Has International Travel Changed Since COVID?
As a super short answer, yes. But you didn’t come here for the short version, so I’ll give you my first-hand experience traveling from Detroit, Michigan to Fort Lauderdale, Florida then continuing on to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and back again. Stay with me… this is going to be a long one. (If you’d rather the Cliff Notes version, everything was great! I give you the permission to start traveling again 😊)
To start, I traveled in early October and as you can imagine travel protocols are changing often. I encourage you to double-check your destination traveler’s bureau for any updates on travel authorization (alternatively, you can reach out to me- I am happy to help!). Jamaica, like many other island destinations, requires all travelers to get a proper COVID-19 negative test to ensure you are healthy, as well as keeping the health and safety of those on the Island. Once you have received your negative COVID test each traveler must apply for travel. This is an extremely easy and painless process – I promise! Remember, most tourism-based destinations want travelers, while keeping their destination safe. They rely on tourism dollars to support their economies.
Once at the airport, you’ll see many similarities to what you have most likely experienced in your hometown. Masks are required (in most cases this includes young children and those with medical conditions) and social distancing should be followed. Sanitizing stations are available throughout the airport, as well as water-bottle fill stations, floor markings, acrylic shields, and frequent cleaning. While we were at the airport, we saw many staff members spraying down regularly used touchpoints (like chairs, bathrooms, handrails, TSA bins, etc.) At this point, none of this is really out of the norm. It’s actually the new normal- right?
After boarding, you may notice some airlines have blocked all middle row seating to allow for social distancing- although not guaranteed. We had a total of four flights on our trip to/from our destination and only one allowed for social distancing. Masks are required during your entire flight unless actively eating or drinking.
Upon entering the international destination, in our case Jamaica, everything we saw in the States was continued at the Montego Bay Airport- masks, increased cleaning, and sanitization. Another thing to note, not all convenience stores and restaurants are open in the airports- so plan accordingly!
We had the privilege to stay at Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, approximately 90 minutes from the airport. This intimate all-butler beach resort has only 74 rooms, all of which are ocean view, and is a historic adults-only all-inclusive resort. One of the biggest reasons we wanted to check it out, besides the beach butlers, was to find out why this resort has a guest return rate of 65%! That must mean that Royal Plantation guests really enjoy their time here! And now I know why, but that’s for another conversation… (of course, if you are interested in why we adored this resort, let’s chat!)
By, the way this is Oren, our wonderful butler who quickly figured out our favorite meal and brought us grilled lobster on the beach. Yes, please!
Sandals knows that relaxation is needed now more than ever, but also wants to ensure their guests know that their preparations for our stay are clean beyond expectation. They have a new Platinum Protocol of Cleanliness which means:
Certified Sandals Sanitized Guest Rooms. Enhanced housekeeping measures to ensure all rooms meet hospital-grade sanitization standards through electrical aerosol sprayers for advanced cleaning. You’ll also find in-room sanitizer for personal use. After a full cleaning, Sandals puts a seal on your guest room door, you as the guest, are the first to break the seal. There is quite a bit of peace of mind knowing no one else has been in your guest room after it was sanitized.
Triple-Check Cleaning Guarantee. Details have always meant everything to Sandals, but they stepped it up even further by ensuring each area of the resort is cleaned and sanitized with a minimum of three inspections daily.
Ready-To-Love Restaurants & Bars. All of their restaurants and bars are open for enjoyment. Meaning they are committed to allowing you to fully enjoy the resort, instead of only opening a few at a time. Instead, they adjusted layouts to meet physical distancing requirements. Of course, the in-room 24-hour dining is always an option too!
Pristine Pools & Beach Areas. Enjoy the pool and beachside lounge areas knowing they are sanitized every morning, after each use, and all chairs & cabanas are separated in groups of two at a minimum of six feet.
Spa & Fitness Centers. Team members will wear masks and gloves while carrying out all treatments and physical social distancing in all spa and workout facilities.
Team Member Promise. Above all, Sandals is dedicated to making sure you have the safest, yet most relaxing, vacation experience. This is why their team will wear face masks at all times and will carry out the necessary precautions when assisting you with every need.
Way too much information, right? Well, I want to make sure we give you the right information at your fingertips to feel empowered to make the right decision for you and your family when it comes to travel. All in all… the resorts are prepared and ready for your stay.
I encourage you to start thinking about your next travel plans – or reach out to us. We are happy to help make your next vacation one to make up for all of 2020.