Travel hopes for 2022

We have a scuba diving trip booked for Roatan in mid June. It will be our first international trip since Covid raised its ugly head. We worry (a little) about being stranded there after a positive test, but it was time to take a chance.
 
FIYes said:
We just got back from Portugal. Covid concerns added a layer of stress to the trip. Fortunately, we tested negative the entire time, but concerns have made me decide that I will forgo international travel for the time being. I saw the Viking River cruise sale and it was certainly tempting, but I don’t think I’m up for a return trip to Europe.
Click to expand...

Last summer we took a cruise to Alaska. It was a good trip and it was cheap too. But I really noticed how the masking up and Covid worries killed a lot of the spontaneous fun and normally relaxed atmosphere of the trip.
 
FIYes said:
We just got back from Portugal. Covid concerns added a layer of stress to the trip. Fortunately, we tested negative the entire time, but concerns have made me decide that I will forgo international travel for the time being. I saw the Viking River cruise sale and it was certainly tempting, but I don’t think I’m up for a return trip to Europe.
Click to expand...

Will post summary of recent three week trip to Portugal - INCREDIBLE!

95% vaccination rate in the country and required testing to enter - safest place on earth probably! Why did you test while there? Only need to test to come back to US, right? €15 per person, easy, fast, etc.
 
Only tested twice, once to return to US and a second time to return to US after our flight was rescheduled and we were outside of the 24 hour window for testing. See my thread about filing for compensation based on a flight cancellation.

However, after we got back I tested positive for Covid. Don’t know if it was picked up in Portugal or in the airport.
 
Most likely on the airplane, then airport - but close quarters on airplane for half a day ... likeliest.
 
stephenson said:
Will post summary of recent three week trip to Portugal - INCREDIBLE!



95% vaccination rate in the country and required testing to enter - safest place on earth probably! Why did you test while there? Only need to test to come back to US, right? €15 per person, easy, fast, etc.
Click to expand...


Where did Portugal check your covid test? Was it before you boarded the flight or when you arrived?
 
Our flight into London on Wednesday is still on. Will fly to Athens next weekend and get on a Royal Caribbean cruise around the Eastern Med--ending in Venice area. Testing required in London for RCCL and again in London the day prior to our flight home.

It's still going to be an adventure with the wife getting around on her electric travel scooter. It's her last hu-rah before a quadruple disc replacement--and 6 mo.+ recovery. At least with the cruise, the trip will be as handicap accessible as possible. We've made 2 big trips already traveling this way.
 
After a 3rd canceled birding trip (to Colombia) in January, I am scheduled to go to Peru next month. But I'm sad because I'm just not enthused and happy about it the way that I usually am. In fact, I'm half dreading it, just because of fears of Covid that are exaggerating other fears - I have a super early AM trip to the airport, a redeye coming back. I have to change planes in Miami, with few hours' layover. I can't take my preferred airline where I have benefits. Last time, I was traveling with a friend, this time not. I'm worried about catching Covid more than I was. I'm studying less than usual for the trip.

In short, I'm having more trouble enjoying the runup to the trip than usual, and I blame Covid. I'm trying to reverse this by being more aware of it and course-correcting.

*And other things I'm doing: I'm going to order the most comfortable N-95 mask I can find. I don't like the ones I have (tie) so I will "waste" some money on different ones. I'm going to order a car ride to the airport with a better company, even though I hate to "waste" money when a cheaper company will do.

I'm going to study more than I have been and really think about the trip and be the most prepared I've ever been. I'm going to picture the best outcomes in my mind.

Anything other suggestions for reversing a feeling of pessimism about a trip?
 
Last edited:
When first preparing to leave for Portugal I thought proof of vac was enough, but both our tour company and the airlines said PCR test within 72 hours before arrival. Leaving Portugal was rapid antigen test within 24 hours per US rules. It was the flight cancellation and rescheduling for the next day that necessitated the second rapid antigen test before leaving. Overheard a guest in our hotel lobby talking about…he had contracted Covid and been quarantined at the hotel, now his wife had Covid and she was quarantined in their room so couldn’t leave for another 5 days.

I’m just very grateful that this didn’t hit until I got home. Much rather be stuck at home for a few days than stuck in a hotel room.
 
I have an impromptu long weekend trip to New York City with my DIL and two granddaughters this weekend. My oldest GD just graduated from college and we are celebrating. Looking forward to it!

Side note, this granddaughter is the first college grad in my immediate family and we are very proud of her.
 
FIYes said:
I’m just very grateful that this didn’t hit until I got home. Much rather be stuck at home for a few days than stuck in a hotel room.
Click to expand...

Amen to that!

About these accounts where people are quarantined in their hotel room - is that actually enforced somehow? I wonder how that is handled.
 
Pellice said:
In short, I'm having more trouble enjoying the runup to the trip than usual, and I blame Covid. I'm trying to reverse this by being more aware of it and course-correcting.

*And other things I'm doing: I'm going to order the most comfortable N-95 mask I can find. I don't like the ones I have (tie) so I will "waste" some money on different ones. I'm going to order a car ride to the airport with a better company, even though I hate to "waste" money when a cheaper company will do.

I'm going to study more than I have been and really think about the trip and be the most prepared I've ever been. I'm going to picture the best outcomes in my mind.

Anything other suggestions for reversing a feeling of pessimism about a trip?
Click to expand...


I think you've got it covered. Hope for the best. Prepare for the worst. I'm doing the Inca Trail in September. It's a bucket list trip, and I'm preparing the same way.
 
Trailwalker said:
I think you've got it covered. Hope for the best. Prepare for the worst. I'm doing the Inca Trail in September. It's a bucket list trip, and I'm preparing the same way.
Click to expand...

Yes, that's the attitude! Prepare for the worst: Also getting my second Covid booster tomorrow, and purchased really comprehensive travel insurance and already picked up my free at-home Covid tests. Maybe download some extra books in case I'm quarantined. Hope for the best: study more, buy something "feel-good" to take on the trip, start packing and imagining now.
 
Well, we returned from Alaska about a week ago and I got a parting gift...COVID!

In all honesty, I am surprised I hadn't gotten it before since we have been doing a decent amount of travelling since 2021. I was actually beginning to think we (DW and I) were that small group to just be immune to it. Nonetheless, after feeling like crap on day two from getting home (and a fever) and then testing positive with a home test, I went to doc in the box and got the anti-viral Paxlovid. Besides a terrible metallic taste, I had no issues with it and within a couple of days, I was feeling much better.

So, between that and being vaxxed, it has (so far) been nothing more than a bothersome cold with a little extra fatigue to go with it. DW tested negative and has felt fine...so she still might one of the "special ones." :)

Although we both wore masks at the airports and on the planes, the sheer number of people were...well, there were a LOT. I would guess that combined with lack of mask wearing in general made catching it pretty easy to do. When we were in Alaska, we didn't partake in any of the tourist areas and only met with a couple of friends, so no large groups outside the travel dates.

I will be happy to have this behind me as we will be travelling again in about a week to Roatan.

Side note on COVID. The doc in box didn't seem to want run another test, they took my word for it. I am not sure how this might be reported (or not reported) to the state but I think this is more evidence that the numbers are quite likely higher than being reported. Many states are only reporting numbers once a week, so there is a lag with that too. The doc also mentioned that all the cases she had seen over the last week had been travel related.

explanade said:
Well be prepared for some sticker shock.

Car rentals are averaging over $100 a day for compact automatics.
Click to expand...

I can't recommend the car sharing app Turo enough. The prices are easily 1/2 of what the car rental companies charge (including the full coverage insurance) and not dealing with the lines at the rental counter is absolutely fantastic.
 
Last edited:
Hmm, I wonder if you can do a telemedicine appointment and they'd prescribe Paxlovid based on a home kit test result of positive.

You didn't have to pay for Paxlovid right?

Did they sent the Rx to a regular pharmacy or to some specific pharmacy?
 
explanade said:
Hmm, I wonder if you can do a telemedicine appointment and they'd prescribe Paxlovid based on a home kit test result of positive.

You didn't have to pay for Paxlovid right?

Did they sent the Rx to a regular pharmacy or to some specific pharmacy?
Click to expand...



Yes, my telehealth provider prescribed Paxloid based on a home kit test result. The prescription was sent to my local pharmacy. I could choose the pharmacy. I didn’t have to pay for the Paxloid.
 
explanade said:
Hmm, I wonder if you can do a telemedicine appointment and they'd prescribe Paxlovid based on a home kit test result of positive.

You didn't have to pay for Paxlovid right?

Did they sent the Rx to a regular pharmacy or to some specific pharmacy?
Click to expand...

I saw the doc in person, but they didn't require another test. Most of our local pharmacies have it in stock, but this site might help for your local area (breaks down exactly how many doses are available at what locations and appears to be used for prescribers in determining where they are located). Oh, and no charge.

https://covid-19-therapeutics-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com/
 
Last edited:
ExFlyBoy5 said:
... I can't recommend the car sharing app Turo enough. The prices are easily 1/2 of what the car rental companies charge (including the full coverage insurance) and not dealing with the lines at the rental counter is absolutely fantastic.
Click to expand...

I heard of Turo, but after seeing some YouTubers' experience decided against it in my recent trip.

One woman got stood up by the car renter in Hawaii. She believed the car owner reneged because he/she could rent it at a higher price to somebody else. And she was left waiting at the airport for a long time before she could get a car from a traditional car rental agency.

And there are people reporting dirty car interior and other off-putting aspects.
 
I used Turo twice last year, when the rental companies had nothing to offer me. Both were for nearly a week, and both experiences were exceptionally good. It was just incredible how much nicer it was to get a car that way instead of the usual routine. I'll definitely use it again.
 
ExFlyBoy5 said:
I saw the doc in person, but they didn't require another test. Most of our local pharmacies have it in stock, but this site might help for your local area (breaks down exactly how many doses are available at what locations and appears to be used for prescribers in determining where they are located). Oh, and no charge.

https://covid-19-therapeutics-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com/
Click to expand...

Thanks for that link; that's very helpful! I'll keep the link handy just in case I ever get Covid.
 
I’ve been bagging National Monuments in my home state and bordering states. So far, few crowds and no Covid.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top Bottom