Did you know that purchasing an annual America the Beautiful Pass gives you unlimited access to over 2000 federal recreational areas? Not only does this include all 63 national parks, but also historic military sites, wildlife refuges and more. The cost is $80 per year and allows two users or a carload. Check out the details at the USGS website.
If you want to get away for the winter holiday break and especially with a family group, now is the time to get your plans in place. Fewer Americans are traveling out of the country this winter which means hotels, resorts and lodges in the US (including Hawaii) are filling up quickly. With cruising resuming out of Florida and the Caribbean soon, demand is high for these very sought-after vacations. Need ideas? Call us to begin planning your winter getaway!
With destinations opening up to tourism, you may be asking “what happens if there is another disruption to travel due to Covid?” In light of recent uncertainty, many cruise lines and tour operators have responded with very flexible cancellation policies never seen before in the industry. Even domestic airlines have continued to allow free changes in order to regain consumer confidence in travel. These unprecedented benefits make your travel decisions easier and give you the “peace of mind” to resume travel
More and more foreign destinations are lifting travel bans, especially if you have chosen to get a Covid vaccine, but keep in mind each country has different requirements for entry. Some may require you to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test (even if vaccinated) before your departure and/or completion of their unique health questionnaire. Regardless of which country you travel to, you will be required to have a Covid-19 test within 72 hours of your return departure to the U.S. – hopefully, this policy will be modified soon for vaccinated travelers. Call us at 602-923-1542 for an up-to-date list of countries that are welcoming American travelers and what requirements are involved.
Some countries have additional Covid-related requirements once you are in the country which may require extra time so plan accordingly. Case in point…I’m traveling in Mexico right now and my domestic airline (after arriving from the U.S. via American Airlines) required completion of an online health questionnaire at the airport which required a smartphone or tablet, took extra time for check-in and for me to translate Spanish. None of this was mentioned when purchasing the tickets or checking in online.
You CAN travel to a number of foreign destinations now but let Gateway Destinations streamline the process for you!
If you are one of the many travelers who had a scheduled trip cancelled due to Covid and replaced with a Future Credit or Voucher, make sure you note the expiration date by which you need to apply your credit to a new trip. Airlines especially have specific requirements for using your credit but also tour companies, hotels, cruise lines, and travel insurers – all with varying policies. Our service includes keeping track of this for you so your travel investment is protected.
Don’t forget about travel in your US backyard as well as Mexico and the Caribbean – call me to find out where you CAN travel!
