Who's Afraid of COVID-19 variants? Not When You Are Informed!

It comes as no surprise to me that travel has picked up during the past few months as travel has become less restricted in the never-ending COVID times. I (now) work in an industry where the up and downs of travel are to be expected even when we didn't have this thing looming over us.

Personally, I believe that the higher-ups of the world (CDC, WHO, world governments) are too cautious with all that's going on. Many of these "discoveries" (like the Omicron variant) can be speculative, at best, and with many of us living better by being more hygienic, watching what we eat, touch, and make a general notation of our surroundings, we shouldn't have to fear. For those who want to conquer fear by being informed, especially when it comes to travel, I suggest to study and study HARD! Here's a few things I discovered that can help you with future travel plans.

KNOW your states' travel guidelines

States are (in large) making their own rules concerning travel. Travel is free to and from their respective states, with the large cities making restrictions on entry into public offices (they follow state/federal mandates) and some private entities. Since my website and blog (kandqtravel.com) concentrate on the goings on in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, it's safe to say that both cities are good to go, even though some federal buildings and private businesses still require masks or social distancing, which is within their right to do. Solution to confusion-carry a mask with you at all times and a picture of the vaccination card (or the physical card itself) if you've have done so.

HAWAII

Hawaii is where you will have to be on your guard. They do not restrict you from going if fully vaccinated, but there are hoops if you aren't or partially vaxed. I would check the Hawaiian Airlines website for further details (https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/coronavirus).

Travel to Atlantic Ocean Islands

Islands like the Caymans, Bahamas, etc. have relaxed their travel restrictions when it comes to COVID and its variants, but some will maintain that visitors be vaccinated before entry. Testing and vaccinations sites are on hand in the bigger resorts and hotels after entry, so go talk with a travel agent about further restrictions and as to what places have these onsite.

Other Parts of the World-Europe, South America, and Asia

For these areas of the world. it's best not to travel unless you are fully vaccinated. Some countries may still require a polymerase chain reaction test (PCR) in the "negative" for travelers (over 12) taken at most 72 hours before entry. This test can be shown as paper (preferred) to your airline or by .pdf/e-mail copy from a device. Some countries will need a passenger locator form (PLF) that is filled out and sent to that country's emissary offices and also shown as paper to your airline or by .pdf/e-mail from a device. To check on the latest visa documents needed for travel into any country and get an expedited visa or passport, please click here.

Cruising

Starting from Feb.-March 2022, test cruises were ran for some destinations in Mexico and nearby U.S. Virgin Islands to check and implement new rules on safety and capacity rates. As of September 2022, I can say that the major cruise lines are fully operational and are expecting big things and a return to a 90% or greater capacity rate by "wave season" (early Feb.-mid July)

This fall, winter, and in the holidays coming up, I hope that Omicron or anything else doesn't deter anyone from travel. When you travel, and I've said this before on my site and previous blogs, you expand your horizons and scope on life and about other people and cultures. We need that more right now. It seems that we went backward and started to isolate ourselves again into not exploring other ways of thinking and other people or cultures. Yet our media, entertainment, sports, societal norms want to make us believe we (in the U.S.) are more tolerant than ever. This is further from truth. I'm not saying to accept everything, but to be aware of all, and to be sincere enough in your beliefs to consider the other and make better decisions for yourself and your circle.

Safe travel to all.