(Atlantic) The travel and tourism market took a big hit in 2020 due to the coronavirus. Some analysts predicted a 31-percent spending decrease associated with travel costs. Jane Becker with Becker Travel in Atlantic says domestic travel has opened up within the United States.
“So far proof of vaccination or covid tests are not required within traveling within the U.S.,” said Becker.
Becker says masks are required on planes, buses, and trains, and occupants are asked to stay two-arm lengths away from a non-traveling partner. She notes traveling abroad is an entirely different story. Since the beginning of the year, individuals must have documented proof of a negative COVID test before re-entering the U.S., and resorts offer that service. “Many of these resorts including Mexico, the Bahamas, the Dominican, and Jamaica are set up to get that done at the resort,” said Becker. “But no matter what, that test is required for everyone on the plane re-entering the U.S. has to have a negative test.”
Becker said fully vaccinated citizens feel much safer traveling. She says others haven’t received the vaccine, and some may not get the shot. “We as individuals, and a nation, in my opinion, are going to be held, hostage, for travel, until we get up to 98-percent of people vaccinated,” said Becker.
Becker says the CDC is not willing to make it easy to travel without a vaccination. Currently, less than 50-percent of U.S. citizens have received the vaccine. “Until that’s done, we’ll still have to wear masks, we’ll still have to be tested, and you can call it what you want, but we’re being held hostage,” said Becker.
A fully vaccinated individual doesn’t need to get tested or self-quarantine or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past three months to travel domestically. The CDC recommends unvaccinated individuals get a viral test one-to-three days before their trip.
