Like most of us, this question is probably weighing heavily on your mind right now. Several destinations are opening up – Mexico, Jamaica, Bahamas. Resorts are posting their enhanced COVID-19 safety protocols, flights are adding itineraries and throwing in flexible rebooking policies, and the cruise industry is poised to spring into action as soon as the CDC gives them the go (which the industry and Washington are currently negotiating). You’d be forgiven for thinking the time is right to finally take that postponed 2020 family vacation.
So should you? Ultimately, the decision is one you will have to make after careful deliberation (and preferably consultation with your doctor). The answer is not a simple one. Many factors are at play here. First and foremost is your own safety. Are you in a high risk group for developing severe complications if you catch the virus? Your loved ones must also be considered. Even if you are not at high risk, is someone close to? Are you likely to spread it to him/her?
After the health consideration of you and your family, you must consider the community implications of your travel. Are you from a community that is experiencing a rise in cases? Will your employer or state require a quarantine if you do travel? Are you traveling to an area that is experiencing a spike in cases?
Even if the stars all seem to align in your favor, remember that you will be passing through multiple possible infection sources. You may be entering a cab or Uber. You will pass through airports. You may take a shared transfer to your hotel. You will need to eat in restaurants. You will want to visit attractions (if they are even open). Each one of these represents a point where multiple people, from multiple destinations, with varying levels of infection are coming into contact with facilities you will be contacting as well. That presents risk, despite the best intended safety protocols. Safety is not guaranteed. It is a buyer beware market in the travel industry right now.
In the end, the decision is yours. As your dedicated travel advisor, our goal is to arm you with information to make an informed decision. We hope you will make it rationally and not put yourself or others at risk. When the time is right, we are here guide you through the process of understanding what tests are needed, what protocols are in place, and what recourse you have in the event of a worst case scenario. That is the value of planning your vacation with a trusted professional.
