Dr. Heather Gibson, Ph.D. is a Professor for the Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management (THEM) and the Associate Director of the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute (EFTI).
Two weeks ago I returned to the Gainesville Airport to travel for Thanksgiving. It was my first flight since August, which for the old pre-pandemic me was really unusual. Sometimes in a fall semester I would have been at the airport multiple times a week traveling to this conference or this meeting. I approached the terminal entrance grinning as I was back in familiar territory. My check-in agent greeted me like a long lost friend and asked “where had I been?” All was well on a beautifully sunny flying day! Then came the news that a new variant had been detected and over the next few days we saw countries that had recently just opened their borders to international travelers reinstitute travel bans, quarantines, and testing protocols. It felt as though we had just had a taste of our former traveling selves only to find that the playing field had changed once again.
My advice to you as you get ready traveling this holiday season, particularly internationally is to keep checking the rules associated with your destination. International travel rules seem to be changing on a weekly sometimes daily basis. What was current yesterday may not be current today. So keep up to date so that you aren’t denied boarding when you show up to fly.
Second, you need to prepare ahead for testing. The appointment availability for tests fills up quickly. It may also be the case where labs cannot process tests quickly enough to meet the new requirements. For example, to re-enter the US by plane from overseas now requires a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours in advance. The only way to meet this requirement in some destinations might be to order the self-testing kits (designated for travel) and take them with you.
Third, traveling in the winter at the best of times often means contracting colds, the flu and this year we still have the potential of contracting COVID-19. So be pro-active in keeping yourselves safe. Wear a good mask, carry hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes. Even before the current pandemic I was one of those flyers who got on the plane and wiped down the tray table, arm rests, and the screen on an international flight 😊! Being a frequent flyer meant that I had more than my fair share of colds coming off those flights. Now of course, I see others engaging in the same preventative behavior! Can you say trend setter!!
Fourth, based on your vaccination status, some of this advice may vary. Countries have different requirements for the fully vaccinated vs the non-vaccinated vs the recently recovered from COVID-19. So once again check before you go and then check the CDC website for the policies pertaining to you for boarding an international flight and what do to when you get home.
Fifth, have fun! Post your travel photos and don’t forget to tag us…
