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Image by Hank Williams from Pixabay

Countries have varied since March on their handling of the spread of COVID-19. Some countries have had great success, and we really should look at how and why they are so successful. It is harder of course for the larger countries like the United States or Canada to control as they are dealing with larger populations, and states or provinces are also following their own protocols regarding travel. As of December 2020, many counties, states, provinces, and cities will have self-quarantine orders in effect. As this last Thanksgiving for both Canada and the US proved that no matter the warnings, people traveled for the traditional holiday, risking exposure and spreader events.

CDC Reduces Quarantine Guidelines to 10 Days

CNN Covid-19 travel restrictions state by state

While a vaccine roll out is due to happen in most countries in the next three weeks, it will be limited to first responders. The second batch will likely be for those in certain age groups and health concerns. To even board a plane or enter another state or country, you will be asked for a negative COVID-19 test result that is two days prior your flight or train trip. And when you have gone through two vaccines for COVID-19, will there be a vaccination card you can cary with you, or entered in the TSA lists for you to travel? Procedures are still not quite clear on this subject. It’s looking like real travel will not pick up until Summer of 2021.

Covid: What are the quarantine rules when arriving in the UK?

Scotland: Coronavirus (COVID-19): international travel and quarantine

If you do manage to travel, finding places to stay may take a while to get back to levels where you can find bargains. Who knows what the industry will be like, as many small private boutiques and AirBNB rentals may be very hungry for your business, be wary of fraud.

And most of all, do not assume that because locally there may not be stay at home orders or quarantine after travel has lifted, that you destination is following the same rules. The pandemic is spreading and resurfacing on a daily basis and may not clear until a year from now, if then. So, plan ahead to travel about a year from now, and keep an eye on the news for where you plan to travel to. And if you must travel now, for family emergencies, please keep in mind that there may be 10 to 14 day quarantine in place in effect. While in the US we have not seen serious enforcement on this, in other countries like the UK, if you do not follow the protocol you face heavy fines.

Be patient, we all are planning on having that very special end of the pandemic exploration trip. It’s a good way to plan and save for that special trip by taking the time to research and find where you want to go.