We’ve had so much good news for the travel industry in recent weeks. Studies are showing that air travel is very safe. The cruise industry got clearance from the CDC to resume sailing under enhanced safety protocols. And we continue to hear promising reports about the proximity of a highly-effective vaccine.

That’s all the more reason that it’s so profoundly disappointing that transmission of the virus and hospitalizations in the United States is at an all-time high. We’re hearing from so many clients that they’re really eager to get out there and see the world, but is it safe to do so?

Well, actually, it’s a sad reality that there are many destinations that are open to US travelers, where the transmission rates are much lower than they are here at home. We posted about one of those destinations — Mexico — on Monday, but there are many, many others. Considering that the 7 day average in Mexico and other countries is so much lower than in the US means that your risk of contracting COVID on vacation could potentially be lower than if you stayed home.

So, here are five other destinations (aside from Mexico) where US Travelers could potentially go right now, where the COVID rates are lower than they are in the US.

First, the baseline in the US.

Obviously, the US is a big country, and some states are doing a better job than others at containing the spread. But overall in the US right now, as we’re writing this post, there’s a daily average of about 150,000 cases of COVID, so that’s 45 in 100,000. That’s our benchmark. Destinations that are currently open to US travelers, where the daily average of cases. And, if your curious where we’re getting this information, all of these stats are accurate as of Monday, November 16, 2020, according to the New York Times reporting, available at this link.

1. Bermuda (1.9 per 100,000)

Bermuda is open to US Travelers, and the current 7-day average is very low, compared to in the United States — only 1.9 cases per 100,000 people, compared to 45 in the US. If you want to go, you’ll need a negative PCR test within 3-7 days of arrival plus an additional test upon arrival. Children 9 years old and younger are exempt from PCR testing. Each traveler should bring a printed copy of their negative test results on their trip.

Once there, you’ll be required to check your temperature twice a day (and you’ll need to bring a thermometer). You’ll also need follow-up tests on days 4, 8, and 14. of your visit. Appointments will be automatically booked for each traveler. You will receive email reminders 24 hours before each test. To reschedule the time, please call the government’s COVID-19 hotline: 441/444-2498 (open 9 am–9pm). Note: For subsequent on-island tests, Day 0 is the day you arrive in Bermuda. There are some rapid test options available for residents of New York City traveling to Bermuda, and you’ll also have to register your trip in advance.

But, you can absolutely go to Bermuda right now, the numbers in Bermuda are very low compared to the US, and if you book with us, we’ve got all of the information about the entry protocol to make sure you’re able to make the trip.

2. Turks and Caicos Islands (1.9 per 100,000)

Turks and Caicos is also open to US travelers, with a really low 7-day average of 1 .9 per 100,000. You’ll need a negative PCR test within 5 days of arrival, and that test must come from an accredited lab. (We’ve got the list of which labs qualify, so we’ve got you covered on that. Children under 10 years old are exempt from the testing requirement. You’ll also need to apply for travel authorization at the TCI Assured Portal, but we can help with that, too.

But keep in mind—masks are required in public at all times, and also, there’s currently a curfew in effect nightly from midnight to 5 a.m. But, certainly, you can have a lovely vacation at a resort in Turks and Caicos and be very safe—odds are that you’d have to encounter about 50,000 people in that country, before you’d find one who had COVID.

3. Antigua and Barbuda (0.4 per 100,000)

With a seven day average of less than 1 case for every 200,000 persons, Antigua and Barbuda is an extraordinarily safe option for a vacation right now. All travelers arriving by air must have a negative PCR test taken within seven days of flight, but children under 12 are exempt. Tourists will be monitored for 14 days for possible additional PCR tests. Every incoming traveler will go through a health screening check and may be subject to additional tests. If additional testing required upon arrival, the cost is $100 and visitors will have to quarantine until results are available.

Beaches are open from 6 am to 7 pm, but there is very limited indoor dining. There’s a curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., and there are some additional restrictions on private yachts and diving excursions (they can only be booked through a resort). As with any international destination, we’ve got all of the info at our fingertips to make sure that you’re able to comply with the entry protocols, and that you stay safe when you travel. So, if you’re interested in booking it—we’re available to help with that!

4. Kenya (2.2 per 100,000)

Considering how easy it is to socially distance while on a safari, why not take your family on a fabulous vacation to a safari lodge in Kenya? The seven-day average is 2.2 per 100,000, which is much, much lower than in the US. You’ll need a negative COVID test within 96 hours of your arrival, and you’ll be subjected to an additional health screening upon arrival.

Bars and restaurants close at 10 p.m., and a curfew is in place between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. every night. Gatherings of more than 15 people are also suspended. But, keeping in mind that the quality of a safari experience is so much better with fewer people in your vehicle, and considering that some of the most luxurious safari experiences are a phenomenal value right now, there’s really no better time to reach out to us about planning an adventure like this.

5. The Galápagos (4.5 per 100,000 in Ecuador)

These stats are for Ecuador as a whole—not just for the Galápagos—but still, the 7 day average in Ecuador is about 1/10th of the rate in the US. You’ll need a negative PCR test within 10 days of arrival in Ecuador for all travelers, but if you don’t have proof, a test will be administered at the airport and you must quarantine until the test results are in. If you’re negative—you’re free to go. If, however, you are traveling to the Galapagos, the PCR test must be within 96 hours of arrival. You’ll need to fill out a Health Declaration Form, and additionally, travelers to the Galapagos must have a waiver provided by the tour operator, must pay for their traffic control card, and must fill out a biosecurity control form. We can help with all of that, of course.

There are some detailed protocols for the Galápagos right now, but we’re on top of that. Masks are required everywhere, including in the islands. Restaurants in Ecuador are only at 50% capacity, and there’s a mandatory curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. every day. Insurance for all travelers is required, but we always recommend insurance to our clients anyway, so we’ve got your back, there, too.

Of course, there are many other destinations that are open to US travelers, where the COVID average is far below what we’re experiencing at home. And all of these destinations want to keep their rates low, which is why they’ve instituted entry protocols, curfews and testing requirements. But we’ve got accurate, up to the minute information on what you need to do to take these trips, and we’re prepared to help you get there, so if you’re itching to travel, and to travel safely, we’ve got you covered.

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