{"id":1139,"date":"2020-12-14T17:10:31","date_gmt":"2020-12-14T14:10:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.webhotelway.com\/?p=1139"},"modified":"2020-12-14T17:10:31","modified_gmt":"2020-12-14T14:10:31","slug":"travel-and-coronavirus-everything-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.webhotelway.com\/en\/travel-and-coronavirus-everything-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Coronavirus and Travel: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Coronavirus and Travel: Everything You Need to Know<\/h3>\n

From international and domestic travel restrictions to cruise and hotel news, here’s what travel will look like this winter.<\/span><\/p>\n

In these uncertain times, there are many questions that travelers desperately\u00a0need answers to<\/a>. We’re dedicated to reporting the most up-to-date advice, whether that’s about\u00a0flight cancellations<\/a>, how to\u00a0quarantine properly after travel<\/a>, or how destinations around the world are beginning to reopen. Bookmark this page\u2014we’ll be updating it regularly to reflect the latest news.<\/span><\/p>\n

When we’ll travel again<\/span><\/h3>\n

Over the spring and summer, some destinations took the first steps toward\u00a0reopening their cities to travelers:<\/a>\u00a0countries in Asia<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0several islands in the Caribbean<\/a>\u00a0encouraged tourism with entry requirements; museums including the Louvre and the Prado welcomed back visitors with reduced capacities that make for\u00a0a more enjoyable experience;<\/a>\u00a0domestically,\u00a0national parks like the Grand Canyon<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Yellowstone<\/a>\u00a0also opened back up, as did Disney World, with\u00a0changes<\/a>, of course, (though some\u00a0Disney fans aren’t ready to return<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

But come fall and winter, the predicted second wave has forced recently reopened restaurants, offices, and entire countries to close again, with North America and\u00a0Europe hit especially hard.<\/a>\u00a0Countries including Germany and Belgium are seeing case counts far worse than in spring. Parisians, who have entered a second lockdown, tell us that\u00a0it feels different this time around.<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This new spike, just in time for the holiday season, has forced travelers to confront challenging ethical questions.\u00a0Is it responsible to travel home for the holidays?<\/a>\u00a0Is it okay to fly if I’m only taking a short trip?<\/a>\u00a0Our new Ethical Traveler column has answers. For those who do to travel this season, we’ve asked\u00a0medical experts your most pressing air travel questions<\/a>\u2014from how to\u00a0make sure your family sits together<\/a>\u00a0to whether\u00a0first class is safer than economy right now.<\/a>\u00a0(Plus, the\u00a0best face masks,<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0face shields,<\/a>\u00a0for travel\u2014and\u00a0what to do if your seatmate won’t wear one<\/a>.) We’ve also covered the airports and airlines giving free COVID-19 tests this holiday season, like\u00a0New York’s LaGuardia<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0United Airlines, on the New York to London route<\/a>. Before you head out, make sure to read\u00a0our holiday travel checklist,<\/a>\u00a0so you can be best prepared for your journey and any\u00a0potential hiccups<\/a>\u2014like last-minute flight schedule changes\u2014along the way. Don’t forget to read up on\u00a0domestic travel restrictions<\/a>\u00a0if you’re crossing state lines.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you’re choosing not to fly home, we have tips for you too. First, we can share that you’re not alone. Many of our staffers are\u00a0rethinking the holiday calendar this year.<\/a>\u00a0Our favorite hoteliers, chefs, and world travelers tell us how they’re\u00a0making an unusual holiday season feel special<\/a>. We also tapped mental health experts and seasoned expats for advice on\u00a0getting through the holidays alone at home.<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/span> Milan during Italy’s second lockdown Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Though the holiday season is a complicated time to travel, we’re also looking ahead to 2021. News of a COVID-19 vaccine (multiple, in fact) has already had\u00a0an impact on air travel<\/a>. A slew of destinations are encouraging travelers to come and stay for a while\u2014largely, through remote work programs designed for longer, safer stays. Barbados announced a visa that will allow visitors to\u00a0work remotely from the island<\/a>\u00a0for up to a year (applications are\u00a0now open<\/a>). Hawaii is piloting a remote work program for 2021 that will\u00a0pay for your flight to the island<\/a>. Some countries throughout\u00a0Africa, meanwhile, are reopening to leisure travelers<\/a>\u00a0for any length of stay. And though getting back out there can be intimidating,\u00a0Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveler<\/em>\u00a0editor Corina Quinn recently shared why her first pandemic-era flight\u00a0was better than she expected<\/a>. Our list of the\u00a021 Best Places to Go in 2021<\/a>\u00a0rounds up the Mexican resorts and Ghanaian ecolodges we hope to make it to next year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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We’ve also learned that staying closer to home isn’t at odds with a sense of adventure.\u00a0Our Weekend Finds column<\/a>\u00a0highlights the global dishes, great hikes, and socially distanced activities our editors are finding joy in these days. We’re still looking to outdoor activities, like\u00a0national park trips<\/a>, and camping, for a change of scenery\u2014and though temperatures are dropping, we have tips on how to\u00a0adapt your excursions for the colder season<\/a>. We’d argue some\u00a0road trips are even better with a dusting of snow<\/a>\u00a0on the ground. Of course, piling your household into an\u00a0Airbnb big enough to fit your entire family<\/a>\u00a0doesn’t get old (or, if you live alone, sneak away to a\u00a0rental sized for one<\/a>).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How coronavirus affects your travel plans<\/span><\/h3>\n

Borders are closed, flights schedules have been slashed, and many of us are postponing the trips we’d been looking forward to this year. Here’s the latest on the state of the industry, and the changes directly impacting travelers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Airline cancellation policies<\/span><\/h3>\n

Around the world, airlines have\u00a0updated their cancellation policies<\/a>\u2014and completely stopped certain flight routes. The E.U. ban on American travelers is\u00a0impacting U.S. airlines.<\/a>\u00a0Many airlines are making equally unprecedented accommodations for travelers through it all (though the Department of Transportation\u00a0says they need to do even better<\/a>). Delta Air Lines, for example, has\u00a0extended rebooking for flights<\/a>\u00a0canceled during the coronavirus epidemic for two years out, giving travelers generous wiggle room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nearly all U.S. airlines have\u00a0gotten rid of change fees<\/a>\u00a0for good, which has\u00a0recently expanded to international flights<\/a>. There are a handful of things to\u00a0think about before you cancel<\/a>, including\u00a0when to do it<\/a>\u00a0and what type of refund you want. As airlines hand out flight vouchers, it’s important to note that they’re often legally obligated to give you a cash refund\u2014you just have to know\u00a0exactly how to ask for one<\/a>\u2014though some experts argue that you might be\u00a0better off taking the voucher<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cruise cancellation policies<\/span><\/h3>\n

Historically, cruise company\u2013initiated cancellations have been a rare thing, but in the COVID-19 era,\u00a0many cruise lines have relaxed cancellation and rebooking policies<\/a>\u00a0to the benefit of travelers. Cruising is on hold in the U.S. until\u00a0through the end of the year<\/a>\u2014though some small ships are exempt from the ban, and\u00a0have already set sail once again.<\/a>\u00a0Some travelers are\u00a0even booking out small, private sailings<\/a>, for their closest friends and family. A big question for 2021 remains:\u00a0How will cruise lines attract new cruisers<\/a>, an essential demographic for survival, after this year?<\/span><\/p>\n

Hotel and home rental cancellation policies<\/span><\/h3>\n

The cancellation policies of airlines and cruises have largely synced up across each industry, but\u00a0those surrounding hotels and rentals<\/a>\u00a0vary widely depending on the brand and property. You’ll also find different restrictions depending on whether you booked\u00a0directly with a property<\/a>, or via a third party. Major brands like Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are waiving cancellation fees, and many are allowing last-minute reservation changes without the usual penalties. Though Airbnb cancellation policies are typically determined by individual hosts, the brand has released an\u00a0extenuating circumstance policy<\/a>\u00a0to protect travelers right now.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Some hotels, including St. Regis and Ritz-Carlton,\u00a0majorly discounted rooms<\/a>\u00a0over the summer to encourage stays. Hyatt is\u00a0tripling the points offered on winter bookings<\/a>. Other top hotels in the U.S. and Canada, including those not typically bookable with points, are\u00a0offering limited-time redemption offers<\/a>\u00a0for guests with points to burn. And, if total seclusion is what you’re after, know that some properties are available to\u00a0completely buy out<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Travel documents and programs<\/span><\/h3>\n

Passport renewal services have resumed, but there are delays. Here’s what to know if your\u00a0passport expires any time within the next year<\/a>. (Plus, why a growing number of Americans\u00a0are looking for second passports.<\/a>) As of late July, New Yorkers can enroll in\u00a0Global Entry again<\/a>. And the deadline to apply for Real ID, a new federally approved identification all Americans will soon need for domestic travel,\u00a0has been extended<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other need-to-knows<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you booked your hotel, flight, cruise, or other travel plans through a third party\u2014or\u00a0your credit card<\/a>\u2014and need to cancel, know that it may be\u00a0trickier to get your money back<\/a>. Frequent travelers should be also aware that many loyalty programs are\u00a0undergoing changes<\/a>\u00a0at the moment. Some airline loyalty programs, such as those from Delta and United, have\u00a0extended elite status<\/a>\u00a0for existing members for 12 months.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Hotel brands like Hilton are making\u00a0similar extensions<\/a>. Credits cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve are also throwing customers a bone: In Chase’s case, that means giving certain cardholders\u00a0$100 back on their annual fee<\/a>\u00a0and upping the points back on groceries. American Express travel cards now\u00a0earn more points on groceries and streaming<\/a>, to reflect our current spending habits. A handful of cards are also offering bigger\u00a0sign-up bonuses and broader points and miles redemption offers<\/a>\u00a0right now. If you’re considering switching cards, these are the\u00a0best travel credit cards to use<\/a> while staying home.<\/span><\/p>\n

How coronavirus is impacting the travel industry<\/span><\/h3>\n

The impact of this pandemic has been felt in every corner of the travel industry. And yet, despite the strain placed on the hotels, airlines, cruise ships, and destinations that are no longer receiving visitors, these players have also been quick to react, adapt, and\u00a0step up to help<\/a>\u00a0accordingly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Destinations are closed and major events are canceled<\/span><\/h3>\n

As\u00a0entire countries<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0cities have closed down<\/a>, so too have\u00a0historic landmarks around the world<\/a>. Australia is using this time to\u00a0rethink its approach to tourism;<\/a>\u00a0the city of Medellin, Colombia is working on becoming\u00a0greener than ever during this time.<\/a>\u00a0After a decade of delays,\u00a0Berlin’s Brandenburg airport was completed mid-pandemic<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Some of our favorite bars and restaurants\u00a0have shuttered for good<\/a>; some small business owners say\u00a0it could take until next spring<\/a>\u00a0to reopen. America’s lesbian bars are dwindling (though\u00a0a new project is dedicated to trying to save them<\/a>). The Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics\u00a0have been postponed<\/a>\u00a0to 2021, with a new opening ceremony date in place. Caribbean destinations are feeling\u00a0the cancellation of Carnival celebrations.<\/a>\u00a0Even\u00a0South African winemakers are hurting<\/a>, as a domestic ban on the sale of alcohol has completely dried up the local market. Without international travelers, some African destinations are\u00a0focusing on domestic tourism<\/a>. Throughout it all, the CDC Museum in Atlanta is\u00a0avidly documenting the pandemic<\/a>\u00a0for future generations.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are signs of hope, too. We spoke to\u00a0four chefs who opened new restaurants during the pandemic<\/a>, and a\u00a0boutique sailing company<\/a>\u00a0that underwent a relaunch. Destinations like Singapore, which had a\u00a0particularly effective response to COVID<\/a>, are creating the blueprint for reopenings elsewhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Outdoor dining has transformed city streets throughout America<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Noam Galai\/Getty<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Airlines and airports are seeking relief while helping with the outbreak<\/span><\/h3>\n

A record number of planes have been grounded over the past few months, with more than\u00a070 airlines grounding their fleets completely<\/a>. The U.S. government is offering airlines $50 billion in bailout money\u2014though there are a\u00a0lot of strings attached<\/a>. Airports are also asking the U.S. government for aid, given that they are projected to\u00a0lose at least $8.7 billion<\/a>\u00a0in revenue this year as a result of coronavirus travel restrictions and\u00a0dropping passenger numbers<\/a>, and an attempt by airlines\u00a0to reduce the airports<\/a>\u00a0they’re flying into.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are still some planes in the air\u2014including those\u00a0transporting essential workers and supplies<\/a>, and the rarer\u00a0repatriation flights<\/a>\u2014which has forced airlines to implement\u00a0new sanitation measures<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0temperature checks<\/a>\u00a0to protect passengers, and raised the question of\u00a0immunity passports as a pre-boarding requirement<\/a>\u00a0in the future. (Such traffic has turned Dallas-Fort Worth into the\u00a0busiest airport in the world.<\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

Some airlines have taken to\u00a0blocking middle seats<\/a>\u2014something Delta\u00a0plans to do through March, 2021<\/a>. All major U.S. airlines are\u00a0requiring passengers to wear face masks<\/a>, and are\u00a0banning fliers who refuse to comply.<\/a>\u00a0Emirates is pioneering a\u00a0rapid coronavirus blood test<\/a>, which it’s giving to passengers before they board. United and Alaska Airlines have added\u00a0health questionnaires to the check-in process<\/a>. United is also offering\u00a0COVID tests for those traveling to Hawaii<\/a>\u00a0(though travelers to Hawaii will have to navigate a handful of\u00a0additional requirements for entry<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Experts say\u00a0airports will look completely different<\/a>\u00a0in the future as a result of the pandemic. Singapore’s Changi Airport has already unveiled\u00a0contactless check-in and cleaning robots.<\/a>\u00a0New York’s airports\u00a0are also going touchless.<\/a>\u00a0Even the way we book\u00a0airline tickets could change dramatically<\/a>; it’s possible that\u00a0airline fees could be completely eliminated<\/a>\u00a0post-COVID-19. The Transportation Security Administration has\u00a0also rolled out new rules<\/a>\u00a0designed to protect officers from potential infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Flight attendants are finally being recognized for\u00a0their role as safety professionals<\/a>. Some flight attendants, many of whom are out of a job, are\u00a0pivoting to help as medical volunteers<\/a>, in response to a request made by the U.K. government. The use of\u00a0private planes is poised<\/a>\u00a0to increase after this\u2014at least, for travelers who can afford it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hotels and home rentals are housing first responders<\/span><\/h3>\n

Though many hotels and rentals have been left largely vacant without their usual flow of travelers, a new\u00a0wave of guests<\/a>\u00a0has come in. A handful of major hotel brands, from Hilton to\u00a0Rosewood Hotels<\/a>, are\u00a0turning rooms over to healthcare workers<\/a>\u00a0and those who need to isolate from their families. For luxury hotels like the\u00a0Four Seasons Hotel New York<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Claridge’s in London<\/a>, this has completely changed their operations.\u00a0Airbnb is also doing its part<\/a>\u00a0by offering free or subsidized housing to 100,000 individuals on the front lines through the brand’s Open Homes initiative.<\/span><\/p>\n

Across the board, these brands are\u00a0implementing new safety measures<\/a>, which includes\u00a0reconfiguring lobbies for social distancing<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0multiple daily cleanings<\/a>, to\u00a0increased time buffers between guests<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0modified hotel gyms<\/a>. (Suffice it to say,\u00a0hotel cleaning staff are working harder than ever.<\/a>) Hotel guests can expect a greater emphasis on active programming (think hikes, rock climbing excursions), and\u00a0grab-and-go happy hour offerings<\/a>\u00a0designed to reduce crowds. Airbnb hosts have a few ideas of how\u00a0their offerings might shift as well.<\/a>\u00a0Hostels are trying to\u00a0help guests socially distance<\/a>\u00a0without losing a sense of community. One thing is certain: the\u00a0hotel experience is set to change<\/a>\u00a0well beyond cleaning protocols in the months and years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cruising is suspended<\/span><\/h3>\n

The U.S. cruise industry has completely\u00a0suspended operations<\/a>\u00a0through the end of the year, leaving many travelers to wait even longer for the\u00a0highly anticipated launches<\/a>\u00a0originally set for this year. But that doesn’t mean these ships have been sitting vacant.\u00a0Carnival Corporation offered up 15 vessels<\/a>\u00a0to act as floating hospitals and temporary housing. Until they can sail again, many cruise lines are working to\u00a0implement rigorous health and safety initiatives.<\/a>\u00a0Royal Caribbean and Norwegian have formed a joint panel of health experts to advise them on\u00a0a safe return to the seas<\/a>.\u00a0Virgin Voyages<\/a>\u00a0has installed an HVAC air filtration system that will circulate fresh, never recycled, air. Some ports say they will be slow to welcome ships back, though. In the meantime,\u00a0private yachting is on the rise.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Transportation companies are implementing new safety measures<\/span><\/h3>\n

Rental car companies have updated their cleaning routines<\/a>\u00a0to make customers more comfortable. Among the new measure? Curbside, contactless delivery, lengthier cleaning checklists, and thorough sanitizing on high touch points within cars.\u00a0Lyft and Uber also said<\/a>\u00a0it will be requiring face masks, for both passengers and drivers, for the duration of rides moving forward. Amtrak has announced a similar mask requirement, which went into place May 11, and will require face coverings on trains and in stations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Life during the pandemic<\/span><\/h3>\n

Staying home is an adjustment for all of us, and a challenging one at that. For expats,\u00a0home is suddenly out of reach<\/a>. Couples in\u00a0long-distance relationships<\/a>\u00a0don’t know when they’ll see each other next. Weddings, at home and abroad, have been called off. But if there’s one thing travelers are good at, it’s adapting\u2014and we’ve all found ways to do so, whether that\u00a0means saving that honeymoon for a later date<\/a>, pivoting\u00a0special moments to virtual ones<\/a>, or even\u00a0making a destination out of your home<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u03a0\u03b7\u03b3\u03ae<\/em>: https:\/\/www.cntraveler.com\/story\/coronavirus<\/a><\/p>\n

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