I recently met Grace through mutual friends. I overheard her talking about countries and cities I had never hear of, never-mind traveled to. It turned out, she has a dream job as a travel agent. I was surprised at how many people are taking COVID tests to be able to travel and take advantage of good deals and no crowds. Even if you aren’t planning a trip until there is a vaccine, I asked her to share her favorite places so you can dream about a trip post-covid. ~ Linda

As we are nearing the one-year mark of what has truly become a Corona-nightmare, airline travel is at record lows, and many countries have had their borders closed to international travelers for almost 8 months. Understandably, many people are hesitant to travel right now, but for those of you who are looking to get away either now, or post-covid, here is a guide to help you plan.

Top Destinations to Consider, Post-COVID

In the travel industry, we are seeing a trend away from previously popular European cities and towards more wide-open spaces. Although many of our favorite outdoor adventure destinations are still closed to U.S. travelers, you can start planning the “get me out of here!” vacation. The destinations at the top of my bucket list when the world has regained its equilibrium are:

• The Chilean Patagonia and lakes region for hiking and wine tasting.

• Central India for a tiger safari, and perhaps a short stint on the southern Indian beaches for an authentic yoga retreat

• Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, Thailand for out-of-this-world culinary experiences, combined with special elephant encounters in the “Golden Triangle”

• New Zealand for outdoor adventure sports, like canyoning, speed boating, and glacier hiking

Where Americans are Heading Right Now

Here are some options for U.S. travelers looking to travel now, along with the COVID guidelines:

French Polynesia

With wide-open spaces and crystal-clear waters, the islands of French Polynesia re-opened in mid-July. High-end hotels, like the St. Regis Bora Bora, are offering special discounted fares and complimentary half-board for new reservations. Other islands, like Moorea, offer gorgeous private villa rentals for families or groups of friends looking for privacy and space.

Entry with a negative PCR test, taken within 72 hours of departure.

Mexico

The resort areas of Mexico (Cabo, Cancun, Tulum, etc.) have gotten their COVID numbers under control and the resorts have re-opened at limited capacity. You can book discounted stays at the brand new One & Only Mandarina, and our boutique favorite, Hotel Esencia.

Random health screening is taking place in the airports on arrival.

The Caribbean

While not all Caribbean islands have re-opened, many have. US travelers are currently welcome in Antigua, Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Barths, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and Turks & Caicos.

Contact your travel advisor for-up-to date guidelines for entry and the best accommodation options.

Maldives

If the over water bungalows in Tahiti aren’t your thing, the far-flung islands of the Maldives are also open for US travelers. While resort hopping is currently not allowed, you can combine your stay with a few nights in Dubai for a well-rounded vacation.

Entry with a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of international departure.

Tanzania and Kenya

Many travelers are taking this opportunity to plan a bucket list trip – at discounted fares and with fractions of the crowds. Tanzania and Kenya are both open to US travelers and by the nature of the beast (pun intended), these countries make for the perfect socially distanced getaways. If an East African safari is not on your bucket list, then it should be.

Benefits of Working with a Travel Advisor

While working with a travel advisor is a good idea in the best of times, it is even more important as we recover from this pandemic. Your travel advisor will:

• Save You Time and Energy: Your trip will be organized before you leave for the airport. Every detail is pre-arranged so that you are able to maximize your travel experience (even if that just means relaxing on the most beautiful beach with a cocktail in hand).

• Access to VIP Status and Amenities: Travel advisors use their industry connections to upgrade their clients to VIP status and add complimentary amenities, like room category upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and resort credits.

• Handle the unexpected: If your trip is derailed by weather (or a global pandemic!), you have someone on your side to help you understand your options, fight for refunds, or assist with rebooking.

While every travel advisor works a bit differently, many charge a nominal, one-time trip consulting fee and take on all the work from there. Don’t be afraid to reach out to find out how travel advisors operate and how your trip can be enhanced – even for a quick weekend getaway. Whether it’s finding the best deals and promotions, navigating the ever-changing border entry requirements, or helping you out of a jam – a good travel advisor will be your best advocate.

Contribution by Grace Harvey, Senior Travel Advisor with Travel 6 Degrees. Grace has over 5 years of experience in the travel industry, curating luxury travel itineraries all over the world. She strives to promote responsible tourism and extra-ordinary experiences, whether it’s across the globe, or in your own “backyard”. Follow her on Instagram @gbhtravels or reach her via email at grace@travel6degrees.com.