If you’ve recently gotten married, or are planning to get married soon, then a honeymoon may be on your mind. Naturally, after a wedding you are right to plan a honeymoon, but what about when there’s a global pandemic? 2020 and 2021 have been tough years for most people around the globe, but things are slowly looking more positive. Travel restrictions can confuse and differ depending on which country you’re looking to spend your honeymoon in. Here’s some information about traveling during the pandemic and what you can expect if you want to spend your honeymoon overseas.
Is Traveling Safe?
Whether traveling is safe depends on how you define “safe”. Many countries are now allowing Americans to visit for vacations, but some do come with certain restrictions and conditions. In terms of safety, this varies on where you visit. Areas with higher cases of COVID-19 will obviously be less “safe” than places with a low case rate. If you suffer from any medical conditions that may make you vulnerable to COVID-19, then it’s best to stay close to home. Many countries globally are lifting COVID-19 related measures, but this doesn’t mean the virus has gone away.
When Will the Pandemic Be Over?
It’s important to remember that COVID-19 has affected the entire world, so it is likely to be with us in some form for quite some time. Most countries are now vaccinating their populations at an impressive rate, which is good news for both travel and curbing the spread of the virus. Overall, the vaccine appears to be resulting in fewer hospital cases in countries that have quickly vaccinated their populations. However, the chances of COVID-19 “going away” soon are quite slim. It is likely to be a virus that exists alongside us for the foreseeable future.
Where Can I Travel?
If you are looking to honeymoon overseas, then there are several countries that are allowing US citizens to do so. One of these destinations is Antigua, so if you’re thinking of an all-inclusive vacation in Antigua, then you’re in luck. Antigua requires travelers to take a PCR test seven days before their flight and be subject to monitoring for 14 days. They may also require some individuals to take an additional COVID test and quarantine while they wait for the result. Many other countries are also allowing travelers from the US to enter, with restrictions mainly relating to producing a negative PCR test result within a certain timeframe before traveling.
What Should I Be Aware Of?
There are many things to be aware of if you choose to honeymoon overseas this year. This includes being prepared for last-minute changes and delays relating to COVID-19. You should avoid traveling if you have any COVID-19 symptoms or if you develop them as your trip approaches. You should also ensure that your medical insurance covers medical evacuation and check your insurance conditions for any exclusions that relate to cover during a pandemic. If you are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and have not yet had this, ensure you have this before traveling. Be aware that you’ll have to give enough time between having the vaccine and traveling in order to have a level of immunization while on your honeymoon.
How Can I Reduce the Risk of Transmission While Traveling?
While traveling, be sure to wear a face mask when in public spaces. You’ll also have to wear a mask when flying to the destination. Different countries have different rules on face masks, so familiarizing yourself with this before traveling can help you know where you stand. You should also know of any social distancing rules that are in place in the country that you’re traveling to. Pack enough hand sanitizer and face masks to last your trip as some countries have shortages of these and they may not be readily available. Follow correct handwashing guidelines and wash your hands regularly.
What if I’ve Had a Vaccine?
Whether you have had a vaccine, you’ll need to follow the guidelines relating to wherever you’re traveling to. Remember that although the vaccine protects you against catching COVID-19, it is not 100% effective and may still allow you to pass the virus onto others. The vaccine offers you protection against COVID-19, so be aware of protecting others.
What Will Happen After COVID?
It is difficult to say what will happen “after” COVID, as mentioned we will probably live alongside the virus for a while. However, as case numbers are dropping in many areas, it is fair to assume that as these drop further, travel restrictions will probably loosen. Currently, the goal of all countries is to avoid bringing additional variants of the virus from overseas across their borders. Therefore, stricter precautions are a part of traveling abroad for the foreseeable future. If you’re looking to get married while COVID is still a global issue, then you will need to follow the corresponding guidelines and precautions when it comes to traveling for your honeymoon. Alternatively, wait a little longer for restrictions to be lifted further or stay closer to home. A honeymoon in a pandemic could be a great subject for a non-fiction book if you’re feeling creative and set on honeymooning abroad.
Contact Hitch Studio with any questions about wedding planning, wedding invitations, or plans after your wedding!