6 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Booking An International Trip

With vaccinations rising in the U.S., people cooped up for more than a year are ready to scratch that travel itch. For many, “revenge travel” dreams involve booking an epic vacation that’s been on the bucket list for years. As more countries open up to international travelers, particularly those who are fully vaccinated, visiting a dream destination abroad is feeling possible. But choosing to travel outside the U.S. now carries severe, ethical, and logistical considerations. Below, health and travel experts share six questions people should ask themselves before booking an international trip.

“Make sure you are fully vaccinated before booking any international travel,” said Konrad Waliszewski, co-founder and CEO of the travel app Tripscout. “That’s the best way to ensure you travel ethically and responsibly without putting locals and fellow travelers at risk.”

Many countries only allow international visitors who are fully vaccinated, so your vaccine status may affect your ability to take that trip abroad. It’s also important to consider whether you will return home to anyone unvaccinated and at high risk of getting severely sick from COVID-19.

“Being vaccinated and taking precautions can reduce but not eliminate the risk of contracting COVID with travel,” said Dr. Sachin Nagrani, a physician and medical director for the telemedicine and house call provider Heal. “Consider the necessity for travel and alternative trips before making plans, and have a safe and pleasant summer.”

“Every country has its own travel rules and restrictions,” said budget travel expert Lindsay Myers. “You need to be educated before you travel. You do not want to be stranded at the airport because they will not let you past immigration.”

Some destinations require international visitors to be vaccinated, so you’ll want to ensure you have what’s necessary to prove your status. Don’t lose that vaccine card.

“COVID passports have become a political issue in the U.S., but in many countries, they are simply accepted as a sensible means by which to get the industry moving again,” said Alan Fyall, the interim chair for the tourism, events, and attractions department at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. And vaccine passports aren’t the whole story.

“Some countries may require a negative COVID-19 test before entry, including returning to the U.S.,” said Dr. Andrés Henao, an internal medicine physician, infectious disease specialist, and director of the UCHealth Travel Clinic. “Visit a travel clinic before international travel for more comprehensive prevention recommendations.”

Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention travelers’ health page to stay updated with the requirements for visiting your preferred destination. The proof of a negative test requirement may come with specifications about time windows, types of tests, and providers. The rules are always subject to change, so the site is frequently adjusted with the latest information for each country.

“You want to know if attractions that you’re most interested in are open and when,” said Erika Richter, senior director of communications at the American Society of Travel Advisors. “Many have adjusted hours and capacities, including restaurants. Booking ahead and pre-planning is required rather than an afterthought.”

Richter urged travelers to work with a professional travel adviser, who may be able to leverage their relationships as reservation options in popular destinations become scarce. The availability of attractions also may indicate when it’s best to wait before booking that trip.

“Just because precautions are loosening in the U.S. does not mean that this is the case in other countries, in fact, far from it,” Fyall said, noting that the reopening process in many destinations is relatively slow and methodical.

“Travelers must check out the local conditions very carefully, what are the COVID guidelines, what can they do when visiting, what is open, what constraints are there on gathering in groups, are the primary tourist attractions open,” Fyall added. “Travelers should always ask many questions before traveling, but in 2021, questions on all aspects of the trip are more important than ever; otherwise, you may find yourself at a destination that is ‘open’ but not for tourists!”

“I think the first thing people should do when booking a trip abroad is to research the relevant COVID statistics of wherever they’re thinking about going,” said Randall Kaplan, founder of the travel startup Sandee and author of “Bliss: Beaches.” “What is the number of current COVID infections there, is the number of COVID cases decreasing? What are their vaccination rates?”

Additionally, you’ll want to consider the healthcare infrastructure. If the COVID situation is not under control and hospitals are overwhelmed, it seems irresponsible to travel to that country and risk using one of the scarce hospital beds. Many things can happen during travel other than COVID-19 that require hospitalization abroad. Do your research and stay current as the coronavirus conditions evolve at your destination.

The U.S. still requires all air passengers, including fully vaccinated citizens, to prove a negative COVID-19 test taken three days before returning to the country.

“If you travel internationally from the U.S., you need to get a COVID test no more than three days before your return, and you’re required to show a negative COVID test before boarding a flight there ― all of which means you have some non-vacation things to do while you’re away,” Kaplan noted.

Be sure to research how you will get your COVID test at your destination before your return flight. They may be offered at your accommodations.

“Many resorts in Mexico are offering on-site COVID tests complementary to their guests to make it simpler for Americans to come, take a vacation and then go back to the U.S. without having to figure out the Mexican health care system on their own and find a test,” said Scott Keyes, author of “Take More Vacations” and founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights.

Per CDC guidelines, vaccinated travelers returning are no longer required to self-quarantine in the U.S. Still, unvaccinated travelers must stay home and isolated for at least a week. Additionally, both groups are urged to take a test three to five days after traveling.

Beyond CDC recommendations, you may face requirements from workplaces or schools. This is particularly true for children who are not yet vaccinated.

“If you have children, whether or not they travel with you, you also need to consider whether their schools allow them to attend classes if you or anybody in your family has traveled outside the U.S.,” Kaplan said.

Experts are still learning about COVID-19. The information in this story is what was known or available as of publication, but guidance can change as scientists discover more about the virus. Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations.