Travel hopes 2021

[audreyh1]

I will do that. Bach is always with me. Here's an hour for you.
https://youtu.be/C_GW8XnEyY0

Thanks!

I’m quite familiar with the Bach guitar “lute” concertos. Interestingly those were written for the Lute-Harpsichord - a keyboard instrument with gut strings and a large rounded soundbox that gives it a guitar quality. But they transpose well to guitar and are popular. Also familiar with the cello suites for guitar. Bach never wrote for guitar, but it sure sounds good!

One of these days maybe I’ll make it to the annual Leipzig Bach festival.

I enjoy seeing antique European porcelain and Dresden had a very famous porcelain manufactory - Meissen porcelain. I’ve seen pieces in museums all over Europe.

 

[target2019]

I expect to find memorable things on this trip for sure. I'll look around for Meissen and other interesting artifacts.

On our previous trip at the turn of this century I found that Germany felt like home to me. Our host had an extensive library of books about U.S. culture, and we could talk endlessly about the common influences.

I also recall two concerts on that trip - Manitas de Plata in Frankfurt, and something classical outdoors in a location I've since forgotten.

 

[1242Vintage]

We are still on track for a week this October down in Riviera Maya, Mexico with younger brother and SIL.

Brother and SIL are International travel rookies so starting them out slow with a week at our favorite beach front adults-only all inclusive. Will expand their horizon next winter with a trip down to Costa Rica or Belize.

 

[Chuckanut]

Just made my first air reservations since Covid hit. I'll visit some relatives in the Southwest and maybe So. Cal.

 

[Freedom56]

I had to book a flight to Canada this week to attend a funeral this coming Sunday/Monday for a friends father whom I've known since my first year of university. Canada requires full vaccination, a PCR Covid test within 72 hours of the departure time of the flight to Canada, and a quarantine plan for entry. Getting a PCR COVID test for travel is a real nuisance. There are so many scams in the Los Angeles area. The tests performed by local pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) quote a 1-3 day turn-around for $139 to $169 so you risk not having your results before boarding your flight. I ended up driving to LAX yesterday to get tested at the site with it's own lab at the airport that opened earlier this year. They charge $125 for a 24 hour NAAT PCR test of if you want a rapid 1 hour PCR test that will cost you $199. I bought he 24 hour NAAT PCR test got my results 5 hours later. The first class ticket cost $1253 return from LAX to YYZ on a 787 Dreamliner with lie flat seats. That price was much lower than normal especially considering it was a last minute booking. The economy ticket was $857. For those considering travel to Canada from the U.S., these are the steps now:

1. Create an account on ArriveCan and log in and provide all your passport information.
2. Upload your proof of vaccination (CDC Card and State QR code) to ArriveCan
3. Confirm that you have a negative PCR test withing 72 hours of the flight
4. Have a quarantine plan (a place to stay for 14 days) if you test positive while in Canada. For whatever reason a fully vaccinated traveler even with a negative PCR test still requires a quarantine plan. I suppose you could test positive before your return flight.
5. A QR code is then provided to you via email from ArriveCan that you show when you check in to your flight the origin airport and at Canadian customs.

You also need to get a second test within 72 hours of your return flight to the U.S. at a cost of $160 to $250 CDN. If you test positive, your quarantine plan goes into effect.

Given the extra costs involved and all the inconvenience, I can't see international travel returning to normal until this extra burden is eliminated. Consider that a family of four would have to spend an additional $1000 in COVID tests just to cross the border.

 

[meleana]

I had to book a flight to Canada this week to attend a funeral this coming Sunday/Monday for a friends father whom I've known since my first year of university. Canada requires full vaccination, a PCR Covid test within 72 hours of the departure time of the flight to Canada, and a quarantine plan for entry. Getting a PCR COVID test for travel is a real nuisance. There are so many scams in the Los Angeles area. The tests performed by local pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) quote a 1-3 day turn-around for $139 to $169 so you risk not having your results before boarding your flight. I ended up driving to LAX yesterday to get tested at the site with it's own lab at the airport that opened earlier this year. They charge $125 for a 24 hour NAAT PCR test of if you want a rapid 1 hour PCR test that will cost you $199. I bought he 24 hour NAAT PCR test got my results 5 hours later. The first class ticket cost $1253 return from LAX to YYZ on a 787 Dreamliner with lie flat seats. That price was much lower than normal especially considering it was a last minute booking. The economy ticket was $857. For those considering travel to Canada from the U.S., these are the steps now:

1. Create an account on ArriveCan and log in and provide all your passport information.
2. Upload your proof of vaccination (CDC Card and State QR code) to ArriveCan
3. Confirm that you have a negative PCR test withing 72 hours of the flight
4. Have a quarantine plan (a place to stay for 14 days) if you test positive while in Canada. For whatever reason a fully vaccinated traveler even with a negative PCR test still requires a quarantine plan. I suppose you could test positive before your return flight.
5. A QR code is then provided to you via email from ArriveCan that you show when you check in to your flight the origin airport and at Canadian customs.

You also need to get a second test within 72 hours of your return flight to the U.S. at a cost of $160 to $250 CDN. If you test positive, your quarantine plan goes into effect.

Given the extra costs involved and all the inconvenience, I can't see international travel returning to normal until this extra burden is eliminated. Consider that a family of four would have to spend an additional $1000 in COVID tests just to cross the border.

Just insanity! I know I’d never do it. I have resolved that unless “they” eliminate proof of the therapeutic, masks on planes and in airports, and testing, I’ll never travel again.

 

[PaunchyPirate]

I had to book a flight to Canada this week to attend a funeral this coming Sunday/Monday for a friends father whom I've known since my first year of university. Canada requires full vaccination, a PCR Covid test within 72 hours of the departure time of the flight to Canada, and a quarantine plan for entry. Getting a PCR COVID test for travel is a real nuisance. There are so many scams in the Los Angeles area. The tests performed by local pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) quote a 1-3 day turn-around for $139 to $169 so you risk not having your results before boarding your flight. I ended up driving to LAX yesterday to get tested at the site with it's own lab at the airport that opened earlier this year. They charge $125 for a 24 hour NAAT PCR test of if you want a rapid 1 hour PCR test that will cost you $199. I bought he 24 hour NAAT PCR test got my results 5 hours later. The first class ticket cost $1253 return from LAX to YYZ on a 787 Dreamliner with lie flat seats. That price was much lower than normal especially considering it was a last minute booking. The economy ticket was $857. For those considering travel to Canada from the U.S., these are the steps now:

1. Create an account on ArriveCan and log in and provide all your passport information.
2. Upload your proof of vaccination (CDC Card and State QR code) to ArriveCan
3. Confirm that you have a negative PCR test withing 72 hours of the flight
4. Have a quarantine plan (a place to stay for 14 days) if you test positive while in Canada. For whatever reason a fully vaccinated traveler even with a negative PCR test still requires a quarantine plan. I suppose you could test positive before your return flight.
5. A QR code is then provided to you via email from ArriveCan that you show when you check in to your flight the origin airport and at Canadian customs.

You also need to get a second test within 72 hours of your return flight to the U.S. at a cost of $160 to $250 CDN. If you test positive, your quarantine plan goes into effect.

Given the extra costs involved and all the inconvenience, I can't see international travel returning to normal until this extra burden is eliminated. Consider that a family of four would have to spend an additional $1000 in COVID tests just to cross the border.

The quarantine plan is interesting. Have you read anything about what is acceptable? Do you need to have a 2-week hotel reservation if you don't have local family/friends to stay with? If so, who picks the hotel? I'm not sure how a hotel would work since it seems like you'd have to pay for it even if you didn't need to stay there.

 

[explanade]

In the Bay Area, I’ve gotten free PCR tests at Walgreens and Rite Aid.

Drive through.

Turnaround is 1-3 days

 

[Koolau]

I had to book a flight to Canada this week to attend a funeral this coming Sunday/Monday for a friends father whom I've known since my first year of university. Canada requires full vaccination, a PCR Covid test within 72 hours of the departure time of the flight to Canada, and a quarantine plan for entry. Getting a PCR COVID test for travel is a real nuisance. There are so many scams in the Los Angeles area. The tests performed by local pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) quote a 1-3 day turn-around for $139 to $169 so you risk not having your results before boarding your flight. I ended up driving to LAX yesterday to get tested at the site with it's own lab at the airport that opened earlier this year. They charge $125 for a 24 hour NAAT PCR test of if you want a rapid 1 hour PCR test that will cost you $199. I bought he 24 hour NAAT PCR test got my results 5 hours later. The first class ticket cost $1253 return from LAX to YYZ on a 787 Dreamliner with lie flat seats. That price was much lower than normal especially considering it was a last minute booking. The economy ticket was $857. For those considering travel to Canada from the U.S., these are the steps now:

1. Create an account on ArriveCan and log in and provide all your passport information.
2. Upload your proof of vaccination (CDC Card and State QR code) to ArriveCan
3. Confirm that you have a negative PCR test withing 72 hours of the flight
4. Have a quarantine plan (a place to stay for 14 days) if you test positive while in Canada. For whatever reason a fully vaccinated traveler even with a negative PCR test still requires a quarantine plan. I suppose you could test positive before your return flight.
5. A QR code is then provided to you via email from ArriveCan that you show when you check in to your flight the origin airport and at Canadian customs.

You also need to get a second test within 72 hours of your return flight to the U.S. at a cost of $160 to $250 CDN. If you test positive, your quarantine plan goes into effect.

Given the extra costs involved and all the inconvenience, I can't see international travel returning to normal until this extra burden is eliminated. Consider that a family of four would have to spend an additional $1000 in COVID tests just to cross the border.

Here I thought getting back home to Hawaii was a ridiculous slog. It was a breeze compared to your description of the process required by Canada. Guess I will NOT be going to Canada any time soon. YMMV

 

[Koolau]

Just insanity! I know I’d never do it. I have resolved that unless “they” eliminate proof of the therapeutic, masks on planes and in airports, and testing, I’ll never travel again.

Air travel is the only way we can see family and old friends. I'm just glad they don't live in Canada. Getting TO the mainland this year FROM the Islands required NO special efforts with the exception of wearing a mask for about 15 hours. That wasn't as bad as I thought though it wasn't fun. Returning TO the Islands was a pain due to the need to upload info to a system that wasn't quite ready for prime time - but did work. The only "true" requirement was being fully vaccinated. I suppose that's not too much to ask. YMMV

 

[Montecfo]

The quarantine plan is interesting. Have you read anything about what is acceptable? Do you need to have a 2-week hotel reservation if you don't have local family/friends to stay with? If so, who picks the hotel? I'm not sure how a hotel would work since it seems like you'd have to pay for it even if you didn't need to stay there.

You just need name/address of a motel. We just used one of the several at which we will already plan to stay. It was the best for a Covid recovery.

They mainly want you to have given thought to the question.

We just returned from Canada.

 

[Sunset]

I just turned down a 2+ week cruise, I don't mind proving vaccination status, and wearing a mask indoors.

It's the testing requirement that is a big negative as I'd hate to be denied due to the lab not doing the test in time.
Also the travel insurance seems pretty steep now (was $800 for two), and I feel it's basically required since they could deny boarding if the testing failed me.

 

[Freedom56]

The quarantine plan is interesting. Have you read anything about what is acceptable? Do you need to have a 2-week hotel reservation if you don't have local family/friends to stay with? If so, who picks the hotel? I'm not sure how a hotel would work since it seems like you'd have to pay for it even if you didn't need to stay there.

You have to provide an address where you will be staying if you fail your return COVID test or the one they could give you at the airport by random sample when you arrive. Given that you have to avoid people over 65 at your quarantine place, I gave the address of the hotel and stated that I would order food via room service.

This is what they ask you:

https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/isolation/quarantine-start

 

[Freedom56]

In the Bay Area, I’ve gotten free PCR tests at Walgreens and Rite Aid.

Drive through.

Turnaround is 1-3 days

I thought about getting a Covid test from Quest and claiming that I had symptoms but the 1-3 days was problematic given the departure time of my flight. They cannot guarantee a 48 hour turn-around and I did not want to take a chance with a non-refundable business class flight.

 

[Koolau]

I thought about getting a Covid test from Quest and claiming that I had symptoms but the 1-3 days was problematic given the departure time of my flight. They cannot guarantee a 48 hour turn-around and I did not want to take a chance with a non-refundable business class flight.

Yeah, it's bad enough you actually have to depend on an airline to get you there on time - which most times they do, though not always. Depending on a lab that has all the business they can handle and could care less if you lose your non-refundable flight adds a layer of ridiculousness to the process. You have no recourse with the lab. It's obvious that Canada doesn't really care whether you come visit their beautiful country or not. Someday, they'll want us all back but I have a reasonably good memory. YMMV

 

[braumeister]

You have to provide an address where you will be staying if you fail your return COVID test or the one they could give you at the airport by random sample when you arrive. Given that you have to avoid people over 65 at your quarantine place, I gave the address of the hotel and stated that I would order food via room service.

{shudder}

The idea of being confined to a hotel room for up to two weeks and only having room service for food is so utterly appalling to me that I would never under any circumstance put myself in a situation where it could even possibly be required.

 

[Koolau]

{shudder}

The idea of being confined to a hotel room for up to two weeks and only having room service for food is so utterly appalling to me that I would never under any circumstance put myself in a situation where it could even possibly be required.

Probably the only food available would be pizza. Room service could just slip it under the door. Imagine the post cards home. "Having a wonderful time. Wish you were here. The pizza is great, but the toppings are limited by the crack under the door. I'll be back in 13 more days!"

 

[Freedom56]

{shudder}

The idea of being confined to a hotel room for up to two weeks and only having room service for food is so utterly appalling to me that I would never under any circumstance put myself in a situation where it could even possibly be required.

Sometime you have to go to these events out of respect for the family. My friend did offer me his father's home to stay. It's a 6 bedroom 5 bathroom home that is sitting completely empty now that his father passed away. It's a really nice home but I thought it would be a little too creepy for me.

 

[Koolau]

Sometime you have to go to these events out of respect for the family. My friend did offer me his father's home to stay. It's a 6 bedroom 5 bathroom home that is sitting completely empty now that his father passed away. It's a really nice home but I thought it would be a little too creepy for me.

Hmmm. And just in time for Halloween. Enjoy!

 

[5Miler]

DGF and I just returned on Tuesday from an 11 day Med Cruise originating in Italy with ports in Italy, Croatia and Greece. We had to provide proof of vaccination to enter Italy as well as proof of Covid test taken within 72 hours of entry and complete an online PLF (Passenger Locator Form). We went to a local testing center where the cost was nothing to me and results were received by midnight the same day. This was a PCR NAAT test. We have in the past used Walgreens for an Antigen Rapid Test when traveling to Bonaire with results within two hours also at no cost to us.

The cruise line required all passengers to be vaccinated fully with no exceptions. They tested us again in the boarding area with results received in 15 minutes on average. Needed a negative test to board. Masks were worn on board in common areas while inside but they weren't militant about it as it is easy to forget your mask when you get distracted with having fun. They would provide a gentle reminder.

Returning to the U.S. required another negative Covid test within 3 days prior to arrival. It's important to note the old requirement of within 72 hours has been purposefully changed to 3 days to avoid unnecessary confusion with time zone changes or other minor issues. We also had to complete an Attestation form stating we had been tested which takes all of 30 seconds to complete at the airline boarding gate.

So, yes, three Covid tests, CDC Vaccination forms shown often and carried when off the ship, one PLF form to enter Italy and one Attestation form to enter the US. It was worth all the effort and was actually less onerous than I thought it would be.

We will be doing it again in March on another cruise out of New Orleans.

 

[target2019]

I got a free test before travelling out of the country. I booked a test at CVS, went through drive-thru and gave sample. Put the sealed envelope in deposit, and test results came in 24 hours. Not a big deal, but it is stressful waiting for result. I downloaded a pdf through the app MyChart and printed that. There were plenty of email and text notices about the process throughout.

Coming back required a similar test. Problem coming from Germany was you could only go through the designated test company, for a fee. https://www.dw.com/en/germany-has-ditched-free-covid-tests-has-it-worked/a-59520319

 

[Sunset]

Sometime you have to go to these events out of respect for the family. My friend did offer me his father's home to stay. It's a 6 bedroom 5 bathroom home that is sitting completely empty now that his father passed away. It's a really nice home but I thought it would be a little too creepy for me.

But if you were quarantined, you could spend the 2 weeks cleaning, organizing and packing all the belongings for your friends deceased father

 

[Sunset]

I got a free test before travelling out of the country. I booked a test at CVS, went through drive-thru and gave sample. Put the sealed envelope in deposit, and test results came in 24 hours. Not a big deal, but it is stressful waiting for result. I downloaded a pdf through the app MyChart and printed that. There were plenty of email and text notices about the process throughout.

Coming back required a similar test. Problem coming from Germany was you could only go through the designated test company, for a fee. https://www.dw.com/en/germany-has-ditched-free-covid-tests-has-it-worked/a-59520319

Didn't your insurance pay for it in reality ?

 

[Freedom56]

For those who downloaded the California proof of vaccine QR code, they work in Canada. Restaurant patrons are required to show proof of vaccination for indoor dining. Tonight we went out and the restaurant hostess was able to scan my QR code from the State of California containing my vaccination status.

 

[travelover]

For those who downloaded the California proof of vaccine QR code, they work in Canada. Restaurant patrons are required to show proof of vaccination for indoor dining. Tonight we went out and the restaurant hostess was able to scan my QR code from the State of California containing my vaccination status.

Here, they just scan your microchip.