6 Tips for Traveling in 2021
It’s no secret that traveling in 2021 is going to be different than any typical year. After the whirlwind that was 2020, however, people around the world are itching to get out and explore the world again, whether it’s a nearby road trip or an international adventure!
As the world slowly reopens to tourism, I’ve been grateful to have (safely) traveled to a few places abroad that are open to Americans: Tulum, Mexico, Tamarindo, Costa Rica, and Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic.
With negative tests each time, I think it’s safe to say that travel is possible, as long as you take the proper precautions and follow country/local guidelines!
Here are a few tips for traveling in 2021:
The Importance of Flexibility
This is one time where things can change on a dime. With so many trips being canceled in the last year, travelers are either booking trips more spontaneously and last-minute, or booking farther out in advance.
Most airlines have removed the ticket change fees, so check with your preferred airline to see if this is the case.
Make Sure To Have Travel Insurance
For the past 5-6 years, I’ve always traveled with travel insurance. I can’t believe I used to live so “on the edge” beforehand! Travel insurance is super important for health costs (your health insurance back home typically doesn’t cover doctor or hospital visits out-of-country), but also for travel delays or lost or damaged luggage.
Many travel insurance companies have also expanded their coverage for COVID-related expenses. Check with your travel insurance provider to see if and what they cover! For example, SafetyWing is one travel insurance company that covers COVID-related expenses, if they do occur.
Also, check the destination country’s specific requirements. When I went to Costa Rica in February/March 2021, they required all tourists purchase a $10 USD/day health insurance package in case any COVID-related expenses occurred.
Check Regulations Before You Travel
Do you need a negative test result to get through customs? If not, decide if you are going to get one as a precaution just in case.
Currently, where I live, there are no shortages of tests, so I feel comfortable getting tested regularly as a precaution and before/after traveling.
Make sure to consistently check up on travel regulations before your trip to ensure you are following the most up-to-date advice and regulations.
It’ll Be Easier To Travel Slower or In Fewer Cities (Until Things Are More “Normal”)
In 2019 and earlier, I was really motivated to explore as many new places as possible. I loved traveling fast, visiting multiple countries or cities in one trip abroad, and experiencing a ton of new cultures.
While that logistically is more difficult during these times due to testing and testing windows - plus you want to be sure you are taking precautions - it’s been really nice (in my experience) to not cram a bunch of adventure into one trip.
I’ve also experienced a LOT of welcome business growth this past year, and traveling has been the best way to recharge, boost my mental health, and fuel my creativity.
I think no matter what your circumstances are in your personal life or career, it has been a heavy year.
Taking a relaxing vacation in one location is more appealing to a lot of us right now, versus super fast travel where you hop from place to place.
Flying in Early 2021
Based on my experience flying in the US and to Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, the airport and flight experience have all been pretty consistent.
There are COVID questionnaires you take (that say you don’t have symptoms and haven’t been around people with symptoms in the past 14 days, etc.) when you check in and at the airport. In the Tijuana airport in Mexico in October 2020, they took our temperature before going through customs.
Getting COVID tests in Costa Rica and the DR was a breeze. I got rapid antigen tests for $55 USD in each location and my results were returned within eight hours (Costa Rica) and 48 hours (DR).
Masks are required throughout your duration in the airport and on the plane, except for when you are seated to eat or drink.
Every airline I’ve been on has had a more limited selection of drinks and snacks, even when I flew in first class on the way back from Tulum.
In first class on United, they served alcoholic drinks and we got to choose from packaged snacks but nothing else.
In economy on Delta and American Airlines, both airlines gave us bottled water with packaged snacks (like pretzels, Cheez-its, or cookies) inside a plastic bag.
Other than that, things feel…normal!
What To Add To Your Early 2021 Packing List
Packing isn’t going to change much in 2021, honestly! The only things I’d suggest adding would be hand sanitizer, snacks (airlines have limited selections as I mentioned above), and extra masks.
Personally, I also take health supplements and vitamins regularly, but especially when traveling these days. I also try to get quality sleep, think positively, and do meditation regularly to keep my immune system in top shape.
I hope this blog post was helpful in shedding some light on what it has been like traveling in 2020 and in 2021 so far!
This has been one of my TOP questions on Instagram. Whenever I post on my story about my trip, it’s a given that I’ll get DMs from people who want to travel, but are understandably nervous about what it is like (or they are simply curious about traveling right now)!
I am feeling extremely grateful for my health, and the happiness that I've personally felt from traveling. Honestly, I’ve had close to ten negative COVID tests at this point from all the travel and family visits (and everyone I’ve traveled with, has tested negative before/after as well).
I am so happy I’ve taken time for my mental health and happiness to travel, and do not regret it at all. My best advice is that if you are considering traveling this year is to be smart, take precautions, and to not overthink it!
