Countries to Travel This Holiday Season Amid COVID-19

Several months into the pandemic, restrictions were given by the federal government to protect its citizens from being infected with COVID-19.

The month of November marks the start of different holiday activities. In 2019, Statista reports that there are approximately 37.79 million Americans who travel overseas. But because of the proliferation of SARS-CoV-2, lockdowns were administered by the authorities, emphasizing 3 protocols such as regular washing of hands, putting on masks, and maintaining physical distancing. 

But did you know that there are countries Americans can visit while the coronavirus cases are continuously surging?

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Christmas getaway

(Photo : Matt Jelonek)
An airport staff disinfects part of the Perth Airport terminal on December 8, 2020 in Perth, Australia. Western Australia has eased its COVID-19 border restrictions, with travellers from New South Wales and Victoria now permitted to enter the state without having to quarantine.

Earlier in October, the World Health Organization (WHO) mentions in their report that the United States is one of the countries that continue to garner cases of COVID-19 cases. 

Since holiday seasons are around the corner, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns the public about the unnecessary travel of Americans during Christmas and other occasions to ensure safety. 

But if you are tired and want to go on a trip then there are places outside the United States you can visit. National Geographic (Nat Geo) mentions 75 countries that are open and are hoping to be visited by Americans, of course with different measures to be adhered to by the travelers once they step into the territory. 

Nat Geo mentions countries welcoming travelers requiring them to give negative test results of COVID-19, some of them are Croatia, Ecuador, Colombia, Morocco, Guatemala, and Kenya. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean Islands require the travelers to stay in their hotels until they are all cleared before enjoying their magnificent beaches. 

Meanwhile, the CDC mentions 41 countries that are marked safe for travels as long as the protocols are exercised and observed. Among these countries are the Cayman Islands, New Zealand, and Cambodia, which were reported to have Low COVID-19 cases. 

READ ALSO: CDC issues Official Advisory Regarding Thanksgiving Trips as COVID-19 Cases Continues to Surge

Safety Measures

The mentioned countries are for sure to have their protocols that travelers need to adhere to. Tests results of COVID-19 swab testing will also be needed which according to CTV News can cost you money. 

Mayo Clinic adds that an individual should get tested 3 days before the trip as waiting for the result may delay your flight. They also added that getting tested after the trip is highly encouraged. 

Mayo Clinic also pointed out that researching about the condition of the country is important like if COVID-19 is spreading the country you will be visiting. Lastly, the clinic emphasizes that knowing your health condition and exposure to the virus should decide whether you go on a trip or not.

Why Travel Amid COVID-19?

News website Military mentions a collaboration study of the Department of Defense and United Airlines that states, COVID-19 while flying is virtually non-existent. General Stephen Lyons states his observations in the Military noting that being on a commercial airplane with HEPA filtration is probably one of the safest places an individual can go to. Nat Geo adds that travelers are needed by economies to be boosted. 

Christmas traveling can be dangerous but when done adhering to different countries' policies, you might be able to enjoy your holidays in a different setting.  

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