LIVE LOVE TRAVEL?
We are emboldened! We’ve
had more injections this past year between vaccines and flu shots and boosters
that we could easily think we are indestructible or at least healthy enough to
travel.
This pandemic has other plans.
With COVID variants
popping up like dandelions on my spring lawn it’s no wonder countries are
hesitant to allowing outside travelers across their borders. The logistics of
traveling to foreign countries is already a chore without this pandemic, but
with the constantly changing COVID protocols adding another layer of details it’s
a wonder why we even want to leave the house!
Why?
Because it’s a big
world and someone has to see it!
ISLAND HOPPING
Team VFH is ambitious
this year and we’re currently planning a trip to a Diamond Resort on Tenerife
in the Canary Islands with points gifted by Janet’s step-mother late March into
April. We are traveling to another Sandals resort, this time in Grenada in May.
And, we are looking for a sailing adventure in Fiji in September. We will be
cashing in airline miles we’ve accrued over the years for a couple of free flights.
Yes, it is all very ambitious,
but with a nod to all the COVID protocol issues we are paring down our
destinations. Rather than taking side trips before reaching any of the destinations
we are simply going straightaway to each island nation.
We may have to
overnight in Madrid on our way to Tenerife to avoid missing a connecting
flight, but at this writing we are (ahem…I mean Janet) trying to figure out how
to avoid this.
 |
| TENERIFE |
CAN YOU GET THERE FROM
HERE?
Every country has its own
set of COVID rules and it’s hard to keep up with them. Thankfully American
Airlines runs something called Sherpa. Updated as changes are announced by
governments, this great and free resource helps plan travel around the latest health
and travel restrictions.
One could and should go
to the individual country’s website for the latest information, but Sherpa lays
it out clearly and details not only entry requirements but also return necessities.
Go to the website, plug
in your travel information including dates and destination and Sherpa gives you
a legible, easy to read guide to the necessary steps to comply with COVID
protocol rules currently in place, including any necessary tests or quarantining
requirements. Sherpa also gives information for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated
travel.
Here is what we’re
looking at so far:
Canary Islands
Fully vaccinated
travelers from the United States have no need to quarantine or take a COVID
test to gain entry, but upon landing will have a health screening consisting of
a temperature check and visual check for symptoms. Masks are required in all
public areas.
 |
| GRENADA FLAG |
Grenada
Fully vaccinated travelers
from the United States who do not have a travel history visiting certain African
countries listed on the website are allowed entry. Another reason to avoid side
trips. Upon arrival a COVID test may have to be taken if authorities in Grenada
think it’s necessary.
Fiji
This distant island
nation in the South Pacific just recently reopened their borders in December
and they have the strictest rules. First off you must be fully vaccinated just to
gain entry and then spend 3 nights at a certified CFC (Care Fiji Committed) hotel
and take a Rapid Test on day 2. If negative then we could travel on our sailing
adventure. This isn’t a quarantine in a hotel room, but a “Safe Travel Area”
where CFC-approved tours, excursions and experiences are available during this
stay. We experienced something similar to this when we traveled to Jamaica last
year.
Fiji also requires travel
insurance that covers COVID related issues and masks in all public areas.
NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT
Of course, as we get
closer to departure dates restrictions may ease somewhat.
The situation(s) remain
fluid though and the new normal of having to deal with this pandemic will never
fully leave us. So, check Sherpa and the individual country’s website to keep
up to date with these necessities, and we'll keep jumping through hoops in order to see this vast beautiful world.
Thanks for reading
Love Janet and greg
© 2022 by Greg Dunaj
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