Travel in 2020 - Live Love Drink Travel

What is it like to travel in 2020, after some of the restrictions have been lifted?

We recently flew to St. Thomas for a short trip to decompress from the first half of 2020. On this trip we took note as to how things within the travel world have changed. I can tell you it is definitely different, some things were as expected and some were surprising. Let me start from the beginning.

We left Phoenix at 1:01am on June 26th with a layover in Charlotte. We were lucky enough to be flying Business Class so your experience may be different. Business Class was still offering some of the added benefits like in-flight drink service. Currently for the price difference I would consider flying in the main cabin, unless you're all about the comfort, then proceed with your Business Class tickets.

We called ahead, double checking on a few things, such as the mask policy and food and beverage service. Visit their website for the most up to date information. We confirmed that you must wear a mask at all times during the flight, unless you are eating or drinking. For this purpose we had purchased looser masks so that we would be more comfortable during these long flights. Four hours sitting on a plane with a mask on is a very long time. We also confirmed that business class can still have drinks upon request. No problem for me, I am not afraid to request a drink, especially when I am on vacation.

Boarding remains the same and we were the first group to board. They are not allowing the usual pre-flight drink and were already aware that this would be the case. Once the plane completed boarding, take off and all the other steps also remain the same, no changes there. They do mention that there will be no drink or food service during the flight. Also, masks are required for the entire flight.

I did stop the flight attendant to double check the information I had received about drinks being available upon request. She said once they were in the air, I could request drinks. So that is what we did, and for the two flights to St. Thomas, and the flight out of St Thomas they were all very accommodating.

What we found during our flights is that the service is very different based on the flight attendants attitude. On our last leg from Miami to Phoenix the young lady was very put out and flat out told me she was not supposed to serve me. She also stated and that she was doing me a favor. When I mentioned that we had confirmed the policy with AA, she was very rude and said she was just trying not to get sick. I understand her fears, but that is no excuse to be rude.

Like most places outside of the US Mainland, St. Thomas checks your temperature before entry enter the airport. Once approved you can enter the airport and begin your travels. If you have a fever, they will sequester and quarantine you for 14 days.

We should mention that in June there were fewer restrictions than there are now. St. Thomas is now requiring a negative COVID-19 test 5 days prior to travel. If you do not have proof of the test then you will be required to quarantine for 14 days. I think you can expect this to be the case for all future travel outside of the US mainland for at least the next year.

In St. Thomas, a mask requirement is in place and you must wear it all times, unless outside and you could social distance. There was not a single place that we visited where you were allowed to walk in without a mask. Once seated you could remove the mask. Some restaurants require you to wash or sanitize your hands before you sit down.

Staff members wore a mask at all times. Some places will check your temperature to make sure you are not running a fever, then you wash your hands before you sit and remove your mask. FYI, if you think you are miserable wearing a mask all the time, try wearing one in 90 degree temps with 90% humidity. Sweating was an understatement. You even had to wear your mask when you taxi’d around. Keep in mind, this will likely be the case for some time and in all likelihood through the end year. Since most US states are now requiring a mask, this really should not be much of an issue for those who would like to travel.

We found that some folks were nice, but most seemed just put out to have us there. There was even one bar owner, who was very curt from the beginning, state that he wants my money, but he doesn’t really want me there. This seemed to be common amongst locals. I assume this is related to the increasing number of cases, as they had very minimal cases and only one death. Once they opened up, the numbers increased drastically. Scary for a small island I know, so we made the best of it, kept a smile on and were gracious to have them open.

Every trip is what you make of it. But there are things to keep in mind now, as travel is a different animal then we have ever had before.

I can summarize how travel is likely to be different throughout the rest of 2020:

For most destinations a mask must be worn at all times when in the presence of others; restaurants, bars, cars, planes, buses, and so on. Wearing a mask is not considered a replacement for social distancing which is also required in most places.
Hands should be washed or sanitized upon entry to most places, and may be required by some locations (like St. Thomas). Be sure to take some hand sanitizer with you.
You should carry a travel pack of disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer everywhere you go so that you are able to clean or sanitize yourself or a place to sit.
You could be quarantined if you have a fever, cannot not provide testing results from a recent (5 days) COVID-19 test or if someone in your party falls into these categories.
Expect many attractions, restaurants and even hotels to be closed at this time or maybe even out of business. Check before you go or ask me to help.
Expect to be required to wear a mask on the plane. Even if the middle seats are blocked, you cannot really maintain a six feet separation on a plane that has people in every row.
Use this link to check current restrictions in all of the Caribbean

In short, it is a weird time in general. Travel is ever evolving so prepare yourself for the possibility of changes, some good and some not so good. For those who still love to travel, I say pack your bags, these changes are not really going to stop you. They will just have you planning and preparing a little differently. Either way if you want an adventure trip or just a relaxing one I can help in assuring your trip gets planned properly for your expectations.

Living, loving, drinking, and traveling through life.

— Taunya