As Countries Re-Open their Doors, Are You Ready to Travel? What you need to know before you GO...

As we are all preparing to dust off our passports and travel, here a CHECK LIST of things to keep in mind.  The situation is changing daily, so be sure to regularly check websites of your destination for updates on requirements to enter and the government website of the country you reside in for reentry details..  ____________________________________________________

#1. Get Vaccinated with a FDA approved vaccine.

The CDC advises not to travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated. To be considered fully vaccinated, you must receive your final dose at least 14 days prior to your travel date. Keep your proof of vaccination. Take a picture of it just in case. BUT DO NOT laminate it. Follow updates on the required format of proof of vaccination for entry into your destination country. If traveling with WanderWoman® tours I will keep you updated. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html ___________________________________________________________________________________

#2. Make sure your Passport is up to date.

For Americans traveling to Europe your passport must be valid at least 3 to 6 months past your return date, depending on your destination country. Some destinations require you to have two blank pages. For travelers from Commonwealth countries your passport must be valid 3 months past your return date. It is always advisable to check with your country's Department of State Travel site for updates. Here is a link for US travelers and for one Canadian travelers.

NOTE:

• Routine service can take up to 18 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. The 18-week timeframe includes up to 12 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing times on the front and back end.
• Expedite service (for an additional $60) can take up to 12 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. The 12-week timeframe includes up to 6 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing times on the front and back end.

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#3. CHECK RETURNING HOME Requirements & Plan accordingly.

USA and Canada bound travelers MUST present a negative Covid-19 test result taken within 3 days of boarding flights. If traveling independently, before departing home check where you can get tested and plan your itinerary accordingly. Locations of test sites and availability of tests can be found on the US Embassy website of each country. If you are traveling with an organized tour, this usually will be arranged for you. WanderWoman® tours will arrange this for all our travelers.

Those traveling to Canada, visit the Government Of Canada website for details.  

Effective 21 June 2021: Proof of being fully vaccinated will be accepted for entry to Canada for its citizens and permanent residents.

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# 4. Know the Entry Requirements for your Destination.

Each country may have different safety protocols and entry restrictions even within the E.U. You can find this information on the Consular website of each country. If traveling with an organized tour, such as WanderWoman® Tours, this information will be provided in the pre-tour materials.

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# 5. Check cancelation policies before you book. Things can change overnight. Most airlines are waiving change fees, but not in all classes of service. Before booking your flights, check to see if there are cancelation and/or change fees and if you must cancel how long is your eCredit is valid. Make sure to have insurance coverage on your flights. Also check with your accommodations and/or tour provider as to what their policies are should you need to cancel or if the tour cannot operate due to Covid-19.

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#6. Purchase Travel Insurance.

Generally for best coverage, insurance should be purchased within 14 days of your first non-refundable deposit. Purchase coverage for the full amount that is non-refundable. Not all insurance policies cover the same things.

What to consider before buying a policy:

• Ask about COVID-19 related expenses. Most cover "unforeseen" illnesses including Covid-19 and medical expenses for Covid-19 while traveling. BUT not all cover quarantining, should it be necessary. A 10-day quarantine at a hotel with meals can be expensive.
• Check the STRIKE and ALERTS lists of the insurance company. If your cruise line or airline are on either list, and a delay happens or they stop operating - these issues are not covered events.
• CANCEL FOR ANY REASON insurance has become more popular, but these policies are very expensive, and some cover only 50%, while other cover up to 75% of non-refundable tour costs. Most stipulate by when you must cancel to be covered, generally to be covered you must cancel 48 hours prior.
• EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION can be a life saver especially when traveling to remote destinations. Also consider Hospital of Choice upgrade, if traveling to developing countries.

Click here for a quote from Travel Guard Insurance.

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NOTE: US and Canadian Governments' Travel Advisories due to Covid-19 remain in place for travel in general. If you choose to travel, remember to follow safety protocols and all mandates of the countries you are visiting. Many countries have high fines and even possible imprisonment for noncompliance. Airlines are requiring all passengers wear masks. If traveling with WanderWoman® Tours this information will be provided in your pre-tour materials.

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