Some European countries are allowing US travelers, notably Italy, France and Spain, so where to this summer for US travelers?
Here are some locations currently accepting Americans, along with ideas for how to make a luxury trip there meaningful and fulfilling:
1. Kenya
July and August are undoubtedly the best time to go on safari, as the Wildebeest and Zebra are migrating up from Tanzania, and hungry crocodiles are awaiting their crossing of the Talek River. Normally there are dozens of jeeps viewing this and other spectacles, but this year, you will have a much more private viewing.
Moreover, you can make your trip meaningful by building a classroom in a Masaai school, or help teach young students eager to learn.
2. Mexico
The tourism hotspots of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen have officially reopened to tourists.
There doesn’t appear to be a mandatory quarantine once you arrive in Mexico and don’t display possible coronavirus symptoms. However, you can anticipate a temperature screening and personal interview upon arrival. Traveling while symptomatic may require you to self-quarantine or return to the United States.
In Cancun, you can help renovate a classroom, sort donated clothing and food, or provide medical care if you are suitably qualified.
Do note that Mexico is not Covid-19 free; in fact, it has one of the highest infection rates at present.
3. St Lucia
US citizens are required to bring a negative COVID test, taken no longer than 48 hours before departure in order to board their flight to Saint Lucia.
Dominic Fedee, the destination’s minister of tourism said “COVID-19 has kept us apart for too long. What a devastating time we’ve had as a destination and as travelers,” Fedee said in a video message. “But there is good news – we are ready to host you again. Our people, our beaches, and our mountains await you in all of their splendor. Now, the way we used to vibe will change just a little bit [with] responsible tourism [and] heightened protocols. There’s still going to be plenty of fun in the sun.”
On a trip to St Lucia, you can make a difference by assisting at a remedial reading program and helping with homework in the library after-school, and provide mentoring and support to disadvantaged youth.
4. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is one option for where to this summer for US travelers and as of today, U.S. tourists can travel there.
At this time no requirement for tests has been announced.
Miami, Atlanta, New York, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Boston, Charlotte, and Miami all show direct flights in July and August and will increase throughout the year.
Here’s how you can be the change:
- House building (we get most of the work done before our clients arrive, leaving the client to do the finishing touches and hand over to the family)
- Renovating a school in need of repair
- Team building rafting and treasure hunt, then donate food items to families in need
- Renovating a basketball court
- Baseball coaching, game with the youth, and donate baseball equipment to them at the end
- Building bikes for children in need and hand them over to them
5. Barbados
Beautiful Barbados is open for American tourists.
You will need to bring a negative-PCR test no older than 72 hours before departure.
Animal lovers can help at a dog rescue center: socialize the dogs, exercise them, and help keep their enclosures clean and habitable.
6. Belize
Where to this summer? Belize!
To ensure the safety of all travelers and citizens, hotels have implemented enhanced health standards and protocols following the latest CDC guidelines.
Belize has had one of the lowest COVID-19 counts in the world making it a good choice to visit this summer (though do be aware of the hurricane season, which normally runs until October).
Many hotels have also implemented an ultra-flexible cancellation policy that allows for fully refundable cancellations up to one week prior to scheduled arrival dates, thus giving you more confidence in traveling.
And while you are there, make your trip meaningful by installing eco-friendly stoves for Mayan families in villages in Southern Belize.
These stoves are fantastic in that :
- they reduce the incidents of burns as the open flame is replaced with an enclosed stove;
- respiratory problems such as asthma from smoke inhalation are much diminished by installing a chimney; and
- they are much more energy-efficient, so are better for the environment.
7. USA
The obvious option for where to this summer! My advice is to head to the more remote parts of this beguiling country, such as Alaska, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado, where superb accommodation such as Ultima Thule, Amangiri, and Amangani awaits.
The above is not official and is subject to change at any time, and the good news is that there are still some places you can travel to in and from the US!
Interested in any of the above for where to this summer?
Get in touch and we will make it happen for you!
