Visiting the Caribbean in June
Feb 21st, 2021, 01:10 PM
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Visiting the Caribbean in June
Thinking of taking a vacation in June 2021 from New York. This would be my first trip since the pandemic started in the U.S. Does anyone have input about which islands may be preferable at this time of year. Also, I would be interested to hear from travelers who have recently traveled to the area during this pandemic. Thank you.
Feb 22nd, 2021, 05:05 AM
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Quite frankly all the islands you "tagged" in your subject line as well as all other Caribbean islands are good to visit in June. Generally speaking room rates are some of the lowest of the year, weather is very good and for the most part the islands are uncrowded.
Your biggest issue is traveling during the Covid crises as that present challenges. Many islands have travel restrictions in place which due to the "global uncertainty' surrounding the pandemic can change radically between now and when you are planning to travel - no one can tell you now, what the situation will be in June. Since these regulations vary greatly from island to island and depend on where you are traveling from you'll have to investigate each island to see what rules you will have to follow. For the most part, you'll be required to have negative Covid test and perhaps have some type of quarantine upon your arrival and possibly upon your return to your home country.
For anyone to make meaningful suggestions you'll also have to let us know, where you'll be traveling from, how many people and ages in your party, how long a trip you are planning, what type of budget you have for airfare, accommodations, activities and food (give specific dollar range - not some nebulous term like "affordable" or "won't break the bank"), whether or not you want to visit a large or small island, do you want a flat arid island or a lush mountainous one, what type of activities invest you, do you want to travel non-stop from your nearest international gateway airport or are you willing to take one or more connecting flights or ferries to reach your final destination and any other information you deem relative.
Your biggest issue is traveling during the Covid crises as that present challenges. Many islands have travel restrictions in place which due to the "global uncertainty' surrounding the pandemic can change radically between now and when you are planning to travel - no one can tell you now, what the situation will be in June. Since these regulations vary greatly from island to island and depend on where you are traveling from you'll have to investigate each island to see what rules you will have to follow. For the most part, you'll be required to have negative Covid test and perhaps have some type of quarantine upon your arrival and possibly upon your return to your home country.
For anyone to make meaningful suggestions you'll also have to let us know, where you'll be traveling from, how many people and ages in your party, how long a trip you are planning, what type of budget you have for airfare, accommodations, activities and food (give specific dollar range - not some nebulous term like "affordable" or "won't break the bank"), whether or not you want to visit a large or small island, do you want a flat arid island or a lush mountainous one, what type of activities invest you, do you want to travel non-stop from your nearest international gateway airport or are you willing to take one or more connecting flights or ferries to reach your final destination and any other information you deem relative.
Feb 24th, 2021, 08:24 AM
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We have a trip planned to T&C in June. Whether we actually get to go is another matter.
So far we need to have a negative PCR test and insurance with specific coverage for COVID, details of which need to be emailed to authorities in T&C before we arrival, and if they approve of our documentation, we will get some sort of pass. Without this, we won't be able to board the flight. And the flights keep getting cancelled.
To get back home, currently we need 2/3 tests. One before we depart and another raft of things when we get back, including quarantine, tests on various days of quarantine etc. Some of these islands do not/might not have enough facilities for testing tourists. I've done alot of research into testing on T&C and emailed various clinics. It is getting easier especially as some countries accept the rapid test. If a PCR test becomes necessary to get home, we will not go. The island cannot provide results within the timelines for our flight. I think if the current situation for quarantine and testing back home does not get lifted, I doubt we will go. If T&C gets added to the "red list" of countries where quarantine takes place in a government facility at our own expense, it could make this a very expensive trip.
Rather than pick an island that is preferable, I would look at entry/exit requirements for the islands and pick one that seems easy enough to follow rules for. Aruba seemed easy enough but the situation can change very quickly.
So far we need to have a negative PCR test and insurance with specific coverage for COVID, details of which need to be emailed to authorities in T&C before we arrival, and if they approve of our documentation, we will get some sort of pass. Without this, we won't be able to board the flight. And the flights keep getting cancelled.
To get back home, currently we need 2/3 tests. One before we depart and another raft of things when we get back, including quarantine, tests on various days of quarantine etc. Some of these islands do not/might not have enough facilities for testing tourists. I've done alot of research into testing on T&C and emailed various clinics. It is getting easier especially as some countries accept the rapid test. If a PCR test becomes necessary to get home, we will not go. The island cannot provide results within the timelines for our flight. I think if the current situation for quarantine and testing back home does not get lifted, I doubt we will go. If T&C gets added to the "red list" of countries where quarantine takes place in a government facility at our own expense, it could make this a very expensive trip.
Rather than pick an island that is preferable, I would look at entry/exit requirements for the islands and pick one that seems easy enough to follow rules for. Aruba seemed easy enough but the situation can change very quickly.
Mar 26th, 2021, 06:31 PM
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Balthy, Just curious about your post above, since we are considering a return trip to T&C in July. When were planes cancelled? Is this still happening? My friends on the island are telling me that a testing facility has been set up at SEVEN STARS, and that it's relatively easy to get it done in time for flights. No idea
if/how that will change if the variants or COVID numbers change dramatically. We have also been looking at Bermuda, but the thought of quarantining on arrival for at least one day, then testing again on days 4 and 8 is great for safety, but discouraging on vacation!
if/how that will change if the variants or COVID numbers change dramatically. We have also been looking at Bermuda, but the thought of quarantining on arrival for at least one day, then testing again on days 4 and 8 is great for safety, but discouraging on vacation!
Mar 27th, 2021, 01:28 AM
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We're travelling from the UK and the direct flights have been cancelled until the end of May. That's because it is illegal to travel abroad for vacation until 17 May, I don't know if any flights to/from the US are being cancelled, if not many people are travelling, airlines might cancel or consolidate flights.
Seven Stars does have a testing facility but only for the antigen testing. There are several other hotels offering the same type of test.For re-entry to the UK, the antigen test currently acceptable as long as it meets certain standards, which the test at Seven Stars does. They were kind enough to check with the supplier. But if the UK changes the rules and a PCR test is needed to get back home, we will not be able to get that done on T&C in time for our flight on a Sunday. And if the UK puts T&C on the red list, we will not go as we don't want to quarantine in a hotel at our own expense for 10 days. As it stands today, we will have to quarantine at home which is fine. So we just have to wait and see.
Seven Stars does have a testing facility but only for the antigen testing. There are several other hotels offering the same type of test.For re-entry to the UK, the antigen test currently acceptable as long as it meets certain standards, which the test at Seven Stars does. They were kind enough to check with the supplier. But if the UK changes the rules and a PCR test is needed to get back home, we will not be able to get that done on T&C in time for our flight on a Sunday. And if the UK puts T&C on the red list, we will not go as we don't want to quarantine in a hotel at our own expense for 10 days. As it stands today, we will have to quarantine at home which is fine. So we just have to wait and see.
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