Ready for an International Escape?

from Our Town Monthly April 2021 Issue

Our Town Monthly April 2021 Issue

As the number of people who are fully vaccinated for COVID increases, I’m seeing an increase in the number of clients who are ready to travel outside of the United States. In last month’s article I discussed my top choices for domestic travel so this month I wanted to share with you some of my top choices for travel this spring and summer outside of the US.

Mexico has been my most-popular international destination both preCOVID and post-COVID. With direct flights, fabulous resorts, great food, and amazing service, Mexico is always a great vacation option. Getting into the country is a breeze since there is no pre-travel testing requirement or pre-travel authorization needed for entry. The main tourist areas - Baja California Sur (Los Cabos), Quintana Roo (Cancun, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel), and Riviera Nayarit - have received certification from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) which is a distinction given to destinations that fully comply with ‘Safe Travels’ protocols based on the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Resorts are doing a phenomenal job with their safety protocols and are operating at a limited capacity. I personally traveled to Los Cabos in late October and was incredibly impressed with the safety and cleaning protocols at the resorts I stayed at.

Another great destination outside of the U.S. is Turks and Caicos. Turks and Caicos is a great choice for both families and couples and offers a number of wonderful resorts. The beaches are stunning and the water is the most gorgeous shade of turquoise blue. Entry into the country is relatively easy – a PCR test taken five days prior to arrival, travel insurance that offers specific coverages, and a health questionnaire are needed to get the pre-travel authorization required for entry. Turks and Caicos is also WTTC certified.

It’s no secret that I love Saint Lucia so it won’t come as a surprise that it is also on the top of my list. The island is so beautiful and lush, which is why it’s nicknamed ‘the Hawaii of the Caribbean’. I typically recommend Saint Lucia as a destination for couples but there are several good family resort options as well. Make sure to stay in Soufriere during your vacation so you can enjoy the views of the Pitons. There are a number of amazing resorts near the Pitons, most of which offer open-air accommodations. All travelers to Saint Lucia must submit a PCR test taken no more than five days prior to travel and must complete a travel registration form.

Aruba is also a fantastic option for a vacation outside of the U.S. The island is a foodie paradise, offers a number of great resorts, and has gorgeous beaches. Aruba also has the highest number of sunny days in the Caribbean so the chances of rain during your vacation are low, and it is located outside of the hurricane belt so you don’t ever have to worry about a hurricane impacting your vacation. For entry into Aruba, you will need to purchase Aruba Visitors Insurance, complete an online Embarkation/Disembarkation card, complete a health statement, and have a PCR test either prior to travel or pre-pay for a PCR test to be taken at the airport upon arrival. Aruba is also WTTC certified.

As an added bonus, all of these destinations can be reached by non-stop flights out of Atlanta. If you’re ready to escape, one of these options may be perfect for your next vacation!

Heather Meliski, Global Travel Senior Advisor 678-522-4495 heather@ yellowshoetravel.com YellowShoeTravel.com 1517251236924_fb Yellow Shoe Travel - Heather Meliski @yellowshoetravelheather