International travel in time of Covid « Stay Active and Live Life Fully

International travel in time of Covid

11 03 20'

Written by Gwen

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Bag packed, have passport, beach beckons, will travel. Hit the airport this week, jumping into international travel in time of Covid. Data on air travel passed my bar (url citations below), sanitation techniques in place, social distancing and masking required, Covid rates spiking in US – time to hit the road.

There are numerous countries that will except US citizens with no Covid requirements (Turkey, Brazil, Honduras, and more) plus a short list that will accept US citizens with a 14-day quarantine and/or a negative Covid test within 48 hours of departure. Mexico (my destination) is welcoming travelers and requires neither a quarantine nor negative Covid test. I personally chose to test and verified negative results within 48 hours.

Travelers at Tucson airport were relatively sparse, although the flight from Tucson to Houston was near full capacity. Most everyone was masked and respectful.

However, there appears to be someone who feels the rules don’t apply to them.

Easy to social distance in the airports as there are so few travelers. Restrooms are in and out with out touching anything, it’s all automated. Flight from Houston to San Jose del Cabo, Mexico was at 15% capacity. I was invited to move to first class, which was at full capacity. Graciously declined and enjoyed stretching out in economy where there were hardly any passengers.

Both flights handed out sanitation wipes on entry to the cabin and small snack packs with water, pretzels, cookie and a wipe in an enclosed plastic bag in flight. I chose to forgo eating or drinking to keep my mask in place the entire flight.

Cleared immigration in Mexico in about 10 mins – no lines, no problemo. Transport was waiting which required hand sanitization and masks. Hand sanitization and masks required prior to entry everywhere in this area of Mexico – supper mercados, resort, restaurant, transport, small tiendas.

Not dealing with the masses, crowding, lines, impatient travelers, packed planes, stuffed overhead bins, plus conversing with respectful and grateful employees (yes, the travel industry is desperate for travelers) made for an easy and enjoyable experience.

Walking the beach, enjoying the sun, sand and surf plus drinking margaritas on election day. No regrets so far.