Page 9 - Van Wig & Associates Newsletter ~ Nov Dec 2020 Issue

caribbean dream TRAVEL

WHAT TO KNOW: BEFORE TRAVELING

TO THE CARIBBEAN

by Brian Major anniversary or milestone birthday.” tourism websites offer the most Lucia as destinations where “both according to travel insurance
Here are essential aspects that updated information regarding the countries and resorts are taking consolidation firm Squaremouth.
M any of the Caribbean’s travelers heading to Caribbean current protocols for regional great measures to keep our clients Benefits may be available depending
33
which
can
tourism-reliant destinations this fall should consider countries,
vary safe while providing a great travel on the situation, including coverage
nations remain closed to before departing:
international travelers. However, significantly. Some Caribbean experience.” for COVID-19-related cancellations
governments
have
changed
Doncsecz meanwhile advises or medical emergencies. However,
several destinations across the region GET TESTED protocols and requirements several consumers to select their Caribbean travelers can also protect themselves
are now accepting visitors as they Most Caribbean nations times as more is learned about the vacation targets carefully. “When in case an unforeseen COVID-19
attempt to rebuild tourism activity accepting travelers from the U.S. illness. we have last-minute travelers, we scenario impacts their plans with a
during the critical fall period. have designated America as a “high Entry requirements also vary tend to stay away from suggesting “cancel for any reason” policy from
Yet to resume some semblance risk” COVID-19 country and thus within the region. For example, destinations that ‘intend’ on a leading provider.
of the millions of visitors the region require travelers from the country to high-risk visitors to the Bahamas and reopening by a certain date,” said
previously attracted annually prior provide proof of a negative COVID- Barbados are required to quarantine Doncsecz, “and suggest destinations CONSULT A TRAVEL ADVISER
to the COVID-19 pandemic, 19 PCR test within as few as three for up to 14 days upon arrival. that are already reopened.” The atmosphere of caution
destinations need not only to to five days of arrival. Anguilla requires potential visitors She noted “Barbados, Turks & and uncertainty attached to the
reopen, but travelers must also feel But standards can vary across the to pre-register online at the Anguilla Caicos, and The Bahamas have flip- re-launch of Caribbean travel makes
comfortable returning to the region. region. Some Caribbean countries, Tourist Board’s website and provide flopped on their entry requirements it crucial to re-confirm every aspect
To do that, vacationers must including Aruba, only “encourage” information including proposed and reopening dates,” making it of their journey before departing,
access, understand and prepare for travelers to obtain proof of a negative travel dates. The Bahamas and imperative travelers access the latest from airport and flight requirements
required COVID-19 protocols in test prior to arrival. The Dominican U.S. Virgin Islands both changed information. to hotel bookings and transportation
the Caribbean country they intend Republic recently implemented protocols earlier this summer due to Travelers can find government arrangements. Travelers risk
to visit. “We forewarn our clients a Responsible Tourism Recovery local COVID-19 spikes. ministry and tourism agency links missing key details, not to mention
that protocols and guidelines can Plan under which travelers are no That’s why it’s crucial that for 24 Caribbean destinations increasing their own stress levels to
change on a dime, so they need longer required to present a negative travelers access data from official on the Caribbean Tourism ensure they have all bases covered.
to be aware that they might need COVID-19 test at Dominican tourism authorities in the Caribbean Organization’s website. The Centers “(Travel advisers’) jobs are to
to suddenly follow a new policy, airports to enter the country. destination they plan to visit this for Disease Control recommends stay on top of all the currently
which can be stressful,” said Jennifer Regardless of regulations in the fall. “The most important things to Caribbean-bound travelers consult available information and to
Doncsecz, owner of VIP Vacations. country to which your clients plan know about traveling right now is to the destination’s Ministry of Health educate our clients so that they
Her agency has served “many to travel, it is undeniably prudent understand all the protocols that are or the U.S. Department of State’s are not only fully aware of what to
travelers and even large wedding for travelers to get tested before in place in both the destination and Country Information page. In expect,” said Varghese, “but also
groups” traveling to Antigua, St. departing, if only to confirm their resort you are visiting,” said Varghese, addition, the Caribbean Hotel & to set their expectations as to what
Lucia, Aruba, Jamaica and the personal health status relative to owner of the Travel Tom agency. Tourism Association maintains ‘travel experience’ they can expect
Dominican Republic following COVID-19 prior to traveling. But Not surprisingly, Caribbean a Resource Center that provides while on vacation (including) masks
these countries’ border reopenings. checking the specific requirements countries that “have shown that regional alerts, travel advisories and may need to be worn in public
Another top travel seller, Tom in the country you are visiting will they have great measures in place airline and accommodation policies places (or) not all facilities may be
Varghese, also identified the prevent further problems upon to protect our clients as well as and guidelines. open and available.” n
“romance market” as ready to arrival. provide a relatively hassle-free
travel to Caribbean destinations means of entry” have been most BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE ©2020 Travelpulse
this fall, including “clients that are CONTACT THE AUTHORITIES popular with his clients, Varghese Travel insurance coverage tied Distributed by Tribune Content
celebrating a delayed honeymoon, Caribbean government and said. He cited Antigua and St. specifically to COVID-19 is limited Agency, LLC.

WWW.SUPERBROKER.COM

562-882-1581 | ALLISON@SUPERBROKER.COM

9