Caribbean Travels, All-Inclusives and More! An Update
Published Monday, January 11th 2021 - Updated Thursday, October 13th 2022In the past three months I've been super busy! I was fortunate enough, working with local tourism offices, many of my suppliers and resort partners to visit close to 50 different resorts throughout Mexico (Cancun/Riviera Maya Los Cabos/Cabo San Lucas) and the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana/Uvero/Cap Cana/Bavaro).
We’ve been checking out what’s available for all different budgets from affordable to luxury; many amazing beach locations and resorts for families and Adults Only. We’ve also been checking out tours and available excursions from snorkeling to cooking classes, deep-sea fishing to horse and even camel riding! Of course, we’ve also been verifying safety and health protocols in each place we’ve been to.
All of this research allows us to be able to give you inside info, answer your questions based on first-hand knowledge and truly give you personalized advice for your next vacations.
Whenever the time is right for you, we’ll arrange the perfect vacation just for you.
Many of you missed out on big milestone birthdays, anniversaries, graduations etc so now is the time to make up for those! There are lots of awesome deals to be had for early or last minute bookings - and of course, travel protection policies and insurance coverage (highly recommended!) to protect you and your trip.
Here's what's open around the Caribbean now:
Aruba
Aruba's five-component requirement for entry includes providing basic traveler information, proof of a negative molecular COVID-19 test result (travelers age 15 and older) and insurance coverage as well as completing a basic health assessment. Travelers must also consent to Aruba's government mandates. JetBlue passengers planning to visit Aruba have the option to take an at-home, saliva-based PCR test through a partnership with Vault Health.
Bahamas
The beautiful Bahamas are open to Americans this winter. However, travelers age 11 and older will need to produce a negative PCR test result no more than seven days prior to their arrival and apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa, during which they'll have to opt-in for COVID-19 health insurance.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica recently reopened to all Americans and also eliminated its COVID-19 testing requirement. Currently, Americans must complete a health pass form and provide proof of travel medical insurance covering any COVID-19 related medical treatment or quarantine lodging while in the country. Travelers do have the option to purchase a Costa Rican medical insurance policy through the National Insurance Institute.
Dominican Republic
Although travelers will have to complete an E-Ticket when entering or exiting the Dominican Republic, they are not required to show proof of a negative PCR test result in order to gain entry. Instead, officials in the DR will give random breath tests to no more than 10 percent of arriving passengers as well as any arrivals showing symptoms.
Jamaica
Jamaica, which has established a resilient corridor to keep visitors safe amid the pandemic, is requiring travelers to secure "travel authorization," which requires a negative PCR, Nucleic Acid Amplification test, molecular or antigen test result taken within less than 10 days of arrival for travelers age 12 and older. The test must be performed by a College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) registered or ISO 15189 certified laboratory.
Mexico
While U.S. land borders with Canada and Mexico are closed through at least January 21, 2021, Americans are still able to fly to Mexico for leisure purposes without having to present a negative COVID-19 test result. Instead, officials will be conducting temperature checks and other health screenings upon arrival.
Saint Lucia
Americans traveling to Saint Lucia this winter must provide a negative PCR test result taken within seven days of arrival as well as complete and submit a Travel Authorization Form. Visitors also need to be booked in approved COVID-19 accommodations and agree to health screenings upon arrival, including temperature checks.
Source: TravelPulse
PROTOCOLS FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY:
1. AIRPORT SCREENINGS - temperature checks, health questionnaires
2. TRANSFERS - sanitize luggage, anti-bacterial hand gels, masks worn by all drivers and passengers, reduced capacity on all vans and vehicles
3.RESORTS - reduced capacity by local law depending on the location. Occupancy has typically been 15-50% with some of the more budget resorts maximum 60%.
3. Hotel Arrival/Check-in - sanitize luggage, disinfectant pads for shoes, Anti-bacterial hand gel; All staff throughout hotel with full masks
4. Rooms sanitized prior to arrival and sealed. Room service delivered outside of room or in special box to avoid contact between staff and guests
5. Masks worn in all inside areas and public places, Elevators for each separate travel party and masks/sanitizer
6. All restaurants have anti-bacterial hand gel. Many require hand washing and most have shoe disinfection pads. Temperatures taken at most hostess stands prior to seating. Mostly outdoor seating as much as possible. Socially-distant tables and reduced capacity (some locations reservations now required). Buffets now served by staff - no self-serve other than some pre-packaged items
7. Menus are mostly with QR codes scanned to phones/app - although paper menus can be requested.
8. Beach chairs and pool chairs - separated for social distancing
9. Gym/spa - special limited hours and appointments necessary in most places to limit number of guests at any time
10. Room cleaning - can be requested less frequently to avoid staff in room. All remotes etc in plastic vacuum-sealed packages, no paper goods or magazines. Amenities (shampoo etc) individually wrapped and vacuum-sealed.
Here is a link to various popular resort Covid Protocol information:
AMResorts® properties:
ZOETRY, SECRETS, BREATHLESS, DREAMS, NOW Resorts
PLAYA Resorts:
HYATT ZIVA, HYATT ZILARA, HILTON ALL-INCLUSIVE, SANCTUARY, JEWEL GRANDE, PANAMA JACKS
POSADAS Resorts
LIVE AQUA, GRAND FIESTA AMERICANA, FIESTA AMERICANA
Also open: Maldives and Tahiti!
Ask for more information - We have INCREDIBLE deals to Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea including flights!
REMEMBER: COSTA RICA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC and MEXICO - NO COVID Test required!
***PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL AND STATE AUTHORITIES FOR RECOMMENDED OR MANDATORY RE-ENTRY REQUIREMENTS.***
Please don't hesitate to reach out for expert advice and bookings anytime.
You support, referrals, testimonials and bookings are appreciated more than you know!
Thank you and be safe!
Claire
cell 714-822-8647
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Instagram: @clairemaguire777 and @islandgirltravelandvacations
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