traveling again
I took my first international trip since March 2020. After 13 months of not flying, I made the decision to start traveling again. No, this wasn’t my first trip since March 2020, I had indulged in various safe staycations throughout the year. But I was getting ready to slowly make my way back to international travel.
The first international place I visited, the Dominican Republic.
When the invite to visit Punta Cana, DR with some friends came about initially my answer was not yes. Not because I didn’t want to attend or even because the current state of health locally and internationally is such a hot debate but because over the last year I had become comfortable just saying no. I had to stop myself and re-think why I had gotten so comfortable saying no to travel along with doing some travel research for myself before making an informed decision. To travel or not to travel was not a decision I made lightly.
CDC Domestic Travel
CDC International Travel
US Travel Agency
I made my decision to take my friends up on their invite to the Dominican Republic but I proceeded with caution. Even with many countries slowly lifting restrictions, cities looking more lively and vaccine rollouts happening we booked with social distancing in mind.
planning the first trip
With the anticipation of travel soaring this spring and summer 2021 many airlines have heavily increased their fares, stopped blocking middle seats, and stopped boarding from back to front. With this in mind, I booked direct flights and made sure my mini travel sanitation kit was stocked with extra sanitizers, kleenex, masks, wipes, disinfectant, and more. And to take it a step further, we made sure to secure private airport transfers to the resort and back to the airport
At the time of planning, the Dominican Republic did not mandate covid testing however, my friends and I each decided to get tested for our safety. We each tested at different locations adhering to the CDC testing timeframe for testing. After a failed self-administered drive-thru test came back inconclusive, I was able to grab a last-minute test with my insurance provider with results emailed less than 24hrs before my flight.
As restrictions are being lifted and vaccines rolling out, free testing is no longer being offered at many locations. Double-check your insurance as many providers are still offering free testing and 24-48 turnaround time.
With health and social distancing in mind, and this being my first international trip this year, we booked an amazing resort with was relatively new which meant low occupancy which was a plus. Booking an all-inclusive resort also meant we could limit the amount of additional contact we may have with others. Live Aqua Beach Resort, Punta Cana was essentially contactless from check-in to room services to restaurant service. And in accordance with US re-entry, Live Aqua offered free onsite covid testing along with additional insurance for all guests for a nominal fee should covid contact occur.
Our relaxing itinerary focused on building social distancing activities into our trip as much as possible. From enjoying the resort’s beachfront and many pools, most of which we were able to enjoy alone. To private spa treatments and our private boat party. With discretion, we booked one group excursion with solo heavy activities built-in – ziplining, horse riding, buggy, and things of that nature. Though rarely surrounded by people everywhere we visited, including the resort common areas, followed a strict mask policy. Crowds were lighter, excursions were smaller in size and the resort property went far and beyond to ensure that social distancing was the priority.
We’re still far from normal but it was great seeing the progress we’ve made in a year. And even more amazing to see how excited people were to have us in town…or may it’s just the wonderful DR hospitality.
was it the right choice?
From being on the go a few times a month to complete lockdown I can say traveling again was not an easy decision. I allowed myself time to relax and research especially since travel has become even more involved now than ever before. And after an entire year of lockdown in various stages, I can say this trip was long overdue and much need. Taking the necessary precautions during travels, having a great sanitation kit, and booking a resort that did the same made this trip a breeze. It was the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement that we all need. For someone who truly travels as therapy, I felt like me again. For me, taking my first international trip since March 2020 was the best decision for me.
Have you taken your first international trip post covid? Or are you still holding off? Share now, drop your story in the comments below.
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