TRAVEL IN 2021 WITH THE COVID-19 VACCINE
TRAVEL IN 2021 WITH THE COVID-19 VACCINE
The year 2020 has left many (including myself) with a pent-up longing, and need, to travel even more than before. We all want to fly further and for prolonged periods, to make up for lost travel times. My friends call it revenge-travel, but I prefer to refer to it as a mission to make up for lost travel time. However, there is much to consider before deciding or planning to travel in 2021 with the COVID-19 vaccine. This way, we all can better decide if this is an ideal year to resume travel, with or without the vaccine.
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2 MORE CONTAGIOUS CORONAVIRUS VARIANTS
Those who think travel in 2021 with the COVID-19 vaccine will automatically resume due to its introduction might be delusional. Sadly, I don’t share this notion. With or without the vaccine, I think 2021 is just a continuation of 2020. It will be a long time before the entire world is fully vaccinated or immune to this virus.
Until then, my personal view is that the Antigen Test a.k.a Rapid Test, and or the PCR Test will continue to be the quick fix to facilitating travel in 2021 and not the vaccine.
Presently, there is a more contagious strain of COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are two new Coronavirus strains. The new variants of SARS-COV-2 VOC are VUI 202012/01 or B.1.1.7. found in the United Kingdom and is 70% more transmittable. The other variant found in South Africa, known as N501Y.V2 or B-1351, is more infectious than that of the U.K.
Both strains are currently present in other countries, and it is uncertain if these strains make people sicker or increase the risk of death. As a consequence, it is putting a damper on the resumption of travel in 2021. Added to this is no evidence of the effectiveness of the current vaccines on this current strain. For me, it is all a matter of wait and see.
ADAPTING TO THE NEW TRAVEL NORMAL
In the “new travel normal,” we will all have to adapt to whatever they implement to facilitate travel, just like we all did after 9/11. Moreover, travelling will cost more, including tickets, hotel, and the additional costs for mandatory PCR/Rapid tests.
For this reason, if you wish to travel in 2021, you will have to be very meticulous in your daily lives, to avoid contracting the virus. This is in your best interest, to obtain a negative PCR Test. This test can be obtained 72 hours in advance or as little as 5 hours before travel. In other words, a positive COVID-19 test=no travelling. Consequently, it means no vacation and loss of monies spent in advance on tickets, hotels, and tours.
Will the vaccine be the cure-it-all or the answer to the COVID-19 pandemic? Only time will tell. Two shots are the requirements. After administering the first shot, the second will be within the time-frame of 21 – 28 days. Additionally, some of the vaccines are between 75% – 95% effective. Therefore I am curious to know what happens to the 5% – 25% of people, where it is ineffective. However, it is unknown, and so too its long-term efficacy.
NO VACCINE NO TRAVEL!?
There are speculations that some proof of a COVID-19 vaccine may soon be a reality. My guess is this might be implemented (if ever) at the end of 2021 or early 2022. Because of slow roll-outs, it will take some time before most countries receive their supply of vaccines. As a result of this, it will also be a long time before everyone is vaccinated. The Chief Executive Officer of Qantas Airways, Mr. Alan Joyce, was first to announce that proof of vaccination might be a requirement for future travel on this airline.
Nevertheless, airlines and countries should consider that many people cannot (on medical grounds) or may choose not to be vaccinated. Simultaneously, there will be countries and airlines that may not implement this policy.
Additionally, I am struggling to understand what will be the rationale behind this policy. Furthermore, there should be no fear of passengers who are not vaccinated, especially if staff (including pilots, air stewardesses’ etc.) and other passengers are already vaccinated.
Isn’t the purpose of the vaccine to stop the spread and prevent people from contracting the coronavirus? Therefore, how could an unvaccinated traveller be a contagion or a risk to vaccinated passengers or workers? To me, it doesn’t make much logical sense.
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6 REASONS WHY AIRLINES & COUNTRIES SHOULD NOT MAKE VACCINES MANDATORY
Many airlines and countries may enforce the policy “no vaccine no entry/no fly.” In any event, before they implement a mandatory proof of vaccination, they should consider these six points.
- The people who are vaccinated are not necessarily travellers. Many who choose not to be vaccinated will use other airlines and or visit countries where proof of vaccination is not mandatory. That equals fewer tourist dollars for those countries with restrictions.
- As the roll-out of vaccines occurs, it will be a very long time before ALL countries have access to the vaccines or can even afford it.
- Those countries with the vaccines offer the first jab to healthcare professionals, essential workers, the elderly, and people with co-morbidity. In some cases, these are more than likely non-travellers, especially during this time. The age group that is likely to be the main travellers must wait last for inoculation.
- The tourist industry may never revive, as a consequence of unvaccinated people choosing not to travel internationally. Thus, resulting in decreased revenue and profits for the travel industry. Furthermore, the sure, slow death of the industry.
- There are many people with allergies and or other health issues and cannot be vaccinated. How will they treat such a group of travellers?
- Many people worldwide will be disadvantaged due to limited access to the vaccines and prevented from travelling.
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DEFERRAL OF ETIAS FROM 2021 TO 2022/2023
For travellers who currently enjoy visa-free entry to Europe, here is good news. The year 2020 should have been the last year for visa-free entry into Europe for sixty-two (62) countries. Undoubtedly, many travellers may have planned to travel to Europe in 2020 but unfortunately couldn’t because of COVID-19.
What is the good news? There is a deferral of the mandatory ETIAS Visa Authorization Waiver. It has been pushed back to the year 2022 for countries that are presently visa-exempt. It doesn’t matter whether it’s due to COVID-19 or not, but it is good news nonetheless because 2020 was a wasted year. For more information on ETIAS and the sixty-two countries (see my article Travel to Europe before Brexit and ETIAS).
What is ETIAS? ETIAS – European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is an electronic (visa) authorization. It was due to come into effect this year, 2021. It is a requirement for all travellers (including Americans and Canadians) who currently do not need a visa to visit Europe. Thankfully, it will not be implemented before 2022 and obligatory in 2023, according to an Eu official of the Eu Commission. Therefore, it’s an opportune time to travel to Europe visa-free, if you haven’t previously done so, provided it’s safe to do so at this time.
STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE EMBARKING ON YOUR VACATION IN 2021
You have planned, prepared, and you are about to embark on your vacation amidst COVID-19 pandemic. However, before leaving your country, here are some steps you should take in preparation for any outcome. Also, see (planning to travel during COVID-19) for more tips.
- Pay all your bills (especially utility bills) at least a month in advance, more so if you don’t have electronic banking or a credit card.
- Put things in place to be able to access your bank accounts and funds. In case you are outside your country for an extended period than you originally intended.
- Mentally prepare for travel “hiccups” and have a Plan B in the event “push comes to shove.”
- Sign up for electronic bill payments with your utility companies and or standing order with your bank. This way, you will be able to pay your mortgage, rent, car payments, etc. if you cannot do so in person.
- Don’t leave home without some extra “just in case” cash.
- Pack extra medications/vitamins and immune boosters.
I am sure many travellers who are currently unable to re-enter their countries, for months, are wishing they were better prepared. From the many heart-wrenching stories I have heard, survival in a foreign country with little or no money is mental torture. So, with this in mind, prepare physically, mentally, and financially before leaving your country.
MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR ALL TRAVELLERS
These are my essentials and gadgets I can never do without for a smooth and stress-free vacation. All are available on Amazon for direct links to the products and information and suggested uses .
For MUST-READ BOOKS Think and Grow Rich is an excellent book for those who are looking to improve their life and personally grow and develop. How to win friends and Influence people (#Ad) another self improvement and and social skills development read (excellent read …perfect for long airport layovers and during your flight) or during your free time. CLICK HERE for the entire list of travel essentials and uses/descriptions
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WHAT MAY CHANGE IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY 2021 ONWARD?
Future travel is changed forever. Just like after 9/11, we either learn to adapt or stop travelling. Among some of the other changes mentioned in a previous article (planning to travel during COVID-19). The two most visible changes are physical distancing and mask-wearing.
Additionally, a reduction of travellers, and social interactions on planes, at hotels, touring sites, etc. However, other more drastic changes have either begun or are in the development stage.
- Immunity passports. Expect countries to begin issuance of travel passes in the future. Presently it is uncertain what form these may take, hard copy, meaning the vaccination cards (aka the Yellow Card) or electronic. It is a view that the cards might be easy to counterfeit, so therefore an electronic health/immunity passport may be the preferred choice. In addition to this, are the developed and currently in use COVID-19 tracking apps like Health pass and CommonPass, among others. Consequently, they may utilise them as your digital Covid-19 “yellow card” credential.
- Fewer Business travels. Leisure travel may bounce back somewhat as fun lovers and explorers likewise are on “get set” and ready to get back out of hibernation. However, business travel may take a while to catch up. Due to the effectiveness and cost factor of technologies and utilization of virtual meetings/conferences, etc. Additionally, many businesses have either closed up shop or are making smaller profits due to the damaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- New or improved Technology. Technology is going to be a crucial part of travel. Some countries/destinations have already been requiring travellers to download apps like VeriFLY. This app is now in use at some airports/airlines to streamline airport check-ins through digital verification. That merely means it aids in a smoother, congestion-free, and faster check-through experience at airports and airlines. Denver Airport in the U.S.A. is one such airport already utilising the said App.
- GPS tracking and monitoring. Visitors to some countries may soon find themselves affixed with tracking devices. Talks have already started in some countries to make GPS-monitoring mandatory for all international visitors. Moreover, devices like tracking bracelets or GPS wearables, are currently in use in some countries, for those in COVID-19 quarantine. Therefore, if you are an “off the grid” type of person, know that this will possibly be your new reality.
CONCLUSION
People who love travel are eager to get back on a plane and see the world once more. My advice is to weigh the risks and benefits before spending a dime on tickets or hotels. Even so, I think it is more detrimental to one’s health, mentally, psychologically, and physically to be in isolation for an extended period of time.
Therefore, the possibility of contracting the coronavirus seems unassailable in comparison. Considering you already practice all safety protocols and follow proper health guidelines.
My biggest fear is not the COVID-19 virus but the inability to re-enter my country for months, when the borders reopen and travel resumes. Without a doubt, it is possible if the new strain of COVID-19 becomes a problem and countries decide to close their borders while I am on vacation.
Nonetheless, I am ready to embark on my first vacation for 2021, preferably the latter part of the year. Albeit, I anticipate it will be very restrictive and somewhat sterile.
For those still deciding whether to travel in 2021 with the COVID-19 vaccine and if it is worth the hassle. That decision should be based solely on you. Do not let friends or relatives coerce you into travelling without preparing for any outcome. It would not be a continuation of travel from where you left it in 2019. For this reason, you must be mentally and physically prepared.
Share your thoughts and concerns about travel in 2021 with the COVID-19 vaccine. Let me know if you will be travelling regardless of the circumstances.
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