Planning any international vacations will include extra logistics this year. Just about everything will be slightly different depending on where you go, but travelers should take heart that protective measures don’t eliminate the fun of being away.
Testing
Currently, the CDC is mandating that all air passengers coming to the United States need to show a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding a flight—even U.S. travelers returning home.
The CDC also recommends getting tested one to three days before you travel and keeping a copy of your results in case you need them. Keeping the CDC website in your favorites to check on changes will give you instant access to changes as they come.
Quarantines
Beware of quarantines when traveling.
While Costa Rica does not have any quarantine requirements, some destinations may require quarantines for arriving travelers. It is important for visitors to be mindful of these rules to avoid spreading the virus and incurring fines.
Vaccination
Those who are vaccinated need to check what documentation they will need to show when traveling. Also, many travel protocols such as COVID-19 testing and mask-wearing will still be mandated even for vaccinated travelers.
Travel Insurance
Costa Rica has streamlined this service, giving you several online options to purchase required insurance for your stay here. It will be more important than ever to have travel insurance this summer. Since vaccines are just beginning and the U.S. is only just starting to get a handle on the pandemic, volatility will remain and plans may change at the drop of a hat.
Be sure your insurance plan covers incidents that can occur during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Masks
Costa Rica expects visitors to wear masks in places that are public and confined. It will still be important in most destinations to wear a mask when traveling. Do your homework on what the requirements are where you are going. Make sure that you bring required PPE with you so that you are prepared if requirements change while you are on vacation.
Social Distancing
Costa Rica has 1.8-meter (6 feet) mandates in place for public venues. Guidelines for social distancing will likely continue through the summer. That means that staying six feet apart and gathering only with members of your own household or travel bubble will likely be the norm when vacationing.
Do Research Online
If you are reading this then you are on the right track. Costa Rica is full of ex-pats who are more than happy to share their experiences with anyone. Research from ex-pats in the locations you are headed to gives you the latest on how to best minimize the COVID impact on your vacation.
Easy Options for Summer Travel
Booking a successful summer vacation may be turning to what is easy and accessible. Vacation rentals allow for a lot of flexibility. All-inclusive resorts offer everything at your fingertips. Outdoor adventures are sure to be open and more likely to be safe. There is an unending list of options all around this country, especially along the Pacific coast.
Deep Breaths
No matter where you go, remember why you are going; it is a vacation. With some simple preparations you can still enjoy everything you are looking for; relaxing on the beach, enjoying nature and all its glory, exotic dining and nightlife. Whatever makes your cherish time ideal, you can find it here.
PURA VIDA
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