Right now, travel is coming to a standstill. This pandemic has caused many of us to reassess our lifestyle. If you are like me, your feet are beyond itchy and entering the burning zone. I miss travel! As someone who traveled abroad at least once per month, this pandemic has actually changed and challenged my way of life. I miss the feeling of landing in a new, foreign land. I miss the people, the sights, the eats and the smells. I miss wandering in a new city and getting absolutely lost. I miss the exhilaration of it all. Right now, I am in a holding pattern just grasping for straws that could lead me to travel somewhere, anywhere. I asked you all to share with me some topics you would love to see covered right now, and this one is a big one. Just where are we, as Americans, allowed to travel? My goal is to make this your ultimate one stop shop for up-to-date travel information both in America and abroad. I have compiled the quickest and easiest resources for you to plan your next trip during this crazy season.
Preface
Right now, we are under a global “Level 4: Do Not Travel” alert by the U.S. government. This is a “best-practice guideline.” It does not mean you cannot travel. It is based upon the evolving Covid situation. It means that if you do decide to travel internationally, you cannot claim government assistance, should you need it. The advisory is an attempt to keep you safer. The truth is, some countries are doing better than others, but this is a constantly changing situation. You should also be aware that some countries have better medical care than others. The purpose of this alert is to let you know that travel right now is truly “at your own risk.”
I also would like to state the obvious. If you have symptoms or a diagnosis of Covid-19, please do not travel. If someone you come into close contact with has symptoms or a diagnosis, please do not travel. We need to be mindful of the risk we are taking, but also of the risk we may unintentionally cause others. Also, please, wear a mask. It is a simple act of kindness that can make a huge difference!
Travel within the USA
Ah, yes, the good ‘ole homeland. If you are like me, you have a plethora of cool places you would still like to see right here in the states. The problem is, how do you know where you can go? What restrictions await you when you arrive?
For a current list of travel restrictions, by state, check here to go to the State Travel Website. This link will bring you a Covid-19 Map for all 50 states. To see the current restriction, by state, just click on the state you would like to visit. This site is updated daily.
Another great resource is this special Kayak state travel restrictions page. They are committed to keeping you up to date with state-by-state travel restrictions. If you scroll a bit, you will see a map of the U.S. Click the state you wish to visit and the restrictions are listed for you.
International Travel
The best resource for checking up-to-date information on Covid19-related travel restrictions for international travel is this Travel.State.Gov page. It contains specific, Covid-19 travel updates and restrictions for each country. The countries are listed alphabetically for ease of search. Just click the country you want to visit and it will take you to specific information about how to visit that country (and if you are permitted to visit at this time).
Kayak nailed the interactive map for international travel restrictions with this page. You can even cross-reference the two pages suggested to make sure you have the most current information.
Another great idea is to sign up for the Smart Traveler Program. With this sign-up, you will receive destination-specific updates right to your email.
If you decide to go to a country that requires an approved Covid-19 negative test, you can find an approved center here. However, keep in mind many have specific time restrictions and test results can take time to get back. Some countries also allow testing on arrival at your own expense.
Slowly and surely, we will travel the world again. Right now, it takes a bit of caution, patience and know-how. I hope this guide will help you in your future travel plans. Please stay safe and healthy!
Have travel-related questions? Email us: abroadwithabrain@gmail.com
Abroad with a Brain 