6 Things You Need to Know About Traveling in 2022
A lot has changed since the beginning of the pandemic. In a lot of ways, it helped many businesses and companies reevaluate the way they approach the guest experience, cleanliness, and safety protocols. It's also made traveling in and out of the country a little different. We are being asked to comply with requirements and guidelines that we may not all be in favor of but must adhere to if we want to be able to enjoy our travels. If you are planning on traveling in 2022, expect a few new adjustments that might actually have some staying power.
In a recent article by CNBC, James Ferrara, co-founder, and president of Delray Beach, Florida-based InteleTravel said “We’ll never return to what the industry looked like pre-pandemic, nor should we,” he said. “We have grown through the last year, we’ve learned some stuff — and so have consumers."
Ferrara said some changes, such as continued masking or cruise ships sailing at half capacity, will only be temporary, while others — like enhanced sanitation protocols and relaxed cancellation and rebooking policies from airlines and other travel suppliers — are here to stay. “This looks like a long-term change to me, and I think that’s an excellent business for everyone.”
Here are 5 things you need to know about traveling in 2022 and beyond:
Travel Insurance is a MUST
Most of us can't afford to lose vacation investment. During these unprecedented times, you don't want to be stuck in a situation where you just spent a large part, if not all your savings, and now it's all gone to waste due to an unfortunate situation. When you have travel insurance with trip cancellation benefits, you can get reimbursement for prepaid, non-refundable trip costs when you must cancel for a covered reason. Covered reasons can include situations like the covered serious illness or injury of the insured person, a travel companion or a family member; the death of the insured traveler, traveling companion, or a family member; a natural disaster, or another event that renders your destination uninhabitable; etc.
In the article James Ferrara said, “I can tell you that everyone should add travel insurance to every transaction,” noting that travel suppliers relaxing change penalties does not mean vacationers don’t have to worry. “You do have to worry about being airlifted somewhere you trust the medical services,” he said. “And those bills — I’ve seen people put through claims for a quarter of a million dollars.”
Check Your Passport Expiration Dates
The last thing you want to be dealing with when you're finally ready to travel out of the country is waiting for a renewed passport. Be sure to check your passport expiration and make sure that it's nowhere near being expired any time soon. Your passport is valid until the date of expiration. The only problem may be the entry requirements of the country or countries you plan to visit. Many countries require your passport have 3 to 6 months validity remaining before they will allow you to enter or issue a travel visa. Save yourself the headache and stress and begin the process of renewing it even if you don't have a trip planned. Get it done so you don't have to worry about it. Click HERE to start the passport renewal process.
You Will Most Likely Need to Be Vaccinated
This is not a soft promotional pitch for the vaccine—just stating the obvious facts. More cruise lines, events, restaurants, bars, and venues are requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within the last 72 hours. Temptation Cruise recently announced that it will be requiring its passengers to be fully vaccinated for their Feb 14-19 Caribbean Cruise. Taking these precautions is for the safety of their passengers, and will help reduce the risk of an outbreak.
You Might Still Need to Wear a Mask
Even if you're vaccinated. That's just the way it's going to go for some places. We've been wearing masks for almost 2 years now, it should not be a problem to simply put it on and keep it on (if need be) in the name of FUN! If you are being asked to wear your mask, don't try to fight it, your vacation and having a great experience is worth so much more than a politically driven argument that you (nor the person giving you direction) will win.
COVID Tests Will Still Be a Thing
The most current CDC requirement at this time is all air passengers traveling to the US, regardless of vaccination or antibody status, are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery. You need to take the test no more than 3 days before reentering the country. If a trip is shorter than 3 days, a viral test taken in the United States can be used to fulfill the requirements of the Order as long as the specimen was taken no more than three days before the return flight to the US departs. If the return travel is delayed longer than 3 days after the test, the passenger will need to be retested before the return flight.
Hotels & Room Service Will Be Different
Due to new cleaning and safety policies, hotels are taking different approaches and precautions to provide a safe and sanitized environment for both their guests and their staff. From contactless check-in systems to digital menus and limited linen services, these new processes are there to help make the entire experience more streamlined, clean, and safe. Temptation Cancun Resort implemented its "Sexy & Sanitized program" which follows the recommendations of local, national, and international organizations, and will be updated as additional information becomes available. CLICK HERE to see what the Sexy & Sanitized program includes to protect your health during your stay.
