Here are some COVID-19 stats you might not expect:
- More than 341 million vaccines have been distributed in the U.S. alone
- Just over 50% of American adults are fully vaccinated
- Over 3.5 billion vaccine doses have been administered globally
With the worldwide Covid vaccination rollout underway, more of us are gearing up to hit the road and taking to the skies. Airlines are reporting booking rates similar to pre-pandemic levels and the TSA recently logged its busiest weekend since March 15, 2020. Travel during the pandemic will look a bit different and although many countries like the UK and New Zealand remain closed to most international travelers, the reopening of other countries is welcome news to travel-starved tourists. Here are four places welcoming fully vaccinated adults right now.
Say Aloha to Hawaii
Hawaii, with all its natural beauty, is an ideal spot for romantic getaways. There’s widespread speculation that a vaccine passport requirement for travelers will be in place soon. A vaccine passport offers border officials digital proof that tourists received the Covid vaccine. If this happens, tourists, including U.S. citizens, won’t have to supply a negative Covid test result as long as they’ve been fully vaccinated.
So, whether you’re an engaged couple dreaming of a perfect destination wedding, or married retirees celebrating 50 years together, now might be the time to get ready to say, “Aloha.”
Iceland Welcomes Fully-Vaccinated Tourists
As of March 18, 2021, fully-vaccinated travelers can whale-watch, relax in a hot spring or two, and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights (active through April!). If you have proof of Covid vaccination, you won’t have to quarantine or take a Covid test to experience all Iceland has to offer.
Put Seychelles on Your Itinerary
According to The New York Times’ Interactive Worldwide Covid Vaccination Tracker, the East African island-nation of Seychelles is second only to Israel in its vaccine rollout. Currently, about 65% of its population has been at least partially vaccinated. British royalty and Hollywood power couples have vacationed here, and now you can frolic along the beaches and swim in the turquoise waters too.
Even international travelers who have not yet been vaccinated will be granted entry to the country as of March 25, 2021. The Department of Tourism reports that as of March 25, 2021, international travelers will no longer be required to quarantine but you’ll have to test negative for Covid within 72 hours of departing. Face masks are still mandatory for the duration of your trip.
Welcome Back to Thailand
If you can wait just a little longer to experience the street food of Bangkok or visit the temples in Chiang Mai, you’ll be rewarded. The country’s ‘Welcome Back to Thailand Again’ campaign is set to launch by fall and the government has faced pressure from hotel groups to waive the quarantine requirements for travelers who have been fully vaccinated. Travelers who can offer proof that they have been fully vaccinated could be eligible for quarantine dismissal.
Do you have to be vaccinated to travel internationally? No, but it does make things easier. If the destination of your travel dreams is not on this list, take heart. Every day, more and more people are vaccinated and additional countries become safe enough to relax restrictions. Hot spots like Greece and France are right on the bubble. And you don’t have to wait until the last minute to book.
Due to the pandemic, many travel insurance carriers now offer Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) benefits. CFAR allows you to book your travel plans well in advance and cancel anytime you need to without penalty. The benefit even helps you recoup some of the non-refundable prepaid expenses associated with your trip. So beat the summer surge by booking your dream vacation now.
