Planning international travel soon? Here are the advisories you need to know
As COVID-19 vaccination rates continue to rise up in the United States of America on a daily basis and infection counts of the disease decrease, it seems that the world is slowly but surely making its first steps back to normalcy. With such great news, this probably means that most people are already packing up their bags, searching up flight tickets, and saving up their extra cash for a flight overseas.
As the days count down until summer, we can’t blame you if you’re itching for a getaway vacation to celebrate getting through the difficult year we’ve all collectively been through. However, keep in mind that there are still plenty of travel advisories you should be aware of before booking that plane ticket, especially if you’re planning on flying out of the country and going international.
Want to know what the international travel advisories are like before pulling out that suitcase? Let’s take a look here to make sure you’re all prepared.
What the CDC recommends
So what are the travel advisories looking like for the folks who are planning to go international? Well, as for all United States citizens in general, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises all travelers planning to travel internationally (or domestically as well) to be fully vaccinated before taking a trip abroad. After all, this is the safest bet for both you and other folks around you.
On the CDC website, experts say “do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated”. Those who have gotten the vaccines pose less of a risk in getting and spreading the coronavirus. However, it is still important to remember that even if you are fully vaccinated, you can still have the risk of contracting and possibly even spreading new COVID-19 variants.
It is important to remember that while the COVID-19 vaccine decreases your risk of getting affected by the disease significantly, you can still get it and pass the disease on to other folks, and harm especially those that are not vaccinated. While making the decision to travel or not is ultimately up to you, there definitely are numerous factors to consider before clicking purchase on that plane ticket.
Pros of getting vaccinated
If you are fully vaccinated, being able to travel around the world will be significantly easier for you compared to those who choose to opt out on the vaccine. For instance, most countries may not even allow you in unless you are fully vaccinated. Other countries will allow you, but may require you to do other things such as getting tested for the disease before and after your trip.
Some other countries also will require folks who are not vaccinated to quarantine after arriving in their country for a couple of days, which will negatively affect your vacation as a good three or five days upon arrival will be stuck indoors. However, every single country is different, so make sure that before you book your trip ticket and hotel rooms, you’re fully aware of all the international travel advisories in your planned destination.
At the end of the day, regardless of whether you are vaccinated or not vaccinated, you should still continue following normal precautions and guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19. This includes getting tested whenever you feel you’ve been exposed, wearing a mask in public areas including trains, planes, buses, subways, and more, and continuing to socially distance about six feet apart from other strangers.
Most importantly, don’t leave your house and make sure to quarantine yourself if you feel as if you’re infected or sick. After all, delaying your trip is worth it if it means you’re helping slow the spread and preventing other folks, especially at-risk individuals, from contracting the virus. Above all though, once you finally do get to go on your dream vacation, stay safe and have fun!
