The rest of the year will probably just be a few road trips within a couple hours of my home. I’m vaccinated and am still super paranoid!
March 4, 2021 @ 10:09 am
Yay!! That’s so exciting!!! I absolutely LOVE Hawaii and I’ve heard they’re doing an amazing job over there. I’m definitely super cautious and have only gone to destinations where I know COVID is taken seriously. I’m excited to be able to travel as safely as possible!
March 5, 2021 @ 8:50 am
Ug, I am ready to travel, but I am not ready for all of the changes. It’s going to be different from being in an airport to seeing sights for sure!
March 8, 2021 @ 9:16 am
It really isn’t bad at all!!! It is different of course, but honestly the changes don’t bother me at all. I think I’m just so relieved to be able to travel safely that I’m ok with them!
March 5, 2021 @ 10:15 am
We really hope to do a trip or two later this year so this is super helpful! I miss travel!
March 8, 2021 @ 9:15 am
I had missed traveling so much!!! It’s so nice to know that there are many precautions in place to keep us as safe as possible. I truly felt protected throughout the entire trip!
March 8, 2021 @ 5:30 am
I was curious how travel’s been for those who can, thanks for sharing this post! Not sure if things are the same here but at least it gives me an idea of what to prepare for!
March 8, 2021 @ 1:34 pm
Such a great informative post girl! Lots of good information for people wanting to start traveling again! AND OMGGGGGGG that Mexico scenery is TDF!
March 9, 2021 @ 11:26 am
Thank you!!! I’m really glad I was able to experience these changes first hand and can relay the info to everyone! OMG it was amazinggg. We HAVE to plan a trip to go back with y’all!