3 international trips you can take right now

Many of us who are passionate about travel are increasingly feeling the need to get back out there. And yet, much of the world is still off-limits right now. But people are, in fact, traveling, and traveling safely at that. So, if you’re looking for someplace you can go this fall, and you don’t mind social distancing and wearing a mask, we’ve got some options for you.

1. Mexico

We’ll be the first to acknowledge that our neighbor to the south doesn’t actually have COVID-19 under control. However, there’s a big difference between conditions in most of the country, and conditions in the many all-inclusive beach resorts. Those all-inclusive resorts are open, albeit with limited capacity, and with some of the restaurants (and definitely the buffets) closed. However, people who are visiting the Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, and other resort areas have reported to us that they’ve felt very comfortable with the measures in place for social distancing and other safety precautions. Considering that air travel turns out to be pretty low-risk, a resort vacation in Mexico could be a way to scratch the travel itch safely. And, if you’re not normally the “all-inclusive resort” type, this could be an opportunity to give it a shot. These resorts come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking for a pristine white sand beach, a family-friendly resort, or an eco-lodge experience—or a combination of all of that—we can help you find a resort that’s a good fit for your personal travel style.

2. Croatia

If you think that Europe is off-limits to Americans, well, you’d be exactly wrong about that. Croatia has been accessible to US residents for a few months, at this point, and it’s definitely possible to experience the natural beauty, the history and culture, and the food and wine of this fabulous destination, all while staying safe and exercising precautions. Perhaps you’d like to start in Zagreb, see the stunning fall foliage in Plitvice National Park, and then continue down the Dalmatian coast to Dubrovnik, Hvar and Split. And if you’re looking to experience other parts of the region, Albania, Montenegro and Serbia are also open to US Travelers.

3. East Africa

Kenya and Tanzania recently opened up to US Travelers, after being closed for four months because of COVID-19. And now that safari lodges are starting to reopen, with comprehensive safety protocols in place, this could be the ideal time to experience a safari. There won’t be crowds, for sure, and Kenya and Tanzania never fail to deliver an exceptional safari experience. Descend through the mists into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel to the sprawling savanna grasslands of the Masai Mara to witness herds of wildebeests, zebra, and antelope move across the plains.  And, the Great Migration occurs into October and November, so this could be a perfect opportunity to have a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.

Of course, we understand that some people simply aren’t going to be comfortable traveling until there’s a safe, reliable vaccine. But consider this—vaccines range in efficacy from 40-80%. On the other hand, social distancing is 90% effective in stopping the spread of the virus, while wearing masks is 65% effective. So, if you’re taking the pandemic seriously—and you absolutely should be taking it seriously—you still might be able to have a comfortable travel experience while social distancing and wearing masks.

If you’re ready to plan a trip—whether for this year or 2021—we’re ready to help you. We’ve got access to all of the latest reliably information to help you travel safely, and we’ve got relationships with suppliers that we can trust to undertake reliable safety precautions. Just hit us up!