Traveling Outside the US - Observations from
December 4, 2021
We subscribe to a website called The Points Guy. This travel blog is very informative, and you should subscribe if you travel a lot and use points to do so. The author is Brian Kelly, and he has done a great job staying on top of changes in the Travel Industry. You can subscribe by tapping here.Brian's email today discusses his current travel challenges while he is enjoying Ecuador. He loves to travel and is geared to seizing the moment. In addition, he provides a traveler's insight to issues that arise when the US and other governments change travel recommendations and requirements. The Points Guy is a very good resource for all things travel. Enjoy this email.
So, there you have it. A traveler is in Ecuador and will be flying to the Galapagos and then returning to the US. But, he has to be tested for Covid and be able to show the negative test results within 24 hours of his departure. This could be a challenge. But, he knows who to call and uses those resources to accomplish what he needs in order to return to the US.
HOLA FROM BEAUTIFUL ECUADOR
I’m currently in Ecuador on a 10-day trip because Ecuador has always been on my bucket list. For someone who loves nature and animals like I do, it’s hard to beat the unique biodiversity here in this South American country. I’m writing this from the Mashpi Lodge, in the treetops three hours outside of Quito, as I look out at just unbelievable beauty.
But as I take in all that Ecuador has to offer — and trust me, it’s a lot — I also have to sit here and think about how my travel plans are going to be changed.
Sudden changes to travel requirements
I arrived in Ecuador on Nov. 29 and by Dec. 1, the government here had already changed its travel requirements. Now all travelers must present their vaccination card or certificate as well as a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. The PCR test is required for all visitors 2 years of age and older.
Luckily, I arrived before that and my vaccine card was enough. But I’ll now also have to get a PCR test before I go to the Galapagos. Fortunately, that isn’t a big issue because the Ecuador Ministry of Travel is helping me to navigate getting tested.
New requirements to return to the U.S.
What I’m more worried about is the change to U.S. policy that will require all US-bound international travelers will need to take a COVID-19 test one day before their flight. Previously, travelers could present a negative test result 72 hours before departure.
In an ideal world, where tests are plentiful and you can count on the infrastructure to be in place to administer tests, this isn’t a big deal. But in addition to that not being the case in reality, the sudden change in requirements has me concerned about my own travel logistics.
I’m going to be on a Galapagos cruise up until the day I leave to come back to the US. I have a 1 a.m. flight, so I would have to get a test somewhere between landing back in Ecuador in the afternoon and my 1 a.m. departure. A rapid antigen test is currently required for re-entry into the U.S. but if the government were to start requiring a PCR test, that would make it almost impossible in some places to get a quick turnaround.
As a reminder, per the CDC's website, you must be tested with a viral test that can be either an antigen test or nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). We've written extensively about supervised at-home COVID-19 tests and how to use them while abroad. They're a great option for testing while abroad, especially if you're not sure you'll be able to get your results in time for travel.
Read six things to know about at-home COVID-19 tests for travel here.
I’m not panicking yet
I’m not stressing out — but my dad, on the other hand, is a little worried about my trip coinciding with the discovery of the new omicron variant. I love my dad but he’s definitely on the more conservative side. As I was taking off, he asked me if I’d rethought my Ecuador plans because so much is changing.
I’ve come to learn that change is inevitable and, fortunately, even if I do have to quarantine when I return, I have the flexibility to do that because I can work virtually. However, I know that some people can’t.
When the government changes the rules so often, I can see why people don’t want to leave the country — which is a shame because there’s so much to explore in the world. I’ve taken a different approach during the pandemic by deciding to start visiting the places I’ve always wanted to go to, including Ecuador, Peru and Antarctica. Things can change at any moment and I don’t want to miss these experiences.
Staying positive
On one hand, it’s stressful to be here and hear about these new changes. But on the other hand, I’m not going to let panic over the omicron variant — which we still don’t know a lot about — change my life and cause me to live in fear. I’m vaccinated and I’ve gotten my booster, so I’m fully confident in my body's ability to fight this virus.
I think that everyone has to make the decision to travel or not for themselves.
For people asking me if they should go to Europe during the holidays, I say that that’s a personal decision — but there are a few things to keep in mind. If more countries end up shutting down again, like Austria has already, or closing museums and restaurants, you may want to rethink your trip.
My advice is the same as what most outlets are reporting now: Don’t panic. Let's wait to see what happens with this variant and the ability of our current vaccines to combat it. I’m forever optimistic, so I’m hoping that it doesn’t become the new delta variant or worse, but only time will tell.
Until then, safe travels — and I can’t recommend Ecuador enough.
Have a great weekend, everybody!
BK
Vidanta recently sent an eamil reassuring guests that testing is available at all resorts, and results will be available within the timeframe announced by the CDC - 24 hour testing window. So, all of us who are traveling in the near future will be able to satisfy the testing requirements without worry.