OTM’s Travel Expert, Heather Meliski, has the information you need to know

Irecently attended a women’s business networking event with some members of the Our Town team, and during conversations with the attendees I was struck by a common theme – a lot of people haven’t taken a vacation of any kind since the start of the pandemic. What I consistently heard was that a number of people aren’t yet comfortable traveling so they have put off taking a much-needed vacation.

I’m a big believer that a vacation of any kind and any length is good for us all – getting away from our day-to-day is good for our mind, bodies, and souls. Now more than ever, we all need some time to recharge.

No matter your personal risk tolerance with the pandemic, there is a vacation for every comfort level. Let’s look at some options that might work for you. With a middle-of-the-road risk tolerance, you expand your options to include some destinations outside of the United States. There are a number of Caribbean islands that require both proof of vaccination and COVID testing for entry and also have low transmission rates, such as Turks and Caicos, St. Barthelemy, Grenada, Anguilla, and St. Kitt’s and Nevis. These are great options if you want a more tropical getaway with some of the lowest risk possible for international travel. You may also be comfortable traveling to countries with little to no entry requirements that have low transmission rates in tourist areas, such as Mexico. Another option to consider is cruising on certain ocean and river cruise lines that have both vaccination and testing requirements, such as Virgin Voyages (bonus – this is an adults-only cruise line so it’s perfect for a couples’ getaway or girls trip), Disney Cruise Line, or AmaWaterways.

High Risk Tolerance

Low Risk Tolerance

If you are less comfortable traveling and being around people, one vacation I recommend is a beach or mountain rental home or a visit to a National Park. You can limit your contact with people outside of your immediate travel group while still being able to get away. Vacations in the Northeastern United States (Vermont, Maine, and even New York) or in California are also good options since these states have lower transmission rates and higher vaccinations rates, and a number of these destinations require proof of vaccination for entry to restaurants, theaters, museums, and more. For a number of these destinations, you can drive rather than fly which also limits your possible exposure. If your risk tolerance is high and you are comfortable in most places and situations, then your options include anywhere that is open for travel including countries with little to no entry requirements. If you fall into this category, traveling right now may be a great option for you since crowds are low in a number of popular destinations.

Regardless of which group you fall in, take the time to take a vacation. Heaven knows we have ALL earned some time away!

Heather Meliski is a travel agent specializing in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, Australia, the South Pacific, cruises, theme parks, and more. She lives in Smyrna with her husband two sons. Heather@yellowshoetravel.com FB @heatheryellowshoetravel IG @yellowshoetravelheather

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