What’s this I hear about Vaccine Passports in our futures?

by Corey Grant - Travel Agent - February 16, 2021February 16, 20210

The future of travel during Covid-19 So you got the Covid-19 vaccine. Is it a ticket to take a trip wherever you want? Some tourist destinations say yes, as the concept of a “vaccine passport” circulates around the world. While this is a problem-solving suggestion that could work for travel companies, tourists, doctors, and governments, the idea also comes with some major concerns and dilemmas, from efficacy to ethics. Here are the main points to consider as you start to hear more about vaccine passports. What is a vaccine passport? In theory, the idea is very straightforward: You get the Covid-19 vaccine (after doing the full course—right now, it’s two doses) and the vaccination card that you’ve been given will act as an entry pass into

So Whats it Going to Be Like to Cruise with Carnival Post COVID-19

by Corey Grant - Travel Agent - February 10, 2021February 10, 20210

After an influx of comments and questions about the updated rules, Carnival took down the announced changes and replaced them with basic health requirements issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The cruise line's updated protocols were posted before being approved. “In our haste to keep guests and travel agents informed, we posted some information that was not finalized. As we have said previously, guests should expect mask, testing, distancing and other protocols. We intend to provide more details over the coming weeks as we work to resume operations.” Carnival Cruise Lines will have a much different look – as will all cruise companies – when it is allowed to return to the water later this year. The company disclosed its new

Saint Lucia COVID-19 Protocols

by Corey Grant - Travel Agent - February 4, 2021February 4, 20210

Arriving visitors must now obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test five days before arrival, effective February 10. (The prior protocol called for a PCR test seven days before arrival.) As with the prior protocol, it applies to all travelers five years of age or older. Consistent with existing protocols, all travelers arriving in Saint Lucia: Must complete and submit a Travel Registration Form, which is found on the Saint Lucia COVID-19 Travel Advisory page at www.StLucia.org/Covid-19; print and travel with a copy of the auto-response emailMust adhere to all safety protocols in place throughout Saint Lucia, including wearing a mask in public placesShall be subject to mandatory screening and temperature checks at ports of entry and throughout your stayShall be transferred by certified taxi to COVID-19 approved accommodation From Hon. Dominic Fedee,

Blue Diamond Resorts COVID Protocols

by Corey Grant - Travel Agent - February 3, 2021February 3, 20210

Keeping our promise to provide Safety-Assured Vacations to our valued guests, and following the recent announcement by the CDC requiring all air travelers returning to the US to present a negative COVID-19 test, we are happy to announce that Blue Diamond Resorts has implemented several important measures to support guests. https://youtu.be/0I3RnQhg2ss As of January 26, 2021, Blue Diamond Resorts will offer to US travelers free on-site COVID-19 viral antigen tests in Cancun, Punta Cana, and Jamaica and free Medical Assistance coverage to cover the cost of any accidents or illness, including COVID-19 related medical needs until March 31, 2021 or until regulations regarding this new requirement change. For guests arriving to Saint Lucia and Antigua, viral antigen tests are available on property

Key West, Florida Anyone

Florida

by Corey Grant - Travel Agent - January 28, 2021January 29, 20210

Key West, a U.S. island city, is part of the Florida Keys archipelago. It's also Florida's southernmost point, lying roughly 90 miles north of Cuba. Famed for its pastel-hued, conch-style houses, it’s a cruise-ship stop also accessible from the mainland via the Overseas Highway. It’s known more for its coral reefs – destinations for diving and snorkeling – than for its beaches. Elevation: 18′Weather: 68°F (20°C), Wind NE at 11 mph (18 km/h), 42% HumidityPopulation: 24,843 (2019)Mayor: Teri JohnstonArea: 7.21 mi² (5.59 mi² Land / 1.62 mi² Water) Located around 2 miles from the Key West International Airport, The Hilton Garden Inn at Key West sits at the entrance to the island. Among the room types are rooms with a king bed with a balcony view, rooms with two queen

Vacationing in Aspen, CO for 2021

Skiing

by Corey Grant - Travel Agent - December 21, 2020December 21, 20200

Are you ready for the snow, fun, and the good living of Aspen, CO? Located in Aspen, CO just a 15-minute drive to Aspen Mountain and Aspen Snowmass. This ski hotel is 3.2 mi (5.2 km) from Aspen Highlands and 3.8 mi (6.1 km) from Buttermilk Mountain. Rooms: Make yourself at home in one of the 19 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and complimentary newspapers, and housekeeping is provided daily. Amenities: After a day on the slopes, enjoy recreational amenities, which include a spa tub. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services. Dining: A complimentary continental

CDC to Allow a Phased-In Return to Cruising in the US

by Corey Grant - Travel Agent - October 31, 2020October 31, 20200

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is letting the no-sail order expire on Oct. 31, setting the stage for a conditional, phased-in return to cruise ship operations. “Considering the continued spread of COVID-19 worldwide and increased risk of COVID-19 on cruise ships, a careful approach is needed to safely resume cruise ship passenger operations,” the CDC said in its Oct. 30 statement. “CDC is establishing requirements to mitigate the COVID-19 risk to passengers and crew, prevent the further spread of COVID-19 from cruise ships into U.S. communities, and protect public health and safety.” The phase-in to cruising will start with testing and implemented safeguards for crew members “while these cruise ship operators build the laboratory capacity needed to test future passengers.” After that, “test voyages”

Cruise Lines Will Now Require COVID-19 Test Prior to You Sailing

by Corey Grant - Travel Agent - October 16, 2020October 16, 20200

Testing will be performed on all passengers and crew as travelers slowly wade back into the waters of traveling again. Cruise lines are finding ways to ease concerns about the close quarters and communal nature of their seafaring vessels. Now, several major cruise companies have agreed to implement new regulations that will require passengers to prove their negative COVID-19 status before embarking on any ships. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which represents major cruise lines around the world, recently released a statement that all of its members worldwide have agreed to test passengers and crews on all ships with a capacity to carry 250 people or more. Only those with a negative test result will be allowed to embark. “We see testing as

Is Your AirBnB Clean?

by Corey Grant - Travel Agent - October 9, 2020October 9, 20200

Home-sharing company Airbnb is making its 'Enhanced Clean' standards compulsory for all hosts. Starting November 20, 2020, all AirBnB hosts are required to implement the newly imposed safety guidelines and cleaning procedures or risk being removed from the AirBnB platform. The new cleaning guidelines are now mandatory in order to boost traveler confidence and help address traveler safety concerns. The enhanced Airbnb cleaning standards were developed with former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, and cover a 'five-step cleaning process.' The 5-step cleaning process is a set of cleaning practices that all hosts are required to follow between guest stays, in addition to their local laws and guidelines. The process is based on Airbnb’s cleaning handbook, which was developed in partnership with experts in

When cruising comes back, will the buffet return with it? Here’s what the cruise lines say

by Corey Grant - Travel Agent - October 7, 2020October 7, 20200

Morgan Hines, USA TODAYWed, October 7, 2020, 7:04 AM EDT·7 mins read As the cruise industry's Nov. 1 restart date approaches, companies have implemented new health protocols and submitted them to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, slowly painting a picture as to what cruising might look like when it returns. But one question remains unanswered: Will the buffet, a beloved part of the cruise experience, return? The answer varies by cruise line. In many cases, the buffet is still going to be a dining option – but it will be different. In other words, it will no longer be a free-for-all where you grab what you want yourself. 'Hygiene is the new luxury': How cruise ship design could evolve to ward against outbreaks Royal Caribbean lines: Look but